Rusty's Wharf — Restaurant in Pataskala

Update- decided to stop by for lunch and something different. Got their quarter pound cheese burger platter all the way. The sandwich was a decent size and the toppings were fresh and piled on a toasted bun. I have to say they have some super tasty burgers! A+ on that! The fries were fresh and flavorful and there were two bonus hush puppies in there. This time there was a different staff and they were still just as pleasant and attentive as the first time I went. I can say without a doubt I will be coming back and bringing people I work with too. Consistency is key and so far so good. Had to add stars for the food. I wasn't a fan of the fish because it was a little bland in my opinion, maybe it was just an off day, but that burger was top notch and that says a lot for something that isn't their flagship.

Original- After reading some reviews I decided to try Rusty's out for lunch on my way home from work. Things to know upfront include parking is on the other side of the building you see from 310 and so is the entrance, you order and pay at the counter when you walk in, you leave your tray and baskets on the table when you're done and they clean up. The service was outstanding and the employees seemed light hearted and happy to be there. I ordered the fish and chips ,since that what seems to be popular, and a side of cole slaw. The food came out timely although it was early and I was the only one there. It's cooked when you order so it is definitely fresh but I could see it taking time if they were busy. The fish was a little lackluster in my opinion as It seemed dry and lacking flavor but the batter was nice and crispy. The fries were definitely different than most and crispy. They were seasoned with something similar to rallys but not too salty or spicy. The hush puppies were crispy and similar to captain D's although much smaller. The coleslaw was fresh, cold, and had an excellent flavor and did not have fennel. The drink was a little flat but I'm sure I got the line pop since I was probably the first customer. All in all I wouldn't turn down going to Rusty's again and would like to try other items...

My husband and I came across Rusty's by pure coincidence when his stepbrother had his 50th party there last year. My husband had been to their old location, but not to their new location since they moved. This was my first time ever. It was quaint, yet inviting and the menu was quite extensive. I was quite excited to see that they had clam chowder, so I ordered a large size - it was only $5. I thought that was quite reasonable. My husband ordered the large fish basket, which comes with 3 pieces of fish, fries and two hush puppies. You can have it with or without tartar sauce. When they ring up the order, you can choose to leave a tip or not, as the girls there do bring out your food when it's ready. We usually tip 20%. We usually get 2 large drinks (Coke products) and our total with tip is around $21. We usually go about every other weekend and dine in. Only once have we carried out and it was quick and the order was correct. This time I ordered a small diet Coke and order total with tip was around $18. I forgot that sometimes my husband get a small side of coleslaw ($21 total with tip). Love their clam chowder. We go in there so often, they know to give me extra oyster crackers for the chowder.😊 It has lots of small pieces of clams, creamy texture and you can see the steam coming off of it! Delicious! It's is very filling especially with the crackers, but it is so good. It keeps me coming back all the way from close to Reynoldsburg. My husband likes the big fish basket and usually doesn't even finish the fries, he's so full from the fish. The restaurant is clean and there are big, wood tables and chairs to sit at with different sizes to accommodate couples or families. It's well decorated and the music isn't blaring like in some restaurants. The staff is friendly and approachable. I think there is no comparison to chain seafood restaurants. This is definitely a...

Out for a drive the other day and figured I was sort of kind of close to Rusty’s. Was also hungry for a big serving of smelt. While listed on the menu board I was told that there is a nation wide shortage of smelt. Supposedly sourced fished once a year and when out nothing.

Decided to get fish fillets and an order of calamari. Both to go and without fries. Had an enjoyable fish sandwich while I waited.

When I returned home I was shocked at how little food there is in an order if the fries are eliminated. My thoughts had been to share both items and it would feed two. Not really. Calamari had eleven rings the size of a fifth cent coin. Plus four odd and over browned leggy like things that sure came from some very tiny octopus. It good to fry small food items with larger as they do not cook the same. One done ok and one done way too much.

Have eaten here over the years from the time of the original location to this new place.

If there is another future desire for smelt I’ll certainly call ahead to see they have them. That being done to save a long special trip.

As for quantity of food versus fries? Try the experiment sometime and order food out without the fries, rice or other plate filling items.

Most likely my last stop here unless I’m in the area for other reasons.

Not...