The End Of An Era: Why Club Car Grille In Irvington Is Transforming Into Cifone's (And What To Expect In 2025)

The Club Car Grille in Irvington, New York, has become a staple of the historic Rivertowns dining scene, but as of today, December 24, 2025, the conversation is all about its exciting next chapter. The beloved eatery, known for its inviting atmosphere and elevated comfort food, is undergoing a major transformation. It’s not a farewell, but a "natural next step," as co-owner Matt Kay puts it, with the restaurant set to reopen under the new name, Cifone's, with a target date of September 2025. This evolution marks a significant moment for the 6 South Broadway location, promising a fresh culinary vision while honoring the community support that made the Club Car Grille a success. The news of the transition from Club Car Grille to Cifone’s has generated considerable buzz among Westchester County food enthusiasts. The change follows a successful run for the Club Car Grille team, who are also the minds behind the popular Hudson Social in Dobbs Ferry. While the name on the door is changing, the commitment to providing a top-tier dining experience in the picturesque village of Irvington remains steadfast. The upcoming Cifone’s promises to build upon the foundation of quality and community established by the Club Car Grille, ensuring that this historic spot continues its legacy as a premier dining destination along the Hudson River.

The Legacy of Club Car Grille: A Brief Biography and Culinary Profile

The Club Car Grille quickly established itself as a vibrant addition to the Irvington, NY restaurant landscape. Its story is one of renewal and ambition, taking over a location steeped in local dining history. * Location: 6 South Broadway, Irvington, NY 10533 * Predecessor: River City Grille, which operated at the same location for 25 years before closing in February 2024. * Opening: Officially opened as Club Car Grille around May 16, following the closure of River City Grille. * Ownership Team: The restaurant is a venture from the team also responsible for Hudson Social in nearby Dobbs Ferry. Co-owner Matt Kay has been a key voice in communicating the restaurant's vision and its subsequent transition. * Executive Chef: Michael Wendt, who brought a pedigree from his previous work at X20 Xaviers on the Hudson, designed the initial menu. * Culinary Style: Described as "a little more fine dining" than its predecessor, blending upscale techniques with approachable American comfort food. The original concept of the Club Car Grille was to refresh the space and the menu, moving away from the quarter-century run of the former River City Grille. The menu quickly became known for its elevated offerings, a testament to Executive Chef Michael Wendt’s experience. Diners praised the diverse selection, which included hearty brunch options like fluffy biscuits and gravy, classic chicken sandwiches, and expertly prepared omelettes. Even with its short lifespan, the Club Car Grille carved out a distinct identity in the competitive Westchester dining scene, focusing on quality ingredients and a sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance.

Inside the Menu: What Made Club Car Grille a Local Favorite

The hallmark of the Club Car Grille's success was its commitment to a refined, yet comforting, culinary experience. Chef Wendt’s influence was clear, pushing the boundaries of traditional American fare with a subtle fine-dining touch. This approach ensured the restaurant appealed both to those seeking a casual weeknight meal and those looking for a special occasion dinner. The menu was strategically designed to offer variety and quality. Key items that garnered positive attention often included high-quality seafood and inventive takes on classics. For instance, while some reviews noted room for improvement on specific dishes like the lobster roll, the overall consensus pointed to a restaurant striving for culinary excellence. This dedication to a higher standard is what set the Club Car Grille apart from typical local eateries. The inviting, charming atmosphere—often described as a nod to the historic Rivertowns location—made it a perfect spot for various dining occasions. The physical space, once part of the historic River City Grille, contributed to a sense of place and nostalgia, a quality the new iteration, Cifone's, is expected to maintain and enhance. The successful run of the Club Car Grille proved that the community was hungry for this blend of elevated dining and neighborhood charm.

The Exciting Future: Club Car Grille Transforms into Cifone's in 2025

The biggest news surrounding the 6 South Broadway address is the official announcement of its transition to Cifone's. This move is not a sign of failure for the Club Car Grille, but rather a strategic evolution by the ownership team to introduce a new, refined concept to the Irvington community. The team behind the venture, including co-owner Matt Kay, emphasized that the change is a "natural next step." This suggests a deliberate plan to leverage the success and community loyalty built by the Club Car Grille while introducing a fresh brand and possibly a more focused culinary direction. The targeted opening for Cifone's is September 2025, giving the team ample time to execute their new vision. The transition is already underway, as evidenced by public records showing the team sought approval for an "Exterior Elevation Change" from the Irvington Architectural Review Board. This suggests a commitment to a physical refresh of the restaurant's facade and interior, ensuring Cifone's offers a completely renewed dining environment. The focus on architectural review highlights the team's dedication to maintaining the aesthetic integrity expected in the historic Rivertowns area.

What Diners Can Expect from Cifone's

While specific menu details for Cifone’s are still emerging, the precedent set by the Club Car Grille—and the involvement of a team with a strong track record in Westchester dining—points to a high-quality establishment. * New Culinary Focus: The re-branding often comes with a shift in the menu, potentially introducing a new cuisine type or a more specialized focus than the diverse American fare of the Club Car Grille. The name "Cifone's" hints at a possibility of Italian or Mediterranean influences, though this is speculative. * Enhanced Atmosphere: The exterior and interior renovations suggest a goal to create an even more polished and inviting space, building on the "charming eatery" reputation of the previous iteration. * Continued Community Support: The ownership has repeatedly credited the community for the success of the Club Car Grille, indicating that Cifone's will likely maintain a strong focus on local engagement and a welcoming neighborhood feel. The anticipation for the September 2025 opening of Cifone's is high. It represents the next chapter for a location that has been a cornerstone of Irvington's dining scene for decades, first as River City Grille, then Club Car Grille, and soon, Cifone's. This evolution ensures that the spirit of fine food and community gathering at 6 South Broadway will continue to thrive in the heart of the Hudson Valley. Diners eager for the latest updates should monitor local Irvington news and the official Cifone’s website as the grand opening approaches.

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