Laid-back family-owned eatery featuring local seafood, a tiki bar on the water & live music.
Kiki Wilding
After going to Fred Howard Beach we were hungry for a nice lunch, seafood was on our minds. I googled best seafood near me and Rusty Bellies came up. We gave it a try and were so happy we did! The parking validation for a nearby lot giving 5 hrs was a nice touch. All staff was nice and we had a 20 min wait as told when checking in, promptly seated and our lovely wait person Lele was excellent, friendly, efficient and kept drinks filled. I had the Madame Butterfly shrimp with rice and Brussels sprouts, yummy. My guy had fried clam strips and French fries & cold slaw. I tried his clams and we both agreed they were the best we have had in years, sweet, tender and crisp, light, not greasy. Oh and right after being seated we were given a bag of fresh, delicious hush puppies, the best I’ve ever had. Once again, light, crisp yet soft on the inside, someone knows how to cook these correctly! A great dining experience with a nice view of the water and boats passing by too. We will be back!
… moreEileen Hogan
Our server was Sarah. She was super sweet and took great care of us. My friend and I both had the grilled grouper with green beans and a loaded baked potato. The food was amazing. The real star was the key lime pie martini. I felt like I was actually drinking a piece of pie! Great atmosphere and location on the water. Excellent experience.
… moreSarah Midboe
New to the area and we are still exploring waterfront eateries.
Rusty Bellies did not disappoint!!
We were seated outside overlooking the Anclote River, and it was a gorgeous full moon evening.
I went simple…peel and eat garlic shrimp and a house salad. The salad was crisp, with pecans, raisins, goat cheese. The shrimp were huge, fresh and flavorful. The garlic wine sauce was so good I couldn’t stop eating it. I brought home a leftovers because of the generous portions.
My boyfriend had the crab soup and seafood Mac and cheese, he loved both.
The complementary hush puppies add to the charm and atmosphere.
If you’re looking for fresh seafood from local sources in a warm and welcoming southern eatery, go to Rusty Bellies. It’s near historic Tarpon sponge docks and parking is free across the street which was a nice bonus.
I can’t wait to go back and have more shrimp lol.
… moreTatiane Oliveira
The edamame appetizer and the fried fish with green beans and potato salad as a side dish were wonderful. My husband ate the Dakota chicken, which was also delicious. We had a margarita drink, it was delicious too.Dessert Southern chocolate cake.
I highly recommend this good restaurant.
… moreJustin Wagner
Excellent seafood selection. Some of the fish are locally caught, but definitely ask your server which ones are available that day.
Hush puppies are some of the best ones around.
Reservations are definitely recommended. There is a waitlist that can be joined in person or on the Internet, but don’t be surprised having to wait up to 2 hours before being seated.
Don’t forget to get the “grandma pour” of your glass of wine!
… moreMichael Chan
We went to Rusty Bellies tonight to celebrate a birthday. It was very busy as it usually is. Everything was marvelous as usual. Loved the great complimentary hush puppies that arrive for the table to start. The mussels with a small loaf of bread to dip in the garlic wine sauce is always so yummy. We shared a number of other apps including calamari, tuna poke bowl, and ceviche. . Each were prepared very well. For the mains, we had the Madame Butterfly shrimp, the Pot Bellied Bucket, Snow Crab, chicken Dakota, tuna poke bowl, and shrimp tacos. Each of these were quite good. I would give a solid 4.5 stars across the board for everything and look forward to returning and recommending to others.
… moreRichard Maddox
There is a reason that you wait in line at this place, it’s worth it. We were referred by a friend to dine here, and we enjoyed so much we drove back the next day and ate again.
I had the Kay Lynn and was very pleased with the entire experience.
We live in Tennessee, but if you are close to Tarpon Springs, this is a must eatery.
… moremartin t
We visited as a family of 6 yesterday. We had a few drinks at the bar and were seated within 20 minutes for something to eat. We were served Brittany she took time to go through the menu. We were so pleased with the food quality and service. Thank you Rusty Bellies for a fantastic meal and thank you Brittany for great service
… moreMichele Guttermuth
Good food/ fresh seafood right on the water. No reservations so defs a little wait but can walk around the town while waiting. Big parking lot which is nice but actually restaurant has tons of seating and outdoor area. Overall wonderful experience and good service. Enjoyed various seafood dishes from fried fish- grouper, seafood pasta dish, and fish. Very large portions but do recommend
… moreChristine A
Wow! I already want to go back. The atmosphere had a vacation vibe, which I wanted. The food tasted fresh and delicious! We were given a bag of hush puppies to munch on while we waited to order. The drinks were yummy. My only complaint was they were too busy. Hahah!
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