KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Amy’s Dockside Bar and Grille, 2020 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, offers a “chill, relaxing atmospher,” according to owner Amy Harris.

Amy’s Dockside Bar & Grille, 2020 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, is the latest pallet pleasure to pop up in the borough, but rather than serve up the same old dish, owner, Amy Harris, is looking to shake things up with a fresh menu.

“I worked at JP’s Sportsbar & Grill for 10 years, then I went to manage the Whiskey Room for six years,” Harris said, explaining that when she became aware of the former owner’s intention to sell, she contacted him about making the purchase.

“He did have a few people inquire about it, and he said, ‘if you’re interested, we can work something out,'” she said.

“He really helped me with the financing part of the opportunity, and he said, ‘I really want you to have this, you deserve this opportunity.’ He wanted to see my dream come true,” Harris said.

Despite Harris’ long-time interest in opening her own restaurant, she said there were many times she reconsidered the venture.

“My husband, Mark, pushed me to do it because he said, ‘it’s been your dream, you need to move forward and try this.’ So, he was my push,” she said.

Though there are some holdouts from the establishment’s previous incarnation, such as the previous owner’s masterpiece rub which was very popular, and cheesesteak and the wings specials being the same night, Harris said their goal has been to really change the whole dynamic.

“I worked there when it was kind of sporty and more geared towards 21 and over, and I’m trying to change it into a more family friendly atmosphere, where you’re welcome to bring your children and have dinner,” she said.

“There’s games outside on the patio, and you can bring your dog and just be entertained in a chill, relaxing atmosphere,” Harris said, adding that smoking is not allowed on the patio until 10 p.m., while it is strictly prohibited within the restaurant itself.

“We added a bunch of seafood options, we have a kids menu, and there’s a bunch of sandwich and salad options,” Harris said.

The restaurant has also added a brunch special on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other options Amy’s Dockside Bar & Grille have offered include steak, garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus, seafood broil 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 reception of the public has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I think people are loving 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’s been overwhelming for me, just the support from the community and the outreach of everyone wanting to see me succeed, it’s just so nice. I’m almost in tears thinking about how great everyone has been. Actually, it’s unreal to me,” Harris said.

Along with all the revamping Harris has already put into the business, she has big plans for the future of the riverside eatery.

“We’re redoing the second floor into a dining area. I think that’d be perfect to have up there because downstairs, there’s not a whole lot of room and we still have the pool tables, so it still has a bit of a sporty vibe,” Harris said.

The space will also be available for parties, private events and community events.

“We’re also redoing the third floor, so we’ll have rooftop seating and dining up there,” Harris explained.

She hopes to have the rooftop dining area open by the fall.

“It’s going to be a great spot just to relax and watch the river. The sunsets are incredible from up there and the view of the fireworks from the rooftop is awesome,” Harris said.

The restaurant is open now, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, from noon to 2 a.m. Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with plans to expand to seven days a week in the fall.

Those interested in all that Amy’s Dockside Bar & Grille has to offer can also check them out on Facebook.