Rucker Johns Restaurant

It was a last minute decision but let me tell you it did NOT disappoint. if you have a feeling to try the nachos, definitely do it. their shrimp and homemade chilli just hits so different. so many yummy flavors tickling my taste buds. I’ve added this to my regular spot now when visiting.

Stopped here for a late lunch. It's off season in this area, so not a lot open. But I saw this on Google and it was rated well, so I gave it a try. So glad I did! As I was alone, I sat at the bar and was promptly attended to by a delightful lady. I was surprised how extensive the menu was, with several appealing choices. I decided on the shrimp and grits. I was first served a side salad that was so fresh. I had requested the hot bacon dressing, really unsure what to expect. I could have bathed in it! It was soooo good and was wonderful on the salad. That was served with their famous warm croissant with honey drizzled over it! OMG! Right there I was in heaven, and my meal had not even come yet! Well, when it did, it blew me out of the water! Cheddar grits, the most tender perfectly cooked shrimp, bacon, mushrooms, diced fresh tomatoes, a cheese sauce that had just a tiny bite to it sprinkled with chives. It was heaven in each bite. It would have been lovely even without the shrimp as the flavor combination was so good. The portion was very generous, too. That came with some homemade bread that was perfect for wiping up some of the sauce! I have to say, this was one of the best meals I have had in awhile. I wish I lived here as there were other things on the menu to try. But I'm afraid I would just go back to this dish as it was so so good! Thank you for a delicious meal!

The best Chicken Fettuccini and Croissant ever!!! The Croissant was so big, and buttery, and beautiful that I had to take a picture of it!! Picture taken of chicken fettuccine after I've already eaten some. So delicious!!!

The waiting list was long but totally worth it. Even I don't understand why they don't give service in the patio area is a good place, it doesn't make sense. The service is good! We ordered the Crystal Coast Chicken, Santa Fe chicken, a beer and a piña colada (of course with Bacacho) everything was great but the star of the night was the Strawberry Cobbler A La Mode. The coffe is not too good. I want to know the other location in Wilmington bc in Emerald is a must!

We ate dinner with the family here and had a pleasant experience. Three people got ribeyes, I got chicken Alfredo, and another got salmon. Everyone like the regular ribeye better than the blackjack version. My Alfredo was wonderful. Salmon is prepared with the skin, so was a bit fishy. Waitress was great. No wait and easily seated all five of us.

Rucker Johns is a family favorite. Our family eats here whenever we are in town. Tonight, we enjoyed a burger, Deb's Chicken Salad, RJs Garden Salad with grilled chicken, and a loaded baked potato. Everything was prepared exactly as ordered. Their signature offering is the honey-drizzled croissant! You HAVE to try one! Our server Allison was courteous, professional, and attentive. A family member ordered the wrong wine; Allison very quickly returned with her intended selection. Another positive is you can call ahead to get your party on the seating waitlist. Lines form quickly here and the wait can be an hour or longer. Our only minor complaints are that the restaurant is always chilly regardless of the time of year (bring a sweater!) and it can be a little noisy in there sometimes. RJ needs to be on your eatery list when in the area.

The food was delicious! When you walk into the restaurant, youre greeted by the kindest and friendliest faces. Our waitress was really on top of our orders and making sure everything was up to par. While we didn't have a window or outdoor view, the establishment looked super clean. The chefs? Masters of flavor. Our food was divine on every level, and I'm so glad everything is made in-house. It was honestly worth the random 3 hour trip from central NC my girlfriend and I decided to take.

Staff is incredible, from the front of the house to back, and even the owners/managers (who are seemingly always on the floor helping staff, and asking guests how things are). Over the past few years, there have been many different employees, but every single one ive met is charming, professional, and genuine. Hiring manager must have an incredible sense of character. I come in after work never for more than a couple yuenglings, and maybe a slice , sit at the end of the bar, never say much, but I'm always treated like family. I come here pissed after work, always leave feeling better!

This place is so good!!! We go to Beaufort every year and this is the food I look most forward to!!! This year we had an incredible waitress who was so kind and sweet! She was very attentive and had a nice conversation with me and my family. The food here is beyond good. The nachos are incredible and their salads and croissants are delicious!!!!! They have also perfected the chicken tender!! It is clean and beautiful inside. I 10000% recommend this place and I wish I had one in my hometown!! Whatever yall are doing keep doing it!!!

I come to Emerald Isle every year for vacation. This was the first time I have stopped to eat at Rucker Johns. The food, atmosphere and staff were incredible. Moving forward, this will definitely be my go to place every year. Love it! A big thumbs up!!! I give it 5 stars! Can't wait till next year.

Been going to RJ’s for 20 years when in EI for vacation, so good. There is usually a wait on weekends or summer nights so plan ahead. Always have to get a salad with the house dressing (hot bacon and honey mustard) and fresh croissants of course. Usually get the BBQ Bacon Shrimp but changed it up for crab cakes this time and no regrets! Went for my birthday last year and enjoyed a brownie sundae and pina colada 🥰

Very good food and service. First time going to Rucker John's we'll go back for sure.
I had the shrimp and grits with the side salad. My husband had fettuccine alfredo with shrimp and a side salad.
We both had the hot bacon honey mustard salad dressing. It was absolutely amazing.

we ate there twice this week. Both times the food was excellent and the service was excellent too. our waiter was doug both times and may have been the best waiter ive ever had. thank you.

The tuna was amazing and came with a sweet/spicy dipping sauce. The house made salad dressing was delicious as were the croissant rolls. Wait staff was great!

As close to a perfect dining experience as I've ever had. Outstanding food, service and atmosphere. I had the 12oz prime rib, salad with house made thousand island dressing and a loaded baked potato.

Server Sarah and food were great! I loved the quieter atmosphere and the beautiful set up inside. We started off with the Kickin' shrimp appetizer which was so delicious I forgot to take a picture of it. We then had the Seafood Chowder which tasted great, however IF I had to change anything at all about it, I would have added white corn for a subtle sweet undertone. My husband ordered the Chicken Wrap. His plate was clean when we left! I myself ordered the Shrimp Alfredo. Very pleased with the taste and portion sizes. A minor suggestion to the chef, I would have liked it even more, if there was extra residual sauce to dip the perfectly crusted beget into. Other than that, I am excited to have leftovers!

Thank you,
M.C.

Super nice , beautiful restaurant. We really enjoyed the delicious lightly battered fried shrimp plate with a baked potato and salad! Awesome wine list! Fantastic atmosphere!

Always delicious. Get the honey butter drizzled croissants. That's my favorite. Outdoor seating on the canal. Lots of turtles to watch.

Great place and it never dissapoints us when we visit the beach. Even on a friday night there was a very short wait which made out decision to go even more worth while. Crab dip was good. Ask for more toasted bread or chips if you run out. Ribs were great and the lightly glazed BBQ sauce made them delicious. Don forget the croissant!

Haven't been in over 10 years. It's been updated inside since then and is looking marvelous. The staff were all very nice and pleasant. The food was extremely delicious, the honey croissants being especially delicious. A must go to when visiting the Emerald Isle, NC area.