Rusty's Surf & Turf

***Holiday Dinning Open and welcoming customers***KEEP READING REVIEW***
Wanted to specify that went during the off season specifically on Friday December 19th 2025 which have in place a special limited holiday menu. Long review as wanted to cover every aspect of the visit and not just a side note.
There is a special holiday menu in place that just came out and it is mentioned on their Facebook page, will keep evolving. It is a small menu with appetizers, soups, salads and grilled cheese sandwiches plus holidays drinks.
Lets dig in....
Had a French Onion Soup which was hot and delicious. Lots of onions (if you love onions try it), bread was crunchy and the cheese melted so perfectly. Was followed by an appetizer choice, Meatballs in a bourbon glaze that were really good. Just the right amount, have a crispy element to it and the sauce was savory, very sweet and tangy. Then came the Carolina BBQ Grilled Cheese. In my opinion this was the best bbq sandwich I ever had. The flavor of the ingredients complemented each other so well and harmoniously, it was absolutely delicious. Next is the Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese which was good, not too crazy about this one. In my opinion needed more pecans to add more crunchiness and a sweeter kind of fig jam to accentuate more the sweet flavor as it didn't came thru as much. But it was a good twist on grilled chesse sandwiches. Kind of unexpexted but a nice choice for the holidays. The crispness was perfect on both. All food was freshly made, nicely presented and well paired ingredients and flavors. Compliments to the person creating these dishes.
The drinks were a Ms. Claus Winter Cosmo which was on point; loved the sugary rim. Next was The Ginger Bread Old Fashion which was very well presented and the ginger cookie added such a beautiful touch.
Service was quick and staff was amazing, friendly and gave this cozy warm feeling of a small coastal town. The owner Rusty came out to talk to the customers about their dining experience, the menu and other conversations which added to the small town welcoming feeling.
Overall it was a very nice experience. It was a pleasant evening, quite and the decor for the holidays was elegant and beautiful with just the right touches.
Also would feel terrible not mentioning the small igloo outside (forgot to take a pic) for a more intimate dining for up to 4 people. Didn't experience it but looking forward to come back and enjoy a quite intimate dinner soon. Highly recommended 👌!
Regular menu is as delicious. Come back to experience that one as well. I know I will be absolutely undeniably back for it. But if you are in town during the off season stop by they are open even though Google says otherwise. Suport this great restaurant to keep them in business. You will not regret it. 100% recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place! A cool vibe with a fresh creative menu. Food was excellent, service was great, and we will definitely be back. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We went here because it was dog friendly and my daughter's dog is named Rusty. It is dog friendly in that you can have your dogs sit with you on the deck outside, obviously only in the warm times. Beware! Bring bug spray, but anyone familiar with Buxton knows about the aggressive and pesky mosquitos which are relentless.
The food was good and service was friendly. We were glad to find it open, as the past couple of years it was closed every time we set out to eat there. The costvis high, paying over $300 with the tip for four people. Alcoholic drinks like beer and wine can really jack up a price, but everything is expensive on the Ourt Banks. Get used to it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Delicious food and wonderful staff!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Red Drum, Coconut Shrimp

The food was excellent the atmosphere very nice we were disappointed that menu had changed slightly from our last visit but overall everything was extremely good 👍

Tasty!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent food and service. The coconut crusted mahi appetizer was amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Gracious people, excellent food and one of the best cocktails I’ve had all year (Campfire). Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back next year!

This place is phenomenal!! We came without a reservation. 10 people and 4 dogs. Without blinking our server sat us and Rusty greeted us!!! Some of the best food and service we have had! So happy we finally got the chance to eat here! We will be back!!

Rusty’s is an amazing place to eat in the outer banks. Belinda was a beautiful soul that took care Of us tonight. Enjoyed talking with her very much. Food was amazing. We had our son and family with us this year and one of our grandsons Adain who is 10. He picked your restaurant out was looking
Forward to coming there all week. He
gives you a 10 out of five stars. I would
have to agree.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Rusty’s was the best restaurant I’ve ever had. I went with my dad and grandparents. Belinda was our waitress and she was very nice. My name is Aidan and I am 10 years old

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Linguine

This place is a solid win! From decorations, cleanliness, service, food, all 5 stars! The only setback for me, some repairs are needed. The popcorn ceiling looks like it needs some repairs. Almost looks as if it could fall as any moment. Aside from that, service was amazing! The food, even better! We had the fried green tomatoes, fried feta, and steak fries (I am gluten-free). From there, entrees were the swordfish, shrimp and grits (spicy), and wings. Portions were good for the price. We had some cocktails and I highly recommend dessert. We had the flourless chocolate torte and creme Brule!

This is a must stop if you're in the area!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is always excellent. Wait person was extraordinary.
Highly recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits

My husband and I went this evening for dinner for the first time after my daughter kept begging us to try it. Absolutely amazing everything, the staff, food, atmosphere. I have nothing negative to say. We had the calamari for appetizer, my husband had the dinner special (roast duck), and I had the lomo saltado, chef's kiss...

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Everything was great! Our first time here (but not visiting OBX/Hatteras Island) but it will be on our top spot list!