Rusty's

BOMB BALLOON COMPANY

2024-05

My family of 13 chose Rusty’s for our one dinner out during our stay in OBX, and they did not disappoint! We had a mix of seafood lovers and meat eaters only and we were ALL extremely satisfied. We tried 5-6 different appetizers, a selection of cocktails, multiple entrees including a few of the daily specials, and let me tell you, the key lime pie was out of this world! The service was impeccable. Our waitress was extremely attentive to our large party and the chef, Rusty himself, came out to chat. We will be back next year! 10/10 recommend.!

Robert Young

2023-06

Food - tasted great small portions.Service - slightly above average.Atmosphere - mixed.Waiter knowing specials but forgetting 1 drink. Food tasted great but I shouldn't still be hungry after a $30.00 pasta dish and I was. Decor was unremarkable but they have a cool rope swing outside that I enjoyed sitting in while waiting for food.

Brian Wilder

2023-05

Although expensive, you receive an actual waiter thats personable, very attentive, and honest. The food exceeded my family's expectations. We hosted my engagement party at Rusty's. Great cocktails, delicious food, excellent service, wonderful atmosphere. We got seared tuna, shrimp linguine, spinach ravioli, chicken sandwich and grilled cheese

Jessica Evans

2023-07

My husband and I were looking for a nice restaurant to celebrate our wedding anniversary weekend. We were sat within 5 minutes on a Friday night which was very surprising. We ordered 2 beers to start. Our waiter did not tell us what the specials were for the night, but I happened to see that they had she-crab soup so we ordered that for an app. It only came in a cup size and was $10. We ordered the shrimp and grits and shrimp alfredo and our food took a really long time to come. Our waiter did not round on us frequently. Our food came out and tasted good. We were expecting the plates to be a little bigger and did not come with a salad, etc. It took a while for our waiter to come to give the check as well. We were there for almost 2 hours and saw several tables come and go (even a 10 top that was set down significantly after us). During our time we were able to observe 2 places on the ceiling that are in need of repair (cracks) and 1 area near the bathroom with a piece of the ceiling hanging down. I understand these are just cosmetic but would not expect this at a place with $30+ plates.

Anthony Liberto

2023-08

Very much enjoyed our dinner here. The calamari was super crispy and tasty while having a subtle heat. The shrimp and grits, ordered on our waitress Jennifer's recommendation, was exceptional. The best thing I've had this week in hatteras. even the hushpuppies were great albeit a little smallish. The only thing that wasn't super enjoyable was the cheese quesadilla which was just kinda blah. nothing wrong but just nothing to be excited about. overall pleasurable experience and would definitely come by again.

Sarah Climie

2023-08

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Thomas Pokrefke

2023-05

We've been coming to Rusty's for a few years and always enjoy the food here. The kitchen staff is talented and you can tell they really enjoy what they do.We started with the fried calamari which was perfect seasoned. Not too spicy and not bland at all.I had the Kahuku shrimp while my wife had the crab cakes. I'm not usually a fan of green beans but the garlic green beans were seriously delicious. And I know rice is generally not considered a prize-winning dish but this was hands-down the best rice I have ever had. I want to know what sauce they put on the rice because it made an otherwise boring side into something extraordinary.I was stuffed by the time I finished my dish and should have stopped, but I had to find out about the Hatteras Sunshine Cake. Orange cake with pineapple fluff filling and toasted coconut on top? I couldn't resist and was glad I have no self control as I'm not even going to try to describe how delicious it was. My wife had the chocolate covered strawberry cake and she described it as "decadent".I'll be back for my next trip to try the shrimp and grits. They sound amazing.

Heather Kennedy

2023-08

Great dining experience! Everything was cooked perfectly and so delicious! It is a tad on the expensive side for the typical beach restaurant but we thought it was worth the extra money for quality food and service.Kid-friendliness: Very nice to our 5yo son and tolerant of his chattering. Very good kids fish "stick" meal.

Christy Zacker

2023-08

The only reason I gave 4 stars is that the brussel sprouts were fantastic and I would go there again just to order them. Know that you should make reservations ahead. We were in the area on vacation and not aware of this but they do make room for walk ins although they act like you are putting a burden on them. I expected a full dining room but most of the tables were empty where we were seated. The server was pleasant and went over the specials. I chose the New York strip which she indicated came with mashed potatoes. I asked if the mashed potatoes were from fresh potatoes or instant. She assured me they were fresh potatoes but when I was served my meal, it came with french fries. I do not eat fries. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked however my green beens were served cold. My husband had ordered BBQ ribs which were also cold. Perhaps our meals were ready and sitting there too long. It did take a vary long time to receive them. The owner came over and took my husband's plate away. He was very pleasant and seemed eager to make it right. I really do think he wants his customer's to have a good experience however the ribs were returned warmed up but most of the sauce was missing and they kept his fork that was on the plate when it was taken. Then we had to wait to flag down our server to get a fork. By the time he acutally got a fork to eat, his ribs were cold again and this time dry. I realize they accommodated us without a reservation, however I would rather be turned away if they couldn't handle our business. The prices are higher than other places we dined at during our vacation however would have no complaints about the price if the food and service were better. The few other occupied tables in our our seating area seemed to be having a better service experience. The same server we had was very attentive to them. Maybe the difference was they were drinking alcoholic beverages and we were the only table that was not drinking alcohol. I still paid our bill and tipped very well in spite of the poor service.

Melissa Chow

2022-05

Absolutely the best food I've had on my trips to the outer banks. It's obvious that they take pride in the food they serve and everything on the menu is unique and full of amazing flavor. Even my kids who ate from the kids menu and are 7 and 10 raved about their food. The staff is also great especially our server Liza 😀!Update: So good we went back again the next night and tried the Ribs (SOOOO GOOD) and Shrimp fettuccine and loved that as well. When your kids chicken tenders are the best you've tried you know the chef is on point! Also, we got to meet Rusty (Chef) and of course he awesome too! Unfortunately no new pics because we just dug in like a bunch of savages...it's just that good.

