**Late night review only** The Rusty Rudder was my first stop on a bachelorette party weekend and I had soooooo much fun here! We got here right around 8:45 and it turned out they charge a $5 cover starting at 9pm, so we got lucky! When we got there the inside bar was dead, so we hung out and got drinks and talked a bit in the AC and then walked outside once the band started playing out there. I wish I remembered who the band was, because they were amazing! I love good live music and they seriously were fantastic and the crowd was super into it. I was also impressed by the satellite bars set up outside; it made it easy to get a drink even when it got crowded. A little later into the night when the DJ started spinning and the crowd picked up inside we spent several hours dancing and seriously had the best time! The DJ even brought the bride-to-be on stage and everyone drank in her honor, which I thought was so sweet. As the night wound down the crowd (inside and outside) got much bigger but everyone we talked to were so nice! Everyone was definitely there to have a good time. I also saw a bunch of other bachelor and bachelorette parties going on, so it seems to be a great place for a large group outing. My only gripe (hence not 5 stars) is towards the end of the night I walked over to close my tab and grab some water and noticed the bartender grabbed ice out of a bin that was holding several bottles of mix (big no no!) and wouldn't you know it... I had floaty things in my water. I'm not sure if that's just bc they got so busy and things didn't go back where they are supposed to, or if it had been like that all along (I was on the other side of the bar, so I couldn't see the ice bucket before) but that grossed me out quite a bit and would have made Jon Taffer mad. read more

See all

Rusty Rudder is a great outdoor space to listen to live music on the water. The food is nothing out of this world, but it's filling and the menu has good options. My lobster roll was tasty and the Cole slaw was some of the best I've had. The service was pretty slow even though they weren't that busy. Their crushes are really good and they have a lot of different flavors. I definitely recommend going here for the fun atmosphere! read more

Rusty Rudder - Lobster Roll - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Amazing vibes. On the water. Beers. Live music. All you need. Lots of bar space, so right on a dock, great views. Miss it right now.

If you like to eat outside this is your place. Music,view, friendly wait staff. Priced well, good portions, food good but not great. Update 2 years later. As my daughter says, @ the rudder doesn't disappoint". Great view, good food, awesome music, and solid service. However, no more buffet. Best meal of our vacation. read more

Rusty Rudder - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Very, very, very saddened to come on vacation for my yearly trip and go to Rusty Rudder only to find that they have removed the buffet. We would eat here for the buffet 3-4 times during our yearly week stay. I wish I had known in advance that they have made such a drastic change. I never in my wildest dreams thought that something that had been around most of my life, and was that popular, would be gone when I made my yearly trek back. Needless to say, I, my wife, parents, and children were highly disappointed. This pretty much has removed one of our favorite reasons for coming down here all these years. The beach and Rusty Rudder were always our motivation! Even though we were crushed, to say the least, we stayed and tried their regular menu. For the price, I was not impressed in the least. Everything was "ok" to "good", but nothing stood out with a wow factor. Yes, the location is beautiful, and there are beautiful views...but the food would need to be better, in my opinion, for the cost. Considering the limited menu they are offering, that makes my decision that much stronger that I will probably never return to the Rusty Rudder. I question how you can go from the previous menu, and the food items that were on the buffet, down to such a small menu with mostly bar foods and sandwiches, and a small handful of super overpriced main meal options. They've went the bar route, and gotten rid of their main roots and what seemed to have been working for so many years. With how many other places there are, just like this--now--the whole thing doesn't make sense to me. I mean, come on... It cost $19 here for a very small wedge of lettuce that they put some dressing and toppings on with a piece of chicken! To top it off, I was shocked to see that the menu says "kettle cooked chips" come with every sandwich, only to find what actually comes is a bag of Herr's Kettle Chips in a bag. That, in my opinion, is a little misleading, and like ....."cheating"..... in a restaurant like this. They really can't make their own chips? Write the word "bag of.." so people know what they are actually getting themselves into. They can't even make their own chicken salad, they have to cater it from Jimmy's Grille? Take a wild guess where I am going to go if I want chicken salad... or an actual MEAL from here on out. It won't be here. It'll be there! I'd sooner drive 10 minutes out to the Rehobeth Jimmy's and see what $19 gets me personally in quality, not to mention the 6 other people with me. Highly disappointed. read more

