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Rusty's Surf & Turf, Buxton, NC

Rusty's Surf & Turf

4.6
4.6
335 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood
Top Tags:
Adventure at Rusty's Surf and Turf!
Indulge in a culinary journey that will transport you to exotic shores and create cherished memories with your loved ones. At Rusty's, we're passionate about delivering the highest quality seafood and steaks, prepared by our chefs using global techniques.
Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors as you savor our mouthwatering shrimp and grits, lovingly crafted with homemade country sausage. Or dive into our tantalizing Spanish-style paella, brimming with a delightful fusion of ingredients.
Our mission is to make every moment unforgettable, evoking nostalgia for past vacations and igniting the joy of shared experiences. We cater to locals, Island visitors, tourists, families on vacation, and adventure seekers like you, creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
Reserve your table now.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Global, International
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (252) 995-4184
  • Website
    http://rustyssurfnturf.com/
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Location
    47355 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920
  • Neighborhood
    Nags Head
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 335 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Coastal North Carolina

    Kid-friendly

  • Outer Banks

    Best Overall

  • Outer Banks

    Best Food

  • Outer Banks

    Best Service

  • Outer Banks

    Best Ambiance

  • Outer Banks

    Best Value

  • Outer Banks

    Healthy

  • Outer Banks

    Neighborhood gem

  • Outer Banks

    Good for special occasions

  • Outer Banks

    Lively

335 Reviews

  1. AuntieS

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding meal and service in a lovely dining room. One of our favorites…we only have 2 on Hatteras Island. Last night we both had clam chowder and shrimp and grits, both wonderful. Our waiter was attentive and very personable—a pleasure. I had key lime pie, very good, and my DH had Hummingbird cake for the first time. It was very good but way to much richness after such fine and filling precursors. So sad they’re closing for the rest of our stay this trip or we would have returned at leased once more with our arriving guests. We’ll be back next year.

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  2. DougLin

    Baltimore

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We go here every year. The only restaurant in the OBX with ambience. The food is presented well. Nice variety of choices. It was annoyingly noisy due to the patrons present. The waiter was excellent.

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  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience1
    The lightest most delicious fried shrimp I have ever eaten. Ever.

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  4. Melissa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All the food was outstanding, drinks were delicious and service was on point!

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  5. VernonW

    San Francisco

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Short staffed, bar was closed except for wine or beer. Wine was old. Food was not to our liking. Food was overpriced for what it was. Man who welcomed us seated us, and took our order was very nice. He was wearing MANY hats to make up for the short staff. He did a great job! We will not recommend nor return to this restaurant. Truly a disappointing dinner.

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  6. PattyB

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience2
    I was really looking forward to trying Rusty’s. I know he had a lot of issues with the pandemic. We vacation in Rodanthe OBX every September. I took my husband there for his birthday. The food and service was good, but we couldn’t have been seated at a worse table. Right by the kitchen doors, that every time they opened I thought I would get hit. And just the abrupt noise of the doors. And, even though it wAs the exact day of my husbands birthday, he wasn’t even given a small bowl of ice ream or a cupcake…why ask if you are celebrating a special occasion if it doesn’t really matter. Some of the desserts posted were already gone, they open at 5:00, our reservation was at 6:00. How can they already be out of desserts? Meal and service was good, but probably not returning as it’s a 30 min drive from Rodanthe. I was truly hoping to write a great review. Thank you, Patty Brewer

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  7. MarkO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a good meal with enjoyable atmosphere and attentive staff.

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  8. RonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Rusty's, did not disappoint. The Mahi was cooked to perfection and the Brushel Sprouts with pork belly glaze was amazing.

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  9. RodH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    We had mahi mahi and NY strip. Both were perfect. Kelly was our server and did a great job recommending items after our first choices We're not available. She suggested we also try the fresh made butter pecan cake with bacon jam. Yep that's what I said too. It was amazing. I should have gotten a decaf coffee to go with it. The music was a bit loud and fast beat for our taste, felt like we should hurry to eat and leave but we didn't LOL. We will go back!

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  10. AndrewM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Rusty’s. Never disappoints. Shrimp and grits- my go to. Shrimp linguine- delicious. Shrimp and scallop pot pie- loved it. Wonderful desserts. Great service!

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  11. gregoryi

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    shrimp and grits was amazing. Fresh fish was done perfectly

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  12. JodiH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent. Friendly, helpful staff. We will definitely come back!

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  13. JesseM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food would recommend short staffed but accommodating and will eat their again

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    First time at Rusty’s. Food was amazing. The place was packed with several large groups that made service slower than desired for tables of 2. It also made it very loud. We made reservations so I would recommend that as the host indicated they would turn walk ins away. They are on Open Table app. Again - the food was AMAZING.

