The Rusty Porthole is my favorite! Their food is so good and you can tell it's all homemade and not frozen. Definitely the best place on the island. First time trying the mozzarella sticks and they were amazing. We also got a bowl of chili, which is a must here, their chili is the best I've ever had. I normally get a chili cheese dog, but today I decided to try their crispy chicken sandwich that was on the specials menu. My dad got their hot link sandwich which was also on the specials menu. If you come I highly recommend trying their chili, chili cheese dog, house salad, chili cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, garlic fries, potato salad, pizza or cajun chicken sandwich! This place is also a lot of fun in the summer as they often have live music outside and you can pull up on the boat! On Saturday nights they have karaoke at 8pm! read more

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The food was pretty good. Staff was friendly. Bartenders were efficient. Karaoke was great! It looks like a great hole in the wall spot where everyone kind of knows each other! read more

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Our bartender, Jen was amazing! Loved meeting the locals. Food, wow, I had the Rajun Cajun sandwich. Top notch. Loved the hole in the wall right off the delta for easy boat access. Will be back again!! read more

Love it. It's rustic & the employees are kind! The food is basic bar food but they absolutely try!!

A very unassuming bar/restaurant. A locals only type of place where the locals are kind and inviting. Upon entry it was lowly lit but the backdrop of the delta made up for it. We took a seat at the bar and were quickly met with a smile and a greeting. We ordered the calamari and a house salad, planning to just get in and out and on our merry way. Boy were we way off, we had such a great time there we stayed into the night, enjoyed some wings, a cheeseburger and some cocktails. The burger was perfect, if you're craving a grilled, hot and charry patty, this is it. Calamari were strips, and they were delicious! All of their sauces were made in house and the includes the blue cheese that came with the salad. This place is a true hidden gem. Thanks for having us! read more

The Rusty Porthole - Outside patio - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

5 star bartender service 4 star food taste 3 star weird service layout This place is interesting for sure and one of the only places right there on the water in bethel island. There's nautical and beer and sports stuff all over the walls and ceiling. Inside is small-ish but they fit a little of seats in. Big outside area as well that's under cover. Inside bartender can only take drink orders so if you sit at the bar, you still have to place a separate order with a server, so be prepared to get 2 bills at the end of your visit. I heard they have an outdoor bartender at the outdoor bar too I'm just not sure if that's every day or just weekends when they're busy. It was very hard to place our food order as when our server first stopped by, our whole party wasn't there yet. We ended up having to find her an hour or so later as she never came by again and tell her we were ready (we were visiting but assumed she'd swing back by but never did). After ordering it took about 40 minutes for food to come out. Burgers were all really tastyand hot but sadly fries portion could be larger and they didn't come out very hot just warm. I would say the place runs on "river time" as you come here and expect it to be a long visit. read more

The Rusty Porthole - Menu as of June 2025 - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

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Went over the holidays with my sister to see an old friend. If you've never been before it's hard to find. Parking lot (which doesn't look like a lot) is down below. There's stairs or a steep drive way up to the restaurant. It's a locals place for sure. Even during the day the bar had several men at it. The bartender/waitress came over after several minutes to get our drink order and then came back for our lunch order. I got a chicken sandwich and garlic fries which were okay. Sister got a blt which she said was good. Her friend had a flat bread pizza which looked good and was a good size. They have karaoke which the friend said is fun but loud. It's a dive bar with little space and lot of seats. Would I go back? Nah, I'm good. read more

Home of the frozen bun run lol! This is a great spot on the water to stop and warm up after a day exploring the delta with the family. There is outdoor seating for spring and summer months when everyone is here enjoying the warm weather activities. Family and pet friendly. I've seen people complain about service here but I thought our server, Jackie was great. Plus I only seen one other person running orders on the floor and I think she was helping bartend also. On a weekday, in the winter, it was pretty busy so kudos to the hard working people at the Rusty Porthole. We've eaten here before a few years ago so we knew we wanted the burgers. They didn't disappoint, large, juicy and delicious with crispy hot fries...so good. We also tried the fried Mac n cheese bites from the daily specials board. They were delicious, came out as an 8 piece, nicely plated with ranch and a nacho cheese dipping sauce. My daughter got the chicken tenders and fries from the kids menu(I tried to get her to order a burger from the adult menu). The fries were good but the chicken tenders are just plain frozen bulk chicken tenders and for most kids would have been fine but no my daughter eats real chicken tenders so she deemed them inedible. I ordered the wedge salad and it was terrific. Plenty of blue cheese and a delightful drizzle of balsamic was bright and unexpected. We didn't have any drinks from the bar, but I am sure they have some good specials. We are local so we will be back. If you're in town or out on your boat stop by and get some good food from this hidden gem. read more

