Rusty Anchor Restaurant — Restaurant in Pleasant Bay

Genuine East Coast experience

We've just returned from a one-week stay near Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton. During that time we dined at The Rusty Anchor (one of only a few restaurants in this very quiet community) twice and each time, we were very satisfied with our experience.

I am dismayed to read so many negative reviews of The Rusty Anchor. Having traveled Canada's east coast during three previous vacations, I can say that what patrons get here is a genuine East Coast experience: the freshest sea fare, presented in an unassuming locale. You're not going to get a cloth napkin folded into the shape of a bird...you're not going to get your food plated with sprigs of fancy garnishes and vegetable curlicues. You ARE, however, going to get a very satisfying, savoury meal. That's what good eating is all about on the East Coast.

To those who have complained about the portion size, I say - if you want a mammoth fish raised in a hatchery far away, stay in the city and go to Red Lobster. To those who have complained about the "rude" wait staff, I say - these ladies are uber-efficient, each juggling multiple tables (there are usually only three and the restaurant is often full). If they seem a little quick in their replies, it's because they're pressed for time while trying to provide great service to each table. And to those who have complained about the menu pricing, I say - the view isn't half as lovely when you're home with a box of Captain High Liner.

It's truly sad to see that people can be so cantankerous while vacationing in such a breathtaking part of the world. How much better can it get at a seafood restaurant when the waitress tells you, "Our salmon just came in today"? So what if the wait is a little long during their lunchtime rush? Enjoy another drink while gazing off the bluffs at beautiful Pleasant Bay. Or listen to the wonderful live music provided by local talent Jeremy Pike.

I found it very thoughtful that a restaurant in such a remote area of the world would design a menu that is food-inclusive - there are nice choices here for those with dietary restrictions (gluten-free and/or vegetarian). Every visitor - seafood lover, "landlubber", and veg lover - can find something to enjoy at The Rusty Anchor. Meals range from as low as $12.99 (lower if you're just stopping in for an appetizer) to more bountiful platters which run from $23.99 upwards.

Highlights for my companion and I included the Fisherman's Platter and the Digby Platter. The sweet potato fries, for $2.99 extra, are delicious. I enjoyed my meals with a Propeller ESB Beer served in a frosty glass - from a wonderful Nova Scotia brewery (they also serve Keith's). You won't be disappointed if you stop in to The Rusty Anchor during your Cabot...

This was a return visit for me. First visit was excellent. This second visit, we had an extensive wait. Even after we were seated, it took some time to get stink orders and our food order. I have to assume they were short staffed as they could have used two other wait staff. I watched two tables get up and leave because their orders were not taken.

The lobster rolls were excellent. No filler...just chunks of lobster, including a claw in each roll (their bread order was shorted so they had to improvise) and some lettuce. The lobster was fresh and delicious. We also ordered a bucket of mussels and were a little disappointed. Many of the mussels were not open at the bottom and we don't eat mussels that so not open once steamed. I would say a third of the bucket was closed.

Aside from the wait for a table and then a wait for our order, after that, service was attentive and friendly. The restaurant also slowed up a bit once we got our food.

Unless we found ourselves here again and hungry, we would likely try another restaurant along the way. Pretty much everyone on the Trail has fresh lobster and we were told by multiple people that almost every restaurant was great. The view was a bonus, however the deck was closed due to high winds. They have a large park area next to the restaurant where several people were stretching their legs and...

I don't understand why this place has such a good rating. Other than the view, it sucked. The service was horrible. It took about 15 minutes just to get acknowledged by a server. By the time a server came to our table, she was not pleasant or friendly and didn't seem to care much about her job. The lobster rolls were good, but extremely tiny, hence very overpriced. I understand I am paying for the view, but in the middle of lobster season, I expected a larger lobster roll. When it came to paying for the bill, there was a long LINE at the front of the restaurant to pay at the counter - absolutely ridiculous. There was a couple across from us that apparently ordered, but the server didn't bring them any placemats, silverware, or beverages. When we paid for our food, we mentioned it to the lady working the counter and she said that their food was about to arrive - still without any silverware or beverages. I am not one to leave reviews, but after reading the reviews of this place and stopping purposefully because of the reviews, I had to add my...