Vito’s is proof that whatever Italians cook turns to gold. Four of us had just finished working out at the North End Park and we looked a little slovenly. We were all in workout gear; the girls had their hair tied back, and two of us had grass stains on our clothes. So we were actively avoiding the nicer restaurants. I thought that a tavern might be the ideal place to walk into dripping with sweat and still go unnoticed. It turns out that for a tavern, Vito’s is quite classy itself. Our waitresses were incredible for starters. Not only were they friendly but they were fast. They seemed to be everywhere all at once. They made a grueling job look easy. The restaurant got really crowded really quickly but they kept going unfazed. In fact, they seemed to get better as it got harder. Our waitress had her hands full but she was extremely pleasant and chatty. People are generally friendly in the North End but these waitresses raised the bar even higher. It helped that all of them were in good shape. It’s harder to keep up that level of endurance if you’re built like a penguin. Looking through the menu, one item jumped out at me immediately: Meatball sliders. I found this charming because it was a great remake of a classic bar food. Also, I will take an Italian meatball over a patty any day of the week. I’ll take a good meatball over sex. Having both would be great of course, simultaneously if possible, but if I absolutely had to choose one, the meatballs win. Before this derails, let me discuss the food. The meatballs were cooked perfectly and were lightly seasoned, letting the fresh meat do all the talking. They came with melted mozzarella cheese on top along with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley. The buns were mildly toasted, to perfection by the way, and there was a side of delicious gravy for dipping. For non-Italophiles, gravy means marinara. The gravy was incredibly fresh and had a touch of sweetness to it. I might season the meatballs a little more, but that’s a matter of opinion. There’s literally a hundred ways to prepare a meatball. Vito’s got what they were going for. I also got a small salad and even without dressing, it was fresh as well. My friend had the Korean chicken wings. I was puzzled to see this item on the menu and I was interested to see how a place named Vito’s would work with Asian flavors. My friend was not a huge fan but I was. I loved the wings. They were juicy and crisp in all the right places and not greasy in the least. The sauce was amazing. It was almost as good as anything I’ve had in a Korean restaurant. I was surprised when my friend gave up on them and offered them to me. She exchanged her wings for the one slider I had left and I polished them off happily. I would go back and get both dishes again. I would even try some of their other wing flavors. Both the wings and the sliders were fresh, well-crafted takes on bar favorites that, surprisingly, are quite easy to screw up, especially if the cook just resorts to deep frying or too much fat for flavor. Vito’s food was so fresh, you almost forget you’re eating relatively heavy dishes. I always suspected it but I’m sure of this now: Italian genes code for brilliant food instincts. And wicked good looks.
Jackie K.
Classificação do local: 5 Cordova, TN
Stopped in for drinks while we waited for Neptune’s(holy crap a 2.5HR wait!!!) across the way and was not disappointed. Munched on some wings and had a few drinks from their tap and watched the Sox game. Great ambiance though a little noisy but eh, it’s a bar. Wings were delish and drinks were cold. Service was great.
Joey S.
Classificação do local: 2 Boston, MA
Ambience is much different from a standard North End restaurant. This is much more of an American pub/sports bar with TVs and sports memorabilia littering the walls. Came here for the wing challenge, so can’t comment on anything else food-wise, but the wings were actually awful. Thank god atomic wasn’t so hot and I finished them within the 10 minute time slot(which made them free) because they were not worth the price tag. The wing sauce was more of a thick paste that covered each crusty, over-fried wing. The meat was tough and chewy, but you couldn’t really tell due to the thick sauce on them. Waitress was also either in a very bad mood or just a space case because she was not attentive at all and we were the only people in the place. We were lucky she brought over a pitcher of water during our wing challenge. Either head downtown or closer to the Garden for a better sports bar.
Tom P.
