Review: Rusty Bucket
Author: WIBIA | Filed under: Food Reviews, Location: Indianapolis, IN
Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern
1130 West 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260-2257
(317) 566-3463
Rusty Bucket has locations in IL, OH and IN. From what I understand, the first location was in Columbus, OH. Relatively new to the area, an old co-worker suggested that we have a couple after work beers and a few apps.
The beer menu was normal run-of-the-mill chain with a few extras. I couldn’t find any local love and that saddened me. I settled with Anchor Steam 20 oz., $5.75.
On to the grub. Menu was standard faux neighborhood bar. Cutesy descriptions of the food, but nothing that jumped off the page. Burgers, pastas, fried stuff and a few signature entrees, you know the drill. We decided to have a few apps.
Above: Double Stacked Quesadilla $8.75. Chicken, cheese, black bean, corn, salsa and guac.
I didn’t see any advantages of this being double stacked. Maybe the advantage is that it is missing a tortilla so that it costs less to make. I can’t even say this was average. Everything was out of the jar and assembled. Having strong feelings on Tex Mex fare, this is not even close.
Below: Pork Potstickers. $7.95. Pan seared with ponzu sauce.
Well, it is usually a bad sign when this is the only Asian inspired item on the menu. However, this is the best of the worst. Frozen potstickers in an over sweetened sauce, just not my thing.
Nachos: Chips, Chili, cheddar cheese sauce, scallion, sour cream. $8.95
Standard gloopy nachos that you can find at a nice bowling alley. Don’t get me wrong…after 2 Anchor Steams, I had the lions share of these, but they were pretty bad.
Would I Buy It Again? No. This is where people chime in and say, “well wibia, you need to try (insert item).” I know that it is not fair to judge a restaurant by one meal, but riddle me this…why would I order Pan Seared Salmon @ $13.95 when the apps are this bad? I think that I got an honest pulse of the place. Trust me, I would love to be proven wrong and that is what the comment section is for.
However…I wouldn’t have a problem going her for a few beers, though I grumble at the lack of local beers. The ambiance was comfortable and the service was good. I just don’t see Rusty Bucket doing any either different or better than anyone else.
-WIBIA
Tags: Food, Nachos, potstickers, quesadilla, rusty bucket
No excuse for a restaurant to serve nachos like that, IMO. You hit the nail on the head when you labeled them bowling alley nachos. Cheez whiz, canned jalapenos, etc…. Where’s the character?
Thanks for the review. I have passed the place a couple of times but you are the only person I know who has been inside. Now I don’t have to do it myself. Too many other good restruants in that area to go to that one.
You could have just stopped at “Why would I order pan-seared salmon for $13.95?” Gotta be scared of the fish at any place where it costs less than 15-17 bucks…
I went there once during the Sweet 16 tournament. Aside from the noisy sports fans, it had a nice hangout atmosphere and friendly servers. Their menu art and food descriptions were actually what drew me there, but I was a tad let down. The food was all right, but not great (I had the meatloaf). I’d probably return and have a burger and fries, but I’m more likely to just go back for a couple beers and conversation with my friends — whenever there’s not a game on TV.
I was looking for a new place to take an out of town guest….and by the above reviews…thanks to all of them…I will not take her there.