American RestaurantRestaurantBar & GrillTavernBarSports BarPub
Rusty Bucket, located in Indianapolis, IN, is a casual neighborhood tavern serving high quality food and beverage in a "come as you are" setting. Scratch kitchens, fresh cocktails, and the perfect pour are our craft. Our associates are welcoming, and our hospitality naturally makes us the local hub where friends and family frequently gather to share in a good time. Join us for lunch, grab a drink during Happy Hour, bring the kids for dinner - there's a spot for everyone at Rusty Bucket!
Customers frequently praised the food, highlighting specific dishes like the beef stroganoff, buffalo chicken sandwich, and nachos as exceptional.
Service
Many reviews noted the attentive and friendly service provided by staff, with specific mentions of servers like Tyree and Levi.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere was described as pleasant and homey, although some found it a bit noisy and cramped.
Value
Overall, customers felt the prices were reasonable for the quality and portion sizes of the food.
Consistency
Several customers mentioned consistent quality in food and service, making it a reliable choice for repeat visits.
NM
nicole mcginley
2 days ago
5.0
The food nd service is amazing. They never disappoint. I have the spinach con queso and added meat and it was amazing
HP
Harry Passehl
3 days ago
5.0
Let's start with the service we received on our first trip to the bucket. Tyree may actually be the best service provider of all time. His positivity and great timely service was worth well more than 5 stars. I hope someone reading this will let him know what a superstar he is.
As for the food - my wife and I started out with the Cheese Blanket Nacho Chips - wow...certainly enough that if you and a friend wanted to only have that - it will fill you up - and it had lots of fun ingredients - we chose the beef version - very tasty and served warm with lots of melted cheese on top and some peppers to spice things up.
As main dishes - my wife had the Fish sandwich and onion rings and I had the Pork Tenderloin. The pork tenderloin - big enough to share and so very yummy with a nice crunch. My wife's fish was great - or at least I think that is what caused the momentary silence after the food arrived.
I had hoped to try the desserts - they have a bread pudding that sounded really good - but I was really stuffed. In any case - I hope to not have to wait long before we try our second round of meals there. A wonderful location at Ditch and 86th street - definitely worth a visit.
GD
Guinn Doyle
Nov 11, 2025
4.0
Great wait staff. Has an overall good feel. Will come back again
MH
Michael H
Nov 11, 2025
5.0
We started going there for the Mens Basketball games and enjoyed the food so much we went back frequently,
BS
Bob Schacht
Nov 6, 2025
5.0
Fantastic place to eat and drink. All the servers and bartenders are extremely friendly and welcoming. Food is top notch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern
Does the Rusty Bucket have a Happy Hour?
Yes! Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offers special pricing on select items Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Happy Hour offerings are not limited to the bar area, so guests can enjoy these specials anywhere in the restaurant or on the patio. The Rusty Bucket’s Happy Hour menu includes 1/2 off Apps, $12 Pizzas, and $7 Juicy Lucy Burgers.
Does the Rusty Bucket offer specialty cocktails?
Yes! The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offers the perfect cocktail for everyone. The cocktail menu consists of the Cold Brew Martini, Rusty Bucket’s own version of an espresso martini, the Pine Fin, served on the rocks, as a martini, or as a cosmo, two cocktails on draft, the Draft Bucket Punch and the Draft Margarita, and many more delicious drinks. Features may change – to see the full, most current cocktail list.
Can the Rusty Bucket accommodate large parties?
The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offers various private dining options across many of their locations. Seating ranges from 10 to 55 guests, dependent upon location, which includes the option of their 4-season, private dining patios. It’s best to call your local Rusty Bucket to discuss your plans and complete your reservation.
What kind of restaurant is the Rusty Bucket?
The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern is a casual American restaurant and tavern serving the highest quality of food and beverage in a “come as you are” setting. Whether you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or having a business dinner, the Rusty Bucket believes that every neighborhood deserves that go-to gathering place where craveable favorites, good conversations, and camaraderie are shared amongst friends and family. Everybody’s welcome, and some even say the Rusty Bucket is a grown-up place to bring the kids.
Does the Rusty Bucket offer Brunch?
No, the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern does not offer a Brunch menu. Each location offers a lunch menu every day of the week. We recommend calling your local Rusty Bucket for hours of operation.
What’s the Rusty Bucket famous for?
