Vinny T’s Of Boston

CLOSED!!!
I called on 6÷9÷10 to make a reservation for 20 people for the next day after my daughter’s high school graduation. Later that same afternoon I stopped by to change the reservation to 25 and they said that’s fine, see you tomorrow. The next day as we were all about to walk in we saw a sign taped to the door that they were closed! Apparently not even the employees were told because the sign also said employees checks would be sent to the address on file. Yikes. Fortunately, Primavera (a few blocks away) was able to accommodate us.

We were out and about since Philadelphia had finally been rescued from snow hell, when we decided to grab a bite to eat. In a not-​so familiar area I suggested the only place I knew of. I had been here years ago when it was Vinny Testa’s and I remember having nothing but good things to say. Now this eatery is known as Vinny T’s. I guess «Esta» decided to part ways… lol…I think I’m funny so humor me.
The atmosphere was just as I remember it. The beautiful bar still hustling and bustling. However, it was much brighter as far as lighting goes, or maybe that was just because I was 100% sober when we sat down. (In my younger years we always pre-​gamed before we went out so arriving less then buzzed was not an option) They were on a short wait when we arrived, the hostess took the liberty of telling us the kitchen was backed up. I guess that exlains so many empty tables. No worries, libations were just what the doctor ordered.
Our buzzer spoke to us (literally, I thought someone had slipped something in my drink, making me hear things) to tell us our table was ready. We were sat at a table directly located in, what I loving refer to as «the wind tunnel». No matter to me, I like the cold air; However, the next two tables sat near us requested to be moved. With such an empty dinning room I would think they would try to keep guest out of the wind tunnel.
I remember the portions being large, and the server reconfirmed that for us. Not that we bothered to listen… my fiancé and I both ordered an appetizer and an entrée. I had a half sized Gorgonzola, Apple, Walnut Salad. Fresh romaine lettuce, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, wedges of fresh Granny Smith apples, chunks of toasted walnuts and a red wine vinaigrette. HUGE (good), Flavorless (bad). Isaac had the Fresh Mozzarella Caprese. Thick slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, roasted red and yellow peppers, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. This was very good! The only think that might have made it better would be the use of Buffalo Mozzarella, but that’s just a personal preference.
Our entrees were equally as large. Mine being the Pollo alla Fiorentina Sautéed — chicken, baby leaf spinach, roasted red peppers, scallions and Romano cheese, tossed with penne pasta and a cream sauce. At first bite this was a disappointment, but after I personally doctored it up it was great. Needed flavor, I am not 88 in Sunny Farm Village. I want garlic, salt, paper, seasoning. Isaac had the Pork Chops Siciliano– homemade vinegar peppers over deliciously large grilled center-​cut pork chops. Served with oven-​roasted potatoes and roasted vegetables. Not-​so-​good. All the doctoring in the world couldn’t make his food better. The pork was over cooked and the veggies were undercooked. But he Bar: is a man who will eat anything, so he made due. Dessert was average.
One PHENOMENAL point… their espresso ROCKS!!!
Overall: C+
Bar: B
Food: C–
Service: A–

I came here for the rehearsal dinner before my cousin’s wedding. We are from the Boston area so I think that might have been why they chose to have the dinner there.
Anyway, it’s a typical chain type of place. Huge portions that you can eat family style. The food is really good (tasting) but you’ll definitely feel like death the next day. Absolutely nothing is healthy, I’m pretty sure the Caesar salad is even unhealthy with the amount of creamy dressing they put on it. You also have to take this review with a grain of salt though because I’m not the biggest fan of Italian food.
It is however a good place for very large groups. We had 2 huge long tables for everyone, and we could more than fit. The staff and servers were all super attentive to us as well.

The day after the snowstorm we were dying to get out of the house. We went over to Sang Kee, but Sang Kee was packed. Vinny T’s was close by so we decided to give a shot.
Typical Italian chain restaurant similar to Olive Garden, Carabas, and Romano’s. The bread and garlic was very good, and my Caesar salad was not bad at all. My Shrimp Fra Diavolo was ok, but nothing to write home about. The shrimp were small and very tough, but numerous. The sauce was bland, but the pasta was actually cooked right, compared to the normal overcooked crap you get at these chains.
The service was good, and the place was clean. While its not a place I would recommend, if you’re nearby and hungry for Italian, its not the worst option.

You can always count on Vinny T’s during a blizzard when everything else is closed. You can easily share their portions with two people, they’re huge! Great food as far as an Italian chain goes. Focacia (sp?) bread is warm and yummy. My newest discovery is their Apple walnut and gorg cheese salad. Delish! I have never had a bad meal there. $ 10 – 15 for an avg meal that you can easily get 3 – 4 huge servings out of, not too bad.
Great place to go to when your hungry and want leftovers for the week!

Do Not Fuggedaboutit!
Cavernous former movie house in tony Wynnewood is an outpost of a Boston chain whose motto appears to be, if 2 people can finish one entrée, it’s not big enough! Huge, really big portions are the order of the day here. Excellent quality pork chop perfectly done in garlic and balsamic vinegar and served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. This dish with their apple, Gorgonzola and walnut salad the reason to go and share both plates. With a glass of their signature lager, 2 people will leave neither hungry nor broke. Ton-​o-​pasta dishes make this the place to go for carbo loading jocks. Congenial and pretty proficient staff. Can get unspeakably busy some weekends with 2 hour waits possible.

Me and my hubby, the entire staff of my salon, and everyone we have introduced to Vinny T’s just love it! It is so delicious. Their bread is wonderful, and the apple and gorgonzola salad is amazing. Due to their size, we have never had to wait for a table. If you aren’t a heavy eater, you might want to consider sharing a dish between two people. But if you’re like me, you just enjoy leftovers the next day. Love it!

3 or maybe 4 stars. I actually liked Vinny T’s — for a CHAIN faux-​talian they are OK in my book. They were very accomodating to our little daughter who loved her ziti and meatballs. I’d go back. Way better than Olive Garden and less obnoxious than Bucca di Fake-​o.

Vinny Testa’s (or simply Vinny T’s) is an Italian restaurant on the Mainline, and part of a chain. Parking is easy. Their interior is somewhat cavernous and has its own style: big, dimly-​lit, yet fancy. It’s not tacky like Buca di Beppo.
Their menu is generally more expensive than your mom and pop Italian place, but you’ll get equally large portions, prepared well. My entrée, penne with capers and a crème sauce, was a winner. You can also order family style, but I haven’t tried that.
Good service (they handled our large party without issue), good food, nice venue, an all-​around solid Ardmore option.

Vinny T’s is also a favorite of mine, though not as good as Maggianno’s. The tiramisu here is to die for. And it is HUGE!

As chain Italian restaurants go, Vinny T’s is a cross between Maggiano’s and Buca di Beppo. There’s two ways to eat — you can go family style, or get individual plates. Either way, the portions are huge and the prices are surprisingly low considering how much food you get. I recommend the fried ravioli and the chicken basilico. I’ve been here with both a large group of people and just one or two friends. The service at the Wynnewood location was especially good, but even at 6 PM on a weekday night, we had to wait 15 minutes for a table.