Rustic Restaurant in Rocky River is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. The eatery is known for its burgers. (West Life photo by Larry Bennet)

Landmark Rustic Restaurant to reopen in Rocky River
By Cynthia Schuster-Eakin
Insights
Published Oct. 17, 2007

Rustic Restaurant, a fixture on the west side of Cleveland since 1947, is set to reopen this month after a June 6 electrical fire closed the building.

A prep cook arrived at the restaurant early that June morning to discover that a fire had broken out in the kitchen exhaust hood. Owners Gary and Kurt Riegelsberger arrived moments later to see flames shooting through the exhaust fan on the roof.

“When I got inside, it didn’t look that bad,” Gary Riegelsberger said. He originally thought they would be able to reopen in a couple of weeks. Four months later, the cousins admit to having gained considerable knowledge about reopening a restaurant after a fire.

“There were so many things that needed to be reworked,” Kurt  said. “Our guests will notice that the brown air conditioning duct work that straddled the ceiling is gone and the carpet and drapes are new. But, the most extensive work has been in the kitchen.” The only kitchen equipment to survive the fire was a walk-in refrigerator and the dishwasher. “It will take some time to become familiar with the new ovens and stoves,” Gary added.

“The entire building has been emptied. The tables and chairs were sent to be cleaned and reconditioned, along with all of the china and silverware,” he said. “There have been other improvements while we were closed.  Kurt and I have worked on menu development and tested some new recipes. But essentially, the menu and pricing will be remain the same.” The new menu items will be added to Rustic’s regular bill of fare as specials.

The restaurant will still serve breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. on Monday through Saturday. Featured items include the Rustic special, with two eggs, bacon or sausage and toast for just $3.29. There are a variety of three-egg omelettes on the breakfast menu, along with homemade corned beef hash, hot cakes, French toast, fresh muffins and pecan rolls.

Lunch and dinner patrons can begin their meal with a bowl of chili, now in season, or the homemade soup du jour. Hot and crisp Brew City onion rings ($2.99) are a customer favorite.

Burgers are made with fresh, never frozen ground round. The signature Riegelsberger is a third-pound of ground steak on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, cheese and mayonnaise ($4.99). The patty melt on toasted rye bread with grilled onions and American cheese ($3.99) is one of the best in town. My grown children still love Rustic’s peanutburger ($2.99), made with real peanut butter.

Other excellent sandwich choices are the lake perch sandwich ($4.99), turkey Reuben with Swiss cheese and cole slaw ($5.99), chicken pesto on ciabatta bread ($7.49), and sliced pork loin on a Kaiser bun with spicy Rustic sauce ($5.29).

Among the offered entrée selections are the fresh Lake Erie perch dinner with French fries and coleslaw ($12.99), open-face filet mignon sandwich with potato and salad ($12.99), and boneless pork chops ($9.79). Numerous daily lunch and dinner options are posted daily, in addition to the regular menu.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the restaurant opened by the Riegelsberger cousin’s grandfather, Tony Riegelsberger. “Once we are open and used to the nuances of the new equipment, we will turn our attention away from the fire and on to the anniversary,” Gary said.

The Rustic Restaurant, located at 20780 Center Ridge Road in Rocky River, is open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday. Seating is on a first-to-arrive basis. Credit cards are now being accepted. The restaurant has wheelchair access. Phone (440) 333-2422.