Chef Rusty brings his style of global flavor to Fresh and Local cuisine, Beachy and Elegant. Rusty focuses on seafood caught by the local water-men, and features hormone free steaks, amazing slow cooked ribs, chicken and pasta dishes. With a relaxed atmosphere and a wealth of creative cuisine that can’t be discovered anywhere else, Rusty’s shouldn’t be missed. Reservations are encouraged
Colorful steakhouse & seafood eatery offering classic plates with a tropical flair in lively digs. Based on 516 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.3 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Takeout ✔️ No delivery
Address:
47355 North Carolina Hwy 12 HWY, Buxton, NC 27920
Phone: (252) 995-4184
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: rustyssurfnturf.comopentable.com
Reviews
Robert Young
Food – tasted great small portions.
Jessica Evans
My husband and I were looking for a nice restaurant to celebrate our wedding anniversary weekend. We were sat within 5 minutes on a Friday night which was very surprising. We ordered 2 beers to start. Our waiter did not tell us what the specials were for the night, but I happened to see that they had she-crab soup so we ordered that for an app. It only came in a cup size and was $10. We ordered the shrimp and grits and shrimp alfredo and our food took a really long time to come. Our waiter did not round on us frequently. Our food came out and tasted good. We were expecting the plates to be a little bigger and did not come with a salad, etc. It took a while for our waiter to come to give the check as well. We were there for almost 2 hours and saw several tables come and go (even a 10 top that was set down significantly after us). During our time we were able to observe 2 places on the ceiling that are in need of repair (cracks) and 1 area near the bathroom with a piece of the ceiling hanging down. I understand these are just cosmetic but would not expect this at a place with $30+ plates.
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Brian Wilder
Although expensive, you receive an actual waiter thats personable, very attentive, and honest. The food exceeded my family’s expectations. We hosted my engagement party at Rusty’s. Great cocktails, delicious food, excellent service, wonderful atmosphere. We got seared tuna, shrimp linguine, spinach ravioli, chicken sandwich and grilled cheese
Sarah Climie
The staff was wonderful, service was great, and the food was fantastic. I love shrimp and grits. Rusty’s shrimp and grits was by far the best I have ever had!!! The dish had amazing flavors and lots of big shrimp. I will be craving this dish long after our vacation is over.
Anthony Liberto
Very much enjoyed our dinner here. The calamari was super crispy and tasty while having a subtle heat. The shrimp and grits, ordered on our waitress Jennifer’s recommendation, was exceptional. The best thing I’ve had this week in hatteras. even the hushpuppies were great albeit a little smallish. The only thing that wasn’t super enjoyable was the cheese quesadilla which was just kinda blah. nothing wrong but just nothing to be excited about. overall pleasurable experience and would definitely come by again.
Heather Kennedy
Great dining experience! Everything was cooked perfectly and so delicious! It is a tad on the expensive side for the typical beach restaurant but we thought it was worth the extra money for quality food and service.
Christy Zacker
The only reason I gave 4 stars is that the brussel sprouts were fantastic and I would go there again just to order them. Know that you should make reservations ahead. We were in the area on vacation and not aware of this but they do make room for walk ins although they act like you are putting a burden on them. I expected a full dining room but most of the tables were empty where we were seated. The server was pleasant and went over the specials. I chose the New York strip which she indicated came with mashed potatoes. I asked if the mashed potatoes were from fresh potatoes or instant. She assured me they were fresh potatoes but when I was served my meal, it came with french fries. I do not eat fries. The steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked however my green beens were served cold. My husband had ordered BBQ ribs which were also cold. Perhaps our meals were ready and sitting there too long. It did take a vary long time to receive them. The owner came over and took my husband’s plate away. He was very pleasant and seemed eager to make it right. I really do think he wants his customer’s to have a good experience however the ribs were returned warmed up but most of the sauce was missing and they kept his fork that was on the plate when it was taken. Then we had to wait to flag down our server to get a fork. By the time he acutally got a fork to eat, his ribs were cold again and this time dry. I realize they accommodated us without a reservation, however I would rather be turned away if they couldn’t handle our business. The prices are higher than other places we dined at during our vacation however would have no complaints about the price if the food and service were better. The few other occupied tables in our our seating area seemed to be having a better service experience. The same server we had was very attentive to them. Maybe the difference was they were drinking alcoholic beverages and we were the only table that was not drinking alcohol. I still paid our bill and tipped very well in spite of the poor service.
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Larry “Philip” Hopkins
It’s a small privately owned restaurant so make reservations… We had a group of 10 and everyone said their meal was excellent. Prices were to be as expected in this area. You can plan to spend $30-40 per person on average.
Anthony Blubello
The Coconut Mahi appetiser was amazing with the Mang spicy apple sauce. I had the Mahi special which was amazing! I wife was not a fan of the chewy-ness of the steak but still the taste good. The crab cakes were delicious, if you don’t like mayo ask for NO sauce or sauce of the side.
Barbara Howard
We made reservations for 5 o’clock and were seated promptly. Everyone from the gentleman who showed us to our seats to our server, Charlene, were wonderful! Charlene made sure we had everything we needed and even recommended the crab cakes which my husband said were the best on the Island. I tried them and I agree. I had the Kahuku Shrimp with rice and garlic green beans and our son had the shrimp with fries, both of which tasted great! If you’re looking for friendly service and amazing food at a fair price Rusty’s is the place for you!
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