Stayed at the Hyatt right next door (which sucked) but the rusty rudder was right next door. This place is great. Came here for drinks during the day and the bartender Phil was incredible. He served us refreshing drinks and gave us the in and outs of the town with a smile. We came here the next night for dinner and everything was great. Post freak hail storm- we got a dry table next to the bay and we're greeted by a friendly server who answered our questions about the menu authentically. Food came orderly and was delicious. While we ate they had a live singer setting an even better mood for the night. Would definitely come back to this place. read more

Poor. Poor. We had an "okay" dinner. We had a friend along who was 20 years old and didn't drink a drop. An older gentleman bought a drink for an older woman in our party ( much older) and then proceeded to make inappropriate advances at the 20 year old. Told us it was okay because he spent money on us. When we told the staff.( including the manager) we were encouraged/ forced to leave due to "she is too young to be here." When she had been there for hours. So the inappropriate sexual advances were okay.. but a 20 year old sitting and eating wasn't.. who didn't ask for attention from anyone? LEAVING IN TEARS, SOBBING!! POOR MANAGEMENT, bad atmosphere, and morals. Thanks for nothing. read more

Rating for drinks and atmosphere (we did not eat here). Definitely a bar that gets rowdy on the outdoor deck at night. Live music and if that wasn't on they had a great playlist going as well. Super fun place that overlooks the bay (great views around sunset when we went). The bar tending staff was friendly and we had an orange crush that was tasty (not our #1 Crush of the weekend but so far considered #2). I would recommend going here for drinks and sitting on the outdoor deck if you want to party a little on your trip at Dewey read more

Fun bar but trash boy was definitely underage and intoxicated. He used a homophobic slur to one of my friends and was yelling at multiple other people for simply walking out of the bar. Also, earlier in the night saw him break the arm to the parking gate. read more

This place is the most inhumane place I have been to . I was there at the front steps to dust the sand off my feet an innocently sat on the steps to wipe the sand off my feet after an event on Saturday 5/27 waiting to enter the establishment when I was approached y an angry bouncer overweight woman who was power hungry and nastily told me to leave now. I was just sitting for 15 seconds and she was verbally assaulted me I'm only 5feet 0ne inches and 64 years old waiting to enter after an event after a big party. I will never go there again to be treated with such disrespect read more

DO NOT GO HERE. If I could give this place no stars, I would. This is one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had. Family ordered the fish tacos, rockfish, the burger and the penne and All of the food was virtually inedible. It takes real talent mess up a burger that badly. The service was also abysmal. We saw our waitress a grand total of 3 times and there wasn't anyone there. Hindsight being 20/20, It should have been a hint that no one was in the dining room with the exception of one other family. Lastly, my boyfriends mother went to ladies room, and she sees a PHONE pop under the stalls to video tape her on the toilet. When she yelled at the other stall, the girl just pretended she wasn't in there. That's unacceptable anywhere. TLDR: Food is gross, service is terrible, and the atmosphere was gross. read more

What would you do if an establishment pushes a young woman, mother of 2, down on the ground? A group of 8 unqualified bouncers surrounded an innocent lady last night, pushed her down then laughs. Not one person assisted her. The worst part is, the so called "owner" was right there and didn't do anything but instigated the situation more. It's a female!!!!! No wonder the staff acted like that. Absolutely unacceptable and unethical. Luckily she wasn't severly injured. Btw, it was 2 couples who went for a drink. We're all over 30. They treated the situation like we were in a bar fight. We we're out with our significant other having a cocktail. This place is a joke. read more

Disappointing. We were going to eat dinner there but after trying to get service for a drink and appetizer we were completely ignored by bartender. This used to be our favorite place in Dewey with great seafood on menu but after looking at menu there's not many options available. Due to bad service we wont be going back. read more

