American RestaurantRestaurantBar & GrillTavernBarSports BarPub
Rusty Bucket, located in Dayton, 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 frequently praised the friendly and attentive staff, although some reported issues with inattentiveness during busy times.
Food Quality
The food received mixed reviews; while many enjoyed the pizza, burgers, and comfort dishes, others found some items overpriced or not up to standard.
Atmosphere
The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming vibe, but some customers noted that it felt empty or needed updates.
Value for Money
Many customers appreciated the reasonable prices and happy hour specials, though some felt the food was overpriced for the quality.
Customer Experience
Overall experiences varied, with some customers having memorable visits while others reported significant service issues, particularly during busy times.
DD
Dean
3 days ago
4.0
Fun bar with bar fare, lots of drink options, and a fair amount of seat8ng for our party of 10 service was efficient and friendly
JB
Jasmine Bischof
Nov 10, 2025
5.0
I'm super bummed they no longer dedicate fries solely to one fryer. They used to and then I could have fries with my burger and not have to worry about gluten. I still give them a 5 and of 5 for service, quality of food, the swiftness in which it was prepared and most importantly, verifying that the fries weren't gluten-free so I wouldn't get cross contaminated. I wish they had one in Kentucky.
JB
Jasmine Bischof
Nov 7, 2025
5.0
I'm bummed that the fries are no longer cooked in a designated gluten-free fryer BUT, they still tried to accommodate in the best way possible. I always come here when I'm in Indy or Ohio and tell friends. The food never disappoint and neither does the service.
JP
Jason Petty
Nov 6, 2025
4.0
Looking for something different is a good place to go. Food was good and large portions but was a bit pricey.
CS
Cheryl Sills
Oct 26, 2025
5.0
Everything was really good, from the drinks to the food. Service was great and we can't say enough about their pumpkin cheesecake... and truth be told, I'm really not a pumpkin fan, but it was fantastic. 😋
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 the Rusty Bucket offer a Happy Hour and what are the specials?
Yes! The Rusty Bucket offers Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, with specials including 1/2 off appetizers, $12 pizzas, $7 Juicy Lucy burgers, and $1 off beer, wine, and cocktails. Happy Hour specials are available throughout the restaurant and patio.
What specialty cocktails can I find at the Rusty Bucket?
The Rusty Bucket has a diverse cocktail menu featuring the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin (served on the rocks, as a martini, or cosmo), Draft Bucket Punch, Draft Margarita, and other rotating selections. Check their current menu for the latest offerings.
Can the Rusty Bucket accommodate large parties or private events?
Yes, they offer private dining options seating 10 to 55 guests depending on location, including four-season private patios. It's best to call your local Rusty Bucket to discuss and reserve your event.
Is there patio seating available at the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
Most Rusty Bucket locations provide patio seating, some with four-season availability. You may contact your local Rusty Bucket for specific details about patio options.
What are the Rusty Bucket's hours of operation on weekends?
Rusty Bucket is open Saturday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Is parking available at the Rusty Bucket?
Yes, free designated parking is available for Rusty Bucket guests.
Are reservations recommended at the Rusty Bucket?
Reservations are not required but recommended, especially later in the week. If online reservations are full, calling the local Rusty Bucket location is advised.
What nearby places can I visit before or after dining at Rusty Bucket?
Nearby you can visit Winans Chocolates & Coffees for desserts or coffee, Portrait Innovations for photography services, or Reichley's Hallmark Shop for gifts and cards. These spots offer great additions to your visit to Rusty Bucket.
Are there other dining options close to Rusty Bucket in Dayton?
Yes, nearby restaurants include Guy Fieri's Flavortown Kitchen, Bonefish Grill for seafood, Bravo! Italian Kitchen for Italian cuisine, Cinnabon for sweet treats, and Mr. Beast Burger for fast casual dining.
Where can I find additional services like massage or retail while near Rusty Bucket?
Nearby services include Hand and Stone Massage & Facial Spa for relaxation, Rally House for sports wear and gifts, and Sally Beauty for beauty supplies. These are convenient for combining errands with a meal at Rusty Bucket.