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We love coming here, the bar tenders are the best! Great ladies with happy attitudes and smiles. The Chef is AMAZING. We love how he comes out to speak with us. Very nice man. BUT they should really rethink how they let their older waitress treat customers. We have never been treated so poorly ever. And who is she??? We were made to feel like we were lucky she was serving us. How is this ok? She was so rude and in a hurry to get more tables and tips that she took our plates away before we were done eating our meals. PLEASE HELP! Maybe send her to a customer service class or 100. I am sure there are nicer, capable servers out there that would love to work there. She's overdone. She obvioudly hates her job and it shows. Times have changed. Customer service is a big thing these days. read more

Not a bad spot to hit up while you're out here. The service is friendly, the food is really good and it is decorated exactly what you would think like, a rusty porthole. Me and my buddy both had a bloody Mary that were perfectly made and I enjoyed a hamburger. I will definitely swing by again next time I'm in the area. read more

The Rusty Porthole - Bacon cheese burger - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

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This nautical old school dive bar located on the water in Bethel Island is a rare find. Old with colorful stories and folklore. The vibe is laid back and comfortable. A well stocked bar and good food is a sincere bonus. The locals were enjoying the view from the barstools clearly enjoying themselves. I'm sure there's lots of colorful stories to be heard about this place. No doubt ghost stories about the place, you can feel the vibe. The chicken Caesar salad I ordered was excellent. It was fresh with a tender flavorful chicken breast and excellent home made dressing. Yummy. Everything we ordered was quality ingredients and fresh. It was worth the wait. If you'd like a nautical theme, good food great bar with a beautiful view give this place a try you will be glad you did! Bon appétit read more

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Divey and pricey, but okay food. Not great, just okay. Tables feel icky to sit at. I get the locals have this loyalty schtick for the pothole. The parking is dark, walking up to the restaurant is risky, ESPECIALLY in the dark. I don't get it, and I won't have to. I just won't go back. read more

This place NEVER disappoints. We have been coming for years and the menu changes regularly with great surprises. Had the flat iron with scallops tonight and it was amazing. Gina is a star behind the bar, Jackie and wait staff is always attentive and fun. Come by land or by sea (boat) you won't be disappointed. Always a fun and lively crowd. read more

Oasis on the island! Cute spot to hang out, they have bands that come in during the weekends, have seen some karaoke,, which fun to see locals show off their talent and entertaining ladies behind the bar. Props to Sharrie & Red, they always make our drinks exactly the way we need them! My go to seems to be the bacon double cheeseburger, never fails! Garlic fries are YUM! The fried zucchinis are decent, not a fan of the mozzarella. I'm interested in the alligator but I never seem to catch it when they have it, nor the "loopia".. read more

The Rusty Porthole - Super moon rising at the Porthole - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

This is a near perfect casual lunch. Outstanding burger, especially the fries. You're overlooking the water. Service was friendly and attentive. read more

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What an unexpected treasure! We boated into Bethel Island and landed at the Rusty Porthole after sunrise and we were very lucky to get a table right away because it was very busy. The drinks, appetizers, steak and lobster were fantastic and the service was just as good! We will be back! read more

The Rusty Porthole - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

We glamp often at Sugar Barge, and always visit the Rusty Porthole, for drinks, food and FUN. Love the atmosphere, friendly staff and good food read more

The Rusty Porthole - Having a cold brew - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

This is an old building on the water and it has a distinctive smell that greats you at the door. Came in on this good day with about 8 total people in the entire place. Grabbed a few appetizers ToGo. We aren't big time drinkers and don't really like the bar scene. But, we have come to find out on our eating adventures. That, most of the best tasting food comes from small bars or little "Hole in the wall" spots like this. The food was pretty damn good, just like I said. The Bang Bang Shrimp, will have you saying that exact thing. lol. The weekend menu changes so even more of a reason for you to come here multiple times. Stop by and check them out. Support your local establishments..! read more

Been here a few times! Great service and great food! I would recommend the Mac and cheese bites and the fish and chips. It's a cute little restaurant/bar with a cool view of the delta! read more

The views, the staff and the food are all incredible. Our server Jackie was amazing. She created the most amazing chicken bacon Cesar salad for me yesterday that was by far the best I've ever had at a dine in restaurant and better than I even make at home. Made with love she said this is isn't just a great restaurant on the water if you go more than once you become family. read more

I loved this place. My server Jackie was AMAZINGG. She was so nice and attentive. She made sure me and the person I was with were good and had everything that we needed. If I could give her more stars I would!!!! Also the food was amazing definitely recommend the pizza. read more

When staying at Sugar Barge we always take the boat here. Great vibe, decent food, good staff. Always worth it!

