Great music venue and bar on the bay! We came to listen to the local band, that played a bunch of covers of pop and alt-rock songs. The layout is great, with a lower pit to stand and listen to the music and adjacent bar to grab drinks. It seems this is really where all the locals come and they really attract a lot of good bands. Lighthouse is out, Rusty Rudder is the place to party in Dewey! read more

Rusty Rudder - Live band - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

This was the worst dining experience I've ever encountered. They called my wife various slurs as well as created a hostile dinner environment. My daughter who is of age to drink was threatened with the police and only after my wife had talked to management was the issue resolved. Wish I could give zero stars, really put a damper on our vacation. read more

OMG!!! The "Rudder" still lives. I had not been here in YEARS - and way back then the place was packed with 20-somethings doing chambord-laced jello shots. Nowadays - it's really not my scene - but "back in the day" it was a fun, fun time. (And a great summer beach place to get trashed at...) read more

"Let's take every beach front bar, load them all up with douchey frat boys, and charge a cover to get in!" That's probably what the people behind Rusty Rudder thought. And hey, it seems to have worked. Place was packed on a Friday night. You literally couldn't move if you were in the main dance floor on the deck. But yes, you pay a cover to watch some crappy cover band. I mean, seriously? You're going to play a live game of "power hour"? There's a ton of bars you can go to. I think they all took cards. Drinks and shots were cheap. Almost regretfully so. Bathrooms are way inside, and on the way, you can probably see some interesting things and meet some interesting people. All in all, it's an experience. But if you're looking for good conversation or culture... go somewhere else. read more

This review is based on an off season visit with a performance by Go Go Gadget. Considering other reviews I'll say that my groups experience was lucky since there was lots of space and the dance floor was only somewhat packed. The cover was only $5 and it was well worth it. 3 different bar areas were open and easy to get a drink at and the service was helpful and fast with delivering 7 G n T's many times over. The crowd was very mixed from mid 20's to late 50's. I doubt the night would've been as eventful if not for the energetic performance by Go Go Gadget. They performed three sets with a break between to give you enough time to do exactly what the bar wants you to do.....take a leak and grab another drink. I highly recommend seeing a performance by Go Go Gadget as they provide some fun entertainment from array of music varieties, although they probably could've left out slim shady. I could see another visit to the sloppy studder in the future. read more

Stopped in on a whim on a Wednesday night. Sat out on the deck, which was a bit too casual for us. The live music was nice, but loud, the humidity was through the roof, the tables were dirty, the food was limited in selection, and the service was surly at best. Again, on a whim (partly to use the bathroom), I wandered in to the hostess station and asked for interior seating in the real restaurant. I got a beeper, and maybe 20 minutes later, my group of 4 was seated. Our server, Lynn, was fantastic. She was always eager to help, and with every stop at the table, she explained where she was going, so that we knew how soon to expect her return. Lynn's eagerness and positive attitude was totally 180 degrees from the horrible server we experienced out on the deck. We decided to skip the buffet and order off the menu. Everyone had a pretty nice meal. Not the best in the world, but very good nonetheless. We were SO glad that we moved indoors. With all the great restaurants in the area, I'm sure RR isn't up with the best of them, but it was good enough for us, and we had a good experience. I'd definitely consider returning. read more

A tradition at the beach. They recently renovated the inside and spruced it up, but you cant come to the beach and not hit the land and sea buffet. There will always be waits, so grab a drink at the bar and chill, and then CRUSH the buffet. The crab legs, the shrimp, the fried chicken...everything is delicious. Totally randomly my wife, my sister and I decided at about 5pm, in Philly, that we wanted to go to dinner at the Rudder. Two plus hours drive, each way...100% worth it. What a feast. I love this place. The bar scene is never a bad thing either. read more

This place is a restaurant? Who knew?! You'll get the full Dewey experience here at night with cover bands, awesome crush drinks and general craziness. Good times to be had here - go! read more

Not sure what to say about this Joint... Service was plenty good... But Seafood plater was a wee bit lean! 3 shrimp, 2 fish cakes and a crab cake that is soggy! Oh but enough fries to crust your utter! I'd keep looking for better digs for a meal.... Nothing Special here! read more

