Vinnie R's Restaurant

We used to eat there a couple of years ago when they had a waiter named Ed.About a year ago, I took my family, three sons (ages 22, 25 and 15) and my wife for dinner. We were having our last dinner together with our oldest son who was to be married the following week. When we sat down, the waiter asked us for our drink order. My older two sons ordered beer, my wife and I ordered a glass of wine, our youngest ordered iced tea.The waiter then said that he needed to see our ID's. My older sons and wife had theirs but I did not have my wallet but told him that I am nearly 50 years old and look it too! But the waiter refused. I told him to send out the manager and when he came to the table, he refused to serve me!I was insulted and felt that they had ruined what was to be a joyful meal with my family!I was so angry, we got up and left and went to another place for dinner.A couple days later, I called the owner and told him what happened. He offered me a $20 gift certificate. It was a nice gesture but the damage was done. As the CEO of several companies who spent thousands of dollars over the years entertaining friends, family and business associates there, I told him thank you, but we will NEVER be back!Try Sals New York Pizza or Gugliamo's Italian for great food and even better service!

Posted 08/14/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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We went to Vinnie R's about a year ago and thought the food and service was superb. We were surprised to read the negative reviews but decided to go back anyway last night. Our experience was every bit as good as last years. All four of us had delicious meals. The cost was well below what I am accustomed to paying for fresh high quality food. I believe they have the best house salad in Navarre. Vinnie was most pleasant and interested in our impression of his restaurant. Although no restaurant can be perfect every day we are baffeled by the negative reviews. We will go back and recommend it highly. A good family place.

Posted 05/20/09 | Report Abuse

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My husband and I live in Pensacola, and we recently had family from Ohio visiting Destin. We were looking for a restaurant that would be midway for both of us, and I stumbled upon Vinnie R's. Our party of seven included a child and two teenagers. We arrived at 6:30 and stayed until 9:00. Each of us was pleased with the menu choices. Four of us ordered the daily special, and the other three ordered from the menu. Our food was quickly prepared, delicious, and generous. The staff even customized a selection on the children's menu to please our youngest guest. Our waiter, Daniel, was attentive, friendly, and accommodating. We all had a terrific night and would definitely return.

Posted 04/17/09 | Report Abuse

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Updated Review- Downgraded to 3 stars (Based on April 10, 2009)-
After writing the glowing review below, we returned to Vinnie R's for our monthly infusion of Eggplant Parmesan. This time, the dish was NOT good. Instead of receiving the thinly sliced, "cooked to perfection" treat we'd come to expect, we were served a dish that featured thickly sliced, tough & chewy eggplant. Yuck. We wonder about the sudden change in the way the dish was prepared. A different chef, perhaps? In the past, we've always gone to Vinnie R's on a Saturday or Sunday night. This time, we went on a Friday evening. We are wondering if someone different is in charge of the kitchen on Fridays vs. Saturdays/Sundays. At any rate, we are debating on whether to return next month for one more try. It is quite a drive for us. Although we, the adults, did not enjoy our meal, I am only downgrading to 3 stars at this point because: (1) our child enjoyed her spaghetti, (2) the wait staff was courteous, and (3) this has been our only negative experience with this restaurant over a long period of time-- all of our experiences previous to this one were very positive. (See original review below).

Original Review: 4 stars (Based on previous experiences from Aug 2008-Mar 2009)-
We are vegetarians, and we go to Vinnie R's once a month- when the "Eggplant Parmesan" is the featured weekend special. We LOVE the way they slice the eggplant super-thin-- It is very good. We wish that they would serve it more often. We have always been treated well at Vinnie R's, and we have never encountered rude wait staff there. We think that Vinnie R's is a great restaurant for casual family dining.

Posted 04/10/09 | Report Abuse

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My family came Vinnie's the first year they were open. Let's just say, we didn't go back for a long time for the main reason of the grumpy old man that made us feel unwelcome. We gave it a shot again about two years ago and were surprised to see that grumpy (from your web site-the owner) was no longer there and we met the new General Manager Mike. The food had improved drastically, and the service was great. Last week, we found out that Mike was no longer there, and just like before we were met with decent food, and par service as well as that unwelcoming grin from the owner. I would like to know 2 things. Vinnie, when will you leave the restaurant so you'll stop running off loyal customers, and where has Mike gone?

Posted 02/20/09 | Report Abuse

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This is in response to Susan B comments on 12.21.08. The management team at Vinnie R's is surprised and saddened of the unfortunate experience of this customer. We followed-up with our staff about this potential problem to find that the dine-in customers that morning verbalized 'good food' with no one making comments of dislike of their meal or their dining experience. Our interest is that our customers have a positive experience. However, if on occasion a dining experience is 'less than expected', we expect to be told as soon as possible during the meal so that we have an opportunity for attempts to meet our customers expectations. After the fact comments as an approach, leaves us, as a management team, unable to serve our customers to meet a positive dining experience for quality food and service.

