Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill

We dropped in here for a drink and an app to share on a cloudy day, but the people inside were warm and friendly. Great space on the water, great beer selection and had to try an oyster shooter!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was incredible. Nate went above and beyond. Excited to go back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came for the crab cakes and I was not disappointed. Definitely more crab than cake. Delicious to the last bite!!

I also had the oysters Rockefeller and the crab soup. The oysters were fresh and tasty and the crab soup was thick and creamy.

Everything was perfect and the service was so attentive from the minute we walked up to the door (someone was there to open the door) and our server Ryan took exception care of us by promptly greeting us and serving our food hot.

Definitely a great place to frequent!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Yesterday evening (October 24, 2025), my party surprised the staff riiiiight about the time the Friday dinner rush would’ve been in full swing with a mob of 16 ravenous grown men. The staff handled the surprise with unparalleled aplomb. We waited for a very brief time as they set up tables for us to sit together in their upstairs dining room. Service for our group was split in half, with one side of the table being served by Brianna F, and the other side by Taya M- both of whom provided EXCELLENT service. It should be noted that since we were upstairs, they were climbing up and down constantly to ensure that we were taken care of, and had whatever we needed. I particularly appreciate the level of service and the patience exhibited by Breanna as she continued to supply mayonnaise for me, as the minuscule amounts from the packets were quickly used up. Afterwards, as might be expected, we all discussed our enjoyment of the fare, and the consensus was that the food was absolutely spectacular. Our group is on an annual Men’s Discipleship Retreat, for which we come to the beach each October. Next year, I will certainly be encouraging the others to choose Rusty Hooks again, except that I’ll remind them to try and call ahead next time. Thank you to the entire staff at Rusty Hooks Dockside Grill! Your food, hospitality, and overall service were exceptional!

Friendly staff~perfect outdoor dining~best grilled chicken sandwich I ever had~

We had a party of 10 and the place we were going to go to was closed so we rushed to Rusty Hooks about an hour before closing, I felt so bad but the hostess was SO kind and very welcoming. We had a great waitress, I believe her name was Becca (hope I remembered correctly!) everyone was happy with their meal- I got the ribeye and it was cooked perfectly, extremely flavorful. The view is also gorgeous, we will definitely plan to go again during sunset.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is good. Folks are friendly. Live music on Sat is way too loud. Watched multiple tables request to be moved to get away from the noise. Take a hint.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 4

This is my first time ever in Oak Island and we decided to try this restaurant. Was not disappointed at all, every door I went through was held open by a staff member. Everyone was so respectful and super nice, the food was outrageously delicious and Ryan, our server, was top tier friendly and answered all questions we had. For sure will be coming back. Even the managers on duty were super nice and personable. Whole experience was 10/10!!
The jerk chicken tacos were really really good!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Truly amazing experience, food and vibes. Newer establishment and run very well by GM Brian and his crew 👍 get the Maryland crabcakes, soooooo good.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great staff, food, and nice selection of draft beer.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was outstanding. Crab cake was exceptional. Our waitress was handling tables and the bar and excellent. Appetizer that was not on menu castaways was amazing. Highly recommend this place!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was to expensive.The service was just okay.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 2

My wife and I have eaten here a dozen times or so over the last five years, always had a good experience. The food is high quality for casual dining. Tonight the initial dining was fine. Met a friend and his wife and enjoyed a nice sit down meal. When I went to the bar to order take out for the wife the problems started. I ordered the food and a beer. I asked for and paid the tab and left a generous tip of %25. For the next 30 minutes not only did I not see any food, but neither bartender offered to check or even made eye contact. The 18 year old who claimed to be the senior manager on site when I complained was no help at all. And even though I asked to be contacted the owners couldn't bother. Won't be going bacl or recommending this place to out of towners anymore!

My wife and I have eaten here a dozen times or so over the last five years, always had a good experience. The food is high quality for casual dining.

Tonight the initial dining was fine. Met a friend and his wife and enjoyed a nice sit down meal. When I went to the bar to order take out for the wife the problems started. I ordered the food and a beer. I asked for and paid the tab and left a generous tip of %25. For the next 30 minutes not only did I not see any food, but neither bartender offered to check or even made eye contact. The 18 year old who claimed to be the senior manager on site when I complained was no help at all. Won't be recommending this place to out of towners anymore!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Not many places to sit in the air conditioning and they are extremely overpriced. The service is fantastic, and they have plenty of seats available even though there's not that much parking. I guess the boaters take all the parking spots because there weren't many people in there but the parking lot was full. Lots of TVs for all sorts of different sporting events, and if the neighborhood was nicer they probably wouldn't have Trump flags hanging acrossed balconies nearby, but this is a rundown area. It's definitely a tourist trap, because the burgers are not Angus but they're like 20 bucks and it's $2 more for an extra piece of cheese. Whereas you can go almost anywhere else and get a $14 cheeseburger made of angus. So, I guess it's one of those places you learn about the hard way. The service is fantastic though, and when my burger came out raw they brought it back to the kitchen and put it back on the grill instead of making me a new one, because hamburger is so expensive I guess. That's just weird. But the server did make sure that I got new hot french fries when the burger came out.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5