See all

We used to LOVE the Rusty Rudder, went here for years, close to 20. We absolutely loved the buffet and although that is no longer offered, the food quality has drastically decreased. If only we could pay for an entree with the same quality as the seafood buffet. Not sure if the owners changed or if they just don't care like they used to, but my family really loved this placed so much. It holds a special place in our heart and so many memories here but we no longer return because of the sad food we get for the price we pay. read more

If I could give them no stars I would but unfortunately the review won't allow it. I have traveled all over the US and I highly recommend staying away from this place. The bouncers are completely ignorant and treat people like crap. This place is an absolute shit show. The lighthouse across the street is much nicer and the staff will go out of their way to accommodate you. Do yourself a favor and stay out of this place! read more

My boyfriend and I had a nice time here. Walking up we were a little skeptical but once you go around back it is everything you could want in a live music outdoor bar. We loved the country band that played and the drinks were very strong, which is always appreciated! The staff also did a nice job of socially distancing tables. read more

Food was not as good as it used to be. Menu seemed very limited. Was not given a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Just immediately sat outside. read more

Went for a concert. It was very difficult to get drinks at the bar. One of the bartenders was clearly only interested in serving people he knew and when you could finally get drinks from him, they were terrible. We observed several other people getting frustrated and leaving the show early because of the poor service. Disappointing. read more

Fun place for drinks and music with excellent views of the bay. I attended New Year's Eve event which was super fun. I'd pass on the food though. read more

Awesome early lunch at the Rusty Rudder! The server was attentive, even though he was the only one there. My mom and I agreed that my meal was the smart choice - popcorn shrimp and fries! Not a huge meal, but definitely leaves you full. Also try the pink gin & tonic! read more

Rusty Rudder - Popcorn shrimp, fries, pink gin and tonic. - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

Perfect spot to hang out on the water while listening to music and enjoying a drink! Service is good and the wait staff is very friendly. Parking is $10 but is taken off of your bill. There are plenty of seats inside and out depending on your preference. Bar area outside is super open so you can see the water and stage from all seats. Peel and eat shrimp was good but unfortunately the clams were a bit sandy and the broth was bland. The whole grain bread that came with the clams was actually really delicious! We enjoy going to Rusty when we are in the area. read more

See all

Kind of a dump. Waited 15 minutes for someone to take our order, and then we started waving down other waitresses to find the one that was handling our table. When she finally came over, she had a really bad attitude. The seafood dishes we ordered were mostly french fries with a few shrimp and a small crab cake. The best part of the night was watching the 50 somethings yell at the band to keep playing Jimmy Buffet. One of the guys in the band played the saxophone, so deserves a second star. read more

Ordered crab imperial,I did not come out as it was described it was about the size of a $.50 piece. Had a little container of coleslaw that was warm and tasteless and a bag of potato chips for $28. What a rip off. read more

Okay so went to this place last night because of a recommendation of a friend. She did mention the entertainment and didn't say anything about the food. We ordered the fish and chips, it was $23, the server did say it was a decent amount: OMG not to be dramatic but it literally had one piece of fish and all fries!!!! So disappointing. We also tried the crab, spinach, and artichoke dip appetizer for $20! I did t see any crab or artichoke, it was all cream cheese. Disappointment #2! We sent the fish and chips back. The server was nice about it. The o my thing good I can say about this place is go for entertainment and cocktails. They have a variety of cocktails and the bartender was inviting! Eat before you go here, food wasn't good and it was so overpriced! read more

I was fully discriminated against here. People of color are not welcome and they fully make that aware. I tried to talk to a bouncer/manager about it but was fully disregarded and it was truly appalling. I recommend to not go. read more

