I've been coming here for years and it was my absolute favorite spot to chill after a great day in Dewey Beach. I have been aching to get back there this summer but due to Covid haven't been going to the beach as often. I called ahead to try and make a reservation (they don't take reservations--fair enough) and ask about covid precautions to keep visitors safe. I was told that tables are set a distance apart (wonderful!!) and that all staff would be wearing masks (excellent!!). They stated over the phone that they have customers wear masks while walking around but not required at your table (also, fair and safe!). I am a nurse so I understand transmission and safety precautions well. If I can wear an N95 and full covid gear for 12.5 hours a day at work, I guarantee the staff can wear a mask while at work too. Now on to the reality of the evening--covid precautions half-assed. We waited almost 2 hours for a table which was not a problem, but I wish we could have made a reservation since there are less tables/space now due to distancing precautions. This would have helped with the tightly packed crowd at the hostess stand. The woman taking names had a mask around her chin (not wearing it) and you had to get closer than 6 feet to speak with her due to it being noisy. The latest you can order from the regular menu is 9pm and we barely made it in time to order. The hostess should have been wearing a mask as she was coming in close contact with so many guests. Our waiter had a mask around his neck but again, was not actually wearing it. He sat across from us at our table to take our order--too close for comfort when he wasn't wearing a mask (we were wearing ours). Many people walking around both guests and waitstaff without masks on. No enforcement at all. I hope that enforcement of covid precautions increases at this restaurant because it was an unsafe experience. If staff won't wear a mask to keep me safe, how do I know they're washing their hands to keep me safe behind the scenes? How do I know that the food prep is safe? I have to assume no one cares if you can't publicly show me you care. The food was delicious, drinks tasty, live music rockin' as always. Beautiful sunset and festive scene. But I will not return until safety is a priority and I encourage you to find another place to take your business as well. read more

My family has been coming here since I was a kid, and unfortunately it has taken a drastic turn for the worse. I remember this restaurant being a cozy, classy establishment, with attentive service. The dining experience now is a few notches above McDonald's, but at a ridiculously high price point for the quality. I brought my wife and kids here to show them what I thought would be an amazing experience, but once there I was embarrassed to have recommended it. The food was ok, but way overpriced. The crab cakes were decent, but the crab cake sandwich was little more than a crab patty on store bought bun. It came out with a cheap off-brand bag of plain potato chips, and a plastic tray of cole slaw. "Upgrading" to fries was extra. This plate cost $18.50. There is a single crab cake on the kids menu for ~$20. The blackened salmon was the only item that I felt was a reasonable price, though the serving size was still fairly small. The dining ambience was also completely casual, extremely bright and loud given that they had powerful industrial fans in the dining rooms to counteract the hot air from outside, as all the doors and windows were open. There was a band playing which was nice, but again, it was loud. The amount of single-use plastic at this restaurant was ridiculous. While they tout a straws-on-request policy, which we complemented them on, apparently they haven't internalized the motivation for the policy, as it doesn't seem to apply to alcoholic mixed drinks, which all came with straws. When we mentioned it to the server he basically shrugged it off. Almost every side came in a disposable black plastic dish. All the non alcoholic drinks came in disposable plastic cups, including water, and they brought out more cups instead of refilling the existing ones when we finished our drinks. Oof. I would expect this at a fast food restaurant, but this is a large establishment serving sea food, and they should really be more self-aware when it comes to the affect of single use plastic on the oceans. I give it +1 star for the location, and the quality of the food. read more

Stopped in for lunch during the summer; great food awesome views of the bay at sunset. Plenty of on-site Parkin

I am not a judgemental person and give people benefit of a doubt. If you come here to celebrate, don't. Especially if you're not white. One tall bartender ignored me for 20 minutes while making eye contact and serving all the white people around me. I assumed, "Yeah I'm not that hot so it's cool. I'll wait." White friend jumps next to me and is served in 40 seconds. I gave him the benefit of a doubt. But an hour later after two of my friends were separated from us, they returned irritated after having to wait 20 minutes around this guy to never be served. They are black. We were all quite sober so it's not that we were being obnoxious. After my two gazelle friends were ignored for that long I can only assume it must not be a height thing, attractiveness thing, or busy factor. Celebrate anywhere else. Not worth it. And to the theoretically racist bartender serving at the end of the bar by the dance floor, I really hope you can sort through your issues and have faith in other races, having a little less animosity adds a couple years to your life. Cheers! read more

Kinda off-season review alert. I went down to Dewey for a bachelorette party and we spent most of our wild nights out at the Rusty Rudder. Although it was technically opening weekend, the crowds were still pretty light. I liked this place because it had awesome cover bands both nights. On the first night we saw Electric Velvet and the second night we saw the Jump Off. While they were both cover bands, they had different sounds and were totally to play to the crowd. The dance floor was spacious and the bands had a decent sized stage to play on. I also thought the bathrooms were very modern and pretty clean on Friday night. I'm not sure how this place would be during in-season, but I'd definitely go back. read more

