Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc.

Reviews 5

LO

Lori Broyles

We were here with a large group, on a hot & sunny Saturday afternoon in November... so Im not judging the service - the restaurant was packed, and the two girls working our group did a great job keeping all of us happy. And since this was a wedding reception also, we werent in a hurry, and appreciated extra time to visit with family. What I want to talk about is the food. Everyone in our group raved about their meal. Not one grumble of any kind from over 30 people. I ordered the Carly Sue Shrimp N Grits... and I was in heaven. Lots of small shrimp sauteed with bacon, in a big bowl of creamy cheese grits, topped with sprinkles of bacon & scallions. I was so excited to have some to bring home! My husband got a Grouper PoBoy... fried grouper pieces topped with dill sauce & scallions, and served on a bun with lettuce, tomato & onions. It came with kettle chips, and he said they were good. They must have been - he ate almost every one. My only complaint is that the bathroom on the deck was disgusting. I *could have* gone inside to use what I dearly hope was a fresher bathroom, but the proximity of this one to where we were sitting just inspired me to use more tp on the seat & extra soap washing my hands. We sat at on the Tiki Deck, which offered a great view of the water & boats. Unfortunately, we didnt see any dolphins. Lots of fans on the ceiling kept us comfortable in spite of the 86°F weather. After our long lunch, a few of us stayed past sunset to enjoy beer & cocktails together. Even though a big FSU game was on in the bar, none of the TVs were facing our end of the deck, so we had to keep wandering away to check on the game. Around the time we were leaving, the live music began. Of course, we would have loved to stay, but wed had a long day already and faced a 45 minute drive home. This was our first visit, and definitely wont be our last. Lots of other menu items sounded delicious, so I know well be back.

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RO

Robert Palo

I’ve been coming to Rusty Bellies for around seven years and always enjoy the experience. The location at the end of the “Sponge Docks” makes it an ideal place to stop for a bite before some shopping in Tarpon Springs, or as a way to finish the day with a drink and dinner. They have their own boats which head out and gather the fresh seafood served every day. This really makes a difference that is noticeable in the taste of every dish. You’re always started with a bag of their oh so delicious hush puppies. My favorite dish here has always been the grouper nuggets. The portion size is substantial and very simple. However, I have been known to venture outside of the regular dish and have never been disappointed. The staff here is excellent. They are always in a terrific mood, they’re knowledgeable about the selections, and go above and beyond to make sure your experience is satisfactory. I’ve noticed some of the staff has been here since I started coming seven years ago. When staff stick around for a while, it’s an indication that the restaurant is treating them right. And that reflects every day here. The atmosphere is that of your typical fish fry type restaurant. Lots of wood all around and tchotchkes representing boating and sea life. There are several booths and tables inside and some outside seating on the deck which overlooks the bayou. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a visit from some dolphins or manatee while you enjoy the view. To the right of the main dining area is a Tiki Bar and additional outside seating. When the weather is nice, this is a great place to sit and have a drink with friends while enjoying the views. Ive been coming here for a while now, and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great place for seafood around the Tampa area.

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JA

Jason Steitler

First off, I want to mention, that wait/kitchen staff were wonderful. I went there alone, as a wheelchair user. I told the host staff, I wanted "first table ready" status(available at 2pm), that others asked for. They agreed, but then about a dozen people got let in first. I dont think these young ladies know there definitions After that 12th person entered, the dinner buzzer in my hand went off 5 minutes later. Then they had audacity to offer me an outside seat. Excuse me, but I had just been waiting outside! I said no because I just had issues with their handicapped parking, and I was freezing from a bitter Tampa Bay cool snap(wore leather). Why should I take it if it was never offered up, as in option in the first place. Do they really want to throw a customer to the back porch, after their ADA compliance was so sketchy? A lawyer would see it as that old separate but equal prejudice. Of course, they sent me back to wait again! At least 4 others went by after this, and this couple sitting next to me were so irate at the hostesses for my situation, they were telling them I was to go next or they were leaving. They finally offered a booth end. That was fine, but they should have done it from the start. From this point dinner went swimmingly. However, management needs to send these two for diversity training, and perhaps the main manager should even attend,himself! Perhaps he could get introduced to the idea of handicapped tables, that Starbucks has. Never saw the ones who gave up their seat for me, but they are heroes. I will never attend this establishment again; Nor will my wife!

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A

A Private User

Let me start by saying that I read the reviews on here before deciding where to go on my birthday dinner. Much to my expectations the views were very tranquil and scenic and the service was good. The problem is that the food was not... I started with a bowl of the Seafood Gumbo which came complete with several empty seafood shells. More important, the soup was completely oversalted to the point that I could barely eat it. The seafood was sparse and the whole taste was that of vegetable stew, a culinary mess. On to the entrees.. my girlfriends Chicken Dakota was slightly overcooked and a miserable cut of chicken, and the sauce was so rich it makes a healthy dish like White meat chicken into a caloric nightmare! It so overwhelmed the chicken that you might have well eaten it by itself and spared the chicken from the suffocation. I opted for the True Faith crab cakes, persuaded by the menus rave proclomation of being the best and the perky waitresses reassurances that they are in fact lump backfin. Apparently she doesnt know what that term means, because they were a deep-fried disaster! There was so much claw meat and filler in them, they couldve been made of pollock and Old Bay.. The Cheese Grits side item was equally awful, extremely heavy and having no distinct flavor or texture other than microwaveable cheese. On the plus side, I will say the house wines were enjoyable and the hush puppies in lieu of bread was a nice touch. Other than that, save your money and just have a drink at the bar, the view is free!

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DK

dkahanu

This seafood restaurant, located on the Anclote River, is one of the best dinig values in the Tampa area. Its  excellent for an outing with family, friends, fun date nights or parties. Its too loud for romance or subdued conversation. The menu is all about the seafood. The  choices are extensive in all categories: apps, soups & salad, entrees and deserts. The portions are large, the presentation appealing and everything taste good. There is inside and outside seating: one large dining room and an equally large covered patio with a bar. The view of the Anclote River is good to great depending on where your seated. This time around my wife ordered grilled shrimp and veggies with a salad. I had my usual two apps: mussels in white wine broth with a small baguette and ceviche with garlic & cheese toast. It was all delicous and filling. We also tried their new frozen drink called "Frose All Day". A combination of rose wine, vodka, ice and something else all slushed up. An adult slushie complete with the brain freeze. Two rounds. Very tasty!

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