A bar with a view: Roof at Oppenheim set for debut in Scranton

SCRANTON — A rooftop bar and restaurant two years in the making nears its day in the sun.

The grand opening for The Roof at Oppenheim — a summer pop-up series featuring signature cocktails and delectable bites — is scheduled for Friday from 4-10 p.m. on the fifth floor of the historic Oppenheim Building, 409 Lackawanna Ave.

Casey Donahue, a partner with D&D Realty Group which owns the building, brought on Chelsea Manganaro, owner of Nearme Café in Moosic, to handle the food aspect of the project, and Steve Masterson, brand consultant for Mutant Brewing in Scranton, to run the bar.

“It’s been a lot of work to get where we are now,” Donahue said. “I’m thankful for those two who partnered with me because it wouldn’t have happened by ourselves. It’s exciting to finally get people up on the deck. We expect a lot of people to show up and I think we’ll attract all different ages.”

Masterson welcomed the challenge of developing an upscale cocktail menu including pineapple margarita, raspberry mojito and strawberry basil martini drinks to complement Manganaro’s food offerings like cheeky bruschetta-stuffed avocado, smoked salmon sushi cups and shrimp mango ceviche. Various types of beer — including Mutant Brewing products — and wine will also be available.

“It’s taking what I really enjoy and providing it to other people,” Manganaro said. “Almost everything I do is because I want it and it’s not something that is provided in the area.”

Customers will order food using a QR code and the items will be brought to them, Donahue said.

The rooftop bar will be open each Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. during the summer. The schedule will be weather dependent, and updates will be posted on Instagram @theroofatoppenheim, Donahue said.

Donahue already senses a buzz around town for the potential of the pop-up.

“We own three buildings on the block, and I think all our tenants and those in other downtown buildings are excited to be able to walk to a rooftop bar,” he said.

Donahue stressed spectacular views coupled with live music should make for a one-of-a-kind experience.

“I don’t think there’s anything else in the city — Scranton or Wilkes-Barre — that is five stories up and can hold close to 300 people,” he said. “And the sun sets perfectly in the corner every single night.”

He noted the series may extend into the fall should the weather allow.

“We’ll stay open as long as we can,” Donahue said. “We have fire pits and heaters. Hopefully, if the weather is nice, we’ll throw some football games on TV on Saturdays and maybe open on Sundays later down the road if the weather holds up.”

Masterson anticipates a vibrant atmosphere on the deck in the months ahead.

“We intend to handle large crowds … we’ll be ready,” he said.

While the pop-up is geared around summer fun, Donahue hopes the series will also lead to a client leasing the rooftop and first-floor commercial space.

“We could have rented just the rooftop to someone, but we’re trying to fill the first-floor space, which is difficult in the city,” he said. “We’re trying to pair them together — if you want this rooftop spot, you have to open a restaurant on the first floor.”