Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern — Restaurant in Mifflin Township

The Rusty Bucket in New Albany, Ohio, is a charming establishment that combines a relaxed atmosphere with a menu full of decent food options. My recent visit to this restaurant provided a pleasant dining experience, characterized by a welcoming ambiance and a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes.

As soon as I walked into The Rusty Bucket, I was struck by the rustic yet modern decor. The warm lighting, wooden accents, and comfortable seating created an inviting environment that made me feel right at home. The space is spacious enough to accommodate families, groups of friends, and couples looking for a casual dining experience. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after a long day or gather with friends for a relaxed meal.

The atmosphere at The Rusty Bucket is lively and vibrant, with a mix of upbeat music and the chatter of fellow diners. There’s a sense of community here, and it’s clear that many patrons are regulars who appreciate the laid-back vibe. The restaurant also features an outdoor patio area, which is perfect for enjoying a meal on a warm day or evening, enhancing the overall dining experience.

When it came to the menu, I found a wide selection of options, ranging from appetizers and salads to sandwiches and hearty entrees. I started my meal with the Bucket Nachos, which came highly recommended by our server. The nachos were generously topped with cheese, jalapeños, and a house-made queso sauce, along with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa. While the presentation was appealing, the flavors were somewhat average. The nachos were good, but I felt they could have benefited from a bit more seasoning or a unique twist to set them apart from typical bar fare.

For my main course, I decided to try the Rusty Bucket Burger, a classic choice that seemed like a safe bet. The burger was cooked to my requested medium and served on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion. While the burger was decent and satisfying, it didn’t quite stand out as exceptional. The patty was juicy, but the overall flavor was somewhat muted. I opted to add bacon and cheese, which enhanced the experience, but I would have loved to see more creative toppings or sauces to elevate the dish.

My dining companion chose the Chicken Caesar Salad, which was a generous portion of romaine lettuce topped with grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. This dish was fresh and well-executed, and my companion enjoyed it thoroughly. It’s clear that The Rusty Bucket takes pride in using quality ingredients, and the salad was a testament to that.

The drink menu offered a solid selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, which complemented the meal nicely. I opted for a local craft beer, and it was refreshing and well-paired with my meal. The bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable, ready to recommend options based on personal preferences.

Service at The Rusty Bucket was attentive and friendly. Our server was prompt in taking our order and was quick to check in on us throughout the meal, ensuring we had everything we needed. The staff seemed genuinely invested in providing a positive experience, which added to the overall enjoyment of our visit.

For dessert, we couldn’t resist trying the Chocolate Chip Cookie Skillet, which is a signature item at The Rusty Bucket. Served warm and topped with vanilla ice cream, this dessert was a delightful treat that hit the spot. The cookie was gooey and rich, providing a satisfying end to our meal.

In conclusion, The Rusty Bucket in New Albany, Ohio, offers a good atmosphere and decent food that is perfect for casual dining. While some dishes may not be exceptionally memorable, the overall experience is enjoyable, thanks to the welcoming environment and attentive service. It’s a place where you can relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy a meal without the pressure of fine dining. I look forward to returning to try more items from the menu and to soak in the friendly...

Visited with a group of people on 5/3/18. I was among the first to arrive. Waiter took my drink order of a Bud Light. What he delivered was most definitely NOT a BL. This very same thing occurred on my previous visit. That waiter had mixed up two orders for Miller Light and mine for BL. I assumed that's what had happened here.

The wait got busy as the rest of the group arrived. He started taking food orders. When he got to me, he just closed his order book and headed for the kitchen. So I didn't have an opportunity to say anything about the beer. To his credit, he realized he had not asked me for a food order. He apologized. I told him, "That's ok. First, we gotta take care of this beer. I don't know what this is, but it isn't Bud Light."

He seemed taken aback by this. Took the beer away and came back with another. Instead of apologizing, he said, "I poured that last one myself."

And he STILL didn't take a food order.

The second beer wasn't right, either. Though, to be completely fair, my back was to the bar. When one of the group members across from me (who was facing the bar) saw me turn up my nose at the taste of the 2nd beer, he said, "I saw him use the Bud Light tap to pour that."

So, let's just give the waiter the benefit of the doubt. That he used the right tap, but whatever was in those lines was crossed with another kind of beer.

You'd think that after having a complaint ONCE that the beer didn't taste right, the waiter would at least CHECK with me to see if the SECOND one was correct.

Yeah . . . that didn't happen. The beer sat on the table after I gave it a couple of sips. It was obvious to anyone that the beer was not going to be consumed. (Several members of the group commented on it.)

The only time the water approached me was to give me a bill for the beer. He never spoke another word to me. (And again, he also never took a food order.) Other group members complained of this guy's lack of follow-up after the initial delivery of orders.

At $5+ per beer, trust me that I'll never order another beer from...

First time coming here, one of my colleagues recommended this restaurant after seeing some positive reviews online. Boy am I glad we came in!

First off, the hostess was very warm and welcoming, and dressed to impress!

Then we were welcomed by Madi T., who did a remarkable job greeting us. She had an impeccable presence, and steered us in the right direction by recommending the fish and chips, the stroganoff, and the "threesome" (I don’t think she was being facetious in her recommendations, but the last two options got a nice chuckle out of us, haha. So if that was intentional, touché).

She offered us some fried pickles, which we ordered, and came quartered and battered (like a tempura batter), and although the pickles were a little firm, they were delicious.

The 3 of us ordered the fish and chips, and it was truly exceptional. The seemingly tempura battered haddock came out on a bed of perfectly seasoned, julienne-cut french fries, with a side of tasty coleslaw, and tartar sauce. A lemon wedge, too.

The whole time we were there, we admired the atmosphere and spoke to one of the other servers who was using an ingenious method of wiping down their wine glasses. She was putting the glasses over a cup of hot water to steam then before wiping them down—a tip I think we all took with us!

Madi did a phenomenal job taking care of us, and she was extremely attentive, refilling our drinks at just the right time, and she checked in with us often.

Overall, it was great experience—we'll definitely be coming...