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Hours
Sun
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wed
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu
11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
Sat
11:00 am - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, American, Bar, Seafood, Grill, Soups
Special Occasion Dining, View, Groups, Bar Scene
Is this a Caribbean restaurant?
Details
About
My husband Jack and I, along with our daughter and son-in-law, welcome you to Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. Opened in June of 2005, Rusty Bellies is an achievement of three generations worth of goals spanning some thirty years. We are a family owned and operated establishment. Our family came to Tarpon Springs in the 1970's. My parents, Joe and Sue Reis, began the business by purchasing several boats, including a shrimp boat. Before long they had purchased the boat yard and developed the seafood business. In 1985, Jack and I took over operations, and it wasn't long before Jack began refurbishing boats. In 2002. we launched our shrimp boat, Julie Ann. The Julie Ann produces fresh gulf shrimp for Pelican Point Seafood and Rusty Bellies. Jack has since finished refurbishing the Redman, a grouper fishing boat, and the Crabracadabra, a stone crab boat. To this day the Julie Ann, Redman, and Crabracadabra are still family owned and operated by the Russells. Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill is named for our family's love of fishing, namely gulf grouper fishing. A "Rusty Bellie" is the nickname given to the large male gag grouper. A "Rusty Bellie" generally ranges between twenty and sixty pounds, and is typically caught by the true at heart fisherpersons. As you look around our restaurant you will see photos of family, friends, and local fisherman that bring the freshest seafood to our dock. The menu gives credit to many of our fishermen by naming the dishes after their beloved boats. Of course, there are too many boats to give credit to each, but keep in mind their dedication to providing FRESH FLORIDA WILD CAUGHT SEAFOOD. It is an honor that we continue what our family began many yeas ago. We value our guests, and we are honored to have you dine with us. Please sit back and enjoy the view and allow us to prepare the freshest seafood, including gluten fee options available for you. Julie and the Russell Family.
CUISINES
American, Bar, Seafood, Grill, Soups
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront, Gift Cards Available
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4.5
4,033 reviews
Excellent
2,883
Very good
834
Average
196
Poor
68
Terrible
53
mel v
1 contribution
May 2020 • none
Most of these touristy places are short on quality and service and long on price (and waiting) by not this place. The place was bustling when we arrived but we were seated in minutes by a polite hostess. Our charming waitress (i think the name tag said Kelly) was efficient and helpful. Our cocktails were tasty and a bargain $5 each) since we were there at happy our. Compliments to the chef since the seafood was cooked correctly, was delicious and arrived quickly. Our outdoor seat wasn't one with the view but we didn't care.
Written 30 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MangoLove
Cebu City1719 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We finished our day trip to Targon Springs by visiting Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill. We enjoyed the Johnny O Grouper Plate, and were thrilled we did. It comes with a large serving of grouper along with two sides (we chose green beans and a baked potato). The appetizer was hush puppies, which were warm and melt in your mouth. It is a large restaurant with lots of seating, including two outdoor seating areas, one adjacent to the main seating area and the other their Tiki Bar. Our service was fantastic, as was the pace of the meal. The grouper was grilled well, but needed some seasoning. The baked potato was good, coming with all the condiments except chives. The green beans were a bit undercooked but good. We finished with Key Lime pie, which was also delicious. The prices are expensive, but what do you expect for fresh fish from Florida? The ambience was good, although there were TVs playing in every corner. There was a live musician in the Tiki Bar (not bad for a Wednesday). There is a shop selling their branded items (t-shirts, hats) next to the entrance. It is also worth checking out, although there were a paucity of shirts available in normal sizes like large and x-large. The restaurant is handicapped friendly. Parking is across the street (Dodecanese) with a sign saying it is parking for Rusty Bellies customers only. When you go, know that the restaurant is at the far western end of Dodecanese, and that you have to drive through all of Targon Springs to get there (about a mile).
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joedog101
Tampa37 contributions
May 2020 • none
Had never been here before, so had no idea what we were in for. They don't take reservations, so, the wait was very long, however, they had live music in the parking lot. Luckily there was parking across the street. Chairs were set up in groups of 2 or 4, six feet apart for listening. That make the wait enjoyable.
We ate inside, and the place is very casual, however, they have a full bar and the food was amazing. Honestly I wasn't expecting very much, and I was blown away.
All fish is fresh caught and sides are homemade. Homemade Key lime pie for dessert was delicious. Our waiter, Vicky, was so attentive and gracious. We left with big smiles on our faces. Definitely will return.
Written 6 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark J
9 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
While the atmosphere was very nice, and the staff we dealt with were excellent, the food as pretty expensive for the quantity you receive. I ordered the coconut shrimp off the appetizer menu for $13, and all I received were 4 medium sized shrimp. I thought I could eat it as a light meal if I ordered it for myself, but I was still very hungry when I finished. The other two folks who I was eating with split some cooked shrimp and two pounds of Stone Crab "Floaters", and while the quantity of what they received was more than mine, they also said they were still hungry when we finished, Again, none of the menu items we ordered was cheap, and we just expected more food than what we received, we all agreed that we'd find somewhere else to eat seafood in the future.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveNunemaker
Thank you for joining us Mark. I am sorry that you left hungry. We always aim to satisfy every guest that dines at Rusty Bellies especially by providing a great value. The appetisers you ordered are a smaller portion than all of our entrees. I am hopeful you will give us another chance to fill your bellies. Please ask one of our servers for some recommendations and we will do our very best to be sure you leave satisfied.
