Betting Big On The "Bucket"

The popular Mercato Shops in Naples is full of trendy places to hangout; places that while offering good food and a cool scene aren't necessarily inviting for families or for diners in a more casual mood.

That all changed in May, when the Rusty Bucket opened its doors. A family friendly tavern, the new restaurant serves well prepared comfort food with fresh and local ingredients. The craft beer selection is quite impressive, the wine list is quite adequate and the cocktails are made with fresh squeezed juices. The dining geek in me loved the fact that the menu offers drink pairing suggestions, for appetizers as well as main courses.

Fresh and delicious grapefruit margarita

We enjoyed a hearty selection of appetizers including a tangy hummus platter and mouthwatering pork potstickers with sweet chili and ponzu sauce. But it was the fried pickles that had the entire table talking. These were not wimpy little pickle chips, but a healthy sized spear. Dipped in batter you would expect for fish and chips, the fried treats were perfectly crisp; good on their own but even better with the side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Palate pleasing pork potstickers

The main courses range from giant sandwiches and ribs, to burgers and fish. The grilled salmon with a soy glaze, stir fried green beans and sticky rice was so simple, yet simply delicious. The meaty and moist fish was seared with a pleasant crisp, and fantastic flavor.

Perfectly pan-seared salmon

This menu has a little bit of something for every diner, to please both diets and cravings. The Rusty Bucket has a kids reading program and the Blue Plate specials make eating here affordable for the family. In addition, it's a great spot to catch a game on the manyTV screens throughout the dining room and bar.

Rusty Bucket's signature 'Big Sicilian' pizza

Next time you are shopping at or passing by Mercato and want a good meal along with good service, kick it at the bucket, the Rusty Bucket.