Rusty Rudder - I think this should be the French Fry Platter not the Sea Food Platter! - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

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Poor service server rushed out order and brought the check out before even asking if we were done. Then as soon as we finished the staff comes and takes the table away and chairs. Food was okay I guess. Don't recommend if you're looking for a nice dinner. read more

When I was attending my 1st year in college and freshly turned 17, I was told stories by my roommates of weekend outings to clubs they called "meet markets." Puzzled, I'd ask, "Is the building a 'meat market' by day that transforms into a club by night?" Boy was I clueless. Rudder is the quintessential "Meet" market by night..by day it's a decent restaurant. The salads are HUGE, reasonably priced and filled with numerous fresh ingredients. Now my opinion of the club might be a bit diluted - I went on Memorial Day weekend (tons of singles looking to mingle), but never have I seen so many drunken 20-something in one place...other than the Chicago South Side St. Patrick's Day parade. People were gropping, making out and slurring their game in every direction I looked. Even the 100ft line out the door was a party. Huge club - Outdoor and in. Drinks - cheap price, cheap quality. Entertaiment - Outdoor band kept the crowd mobile and minimized the fighting of the alpha males that filled the place. Inside the dj was spinning hip hop, which had all the ladies dancing. I had to do some quick moves to avoid a few drunken advances. The night was a long, sweaty one....I had a great time. read more

Awful service & not friendly at all. Got seen by the waiter one time before they came back just to leave the check!

If I could give them zero stars I would. Horrible service. Overpriced. And horrible food. Just ate here today and you guys should be ashamed of how much you guys charge for terrible food and how long it takes for us to get it. Two people In our group had to return their food bc it was horrible. They both got the "beyond" burger. Won't eat here again. Management should really take a hard look at how they're running this place. read more

Needless to say, the name says it all. They must be using the "rust on the rudder" as their seasoning on most of their seafood. I am not usually picky about food, but this experience was an insult to mine and my family's taste buds. Honestly, a 4-year old could have assembled the dishes they served us. Ridiculously overpriced and extremely bland in taste. We had: creamy crab soup, seafood platters, buffet, burgers. We were a party of 15. read more

Meh. I prefer Starboard and Bottle & Cory to this place. Rusty Rudder is a bit further down the strip then those two establishments, neighbored only by the Lighthouse. (It's funny, I really shouldn't complain about walking in a town that's 0.3 square miles and has a population of 300.) Anyway, they always seem to have a cover band, like Dewey Beach's venerable Burnt Sienna--what does that even mean!? It's okay, but again, try the other two places first. They tend to be a bit livelier and have a better atmosphere. read more

Went for a sunset dinner on a Sunday night, mid-September so peak season has ended... Sat on back deck while a nice calypso band played music. Server was friendly, I enjoyed the fried seafood platter- the rock fish and shrimp was great, was expecting a little more from the crab cake being were in Delaware at the beach but overall was good. My other half enjoyed his burger but fries were just mediocre. Beers kinda pricey but expected that being at a resort town. Overall great dinner experience! read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Poor selection, worse policy. No substitutions are allowed, desired sides can be added on. Not suitable for large parties as you can only split the bill into 2, which is a pain for large multi family outings. Kids meals are over priced for a basket of fries, cup of store bought apple sauce and 2 tiny chicken strips. Service was lack luster as well. I won't be back. Last note. $7.25 for a draft beer, smh. read more

