Our experience at the Rusty Bucket was fantastic! Great service!! Our waiter gave us a free appetizer since it was our first time and the chicken fingers did not disappoint. The meatloaf was great as well. I'm usually anti-gravy on meatloaf but it added so much flavor. Love the cozy inside and decor. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Meatloaf - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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The service was great. The food was not. The bartenders did a terrific job. They were very friendly and they worked quickly. The place was packed on a Saturday night. There were almost no open tables or seats at the bar. I ordered the meatloaf (comes with mashed potatoes & gravy and green beans). I was hoping for something that tasted homemade, like Grandma's meatloaf, but this looked and tasted like a TV dinner that they cooked in a microwave. The mashed potatoes were too salty. read more

A family vibe restaurant, with lots of signs, posters throughout. There are also TVs so if you want to catch a game you can. I noticed a sign on the door that was about a regular customer who passed away and they were honoring their memory. So you know it's a family type of place where they like to get to know the customers. We made a reservation and got seated right away. Our waiter was great. He was polite, quick and we made sure to let him know that he is appreciated. We had chips and dip as our app. I had the fish and chips. They were a good portion. I had an Angry orchard hard cider, which I was happy to see on the menu. Our little one a cheeseburger and fries with lemonade. Overall, great place for a meal. I would recommend. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Menu - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Wow, it's been a year since my last visit. Today was dirty Tito's on the rocks which were outstanding along with a Sicilian pizza which surprised me and was very tasty. I would order this pizza again! Not bar cut but thin crust with more of a pie crust like NY but very thin. I do prefer a cracker crust or crunchy which this didn't have but the crust was good and the pizza had great flavor and consistency. Another 5 star. I do recommend this location for drinks and food. Especially during their generous happy hour read more

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Their Philly sandwich was delicious! Smothered in cheese and other goodness and filled me up. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Philly sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

The service and ambience is 5 stars! The food is ok. I walked in with 2 of my soccer players and we were greeted by a quick welcoming smile and cowboy music. Large menu with plenty of options. They can also make a gluten free option but I'd be cautious. I don't think their kitchen is setup to be "gluten free". The concierge at my hotel recommended this place and order the $2.50 brown bag beer special- order it's a special beer special for only $2.50 but you don't know what you are going to get. It's great for large groups. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Brown bag Beer special: order a beer for $2.50. It's a surprise - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It has been over ten years since my initial review of Rusty Bucket, a restaurant and tavern that looked somewhat different than my last dining experience here. I'm not sure if it actually is different - it just had a different and more comfortable vibe. I don't live on this side of town. So, to be honest, I've only been here a couple of times and one of those times was in their private room for a special meeting/gathering. As was true last time, it's easy to forget that Rusty Bucket is not really a local diner. It "feels" local, but it's actually a mini-chain that exists in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. It continues to be relatively small at 17 locations with the first having been in Dublin, OH in 2002. Today's visit was with a friend - I seem to frequently dine alone, so the opportunity to gather with someone else was very nice. We were both familiar with Rusty Bucket, though I believe she's a little more frequent. As this was Sunday at lunch, the crowd seemed partly post-church and partly enjoying a 3-day weekend and better than usual weather. The Rusty Bucket is located in a strip center with three other small businesses. Rusty Bucket is by far the largest. There's a curb cut at the corner of the sidewalk separating Rusty Bucket from the others. It's not the best done curb cut, but it works. There are two parking spots in the front row of parking closest to the Rusty Bucket, though technically they are not ADA compliant despite having the striped spot between them (as a wheelchair using driver I both appreciate these spots and always worry, because people have a tendency to disregard their purpose). The two-sided entryway is pretty workable. There's a hosting station, a bar in the center, and surrounding tables. There's a private room off to the left. There's a combo of traditional tables and wood booths. There's a warm vibe here. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, gluten-free options, vegetarian options, daily specials, and a full bar. It seem like the prices had increased significantly. I certainly wouldn't call them premium prices, however, if you're watching your budget tightly this is probably not your first option. After contemplating a few options, I went for the fish and chips with fries and a small cup of coleslaw. The fish here, haddock, was exceptional and a MUCH larger than expected serving. The coleslaw was fine, though I thought the serving size was a bit slight. The fries? Honestly, a bit disappointing and nothing remotely close to "chips." I would easily order it again, though there are other things I'd like to try here - I really wanted to try the meatloaf, though the traditional meatloaf sides are always a bit meh for me. My friend ordered the BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad and loved it. She loved the flavor combo and the serving size was terrific. I didn't catch our server's name. I left the paper receipt at the restaurant and the digital receipt doesn't have it. Suffice it to say he was terrific. I got multiple iced tea refills without asking and I appreciated that we weren't rushed through our meal. This was a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and it was nice to be able to catch up. This is also a restaurant where even the customers seemed friendly. One couple that came in looked at my fish-and-chips and thought "That looks really good." They both ended up ordering it. My lunch came in at just under $25 without tax or tip for fish-and-chips and my usual unsweetened iced tea. As I noted, I'm not frequently on this side of town. However, my church is at 77th and Meridian. I can easily see myself returning. I want to try a burger here along with their pizza and definitely that meatloaf. As an important note for someone like myself who does a lot of fundraising, Rusty Bucket is active in the community and supports several organizations. I'll also note that this is Indiana's only Rusty Bucket with Michigan having two and Ohio getting the rest so far. They have a weekday happy hour from 3-6pm and they do take reservations. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Fish and chips - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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My husband and I visited Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern for their limited-time "Big Popper" Burger, and I'm glad I did. This burger delivered on flavor with roasted jalapeño cheddar cheese, bacon, beer-battered fried jalapeños, and roasted garlic aioli. The combination hit the right notes for anyone who enjoys a kick of heat with their meal. The fries were tasty, and a beer always goes well with a burger. The service stood out. Our server was fast, friendly, and attentive without hovering. You could tell the staff knew how to keep things moving while still making you feel welcome. Don't let the name fool you. Rusty Bucket makes it sound like a dive bar. You won't find white tablecloths here, but you also won't find sticky tables or dim lighting. The atmosphere works well for a relaxed meal or drinks. If you're looking for a place with good food, reliable service and a comfortable setting, Rusty Bucket is worth checking out. Looking forward to our next visit, especially if they bring that burger around again.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ read more