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  15. PleasedPettys

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience2
    We usually have outstanding service and great food, this last visit was 9/3 seemed over booked and under staffed. We made a 6:45 reservation, waited a bit to be seated at a table the bartender was serving. She did her best in between making drinks for the entire restaurant, but we had to wait until 8 pm for our dinner that was ordered at the same time as our appetizer. Our waitress gave us desserts to go for our inconvenience which was appreciated. Hoping for better service next visit!

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Good service. Nice wait staff. Good meals. Excellent beverages.

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  17. DannyL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderfully delicious! Can't wait to go back and try different things!

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  18. VivianD

    Ottawa

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Our reservations were made for 730pm. And they had a very busy dinner hour and they were turning people away. At this point, the restaurant was out of sticky rice and scallops. Once we placed our order, we waited quite a while for our dinners. The shrimp were fantastic and large, pasta & pot pie was very good. Tuna was a little overdone. Key lime pie was amazing. The team there were very apologetic about the wait and menu. Definitely make reservations! It's a popular place!

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  19. CindyT

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food is very tasty. Often the salt content can be high, but the food was delicious. The manager accommodated a change in reservation time on a Friday night. I wouldn't have held it against them if they couldn't. Nice folks. Good food. Will visit again when vacationing in that area.

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  20. KatherineL

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience4
    Loved this place and will definitely go back. We had a party pf four and adventurous eaters and we loved everything we ate. Fried green tomatoes were some of the best I've ever had. Tuna steak was yummy. And their desserts are to die for. Highly recommend.

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  21. DougA

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've been going to Rusty's for several years now, and they never disappoint. The food was excellent. Service was top-notch. Our waiter, Donald, was awesome. We can't wait to go back on our next visit to Hatteras Island!

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  22. LDYOBX

    Western NC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Rusty himself is helpful and affable. There are challenges with the bar. Service the last year has been s l o w. Our server was great and accommodated the many requests of our party of 10. Rusty has installed noise panels, but the dining room is still quite loud. People always have a great time and Rusty’s is one of the top spots on Hatteras Island.

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  23. JimmyN

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great taste of custom prepped food. Very Good specials and homemade desserts to top it all off. Servers were great and actually cared about and for your experience.

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  24. JamesL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time. Good food, drinks, and dessert

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  25. MarkJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really had no expectations and the food and service were wonderful.

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  26. SamI

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent Service was superb Location was perfectly

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  27. BrianE

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great way to end a few days on Hatteras Island. Great service, great dinner, very relaxed setting. Would def go back!

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  28. Mawmd

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had the shrimp grits, figured it would be ok. NOT, it was Fantastic!! Best sauce ever , shockin good.

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  29. TanyaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food. Would recommend the tuna. Would definitely go back.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, attentive staff! We had the Greek salad, kabuki shrimp and shrimp pasta. Kids had the chicken fingers. Everything was delish. The mango jalapeño marg was the best!

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  31. LouiseM

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Rusty's is excellent. The ribs are so tender they fall off the bone. The crab cake was perfect. I highly recommend Rusty's.

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  32. KevinG

    Richmond

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A group of us down for some diving in Hatteras. We always go to Rusty's as the food is always good. Once again we had a fantastic meal with more than adequate portions. They had an awesome desert menus but unfortunately none of us had room for it. A great place to eat with family and friends!

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My girlfriend and I decided last night we will always return to this restaurant once a year. Unbelievable atmosphere and exceptional service. Might I add the food was excellent along with the presentation. We both enjoyed the experience and highly recommend. We will be back. -Chris & Grace

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  34. Btaylor

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Service was okay. Not bad. Prices are high for environment and quality. The dishes that were on special were good. Lemon chicken was not good and tasted like I was eating a lemon. Shrimp apps were good. Again not bad overall but pricey for ambiance and quality

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Donnie was a wonderful waiter. Food was cooked well and tasted delicious. Highly recommend the desserts as well!

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  36. AmyV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was excellent and our server was very attentive!! We will for sure return!

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  37. DianeP

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful meal and the food and service were great. I was with 3 diners who are gluten free so our only wish was that there were a few more options for them but overall a great night had by all.

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  38. AnnaA

    Memphis/West TN

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food on the island. Every bite has been delicious no matter what we order. Don't forget to save room for dessert! The banana cake was to die for.

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  39. Mariah

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, friendly service, and overall wonderful experience.

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Wilmington

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The absolute best restaurant on Hatteras-we’ve spent a week on this island for about 15 years and end up. Going to Rustys at least five times in the week. Creative food wonderful atmosphere and attentive staff.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Rusty's Surf & Turf is rated 4.6 stars by 335 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is temporarily offline. Please contact the restaurant directly or check back shortly for availability.

Google Map for Rusty's Surf & Turf

47355 N.C. Highway 12, Buxton, NC 27920

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Nags Head
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Global, International
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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