Francisco Cordero

2017-05

This place was great! A small bit cozy restaurant, with quick and friendly service. Most importantly, the food was amazing. Best fried green tomatoes I've ever had. The fish was fresh and cooked to perfection, and the drinks were good too. Definitely a great place for a nice dinner on the OBX

Larry “Philip” Hopkins

2023-05

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Ferman Yoder

2022-05

The food, service, and atmosphere was amazing.Liza was an amazing waitress, gave us great suggestions and was very attentive to our needs.I got the Kalbi Steak with sticky rice.The steak was so juicy, bursting with Hawaiian flavors and I think I heard angels sing when I was eating it!! [I should have got up and did a hula dance but that probably would have been embarrassing for everyone😊]The fresh catch of the day was so good that my conservative wife almost got up to let loose a loud rebel yell, even though we are Northerners.I personally do not like Tuna, but my daughter in law shared some of her Sesame Seared Tuna with me and I may have been converted because I actually liked it alot because the seasoning and preparation was perfection.

Roger Casado

2020-05

This was my favorite restaurant in OBX! The staff was very charming and treated us great. And the food, wow, the food was astonishing! You could taste the freshness of the produce used. I recommend to anyone the Drums, Jerk Chicken or anything with mango salsa!

Stefano Peralma

2021-05

Food took way too long to come out for a not so busy night. Staff was nice. The hush puppies were the tiniest hush puppies I've ever eaten and weren't that good at all. Portions were too small and quality too low for the price. You can find better eats for cheaper.

C. Michael

2019-05

I was on vacation with my family and our party of nine are here one evening. The food was fantastic and the atmosphere is very welcoming. I had the sesame tuna for dinner and I cannot say enough good things about it. Our server Debbie was as a very fun and added to the experience.

Anthony C. Blubello

2023-08

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Staci Primmer

2022-05

Food was delicious! We had the kalbi steak with rice and green beans with garlic. Price was not disclosed until the bill came out which was fine but it was over $40 just for the steak alone.

Claudia Hurd

2021-05

It was all delicious! Sesame Seeded Tuna, Baby Broccoli, Sticky Rice.Buffalo Wings ( but they offer other flavors too), Asian Slaw and House Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing. If you are anywhere in the Outer Banks, visit Buxton and Rusty’s!

valerie ann

2023-09

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Amber Chase

2023-05

Food was definitely 5 stars, very well cooked and presented perfectly. Only two real issues with the place 1st if you use the online reservation system(which you need to since they are booked almost as soon as they open) there is no option to pick inside or outside seating. Thus when we got there they said it pre-booked us for outside sitting. (It's hot as heck, the beach and we ride motorcycles we prefer to eat inside for the little bit of AC we can get). So we decide to wait till the inside seating is avaliable. Took less than 10 mins, that's fine. What gets me is the receptionist kept saying you could chose inside or outside, we told her there was no option to pick and she said you can make a note in the request for inside seating. That is not an option, that is you having to put in an additional request. Really think they should know what app they are using and how it is viewed from the customer side. That note area is for allergies, accessibility, etc, true additional notes. 2nd food took forever and day to be made. Even the couple to our right considered leaving since their food had taken almost an hour to be brought out. Otherwise it was a good restaurant. Interior was clean and neat, could use some consistency with the chairs, was a bit of an hodgepodge from table to table. I added updated menus since the prices have changed a bit from 2yrs ago.

Melissa Hayes

2023-05

We had the best crab cakes on Cape Hatteras. Pure crab! We had a party of 9.Everything came out timely from appetizers to drinks to dinner! A must if you are in Buxton!

Jenna Deal

2023-05

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Josh Eanes

2024-05

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Ashley S.

2022-05

Food was AWESOME. A little pricey, but I mean what do you expect, vacation, beach, good time = money. We went apps for a light dinner. Hushpuppy crusted oysters with a Cajun remoulade(I didn't eat any but the hubby said they were good...not fishy at all ), fried green tomatoes(I could have eaten three plates of these; 4 good sized but not too thick slices with roasted shallot aioli, feta, fried country ham, and balsamic drizzle....)I am telling you TO.DIE. FOR, Tempura shrimp(for an appetizer it was perfect, crispy outside, perfectly done, large shrimp (4)with honey habanero sauce) the hubs also had 8 wings with an AMAZING sauce that I totally wish I could remember sweet with a definite kick. 63.00 for all 4 apps and 2 beers.

Chris Brownfield

2022-05

Went in and was seated in just a minute or two. Waitress was really knowledgeable about menu details. My wife and I both had the Mahi plate. Fish was cooked to perfection and flavor was amazing. Can not wait to go back again. If you are near Buxton, NC this is definitely a place to enjoy a meal.

Micha D

2023-05

Very friendly girl behind the bar, I had the Surf and Turf, true to their name. Big steak, the Shrimp are not Jumbo. Grilled Asparagus would go great with this dish instead of their "House" Veggies. Hence only 4 stars. PS very nice presentation...

Deborah Clark

2022-05

Our hostess Tayna and our waitress Liza were AWESOME! Very personable. And... Food with a tropical twist. And the best part, most of the Dining room is socially distanced that I felt comfortable doing indoor dining.

Sven Sauer

2020-05

Nice location, good food, mostly attentive waitress, overall we left satisfied.However, I can only give three Stars because you absolutely do NOT get enough bang for the buck. Portion sizes too small (party of four, we all felt the same), no menu for the daily specials, overall so much detail improvements needed.

Susie Ranno

2023-12

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