Vinnie’s Lobster Bar

Great food, friendly staff, very reasonable prices. Lobster ravioli was excellent.

Went to Vinnies and right off the bat we were givin an attitude by the barmaid, one of us did not drink and had club soda my other friend and I did drink. We ate our meal at the bar because it was packed, which is a good thing.
The food was delicious but the barmaid was a snob!!! Would never sit at the at again.

Iesha Hollin
My boyfriend had the whole main lobster and I ordered the mixed seafood pasta… it was excellent! The bread was so warm and fresh and the clam chowder was one of the best I’ve tasted thus far! We are most definitely going back again… our waiter Gabriel was so nice and informative since it was our first time there! Next time we’re going to sit at that nice big Bar and enjoy a few cocktails and taste some Italian wine!

3.5, upping to 4 for the food.
Visited on a Saturday night for an early dinner prior to an event we were attending nearby (and for which we were already dressed). Vinnie’s is located in a strip mall with ample parking. The restaurant is very small with a bar on the right side. The vibe is casual and the crowd was of all ages.
Walked in to find no one near the door. After several seconds of standing there, a woman finally came up to greet us. She showed us to a high top table for two. I usually wouldn’t mind, but not in a dress and (very high) heels. So sorry. I said so as nicely as I could, but the exasperated eyeroll tells me she couldn’t care less as she walked us to another table. I get it. It’s Saturday and you rather we sit on the two top instead of the four top. But, we weren’t going to be there for long and… have you ever tried sitting on or getting off a stool in a dress and heels? Pfft. Not doing a Britney, sorry. I smiled ignoring the attitude and hoped the rest of dinner would go a lot better. Thankfully, it did!
We ordered the LOBSTER BISQUE to start. Huge portion. Too bad I wasn’t going home afterwards and couldn’t take the rest home. It was great!
My girlfriend and I split the SEAFOOD LASAGNA and the LOBSTER PAPPARDELLE with a brandy sauce on top. Again, way too much food. We definitively over ordered since we were hungry. Both were excellent! The pasta tasted homemade, but I was surprised to find out it wasn’t. Whatever they are doing with it, works!
Obviously, we were too full for dessert. I will just have to make up for that next time. Our waitress was attentive and on top of things all night. Will give Vinnie’s another visit soon. In sneakers. Or flats. And stretchy pants. You know, in case I’m offered a high top again and for those large portions.

What a great surprise! Looks like nothing on a strip mall, walk inside, wow, what ambiance and the food was great. Bunch of super specials under $ 29
Just great!

Had dinner at Vinnies tonight. We sat outside we had a great time the food was amazing verna is a great server. We got to meet Vinny’s wife who was very sweet to us and gave us a complimentary dessert the lobster tails and pasta was perfect.

This place was awesome. I had their linguini and white clam sauce (I know) it was the best I have ever tasted. For dessert my boyfriend and the zeppoles with cannoli cream in it – amazing. Me, the tiramisu — delic!!! Even their house white wine, was really good! Try it you’ll love it!!!
One regret, is that I want to shout out to the world how great they are, but I’m afraid that the next time I go, it will be packed with customers!!!

Accidentally wandered into here one night thinking it was causal. Haha very upscale and nicely decorated. My only complaint is because we were dressed in workout clothes, the waitress wasn’t very attentive to us or might have just been upset win out attire.
We had wine, clam chowder, and oysters rockafeller. Very delicious food.
Needless to say we are planning on going back in more appropriate attire!

I was craving a lobster roll after my surgery, so we ordered them to takeout. We were not disappointed. We delighted in succulent, sweet chunks of lobster salad on a small roll. They came with shoestring fries, (crinkle cut or steak fries would have paired better). Although not listed on the menu, the roll was about $ 22, and worth every nickel!

Loved this place. Owner and chef, Vinny, is warm and friendly as is his hostess wife and the wait staff. Food is really good Italian cooking. Can’t wait to go back.

The food here is very good. They had 2 live musicians playing too. The menu is a little pricy though. But as far as the food, this place is a very good place for get togethers and special occasions.

Very nice place and great food! I was here for a UYE with a lot of the BPB crowd. We got there just as they opened, and pretty much took over the restaurant. Its a small restaurant, I believe the max occupancy is 46, but it has a lot of tables, and a decent sized patio area with additional tables. It also has a large bar spanning the entire restaurant, with very nice bartenders. Regarding the food, they have a rather diverse menu, and plenty of specials. The owner/​chef (Vinnie) was onsite and his right-​hand woman as well. They took very good care of us, and the food was fantastic. I had the lobster bisque and the blackened salmon. Both were very tasty and decent sized portions. Out of 30 of us, I didn’t hear anyone complain about their food, and everything I saw made me want to come back for more.
I will definitely be back.

