American RestaurantRestaurantBar & GrillTavernBarSports BarPub
Rusty Bucket, located in Hilliard, 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!
Many customers praised the attentive and friendly service from staff, highlighting specific servers who made their dining experience enjoyable.
Food Quality
Overall, the food received mixed reviews; while many enjoyed the dishes, some reported inconsistencies in preparation and quality.
Cleanliness Issues
Several reviews mentioned cleanliness concerns, particularly regarding the restrooms and some dining areas.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere was generally described as pleasant and welcoming, although some noted issues with flies and overcrowding.
Value for Money
Customers expressed mixed feelings about the pricing, with some feeling it was slightly overpriced for the quality of food received.
EW
Ed Wetzel
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
Rusty Bucket is one of our favorite chain places. The food is always consistent. The El Cubano sandwich is amazing. The fish tacos are decent with some hot sauce. Don’t be dissuaded by the photo because I always get broccoli instead of fries/corn melody. The usual plating looks better. We also like the Spellbound Cabernet wine. It’s not sophisticated, but is well balanced and smooth. Our last visit we watched the Buckeye game over some drafts and had a great experience.
AR
Albert Rogers
Nov 8, 2025
2.0
Family wernt for dinner tonight and daughter got chix tenders and fries. She loved it. Wife got french onion soup and salad. Soup was great, salad was horrible. Not sure if it was rinsed lettuce or what, but she said it tasted bad. I order the Baja fish tacos with corn salad side. By far the worst meal I have had in a while. Fir the corn salad was loaded with a powder cheese the had tons of spices, just not a good combo IMO. Took one bite and set it aside. Tried the tacos and (came with 3) after one bite I was done. Fish was overcooked, rubbery. Just not a good experience. Been to this location and always had great meals, but tonight was just bad. For some reason I opt to box it up to take home. Figured I could give it to the dog.
CE
Charles Eberhard
Nov 6, 2025
5.0
Outstanding service. Really good food. I recommend to anyone. Fish and chips were awesome.
LM
Lizzy Mazer
Nov 5, 2025
5.0
Buffalo chicken sandwich for the absolute win every time. Takes me back to the Max & Erma’s days. ❤️
KC
Kailee Carder
Oct 19, 2025
5.0
Stacy was the most amazing server I’ve had in a long time! She needs to be recognized! I grew up in a family that worked in a restaurant their whole life which inspired me to serve, and the way I can feel the way she feels about her customers is something that can’t be ignored. Came in with my 2 babies and my whole family & she made sure we all had full drinks, napkins, and all of our food came out perfect, also food was outstanding! 10/10 recommend!
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 have a Happy Hour?
Yes, Rusty Bucket offers a Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with specials like half off appetizers, $12 pizzas, and discounted drinks.
What specialty cocktails does Rusty Bucket offer?
Rusty Bucket offers a variety of specialty cocktails including the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin, Draft Bucket Punch, Draft Margarita, and others; the menu may change, so check the latest list.
Can Rusty Bucket accommodate large parties?
Yes, Rusty Bucket offers private dining options seating from 10 to 55 guests, including some with four-season patios. Contact your local Rusty Bucket to arrange a reservation.
Is there patio seating available at Rusty Bucket?
Most Rusty Bucket locations have patio seating, some with four-season availability. It's best to call your local location for specific details.
Does Rusty Bucket accept reservations?
Reservations are recommended but not required. During busy times, especially later in the week, making a reservation can help secure your spot. You can reserve online or call your local restaurant.
What are the operating hours for Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern in Hilliard, OH?
Rusty Bucket is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and on Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Are there parking facilities available at Rusty Bucket?
Yes, Rusty Bucket offers free parking with a designated parking lot for guests.
What nearby places can I visit around Rusty Bucket in Hilliard, OH?
Nearby places include Mutts and Co. pet store and groomer, Dickey's Barbecue Pit restaurant, 7 Brew Coffee shop, and Scramblers breakfast and brunch restaurant. Customers can enjoy a meal or coffee before or after visiting Rusty Bucket.
Is there a gym close to Rusty Bucket where I can work out before dining?
Yes, Orangetheory Fitness is nearby, offering fitness classes and boot camp sessions. It's convenient to visit before or after your meal at Rusty Bucket.
Are there family services near Rusty Bucket that parents might find useful?
BrightPath Hillard, a day care and preschool, is located close by. This can be convenient for families visiting Rusty Bucket to dine while their children are cared for nearby.