Rusty Pelican - Tampa

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1. J

   Jimcurls

   Atlanta Metro

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall2food2service4ambience4

   Best description I have is “Mid.” It has so much potential given the location and ambience. The food was bland, overspiced, or poorly executed. For example, the scallop appetizer was over salted even for a blackened prep. The lobster portion of the surf and turf was rubbery. The creamy coconut orzo and the field green salad that come with the crispy snapper (which individually was great in presentation and taste) were very bland. The high points were the snapper, which I would try with different sides ordered off script, and the jalapeno cornbread that arrives before the meal. Drinks were fine. The overall ambience is great and the view out of the window into the bay is an unfair advantage! I would try it again for just the drinks and some apps.
   

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2. F

   Foodie

   Miami

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I was impressed by the entire experience! I had a great time and the food was delicious. The bartender Amanda was amazing as well. 5 stars across the board!
   

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3. RF

   ReginaF

   Tampa

   4 reviews

   3.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall3food3service5ambience5

   Food was a little cold. I was shocked of the rudness of the hostess, when I quietly mentioned the bathroom needed attention. Her rude tone, without even making eye contact, was "I'll let a manager know". I didn't catch her name, but she was not the friendly and professional hostess with the dark hair. I believe she was taller with lighter straight hair. There was paper towels and toilet paper everywhere. Disgusted and disappointing to say the least.
   

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4. s

   scottt

   Miami

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great atmosphere. The food and the service were incredible
   

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5. CH

   ChristineH

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food3service5ambience3

   We got put in the back table in the corner. We heard everything behind the wall where an event was taking place. It was also hot next to the fireplace. I spent $20 on the belle drink and the glass had visible water spots. It’s was like formal and informal. It was an uncomfortable atmosphere. Our server was the only great experience we had. We will not be going back.
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Tampa

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Our server was wonderful and always had recommendations on food and drinks. We never waited long for food at all. The view was breathtaking and the food was amazing. The restaurant is beautifully updated.
   

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7. JH

   JimH

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience4

   I had the stuffed grouper and my wife had the whole snapper. Both were outstanding. The portions were pleasantly larger than I had expected and after my key lime pie I was stuffed. Our server was spot on. We dined early and the noise was minimal. We had a very nice experience.
   

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Charlotte

   12 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall1food5service1ambience5

   We love Rusty Pelican and come several times a year. We bring all out of town visitors here as it’s delicious. With that said, I’m disappointed in the service we received. We ordered a dozen oysters and we had to share one tiny fork as non of us had silverware. Not a big deal. But then came our appetizers and still no silverware. I had to go get it from someone else. Also, not a big deal. The tipping point was when our drinks were brought to the table by Grace, our server. She insulted me for getting a “girly” drink. It’s called Tampabae I believe, but it’s a brandy drink that’s fruity. Because the glass had flowers on the side, she laughed and talked about how “girly” it is. We also ordered two pelican boards, and she kept making comments about needing help, like she wasn’t happy that we ordered such a thing. She also stood there making it really awkward to do the tip. Ideally, I wouldn’t have given her anything after this. She complained every time she came to the table. After spending hundreds of dollars to be insulted, I’m not sure I want to bring people here if this is the behavior of the staff. I could go to Haven, Elevage, Berns, and many other really nice restaurants in the bay area where I can get a drink with a flower in it and not be insulted.
   

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Tampa

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   My husband and I went for a spontaneous date night and it has been quite awhile since I’ve been back here. Our server was Amazing and gave us great suggestions! Shout out to Shannon! The drinks were Fabulous and the food was sooo Delish! I Loved watching the Sunset from our window table too. We’ll definitely be back Rusty Pelican!!
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A foodie myself, the ‘wow’ factor is rare. This place is the whole package and Grouper stuffed with Crab was divine.
    

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11. E

    Eatinout

    Philadelphia

    70 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    70 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great fresh seafood in the seafood tower. Portions are large. Would definitely recommend this restaurant for any occasion. Beautiful setting and very romantic.
    

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12. MB

    MattB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3

    Our appetizer and dessert were good, the entrees were bland and overcooked. Cool dining room and the waitress was good. The food was definitely not good enough for the price. The Rusty Pelican was the most expensive dinner on our trip and the one we liked least.
    

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13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We arrived early for our reservation and were seated promptly. What a beautiful space with views of the water. Our server was amazing. Food and Libations were amazing. We will surely return
    

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    We had a good time. The services was ok but no exemplary. Order a shrimp cocktail that never came but was deducted from bill. Had to ask for refills on drinks. Fish was outstanding!
    

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15. B

    Brian

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was awesome and our waitress gave us some great recommendations. The blackened swordfish and the crabcake stuffed grouper was terrific.
    