Written 24 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chico C
Cleveland161 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I had the crab legs 1 1/2 and they were very good. It took a while for me to eat them and I felt like the staff was hovering around wanting me to eat faster (I didn’t eat slow). We barely got up and they were cleaning the table. It was very hard to enjoy the meal, which is too bad because the food was really good. I gave this restaurant the 3 stars because of the rushed atmosphere. When I mentioned this to a couple of people in town, they all said the restaurant was always very busy and they want a fast turn around. I know it is all about the profits, but sometimes you have to give people time to enjoy what they are eating.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveNunemaker
I am very sorry to hear you felt rushed. As you say it is all about profits in business but if our guests don't have an exceptional meal served by an exceptional staff they will not return or recommend our business. So to us our profits start with our guests and their experiences. We work hard with our team to be efficient but the guest always comes first. It seems to me that in an effort to be efficient we forgot about your experience. I am very sorry. You ordered a great meal and should always be afforded the time to enjoy it and the company of your guests. We hope you give us another try and we will work to be sure we give you a great Rusty Bellies experience. Please reach out to me if I can be of any assistance.
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brittanie D
1 contribution
May 2020 • solo
I am from Lakeland Florida and today I was in trinity and asked a friend where a good sea food place was around. She immediately says rusty bellies. I drove from trinity to tarpon springs, planning on ordering to go and eating by the water. I order crab legs and realize I didn’t have shell crackers for the crab legs. I asked the lady upfront if I could borrow them because I was eating by the water and would return them when I was done. She had to go to the back and ask a manager. She came back and said unfortunately we can’t do that. So I offer to by them and She says they can’t do that. I walk out frustrated realizing I would need to BUY shell crackers and drive all the way home, expecting cold food. Needless to say by the time I was home with my new $4 shell cracker. Everything was cold. I had to boil my crab legs again and put my other items in the oven. I was over it. You would think after just reopening they would be willing to serve the needs of new customers but apparently that’s not priority at rusty bellies. Food was great but definitely not worth the hassle
Written 16 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveNunemaker
First, I would like to thank you for driving out to see us at Rusty Bellies and I am happy to hear the food was great, Secondly, I am very sorry that your experience was frustrating. Your situation is one of many scenarios that are new to us. Like many others we just recently expanded our almost exclusively dine in business to accommodate carry out diners. This has been a learning experience full of many new challenges. I am sorry that we were unable to accommodate your need. We will work on a solution for our carry out diners moving forward. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Written 19 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoeP
Holiday3 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Only groups can make a reservation, so we had to sign in and wait nearly an hour for our number to be called. From then on, it was all uphill. It was still Happy Hour (up until 7 PM) so my martini was more than half price. My wife got a glass of moscato. Their signature salad was a medley of nuts and fruits on a bed of greens, with a delicious dressing, but the main courses were the coup de gras. My wife got grouper with skewers of shrimp and scallops. The fish was broiled perfectly as were the skewers. I got the Rusty's Pot Belly- steamed shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels and snow crab. I was in heaven. Then, to top it off, key lime pie that couldn't be beat. Check this place out.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveNunemaker
Thank you Joe! I am glad you made the wait. Our wait times can get long during the winter season but if you use the Yelp Waitlist app your time waiting at the restaurant can be cut down dramatically. Just log into Yelp, find Rusty Bellies and hit the blue "Join the Waitlist" button before you stop in. I hope we get to see you again for Happy Hour (daily from 4 - 7) and we look forward to serving you again.
Written 24 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jillie Beach
Fort Myers159 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
If this were my restaurant, I would immediately fire the hostess (we visited on 8/13). Three or four groups were waiting outside trying to figure out the new COVID reservation method. This unhappy hostess finally came to assist and brought all three groups up. She was just miserable. She never offered a menu, sat us and just walked away. Thank goodness our server (Heather) pretty much immediately changed our mood. She was sweet, offered us a paper menu (we were having difficulty viewing on our phones) and was knowledgeable of the menu items. I had the grouper tacos and hubby had a blackened fish sandwich. Both were excellent! It was nice sitting outside with a glass of wine and a beer enjoying the waterview.
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liz-RonB
Birmingham538 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
We went here our last night in town. It is never my intention to take leftovers home, but it couldn’t be helped. First we ordered the mussels in white wine... that was a ‘mistake’! JK but there were so many we knew if we didn’t stop we’d never finish our entree. Then the entrees came... on my! He ordered grilled shrimp skewers and there were 12 of them! And the Mary L Crab pasta bowl was enough for 2-3. And it was all so good! For the price it was so much food we were shocked. I can see why it was packed! If ever in area, we’ll be back!