Don't waste your time. My boyfriend and I show up around 8 pm wanting dinner and few drinks with entertainment and the hostess was some stuck up little maybe 20 year old who didn't want to let us in because we were too old for her liking. She told us when we approached they simply "were not taking anymore names for our waiting list, you can wait if you want to but there won't be any openings tonight. You should come back another time." Okay we said we'll wait. A waitress approached her after hearing this and after they whispered for a few minutes, she turned to us and said in a disgusted tone of voice "I can seat you now". We thanked her profusely and her only response was "I can't seat you on the lower deck" which was the seating at the better tables on the water. Clearly the best seating. We were sat at a high top table with the most uncomfortable chairs in the world. Barely tolerable. But after a few minutes of attempting to sit there we noticed how incredibly open tables were On The lower deck and that everyone sitting in them and being continually sat in them were under 30s. We got the point. We were too old (Over 50) and not welcome. We stayed and ordered food which was over priced and horrible. The "fish nuggets" was essentially breaded bait fish and inedible so it didn't even matter that they only gave you 4 small pieces that may not even be a whole fillet. The sad part was it didn't even come with fries so there would be something edible. I love Dewey Beach but I won't bother with the Rusty Rudder again. The kids can have it, though I don't know why they'd bother either with overpriced food, drinks and amateur bands when there are better options right up the street. Years ago this was a nice place. Looks like it's actually gotten Rusty.:) read more

7/22/2021 after a 45 min. wait we were seated on the deck just after sunset around 8:19PM Thursday. How should I word how the Rusty Rudder is, Let me count the ways. Rude, Obnoxious, Inconsiderate and belligerent. I will not go into great detail of what happened, just know that my wife and two sons were having dinner and it was going from bad to worse. This was the first time that we have been to the Rusty Rudder and will not go back. Bad things started to happen around us so I asked our waiter to go get the manager for me and he walked away as if he did not hear me or was just ignoring me. We finished our dinner which was not real special, It's only bar food from a can a bag or a jar. On the way out I asked an employee standing at the the front entrance to go get the manager for me and he said, and I quote " We fired our manager ". I called the Rusty Rudder 7/23/2021 to see if I can speak to a manager about the night before. I was transferred to her and that did not go well at all, she had every excuse under the sun and was trying to blame us for sitting were we sat and then she started to babble like a child as if she was saying, I'm not listening to you. read more

For our last night in Dewey, we have Rusty Rudder a chance after having a bad experience before. The food was not only cold, but of awful quality. Not a single person in my family was pleased with the dinner they received. It was over priced and mediocre at best, wish I could demand a refund. read more

I was given a 60th surprise birthday here and since I've never been there I was excited as well family flew in for the party from CO and DC areas. Arriving we had a problem as there was little to no close parking. Really didn't want guests to have to walk block(s). The party was beautiful thanks to my wonderful partner. I'm very disappointed with several items. First at $30.00 pp I kinda expect my guests to have something more then cheese n crackers, chicken skewers for cocktail time and then a bag of lettuce w some toppings and two dressings, 1 slider of pulled pork and that's if a guest prior didn't take 2, then there was a mashed potatoes bar which is different but there was enough for 100 guests of that and no signs on toppings to tell what each was. Thank God the Cakes and Cupcakes were made elsewhere and partner brought in. The staff had a lot to be desired. There was no real Mgr dealing with drinks or refill of food which ran out, oh sorry except mashed potatoes. Not sure I would utilize this place for any parties. Oh dont forget to let them have final headcount weeks ahead cause you'll pay pp for what you said was going to attend even if a few dont show. I mean a salad, 1 slider and MASHED POTATOES. Watch out ladies who are thinking of showers, weddings , events that mean something to you. ONCE AND DONE read more

Not sure why this place has a 2.5 star rating, because Rusty Rudder is the only place I'd spend all my birthday money at. Food is great, waiters/waitresses are phenomenal, and the live music is typically mediocre at worst. They also have parasailing and other water activities, they have a beach volleyball court too. Bar good too. read more

