We stopped at Rusty's Surf and Turf for dinner out of season. It was great that such a nice place stays open in the off-season (we went just before New Year's). The staff (including Rusty) were very friendly and accommodating. We dined with our 1 year old and they didn't even bat an eye. The decor is charming surf/tropical which reminded me of being in the Florida Keys. The food was outstanding. I had blue crab cakes. There were two and they were HUGE. I could barely finish one. I have been to countless places that said "It's all meat, barely any filler", but at this place it was true. You could see the large pieces of claw meat still intact. My wife had broiled shrimp, which were also great. Not overdone, great flavor, and excellent sides (roasted red potatoes and sautéed vegetables). All of this seafood, we were informed, was locally caught, which I think is fantastic. For dessert we split a piece of pecan pie. It tasted like it had some sort of alcohol in it, was very light and delicious. I would highly recommend it. Overall our experience was outstanding. Two thumbs way up. read more

Our family has been to Rusty's multiple times, on busy nights and on less busy nights and we have always been very impressed. The restaurant has a somewhat casual air about it -- more dressy than shorts and t-shirts but leave the tie at home for sure -- but the food outpaces the atmosphere by miles and miles. The fish specials that seem to appear nightly (we don't go often enough to know for sure) are your best bet. Mahi-mahi; wahoo and others prepared in unique and interesting ways. But if none of those catch your eye, the menu items are quite good. The shrimp and grits is my wife's favorite, one of my sons loves the "tacos" with slow roasted beef. The desserts are quite good -- plan to split the enormous wedge of chocolate cake. At bottom, it's well crafted food in a welcoming and open atmosphere. Think Broadway matinee -- a little less stuffy but still one hell of a show! read more

Rusty's was personally recommended by our host and we were delightfully surprised at how great the experience was. The prices were very fair and the food-to-price ratio, both in taste and quantity, was excellent! The appetizer, all four main dishes, and two desserts we ordered were sampled by the whole table and unanimously declared to be amazing. After dinner we sent our compliments to the chef (Rusty), who promptly came out and chatted with us. He is a very friendly person and was a delight to chat with. He also gave us great inside info on the Outer Banks area and history as he grew up in the area. Throughout the conversation it was very evident that Rusty loves food. This restaurant chef gig isn't just a job, it is a dream for Rusty. I highly recommend anyone within driving distance to go out of their way to visit Rusty's. You will certainly not be disappointed! read more

We had an outstanding experience dining here with our party of seven. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted by Rusty, the owner, who personally took the time to review the menu and specials with us. He answered every question we had about the entrées, and his enthusiasm for both the food and his business was absolutely contagious--it set the tone for the entire evening. The service was seamless, and every appetizer and entrée that hit the table was excellent. Not a single dish disappointed, and everyone in our group commented on how fresh and flavorful the food was. It's rare to find a restaurant that blends genuine hospitality with such high-quality cuisine, but this place nails it. Highly recommend for both small and larger groups--Rusty and his team made us feel right at home. We'll definitely be back! read more

Rusty's on Hatteras Island was a surprising awesome experience. Top of list when we return. Staff friendly, professional and very thoughtful. We had large party and kids. Everything prepared perfectly as ordered, delicious. Members in our party had special needs which were handled properly with no fanfare. So accommodating, such a refreshing experience. The entire visit was relaxing and so enjoyable. Appetizer's refreshing variety of unique choices, drinks very refreshing, meal prepared with extra attention to flavors and appearance, combined with amazing desserts. Memorable and delicious! Thanks to everyone at Rusty's such a wonderful last night of a great vacation. (P.S.-Niece loved the Octopus art work staff helped me secretly snag!) read more

We were not satisfied with Rusty's, we were told they had the best steak in town but it wasn't. We got the NY strip steak and it wasn't worth the market price of $27.00, it looked like a ribeye and it was about 1/2-3/4 thick on the receipt it said (Kalbi Stake) like I said it wasn't worth the money I got Broccoli and it was warm almost cold. For my drink I asked for iced tea with lemon and my friend had Long Island iced tea I had to ask twice for the lemon and my second glass had no ice. My bill was $91.56, I could see this price at Longhorn Stake House or Outback cause you would get an appetizer but we only got 2 steak dinners with 2 vegetables. We will not be back and we will not refer this place to anyone!!! read more

We stumbled upon this gem tonight looking for somewhere to eat and were blown away by the food and service. Everything was scratch made and delicious! We sat at the bar while waiting for a table and decided just to sit there and eat. The bartender and team were enjoyable to chat with and everything we ate was amazing! The restaurant was impeccably clean and tables were appropriately spaced out. We felt very comfortable eating inside, which we haven't done since pre-COVID. Our only regret was not discovering it sooner on our trip so we could return. Our group enjoyed: Paella, Shrimp & Grits, Ribeye, Bacon Jam Brussels, and chips with housemate salsa, and cupcakes for dessert! read more