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YayaLala2010
Clarksville81 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
During a family visit, we decided to visit the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs. Although we like Greek food, we were ready for some good fresh seafood. Our visit was on New Year’s Eve but it was at 2:30 in the afternoon. We really weren’t expecting the crowd so it was a 30 minute wait to be seated and another 30 minute wait to get our food after ordering. Due to the holiday and the great food, we’ll forgive them this time.
Sweety had all you can eat shrimp (steamed or fried). They were large and fresh and hot!! An excellent deal. He probably ate 2.5 pounds of shrimp in 3 orders.
I had Rusty’s Pot Belly - a wonderful mix of fresh steamed shrimp, mussels,clams and oysters with corn and potatoes. It was steaming hot and not overcooked. Excellent!
Hushpuppies were brought to the table while you wait for your food.
Family had coconut cake for desert. It was moist and huge (enough to take home for a second helping).
A highly recommended place and a definite place we will revisit.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveNunemaker
Thank you so much for the great review. We are very proud of the fresh seafood we serve and it sounds like you really enjoyed it. We do get busy almost every day and it is not uncommon to experience a wait for your table. A locals tip: check out Yelp, look for Rusty Bellies and join the waitlist before you arrive! We look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Written 1 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TomTCCollins
North Cape May30 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Our annual visit to Tarpon Springs includes lunch at Rusty Bellies, and again they did not disappoint. App's and lunch was great, friendly service and an unbelievable view. Free parking with a seafood store to bring home dinner also works. Thanks again and C U next year!
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BENJIS MOM
Pulaski101 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
Ok. So w have been living in Pasco/Hudson for 3 years. We eat out about once a week or order pizza. We have been avoiding Rusty Bellies because of reviews and I am not a HUGE seafood fan. Our friends asked us to go So I'm flexible. They asked us to go and it was fine. We got there at 3pm. The wait was 1.5 hour ( we each got a drink while waiting 6 drinks $48) margaritas and cabernet in plastic cups.
After a little over an hour the 6 of us were sat at a table made for 4.(Tight)
I ordered crab legs, (no sides so I ordered Brussels sprouts that I had to send back 2 times cuz they were cold. My husband's $21 fish sandwich came with potatoes chips NOT FRIES or veggie. His cup of clam chowder $5 did not not have one clam in it.
So needles to say 6 people paid approximately $300 for very blah dinner. Definitely will not be back or recommend. 🤢
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benjamin L
Thank you for the review. Sorry to hear we missed the mark. From decreased fishing quotas to increased vendor pricing we have been careful to provide our guests with premium quality products while preserving minimal increases to our customers. If you wish to return, please contact me at Ben@rustybellies.com and we will make sure to give you the experience our customers are accustomed to. Thanks again,
Ben
Written 17 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
57Lulu
Florida627 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We had company so we thought we'd head to Tarpon Springs for lunch. There was a crowd and it was busy around noon. We were seated outside on the upper deck. We ordered the peel and eat shrimp, chicken and grouper sandwiches and an order of whole belly fried clams. The shrimp were fine because they were ordered and served cold. The entrees were lukewarm when they were served - not by our server. My husband hates when they serve clams that way because he likes eating them while they are hot since they cool off fast. Not sure if it was a kitchen or server issue. Seems like the meals sat somewhere before they were served to our table.
Restaurants should consider the delivery of the meals when they consider server assignments. We didn't see our server that often. Not sure where her other tables were located. We won't be back for a while. 3 stars for the view.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda E
17 contributions
Sept 2019 • friends
I have been to Rusty Bellies many times over the years. This is a family owned business that takes great pride in serving the best Seafood fresh off their boats. A great place to take the family or to meet up with friends or even a date night. When the weather permits we love to sit outside at the water front bar. I'm a fifth generation Tampa Native that knows a thing or two about seafood and trust me you want be disappointed.
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom DeLessio
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • none
I love this restaurant and have been a regular for years. The location is great for viewing the sunset on the Gulf. The service is excellent and you are greeted at your table with a bag of hush-puppies which are to die for. The food is very tasty but yesterday when I ordered my favorite ( Long Gone) which are fried clam strips I was informed that this item has been discontinued and removed form the menu. This left me very disappointed and forces me to attempt to find another restaurant to satisfy my craving.
Written 4 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JacquelynT200
Thank you for taking the time to visit and leaving us a review. We understand it can be frustrating to find a favorite dish removed from the menu. We have updated our menu online and have even encouraged guests to contact us regarding a missed favorite dish - as we are happy to accommodate when possible.
Please understand that we are operating with a limited menu due to COVID-19. Seating at half capacity, limited staff availability, and increased supply chain issues have forced us to temporarily reduce our menu for a period of time. While we are incredibly grateful for your support and understanding during this time and hope that you would choose to email us rather than leave a disappointing rating give then current challenges all restaurants are facing at this time.
Written 4 June 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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