The Owners and the Management Team

Posted 12/23/08 | Report Abuse

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I decided to give Vinnie R's a try for a break from holiday cooking. The rolls were so hard I couldn't eat them. The food was too oily and the service was really brusque. This place was definitely not worth the money. I won't be returning.

Posted 12/21/08 | Report Abuse

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Vinnie R's started off as a fairly decent Italian resturant, but man has it gone down hill since it opened. The waiters are rude. One of my kids had a drink spilled on him and didn't even get an apology. Too bad. It used to be a nice place to bring the whole family for a meal. Not so much anymore.

Posted 09/28/08 | Report Abuse

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Not only was I rushed out the door but when my bill came I had notice several extra charges for things I hadn't remembered ordering. My mistake was not reading my waiters mind at Vinnie R's. You see when they ask you what sauce you want, and if you want salad or bread sticks and your meal doesn't come with it, don't worry your waiter won't say anything, he will simply charge you extra. To top it all off when you receive your check and pay in cash your waiter will have the balls to ask if you would like your change even after they charge (too much) GRATUITY.At least you can have a reasonable discussion about the problem with the manager... until you realize he is absolutely uncooperative

Posted 09/28/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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A group of Navarre High School athletes made reservations to go to Vinnie R's for a team function. Without any notification from their server, they were charged a 30% gratuity in spite of the fact the menu clearly states a 20% gratuity is standard for large parties. Upon calling the owner of Vinnie R's - Dan - I was told by him that he was aware of and approved this additional fee that had been charged in spite of their stated 20% policy in the menu. Check your bill carefully if you choose to frequent Vinnie R's. I, however, will not be going back.

Posted 09/27/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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My family (2 adults, 3 children) arrived for a late dinner on a Tuesday night. We were able to be seated immediately. It was a great experience overall.We started off with the Pepperoni roll, which was great, although I would have liked some marinara sauce to dip it in. But, I didn't ask for any. I then had the Minestrone soup. I loved it! I had never had it before, but the waitress recommended it, and she was right. My husband had the salad with ranch, but said he would try another dressing the next time. He said the salad was great though.For our dinner we ordered a lasagna and a Alfredo pasta dish. They were both wonderful! I loved the Alfredo sauce. I have noticed at many Italian restaurants the Alfredo sauce is watered down, but it was very creamy and flavorful here. I wasn't able to finish mine, but my 5 year old son devoured what I left.One of my children ordered the cheese pizza and the other two ordered pasta with alfredo sauce. They all ate every bite! We finished off the meal (sure our waitress thought we would never quit ordering) with a Tiramasu, Chocolate Tower, and Peanut butter pie. The tiramasu was wonderful! The chocolate tower was AMAZING and the peanut butter pie was pretty good.Our waitress was very helpful! She kept our drinks refilled and always made sure I was ok with what the kids were asking for. She made us feel welcome and never rushed. I wish I could remember her name.The price was pretty good for Italian food. Overall, it was a great experience. My children cant wait to go back, and we hope the next experience is as great as the first.

Posted 09/07/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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My family and I had dinner the other night at Vinie R's, and for the most part it was terrific. To start off, the food was outstanding, from the flavor to the portions to the price. Top notch all the way. And even though they were extremely busy, we were met with a smile from the entire staff. We really felt welcomed. Our server "Larry" is quite the character. Ask for him if you an. He did a wonderful job. We also had the pleasure of speaking with the General Manager "Mike" This guy knows food, and I mean alot about food. The only negative aspect that we could find is the menus are a little difficult to read, and the music is terrible, but other than these minor issues, it is a great place for a family night out. WE WILL DEFINATELY RETURN THIS SUMMER WHEN WE COME BACK TO THE BEACH.

Posted 03/28/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I love Vinnie R's! The food is especially good and the cooks in the kitchen ROCKS! I love it when the small Asian cook in the back makes our food. It taste great!

Posted 03/03/08 | Report Abuse

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My wife and I just ate at Vinnie R's and I can honestly say that we've never felt so unwelcome at any restaurant. My wife was told by our waitress that she could not order any soup because they had already put it up and were going to close until we came in. We arrived at 7:45.

The appetizer we ordered ended up being soggy sliced bread and an overwhelming heap of what tasted like canned tomatoes mixed with basil.

The pasta dishes we ordered were average and the only thing we appreciated was the option of a smaller portion size.