Worst service I've ever had in my eniter life sat at table 3 right by the entrance took about 15 min for the server to come by and she was rude. Ordered apps and drinks never saw her again.. we had every intention of staying and ordering more but never had the chance. We were jungry and had to find somewhere else to eat. We asked for the manager about 4 times took her 20 min to come down from the office to do nothing. End of story save your money and go elsewhere read more

Unless Mc Donalds is closed, avoid this place for take-out seafood. Fried shrimp and chips were awful. Overcooked, way too breaded, cold, and the smell of old fry oil lingered in my car for a day. Never again. read more

The only reason I give this location stars is because of the atmosphere/location. It's great to sit on the deck and see the bay. However, the service is terrible and the food is just okay. The crab dip is good but that's about it. It's very expensive and the waitresses are all little brats who get mad if you don't order entrees. They also refuse to move umbrellas if you are under the hot sun. Maybe if they had better staff it would be a more successful restaurant. read more

Rusty Rudder - Crab dip (they give you about 5 chips with it) - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

My family has been coming here since I was a kid, and unfortunately it has taken a drastic turn for the worse. I remember this restaurant being a cozy, classy establishment, with attentive service. The dining experience now is a few notches above McDonald's, but at a ridiculously high price point for the quality. I brought my wife and kids here to show them what I thought would be an amazing experience, but once there I was embarrassed to have recommended it. The food was ok, but way overpriced. The crab cakes were decent, but the crab cake sandwich was little more than a crab patty on store bought bun. It came out with a cheap off-brand bag of plain potato chips, and a plastic tray of cole slaw. "Upgrading" to fries was extra. This plate cost $18.50. There is a single crab cake on the kids menu for ~$20. The blackened salmon was the only item that I felt was a reasonable price, though the serving size was still fairly small. The dining ambience was also completely casual, extremely bright and loud given that they had powerful industrial fans in the dining rooms to counteract the hot air from outside, as all the doors and windows were open. There was a band playing which was nice, but again, it was loud. The amount of single-use plastic at this restaurant was ridiculous. While they tout a straws-on-request policy, which we complemented them on, apparently they haven't internalized the motivation for the policy, as it doesn't seem to apply to alcoholic mixed drinks, which all came with straws. When we mentioned it to the server he basically shrugged it off. Almost every side came in a disposable black plastic dish. All the non alcoholic drinks came in disposable plastic cups, including water, and they brought out more cups instead of refilling the existing ones when we finished our drinks. Oof. I would expect this at a fast food restaurant, but this is a large establishment serving sea food, and they should really be more self-aware when it comes to the affect of single use plastic on the oceans. I give it +1 star for the location, and the quality of the food. read more

I've been coming here for years and it was my absolute favorite spot to chill after a great day in Dewey Beach. I have been aching to get back there this summer but due to Covid haven't been going to the beach as often. I called ahead to try and make a reservation (they don't take reservations--fair enough) and ask about covid precautions to keep visitors safe. I was told that tables are set a distance apart (wonderful!!) and that all staff would be wearing masks (excellent!!). They stated over the phone that they have customers wear masks while walking around but not required at your table (also, fair and safe!). I am a nurse so I understand transmission and safety precautions well. If I can wear an N95 and full covid gear for 12.5 hours a day at work, I guarantee the staff can wear a mask while at work too. Now on to the reality of the evening--covid precautions half-assed. We waited almost 2 hours for a table which was not a problem, but I wish we could have made a reservation since there are less tables/space now due to distancing precautions. This would have helped with the tightly packed crowd at the hostess stand. The woman taking names had a mask around her chin (not wearing it) and you had to get closer than 6 feet to speak with her due to it being noisy. The latest you can order from the regular menu is 9pm and we barely made it in time to order. The hostess should have been wearing a mask as she was coming in close contact with so many guests. Our waiter had a mask around his neck but again, was not actually wearing it. He sat across from us at our table to take our order--too close for comfort when he wasn't wearing a mask (we were wearing ours). Many people walking around both guests and waitstaff without masks on. No enforcement at all. I hope that enforcement of covid precautions increases at this restaurant because it was an unsafe experience. If staff won't wear a mask to keep me safe, how do I know they're washing their hands to keep me safe behind the scenes? How do I know that the food prep is safe? I have to assume no one cares if you can't publicly show me you care. The food was delicious, drinks tasty, live music rockin' as always. Beautiful sunset and festive scene. But I will not return until safety is a priority and I encourage you to find another place to take your business as well. read more