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16. TP

    TPAFDCTQ

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience4

    Nice view, horrible food. Maybe went on an off night for the chef. Both me and my mother got the crispy snapper, void of flavor. Overdressed salad.
    

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our server was amazing and the food was fantastic!
    

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    I would say the ambiance is nice. For a Saturday night and highly staffed the food was horrible. The pricing is Ala Carte. Similar to other high end restaurants in town. The steak quality was poor as well I lthe other food dishes. If you want a nice view go to hotel next door There is no value here
    

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19. AM

    ArthurM

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    The food was all very good! The facility needs updating. Staff was all wonderful and accommodating. Prices for portion size was reasonable and easy to share. Drinks were good and priced similarly to the region. Noise levels were high at times with four large groups in a medium-sized room. Well worth the trip!
    

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Dinner was a great experience. The food was delicious, the atmosphere and view were really nice, the server was extremely helpful and all her suggestions were on point. Would definitely go back.
    

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21. RO

    RoxannaO

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1

    Food was good. Hostess was rude as we arrived. Didn’t even say hello. Felt like we were bothering her and the other 3 women at the podium. The only good thing was the food and our server. Will not go back or recommend.
    

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was great and the waiter Sandy was excellent and had a good sense of humor
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Staff super friendly and very knowledgeable of menu. Brussel sprouts delicious. Snapper was amazing in taste and presentation.
    

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24. RS

    RobertS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food and service were excellent. We had a table right of the water which made for a beautiful dining experience.
    

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25. N

    Nancy

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The grouper stuffed with crab and shrimp was moist and decedent. I really enjoyed it. The crispy snapper is a wonderful presentation. My husband lloved the snapper and salad that came with it, but the coconut and pineapple risotto that also came with the dinner didn't pair well with the fish.
    

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26. IB

    IsabelleB

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    Location was great, server was great, service was very poor. Also not a fan of the brunch special… can’t have just a few mimosas you have to buy a whole bottle, to me that’s absurd. The bottle Is not cheap either so I wouldn’t even call it a special lol there’s no deal.
    

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27. MM

    MonicaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The ambience, food and service was excellent! First time and brunch.
    

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28. RK

    RussK

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4

    Lobster was cold. Steak over cooked. I don’t mind paying these highest prices if it matches the value. Last two visits were under par, food quality. Won’t be returning. Atmosphere and service is great.
    

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29. RG

    RebecaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The fog in the restaurant is very tasty and varied. We loved it. The ambiance is great too. Good water view.
    

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30. GN

    GarryN

    Tampa

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was Fabulous, City of zTampa Concert traffic a nightmare. Only a city management moron could screw that up. a2 hours to go 1 mile in a limo. Restaurant was fabulous, will not come back to Tamp
    

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31. LE

    Luv2Eat

    Tampa

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    The restaurant was busier than usual, but we had a great waitress, Kyran, who kept us apprised of our order. Fantastic view of the bay along with our brunch and cocktails. What a great way to celebrate 51 years.
    

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32. ML

    MarieL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My friend really loved it. In her own words "FANCY". We enjoyed the time there.
    

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33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Oklahoma City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Amazing service! Drinks are great. Large portions!
    

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34. L

    Loni

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    We had appetizers and salads. All was good but overpriced for sure. Four scallops $21 And the calamari was very greasy and cold upon arrival Even the wine which was equAl to any house wine was 16 a glass and that was only a small amount not nine ounces. I was like? What? The waitress was excellent and made the experience great.
    

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35. MT

    MTCL

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall2food1service1ambience2

    Waited for over 5 minutes for the hostess to arrive and greet us. She didn’t apologize or acknowledge our wait. We had a late reservation and the restaurant wasn’t busy. My husband’s lobster and shrimp risotto was horrible & cold! They did take it off our bill and apologized but it was extremely disappointing!
    

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36. CH

    ChristopherH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    They ran out of Key Lime Pie it was only 7:00 They do not serve Pina Coladas or Cup of Chinos (Do not have Espresso)
    

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37. PY

    PhillipY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Owen was absolutely outstanding!! We never felt neglected and she explained any questions we had!
    

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38. DW

    DWLovestodine

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service5ambience1

    First impressions was a beautiful restaurant! Until we were seated in a back room that looked nothing like the main restaurant. It was horrible and looked like a old meeting hall! Thrown together for overflow! Glassware was filthy, windows dirty, very disappointing.
    

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39. SS

    StevenS

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Great view of the bay and the service was top notch. Nice decor that doesn't match the name Rusty Pelican. Nice cocktails and great food.
    

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40. LB

    LBC123

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5

    We ordered the filet and lobster: Was not impressed at all with the food. Everything was room temperature, the lobster wasn’t fully cooked and the filet wasn’t as tender as they are supposed to be. Also, the side sauce for the filet was disgusting.
    

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