The Flavor Chronicle

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern in Worthington is turning back the clock this month with a '90's-themed pop-up designed to deliver a dose of nostalgia along with dinner and drinks. The restaurant has transformed into “Saved by the Bucket,” a month-long, ’90s-inspired pop-up experience.

Tucked along West 86th Street in Indianapolis, the Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern has built a loyal following that stretches far beyond its neighborhood. With a warm, tavern-style atmosphere and a menu packed with comfort food classics, this spot has become a go-to destination for locals and out-of-towners alike.

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern has a Kentucky Hot Brown made with oven-roasted turkey, bacon, tomato on brioche toast, covered in Parmesan mornay sauce and topped with scallions. “I’ve never been able to find one locally, well tonight I did and it is traditional and it is REALLY good, even delivered!” one diner said. “If you’ve been craving a Kentucky hot brown, this is the place to get it!!”

The Rusty Bucket has some popular Baja Fish Tacos. This dish comes with blackened redfish, fresh Pico de Gallo, shredded cabbage, avocado-lime crema on flour street tortillas, and a side of chilled Mexican Street Corn salad.

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern is undoubtedly a gem tucked away in Plymouth, where the atmosphere exudes a delightful blend of casual charm and a touch of upscale flair. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the friendly and attentive staff, which set the tone for a fantastic evening. It’s always nice when the team behind the bar is just as eager to serve as they are to converse.

When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s time to Bourbon & Chill. In this episode of Sip & Stay, “Whiskey” Pete Wagner heads to Rusty Bucket in Worthington, a neighborhood favorite known for comfort food, friendly faces, and the perfect pour.

Watch Rob Gunter, Executive Chef of Rusty Bucket in Northville, MI, during a food segment on Fox 2 Detroit.

Rusty Bucket's Sunday Daily Special in Columbus, the Kentucky Hot Brown, was featured in The Columbus Dispatch as a dish to warm up with during winter.

Compared to the rest, Rusty Bucket is very much a petite chain with just 19 total locations. However, since its birth place and main service area of Ohio lies adjacent to Pennsylvania—home of the Philly cheesesteak—I had high hopes for its take on the classic.

Rusty Bucket was the first place winner in Best Happy Hour in the 2024 Reader's Poll

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern recently reintroduced Daily Specials at all Columbus locations, including a lineup of guest-favorite menu items “from the vault.” The most popular of the dishes is Tuesday’s Daily Special – Taco Salad. Rusty Bucket Regional Chef Anthony MacAdam demonstrates how the Taco Salad is created while Regional Director Bill Everett talks through the lineup of Daily Specials.

Kids’ meals can add up quickly, but I have good news for families in Columbus, Ohio! I’ve scoured the internet to compile an up-to-date list of places where kids can eat for free or at a very low cost on specific days of the week. That means you can enjoy a delicious meal out with your kids without breaking the bank! Woo ho! Whether you’re craving Mexican, burgers, or something in between, Columbus has got you covered.