Rusty Rudder - The Jump Off - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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Very good food with a great atmosphere; loved the reggae music. The menu is straightforward. I enjoyed the steam shrimp and the fish tacos were very good. The sunset is beautiful from the deck. I highly recommend going by and checking it out read more

We dropped in for an adults night out and had a wonderful time. We had the option of indoor seating with a buffet option or outdoor seating with only the menu option but a live band. We chose outside and don't regret it! The band was fun, the water front seating was fabulous, and we didn't have to wait long for a table. I ordered the flat iron steak which was AMAZING! the French fries were crispy and yum. My friends ordered the fried and broiled seafood platters and enjoyed them... large quantities. We had a sample of the mixed drinks. The Pina colada was yum although I was surprised to have it come with whip cream. My girlfriend ordered a salted margarita which was great and the guys ordered CaptainCrush. Also yum. We would recommend without reservation! Would come again!! read more

Rusty Rudder - Pina Colada! - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Hostess was unwelcoming, literally said nothing to us (but glared) and unaccommodating for our autistic son. We actually didn't even eat here because of that and the very loud outdoor band. Our son couldn't handle that loud noise and either could we!! They were completely unwilling to help us. We couldn't even hear one another. Disappointing and wouldn't recommend. read more

Wow.... sorry to say this restaurant has went down hill from the prior years and the wonderfully delicious memories we've had on those prior beach vacation trips. No more seafood buffet. The menu that's remaining is nothing impressive, however thought we'd give it a go because we were here.... very poor decision on our part. We asked to wipe the table, the waiter handed us the rag and spray to do it ourselves. Rubbery seafood in the steamer pot. The raw tuna wasn't fresh tasting. There was a dead fly on my child's applesauce. Grilled rockfish wasn't fresh. Fries combo seafood plate way overdone. Folks... just don't do it. Don't. read more

Extremely expensive; mediocre food and service. I am sad about Rusty Rudder. We have a house in Dewey so I have been coming here for about 20 years since I was a kid and I have fond memories, but the place has changed. Many already commented on the seafood buffet being discontinued. Well they also changed their menu which included a MAJOR price hike. I am a parent of small kids now and this is no longer a place that is in our price range, which is sad. We used to come here in a big group - my family drives in from Chicago every year to spend two weeks in Dewey/Rehoboth - and we would all meet up here after our various activities to sit out on the deck, order a bunch of appetizers and drinks and listen to the Island Boys. Whoever got here first would grab two tables. We would watch the sunset and enjoy a lovely end to a long, fun-filled day at the beach. That is no longer possible. First of all, no more Island Boys. They have never had a better band, and the Island Boys were the best thing about this place. To add on to that, this time they told us they would not seat us until everyone had arrived so we had to wait until the last stragglers from our group showed up. Of course, now that means waiting with my three hungry kids. There were plenty of open tables... Two stars because the sand is still right there so they could be entertained playing in the sand by the bay, but still... also now that I have kids I realize how awful it is to have people smoking. YES apparently they allow smoking. One of my kids used to have a trach and has respiratory problems... Ugh! Like I said, the new menu is unacceptably pricey for a casual dinner out with a big group. With these prices, this place is now in special occasion, solo date without kids territory. Kid's menu items don't come with drinks, etc... I'm sure it's not their fault. Places have to make money... Finally, the service is pretty terrible. It is hard to get the waiter's attention. They all seem like high school kids who don't take the gig seriously. Maybe that was a cost saving move too... who knows. All in all, now that I have experienced the new Rusty Rudder, my family will have to find a new go-to spot for our summer evenings in Dewey. :( read more

Thank god they are still open during covid. absolute great place for sun set. Aside from the atmosphere which was truly fantastic, the food and drink was disappointing. Do not Order the nachos. They lack any cheese or creativity. Simply food is bad; come here for a sunset and stick to a Budweiser. read more

Lousy service empty tables but cant seat you because they don't have staff told would wait 20 minutes before a waiter would get to you Go elsewhere read more

Really enjoyed the view at this restaurant. We went here to celebrate my girl's birthday party over the summer. There were a few bachelor and bachelorette parties going on, as well as a performance from Split Decision. I had a really great time here. They turn the outdoor seating area into the dance floor so there's lot of room to hang around and talk or get your dance on. Service was good; I never had a problem getting a drink! The bathroom was clean and we didn't have to wait too long. They don't have a great wine or beer selection, but I'm picky about what I drink. I don't typically hang out places like the Rusty Rudder, but I had a great time with my friends and wouldn't mind returning next summer. Don't drive home drunk please. Call a taxi. read more