Stopped in for lunch during the summer; great food awesome views of the bay at sunset. Plenty of on-site Parkin

I am not a judgemental person and give people benefit of a doubt. If you come here to celebrate, don't. Especially if you're not white. One tall bartender ignored me for 20 minutes while making eye contact and serving all the white people around me. I assumed, "Yeah I'm not that hot so it's cool. I'll wait." White friend jumps next to me and is served in 40 seconds. I gave him the benefit of a doubt. But an hour later after two of my friends were separated from us, they returned irritated after having to wait 20 minutes around this guy to never be served. They are black. We were all quite sober so it's not that we were being obnoxious. After my two gazelle friends were ignored for that long I can only assume it must not be a height thing, attractiveness thing, or busy factor. Celebrate anywhere else. Not worth it. And to the theoretically racist bartender serving at the end of the bar by the dance floor, I really hope you can sort through your issues and have faith in other races, having a little less animosity adds a couple years to your life. Cheers! read more

Really enjoyed the view at this restaurant. We went here to celebrate my girl's birthday party over the summer. There were a few bachelor and bachelorette parties going on, as well as a performance from Split Decision. I had a really great time here. They turn the outdoor seating area into the dance floor so there's lot of room to hang around and talk or get your dance on. Service was good; I never had a problem getting a drink! The bathroom was clean and we didn't have to wait too long. They don't have a great wine or beer selection, but I'm picky about what I drink. I don't typically hang out places like the Rusty Rudder, but I had a great time with my friends and wouldn't mind returning next summer. Don't drive home drunk please. Call a taxi. read more

We dropped in for an adults night out and had a wonderful time. We had the option of indoor seating with a buffet option or outdoor seating with only the menu option but a live band. We chose outside and don't regret it! The band was fun, the water front seating was fabulous, and we didn't have to wait long for a table. I ordered the flat iron steak which was AMAZING! the French fries were crispy and yum. My friends ordered the fried and broiled seafood platters and enjoyed them... large quantities. We had a sample of the mixed drinks. The Pina colada was yum although I was surprised to have it come with whip cream. My girlfriend ordered a salted margarita which was great and the guys ordered CaptainCrush. Also yum. We would recommend without reservation! Would come again!! read more

Rusty Rudder - Pina Colada! - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Very good food with a great atmosphere; loved the reggae music. The menu is straightforward. I enjoyed the steam shrimp and the fish tacos were very good. The sunset is beautiful from the deck. I highly recommend going by and checking it out read more

Wow.... sorry to say this restaurant has went down hill from the prior years and the wonderfully delicious memories we've had on those prior beach vacation trips. No more seafood buffet. The menu that's remaining is nothing impressive, however thought we'd give it a go because we were here.... very poor decision on our part. We asked to wipe the table, the waiter handed us the rag and spray to do it ourselves. Rubbery seafood in the steamer pot. The raw tuna wasn't fresh tasting. There was a dead fly on my child's applesauce. Grilled rockfish wasn't fresh. Fries combo seafood plate way overdone. Folks... just don't do it. Don't. read more