Would give them zero stars if possible. Always loved this place until they accused a very close friend of ours of groping girls. He was with a group of friends including HIS GIRLFRIEND when he was blindsided by bouncers and carried out in a chokehold. When we asked as to why he was escorted out we were told that bouncers had given him serval warnings, which he was not. As we were all walking out we spoke with another group of people who said that this happens often. This is super unfortunate because we go to Dewey every year and love going to the Rudder, but unfortunately will not be going back again. read more

They used to have an amazing seafood buffet and nice ambiance inside. Now it is solely catering to the bar crowd. We sadly have made our last trip to the Rudder read more

Chris was very rude to our whole party. I don't recommend coming here. Plenty of other places where you will be treated with respect. Chris was rude and harassed our daughter after she just turned 21. Not with the pain here . Go someone here else read more

Short, pale brunette seating people, and bartender ( female, front bar towards bathroom) were rude. I havent ecperienced those attitudes in a while. Food stiunk..They get by with being on yhe water, but obviously poor run place . I guess management could care less.. read more

Extremely expensive for mediocre food. $40 for a tiny tasteless crab cake. $10 to add 5 pieces of shrimp. Drinks were okay. Cool location though wouldn't recommend. Service was also horrible. Took forever for our waiter to even put in our food. read more

I was passing through Dewey on my may to OC Maryland. We sat at the bar and something to eat a a few drinks. When we were eating and just chatting. One of the staff members came out and ask if we could leave. My mouth dropped he ask us to leave because they were closing. I understand they were closing but he was very rude how he ask us. Poor customer serve skills. read more

Myles M's review rings true. The Rudder's seating policy, especially when the live entertainment starts at night, is somewhat arbitrary and incomprehensible. And at least one of the staffers is just mean. One evening, at one of the sidebars, they began collecting unoccupied stools before a show was to start, but a staffer said I could save 3 for friends who were to arrive shortly. Another staffer came along shortly thereafter and took the stools anyway. When I explained that I was told I could save the stools, he took them anyway. In frustration, I said, "I'm outta here," and he called me a jerk. I said that given I was promised something that he was rescinding for no good reason, I asked "Who's being the jerk here?" He responded that I had to go or he would force me to leave -- which is kinda odd. What part of my "I'm outta here" didn't he understand? Then again, the Rudder is a great place to chill for an afternoon of "unplugged" entertainment. And the frozen mudslides are delicious. read more

The food here was so good!! I got the cauliflower appetizer and holy crap it was so good!!! We also got the rockfish Fingers and they were soooo good. The staff was so friendly. We sat at the bar and Sara was so accommodating and friendly. Chris, Michael and Tony were so awesome too!! Totally recommend this place! read more

Bartender was kind of rude. 7.50 bottle beers, no thanks. The view is fantastic. This place was great years ago. It definitely is not today!

We have been coming here for close to 40 years. Something that you can count on is ambience! The food is good too, but out on the deck, as the sun begins to set, the great music, food and drink has always been totally reliable as everything around this restaurant has Changed! read more

Absolutely horrible! Last chance restaurant...don't go I beg of you! Plenty of other choices read more

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

Such a great ambiance!! I liked the food for a more casual restaurant, as it came with great fun! My server was awesome, but I cannot remember her name. read more

I went yesterday evening. I haven't been there in a while and was surprised that they had gotten rid of the buffet. Which was the only reason why I went there to begin with. My party was hungry and I just paid $10 to park there so I figure I would give them a try. The fish tacos had a funny taste and the crab cake sandwich was alright. I dislike that they don't give you any side options. You get stuck with coleslaw and a bag of kettle chips that I don't like. I would of gone the Crooked Hammock. There price are so much better and the food is better. Rusty Rudders was a complete waist of money. read more

ambiance was great for a beach bar and our waitress was kind but the food was terrible. went there with 5 people, we all got different food, and they were all bad. definitely do not get the crab imperial, its more like crab mayonnaise soup on a piece of bread. also the drinks are extremely expensive and have minimal alcohol. my $15 margarita tasted like margarita mix with no alcohol. we won't be going back. read more