Came here for two nightly concerts at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest. The venue was not that large and located right along Dewey Beach, which is a plus during the summer months. the seating was comprised of banquet chairs with signs located on ones at each end to locate your correct seats. The venue was converted to a concert venue due to construction of the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, which usually houses the main concerts. All in all the venue was okay and it seemed that every seat was a good view. They also had two large screens to view the concerts. The acoustics were okay as well. read more

Rusty Rudder - Beach area outside the venue - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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Staying next door stopped in for lunch, place is empty, 3 bartenders all too busy talking or eating to acknowledge me, terrible service, no wonder the ratings are terrible....managment not responsive read more

Went expecting beach food basics but was disappointed by the quality and flavor of everything we got. The nachos were bland and lacked enough sauce or queso. The dip trio was extremely bland and had limited chips, it was more if a veggie platter. After barely trying a bite of the trio we asked our waitress if we could exchange it and she said we would still have to pay for it. The chicken tenders and fish and chips were good but not amazing. Definitely don't recommend especially it not being cheap. read more

My friends and I stopped here for happy hour and we loved it! The bartenders were super friendly and they had great appetizers to munch on while you sip on the cocktail of your choice! They also have live music making it a great spot to go for just a drink or a meal with the family! read more

I've been a customer for the past 4 summers. Loved the food, the drinks and the view. I'm not sure what changed, but today's experience was not what I expect it. I went to have a dinner with my family,but half of my party wasn't present. I asked specifically not to be seated to the speakers. The host said no problem, as the whole party arrived guess where they tried to seat us. I understand it was busy, and I said I can wait for a table. Another big table open, but apperantly it was for 8 people not 5(same size table they tried to sit us first). I'm disappointed way too disappointed. They won't lost the business from one review, but a note to the managment - Train your staff better,because you will lose more than me and my family! read more

NEVER GOING BACK. Right out the gate, our server with the pink hair (cough cough get her in trouble pronto @ the management) was extremely rude, made us feel unwelcomed, and gave us ZERO time to check out the menu. The icing on the cake was that she was when she was checking our ids for drinks she DEFACED my friends id from new jersey "claiming" it was a fake. we calmly asked if we could prove if it was real and long story short, SHES A HORRIBLE SERVER!!! if I could give this place a -185729147390 stars I would. theres so many other places we can go to. read more

Saw group of 10 bouncers knock out a kid unconscious and still continued to kick him in the head. Heard multiple stories like this. Management encourages it. There are purposely no cameras on site. If you want to have a safe night do not recommend at all. read more

For a beach Bar, this place is it! We sat right on the water. It was pretty crowded at 7pm on a Saturday but they did their best with spacing people out. There was live music which is rare these days! The nachos were ok. The old bay fries are great! And the steamed shrimp was delicious. read more

This restaurant had such a great atmosphere. The food was amazing, and the live music was great. Only downside is that the food and drinks are very overpriced. The waiters and waitresses are all very young, but they aren't very attentive. read more

The location and the frozen drinks were great, however the food left a lot to be desired. I had the crab imperial sandwich which was open face on the bottom of an English muffin. For the price I paid, id atleast expect the top half of the muffin too. Much better food elsewhere in Dewey Beach read more

Ordered $23 lobster Mac n cheese. I have a slight allergy to lobster (worth it to still eat it) so I am aware when I eat it. MEANING that I paid $23 for imitation lobster. Even if I was unable to tell by my little allergy, it also had literally no lobster taste. Boooooooo read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Super fun bar. Lively band and right on the bay so nice view. It's walking distance from the beach and was right next to our hotel so we ended up here. $10 cover charge that I wasn't a fan of, but worth it as the band was great and we had a lot of fun here. Tons of room to dance around. They have a fresh OJ stand where they make drinks on the dance floor which I loved. Overall, I'd go here for the band, drinks, & atmosphere. We didn't try any of the food. read more

Came for buffet which is $34 for adults. They have an array of items to choose from but that is still a lot $$ for buffet. Food is soso. They do have great location on the water so good views and extensive outdoor seating for those who want to watch sunset. They have renovated so seating is nicer and restrooms are modern.but parking can be painful. They do have cops checking the area a lot. busy area on the weekends. read more

3 stars strictly on food... 0.5 for the nonexistent service. All the tables around us were complaining by the time we finally got our check. The waitress was freaking out and an older white woman went to one of the table unattended tables and said she didnt normally do it, but took their order since they were giving her their order. Ummmm, so why would you go to the table then? are you the person who cleans the bathroom and is not qualified to take an order? It's called following through on customer service, you aren't doing anyone any favors.. Just do your job. Skipped out on dessert cuz we couldn't stand the wait any longer. They are losing money by lacking on service. The crabcake dip was delicious. The bread bowl it came with was warm, crisp, fresh and soooo good. Great crabcakes too! read more

