Vic's Italian Restaurant

Our Story

Vittorio "Vic" Giunco and his wife Carmella, two immigrants from Genoa, Italy, dreamed of a better life and a family of their own. They achieved their dream when they settled in Bradley Beach, New Jersey in the 1910's and welcomed twins, Rose and John, into their lives. While Vittorio tried his hand at a fruit stand and later a candy shop, his ventures didn't last long.

The allure of the growing American landscape brought opportunity, and in 1933, with the repeal of prohibition, Vic opened "Vic's Tap Room, " a cozy bar at the heart of Main Street. Business flourished, allowing him to purchase a larger property on the south end of Bradley Beach and relocate his bar to its current, well-loved location.

A Family Affair

After World War II, John, Vic's eldest son, saw potential beyond just a bar. He envisioned adding an Italian restaurant, a dream shared by his mother, Carmella. Together, they transformed the local establishment into "Vic's Bar & Restaurant, " which opened its doors to the public on March 17, 1947. Visions of thin-crust tomato pies, fragrant garlic knots, and hearty pasta dishes became a reality as Vittorio continued to manage the bar while John and Carmella crafted meals that showcased their authentic Italian heritage.

An undeniable global trend swept the nation after the war: pizza. Carmella and John recognized its potential and dedicated themselves to perfecting their recipes, becoming pioneers of this beloved food in their community. It wasn't long before Vic's Bar & Restaurant became a Jersey Shore staple, cherished for its exceptional Italian cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere.

A Legacy Forged in Flavor

Over the decades, Vittorio passed away in 1967, but his legacy of hard work and dedication continued through his son John and grandson Vic who, alongside John's son-in-law Ed, ensured the restaurant's continued success. They expanded the building, adding a spacious outdoor dining area in 2000, allowing patrons to enjoy al fresco dining during those beautiful Jersey Shore summers. when John tragically died in 2001, he entrusted his daughter and son-in-law, Edward & Ava Dollive, to carry the torch. With 55 years of experience under their belts, they steered Vic's Bar & Restaurant into the 21st century.

Now, Ed and Ava's children, hands-on and deeply invested, continue to contribute to the ever-evolving story of Vic's. The legacy of hard work and passion for Italian cuisine echoes through each generation, solidifying Vic's as a true institution on the Jersey Shore.

Our Menu

At Vic's, our menu reflects the rich history and deep-rooted traditions of Italian home cooking. We take pride in offering a diverse selection of classic dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and prepared with the love and care that has been passed down for generations.

Our thin-crust pizzas are legendary, with each bite delivering a symphony of flavors thanks to our carefully crafted sauce, perfectly melted mozzarella cheese, and a variety of mouthwatering toppings.

But Vic's is so much more than just pizza. Our menu boasts an array of flavorful entrees, from traditional pasta favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and baked ziti to succulent chicken parm and grilled seafood dishes.

We also offer an assortment of delectable appetizers to share, such as our crispy calamari, homemade mozzarella sticks, and classic garlic knots. Every dish is prepared to perfection, ensuring a memorable dining experience.