KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Amy’s Dockside Bar and Grille, 2020 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, offers a “relaxed, relaxing atmosphere,” according to owner Amy Harris.
Amy’s Dockside Bar & Grille, 2020 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, is the newest culinary delight in the area, but instead of serving the same old dishes, owner Amy Harris wants to add variety with a fresh menu.
“I worked at JP’s Sportsbar & Grill for ten years and then managed the Whiskey Room for six years,” Harris explained that when she learned of the previous owner’s intention to sell, she contacted him about the purchase.
“A few people asked him about it and he said, ‘If you’re interested, we can work something out.'” she said.
“He really helped me get the funding and said, ‘I really want you to get this, you deserve this opportunity.’ He wanted my dream to come true.” said Harris.
Although Harris had long been interested in opening her own restaurant, she said she had often reconsidered the idea.
“My husband Mark pushed me because he said, ‘This is your dream, you have to go ahead and try.’ So he was my push,” she said.
While there are still some holdovers from the restaurant’s previous incarnation, such as the previous owner’s very popular rub special and the cheesesteak and wings specials served on the same night, their goal was to really change the entire dynamic, Harris said.
“I worked there when it was more sporty and aimed more at people over 21. I’m trying to turn it into a more family-friendly atmosphere where you can bring your kids and come for dinner,” she said.
“There are games outside on the terrace and you can bring your dog and be entertained in a relaxed atmosphere,” Harris said smoking was not allowed on the terrace until 10 p.m., while it was strictly prohibited inside the restaurant itself.
“We have added a number of seafood options, we have a kids menu and there are a number of sandwich and salad options,” said Harris.
The restaurant also offers a brunch special on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other options offered at Amy’s Dockside Bar & Grille include steak, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, grilled seafood, and even a salmon dinner.
“We’re trying to incorporate more options that aren’t available everywhere. Bar food with a twist,” she said.
Harris said the public response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I think people love it because they can bring their kids, we have high chairs for the babies and they can bring their dog and have dinner,” she said.
“It was overwhelming for me, just the support of the community and the openness of everyone who wants to see me succeed, it’s just so beautiful. I’m almost in tears when I think about how great everyone was. It’s actually unbelievable for me,” said Harris.
In addition to all the restructuring Harris has already invested in the business, she has big plans for the future of the riverfront restaurant.
“We’re converting the second floor into a dining area. I think that would be perfect because there’s not a lot of space downstairs and we still have the pool tables, so it still has a sporty vibe.” said Harris.
The space is also available for parties, private events and community gatherings.
“We are also renovating the third floor so that we will have seating and restaurants on the roof,” explained Harris.
She hopes to open the rooftop dining area by fall.
“It will be a great place to just relax and watch the river. The sunsets are incredible from up there and the view of the fireworks from the roof is fantastic,” said Harris.
The restaurant is currently open Wednesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are plans to expand to seven days a week in the fall.
If you are interested in everything Amy’s Dockside Bar & Grille has to offer, you can also find out more on Facebook.
