When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ
Why Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ stands out as a fantastic place to meet up with friends, combining authentic New York-style pizza with a warm, welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Known for its freshly made dough and signature sauces crafted daily from family recipes, it offers a diverse menu featuring not only mouthwatering pizzas but also delicious BBQ items and Italian-inspired dishes. With multiple locations across Virginia and North Carolina, including a notable spot in Carolina Beach, the restaurant is prized for its fresh ingredients, homemade sauces, and friendly, attentive service. Guests especially appreciate the generous pizza portions, such as the calzone that can easily satisfy two people, making it ideal for sharing among friends. The casual yet comfortable setting invites groups to relax and savor classic flavors, from signature meatballs and subs to their famous Vinny's combo pizza. This blend of quality food, traditional recipes, and a convivial environment makes Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ an excellent destination for social gatherings and casual dining.
Here's what people think of Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ
As of recent, Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ holds a 4.3-star rating based on 590 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently highlight Uncle Vinny's as a go-to spot for reliably good pizza and friendly service. Many reviewers praise the generous portion sizes, fresh ingredients, and flavorful homemade sauces, which contribute to a satisfying meal experience. Positive feedback often underscores the warm greetings and attentive staff, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Notably, the pizza—especially the classic cheese and specialty pies like the combo pizza—receives strong acclaim for its authentic New York-style taste and quality. The calzone is also frequently mentioned as a highlight suitable for sharing. However, some negative reviews point to occasional inconsistencies, such as longer wait times during busy hours and a few less flavorful dishes like the shrimp scampi perceived as lacking seasoning. Despite these isolated critiques, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with guests appreciating the balance of quality, value, and a friendly neighborhood vibe. This solid reputation affirms Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ as a dependable choice for those seeking a casual yet satisfying dining experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Renee Roper
I ordered the fried chicken wing dinner with candied yams and I got a side of macaroni and cheese but it was still lunchtime so I was able to order off of the lunch menu and they charged me basically eight dollars for the side of macaroni which I should have just got a dinner and it with nasty an unflavored with green onions in and wasn’t even cheesy !!giving box vibes and the candy yams was ok But they SERIOUSLY need to change the grease cause that chicken is too dark and Tasted Greasy With Cornmeal Specks This Was Definitely $25 wasted I won’t be eating there anymore. I Know I Won’t N Definitely Won’t Recommend
T Love
I was a first-time visitor, and I loved everything. I ordered the Uncle Vinny's Turkey Sandwich with tater tots, and it was so delicious. Others with me ordered ribs, fried chicken, yams, and mac n cheese, and everything was well seasoned and tasted amazing. I definitely will return. They also have gambling machines, which someone at the table with me won and paid for everyone's meal, which was a blessing unexpected. The atmosphere was cool, they had a packed house, and the bathroom was clean and free parking. The waiter was friendly. She had us cracking up. The owner came out and said hello, very friendly place.
Sharon Singh
Great food, nice family place, love the old signs everywhere! Also has drive thru pizza pick up
Shanda Harris
Love this place! Great new owners. Owner making fire BBQ. Love the old memorabilia all over the restaurant. They are a little occupied at times trying to do their modifications to the inside but very attentive once they know you're there. Make your presence known and cut them some slack if they aren't standing at the service counter 24/7 because they are amazing people and they care about their customers they are simply taking the time to upgrade the environment for everyone to enjoy. Definitely worth checking out support your local family owned businesses 💜💜💜💯💯💯
B Williams
Good quality BBQ. Chicken and pork ribs were tender with good smoke flavor . The green beans had fresh herbs was a pleasant taste.
How to reach Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ
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Why Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Uncle Vinny's Pizza & BBQ with your friends? Because it blends the best of two beloved culinary worlds—pizza and barbecue—creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for gathering. With a solid 4.3 rating from 590 reviews, this spot has earned a reputation for delicious, fresh food that satisfies diverse tastes, from classic New York-style slices to smoky, savory barbecue dishes. The place offers a casual setting that encourages relaxed conversation and laughter over shared plates, making it ideal for groups of friends and families alike. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a night out, Uncle Vinny’s promises hearty portions and warm hospitality that make every visit memorable. The combination of fantastic food, friendly service, and a comfortable environment means your group can enjoy a full night of dining, catching up, and making lasting memories in one spot.
Uncle Vinny's appeals especially to groups because of its diverse menu that caters to different preferences and appetites. From thin-crust pizzas cooked to crisp perfection to tender ribs and pulled pork drenched in homemade BBQ sauces, every person can find something to relish. This variety sparks conversation and excited exchanges over what to order next. The portions are generous, encouraging sharing, and the atmosphere is both lively and laid-back, allowing friends to easily linger from dinner into late evening. Additionally, the restaurant is well-regarded for prompt, attentive service that handles large groups smoothly, making coordination hassle-free. The inviting vibe coupled with great comfort food creates the perfect rallying point for friends who want to enjoy each other’s company while feasting on some of the best pizza and barbecue around.
What makes Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ ideal for group meetups?
Uncle Vinny’s stands out as an ideal meetup spot because of its spacious layout and accommodating seating arrangements. Whether your group is a handful of close friends or a large family gathering, the restaurant provides comfortable booths and tables that can be easily rearranged to suit your needs. This flexibility is key when hosting groups who want to sit together without feeling cramped. The casual, welcoming environment means everyone—from kids to adults—feels at ease, which encourages longer visits and richer social interaction.