Rusty Rudder - Great crab dip in bread bowl - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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It's my go to place in Dewey ! I love the Rusty Rudder , the orange crushes and the view

Redeeming qualities great view, fantastic actually. Waitress was good. Food ehh not so much, if this place were to be in baltimore they probably will be out of business in prompt order. 1/2 pound shrimp unmemorable.. Menu is just sandwiches etc, didn't want a burger so I ordered wings. Probably pre-packaged.. Drink was weak.. Not sure what is around these parts, but this place at least from what I had is a fail. read more

Run don't walk his scrape Mecca of scratch cakes and other Sea Fare include great nachos great drinks great find hot women and cold drinks because I'm now come off read more

Rusty Rudder - Here is a real crab cake dude - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

I recommend this restaurant. The view is amazing and the entertainment is awesome!! The service is amazing. My friend and I came to celebrate my birthday and the food was not what I expected and the waitress, Leah, took it out of our bill and she was super nice about it. If you want to have a great time, go visit Rusty Rudder. I hope you will have an amazing time as my friend and I did!!! :) read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Food was delicious. Got Asian chicken wraps. Dan got the crab cakes. Everyone was very pleasant. read more

Rusty Rudder - Asian chicken wraps. Yum - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

My wife & I enjoyed a very pleasant meal on their outdoor dining area overlooking the bay. I had the blue cheese wedge salad with a generous grilled salmon filet. My wife's salmon BLT sandwich was reportedly worthy of a repeat order. Live music was provided by the talented Chris Diller Band. We will be back during our next Dewey Beach vacation. read more

The Drinks & Live Music Were Amazing but the Blonde Hostess with the American Flag Mask was extremely rude and she destroyed the whole good vibe I had. Definitely not something I'd expect from such a friendly looking restaurant and would not recommend coming for the rude service. read more

Having made the Rusty Rudder an annual family tradition I couldn't have been more disappointed. Clearly the quality has gone WAY down. The sushi was mushy, the crab cooked to hell and back, was not edible, the salad bar was warm, and the shrimp were way way way over cooked and mealy. Nothing I had was enjoyable except the ice cream, however the dessert bar was out of hot fudge and there were no spoons. Also the only offering for meat was the very end of the prime rib... not appetizing at all. For $40 per head, the Rusty Rudder should be ashamed of this type of quality. The fact we spent over $400 for this makes me sick. We won't be back, ever. read more

Rusty Rudder - Nasty - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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We had a great experience here. We arrived close to closing and did not realize it, but they were accommodating and did not rush us. Food was delicious and service was great. Highly recommend. read more

Cold, tasteless food, warm beer and poor service. Great entertainment and sunset views are the only reason to come to this establishment

It's rare I feel the need to take the time to leave a bad review but this one I couldn't avoid. There were a number of issues with my visit which will certainly be my last but I'm going to limit it to one thing. My six year old daughter was served applesauce covered in mold. Not just a little but all out stinking nasty green turn your stomach mold. My wife couldn't eat her food, all of our stomachs were doing flip flops and no manager ever appeared. I have never asked for any consideration on a check at any restaurant but if ever there was a time it was this one. No manager, no consideration for something that could have put my child in the hospital, asking for simple things like old bay fell on deaf ears and their buffet is gone. I certainly won't be back and I can't imagine why anyone would decide to put their family at risk and eat here. read more

If you're looking for a nice venue for bayside drinks and music, the Rudder is still nice for this. And as a disclaimer, my review can only speak to the Land and Sea buffet. This was my wife's first trip to the Delaware shore, and I wanted to offer her a wide variety of seafood to try. 20 years ago, the Land and Sea buffet was a sumptuous feast. Not anymore. I should have checked out the buffet before I ordered. The crab balls were dry and overly salty. The cod and other white fish portions were likewise dry and somehow managed to be luke warm even though they were on a steamer table. Whitefish should generally be flaky, not leathery. Aside from the clams, I doubt that any of the seafood on the buffet was fresh and/or local. The deep fried seafoods were the best items on the buffet. But, of course, I can get those at any seafood chain in the midwest. Sincerely disappointed that the Rusty Rudder's standards have fallen to this. Certainly not worth $40/person. read more

Tried to place a to go order from multiple other businesses in Dewey on a Thursday night and was met with a few rude hostesses and poor customer service. Called into Rusty Rudder and they happily took my HUGE to go order for a large group and were SO kind and friendly, even nearing the midst of a busy dinner rush! The food was amazing and delicious as always and they practiced great safety measures during Covid. I've been coming to Rusty Rudder for years and was happy to continue to be pleased with them during these "unprecedented times". Can't wait to see them again next summer! read more