Country Club Unveils New Bar and Grill

A new year-round grill and bar that opened at the Southington Country Club this week sure to please golfers and non-golfers alike.

The Back Nine Tavern features a modern 1,000 square foot bar area and outdoor and indoor dining area overlooking the golf course along Savage St.

Co-owners Chris and Joe Calvanese and Raymond Kastner said opening a restaurant at the club seemed to make sense, giving golfers the option to dine and socialize before and after their game. It will also be a good way to generate year-round business during the club's off-season.

"We're really happy with the way it turned out, I think people will really enjoy it," Kastner said.

The Back Nine offers gourmet burgers, appetizers, American bistro entrees and coal-fired pizza beginning later this summer. With 60 dining seats, six flat-screen TV's, the large bar area offers 14 beers on tap.

"Everyone's reaction so far has pretty much been jaw dropping," country club manager Harry Kastner said. "The quality and scope of the place is definitely impressive."

Kastner said the country club sees between 200 and 300 golfers a day from around the state, especially from the shoreline, where courses are limited. Business has been good despite the heavy rainfall early this spring, with 40 new members joining this season.

"We're hoping for a good summer, which it should be if the weather stays nice," Harry Kastner said. "And the restaurant should just add to that."

The Calvanese brothers, who also own the Aqua Turf, and Kastner purchased the country club in 2003. Since then they have improved the course and added facilities such as a pavillion to facilitate catered tournaments and special events and a pro shop opening this summer.