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Welcome to The Express Casual Dining

The Express Casual Dining, located in Centre Hall, PA, offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere complemented by generous portions and a heartfelt service. Owned by the amiable Greg, with his daughter Hanna as part of the team, this restaurant creates an inviting experience for residents and travelers alike. Renowned for its mouthwatering sandwiches like the oversized wedge, delectable chicken sandwiches, and flavorful smoked prime rib, the menu reflects a commitment to quality. Diners rave about the enormous sides, such as fresh-cut fries, and the accommodating service. With a relaxed vibe, it’s a perfect spot for satisfying meals that leave customers eager to return.

The Express Casual Dining: Reviews & Ratings

Charlie & Wendy Parsels
Charlie & Wendy Parsels

What a great family, small town restaurant with BIG portions and bigger hearts! We met the owner, Greg, in town. What a genuinely nice guy. His daughter Hanna, is part of the team! We ordered the wedge. Its a sandwich made with pizza dough. It was too big to eat in one sitting. The special was buy a wedge get fresh cut fries free. The basket of fries was huge too! Definitely worth the money!

Kristen Killian
Kristen Killian

Found this place on our way through up to NY. Amazing chicken sandwich and homemade chips... I am pretty sure one of the best chicken sandwiches I've ever had. They did a plain burger for our dog and my husband got a club sandwich and said it was top notch. Definitely will stop here when we come through

Ralf Southard
Ralf Southard

We made reservations to this place specifically for their special of the day: Prime Rib. Ordering mine medium rare with a side of garlic mashed potatoes, it arrived slightly more rare than medium and I was fine with that. Apparently they smoke their Prime Rib, but it was very tender and delicious. Knowing that Centre Hall had been a dry town for decades, we bought our own bottle of wine, but we discovered there was a winery attached to the restaurant. Regardless, we were more than welcome to enjoy our own bottle with dinner. The place is cozy, casual and spacious. Even though the temperature outside was in the teens, the atmosphere was comfortable. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. Sandy and I both enjoyed a fully satisfying Prime Rib dinner with two sides (my second was potato salad) for under 50. We finished with happy palates. We are considering revisiting this place for a different entree as we looked over the menu. If what we had this evening is any indication, I don't foresee any disappointment upon return.

L. Chu
L. Chu

Rib and brisket are great. Small fries are super large. Blackened catfish is bitter.

Roger Grimsby
Roger Grimsby

We ran into a special that wasn't on the menu: Pizza with 2 toppings (we got bacon and mushrooms) and a dozen wings (we got boneless). Generous toppings. The pizza was thick with cheese. To get a similar pizza from a pizza-place, you'd have to request "quadruple cheese." Too much food for two, so we brought doggie bags home. Very welcoming service; thanks. With their permission to photograph the menu for Googlemaps. c.u. again soon Update: The breaded fried Cod, another 5-out-of-5 stars. I hypothesize the breading is more flour and less bread-crumbs, which makes a smoother, crunchier outer layer. Taste and texture so good. We got another large pizza. Instead of mushrooms and bacon, this time we got only bacon. Next time, we're putting the mushrooms back; lol. Like last time, the pizza was sooo cheesy, juicy with cheese. Two of us shared a large pizza and the breaded cod platter, and we certainly left with a doggie bag, again.

Ina Reed
Ina Reed

Very nice, nice place, good food, excellent service. Ladies got the prime rib, gents got the rail. For dessert, apple dumplings with cinnamon or vanilla ice cream. Not a chain, food is homemade style, nicely done. From 12 yrs. to 60yrs, all we're pleasantly satisfied. Would recommend. Now, to try for lunch!

Diane S
Diane S

A gathering of fellow foodie friends for lunch resulted in a unanimous decision to try the Thursday Smash burger special, served with fresh cut fries. The burger boasted a well-balanced seasoning and an ample topping of fried onions, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The fries were cooked to a perfect crisp and served in abundance. The wait staff displayed exemplary friendliness and efficiency. The facility was cute, cozy, and warm, especially on this cold blustery day. Ample free parking.

Jeffrey Hyde
Jeffrey Hyde

We’ve passed by this place many times and decided to stop in on a Friday evening for dinner. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is pretty cool; an old train station. There was a group there that was a little loud, but not a big deal. My wife had the prime rib that was on special that day. I had a stromboli. It was quite good! All in all, it was a very good experience and we will definitely be back!

Location

Welcome to The Express Casual Dining, a charming gem nestled in the heart of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. Located at 104 E Wilson St, this family-owned restaurant has quickly become a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike. With a reputation for generous portions and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, The Express Casual Dining is the perfect place for a satisfying meal, any time of the day.

When you step inside, you’re greeted not just by the delicious aroma of home-cooked food, but also by the friendly faces of owners Greg and his daughter, Hanna, who embody the heart of this establishment. As one patron, Charlie Parsels, described, the restaurant boasts, “BIG portions and bigger hearts!" This sentiment resonates throughout every dish served, as each meal is crafted with care and passion.

Among the standout items on the menu are the delightful wedge sandwiches, made with pizza dough and generously filled, making it nearly impossible to finish in one sitting. Customers rave about the special offers, like the buy a wedge, get fresh-cut fries for free promotion, which delivers exceptional value and quantity.

Of course, the menu doesn't stop there. For those seeking the ultimate comfort food experience, the smokehouse Prime Rib has garnered rave reviews for its tenderness and flavor. Diners can enjoy it with sides like garlic mashed potatoes or inventive options like potato salad. Kristen Killian's glowing appraisal of the chicken sandwich also makes it clear that there’s something for everyone—be it the savory classics or the innovative twists on traditional favorites.

For the pizza lovers, the specialty offerings are a must-try, with large pizzas that come loaded with toppings reminiscent of your favorite pizzeria but with that homemade touch that only The Express Casual Dining can provide. Roger Grimsby highlighted their generously topped pizza as one that packs layers of melting cheese and robust flavors, ensuring hearty leftovers for afterwards.

Yet, no experience is complete without considering the inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re there for a family outing or a casual dinner with friends, the cozy decor and accommodating service create a space where everyone feels at home. Even during chilly weather, the ambiance remains warm and comforting.

In summary, The Express Casual Dining is not just a restaurant; it's a gathering place for friends and families to create memories over shared plates. With an extensive menu that promises satisfaction and a commitment to community spirit, this establishment is destined to become a repeat destination for anyone passing through Centre Hall.

So next time you're in the area, be sure to bring your appetite and stop by The Express Casual Dining—your taste buds will thank you!