The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern is famous for their great Happy Hour specials, offered Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, where you can receive special pricing on select menu items, including 1/2 off Apps, $12 Pizzas, and more.Some of Rusty Bucket’s menu items that stand out include their Fish & Chips, Bucket Burger, and variety of Artisan Pizzas, which are handmade with dough that is made fresh daily. They also offer a range of handcrafted cocktails, as well as a robust beer list with a few local brewery collaborations from time to time.Rusty Bucket’s atmosphere is known to most as a go-to gathering place for any occasion. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, having a business dinner, or watching sports or indulging before or after a big game, it is the perfect place for everyone.
Is there patio seating?
Yes! Most Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern locations offer patio seating, dependent upon location, and some even offer four-season availability. We recommend calling your local Rusty Bucket for more details about these options.
Where’s the best place to park?
The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern offers free parking with a designated parking lot.
Are Reservations required?
Reservations are not required but they are recommended. The dining room can be particularly busy in the later part of the week. If OpenTable is showing no availability for your preferred day and time, we recommend calling your local Rusty Bucket.
Does the Rusty Bucket offer any fundraising options?
Yes! The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern has a program called Dine ‘n Donate. Any guests who are a part of an organization looking to raise funds can participate in the Dine ‘n Donate program. Guests can choose a date, Monday-Thursday, the Rusty Bucket will create a flyer, and supporters of the organization can dine in or order carryout any time during business hours on that chosen day. On that chosen date, anyone who presents the flyer will have 15% of net sales (food and soft beverages) donated to the organization. For more information or to fill out the Dine ‘n Donate request form.
Does the Rusty Bucket have any specials throughout the week?
Yes! The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offers Daily Drink Features for every day of the week. These features include Monday Motivation- $5 Wheatley vodka all day long, Poppin’ Bottles Tuesday- 1/2 priced bottles of wine, Whiskey Wednesday- specially priced whiskeys, Punch Perfect Thursday- Bucket’s House Bucket Punch on draft by the glass or pitcher, Shaken Not Stirred Friday- specially priced Belvedere martinis, Pine Fin Cosmos & Pine Fin Martinis, Gary’s Famous Margarita Saturday- share a pitcher (or drink a glass yourself), and Bloody Sunday- specially priced Bloody Marys; choose from Not Spicy, Spicy or Stupid Spicy.
Does the Rusty Bucket have a loyalty program?
The Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offers the Bucket List, an exclusive subscriber list. When you join the Bucket List, you receive a Bucket full of benefits including being the first to know about happenings and new features at the Rusty Bucket, exclusive deals sent straight to your inbox, and a complimentary dessert during your birthday month! Join the Bucket List!
Does the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern have a Happy Hour?
Yes! They offer special pricing on select items Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, including 1/2 off Apps, $12 Pizzas, and $7 Juicy Lucy Burgers. Specials are available anywhere in the restaurant or on the patio.
What types of specialty cocktails does the Rusty Bucket offer?
They offer a variety of specialty cocktails including the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin served in multiple styles, and draft cocktails like Draft Bucket Punch and Draft Margarita. The cocktail menu is frequently updated.
Can the Rusty Bucket accommodate large parties?
Yes, they provide private dining options that can seat 10 to 55 guests depending on the location, including 4-season private dining patios. It's best to call ahead to discuss specific plans and make reservations.
Is there patio seating available at Rusty Bucket?
Most locations offer patio seating, with some having four-season availability. It is recommended to call your local Rusty Bucket for details on patio options.
Where is the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern located, and what are their hours?
The restaurant is located at 1130 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260. Hours are 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on Sunday.
What payment options are accepted at Rusty Bucket?
They accept Cash and Visa cards for payment.
Does the Rusty Bucket offer takeout and catering services?
Yes, they have takeout options and catering services available.
Are reservations required at Rusty Bucket?
Reservations are not required but recommended, especially later in the week. If online availability is limited, calling the location directly is suggested.
What nearby places can visitors check out before or after dining at Rusty Bucket?
Visitors can explore nearby spots like Old Town Shoppes shopping center and Babushka's Deli bakery and restaurant for additional shopping and dining experiences in the area.
Are there nearby transit or service locations helpful for customers visiting Rusty Bucket?
Yes, nearby services include First Financial Bank and multiple insurance agencies like Rick Smith - State Farm Insurance Agent, which can be convenient if you have errands around your visit.
What other dining options are available near Rusty Bucket?
Nearby dining includes Ocean World for sushi and seafood, Thai Thai Cuisine and Sawasdee for Thai food, and Jack's Pizza for additional pizza options.