Great food, awesome bartender, extremely friendly and the patrons too were very friendly. We will definitely go back!

I’ve been here several times. Since my first visit, things have gone downhill. The first time, the food was amazing. The scungilli in the sauce over pasta was to die for and the salad was made up just perfect. The second time we went with friends for dinner and the food was average. The clam chowder lacked flavor and there were huge slices of potato with very little clams to be seen. The sauce didn’t taste the same as before. The third time I had a horrible time thanks to lousy service at the bar and lobsters that were overcooked and dry. The last time I was there we went back to eating at a table and the food was okay. The sauce wasn’t anything special and the salad wasn’t as fresh or crisp as before. I like the idea of this restaurant however it lacks consistency.

I decided to take my mom and dad somewhere new for the 3 of us so I decided on the first place with great reviews in the area this is where I begin…
We arrived at approx 745pm on a Monday night. We were greeted very quickly. I asked what their house red was (I am normally picky about my wine but I’ve always been told not to pass up the house wine in Italian restaurants) but the Italian house was a cheap one from Cali, so I asked for a sangiovese instead. She replied with, «we only have white and red.» This is the moment I knew we were in trouble. If you are a server in an Italian restaurant, I think you should at least know the Italian wines.
On to the food… my mom asked how a specific pasta was served and the full description she got back was, «In a red sauce, it’s good.» This is when I realized that maybe we aren’t dealing with an experienced server. Fine. I still had an open mind about the food. I ordered the lobster which was a great price and looked beautiful. It came with veggies that I took of my plate because they were definitely a few days old, but I wasn’t there for the veggies, so, again, I’ll look passed it. The lobster was good. Yes, just «good.» Food was overall… good. Not spectacular, not bad, just good.
The biggest part that annoyed me about this whole experience was that by 855pm our half full waters and soups were being taken «.so the dishwasher can finish up.»
On Unilocal they close at 1030, but it was unacceptable rushing us out of the place the way they did no matter what time they truly close. If the food was amazing, I would probably return regardless of the service on that one night. But… it wasn’t, so I won’t.

Tried it once, probably not going back. The restaurant has a warm ambience. It’s a small place. Definitely an older crowd! Staff is friendly. I went on a Sunday afternoon. They had quite a few tables full, yet the service was quick and received our food even quicker. I ordered the Manhattan clam chowder which was average. I enjoyed the complimentary dinner table rolls. Toasted to perfection and extra soft inside. It was served with this eggplant mix. Don’t touch that. It was bitter and mushy. I had the chicken parmigiana as my entrée. The chicken was on point! Though the pasta served with it was blah. The pasta sauce was watery and lacked flavor. For average food, I think this place is overpriced therefore I give it 3 stars.

Finally made it to Vinnie’s after my wife had gone there for lunch and told me how great this place was and how great their Lobster Rolls are. We both went back here last Thursday night with two of our closest friends who usually appreciate the same type of dining that we do. Well, Vinnie’s is so much more than just a nice atmosphere, and a Lobster Roll. If I had to choose a good word for Vinnie’s it is CHARACTER. Character in their dark, warm, «Chicago Style» bar dining atmosphere. and CHARACTER in the people who love to work there. As we walked in I had the feeling I get when I used to go to those warm small cozy restaurants in Chicago on a snowy night, only to settle in with a good drink or bottle of wine and great food. Vinnie’s is THAT.
When we arrived, we met our server, Verna, right at the door. She was the type you just had to joke with, so I tried to push the envelope with her and she did not hesitate to take it all in and joke right back at me and I knew then she had been around the block a few times in the restaurant business. In fact she has been with Vinnie in his old place as well which was also on University some years ago.
We got seated on a nice high top with a beautiful ironed white table cloth and black napkins and we were right next to this beautiful cherry wood bar full of friendly cliental that you can tell loved to be here. A really nice man turned around to introduce himself to us. It was that type of beginning. My friend ordered a beautiful martini and of course my wife and I and his wife were able to get a nice bottle of wine chilled ahead from our wonderful server. After about 10 minutes she brought the bucket of wine out, put it on the table and we ordered our dinner. There was no doubt the service here was simply great and professional and the way the older experienced restaurants would only allow it, and with long term servers who love their customers and take control of the tables. We were served some nice fresh bread in between.
The food, all of it, was excellent, and would expect nothing less of this place. You can tell by the service that the food would be 5 star as well. We ordered your basic great food. Whole lobster, BBQ Ribs and pastas. Their prices are so reasonable too and they have specials. For example you can order BBQ Ribs this night and get one rack of ribs free. Also Lobster specials and drink specials. This is not an expensive restaurant and has all kinds of deals. Just have to check them out before you go because we had no idea what that they had that Rib Special that night. The food was nothing less than excellent. Great menu, great service and most of all an atmosphere and people that care and take care of you. Yes, this place has CHARACTER, that you do not see too often in a place in South Florida. This is a must go if you haven’t. Must ask for Verna!!!