Well the only thing I can say is that this restaurant is probably as good as it gets in Buxton or for that matter in NC. The food was soooo good we went twice during our one week stay. Fresh fish and always cooked to perfection, great steaks and so on and if you don't know what to eat Brenda this great waitress does ,she knows the menu inside and out and stirs you to your pallets delight. Loved it and the staff even the hostess had the mostess. just made you feel like you were eating at a Friends house. Being an Italian and a good cook I am extremely picky about my food, so for me to take the time to even write this means a definitet At . Thanks for the meal Sue M. . read more

My family has been coming to Buxton beaches for numerous years now during the summer, and we have never stopped to eat here before tonight. That being said, I REALLY encourage anyone looking for a fantastic meal to stop by and enjoy this restaurant. There was a little bit of a wait but it was 100% worth it! The food was amazing and everyone was extremely polite. So if you are looking for an amazing meal while you are down in the buxton area. It would be in your best interest to stop by Rusty's and have a meal that will definitely make you begin to set up your next vacation so you can come back for more. Ps. One of their amazing cooks was on the TV show Top Chef... read more

Didn't know what to expect from this place and it ended up being amazing. We made a reservation online and were seated immediately on arrival. The place is kind of funky eclectic in decor but nice. We ordered the crispy brussels sprouts and fried green tomato appetizers. Best fried green tomatoes I have ever had. But the brussels sprouts! Holy cow, they were phenomenal. Our entrees were spicy cashew veggie stir fry and shrimp linguine. Both were outstanding. The whole dining experience was a very pleasant surprise. The service and food were outstanding (and did I mention the fried green tomatoes). read more

I don't know how the good the food is or how pricey it is but I know the owner Rusty Midgett,jr is a coward and has no regard for other people. While vacation this weekend at Connors market I was pulling in a parking place and he was backing out and hit me through his business card at me and said to contact him and left the scene of the accident and I tried to contact him and message Him on messenger was accused of harassment so just my thought if he can do that he will take advantage of his customers without a second thought . I will go hungry before I eat there just saying Sad people in this world read more

I had the steak frites. It was really good! I recommend this restaurant! -Luke My friend was there with me, she said this: " "The service was very nice. The steak was very nice and tender. The fries were also very crisp and salty. The ribs on the other hand were also very delicious. They were nice and tender, and the BBQ sauce was the perfect amount of flavor." -Ava My sister's opinion: "The shrimp was excellent. They were very juicy and fresh. It wasn't over cooked, and it was perfectly broiled. I loved" -Sienna G. The service was very good, and I recommend this restaurant! read more

We were staying in Buxton and the home of a friend. They suggested we have a meal at Rusty's. So glad they did. There were eight of us and we all had something different. All was really well done. Rusy spoke with us for a bit - super nice guy. Brenda our server was happy and helpful and very patient with all our siily questions. If you are in the area - give them a try. Well worth it. read more

Comfortable and clean. Proper and intelligent service. Sam, the hostess and Debbie serving was just perfectly relaxing. The coconut fish bites were a great appetizer, we had the Jerk Chicken and Crab leg dinners, cooked just right, not over spiced, chocolate layer cake for dessert and full flavored coffee finished this meal nicely. Easy parking, clean bathrooms. read more

My family and I (a party of 9; 6 adults and 3 children) ate at Rusty's on Saturday night, 8/25/2017. Debbie was our waitress and did an outstanding job! We would personally recommend the calamari (prepared in a very unique fashion w/ jalapeños; the fried green tomatoes; and their absolutely delicious shrimp and grits w/ andouille sausage. A great place to eat! read more

From swinging on the front porch - to sipping coffee after the meal, Rusty's was a welcomed, relaxing experience. We had a great tilefish over mashers with lump crab calabash that was superb. The appetizer of scallops over black eyed peas was fresh and sauteed to tender perfection ... the right spot for us to dine the night away. read more

The food was amazing and the service was excellent. Make sure you go down and let Bartender Terri mix you a cocktail. I promise you will not get anything less than flawless drinks, perfect service, and a top notch conversation. Elegant enough for any special occasion but laid back just right for a casual night out. Don't miss it! read more

It has been a couple years since we've been to Rusty's Surf & Turf and I was amazed that it could get better than before. Gourmet food at OBX prices is hard to find. The staff, ambiance and food is all fantastic. The Sicilian Mahi Mahi was incredible. Thanks Rusty for a great meal celebrating our anniversary. Rich & Gail read more

I have been coming to the Outer banks for sometime and have evidently missed this little jewel. Specials were very creative and quite tasty. The quantity of food was more than ample( I am 6' 1" 242 so I can eat) price was reasonable for quaility and quantity. I will be back for sure. read more