Funny spot overlooking the water on Bethel Island. Good grub. Decent service. Recommended.

I can't get enough of the Rusty P! They people are loud, rowdy and hilarious. I enjoy the homey feeling, large bar and comfort food. And it doesn't hurt they have an awesome view! read more

This is one of the few dependable bar/restaurants left in the Delta. It's usually packed and understaffed, so things take a while. Be patient and kind. Most importantly, order the bacon cheeseburger with fries. I had this maybe 3 or 4 years ago and have been thinking about it ever since. Just got up to see my brother-in-law again and we hit the RP. Just as good as before. The burger on its own would be enough, but the fries are also solid. Staff were busy but friendly. It's right on the water, so the view is amazing. Go here. read more

If you are not a regular, forget about being served. It's like you are invisible or an inconvenience. Food was good when they decide to serve you. read more

Quiet early afternoon on the Delta at Rusty Porthole. Patty melt was very good service was quick. I always stop in when on Bethel Island.

Remember the show "Cheers"? This is Cheers with our zip code. I'm just racking my brain trying to figure out each regular to the shows casting! Fun clean ambiance. Easy going music 4 Lunches: 1 kids meal, fish and chips, burger & a BLT with 2 sodas and 2 beers = $80 The service was good. Everyone knew everyone, I felt like someone was going to yell out a Cheers "NORM!!" read more

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The food was really good. Actually better than I had anticipated. A lot of people just stop at Sugar Barge and don't realize the real treat of the island is porthole. Food is better and price is better. So glad this was recommended to me. The only complaint is the staff is overworked clearly not enough staff for a weekend. The wait on your food and drinks can be frustrating. The view makes up for it and the classic feel of the establishment is on point. Burgers and cheesy garlic bread were fresh and good. If you can handle slow island time service then this is your place. Will be coming again just with a better expectation of what5l to expect. read more

Had to put some miles on my new car so I randomly picked this destination for early afternoon lunch. Outside of the dirt parking lot and the huge line of trucks with trailers trying to get at the marina. It was an easy find. Been here in the past, but only by boat! first time by car. Did not affect overall food and cocktails. Bloody Mary's were spicy and just right, and my lunch was perfect. I ordered side of garlic fries which did the trick. Will definitely visit this location again in the future. read more

Ha d a bison bur ger very delicious... Greaat fries... Yum! Will be eating here again lol!!! Ps .. what did the buffalo say when his son went to college... Bison!!! read more

The Rusty Porthole - Great bison burger that was the special today. - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

Amazing little place we were recommended by a local and we are so glad we stopped by. The burgers were amazing and I really enjoyed the coleslaw. Very fun atmosphere. All the staff were super friendly. We stopped by on Saturday night and got to enjoy some karaoke. Check this place out if you can. Definitely a gem! read more

Good portions and great service! Appreciate the friendly staff. Bar tenders make good cocktails and offers great recommendations

Amazing place! Food and service are great! Prime rib and prawns, along with a margarita! Epic!

May 29, 2023 we were in the area and stopped in for lunch. There is plenty of parking and a section right outside the door for Motorcycles. It is on the noisy side if you're sitting close to the bar area. The hamburgers were absolutely delicious, as were the onion rings and coleslaw. The service can be hit or miss, depending upon your server. But, everybody is friendly!!! read more

The BEST spot on the Delta. Not only does the Rusty Porthole have the most amazing food, they have the most amazing Bartenders and waitresses (And Kimmi the owner is pretty awesome too) . And the best view. We come here year round, by boat and by car. read more

We've found our next favorite place to eat! The service was awesome. The food was super yummy! There's lots of "Wanted" posters everywhere and it really makes the atmosphere and we found it hysterical! read more

The Rusty Porthole - Fish n chips (coleslaw was crispy and delicious!) - American Near Me - Bethel Island, California

Been going to Rusty Porthole for 21 years now. Taco Thursdays regularly. The Frozen Bun Run on New Year Day and often when boating or bringing Friends and Family out to eat. Great place, people, and food. read more

Just ate there last night, bar food was great. Pizza was really good! I love good onion rings these did not disappoint and fries were crispy good. Service was quick and very attentive. Round of applause to our server Katie she was awesome!! Love this spot right on the California Delta! read more

Do not go hungry. Waited 1 hour and 10 minutes for our order to arrive, to no avail. We left starving. This is a bar. Forget food. Also, bring your Trump flag. The service was as vacuous as Trump. read more