There is nothing rusty about the Rusty Bucket’s new location in South Park. The space is upscale and expansive, yet intimate with its many separated areas. The general dining area features tables and booths with nearby TV’s to catch the latest game. A private room in back is great for intimate groups. Or move the party outside to the fan filled covered patio for people watching on summer nights. We preferred to grab a seat in the Rusty Bucket’s bar area near the open garage doors that let in a breeze while allowing us to stay close to the drafts.
But, no matter where you choose to sit, all the spaces at the Rusty Bucket are filled with capable and kind staff. Our waiter was quick and attentive without hovering. And the general manager, Jeff Jarvis, is passionate about cultivating relationships at his neighborhood grill– making the Rusty Bucket the perfect choice for a family and friendly meal.
Arrive early and treat yourself to one of Rusty Bucket’s signature cocktails or daily specials. For the sweet sipper, you will want to order anything with their famous house made pineapple infused vodka. We enjoyed ours in the Hemingway Daiquiri and weren’t afraid to order more.
Prefer to kick it up a notch with a little more spice in your life? Go for the hand crafted Bloody Mary. It still boasts a house made vodka, but this one gets its heat from infusing fresh jalapeños instead.
Or stay classy… with a twist– and order the Grapefruit Margarita. This classic stand-by takes on a very faint citrusy spin with fresh squeezed grapefruit. The drink is more margarita than grapefruit though, so you can be bold and branch out while not getting too close to the edge.
Though this chain has locations throughout the United States, our local Rusty Bucket features an executive chef that prepares each menu item from scratch. And all are delicious. Do not miss the house made pickles at the Rusty Bucket. They are not skinny little chips, but rather nice big spears fried in a light crispy batter that is perfect for dipping in their homemade cilantro ranch dressing.
Or take it to the next level with the Rusty Bucket’s double stacked quesadillas. Twice as nice with its blackened chicken, blend of cheeses, and black bean/ corn salsa. Perfect for sharing or big enough for a meal.
The variety of entrée choices is impressive and will satisfy even your most picky eaters. Rusty Bucket fan favorites are the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and the Beer Cheese Burger. The over-the-top flavor on the Buffalo Chicken sandwich is impressive, but the showstopper is the buttery panko coating that stays crispy until the very last bite.
The house made beer cheese that is melted a top the Rusty Bucket’s Beer Cheese Burger has its own crisp as well. It is a perfectly charred patty piled high with crispy onion straws that is sandwiched between Flowers local bakery’s light and airy buns.
Want to please your palate with a little lighter fare? Try Rusty Bucket’s signature Asian Tuna Wrap. Seared yellowfin tuna wrapped with sticky rice and marinated Asian vegetables come together with wasabi mayo and a not-to-be missed Ponzu dipping sauce. The combined flavors are delicious.
Whether you decide to try one of the Rusty Bucket’s scratch made culinary treats, or you prefer to just dink your dinner with a hand crafted delight, please do yourself a favor and save room for dessert. You cannot make a bad decision here. Indulge in the ooey-gooey Triple Chocolate cake that is topped with ice cream and drizzled in caramel sauce. Or sail away on the Rogue draft Root Beer Float (that is nothing like the ones your Grandma used to make.) Or, if you want to make every single calorie count… order the Sticky Bun Bread Pudding. Mind blowing baked custard and cinnamon bread are topped with candied pecans and vanilla ice cream. And worth every. single. mile. you will be running the next morning.