Classificação do local: 1 San Diego, CA
Smells like dried ketchup. Over salted Potato chips have your sodium intake for the week. Waitstaff hassle you every 5 minutes to order another drink. Manager is concerned with competition with the ice cream joint across the street so don’t let your girlfriend enjoy a treat from there. In short avoid this place.
Chris C.
Classificação do local: 2 Newburyport, MA
— noise level, loud — service, attentive — atomic wings, medium heat. Weak, was hoping they would be the hottest i’ve tried but finished them easily in under 10 minutes — Value, well it was over priced, but it’s in the North End, but advertised specials were charged the normal price. I didn’t have time to wait and complain, or get it fixed. $ 8 mistake. This place should add some sound absorbers on the ceiling, and corners to dampen the overpacked room, and the noise it makes. It was near impossible to hear my girlfriend from across the table. Also a bit difficult to get to the bathroom without asking people to move their chairs. Overall if your looking for a place to water your liver and have fun with friends, it offers a different environment for the area. I will be back to get some free atomic wings in the future, but thats the only thing I will order, with a water. No refills on soda here, Im glad they forgot to tell me, another $ 5 mistake.
Jennifer C.
Classificação do local: 4 Boston, MA
Vito’s is a hidden gem in the North End where’s there are an abundance of Italian restaurants and a lack of a good bar. On a busy Saturday night in the neighborhood we were thrilled to find seats at the bar here(while tourists were lined down the street for other restaurants). Good beer selection although I was kind of bummed there was not one light beer on draft. Sometimes a girl needs a cold bud light draft. For food we started with the nachos and they were so good we literally(and embarrassingly) cleaned the plate. Followed the app with sriracha and honey wings, truffle fries, and fish tacos. The wings did not disappoint, they were really spicy and my boyfriend ended up dripping sweat but still loved them. I would skip the fish tacos next time just because I have had better but the menu has such a great selection I can’t wait to go back.
Michelle S.
Classificação do local: 4 Boston, MA
Love Vito’s! It’s a refined dive in the North End that delivers in character, taste, and service. My boyfriend and I came in last night to watch the Celtics game, have a few drinks, and get a bite to eat. The place was pretty busy when we walked in, and they only have about 12 or so tables, so we put our name in for a table. Luckily we were able to grab two seats at the bar and posted up there for the night instead. A few things I loved: 1. The wine on tap! I stuck with the Pinot Noir, but they have Chardonnay, Cab, and another white as well. 2. The wings — you gotta try the Srichacha Honey. Perfect combo of heat and sweet. 3. We were both super impressed with our entrees. I ordered the fish filet sandwich and my boyfriend said his buffalo chicken salad was the best he’s ever had.
Andres T.
Classificação do local: 5 Malden, MA
Vito’s never dissapoints! Their food is spectacular and the drinks are always well made. But the sole reason I keep coming back is the awesome service. Bartenders like Ashley and Yelly make make my visit an absolute pleasure.
Courtney M.
Classificação do local: 3 Cambridge, MA
This is a great neighborhood bar in the North End decorated in full support of Boston sports teams. It’s small, crowded and loud, but they have good selection of beer on tap and tasty food options. However, the wings are where it is at, especially on Wing it Wednesday where the wings are half off. I have tried multiple flavors and usually they are all consistently good. My favorite is the North End wings delicious and unique with a lemon Rosemary flavor. This is a great spot to meet friends for wings and a drink.
Aggie S.
Classificação do local: 5 Chicago, IL
The service is great. The servers are helpful. Appetizers are delicious, don’t forget to try the wings. Burgers are huge.
Adam Y.
Classificação do local: 3 Jersey City, NJ
I feel like this is the spot to go to while you are waiting to be called for Neptune Oyster. Grab a drink or 5 and watch tv. Small bar, great service, and a chill spot while you wait to be called for Neptune Oyster.
Paul M.
Classificação do local: 5 Groveland, MA
Very friendly bartendees, especially Anna and Ashley. This place is a Sports Bar in the North End, which is perfect go watch a game, and a good change from the traditional spots the North End has to offer. The food is delicious with great wings, burgers and pasta bowls. Be sure to try the chicken parm fingers which are awesome! Also, Erica and Iky are waitresses and extremely friendly.