Extremely expensive; mediocre food and service. I am sad about Rusty Rudder. We have a house in Dewey so I have been coming here for about 20 years since I was a kid and I have fond memories, but the place has changed. Many already commented on the seafood buffet being discontinued. Well they also changed their menu which included a MAJOR price hike. I am a parent of small kids now and this is no longer a place that is in our price range, which is sad. We used to come here in a big group - my family drives in from Chicago every year to spend two weeks in Dewey/Rehoboth - and we would all meet up here after our various activities to sit out on the deck, order a bunch of appetizers and drinks and listen to the Island Boys. Whoever got here first would grab two tables. We would watch the sunset and enjoy a lovely end to a long, fun-filled day at the beach. That is no longer possible. First of all, no more Island Boys. They have never had a better band, and the Island Boys were the best thing about this place. To add on to that, this time they told us they would not seat us until everyone had arrived so we had to wait until the last stragglers from our group showed up. Of course, now that means waiting with my three hungry kids. There were plenty of open tables... Two stars because the sand is still right there so they could be entertained playing in the sand by the bay, but still... also now that I have kids I realize how awful it is to have people smoking. YES apparently they allow smoking. One of my kids used to have a trach and has respiratory problems... Ugh! Like I said, the new menu is unacceptably pricey for a casual dinner out with a big group. With these prices, this place is now in special occasion, solo date without kids territory. Kid's menu items don't come with drinks, etc... I'm sure it's not their fault. Places have to make money... Finally, the service is pretty terrible. It is hard to get the waiter's attention. They all seem like high school kids who don't take the gig seriously. Maybe that was a cost saving move too... who knows. All in all, now that I have experienced the new Rusty Rudder, my family will have to find a new go-to spot for our summer evenings in Dewey. :( read more

Thank god they are still open during covid. absolute great place for sun set. Aside from the atmosphere which was truly fantastic, the food and drink was disappointing. Do not Order the nachos. They lack any cheese or creativity. Simply food is bad; come here for a sunset and stick to a Budweiser. read more

Lousy service empty tables but cant seat you because they don't have staff told would wait 20 minutes before a waiter would get to you Go elsewhere read more

Came here for two nightly concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest. The venue was not that large and located right along Dewey Beach, which is a plus during the summer months. the seating was comprised of banquet chairs with signs located on ones at each end to locate your correct seats. The venue was converted to a concert venue due to construction of the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, which usually houses the main concerts. All in all the venue was okay and it seemed that every seat was a good view. They also had two large screens to view the concerts. The acoustics were okay as well. read more

Rusty Rudder - Beach area outside the venue - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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Hostess was unwelcoming, literally said nothing to us (but glared) and unaccommodating for our autistic son. We actually didn't even eat here because of that and the very loud outdoor band. Our son couldn't handle that loud noise and either could we!! They were completely unwilling to help us. We couldn't even hear one another. Disappointing and wouldn't recommend. read more

Staying next door stopped in for lunch, place is empty, 3 bartenders all too busy talking or eating to acknowledge me, terrible service, no wonder the ratings are terrible....managment not responsive read more

Came for buffet which is $34 for adults. They have an array of items to choose from but that is still a lot $$ for buffet. Food is soso. They do have great location on the water so good views and extensive outdoor seating for those who want to watch sunset. They have renovated so seating is nicer and restrooms are modern.but parking can be painful. They do have cops checking the area a lot. busy area on the weekends. read more

3 stars strictly on food... 0.5 for the nonexistent service. All the tables around us were complaining by the time we finally got our check. The waitress was freaking out and an older white woman went to one of the table unattended tables and said she didnt normally do it, but took their order since they were giving her their order. Ummmm, so why would you go to the table then? are you the person who cleans the bathroom and is not qualified to take an order? It's called following through on customer service, you aren't doing anyone any favors.. Just do your job. Skipped out on dessert cuz we couldn't stand the wait any longer. They are losing money by lacking on service. The crabcake dip was delicious. The bread bowl it came with was warm, crisp, fresh and soooo good. Great crabcakes too! read more