From the outside this place looks like a normal joint. But when you walk in, you’re immediately transformed into a beautiful interior. Service is great, food as well. Vinnie is present, which i believe is the owner and he cooks! Vinnie apparently has 45 years in the business, and it shows. Stacey was a very great waitress, friendly and helpful. The food was delicious. From the soup to the dessert. This place is elegant so it will be perfect for a date.

I thought this place was great! The bartender Maddie was sweet she gave me the low down on the specials and happy hour has changed its not 241 as others posted it was $ 2 off which is fine. I had the lobster special how could I resist a lobster dinner for $ 12.95??? The bread & pesto I could die eating that!!! At first with such an older crowd I was worried about bland cruise ship food… Not the case go on in they don’t bite it’s a friendly locals place!

Ok not the best. We will not go back. Alttle stuffy… The place is just in a bad location for the prices

Homey atmosphere, and quick service. The italian food is amazing! The tiramisu had not a crumb left. We will definitely make the drive to eat here again! The staff is extremely accommodating.

Wow! I’m in town for a surgery and decided to visit a restaurant that wasn’t a chain. My mother wanted seafood and I was game.
We read about Vinnie’s on Unilocal and decided to pay a visit. It was AMAZING.
The food was superb and the service was even better. Our waitress Michelle was awesome and gave us the history of the restaurant. She was so friendly!
The food: The mozzarella caprese was to die for and the lobster was cooked perfectly.
I only WISH there was a Vinnie’s in my area in Texas!

Could not be more impressed with This place. Jimmy is a great chef and this was the best meal I ate in Ft lauderdale. I had two lobster tails and the Boston chowder. I barely had enough room for dinner after their amazing bread and pesto. Really great food here. Good people too. Gets 5 stars in my book for sure.

Great neighborhood café and bar. Food is delicious… yummy artichoke, Veal, lobster and a salad that is beyond your wildest dreams !! Dessert Tiramisu is wonderful !! Thank you to a wonderful staff!

I don’t know how I ended up coming here for lunch except out of curiosity, after both my Plan A and Plan B spots panned out. So, I just thought I would have a look and do some recon on a possible romantic dinner with my Hubby.
I have been here twice now and have had a $ 6.95 lunch special both times. I brought a friend today and she also had a lunch special. We were very happy with the food and liked the relaxing atmosphere.
My first visit I had the meatball parm hoagie. It was shaped more like a meat oval, than meatball, but it was very tasty and had the consistency of a meatball. It was served very hot, which I appreciated because on that day the temperature outside plummeted just as I was going to lunch. I was cold, so I was leaning toward the soup, but decided on the sandwich. I think that was a good move, as that warmed me right up! The bread was good quality and was nicely toasted and really made the sandwich surpass my expectations.
Today, I brought my friend, and she went with the Tomato Salad with Onions and Mozzarella. I can say it sure looked good, and she just about licked the plate while nodding in approval. I got the baby back ribs. They were good, not as good as the ones I get from Rob’s, but still very good. I like having extra barbecue sauce and Vinnie’s just serves the ribs as is. I didn’t ask for extra, so maybe next time I will. Both times I chose fries as my side, which are great, but they also offer roasted potato as an option with the ribs or hoagie. The ribs also come with cole slaw. Actually so did the hoagie. For me an entrée with two sides is a lot of food, but for $ 7, it’s an excellent deal too hard to say no to. They didn’t have the sides for my friend’s salad, so if that’s your thing, then keep that in mind.
I am guessing that people don’t realize this place is open for lunch. It does seem more upscale than a typical Davie lunch spot and except they don’t have the white table cloths during lunch. Both times I have been here it has been very quiet. Their regular menu is pretty pricey so this probably doesn’t pop into people’s minds as for a typical lunch destination.
As for dinner, they have a 12.95 Lobster Special Sun-​Mon-​Tues that comes with a salad and a vegetable. They have a couple different twin lobster deals as well that I may see if I can drag Hubby to try with me. Happy hour may be the time to do that as the drinks are 2 for 1.
I am really glad I landed here for lunch. I can’t wait to try their $ 7 Black Angus Cheeseburger lunch special, and my friend wants to try their Franks and Onions special. They also have a Eggplant Rollatini special that looks like it could be good.

