Need a place to catch the game with your buddies or grab a drink after work? How about a spot where you can take the family and not break the bank? Whether you're toting toddlers or catching the Yanks, Vinny's Grill & Grotto fits the bill. This new place has reinvigorated the space formerly occuped by The Reef and the former home of Ash Creek Saloon.
This casual restaurant just opened this week, but you could have fooled me. It feels and looks lived-in - exposed brick walls lined with Hollywood film posters and "autographed" photographs of celebrities (Sarah Palin "signs" that she can see Vinny's from her house; Britney Spears remarks that "oops, she ate it again") lend an upbeat vibe. Vinny's has a small dining room with comfortable booths for those who want to avoid the noise, but the focal point of this restaurant is its huge, circular bar and seating area. Whether you're grabbing a drink at the bar or tucking into a plate of wings at one of the 11 tables or booths surrounding, this room is where all of the action is. It's definitely the place to catch the game; seven televisions are suspended from the ceiling.
There are no bones about it - Vinny's is all about bar food. Its wings, burgers, and pizzas that have made the Stamford location a hit will likely do the same for this spot. Don't expect typical stuff just because the food is casual, though. The pizza selections include the usual toppings but also include varieties like pear and gorgonzola pizza and salad pizza with cheese, greens and the appropriately named "vinny-grette." All of the pies have a paper thin crust. Mine, topped with pear and gorgonzola, was unbelievably flavorful and highly addictive. The burger was juicy and delicious and came with a heaping side of fries.
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Vinny's has full bar service and the chalkboard with the daily wine specials, organized by "cheap," "decent," "better," and "best" is definitely worth a look, even if just for the chuckle.
Meals are affordable - 12" pizzas start at $8 and burgers are $9 to $11. Kids meals are just five bucks.
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Vinny's Grill & Grotto is located in Fairfield just before Post Road travels into Black Rock. It is on the corner at 93 Post Road next to the consignment boutique Closet Space.
Vinny's Grill & Grotto: 93 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. 203-292-8730. www.vinnysbackyard.com Initial hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
