Rudders Seafood Restaurant & Brew Pub

This was our first time to Rudder's and had soup, salad and sandwiches. It all was excellent - tasty, fresh and presented well! The staff was particularly friendly and helpful. We'll be returning when we're in that area.

Problem #1. This restaurant has to be the most inefficient managed restaurant in Maine. We waited 45 minutes for a table when 1/3 of the tables were vacant. Tables were not bussed and it appeared no one was communicating to the hostess about the vacant tables. Problem #2. We sat directly in front of the kitchen while we waited another 45 minutes for our meal. This was very unfortunate because after seeing the lack of sanitary practices we had a hard time eating the meal. No one in the kitchen wore a hat or had their hair back. No one wears gloves, not even the guy making the salads. He stuck his hands in the lettuce, then the tomatoes, nuts etc. all with his bare hands. Then would go into the refrig touch the handle that everyone else all day has been using, go back and stick his hands in another salad. We witnessed kitchen staff wiping their noses and sweat on their uniforms. Scratching their heads/facings with their bare hands and then sticking it back in the food.Problem #3. The water station is right by the stairwell; the ice bucket had no lid on it. People walk back and forth pass it. Water that is being served should not be exposed to the general public which can become tempered with. Just like the bread should not be served from the hostess desk where it is uncovered and exposed.Bottom line, this place needs the health department to come in and fine them for their unsafe practices.

We enjoyed the lobster and haddock. Server (Cliff) was friendly and efficient but we had a bit of a wait for our food. Enjoyed the Jost wine from Nova Scotia ( Four Skins)

After waiting a long time for a table ( we ended up being seated at one that had been empty for 20 minutes; we were seated directly opposite the kitchen. BIG MISTAKE !!The salad guy around 25 years old +/- , made all of the salads using his hands, no gloves etc. The large plastic bowl used to mix the salads seemed to never get washed. Salad dressings, about 8 were not refrigerated, they were on a metal shelf above the prep area.None of the other cooks/chefs ( 2 women 2-3 men) wore gloves, and were touchy feely with the food. These culinary superstars touched their hair (except for the one or two bald guys), ears, and faces, and continued on without washing.Water pitchers and ice were left open on a large table in an aisle traversed by diners going to and coming from their tables.On the lower shelf toddler booster seats were stored next to water pitchers. The service was slow and the meals - fair at best. Haddock filet was tasteless and slimy.It would appear that the city of Falmouth does not inspect restaurants.

Great atmosphere – good selection of locally brewed beers as well as standard domestic and imported. Food was decent pub-style food - nothing out of the ordinary. Scallop appetizer however was excellent. Good for families and/or large groups. Reservations a must in the busy summer months. Great outdoor patio overlooking the harbour.