As we were trying to pay our check, the waitress literally stood at the table waiting and stated she was sorry if we felt rushed but they were trying to close. It was only 8:25.

Posted 01/17/08 | Report Abuse

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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I have never felt so unwelcomed in a restaurant in my life! I said hello to the owner who from your pictures is known as Dan and after me saying hello he just stared at me like I was not even talking to him at all like he was better than everyone in the restaurant. The food was fine, I have had better. I enjoyed my conversation with the lovely girl up front I believe her name was Natalie that girl is really sweet and so was the hostess! Without girls like that no offense your business would suffer!

Posted 12/06/07 | Report Abuse

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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I was very disappointed with Vinni R's. The sauce on my lasagne tasted like it came from a jar. The bread was the only enjoyable part of the meal. If it werent for the wait staff and bread i would have to start scoring negative stars. I would suggest you stay home and cook for yourself rather than eat at Vinni R's.

Dissapointed Navarre Resident.

Posted 11/07/07 | Report Abuse

4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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To start, the service is excellent. Whether you're calling in a carry out order or dining in ... you're greeted and treated with the traditional, friendly, courteous, smiling, go the extra mile staff.
The comfortable atmosphere allows for comfortable attire.

Their menu provides an inviting variety of appetizers, garden fresh salads and soups, pizzas, sumptuous entres, desserts and more. The baked lasagna and the "Tour of Italy" are my favorites. I've yet to have a "soup of the day" that wasn't good! The food is delicious, portions are generous and all at a price that is more than fair.

This is truly one of Navarres best dining experiences.

Posted 09/22/07 | Report Abuse

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

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I would like to personally thank everyone who has written in whether positive or negative, I enjoy the feedback. We do our best each and everyday to provide you with the best food and customer service that this establishment has to offer. The positives assure that we are doing things correctly, and the negatives allow us to correct the bumps in the road. It is our pleasure to serve each and every guest that enters Vinnie R's, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Once again, "thank you" to everyone for their comments, and I look forward to seeing you in the future.

Sincerely,
Mike G.
General Manager
Vinnie R's Italian Restaurant

Posted 08/25/07 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Attention Owners,
You don't need to defend the portion size. For a 1.50 more than the price of a big mac and large fry you get a great fresh salad, garlic bread and a sensible size pasta dish. It is high time that overweight overeating people stop trying to get miserably full on giant portions, most restaurants are offering smaller portions. I know the big portions exist on your menu because the wife and I sometimes order a second salad and just split a full size baked manicotti and add one of your spicy Italian sausages to it. Yummmm
My favorite is the shrimp and lobster you cook scampi style and then pour it all in a big bowl of linguine alfredo. It's by far the best thing on your menu in my opinion and the price is probably half what you would have to spend up north. We are always met with a smile and have courteous enthusiastic servers and are very glad you opened your restaurant in our area.You can never go wrong with a pizza either.
Oh and when is the last time you wore a cashmere sweater to a spaghetti joint? And also if the other person continues to just eat sensible portions maybe their finger will eventually not be the size of a plate of pasta.

Posted 06/16/07 | Report Abuse

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Thank you for visiting and the compliments...We appreciate your comments of support. Customers such as you are valuable! Do ask for me on your next visit...Mrs. Vinnie likes to give special hugs to special people!
Paulette Rollant, Owner

Response to IF YOU GO TO VINNIE R'S........

First, Thank you for the compliments about our restaurant. I hope you had a safe trip home:)

Now to the portion issue..the manicotti, which is of a standard size manicotti [and equal to the size manicotti Olive Garden serves], is portioned to one manicotti for a half portion and two for a whole portion - however for the price of $5.95, what does one expect? AND that price includes a nice sized garden salad with lettuce, green olives, black olives, onions, mushrooms, and tomato. This is also a speciality item of which the portion size often is a consideration.

And one last consideration - did you mention this to our Mike, General Manager? We value our customers comments to let us know about their dining experience.

Again, thank you for your comments.

Paulette, Owner

Posted 06/10/07 | Report Abuse

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I have to disagree that the portions are huge. I order half order of manicotti and it was as big as my index finger and that was all I got. We did have a waiter that didn't fail to let us forget his name. I think if he reads this he knows who he is. He was VERY friendly, and tolerated with our party of 6. I would recommend going to Vinnie R's. We had such a good time on the way home to our home state (far away from Florida) we wrote a book about it!

Posted 06/09/07 | Report Abuse

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We have been to Vinnie R's on several occasions over the past several months (10/06-01/07) and have been very happy with our experiences. I was surprised to read other negative reviews as we have always had good customer service and food. I love their pizza's and they have great pasta dishes (I am especially fond of the shells and cheese and marinara). Salads are just average.

