Rudy's Lakeside Drive-In

Honest Rudy's review! Honestly, I wish I could give it like a 3.75! I ordered a haddock samwhich, fried calamari, fried mushrooms, onion pedals, a budwiser, and root beer! Total was just under 37 dollars. All the food came out fast and looked fantastic! The portions were surprisingly really small. My haddock sandwich was crispy but lacked flavor and was decent sized. They didn't give me home made tarter. It was commercial grade but they get cranking so I understand. My mushrooms, and onion pedal were decent but nothing special. Was cooked proper and not over done. The calamari was good but not as salty as I would have liked and the breading was just ok. My beer was cold on the outside but not all the way through. Again no biggie it got drank lol. I still cleaned the entire tray myself. The view was great and it was a beautiful evening. One thing to note is the seagulls are absolute SAVAGES. Leave nothing unattended for pictures lol. I'd 100% go back but the place didn't knock my socks off. Edit.... after looking at my pictures, the haddock samich was actually pretty big! Lol

2 years since we ventured north and this is one place we always visit. Food is always so good (haddock sandwich, fried clam strips, pink plate with fried shrimp and fries). Fun to watch and listen to the behind the counter action, such a great staff and great view if eating outside. Lots of parking but can really draw a crowd at times. Some really awesome sunsets on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oswego NY.

I have been going to Rudy’s for 34 years and it was very nostalgic to see my children enjoy as much as I did🫶🏽we had a great time. Food is great atmosphere was a vibe for sure🌅

Rudy's Drive-In restaurant had been on our bucket list after reading the good reviews, so we made a stop here for lunch in mid-June. There's some limited parking roadside in front of the restaurant, and a parking area across the road, but both of those areas can fill up quickly. Beyond that, parking continues along the roadside a little further down. The restaurant was very busy when we got there just before 3 PM on a Sunday afternoon. The ordering process is a little different here. You decide what to order from the menu boards on the walls inside. Then you wait in line to place your order at the counter. They give you a buzzer when you pay, and then you wait for the buzzer to buzz when your food is ready. On the day we visited, we ended up waiting 20 minutes in line just to place our orders at the counter, and then another 25 minutes waiting for our food to be ready for pick up. That may not be the norm. There are plenty of tables in the seating area outside, plus an almost unlimited number of tables located in back of the restaurant, so seating shouldn't be an issue. The lakeside seating is a great feature, especially during nice weather. We ordered two haddock fish sandwiches ($9.89/ea), an order of sweet potato fries ($4.90), and two beverages. Both fish sandwiches were served up very hot and were delicious. Each fish portion was a very generous size. We've had more expensive haddock fish fry dinners elsewhere where the fish portion wasn't much larger than these sandwiches. The sweet potato fries were really crispy and very tasty. The only not-so-good thing was the lemonade we ordered. It tasted more like sugar water without any actual lemonade taste. Other than that minor issue, we had two delicious and generous size meals for a bit over $30 plus tax, a fair price for the quality and quantity. We would definitely eat here again based on this first visit, except we won't order the lemonade again. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!

Location was right on the water. Outdoor seating was nice. Fast, efficient ordering. Food was mostly fried. We had claim strips, max and cheese, wings, hot dog, chicken fingers, potatoes. Fried pickles where not that great and the Philly cheese steak came on a burger bun that just didn't look that appetizing. Food was average. Prices where fair.

I grew up in New England by the shore and this place reminded me of my summers there .Decent seafood ,staff pretty attentative considering how busy it was - will go again when in the area .

Always a great place in Season. They serve a lot of people fairly fast. Two things to know: great fish, and.. Don't feed the sea gulls!!