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1.21.26 lunch with a friend, #NewToMePlace. Crowd was skewing older (all silver hair) when we got there, but it filled out with a more diverse clientele. (And it did get busy.) We started off in a booth on the side, but moved to the back because it was too cold with the front door, even though it is a double door system. Friend got the fish and chips, and I did the trio combo which was french onion soup, a salad and a half a club sandwich. I am both a french onion soup and Brendan fan, so was tempted to get the reuban, but the soup combo on a cold day won. The portions were great and it was really tasty. Service was very pleasant as well. #yum #ReviewsByRL read more

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Mostly good service. Drinks came out quick. Food was really good. Beef stroganoff was good as well at the pumpkin cream pie. The lemon drop is well balanced and pretty. It looks like a snowy wintery drink too. Not too busy on this Sunday night. Had to wait at the door a minute while the host was on the phone. Made reservations which isn't a bad idea since they are usually busy. read more

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One of very favorites!! Service is ALWAYS great & so is the food. We especially love going during happy hour for food specials!!

Fun atmosphere and good food! Wait staff was attentive but not overbearing. Simple easy food to enjoy before we headed out for the day.

They've got a new menu (with higher prices) since our last visit. But they still have great happy hour specials. We came for dinner either friends. There was a short wait for a table because they were packed. The dining room was hopping with a great Friday night energy. The bar was full. I had a Juicy Lucy with a half Double Nickel Salad. The Juicy Lucy was fabulous as ever and huge (I saved half). The Double Nickel Salad is delicious with bacon and blue cheese and packed with flavor. I also had a martini (of course) which were on special. My husband had the Pork Tenderloin with fries. Their Pork Tenderloin is just about perfect. Our server was fabulous, attentive, friendly. Service is always wonderful. Parking is tight so we parked in the boonies. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Juicy Lucy - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

We have been here both times that we've been in Indy for baseball tournaments. The food has been great each time! The fish sandwich was awesome the first time and this time I had the beef stroganoff, which was great! My son said the burger/Caesar salad was good, as was the pizza! read more

This place is awesome! I have been here a few times always and always have great service and even better food! I have a had a few dishes from here and never had a complaint! Their Crock of Chili is amazing, and I'd recommend getting all of the fixings on it to doctor it on up. The Beef Stroganoff is delightful, super hearty and filling and has wonderful flavor! The Double Quesadilla is good, but it was lacking a bit of flavor in my opinion. Overall, this place is great and it's one of the few places that I have made it a goal of mine to try the entire menu! read more

