American RestaurantRestaurantBar & GrillTavernBarSports BarPub
Rusty Bucket, located in Westerville, 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!
Overall, customers enjoyed the food, with many highlighting specific dishes like the soy glazed salmon, burgers, and salads as excellent.
Service
Service received high praise, with several servers, particularly Jacqui and Laura, being noted for their attentiveness and friendliness.
Cleanliness
Some reviews mentioned issues with cleanliness, particularly in the bathrooms, which detracted from the overall experience.
Atmosphere
The restaurant is described as welcoming and family-friendly, making it a popular choice for gatherings.
Inconsistency
There were mixed reviews regarding food consistency, with some customers experiencing issues like cold fries and overcooked fish.
EA
Elizabeth Anderson
1 day ago
3.0
Food was meh, but location was great to meet a friend for lunch
KN
Katie Nutter
Nov 15, 2025
5.0
Pleasant servers, clean restroom, flavorful food! Loved the sliders and fries!
LH
LJ Hutchins
Oct 29, 2025
3.0
I ordered a cheese steak which was very flavorful and good My partner will order the chicken parm which was okay but horrible at the end when we found a very long hair in his food. The manager removed that plate from the bill but that was it. The fries came out cold so we had to order another order so they would be hot. We probably won't return because of the hair and the food. Also there was a dirty female bathroom that needed to be cleaned.
SB
Sarah Boone
Oct 24, 2025
5.0
I came here for my 22nd birthday and thanks to our waiter, Ben, it was an experience to remember! After my mom mentioned it was my birthday, he went out of his way to make sure we all had a spectacular evening. His service was unBENlievabley wonderful, joking around with us and went out of his way to bring me a delicious slice of cake with a candle. The service and food here is always great, but special shoutout to Ben for enhancing our experience!
KB
Kurt Bielby
Oct 24, 2025
5.0
Our 12 person family group sat outside on the patio for lunch. It was a beautiful day in Westerville. The servers were very attentive and patient with us. The menu has a variety that met our needs and everyone said the meal was great. The spinach dip was very good. Sis said the 3 way was tasty. Spouse liked the Baja tacos.
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, Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm with special pricing on select items including half-off appetizers and discounted drinks.
What specialty cocktails can I order at Rusty Bucket?
Rusty Bucket offers specialty cocktails such as the Cold Brew Martini, Pine Fin served in various styles, Draft Bucket Punch, Draft Margarita, and more, with a frequently updated cocktail menu.
Can Rusty Bucket accommodate large groups or private parties?
Yes, they offer private dining options seating 10 to 55 guests, including 4-season private patios. It's best to call your local Rusty Bucket to make arrangements.
Does Rusty Bucket provide patio seating?
Most locations offer patio seating, some with four-season availability. Contact your local Rusty Bucket for specific details.
Are reservations required at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
Reservations aren't required but recommended, especially later in the week. If online booking is unavailable, calling the restaurant is advised.
What are Rusty Bucket's hours of operation?
Rusty Bucket is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday until 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Where is Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern located?
Rusty Bucket is located at 400 Polaris Parkway, Westerville, OH 43082.
What parking options are available at Rusty Bucket?
Rusty Bucket offers free parking with a designated parking lot for customers.
What nearby cafes or coffee shops can I visit near Rusty Bucket?
Near Rusty Bucket, you can visit nearby places like Be Fit Cafe and Qargo Coffee, which offer excellent options for café beverages and smoothies before or after your meal.
Are there other dining options near Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern?
Yes, nearby dining options include El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant for Mexican cuisine, Chick'nCone for chicken dishes and fast food, and Chef Honda Restaurant for sushi.
What other services or facilities are near Rusty Bucket?
Nearby you will find services like Third Federal Savings & Loan for banking needs, Body Alive Polaris gym for fitness, and The LASIK Vision Institute for eye care, making it convenient to combine errands or activities with dining.