From reading the reviews and thinking of what lobster houses are generally like, what I had envisioned Vinnie’s to be like proved entirely incorrect. I had sort of thought it would be casual chic in atmosphere, spacious with a somewhat elegant décor, but to me that proved not to be the case. Instead, it’s somewhat of a little hole in the wall like place, nothing shabby but certainly nothing fancy, had a really loud crowded bar with customers wearing such horrid attire that one might make one mistakenly think they were flunk outs left over from a Walmart fashion model audition.
On the good side, everyone seems cheery, friendly with the service staff professional, accommodating and attentive. As for the drinks, I found them good with their cocktails and wines having a generously healthy pour. For food I started with their Oysters Rockefeller, which I found to be rather good but a shocking departure from those I’ve had at Antoine’s where the recipe originated or, for that matter, anywhere else. If they contained celery leaf, green onion, chervil or used any Crystal sauce, Pernod or Herbsaint, I didn’t detect it. And, though of delicious quality, I can’t think of where on earth they came up with the idea of having them covered with Mozzarella (Like really? Of all the cheeses to choose from, a Mozzarella?); but then maybe because Vinnie’s is an Italian restaurant, an Italian interpretation.
Besides a meal included salad, I was given some small bread rolls accompanied by two very good spreads which tasted fresh and were obviously in house creation, then for my entrée, their special of crab meat stuff flounder. The crab meat, as I had expected from what I knew the price of the dish to be was as expected somewhat on the lower order of the scale, certainly anything but lump, and in preparing the same with a thick amount of crab stuffing, rendered the fish somewhat overdone.

Made a phone call prior to arrival, staff was friendly and very knowledgable about the menu and price over the phone.
Lobster bisque had nice taste. Ordered the baby back ribs and twin lobs. Both meals were great. The tails were juicy and cooked just right. Hard to find a place that has decent cooks that know what they are doing… this place does it right.
Not really into the loud music, unless you drink a lot and don’t mind the noise. Great food, prices consistent with other places. I recommend anyone to try it out… we will be going back again, you can count on that.

My husband and I found ourselves driving around on Valentines Day with no reservations (stupid, I know). With help from Unilocalers– we found Vinnies and we were very happy we did.
Once you pull up to the place you realize it’s very small. Family owned, which I love. There is live music on Fridays (maybe Saturdays too, not sure). Everyone is friendly and informative. There is a full bar as well.
Food is very good. Fresh seafood, tastefully seasoned, great soups. No complaints! We have come back numerous times and have enjoyed every time. We even took my in laws and they also became fans!

Surprise Surprise. located in a strip mall in Davie /​Cooper City we were looking for a place to go after a round of golf last night and it was suggested to stop by Vinnies Lobster bar. Not really knowing what to expect although we were freshly dressed in nice shorts and polo shirts I could not help but feel slightly under dressed as we step into a complete time warp. A small narrow place with limited tables and some high tops in the back with a full long bar that runs the length of the establishment.
Although at 7:30 there were plenty of empty tables the hostess indicated they were all full with reservations but we were welcome to eat at the bar if we wish. Off we went and immediately I saw some familiar places from around town as this crowd is definitely north of 45 closer to 60 years of age… Vincenzo the owner brought us out some Marinated Red onions, some wonderful cheese and olives to snack on while their fresh hot warm roles with both pesto sauce and butter were really fresh and tasty.
Wine list is very and I mean very reasonable though limited and the two ladies behind the bar handled each and every one of our requests quickly and to the letter.
All Entrees come with choice of Italian house Salad «EXCELLENT» with Olive oil and balsamic vinegar or choice of Soup — New England Clam Chowder — Manhatten or Lobster Bisque. Two salads and one exceptional Manhatten Clam soup and we were off and running.
Entrees:
Shrimp Fra Diablo over Linguini was rich flavorful and plentiful with tails cut off the shrimp — Thank God :)… in a very nice hearty spicy marinara.
The House Special Manicotti was definitely home made with excellent marinara sauce as well.
Third entrée was Meat Lasagna which was also home made and I always liked a little sausage in my lasagna which this lacked but it was very good.
NO deserts were tried but espresso was fresh and hot and quickly served to assist in the digestion.
Live music was a BIG PLUS and not too loud you couldn’t hold a conversation.
Happy Hour Specials and Nightly dinner specials adorn the black board.
All and all simply a really pleasant surprise in the most unlikely of placed. Definite REPEAT!

This restaurant is in a strip mall so it does not look like much from outside. But inside is another world. It’s cozy, lots of woods and looks high end. The wait staff was friendly and efficient. It was crowded on a Saturday night but we did not have to wait for a table.
The lobster bisque was nothing memorable. Taste was ok but it had no lobster chunks and the consistency was reminiscent of baby food. The lamb chops were tasty but overlooked. Lobster… mmm…lobster. That is why I was really here and the lobster did not disappoint. You get a decent sized lobster for a reasonable price. The baked apple pie a la mode was also delicious. Come here to satisfy you lobster fix.