Rusty Bucket (Facebook / T: @myrustybucket / IG: @myrustybucket)
4109 N. High St. (map it!)
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 261-0385
Open Mon-Thurs, 11a-1op; Fri-Sat, 11a-11p; Sun, 11a-9p (brunch served Sat & Sun, 11a-3p)
Vegetarian/vegan/gluten free? Y/N/Y
Kid-friendly? Y
Visited: Sunday, November 13, 2016 at 1 p.m.
We’ve been to the Rusty Bucket before when they opened their Clintonville location earlier this spring; just recently all 10 central Ohio Rusty Bucket locations added a weekend brunch menu, and they were kind enough to invite us in to give it a try!
Rusty Bucket fits the pub vibe to a T: a menu focused on comfort foods, beer and cocktails galore, dark wood accents, a big bar, several TVs spread around the space.
It really wasn’t a question whether we would start with the cinnamon sugar donut holes, served with a caramel dipping sauce. They were crispy and airy, and reminded me of funnel cake.
The adults enjoyed a couple drinks with brunch; I had Stone’s IPA while Mrs. Bfast w/Nick enjoyed the Ginger Citrus White Sangria.
The boys sampled items from both the kid’s brunch menu and regular menu; they split a waffle to begin. It was nicely browned and crispy around the edges, and served with a small metal jug of syrup.
And then, as kids do, they headed straight for the mac and cheese with fries…
…or with fruit. We’ve always appreciated that the Rusty Buckets feature a kids menu of sure-fire pleasers; the brunch menu has a small kids section as well.
For the adults, we split the braised short rib hash, built on red skin potatoes, onions, peppers, melted cheddar, and a fried egg.
I can’t resist chicken and waffles, so it was pretty certain we’d order it. The beer-battered chicken comes atop a big big waffle with powdered sugar and syrup. The chicken is pretty light on the seasoning, but it’s tender and pairs nicely with the waffle.
Rusty Bucket’s patio is enclosed and heated for the season, so you can still get an outdoor experience, and you can always gather around the fireplace.
