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    The Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern

    3.6 (30 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Menu
    Ashlin G.

    Delicious barbecue, amazing atmosphere, great music and goooood waygu brisket, turkey is so juicy and flavorful!

    Bar area. Two tvs (one not shown).
    David L.

    Great BBQ!! The loaded nachos were the best I've ever had, bar none! Best place in Midland IMHO.

    Outside
    Dana R.

    We had a great experience eating here. The parking lot looks full, but inside there is plenty of room to sit and relax. Our waitress was very friendly and attentive. Food was delicious and served very quickly. Everything is clean and family friendly. We hope eventually they serve beer on tap and a few more healthy menu choice, but for now it's a great option for Midland. Patio with fire towers seems amazing for summer evenings.

    Grilled cheese and fries
    Lauren F.

    I don't give 1 star reviews often or lightly. But considering this was my worst dining experience since moving to Midland, TX (a city notorious for bad dining experiences), I thought one star was appropriate. From my entrance into this so-called "Rusty Bucket" to the time a waitress finally attended my table, an hour had elapsed. This was after multiple attempts to ask for one. My group of fellow Midlanders are used to bad service, but this even astounded us. We were told after we were finally able to order food that the sliced brisket was out. We hypothesized that perhaps this wouldn't have been the case if we saw the waitress before waiting an hour, but alas we shall never know. Unsurprisingly, most of our order came out incorrectly after being delayed. Honestly I cannot account all of the errors made because they numbered so greatly. My order arrived last--a grilled cheese, Mac n cheese, and fries. The mac was disappointing. The grilled cheese and fries were edible, though I remarked to my husband that I would have preferred Whataburger. My friends told me their meat was cold and unsatisfying--the worse kind of meat quite frankly. The best part of this meal was finally getting the check and exiting this bucket of abysmal food.

    Three slices of brisket and some beans

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

    This is my favorite bar in town. Plenty of TVs, and cheap beer. There is always a DJ for brunch and a fun atmosphere.

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    2 years ago

    Gotta try the Pump Jack and the space is nice. i wish it would stay open longer. the service is quick and the drinks are cold

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Excellent food, atmosphere, music, staff, prices a total package of a great time. This is so far my favorite hidden gem bbq place in Texas.

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food and service was amazing. I plan on going back when i get back in Texas. They even have kool aid for a drink!!

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    5 years ago

    Love this place. Best BBQ in Midland for sure. We have never had a bad meal here. Brisket fries are HUGE!

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Not very good bbq. Not expensive but not really worth coming back. At least the beer taste ok lol turkey was nasty don't recommend that.

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Service was great and the environment was welcoming. Food was top notch and a very good! Will come back!

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    7 years ago

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    Ask the Community - The Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern

    Review Highlights - The Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern

    When I'm in midland this is my go to!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Brantley Creek Barbecue

    Brantley Creek Barbecue

    4.1
    (65 reviews)
    11.5 mi

    I grew up with Cooper's Texas pit bbq as my definition of true bbq. But now everything has changed…read morewith Brantley Creek! And it's just down the street from my house instead of several hours away - which is a culinary relief but a financial concern because it's all we want to eat! Our favorites are the moist brisket, sausage, fries, jalapeño creamed corn, and brisket beans. Although, to be honest, there's not anything on the menu that's anything but heavenly! Including the variety of iced teas! The staff is super helpful if you have any questions or need something specific due to dietary needs as well. If you prefer the burnt ends or extremely lean, they will work hard to get it for you if they have it! But they run out fast so get there in time to get what you want! We have often had dinner at 3PM to make sure we get plenty as well as get food to-go! It's worth it! Despite the demand and crowd combined with open air concept, they keep all the tables, condiments, and drink station SPOTLESS! And there's never any food on the playground or corn hole. I don't know how they do it but I'll pay double if they can come clean my house after or at least show me their magic tricks!!!

    Brantley Creek Barbecue didn't come recommended--it came insisted upon. It wasn't, "You should…read morecheck this place out," it was, "You're going there tonight." And thank God for that level of conviction, because this spot absolutely delivered. I ended up visiting more than once during my trip, not out of obligation, but out of pure craving. Their Texas Twinkies were in a league of their own--perfectly smoked, balanced in spice, and filled with flavor that hits you like a freight train of umami. Every dish I tried had a level of care and craftsmanship you don't find often. This wasn't just barbecue--it was barbecue done by people who love what they're doing. And yes, I tried all the cobblers. (No regrets. Don't judge.) Each one was distinct, warm, and clearly made with the same attention as the proteins coming out of the pit. What really struck me though--beyond the incredible food--was the environment. Families everywhere. Kids playing. Laughter in the air. It made me miss my own. Brantley Creek isn't just a restaurant, it's a gathering place, a little slice of wholesome Americana where the food just happens to be world-class. If I could copy and paste this place into my hometown, I would--with fingers crossed that it could hold on to the charm, heart, and flavor that make it so special

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    Brantley Creek Barbecue
    "Bacon" cheeseburger
    "Bacon" cheeseburger
    Brantley Creek Barbecue

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    The Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern - bbq - Updated July 2026

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