About Us

Welcome to Rothrock Coffee—where specialty roasting meets community spirit. Proudly located just a few minutes from downtown State College at 1736 South Atherton Street, we’re dedicated to serving the best coffee in State College, PA, every single day.

At Rothrock, coffee is more than a drink—it’s a craft. Our team of passionate roasters and baristas carefully source beans from some of the world’s most respected farms in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, then roast them in-house to bring out the unique character of each origin. This dedication to fresh, small-batch roasting ensures that every sip reflects the richness, balance, and quality you deserve.Yelp

Our Mission

At Rothrock Coffee, we roast every batch right here in State College at our production Roasting Facility on the North side of town, so the beans you enjoy are never more than a few days from the roaster. By sourcing globally—from the mountains of Brazil and Colombia to the vibrant coffee-growing regions of Kenya and Ethiopia—we bring you a curated selection that highlights the diversity of coffee flavors around the world.

We work closely with farmers and importers who share our values of sustainability, transparency, and quality, often through direct-trade relationships that ensure fair pay for producers and better traceability for every lot of coffee we buy.

Once the beans arrive in State College, our roasting team carefully profiles each origin to unlock its unique character—whether it’s the chocolatey sweetness of a Brazilian coffee, the bright fruit notes of an Ethiopian, or the balanced richness of a Colombian. Nothing leaves our roaster without passing a meticulous tasting process, ensuring that every cup you drink represents the very best of its origin.

From there, our baristas take over, brewing each cup with the same care and precision. Whether it’s a simple drip coffee, a crafted espresso, or a smooth cold brew, you can trust that every roast and every brew receives our full attention—from bean origin to final sip.

Why We're #1 in State College

Specialty Quality

At Rothrock, quality comes first—and our customers consistently notice the difference. Because we roast in small batches daily right here in State College, you’re often drinking beans that were roasted the same day or just before. One fan said it best:

Singlespeed is my handy go-to, typically fresh roasted day-of—or just before.” – Reddit

Another customer put it even more simply:

Absolutely love Rothrock… Drinking some Rothrock right now. Wouldn’t start my day without it. The best.” – Reddit

This dedication to freshness, combined with carefully sourced direct-trade beans from Brazil, Colombia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, is why Rothrock consistently ranks as a top coffee shop in State College, PA.

Community Love

Rothrock isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s a gathering place for State College. Whether you’re a Penn State student studying, a professor meeting with colleagues, or a local catching up with friends, our café is designed to make you feel welcome.

The atmosphere is clean, bright, and modern—perfect for a study session, a quick meeting, or a relaxed coffee break. One guest summed it up perfectly in a Tripadvisor review:

Some of the best I have ever had. Great atmosphere.” – Tripadvisor

By supporting local nonprofits, sponsoring events, and welcoming Penn State fans, athletes, and alumni through our doors, we’ve built a community that’s as strong as our coffee.

Beyond Coffee

While we’re known for our expertly roasted beans and espresso drinks, Rothrock offers much more to round out your day. Guests love our:

  • Rotating specialty teas for a refreshing change of pace
  • Freshly baked light bites to pair with your latte or cold brew
  • Smoothies crafted from whole, natural ingredients
  • Cold brew cans and k-cups to take Rothrock flavor home

Local Roots, Loyal Fans

We’re not just a coffee shop—we’re part of the State College story. Rothrock Coffee was founded by local families who shared a passion for great coffee, outdoor adventure, and community connection. With deep roots in Central Pennsylvania, our goal has always been to bring world-class coffee to the town we call home.

From the very beginning, Rothrock has been more than a café—it’s a labor of love between friends, families, and neighbors who believed that State College deserved its own specialty coffee roaster. Named after the beautiful Rothrock State Forest just outside of town, our brand reflects the balance between the natural landscapes we cherish and the vibrant community we serve.

That spirit of collaboration continues today. Our loyal fans—Penn State students, local residents, visiting alumni, and families—have helped shape Rothrock into what it is. Whether you’re grabbing a quick espresso on your way to class, picking up beans for home brewing, or meeting friends after a hike, you’re part of the Rothrock family.

It’s that bond with our community that makes us stand out. Our guests don’t just stop by for coffee—they come because Rothrock represents local pride, quality, and connection.

Brewing at Home

Brew the best coffee you can at home with these step-by-step brew guides!
Click on your preferred brew method to start!
Link to Batch Brew Guide  Link to Chemex Brew Guide  

Link to Aeropress Brew Guide  Link to Fellow Stagg [x] Brew Guide  

Link to Kalita Wave Brew Guide  Link to Hario V60 Brew Guide