Rusty Rudder - Great crab dip in bread bowl - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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My friends and I stopped here for happy hour and we loved it! The bartenders were super friendly and they had great appetizers to munch on while you sip on the cocktail of your choice! They also have live music making it a great spot to go for just a drink or a meal with the family! read more

Went expecting beach food basics but was disappointed by the quality and flavor of everything we got. The nachos were bland and lacked enough sauce or queso. The dip trio was extremely bland and had limited chips, it was more if a veggie platter. After barely trying a bite of the trio we asked our waitress if we could exchange it and she said we would still have to pay for it. The chicken tenders and fish and chips were good but not amazing. Definitely don't recommend especially it not being cheap. read more

I've been a customer for the past 4 summers. Loved the food, the drinks and the view. I'm not sure what changed, but today's experience was not what I expect it. I went to have a dinner with my family,but half of my party wasn't present. I asked specifically not to be seated to the speakers. The host said no problem, as the whole party arrived guess where they tried to seat us. I understand it was busy, and I said I can wait for a table. Another big table open, but apperantly it was for 8 people not 5(same size table they tried to sit us first). I'm disappointed way too disappointed. They won't lost the business from one review, but a note to the managment - Train your staff better,because you will lose more than me and my family! read more

NEVER GOING BACK. Right out the gate, our server with the pink hair (cough cough get her in trouble pronto @ the management) was extremely rude, made us feel unwelcomed, and gave us ZERO time to check out the menu. The icing on the cake was that she was when she was checking our ids for drinks she DEFACED my friends id from new jersey "claiming" it was a fake. we calmly asked if we could prove if it was real and long story short, SHES A HORRIBLE SERVER!!! if I could give this place a -185729147390 stars I would. theres so many other places we can go to. read more

Redeeming qualities great view, fantastic actually. Waitress was good. Food ehh not so much, if this place were to be in baltimore they probably will be out of business in prompt order. 1/2 pound shrimp unmemorable.. Menu is just sandwiches etc, didn't want a burger so I ordered wings. Probably pre-packaged.. Drink was weak.. Not sure what is around these parts, but this place at least from what I had is a fail. read more

For a beach Bar, this place is it! We sat right on the water. It was pretty crowded at 7pm on a Saturday but they did their best with spacing people out. There was live music which is rare these days! The nachos were ok. The old bay fries are great! And the steamed shrimp was delicious. read more

This restaurant had such a great atmosphere. The food was amazing, and the live music was great. Only downside is that the food and drinks are very overpriced. The waiters and waitresses are all very young, but they aren't very attentive. read more

Ordered $23 lobster Mac n cheese. I have a slight allergy to lobster (worth it to still eat it) so I am aware when I eat it. MEANING that I paid $23 for imitation lobster. Even if I was unable to tell by my little allergy, it also had literally no lobster taste. Boooooooo read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

The location and the frozen drinks were great, however the food left a lot to be desired. I had the crab imperial sandwich which was open face on the bottom of an English muffin. For the price I paid, id atleast expect the top half of the muffin too. Much better food elsewhere in Dewey Beach read more

Super fun bar. Lively band and right on the bay so nice view. It's walking distance from the beach and was right next to our hotel so we ended up here. $10 cover charge that I wasn't a fan of, but worth it as the band was great and we had a lot of fun here. Tons of room to dance around. They have a fresh OJ stand where they make drinks on the dance floor which I loved. Overall, I'd go here for the band, drinks, & atmosphere. We didn't try any of the food. read more

It's my go to place in Dewey ! I love the Rusty Rudder , the orange crushes and the view

Run don't walk his scrape Mecca of scratch cakes and other Sea Fare include great nachos great drinks great find hot women and cold drinks because I'm now come off read more

Rusty Rudder - Here is a real crab cake dude - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Saw group of 10 bouncers knock out a kid unconscious and still continued to kick him in the head. Heard multiple stories like this. Management encourages it. There are purposely no cameras on site. If you want to have a safe night do not recommend at all. read more