We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Ratings and reviews

RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
American, Bar
Meals
Dinner, Lunch
FEATURES
Seating, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Table Service
Reviews (52)
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Filter reviews
52 results
Traveller rating
29
16
4
2
1
Traveller type
Time of year
LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
29
16
4
2
1
See what travellers are saying:
Sort and selected filters
Sort FilterEnglish
Updating list...
Reviewed 27 March 2023

We tend to forget about Rusty's as it is a hidden gem tucked out of town, down a country road, but it is worth the trip. Good food, friendly staff, and an owner who seems to care about every table, making the rounds, chatting, and...when we were there, offering up samples of potential new items for the menu. We all had the fish fry which was traditional Wisconsin fish fry, done well with generous portions. Wait staff was attentive and friendly. We need to not forget about going here. It is worth the short drive.More

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 23 July 2022

You've got to drive a ways to get to Rusty's Backwater, but you'll be glad you did. This is a funky little bar right by the river, pretty much in the woods. Don't miss the Bloody Marys or the sweet potato fries.

Date of visit: August 2021
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 2 March 2021 via mobile

Hadn't been to Rusty's due to Covid for a while. Went with 7 others as a birthday celebration. The place appeared overly cluttered. Waitstaff was attentive. Bloody Mary's were lacking the usual 'groceries'! Our perch was apparently fried in the same basket as the French...fries! Dried, overcooked and tasteless! A gyro ordered in our party had dry and overmicrowaved meat. The burgers were surprisingly tasteless! I think the grease in the fryer remained unchanged from a busy weekend! Disappointed to say the least!More

Date of visit: March 2021
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 6 March 2020

The name says it for sure, You'll have to search for it out near the river west of Point, but it's worth the trip. Very rustic atmosphere. Best chicken wings in Point, burgers are great, the whole menu is excellent Bar Food. Try a Bloody...Mary, enjoy.More

Date of visit: November 2019
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 5 January 2019

Excellent find for food, drinks and service, I am looking forward to going again, well worth taking the time to find !!! Don't let a lot of cars fool you when you drive in, there's plenty of room inside and great service from the help,...and great food..More

Date of visit: January 2019
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 13 August 2018 via mobile

Enjoyed a great Bloody Mary and burger for my first time to Rusty’s. We made the voyage in from the Wisconsin River, which is quite shallow. If you are in a pontoon or shallow fishing boat, if give her a whirl, if you are in...a 19’ fish and ski boat with a deep v Hull, I’d I sit by car, unless you aren’t fond of your prop.More

Date of visit: August 2018
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 30 April 2018 via mobile

Best bloody Mary I've had in a while...great place for food and drinks at a back road out of the way bar

Date of visit: April 2018
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 5 February 2018

They have tasty burgers, and Bloody Marys. They have other tasty sandwiches as well. Super laid back place.

Date of visit: October 2017
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 9 November 2017

Rusty's has a wide variety of customers, from families with kids, young adults and some older people. The decor is well worn and friendly. It has above average pub food and much of it is very, very good. Rusty is proud of his Bloody Mary's....The atmosphere is comfortable for everyone and his wait staff is well trained and confident. The furniture is well worn and back woodsy but the drink menu is pretty extensive. Nothing but whole wheat buns and bread, it was non-smoking before it was the law and it's busy. Our whole family enjoys going there. I live in the area and try to get there a couple times a month at least.More

Date of visit: November 2017
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 8 October 2017 via mobile

Good Bloody's and yummy food. Surf and turf burger👍Was looking for a place to grab lunch, would like to come back on the Bike, Nice ride...

Date of visit: October 2017
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 20 August 2017 via mobile

Great food and service. Kid friendly and always new stuff to look at outside. We boat here all the time in the summer. Best bloody Mary's in the state.

