In an area as confined as State College, it is always exciting when new venues come to town. Of course, as critics, it's extremely easy to be skeptical about the success of new eateries. Especially in troubled economic times, restaurants here one day can be gone the next, without as much as a peep from a population that largely does the same. And yet, I think we can all agree that Crisp, the new salad/smoothie joint on the corner of Pugh and College is at any level a step up from its predecessor, a rather seedy-looking Mini Mart.


However, this isn't saying much, as Crisp's ancestor can hardly be called worthy competition. So, I trekked down College Ave. during a weekday lunchtime and found out what Crisp had to offer. Usually, when I check out a new eatery I run a few mental tests--beyond just "Does this taste good?" One of these is what I call the 'Ten Dollar Test,' a vital consideration for broke-ass college students. Basically, it asks 'What can I buy for ten dollars?' 'Will this fill me up?' and 'Would I rather have spent the same amount somewhere else?' Though there are definitely exceptions, ten dollars should simply be enough to get by for a decent meal in State College.


Find out how Crisp fares in the 10 dollar test after the jump.