American RestaurantRestaurantBar & GrillTavernBarSports BarPub
Rusty Bucket, located in Columbus, OH, 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 generally enjoyed the food, with highlights on specific dishes like the fish and chips, burgers, and fried pickles, although some reported inconsistencies in temperature and quality.
Service Experience
Service quality varied significantly; while many praised the staff for being friendly and attentive, others experienced slow service and issues with order accuracy.
Atmosphere
The ambiance was often described as warm and inviting, though some noted it could be noisy, especially during busy times.
Pricing
Prices were considered a bit high by some customers, but many felt the quality of food and service justified the cost.
Cleanliness
The restaurant was generally reported as clean, with positive mentions of the restrooms and overall hygiene.
AA
Anthony Allen
4 days ago
5.0
Great food. Nice place to eat. Will be going back again if I'm in town.
JS
Joel Stachler
5 days ago
5.0
Excellent food and service
JB
Julie Burkett
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
We were in town for a football game. Our food was amazing, our server was very friendly and attentive. We will definitely visit again!
SS
Shawn Straub
Oct 31, 2025
5.0
I’ve been eating in this location for many years, the service is always good, and so is the food. The menu is simple, but the kitchen is talented, take out on this occasion was excellent.
TT
Temo
Oct 25, 2025
5.0
October 2025: The Rusty Bucket is always a good option this side of Columbus. Service is fast and good, food is great, ambiance is good. What else can you ask for? In the picture you can see the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. In the past I have had the Baja Tacos and they were great.
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, $7 Juicy Lucy Burgers, and $1 off Beer, Wine & Cocktails.
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 Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offer a Happy Hour?
Yes, Rusty Bucket offers a Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm with specials like 1/2 off appetizers, $12 pizzas, and $1 off beer, wine, and cocktails.
Are specialty cocktails available at Rusty Bucket?
Yes, Rusty Bucket features specialty cocktails including the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin, Draft Bucket Punch, Draft Margarita, and more. The menu may update seasonally.
Can Rusty Bucket accommodate large parties?
Yes, they offer private dining options seating 10 to 55 guests depending on location, including some with four-season patios. It is recommended to call ahead to reserve.
What type of restaurant is Rusty Bucket?
Rusty Bucket is a casual American restaurant and tavern serving high-quality food and drinks in a welcoming "come as you are" atmosphere, perfect for families and groups.
Does Rusty Bucket have patio seating?
Yes, most locations have patio seating and some have four-season patios. Please call your local Rusty Bucket for specific details.
What are Rusty Bucket's operating hours?
Rusty Bucket is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Is parking available at Rusty Bucket?
Yes, Rusty Bucket offers free designated parking for guests.
What payment options does Rusty Bucket accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and debit/credit cards.
What nearby spots can I visit before or after dining at Rusty Bucket?
You can visit Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams for a dessert treat, or relax at Bespoke Salon Studio for a beauty service. The Bexley Farmers Market is also nearby if you're interested in fresh produce and local goods.
How can nearby places help me plan a visit to Rusty Bucket?
Nearby locations like the Ohio State Bank and U.S. Bank ATM provide convenient financial services if needed. Additionally, Bexley Gateway offers venue and event spaces nearby, useful if you're combining dining with events.