The Atmosphere:

In part because of its location, Rusty's is undeniably fun. The pier is one of these places that can take the edge right off. The restaurants theme of surf / ranch is everywhere. Vintage surfboards hang across the ceiling, surfing memorabilia cover the walls, surf videos play on the monitors and the stage backdrop is painted as a barn with a hayloft and chickens.

You can enter from the either side; they have patios in the front and the back. The main dining area is located in the front, with seating in front of the stage. Rusty's has an entire menu full of appetizers, soups, salads, fajitas, nachos, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, seafood, BBQ and they even have breakfast dishes.

If you just want to hang out, they have pool tables in the back or you can get something to eat on the patio. On a busy night they move the pool tables out of the way and set up a small mini bar to accommodate the crowds.

Unlike a lot of music environments, nearly all the times we've been here the music volume has been enjoyable. The "lifeguard tower" is the sound booth and they do a good job making sure you enjoy the experience.

What you should know:

The pier has parking, both on and beside the pier for $7.00. This is a great neighborhood, with lots of things going on, so in a worst-case scenario you might park near 3rd street and walk a couple blocks. However, you won't have to do that.

Parking Situation:

Music usually starts after 8pm, but they also have music some Saturdays and Sundays during the day. The styles range from local alternative bands, singer / songwriters to more eclectically focused styles, like surf music or jam bands. On a nice day, nothing beats sitting on the patio and looking out at the beach.