Simsbury Opens New Restaurant At Its Municipal Golf Course

SIMSBURY, CT — Town officials in Simsbury announced the opening this week of "Birdie & The Barrel," a new restaurant at the Simsbury Farms Municipal Golf Course, 100 Old Farms Road, Simsbury.

The restaurant, now open to the public as well as visitors to the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex, offers an all-day food and beverage menu.

Birdie & The Barrel is operated by the Pasquariello and Brown families, longtime owners of Cracker Barrel Pub in Tariffville (Simsbury).

Denise Pasquariello, the restaurant’s general manager, said the team is eager to establish ties in the community.

“We are incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring Birdie & The Barrel to Simsbury Farms, which everyone knows is one of the best courses in the region,” Pasquariello said. “Our entire family is very passionate about this endeavor, and we all look forward to building relationships with the community. The support we've received has been truly heartwarming, and we can't wait to continue serving delicious food in a cozy, fun atmosphere where everyone feels at home.”

Town officials said the new operators have renovated the indoor and outdoor dining areas, adding new seating, a bar, updated lighting, and televisions. The outdoor patio overlooks the Farmington Valley.

Tom Tyburski, director of the Simsbury Culture, Parks and Recreation Department, said the addition enhances the overall experience at Simsbury Farms.

“The Birdie & Barrel is a great addition to what we already have to offer our patrons and visitors at Simsbury Farms,” Tyburski said. “Whether you have just finished a great round of golf, an exciting pickleball match, or a great day of fun in the sun at the pool, you and your group can now stay and play longer at Simsbury Farms by enjoying a delicious bite to eat or a refreshing drink with friends and family at the Birdie & The Barrel.”

The Simsbury Board of Selectmen awarded the restaurant a five-year lease in March following a competitive selection process.

Simsbury Town Manager Marc Nelson said local experience was a key factor in the decision.

“One of the many jewels in our community is our municipal golf course and the Simsbury Farms Recreation Complex,” Nelson said. “The selection of restaurant operator is an important one – the landscape of the municipal golf course industry is often challenging for small restaurateurs – and the local experience that the Birdie & The Barrel team has was an important consideration for our board of selectmen when approving our recommendation.”

The Simsbury Farms golf course spans 235 acres and is operated by the town’s Culture, Parks, and Recreation Department.

Designed by architect Geoff Cornish, it has hosted several state and regional tournaments and is considered a prominent public course in the area. In 2023, Links Magazine ranked it among the top courses nationwide for fall foliage views.