My wife and I had dinner at the Rusty Bucket this evening. To begin with, our waitress lived up to her name - Precious. She answered all our questions and provided some suggestions on the menu. Since we were seated just before 6:00 she informed us of the happy hour specials Mon-Fri from 3:00-6:00. All pizzas are $12, 1/2 off apps, $7 juicy Lucy burger and $1 off beer, wine and well drinks. I selected the Sicilian pizza topped with Italian sausage, ezzo pepperoni, tavern ham, peppers and caramelized onion. The crust was crisp and the toppings were generous. It was large enough that my left overs will provide dinner tomorrow night. My wife chose the fish and chips - Pilsner battered cold water haddock served with Cole slaw, seasoned fries and tartar sauce. Her meal was a hit too. We used to hit up the Rusty Bucket when we lived closer, but since we've moved it has been off our radar. Tonight's experience has reminded us what a great casual place this is, good food in a comfortable setting with a very hard working serving staff. We will be returning again very soon. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Sicilian pizza - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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We have grown to really enjoy the Rusty Bucket on a weekly basis. We have never had a bad meal, have greatly enjoyed the service that we have received, have benefited from their daily happy hour and specials, and have found new food favorites that just are not as good anywhere else. This evening, we went and enjoyed the service provided by Tyree. As he has proven time and time again, he did not disappoint. If you are looking for a family friendly eat and drink establishment that offers a tremendous amount of quality, comfort, and an environment that blocks the concerns of the outside world, the Rusty Bucket is your must-go local eatery. read more

A hidden gem! If you're looking for a cozy, welcoming place to watch the game and enjoy incredible food, Rusty Bucket is it! We had such a great time, and every single thing we ordered was amazing. We started with Bloody Mary's--perfectly mixed and tailored to our spice preferences: medium spicy for my husband, and stupid spicy for me (and it was a hit!). The nachos? Absolutely next level. These aren't your average nachos--they're hands down the best we've ever had, loaded with layers of cheesy, flavorful goodness. The French Onion Soup was rich, savory, and packed with comfort--total perfection. The blackened salmon with shaved fennel and Brussels was perfectly cooked, bursting with flavor, and beautifully balanced. And the pilsner-battered chicken fingers? "BEST CHICKEN FINGERS OF MY LIFE!" (yes, those are my husbands exact words). Crispy, juicy, and unforgettable. We finished with the pumpkin pie cheesecake, and it was the ultimate showstopper--a decadent, seasonal treat that stole the show. From start to finish, everything about Rusty Bucket was a win. We can't wait to go back! read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Great food, great vibe, relaxing atmosphere. Food is pricey but delicious. Love the pickle spears as an appetizer. Worth the visit for the food. read more

Grabbed a couple of pastas as a carryout order - the food was done quickly and the staff was super friendly. Also, decent portion sizes. One star down because both dishes were very salty. read more

What a gem. I've been at least 10 times & service and food never disappoint. Such a varied menu can mean that no one thing stands out, but not so at the Bucket. Burgers, pizza, dinner salads, fish...everything is great read more

The food and services was both great the ambience was off because of the kids it looked more like a bar and that was it

The beef stroganoff was DELICIOUS! The service was friendly from all we interacted with and the prices were very fair. There's a large bar in the middle, surrounded by hi-top tables and booths. I look forward to coming back, next time I'm in the area. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Beef Stroganoff - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

It was my friends birthday and she requested to eat here. It was my first visit, and they were super busy on a Thursday night. We had a bit of a wait. It cleared out after their happy hour ended (which went til 6). The server we had was awesome. He was willing to answer questions and provide recommendations. Since it was her birthday he ever offered her a free dessert. My sandwich was great. Full of meat and plenty for 2 meals. I would come back here again read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Ruben - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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This is my first time to this restaurant and I'm so glad I went. The service was impeccable. The food was delicious. I definitely will be returning to this restaurant when I come to Indiana. Great job to the staff. read more

Went to this restaurant because the original restaurant I was planning to go to had a wait and I didn't feel like waiting. I'm so glad I came here because it was sooo good. I got pizza which was very tasty and delicious. I got nachos as an appetizer which were good as well. Service was good and fast. Ambiance is nice as well! Highly recommend! The only thing I will say is, I wish they had more options on the menu. read more

The food is always better than before this trip to the Bucket! The service has always been on top! read more