I was at the Rusty Rudder tonight, and was pushed and hit by several trash cans by employees barging through dense crowds. This could have been avoided by the employees strategically going through the crowds instead of pushing them. Horrible experience read more

Wish I could give zero stars. Rude bouncers ruined our family night. Never coming again. Do NOT recommend

Food is horrible. Greasy rock fish bites, sent nachos back to get Quesadillas which were equally as bad. Crushes were awful as well. Rylee was awesome. read more

Location is cool especially if you have or rent a boat, the drinks are ok, crab legs were nice and big a little bit over cooked. Our server Polly, was the nicest and best thing we had! We're a party of 9, came at around 3 on a Sunday and wasn't really busy so when we tried to bring another umbrella we were ran up on "no! You can't have another umbrella I have other customers" she did end with a half apology like she realized how she came at us.... picture attached shows over crowded patrons sweltering in the sun due to lack of umbrellas. read more

Rusty Rudder - All the unshaded customers. - American Near Me - Dewey Beach, Delaware

First time in Dewey Beach . Drove to Rusty Rudder at 6pm. Parking lot gate was open so we pulled in not realizing this was not normal as we thought this late in the evening maybe it was free for customers . Had a great dinner , drinks and appetizers. Couldn't complain . Check was $275.00 . We attempt to exit the parking lot and gate was down . Called for assistance on the screen letting the person know we just came in for dinner and are trying to leave . Explained that the gate was open when we entered- first timers here and we weren't aware the was a ticket that should have been given when we entered . No sympathy . Charged us $36.00 to exit and would not let us out until we paid . Terrible !! Not our fault the parking lot gate was up - cannot explain how pissed I was . Ridiculous! We were there for 2 hours . We will never go back and I will post this review everywhere I can . Felt like it was a scam money grab as there was no signs telling you to get a ticket . What a shame !! read more

They don't allow strollers on the deck, so we weren't able to sit down. They claimed it took up too much space, despite the restaurant being almost empty. Given the reviews I'm glad we didn't end up eating there. read more

Oh this place was crap. It's a huge place with good views, but for a joint that's got a seafood theme, the steamed mussel pot was awful. It came cold, and I mean cold. Not even warm. It must have been sitting out for so long. Even the potatoes and corn were cold. The mussels were so overdone they were hard and chewy. When I complained, they apologized profusely and came back aboit ten minutes later with another pot. It was barely any warmer, and the mussels were still overdone. All the while the rest of my party of a dozen or so were almost done while I was sitting there hungry. So I dug into their extra fish tacos, and they were just as bad. They had so much salt on them I couldn't take more than a couple of bites. And I LOVE salt! I'll lick the salt off a margarita glass, and put extra on most of my meals. I'll even put salt on my ice cream. I've heard of saltwater fish, but this was ridiculous! My nephew's girlfriend found part of a latex glove in her pasta alfredo too! They offered to replace it, but she denied them the chance to turn her stomach again. And when I asked for a toothpick, they didn't have any. I really wanted to get every last vestige of disappointment out from between my teeth, but I was even denied that satisfaction! Oh, and the live "entertainment" consisted of a schlub playing really bad covers of Sublime, Pearl Jam and Goo Goo dolls "classics." And by playing, I mean ruining. Their only saving grace was that they acknowledged the problems and comped the offending "food" from the bill. Then I went drinking to try to forget the whole mess, but alas I could not, hence this review. I think the "rusty" must be in regards to the cook's skills. Stay far away, at least when it comes to seafood! Abandon all hope ye who enter. read more

This location overlooks the bayside of Dewey Beach and has indoor and outdoor seating. Parking is $10 but you get a $10 discount off your meal so essentially parking is free yay. They have a variety of dishes and tons of great options for seafood lovers. The service was okay and the food was pretty good too. I loved the crap dip and fish tacos! The rockfish itself was really good and would have substituted that for the grouper in the tacos. The mango salsa and corn with the four-way rockfish wasn't as fresh as I would have hoped. I did really enjoy the live band that was a great touch. This is a good place to go for drinks at the bar or a long day out in the sun after the beach. read more

See all

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

See all