Moreover, the menu’s versatility ensures there’s something for every taste and dietary preference, which is important when managing group dynamics. You can share pizzas loaded with multiple toppings, snack on appetizers like loaded nachos or BBQ wings, and indulge in hearty main courses like smoked brisket or chicken. Drinks include a selection of soft beverages and sometimes local brews, adding to the convivial atmosphere. The restaurant’s commitment to high-quality ingredients shines through in each dish, whether it’s the homemade pizza sauce or the house-smoked meats, giving groups a truly satisfying dining experience.
Additionally, the attentive staff at Uncle Vinny’s excels at handling large parties, making reservations and coordinating special requests easy and stress-free. This professionalism allows your group to focus fully on enjoying the food and time together rather than dealing with logistical concerns. All of this combined makes Uncle Vinny’s not just a place to eat but a hub to connect meaningfully with friends and family.
What types of activities can groups enjoy at Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ?
While Uncle Vinny’s primarily offers a fantastic food experience, the environment is naturally conducive to various group activities that enhance a meetup. At its core, the restaurant is perfect for communal dining, which is an activity in itself—sharing platters, trying different pizzas, or sampling BBQ dishes encourages lively conversation and a friendly vibe. This shared culinary exploration can be a bonding experience within any group.
For those interested in casual celebrations, Uncle Vinny’s accommodates small parties and events. Birthdays, casual get-togethers, or after-work meetups find a warm reception here, complete with an informal atmosphere that helps people relax and enjoy themselves. The staff often goes the extra mile to ensure groups feel welcome and comfortable, which adds to the festive mood.
Additionally, the casual setup means groups can enjoy extended hangouts, not feeling rushed by tight seating or hurried service. Whether you want to play card games brought from home, chat over dessert and coffee, or simply soak in the ambiance while catching up, the environment supports it. Occasionally, special menu events or themed food nights add a touch of fun unpredictability to visits, giving groups something new to look forward to with each outing.
How does Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ cater to different taste preferences?
One of the biggest challenges in group dining is accommodating varied tastes, and Uncle Vinny’s excels here thanks to its dual-menu focus on pizza and BBQ. Pizza menus often include everything from classic margherita to bold specialty pies loaded with pepperoni, onions, jalapenos, and more. For pizza enthusiasts who love authentic New York-style options, Uncle Vinny’s delivers with crispy, flavorful slices praised by many.
For BBQ lovers, the restaurant offers smoked meats with a variety of sauces and sides. Whether your group prefers sweet, tangy, or spicy barbecue, there are options like ribs, pulled pork, and brisket that pair beautifully with coleslaw, baked beans, or mac and cheese. This diversity means guests can mix and match between pizza and BBQ, satisfying cravings on all fronts.
Vegetarian options and lighter salads help round out the menu, ensuring that everyone in your group leaves satisfied. The quality of ingredients and care in preparation shine in every dish, elevating the experience beyond typical casual dining. This careful attention to variety and taste sensitivity makes Uncle Vinny’s a reliable choice for groups with diverse appetites.
What kind of atmosphere and service can guests expect at Uncle Vinny’s?
Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ features a down-to-earth, friendly atmosphere that invites guests to settle in comfortably. The ambiance strikes a careful balance between casual and vibrant, making it a great place for both weekends out and weekday meetups. The décor elements often reflect the Italian and BBQ heritage, enhancing the identity and charm of the place. Music and lighting keep the mood upbeat without overpowering conversation, facilitating great social time.
Service at Uncle Vinny’s is consistently highlighted in reviews for its warmth and professionalism. Staff members greet guests with genuine smiles, provide knowledgeable recommendations, and handle orders efficiently, even during busy periods. This attentive but unobtrusive approach helps create an inviting environment where groups feel cared for without feeling rushed. The team’s ability to manage large parties smoothly is crucial for planning meetups requiring coordination of orders and seating.
Together, the welcoming atmosphere and excellent service create an environment where guests can focus on enjoying their company and meal, building memories and deepening friendships through shared experiences at Uncle Vinny’s.
Why does Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ have such a loyal following?
The strong customer loyalty at Uncle Vinny’s arises from its consistency in delivering high-quality food with a friendly touch. Repeat visitors often cite the fresh, thoughtful preparation of pizzas and barbecue dishes as a key reason they keep coming back. The genuine care in food preparation and the welcoming nature of the staff combine to create a memorable dining experience that guests want to share with friends and family.
Moreover, the restaurant’s commitment to quality ingredients and flavorful recipes means patrons trust the brand for reliable, delicious meals. The balance of casual dining with excellent food quality is a winning formula that appeals to a broad demographic—from families and groups of friends to solo diners seeking a comforting slice or hearty BBQ plate.
This strong foundation of food excellence, combined with a comfortable social environment, makes Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ a favorite rally point—one that groups trust for enjoyable nights out filled with great conversation, laughter, and amazing food.
Uncle Vinny’s Pizza & BBQ offers more than just food; it provides a place where friends and family can come together and share a rewarding dining experience. Its generous portions, diverse menu offerings, lively atmosphere, and stellar service make it the perfect destination for your next group meetup. Whether you're craving classic New York-style pizza, robust BBQ flavors, or both, Uncle Vinny's stands ready to host your gathering with warmth and flavor.