American RestaurantRestaurantBar & GrillTavernBarSports BarPub
Rusty Bucket, located in Upper Arlington, 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, particularly highlighting specific servers like Christina and Will.
Food Quality
The food received mostly positive feedback, with specific mentions of delicious burgers, fish and chips, and happy hour specials.
Atmosphere
The restaurant is noted for its casual and inviting atmosphere, although some reviews mentioned it can be noisy.
Inconsistency
A few customers reported inconsistent food quality and service experiences, indicating room for improvement.
Parking Convenience
Customers appreciated the convenient parking options available, especially the larger lot behind the restaurant.
AC
Ashley Cole
Jan 2, 2026
5.0
My first time eating at this restaurant.
I was totally impressed by the quality and freshness of the food. The prices were affordable as well
JR
Joan Reiman
Dec 31, 2025
5.0
Delicious chili and great service by Truman.
DL
Devin Landis
Dec 31, 2025
5.0
Always a fantastic dinner, this location this absolutely 💯 probably the best in Columbus tho
TG
Tom Galligan
Dec 27, 2025
5.0
Home away from home. Casual, friendly, warm and inviting with one of the city's best bartenders slinging drinks on weekends and Tuesday nights. Have Will make you a cocktail and fight off Scurvy with a pineapple wedge. Excellent food options (Strip steak was a perfectly cooked medium-rare) with a very flexible menu and kitchen staff willing to adapt. ("Buffalo chicken breast on a salad? No problem!") Loaded nachos tray was bigger than my first apartment. Convenient spot on Lane Avenue with easy parking. Even when the front lot is busy, their best kept secret is the massive lot around the back (loop around the Whole Foods) that is never packed because newcomers don't know it's there. Pizzas, wings, peel and eat shrimp in Old Bay seasoning, all excellent. Phenomenal spot with excellent staff. Should've bought shares in it when it first opened. I'd be rich.
AS
Alinda Streeter
Dec 19, 2025
1.0
EVERYTHING was cold except for the quesadilla. When we told the super nice waitress, whom we tipped 35%, she said it was because they had so many carry out/door dash orders.
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 Restaurant and Tavern offer Happy Hour specials?
Yes, the Rusty Bucket offers special pricing on select items Monday through Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, including half off appetizers, $12 pizzas, $7 Juicy Lucy burgers, and discounts on beer, wine, and cocktails, available throughout the restaurant and patio.
What specialty cocktails are available at the Rusty Bucket?
The Rusty Bucket features cocktails like the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin variations, Draft Bucket Punch, Draft Margarita, and other rotating options. For the full current list, please check with the restaurant.
Can I reserve space for a large party at Rusty Bucket?
Yes, various private dining options are available for groups ranging from 10 to 55 guests depending on the location, including four-season private patios. It is best to call your local Rusty Bucket to plan and complete your reservation.
What type of dining experience does Rusty Bucket provide?
Rusty Bucket is a casual American restaurant and tavern offering high-quality food and beverages in a welcoming, come-as-you-are setting suitable for families, celebrations, business dinners, and casual gatherings.
Is there patio seating available at Rusty Bucket?
Yes, most Rusty Bucket locations offer patio seating, with some offering four-season availability. Check with your local location for specific details.
What are the operating hours of Rusty Bucket in Upper Arlington?
Rusty Bucket in Upper Arlington is open Monday through 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.
Where can I park when visiting Rusty Bucket?
Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern offers free designated parking in their parking lot for guests.
Are reservations required at Rusty Bucket?
Reservations are not required but recommended, especially later in the week. If online booking is full, it's advised to call the local Rusty Bucket directly.
What nearby shopping options are available around Rusty Bucket?
Nearby shopping centers such as Shops On Lane Avenue and Lane Avenue Shopping Center provide great opportunities for shopping before or after a meal at Rusty Bucket.
What other dining options are close to Rusty Bucket for a diverse experience?
Nearby you can find SOW Plated, a health-conscious American and vegetarian restaurant, and Royal Ginger Asian Fusion Bistro for sushi, offering great variety if you want to explore different cuisines around Rusty Bucket.
Are there any wellness or beauty services near Rusty Bucket?
Yes, several beauty and wellness spots like Charlotte Tilbury Salon, Ulta Beauty, VIO Med Spa, and Anthony Vince' Nail Spa are located nearby if you're looking to combine dining with self-care.