Area bars anticipate summer success

SCRANTON — From sweeping views to frozen cocktails, local bar and restaurant owners seek ways to attract customers as the weather warms up.

Jack Cooper, co-owner of Cooper’s Seafood House on North Washington Avenue, noted changes to the iconic lighthouse last year brought in droves of guests — a trend he expects will continue.

“We took out all the windows and put in new roller gates,” Cooper said. “You push a button, and the gates roll open. The whole upper lighthouse is like a tiki bar. It’s all open so there is seating outside and inside, and it all blends together. It was a huge success. You can’t beat that view.”

Cooper expected to open the dock this past Friday and stressed people anxiously await the first day outside for months.

“It fills every night as long as the weather is nice,” he said. “It’s a huge boost in business because, especially now, people want to sit outside.”

Cooper added the dock was recently repurposed with new lumber and redecorated in time for spring.

A new Orange Crush drink special — made using fresh oranges — will also be added to the menu this season, he said.

Additionally, Cooper aims to follow through on plans to transform the front of the building into a seaport town.

“I have the whole mockup of it done,” he said. “That will probably start in the fall ... it’s a very unique project.”

Jay Velar, owner of the Railyard Restaurant & Bar on Jefferson Avenue in Scranton, is also gearing up for sunny days ahead.

“We just got done updating our patio seating area and upstairs deck with fresh decor and greenery,” he said.

Velar plans to offer unique menu items to help guests cool off during the summer heat.

“We have a snow-cone machine and slushie machines for the hot weather in the summertime,” he said. “And we’re going to be offering a milkshake bar. We listened to a lot of people’s feedback, and we thought it would be something fun and exciting. I thought it would be a good opportunity to bring something new and fresh to downtown Scranton.”

Velar anticipates customers taking advantage of all the outdoor amenities.

“We completely re-curated our entire indoor space and now as the weather warms up, we opened the patio for dining and the upstairs patio and deck area will be opening at the end of May,” he said.

Mark Matylewicz, co-owner of Dooley’s Pub & Eatery on Oak Street in Old Forge, opened outdoor seating areas a few weeks ago.

“We have the decks open and ready to go, which is always a nice thing,” he said. “People wait for it yearlong and are already enjoying them. We offer specials every day of the week and it seems to be very well received.”

Matylewicz eagerly awaits the consistently warm temperatures when all the deck areas will be filled.

“We look forward to really getting outside,” he said. “We don’t have all that much time during the year to utilize the decks, so we’re happy they’re all open.”

While Dooley’s has ample indoor seating, Matylewicz feels people cherish enjoying a meal or drink in the fresh air.

“Living in Northeast Pennsylvania, when you have those long fall, winter and early springs, people just enjoy getting outside,” he said.