I've been meaning to try this place for years after hearing about it. Finally, I got around to it after seven years of saying to take the drive up with the family. Let's just say it was a bit to desire. The scenery and location are beautiful as long as you don't look down the road towards the campus of SUNY Oswego and gaze at the RV Park on the right-hand side of the road. The shoreline is breathtaking to gaze out upon Lake Ontario. Food wise, expansive, and subpar. Never thought I would see a hamburger or sausage sandwich cost less than chicken tenders. So the family's order was a Haddock sandwich, lobster Mac and Cheese, two orders of chicken tenders, two orders of fries, three bottles of coke, and a bottle of juice. Total: $64. Yikes! The only item that didn't look like it came out of a highly processed bag of frozen food that you could get at the grocery store far cheaper was the Lobster Mac and Cheese, which appeared to be homemade and quite tasty. The haddock piece was triangle in shape, and the breading had the constituency that you would find in a bag of Gordon Fisherman filets. The chicken tenders were just as equally subpar, which I could've gotten better ones for far cheaper three miles down the road at Tully's. I can't believe salt potatoes cost less there than French fries. I've been to plenty of seafood restaurants from the Gulf at Tampa Bay up the Atlantic coastline of the Carolinas to Virginia and had some really good seafood. I've been to plenty of New York Fish fry as well, some great, and others are not so great. Rudy's seems to be like a bunch of food stands you would find at the New York State Fair wrapped into something that resembles a traditional Fish Fry while trying to be an Atlantic seafood restaurant In closing, it's great to try out, but if you have to take a drive up there just to experience it...it's a one and done. One star for the scenery, one star for the Lobster Mac, and one star for the service.

Great quality, pricing, staff and views. I can't recommend enough to visit. The shrimp and crab roll was ultra fresh.

This place is a well oiled machine! Food comes out hot. A few tables inside but mostly loads of outdoor seating. The staff is great at keeping tables clean, umbrellas up, or giving recommendations for orders. The plates of food are decent, and decent sized portions. The best thing to me I've had yet is the lobster Mac and cheese!

This little gem never disappoints. I've never had bad food here. Quick service as well. Decent amount of seating area outside, not so much inside.

Rudy's Lakeside Drive in Oswego, NY. Rudy's Lakeside Drive In is the quintessential summer dining experience. Perfect way to kick off Memorial Day Weekend! Fresh fried fish and stunning views of Lake Ontario. Take out and the there's plenty of outdoor seating! Doesn't get better than this! Insta: @thehungrysw

Don't let the line scare you. 1) think of it as a compliment that you know the food is good. 2) Realize it goes fast and is so efficient. With 4 of us ordering, nothing was missed. Staff are very attentive and work well together in ensuring everyone has what they need. Food was delicious and perfect to enjoy Lakeside on a beautiful summer day. This is an Oswego staple and so happy to have found it!

First time here, I had to stop and check out the view and the seafood. Now this is a seafood place but I believe their seafood comes in frozen. Of course it does, we are not by the sea! Anyway, the haddock is good. I think it could be spiced more. The scallops were not as crispy on the outside (they're fried). They were good, just seemed like they were almost cooked all the way and maybe pulled out too soon. The coleslaw was ok. The lobster bisque... I would pass on that. I wish I had tried their clam chowder instead. The crackers they serve with the soup are too hard. For some reason they gave me a burger bun. It didn't have anything. I think that may have been an error. The fries were ok, but so much more can be done with those especially if you're serving seafood! The servers are kind and they're doing a good job. I would visit them again but probably be more picky about what I order. They definitely have a large menu so maybe on the next trip I can give them 3 or 4 stars.

Back again this year for a family gathering, around 10 of us at one of the gazebos on a gorgeous summer day. Everyone very happy with the food and atmosphere. I'll reiterate, as I pointed out in my previous review from last year, that all of the annoyances around the ordering process and waiting around inside, trying to figure out if your order is ready... it all goes away if you order online from their website. This time, we all gathered at the gazebo, pulled up the online ordering website, and went around the table punching in orders. Then spent some quality time in the sunshine catching up. After about a half hour, we got the call that the food was ready, and picked it all up immediately. There's just no reason to stand around inside trying to scream out your order and waiting around for it. I personally had a fish sandwich and salt potatoes. Fish tasty, salt potatoes boiling hot and delicious. Also had a side of cole slaw that was above average. One thing I don't like here are the buns for the fish sandwiches. They're regular tiny white hamburger buns. So I get the fish without the bun. Better that way. Looking forward to returning next season!

