About
Welcome to The Rudder, a delightful lakeside gem nestled in the heart of Hendersonville, TN. Conveniently located at 126 River Rd, right by Anchor High Marina, this restaurant captures the essence of American comfort food while offering a picturesque backdrop of Old Hickory Lake. With its inviting ambiance and warm hospitality, The Rudder promises a dining experience that is both relaxing and memorable.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I've had the pleasure of sampling a diverse array of dishes here, each prepared with a genuine passion for quality. Whether you're craving a classic burger with crispy fries or delicious blackened fish tacos, you’ll find that every bite at The Rudder feels like a taste of home. The restaurant's commitment to freshness shines through in every dish, creating an experience that diners rave about. One customer noted, “It doesn’t matter what you pick, it’s going to be delicious,” which truly sums up the menu’s appeal.
Don’t miss out on the sides that complement your meal perfectly, like the hand-cut sweet potato fries or the creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Each side dish is made with care, ensuring they elevate the main course to new heights. If you’re dining with family, the kid's menu offers delightful options like grilled cheese and mini corn dogs, ensuring even the little ones are catered to.
The dessert selection is equally impressive, featuring indulgent treats like Five Layer Chocolate Cake and the classic New York Cheesecake, each crafted to perfection. The key lime pie, with its ideal balance of sweetness and tartness, is a personal favorite that brings a refreshing end to any meal.
As for the atmosphere, The Rudder is perfect for both family outings and lively evenings with friends. Many have enjoyed live music while sipping on happy hour specials, making it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in beautiful Tennessee sunsets. Customers have expressed their delight in the friendly service and vibrant environment, often returning for repeated visits.
In conclusion, The Rudder stands out as a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike. With its delightful food, warm atmosphere, and stunning location, every meal here is more than just food; it's an experience. Whether you arrive by boat or by car, you’ll leave with a full belly and a smile, already planning your next trip back.
“ Visited with a larger group for lunch. The owner greeted us and our server did an amazing job. I had the classic burger and fries. It was served hot and atmosphere was nice. Arrived via boat from Old Hickory Lake. Marina appears to be rebuilding from tornado that damaged it this past December. Glad they are recovering. ”
“ Our group stopped here for lunch during a day on the boat. We were able to tie up easily and went in to a clean restaurant with friendly staff. The menu has something for everyone and we learned that it doesn’t matter what you pick it’s going to be delicious. The tacos were so good we ordered a second helping of them. We liked it so much we returned for dinner 2 days later and got the same experience. All the food was so fresh and well done. Wish we lived closer because we could easily make this our weekly stop. Highly recommend the salmon and tuna. Kudos to our servers and bartenders! ”
“ Great place to take the family, very fun, live music in the evening, great food. Crab dip is perfect, fish and chips spot on, blackened fish tacos perfection. One woman did have too much wine and fell out of her tall chair. She was okay, and they moved her to a shorter table, but shouldn't be drinking that much in public. ”
“ Located in the Anchor High Marina,this relaxed lakeside restaurant offers Happy Hour drink specials along with American classics foods. You can either sit inside or outside. Since it was a beautiful evening,we sat outside and enjoyed a few Happy Hour beverages. My wife had the Mahi Mahi burger with grilled pineapple with a honey sesame glaze minus the bun and a side of broccoli. I chose their shrimp tacos with homemade chips and hush puppies. Everything was flavorful,fresh and delicious. Portions were just right. This is a fun place to enjoy watching the boats come and go or a Tennessee sunset. ”
“ Love this place! The food was great, the service amazing and loved the live music! Gorgeous sunset! I highly recommend this place. ”
“ This is another great find! This place was Amazing! Great food! Great Service! We definitely have to go back in the Summer! ”
“ Wow! This place is a hidden gem! Relaxing atmosphere, live music, great service and delicious food await you here! ”
“ 5 stars all the way around. My family and I love this place. Great food and we love just watching the sunset there. So pretty and peaceful! This has been our spot for a while! Our children love the fact they provide food to throw out to the ducks and things. ”