Business Details
About
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!
Details
- DeliveryAvailable
- TakeoutAvailable
- Accepts reservationsAvailable
- Requires reservationsNot available
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.3
1,859 reviews
5 stars
1,030
4 stars
520
3 stars
180
2 stars
66
1 star
63
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
Overall, customers enjoyed the food, with highlights including the buffalo chicken sandwich, fish and chips, and various appetizers. However, some dishes were criticized for being overly salty or not meeting expectations.
Service Experience
Service received mixed reviews; while many praised the staff for being friendly and attentive, there were instances of slow service and disorganization, particularly during busy times.
Atmosphere
The restaurant is generally described as clean and comfortable, with a relaxed vibe suitable for families and gatherings, though some noted noise levels could be an issue.
Pricing Concerns
Several customers felt that the prices were on the higher side for the quality of food received, particularly for takeout orders.
Consistency Issues
While many patrons reported consistently good experiences, a few highlighted significant service and food quality inconsistencies during their visits.
- ACAlan Chanthavisay5 days ago5.0I recently dined at Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern and found the experience to be a well-balanced blend of comfort food and attentive service. We began with the chicken wings, which were executed well—crispy exterior, well-seasoned, and satisfying without being overly heavy. For our entrée’s first course, we tried the sliders. While enjoyable, they leaned more toward familiar than exceptional, earning a respectable 7/10 for flavor and overall presentation. The standout dish of the evening was the Mac n’ Cheese topped with breadcrumbs. Rich, creamy, and texturally elevated by the crisp breadcrumb topping, it delivered the kind of nostalgic warmth and depth that comfort food should. Service throughout the meal was notably strong: attentive, timely, and friendly without being intrusive. Overall, Rusty Bucket offers a dependable casual dining experience with several highlights, approachable flavors, and solid hospitality. It’s a fitting choice for a relaxed meal with a few memorable bites.
- BBBettyNov 17, 20254.0I ordered the double stacked quesadillas as the gluten free option. They must have been prepared ahead of time from the other meals at my table, because the meal was cold and the cheese was getting hard by the time I ate it. The restaurant was so busy, the server was not around that much, and I didn't want to hassle anyone because it probably would've just been microwaved. But the food contents were great! All staff members were friendly!
- JJJanNov 3, 20255.0First time here wonderful customer service food was hot and fresh. Simply a awesome experience will return. Had the wings veggie pizza and Ruben sandwich. All fantastic sweet potatoes fries on point.
- MJMarkie JNov 1, 20254.0I love Rusty!! The wings are great and the bartender was super funny, kind, and accommodating! I’m picky about wings and they did them perfectly!! The blueberry Bella is good! I recommend you try that or the pineapple infused vodka. I love their fries and pizza! It’s a great choice for a quick dinner or even lunch!
- KCKerry COct 28, 20255.0I never miss stopping at the Rusty Bucket when I'm in the Columbus area. Thanks to Padraig for taking excellent care of me! The Stroganoff was delicious as is everything I've ever tried on the menu.
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 Happy Hour specials?
Yes, Rusty Bucket offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with specials like half off appetizers and discounted pizzas and drinks.
Can I find specialty cocktails at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
Yes, they offer specialty cocktails including the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin variations, Draft Bucket Punch, and Draft Margarita among others.
Is Rusty Bucket family-friendly and do they have seating for kids?
Yes, Rusty Bucket is a family restaurant that welcomes children and offers high chairs and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
Are reservations required to dine at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
Reservations are not required but recommended, especially later in the week. You can book a table online or call the local location.
Does Rusty Bucket have outdoor patio seating?
Most locations offer patio seating, with some having four-season patios. It's best to contact your local Rusty Bucket for specific patio availability.
What are the payment options accepted at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa for payments.
What are the operating hours of Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
Rusty Bucket is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
What nearby places can help if I need medical or family health services when visiting Rusty Bucket?
Nearby you can find the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians and Overbrook Clinic for medical and family health services.
Are there financial services close to Rusty Bucket for convenient banking or mortgage needs?
Yes, nearby are Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Mortgage - Richard Domka for banking and mortgage services.
What nearby recreational or wellness services can I explore before or after dining at Rusty Bucket?
You can visit A Spirit's Touch Spa and Wellness for relaxation or Consider Biking for bicycle services plus other health-related options such as Columbus Nutrition Counseling.