Date of visit: August 2017
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 22 July 2017 via mobile

Stopped in at Rusty's for a fish fry and it was as good as in the past. The fries were very crunchy but good, they reminded me of shoe string potatoes. They do have a menu for someone who wants something other than fish although...fish fry is kind of a tradition. Be aware that the tarter sauce and ketchup are in refillable bottles in case that's a concern for you, I don't take chances, my fish was delicious and fries tasty without the sauces. Be aware that the lemonade is made with artificial sweeteners so if you aren't a lover of "lite" then avoid the lemonade. Coca cola products are on tap, as well as Point Brewery drinks, but they also serve a variety of alcoholic drinks. The soda pop tasted fresh out of the tap so they are keeping the taps clean. Rusty's is probably best known for Bloody Mary's. No need to dress up for Rusty's, it's rustic so throw on your most comfortable shoes, toss on a plaid shirt and jeans. Enjoy a drink, air hockey, darts, or pool. The pinball machine was replaced with gambling machines, meh. There are picnic tables outside, or sit at tables, booths, and bar stools inside. Families dine with children in the evening and then it gets taken over by students and local adults later on. If you choose to eat outside be aware that the property has a collection of ... Beloved cast off things... Old buses, RVs, bus shelters, etc. It adds to the rustic ambience. It's a stone's throw from Stevens point but it feels like you've been transported back in time. Ample parking is available. The service is friendly and attentive, it's a great place to chill out after work.More

Date of visit: July 2017
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 23 June 2017 via mobile

Rusty's is amazing! If you considered stopping and haven't, then you need to make this a must stop!! We drove 1.5-2 hours out of our way to stop here! Excellent Bloody Mary's (they are known for them!), great beer (spotted cow on tap!), great food...and great atmosphere!More

Date of visit: June 2017
Helpful?
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.
Reviewed 22 April 2017

It has been years since we have eaten here, but it was close to our friend's house and "new" to us. Pulling into the parking lot looked a bit like a junk yard with the buses, campers, and cars or whatever was parked in the...dark. Perfect scene for next "B" rated horror flick. We walked into a full bar with only a couple tables open. Several tables had young children, so I would recommend this place to a family with children of any age. We started out with the jalapeno cheese curds (not spicy, but flavorful) and the deep fried broccoli cheese. Both were perfectly done, delicious and I would definitely order them again. Several of the appetizers came in small or large sizes which is perfect for sampling. approximately $2.99 for small and $5.99 large 3 of us had the Friday Fish Fry which was $9.99 for 4 good size pieces. Served with a generous portion of good potato salad, unique rye bread (I liked this one, but usually don't eat the rye bread), and a small side of coleslaw. My wife did get the french fries which were homemade and done perfectly. The fourth in our group ordered a burger, which tasted as good as it looked. Not a 5 star restaurant but keep your expectations in line with a bar/restaurant and you won't be disappointed. Our waiter was average at best. Described a beer as a chocolate stout when it was a mocha spiced something that 3 of us would not order again.More

Date of visit: April 2017
Helpful?1  
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.
Reviewed 18 January 2017

Rusty's is my favorite place to go for a great Bloody Mary in Stevens Point. The Saloon is on the river, plenty of room to park, the facility has plenty of seating with a simple menu with great sandwiches, etc. If you love Bloody Mary's,...you need to experience Rusty's.....More

Date of visit: November 2016
Helpful?
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.
View more reviews
Best nearby
Best nearby hotelsSee all
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Stevens Point
81 reviews
8.36 km away
Hampton Inn Plover-Stevens Point
401 reviews
9.70 km away
Comfort Inn Plover-Stevens Point
131 reviews
9.73 km away
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Stevens Point
384 reviews
9.87 km away
Best nearby restaurantsSee all
Anchor Bay Bar & Grill
153 reviews
7.11 km away
Sky Club Supper Club
145 reviews
7.93 km away
Belt's Soft Serve
73 reviews
7.92 km away
Ranchito Mexican Restaurant
70 reviews
7.56 km away
Best nearby attractionsSee all
Stevens Point Brewery
151 reviews
7.57 km away
Mead Park
24 reviews
7.57 km away
Riverfront Arts Center
15 reviews
8.02 km away
Antique Up
7 reviews
7.58 km away
Questions & Answers
Get quick answers from Rusty's Backwater Saloon staff and past visitors.
Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page.
Submit
Posting guidelines
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing

RUSTY'S BACKWATER SALOON, Stevens Point - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Rusty's Backwater Saloon

Yes, Rusty's Backwater Saloon offers takeaway services.

Rusty's Backwater Saloon is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4