The atmosphere is nice for families and the staff has always been friendly to us. Vinnie R's is a much needed and nice addition to Navarre.

Posted 01/22/07 | Report Abuse

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To start things off my meal didn't come the way I ordered it, I ordered the manicotti with marinara sauce and was presented meat sauce instead. I let this go as not to cause a problem in what MUST have been an already busy kitchen as it took an unbelievably long time to get to us. The food tasted like cheap meat sauce that comes in a can at Wal-Mart and the cheese inside the manicotti was hard. It was horrible! The bread "stix" (their spelling not mine) we ordered were sitting in butter and soggy as a result. The marinara dipping sauce they came with was nearly flavorless or it could have been because there was a thick layer of parsley pilled on top of the bread stix so I couldn't taste much else nor could I scrape off much of that green stuff, they must have used glue to adhere it to the top!

Then, a waitress spilled an entire glass of iced tea on me as she was trying to pass a tray of drinks to another server over my seat. No one said "I'm sorry." or offered to help clean up the mess. Instead I was handed 5 napkins to clean up my own seat and dry off my soaked cashmere sweater, pants, and shoes! Again, no one apologized or said anything. 20 minutes after this incident our waitress finally came back and asked if we wanted our check!

My husband asked if no one cared that someone spilled an entire glass of tea on me as no one had bothered to say anything to us yet. Our waitress said that she would get someone to talk to us. Another 10-15 minutes later the manager comes out and offered us dessert!!!! I'm sorry but after all that we had been through this was insulting. My husband said that they might expect a cleaning bill for the cashmere sweater that I was wearing and a bill for the replacement of the all leather shoes. The manager replied that he would see what he could do about our bill and then another 10 minutes later returned with my meal and the bread stix we had ordered removed from the bill but we were still required to pay for my husband's lasagna, my son's pizza, and our drinks.

We are very displeased with the handling of this situation and the quality of service. A sign in the window reads...come in and see the difference between big chains and independent pizzerias...we certainly did. Any chain would have quickly corrected the situation and offered more assistance.

I do not recommend Vinnie R's for any reason. The food is lousy and pricey for what it is (manicotti 2 pieces $8.99 plus an "upcharge" for a poor excuse of a Greek salad) and the service is slow. If you have a problem do not expect it to be resolved to your satisfaction as they seem not to care. We frequently eat out and know what should be expected from a restuarant and Vinnie R's failed in all areas, lousy food, small portions, slow wait staff, and HORRIBLE customer service. We will not go back and hope that the tourists who visit the area don't fall into this dining nightmare.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING REGARDING THE ABOVE EXPERIENCE.

Editted: 1/23/07
I would like to state, for the record, that I emailed the owners of the restaurant the same night that I posted this comment. The owners looked into the situation and responded to me accordingly. I was pleased with the owners response and handling of my situation. The owners apologized for the poor handling of the situation that night and they offered to pay for any cleaning expenses I had with my sweater.

I would like to state the following:

#1 If I implied that any action on behalf of the waitress was intentional...I realize it was not and never meant to implicate that anything regarding the spilling of the drink to be anything more than an accident.

#2 My accounts of the events of the night are accurate. I DO NOT lie.

#3 I shouldn't have spoken only negitively of the restaurant. The restaurant does offer a children's area which we weren't able to take advantage of but those who are seated nearby might find this a nice feature. The atmosphere of the restaurant is nice and what could be expected of a clean family Italian restaurant.

#4 I still did not care for the food though I did not bring this to the attention of the owners as I did not find it to be the most pressing issue and therefore they did not respond but I'm sure they would have had I mentioned it. They are or seem to be concerned business owners and I'm sure they have talked to their wait staff as to ensure a situation like the one on the aforementioned night will not occur again.

#5 Also note that I was angry at the time of the original posting and so my word choices for describing my dislike of the food may have come across harsh, though I still won't recommend it based on my experience. I have heard the pizza is good but I didn't have the pizza.

Posted 01/13/07 | Report Abuse

4 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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We went there on a Saturday evening around 6:00. Service was great, garlic bread appetizer was great... but my fettucine was refrigerator cold!

Prices were good... portions were huge... nice atmosphere. Just wish my food would've been hot.

PROS: Price, portion size, atmosphere, service
CONS: Food was cold.

Posted 08/16/06 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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This place has the best pizza, and their garlic cheese bread is to die for! They have a lot of pastas too which are good, but the portions are huge! The prices are pretty good as well and the people are pretty friendly. I wish they delivered but they don't. that is the only drawback, but they do have take out. I would definetly recommend this place!

Posted 09/13/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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