Vinnie's South Side Sardine

Doesn't Recommend

thebottlelife

Joined 5 years ago

Mediocre Food, Interesting Company. Vinnie's is a place that progressively has gotten worse on my list of places to go and grab a quick bite to eat and some drinks. It seems like each Vinnie's location has it's own identity and this one's identity is sketch. Don't get me wrong, I know what I'm getting in to whenever I stop by, but the whole point of this review forum is to let others know what they are about to get into.

The beers are cheap, every month there is a $1 bottled beer, and usually every day there is some sort of draft special as well. It's obvious that there the crowd that will come in for these specials isn't going to be banking executives, but it's unfortunate that it feels like you're kind of dining and drinking in a spin-off homeless shelter.

The food isn't what it used to be and it seems like every girl who works doesn't have any desire to provide a good dining experience.

If you're looking for a mediocre, at best, place to chill, watch some sports and have some food and beers you will probably be content with coming here. But definitely wouldn't suggest it as a destination to take a friend who is visiting you...they may get the wrong impression.

Doesn't Recommend

Lorge

Joined 5 years ago

Good for a beer, BAD for Food. Good place for smoking and a beer, NOT for eating. Food was never good but has gone downhill even more. Fried food is bad enough but when almost everything comes with french fries, you would think they would have good ones. They were so salty!! we could not eat them, and were not cooked enough, soggy and blah!!!! Crispy fries should be key!! No wonder it was so empty on a Friday night.

Blackened fish sandwich, not good!! (was our favorite at South End Vinnes).

Will not eat there again.

Doesn't Recommend

wifeleftathome

Joined 5 years ago

The Cheaters Bar. this is a wonderful place to go if you want to cheat.... Fast service but costly... If you know what I mean... Food is not all that... But the say the service is.

Doesn't Recommend

edistodan

Joined 6 years ago

Basic Food. No Service. Neighborhood joint. Smokey. Loud. No parking. Great hangout for kids looking for hookups.. Food mediocre. Want a beer? Go to Vinnys. However, beware that cars are regularly "monitored" and towed to Stallings (45 minutes away) late at night near Vinnys. If you go to Vinnys at night and park in the wrong spot, you better have a ride to Stallings and $160 cash in your pocket or you will be taking the bus home. It could be an expensive dinner. Stay at home and cook your own chicken wings. You'll have a better experience.

Recommends

nativecharlottean

Joined 6 years ago

Great little beer joint. Years ago, most of the customers of Vinnies rode in on motorcycles. Then, Dilworth became hip and yuppy and Vinnie's has remained today with a flair of cool country-fried atmosphere, good food and spirits for its mostly urban crowd. Let us not forget to mention the tight-jeaned waitresses who give great service, too. This is a great place for casual drinks and lunch/dinner or to watch a game.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Ball caps, t-shirts, oysters, crab legs, and dollar beers are what you'll find at the always-casual Vinnie's.. Crowd Surfing
Vinnie's remains a popular Uptown eatery, but with notoriety comes crowds. The name "Sardine Bar" was designed to make you think of seafood and the coast, but it also describes the way you feel as you're trying to get to the bar to order a beer.

South End
At the South End location, the crowd problem is bad anywhere in the building. South End is a little more run-down but has a better patio. Except for a few minor points, that's the only difference between this location and the Matthews Vinnie's.

Matthews
The Matthews location is newer and bigger, so it's a little easier to move around in. Despite the casual atmosphere, you're more likely to see a family or two in the Matthews building.

Meter Readers
If you go to the Matthews location, don't park at the bank next door, or you'll have to give $80 to the parasitic tow-truck operator that trolls the parking lot.