I am always hesitant to leave negative reviews for a restaurant, being a bartender and server for over 20+ years, but I can't help but say something when confronted with an experience this bad- and as a nay-sayer of many reviews I've read here on yelp, from people that exaggerate experiences, I write this as someone that believes that no server/restaurant can make EVERY patron happy EVERY time, BUT pleasant service can make up for a lot, and excellent food can counter poor service. This place has neither food that makes it worth spending money, nor the staff that even remotely care to make up for it. The location is beautiful, that's for sure, and I'm certain that will keep vacationers coming here for years to come. Just be warned, if you are not a 20-some year-old group of girls/guys, don't expect service (with a smile, or in general). And don't expect a straw with your Crush (made with syrup that floats like a parfait on top of the vodka) that's made with any degree of care, OR expect to eat anything off of the, (what appears to be a really great dinner selection), "regular" menu at 9:00p on a Friday. What you CAN expect is: Bar staff with no time for anyone who isn't a potential hook-up. Mixing your own drink with a wooden skewer that you have to beg off of a server, only to be told that no straws is "how it is" and your "mixed" drink is served with eye-roll by the bartender (Which I get, if it's an ocean saving initiative, but then shake the damn drink) And watching the couple across from you have sandwiches delivered at the same time as your tasteless fries and cold, congealed cheese. Someone reading this might think, 'what a complainer',- Please know: if there was one staff member working that could have been considered remotely pleasant, I wouldn't have left this review. In short, from the apathetic waitstaff, to the foul mouthed, chew spitting pack of bouncers, there was not one person employed on 9/21/18 that gave an iota of an F. To anyone that considers eating here, I would say: I sincerely hope that, against better advice, you decide to go, that your experience is better than ours, and if you decide against it, that choosing ANYWHERE ELSE to spend your time and money will be worth it. read more

My group of friends (bachelorette party) ended up at the Rusty Rudder twice on a Saturday - once for lunch and the other for late night fun. Lunch: We were a large group (13 people), so we asked to be seated on the deck so that we could all sit together. Our waitress was awesome and even agreed to give us all separate checks... seriously, she was an angel and took good care of us. I went with the blackened grouper sandwich for lunch and I'm not ashamed to say that I had low expectations. The sandwich was actually surprisingly good - the bun was toasted and fresh, the wassabi aioli added just the right kick, and the group was well-seasoned. It hit the spot perfectly! There were no complaints at this table (a table full of girls, I'd like to say). I would definitely come back again for lunch! Late Night: The group headed back around 10:30 pm to hit up the bar scene. Go Go Gadget was playing, so there was a $10 cover, which didn't seem too outrageous. There wasa huge line outside, but it moved quickly. The vibe and the music were not my scene whatsoever, so I made my own fun. I appreciate that there were so many bar areas so I wasn't spending a lot of time waiting on drinks. If you're in the area, check it out. read more

Unfortunately there is not much allure to this place in my opinion, other than a great view of the sunset over the bay. I will throw a few positives out there though: Our server was quite friendly, they have a decent wine by the glass list, and there did appear to be a happening party scene outside with live music. So I ordered the scallop dinner with two sides: french fries and vegetable of the day. When the food arrived the french fries and vegetables tasted like they were from the bottom of the pile, just waiting for some poor sap (me) to order the last bit of them. I was prepared to ask for a fresher serving, but our server was no where to be found for a good 10 minutes after the delivery of the food. The scallops were fine, but it was a very small portion. I found myself staring at my plate in utter bewilderment of the fact that this was a $25 meal. Should I find myself in Dewey in the future, I will avoid eating here, but may attempt to experience the rowdiness of the outside deck. read more

As bad as it gets, sorry but can't find one good thing about this dinner we had. 5 people and each one of said the food was terrible. Cold, under cooked, over cooked fried shrimp, crappy salad, horrible! Service was good but the Chef should be ashamed to serve the level of food. Can not find anything good to say about the food. One start cuz I have to give a star.' read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

I wish i could give this less than 1 star. I don't care enough to get into details but I'll leave it at this - I get better service at the DMV. Our waitress was truly the rudest person I've ever met, and she went as far to chase us out of the restaurant and yell at us sarcastically, from yards away, because we had to get change. Truly, I will never come to this place again. Absolutely terrible. If I wanted to be bullied by catty girls, I'd go back to middle school. That being said, the live band was pretty good and the view was stunning. Not worth it though. read more

This restaurant was excellent! On vacation and we came here twice and enjoyed it both times! Our waitress was on top of everything; even brought us refills without having to ask. The view of the bay was very pretty and was the live band was great and so relaxing. Everything was very clean and just overall have no complaints. read more