DodiB B.
Classificação do local: 4 Boston, MA
Came to celebrate my 50th! First time eating in the North End. Great experience. The wait staff is professional and friendly. Food is above board! Quality all around. A bit noisy but it is a bar. Italian pasta, Korean wings, American burgers– the perfect mix!!! Kudos!
Zac T.
Classificação do local: 1 Boston, MA
I wish 0 stars was an option. Poor, mostly inattentive, service(at the bar). Came there on New Years Eve day after a Reginas pizza so just had a few beers with a friend. Saw a dude order a burger and it looked amazing. Was able to get back there today, sat in the exact same seat, and I ordered a rare burger that came out medium well. Switched entrees with my guest and never even got a question from the bartender. Never once did the bartender inquire or ask if everything was okay nor if we needed/wanted another drink. Service: Awful! Food: Worse Epic FAIL all around!
Peter M.
Classificação do local: 2 Boston, MA
What the H E double hockey sticks is up with Vitos not furnishing any other friggen wing order other than buffalo with blue cheese, carrots and celery? Like, it’s weird, bizzare … Go bruins
Lynda G.
Classificação do local: 5 Worcester, MA
Great place to watch a sports game. It’s tiny, like all North End restaurants, but seems spacious enough with a fun bar and tables & booths situated all around. Great selection of beer, including the Sam Adams Brick Red that you can only get on tap in Boston. We had a quesadilla and truffle fries which were both to die for. Bartender was busy but she was friendly enough. Atmosphere, beer and food were exactly what we were looking for in the afternoon on a Sunday for a Pats game. Everyone was cheering and into the game.
Meaghan A.
Classificação do local: 5 Chelsea, MA
Saw this place on Phantom Gourmet on TV and just had to go try it. We started with the grilled cheese with bacon stack with tomato soup dipping sauce. I honestly could have had this as my main meal it was so delicious. And it went well with the Shipyard Seasonal(gingerbread) on tap. For entrees my group had pasta primavera, spicy alfredo, the smokehouse burger and the chicken park fingers. All were delicious. The pasta bowls we the special for a Sunday($ 12.99). Great spot for something a little different in the North End. They have a little bit of everything and decent prices. Service was excellent as well. We also lucked out and found a spot right out front, so that was icing on the cake.
Kris B.
Classificação do local: 5 Memphis, TN
Was waiting for Neptune Oyster House to get an available table. Great atmosphere and service… cold, fresh varieties of draft beer
Joshua L.
Classificação do local: 5 San Francisco, CA
I was expecting it to be tiny and grimey but it was surprisingly roomy inside AND the bar-esque food was pretty delicious and very generous in serving. The server was extremely attentive, even swapping out dirty napkins with fresh ones. Love it The alcohol coffee drink was both delicious, refreshing and STRONG! The Niçoise salad was full of flavor and the seared tuna had a delicate texture and mild flavor. The Korean bbq wings was delicious and yummy also.
Breanna B.
Classificação do local: 4 Rochester, NY
We stayed in the neighborhood for the weekend and popped over to Vito’s for a quick celebratory drink. My brother just graduated so we were specifically on the hunt for a bar. The neighborhood is overrun with Italian restaurants so it was a happy find to run into this bar at the end of Salem St. Our server was a doll, very attentive, refilled waters regularly and brought us new pint glasses for our 2nd pitcher. They had some good craft options on tap, around 10+. First we went for the Entitled IPA, a local brew, and then Sam Adams Brick Red. The space wasn’t huge but it was comfortable and we had a corner spot with booth seating and a chair. They had two TVs showing sports and news. We didn’t get food, but the options looked delicious. On Mondays, they have $ 3 hot dogs so that was tempting. Plus, a bunch of good snacking foods.