This place is easily one of my favorite places to eat. The chicken parmesan is some of the best I've ever had. Services is always attentive and nice. Awesome atmosphere and laid back vibe. read more

First visit, but won't be our last. Great personable service from Levi, hot delicious food, and cozy neighborhood pub atmosphere made our experience special. read more

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First time here, and I came on a Sunday. We were seated roughly by the TV speaker, so it was extra loud. We asked them to turn it down a little, and they did. The onion soup was good and not very salty. My friend ordered the fish sandwich, which was overcooked and tasted like fried food oil mix with other tastes. So they use that same oil for everything. She sent it back and just ate the fries. Would I come back probably not unless they asked me to meet them here again. The service was great and our waiter was really nice. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Onion soup - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Super cute place. Has a UK pub vibe. Food and service great. Something for everyone here.

I haven't been to the Rusty bucket in a long time however it was my friends birthday and it was the perfect spot between where I lived and where she lived. One thing you'll notice about the Rusty Bucket is that the demographic is much older. It is definitely a neighborhood restaurants and their customers has patroniged this restaurant for many years. For my visit today we had pizza plus habanero wings and it was Tuesday so we indulged in a bottle of wine that was half price The pizza was okay a little cold and probably could have used a little bit more cheese. The wings were amazing perfectly fried great flavor and nice and hot. Service was amazing our waitress was very sweet and attentive without being overbearing. I would definitely return even if I am one of the youngest people in the room. read more

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The Rusty Bucket might sound like just another neighborhood dive, but don't let the name fool you--this place is anything but rusty when it comes to food. The chicken parmesan is some of the best around, full of flavor. It's a great lunch spot with daily specials. This place is serving up way more than you'd expect. read more

I met up a couple friends for lunch on a Monday afternoon (my first time here). The place opens at 11:30 so it wasn't too busy but the tables were filling up as it was getting close to lunch time. The customer service was great and our waiter was very friendly and nice. I ordered the BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad, which was about a 8/10 for me. I liked that the lettuce pieces weren't huge like some salads you get at restaurants and the dressings were a great combination. It was full of healthy ingredients, but the price ($15) seemed a little high for a salad. If I go back in the future, I would like to order something different like a burger and fries. Overall, I would recommend this place but I would need to try it again. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - BBQ Chopped Chicken Salad - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Although the name makes it sound like a college bar, this really is a family place at dinner time, and it is a great choice for lunch during the work day. They also have a small private room that seats about 10. We were a group of four on a Saturday night. Hadn't seen one another for a while, so we were there for nearly 3 hours. Our server was very kind and took good care of us. We started with the spinach con queso, which was a perfect shareable appetizer because it comes on a tray with lots of salty chips. We were chatting so much I'm not sure what anyone else had, but my blackened salmon salad was fabulous! It was listed under salads but the salmon actually came on the side of the salad. The salad itself had strawberries in it and dressing already on it. Salmon was cooked perfectly exactly as I requested. Laurie took good care of us, easily handling separate checks right at the table. read more

Such a great "local" spot! Great for families but also a cool bar setting as well! Food was awesome! Menu has something for everyone and the service was refreshingly good! So hard to find these days! read more

Friday evening we didn't have reservations but we were seated right away service was just ok, I understand they were busy but our waiter took our order left and when our food came he brought it and we didn't see him again, again I realize it was busy so it was ok. The food was just ok. read more

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Lots of love for The Bucket I've been to Rusty Bucket a few times for lunch with work colleagues. It definitely has a tavern feel. A little dark, a lot cozy. The service is always top notch. Fast and friendly. The food is your standard bar food. Burgers and fries, sandwiches, and salads. Everything we've had is delicious. If you're looking for a cozy spot to grab a sandwich and a beer, the Rusty Bucket is the place to be. read more

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We stopped in for a small bite due to time constraints and I was blown away by service! Our server, Brandon and Assistant Manager, Steven took great care of us and were very attentive to their guest. It was a pretty busy lunch rush but the staff did a great job - we left planning to come back! We had the Sirloin Chili, which came with tortilla chips that were a perfect addition and the Double Nickel - no complaints! The bar reminded us of the show Cheers, it's a bar but has a large sitting area that is family friendly. A bit dim lit but that makes sense with the bar setting. read more

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Food is good. Services was helpful and thorough. Inside the noise level is not a factor which is helpful when wanting to chat at the table. read more

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern - Cheese steak and sweet potato fries - Pubs Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana