Popular Norwalk Beach Restaurant, Snack Stand To Close After 13 Years

NORWALK, CT — Ripka's Beach Café, a popular beachside restaurant and snack stand that has become a seasonal staple at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, plans to close its doors for good this weekend after serving beachgoers for 13 years.

Owner Clyde Ripka confirmed to Patch the restaurant's final day of operation will be Saturday, during which guests can enjoy fire pits and pumpkins sponsored by the city.

While Ripka acknowledged the closure was "99 percent certain, as nothing is done until it's done," he cited personal health reasons and staffing issues as factors that led to the decision to close.

"It's not been easy, but it's sure been fun," Ripka said to Patch. "Thank you all."

In an announcement on the restaurant's Facebook page, Ripka said closing the beach café was "an easy decision business-wise, emotionally not so."

Ripka also said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the Norwalk community at the beach for the past 13 years.

Many commenters on the post said they were saddened to hear Ripka's would not reopen and spoke highly of the beach stand's food and fun events, including "Aloha Fridays" and "BBQ at the Beach," usually featuring live music.

For many Norwalk beachgoers, a day at Calf Pasture Beach is not complete without grabbing a bite to eat or something to drink from Ripka's.

The restaurant's website notes Ripka's aimed to be more than a summer concession stand and instead serve as"a destination year-round."

The menu at Ripka's offers a wide range of items, including seafood such as oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp and lobster, as well as burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and wood-fired pizzas.

Ripka's also sells draft beer and specialty drinks, as well as frozen margaritas, daiquiris and piña coladas.

"We will play out the remaining days and leave peacefully," Ripka said, "perhaps springing up somewhere north. It's in my blood, and although I'm tired right now there is plenty left."