Rusty’s Backwater Saloon

Driving from Mercer we decided to locate the best Bloody Mary in Stevens Point.
We were not disappointed in Rusty’s.
Friendly service and EXCELLENT Bloody Mary’s. I can’t wait to try their burgers.

Bloody Marys are what I am here to review.
If your favorite type of bloody mary is pickle-​y and full of delicious treats inside, you have come to the right place. The bloody marys are made right in front of you with all kinds of garnishes. Just writing about it right now is causing me to drool.
I love the atmosphere in Rusty’s. It’s like a winter retreat into a cabin. It’s the perfect place to be having a bloody with your close friends.

Up for the weekend celebrating son’s bday. This is one of his fav’s and he asked us to try out the place, with the promise of a great bloody Mary. Not disappointed at all — got the beef stick addition. Great flavor, just right mix of spices.
But can’t live by drink alone, so some had the fish fry, one had a burger, I had the Phily Steak with blue cheese (nice twist on a ol’ fav). Fish was tender, and 2 pieces didn’t sound like enough, but filled up the guys. Burger was tasty, and there was an appetizer that disappeared quickly.
Enjoyed the interior — sort of Northern Exposure-​ish, especially when we walked outside to see the beautiful stars and moon outside. You just don’t get that here in the big city. Here’s to the back woods. A great place that I would frequent if we lived closer.

The four stars I’ve given Rusty’s isn’t for the décor — It’s all about the Bloody Mary here. Spicy goodness. Garnishes optional. The drink stands on its own. That being said, I haven’t found a place in Stevens Point that serves a better burger & fries combo. The fries here are magically delicious — so order a size larger than you plan for. They are ultra-​thinly sliced, skin-​on homecut fries. Perfect with a Rusty’s Burger. The burger is a classic tavern burger with any fixin’s you want. Not overcooked. They have a great sandwich and fried food selection.
The order of cajun-​seasons smelt we ordered was a disappointment, but I think it had more to do with my choice of smelt than Rusty’s preparation. They tasted ‘fishier’ than I remembered Smelt to be in my youth. I’m definitely coming back to try the fish fry — it doesn’t even need to be on a friday… Fried perch and cod are always on the menu.
Rusty’s is hard to find — It’s easier to find from the south (off highway 66) than from HH because it’s on the right side of the first sweeping curve of W. River Dr. W.
Own a canoe or kayak? Rusty’s is a great starting/​ending point.

Out of our entire group of friends, my husband and I are the only ones who remained in Point after college. Every time anyone comes back to their old stomping grounds for a visit and we ask where they want to eat — «Rusty’s!» is always the answer. Great fish-​frys (my husband says one of the best ever). As a non-​seafood lover, I always get the mushroom and swiss burger, and they are always perfect. You have your choice of a few varieties of fries (waffle, beer-​battered or sweet potato) and regardless of the choice, they are all great options. But let’s get down to business. The number one best thing about Rusty’s — the World’s Best Bloody Marys. As another reviewer said, these will be the bloody marys upon which you judge all others. Thick and spicy, full of banana peppers and a giant beefstick (for an extra dollar) to finish it off. Get yours with a Spotted Cow chaser — the perfect compliment to an exceptional drink. Despite its isolated location, this place is usually packed by 5pm on Thu-​Sat, so be warned… but there is a reason!

Three words will suffice: bloody marys daaaaaaaaaaang!

Best bloody of my life. It’s hands down the leading factor I don’t mind making a 3 hour trip to visit the man’s parents.
Great base mix & vodka, standard pickle, crushed garlic, banana pepper rings, whole pepperoncini, and big ol’ beef stick.
Our leading benchmark for best bloody…(dare I say) EVER!

One of my all-​time favorite bloody mary’s (you can get it with a beef stick in it for a little extra!) and the burgers aren’t bad either. This place is casual w/​a capital C and always on our agenda when we are in Stevens Point.