Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern
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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
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.
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.
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.
Their Philly sandwich was delicious! Smothered in cheese and other goodness and filled me up.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
13 days ago
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
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
7 days ago
5 months ago
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
7 months ago
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
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
2 months ago
Their Philly sandwich was delicious! Smothered in cheese and other goodness and filled me up. read more
11 months ago
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
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
1 month ago
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
2 years ago
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
3 months ago
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
2 years ago
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
10 months ago
4 months ago
2 years ago
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
2 months ago
2 months ago
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
5 months ago
5 months ago
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
1 year ago
1 year ago
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
2 years ago
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
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
7 months ago
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9 months ago
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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More info about Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern
1130 W 86th St
Indianapolis, IN 46260
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(317) 566-3463
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http://www.myrustybucket.com
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![Yard House - Mac + Cheese]² - With white truffle, bacon, chicken, crimini, shiitake & oyster mushrooms, parmesan and panko cheddar crust.](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/SS3x9kWcMyOs7eu_plLudg/ls.jpg)