Completely unimpressed. My wife and I stayed next door at the Hyatt Place and decided to stop in for a drink. It was a Tuesday night so there was no crowd and it seemed like a really nice place to have a drink by the bay. We waited 20 minutes at the bar and couldn't get any of the four bartenders to wait on us. All four bartenders were chatting with each other and appeared completely oblivious that there were people waiting to be served. They seemed more interested in talking to each other than waiting on patrons. We finally got tired of waiting and left to go to the Nalu Hawaiian bar next door. It's a real shame because it looked like a nice place to have a drink but the bartenders were definitely not interested in tending bar. I wouldn't recommend it. read more

In my twenties, I loved this place. Imagine a meet market (or is that meat market) with all of the R-rated fun of a spot in Vegas, minus the gambling. That is Rusty Rudder. Anyone over the age of 30, unless you have a great sense of humor and have no problems with noise and sardine-packed crowds--you may want to avoid this place. I've read its days are numbered, as a condo developer eyes this property. The closing of this place will mark the end of an era for Deviant Dewey Beach. Food? What's that. This place is about beer and the Dewey Devil. And if you've spent any alcohol-soaked weekends in Dewey Beach as a college student, you will be familiar with the Dewey Devil. read more

This place was really kind of terrible. We have eaten at both the buffet and the seated dinner and each experience was more horrible than the last. The food tasted bad, and the service was worse. The expensive drinks had almost no alcohol in them. When you get a sandwich or something that comes with a side of chips, they just throw a snack sized back of chips on the side of your grocery store bought bun, very classy. I ordered a side of fries instead ($4 additional) and they were cold and mushy. We were really excited to eat on the water and watch the sunset with live music playing, but the food and the service were not worth it. The only good thing about this place was the nightlife, and I still prefer the Lighthouse (which is next door). read more

Specials highlighted online were not offered at restaurant. Beer selection was poor. The dinner band came out much later than advertised and only played for a half hour before taking a break. This place has not only gone downhill, it's bottomed out...and not due to the storm. read more

Let's just say, I took two steps in and one step out. Food was lackluster but location was convenient and right on the bay for the fireworks. For a bar; it hit the spot for drinks but looking at the food, the kids said no So we went elsewhere. read more

This place is terrible. If I could give them zero stars I would. I went there with friends to celebrate my 21st birthday. When the server ID'd my boyfriend (who is a New Jersey Resident) she very rudly said his ID was fake and told us she wouldn't serve him. He is in fact 21 years old and when we told her to get the manager and scan it, she proceeded to yell at us and bend my boyfriend's driver's license in half. When we told them to call the cops they refused and kicked us out. Terrible place, even worse service. Is not worth the lack of professionalism and defiling of property. read more

Haven't had food here so unsure about that. 3 stars for service and price. Decent service. Steep prices. Decent music and set up.

Went on Monday and Wednesday night , seated right away, very attentive- quick drinks, appetizers and good music all outdoors - couldnt ask for much more.. service quick read more

Service was terrible. Lady at the front told my party of about 30 people who were clearly going to give them $1000 that we couldn't combine the checks into one. I'm giving it one star because the food was okay. read more

I will preface this review with this statement: the ONLY positive about this place was the waterfront location. Everything else was extremely subpar from the moment we arrived. The parking boys were incompetent, our service was slow, and the drinks were weak. I'm not even sure my mom's drink had alcohol in it and my $8 beer was lukewarm. Now for the food- we ordered an assortment of appetizers and they all tasted like crappy bar food. We could have had the same experience eating happy hour food from a crusty dive bar. Definitely a disappointment. read more

The atmosphere is family friendly. A group of friends and I went for the buffet on a Friday night. We got right in. The food is good and they are constantly replenishing it. I loved the crab legs! I don't think the food is worth the $32 they charge for the buffet. read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Great bartenders at the back bar, and the best nights are Thursday and Sunday nights during the summer. Friday and Saturday nights can get pretty crazy out on the deck, but hey, it's the Rudder! Make sure to get your beers by the 6 pack outside because the bar can go several people deep as the night goes on. The inside is okay during the offseason with live music and DJs and benefits from being one of the few places open. The biggest con of this place is the bathroom situation in the summer. read more