Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern

Extremely efficient service and great atmosphere. Good happy hour selection on food and drinks.

Our waitress seemed rushed, and the restaurant was basically empty. She stopped at our table infrequently to see if we needed anything and then took forever to deliver the items to our table. She was polite just not very attentive.

We stopped by this gem of a restaurant after the OSU spring game, and what a fantastic choice it turned out to be! Three of us ordered the Trio and one went for the Club Sandwich with fries. Every single dish was spot-on—hot, fresh, and absolutely delicious! The nickel salads that came with the Trio were hearty and perfectly dressed, and the tomato basil soup was hands down the best I've ever tasted. It was so flavorful and comforting that we couldn't resist finishing it off, leaving the sandwiches untouched (we ended up taking them to go). The service was another highlight of our visit. Our waitress, Olivia, provided exceptional service—she was attentive, friendly, and made us feel right at home. It was clear she cared about making our experience memorable. Overall, we couldn't have been more impressed, and we're already looking forward to coming back.

Fantastic experience - had a rather large group of families post High School lacrosse event. They catered to our every need, we're super attentive, had no issues splitting checks, and nailed the food and the bills. Oh, and the food rocks!

We both enjoyed our lunch and we eat there about 6-8 times a year. My favorite is their fish and chips.

A few of us came for lunch after a work meeting. I'd say everyone enjoyed the food as everyone cleaned their plates. I got wings and Mac & cheese. I loved LOVED the wings because the skin was crunchy! I hate wings with slimy, skin. Their wings were decent size and crunchy, great flavor. Service was great, food came quick. Over all great service, food, and I enjoyed trivia on the monitors.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very disappointed! I ordered a hamburger meal well done and when my food came to me and I took a bite out of my hamburger it was raw! Although I ordered through door dash it is still the restaurants responsibility to make sure the food is well cooked and correct and last time I checked raw food will make you sick as I have been nauseated after eating a piece before I realized my hamburger was pink! Then when I called the manager was unsympathetic and it wasn't until I talked about the health department did he offer a gift card and to tell the chef to watch how he cooks the meat! I paid $20 plus for one meal and this is how you treat customers??? Horrible customer service and under cooked food! Will be reporting this place and not ordering from here again! Atleast not this location!

Wonderful atmosphere and great service. The food is awesome and decently priced!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A really fun restaurant with great food. The beef stroganoff is incredible.
(I'm only giving atmosphere 4 stars because I'm not a fan of sports.)

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Beef Stroganoff

Best burgher I've ever had

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great food spot to visit before then Friday night football games. The food and drinks are great and the service is good

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Club Sandwich, French Fries, Beer Cheese Burger

Great fish and chips.waitress was terrific.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Nachos, Fish 'N Chips

The Rusty Bucket in New Albany, Ohio, is a charming establishment that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a menu full of decent food options. My recent visit to this restaurant provided a pleasant dining experience, characterized by a welcoming ambiance and a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes.

As soon as I walked into The Rusty Bucket, I was struck by the rustic yet modern decor. The warm lighting, wooden accents, and comfortable seating created an inviting environment that made me feel right at home. The space is spacious enough to accommodate families, groups of friends, and couples looking for a casual dining experience. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day or gather with friends for a relaxed meal.

The atmosphere at The Rusty Bucket is lively and vibrant, with a mix of upbeat music and the chatter of fellow diners. There’s a sense of community here, and it’s clear that many patrons are regulars who appreciate the laid-back vibe. The restaurant also features an outdoor patio area, which is perfect for enjoying a meal on a warm day or evening, enhancing the overall dining experience.

When it came to the menu, I found a wide selection of options, ranging from appetizers and salads to sandwiches and hearty entrees. I started my meal with the Bucket Nachos, which came highly recommended by our server. The nachos were generously topped with cheese, jalapeños, and a house-made queso sauce, along with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa. While the presentation was appealing, the flavors were somewhat average. The nachos were good, but I felt they could have benefited from a bit more seasoning or a unique twist to set them apart from typical bar fare.

For my main course, I decided to try the Rusty Bucket Burger, a classic choice that seemed like a safe bet. The burger was cooked to my requested medium and served on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. While the burger was decent and satisfying, it didn’t quite stand out as exceptional. The patty was juicy, but the overall flavor was somewhat muted. I opted to add bacon and cheese, which enhanced the experience, but I would have loved to see more creative toppings or sauces to elevate the dish.

My dining companion chose the Chicken Caesar Salad, which was a generous portion of romaine lettuce topped with grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. This dish was fresh and well-executed, and my companion enjoyed it thoroughly. It’s clear that The Rusty Bucket takes pride in using quality ingredients, and the salad was a testament to that.

The drink menu offered a solid selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, which complemented the meal nicely. I opted for a local craft beer, and it was refreshing and well-paired with my meal. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, ready to recommend options based on personal preferences.

Service at The Rusty Bucket was attentive and friendly. Our server was prompt in taking our order and was quick to check in on us throughout the meal, ensuring we had everything we needed. The staff seemed genuinely invested in providing a positive experience, which added to the overall enjoyment of our visit.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist trying the Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, which is a signature item at The Rusty Bucket. Served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream, this dessert was a delightful treat that hit the spot. The cookie was gooey and rich, providing a satisfying end to our meal.

In conclusion, The Rusty Bucket in New Albany, Ohio, offers a good atmosphere and decent food that is perfect for casual dining. While some dishes may not be exceptionally memorable, the overall experience is enjoyable, thanks to the welcoming environment and attentive service. It’s a place where you can relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy a meal without the pressure of fine dining. I l

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 3

Recommended dishes: Buffalo Chicken, Blackened Salmon Salad, Reuben, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich

Here's some advice. Don't give my online order to someone else, and then when I show up have your hostess shrug and say "there's nothing I can do." That's why you ask people for a text message or something that shows it's actually their order. Apparently this place is too lazy or simple-minded to bother

Kitchen was a little slow for the restaurant not being busy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4