We shared a haddock plate and enjoyed it. Should have skipped the bun as we didn't want it. We were there on a Friday afternoon between lunch and dinner but still had a 15- minute wait for our food. It was worth it! Really lovely outdoor seating, too. Glad our friend upstate recommended it!

We went to Oswego for something to do on the 4th of July with no plans and family out of state, camping, or working. My friend had been to Rudy's before but I had not. It was open and very busy . We were hungry having not eaten before taking our drive and several stops later it was around 1:30pm. I ordered fish and chips with a cup of lobster bisque since the fish is the hype although there are a lot of non fishy items on the menu in addition to the sea of water ones. Chips were hot and crispy and fish not fishy at all batter light yet crispy on a hamburger bun that could have been left off since it barely covered the middle of the fish piece. Lobster bisque was pureed lobster good lobster taste. A bit pricey compared to other places but the ambiance of being in the waterfront while eating is the draw for this place with many picnic tables, some with umbrellas a covered area and an amazing view of Lake Ontario. Once for the experience maybe another time for the view.

Food wasn't very flavorful. And while seated got swarmed by bees even after moving to multiple tables. Finally just ate in my car.

An Oswego Lakeside icon ! Must Go during may- oct for fish fry - fish hot texas hot so many options and delicious! Many picnic tables by water or eat in car to avoid seagulls!

Nothing says nostalgia like Rudy's. This was our first trip and we visited on a hot summer day which was the perfect time to enjoy on of their platters and then straight to a outdoor lakeside table. We enjoyed the seafood and the family enjoyed the experience. It's nice to see the buzz of youth working to get your order together. It's really rare these days post COVID. We definitely talked about coming back soon to order other parts of the menu.

Casual, reasonably priced place, delicious food! I used to love coming here. I would come back

We came here for lunch. I had the fish sandwich and new england clam chowder. The food was delicious. This restaurant is along lake Ontario. There is seating indoors and outdoors. We sat indoors because of the rain. The service was very helpful and the interior is clean. Although it was off-season for the restaurants in the area, Rudy's Lakeside had a lot of customers. This indicates that this is an excellent restaurant.

Lovely food in a lovely setting - thumbs up for center cut fish sandwich, clam strips & New England clam chowder...also love that they sell Coke products

The food is very fresh had the lobster salad on a roll it was a huge sandwich! Staff are friendly.

I have to say, post covid I really love this place again. The food seems just a bit better, and the fact I can order it ahead of time and not sweat my butt off next to the hot fryers for 30 minutes waiting for food is wonderful, they just give you a ring when the food is ready and its hot and fresh. The fish is better than it was since I last reviewed it, and after being encouraged I tried a fish hot.... which I'm not a huge fan of, but as a result, I discovered I love a slice of cheese on my fish, who knew!

Rudy's was always a staple when I went to Oswego for college. It's been over 10 years since I've eaten here and not a thing has changed, other than covid protocols. When my boyfriend and I were driving upstate for the weekend I told him we have to stop in Oswego. We stopped for lunch! We got salt potatoes, fried calamari and fried shrimp. Just as delicious as I remember it! I absolutely love salt potatoes. He enjoyed it as well! I will never go 10 years without visiting here ever again.

Out of towner with a Syracuse born husband. The view is wonderful and the regional specialties spot on. He keeps saying how did I not know about this place? The haddock and Greek sauce (called hot sauce here and similar to Cinn chili) on french fries taste were spot on and not greasy. The salt potatoes were perfectly cooked and seasoned (know I know why mine don't measure up). Loved it!

To expensive. Rudy's is a tradition for most folks near and far; I think that's what keeps it going. It is ridiculously expensive with just okay food. Great people working there, friendly, fast, and efficient. Food is just average.

First time here - was really looking forward to it but what a disappointment- we had the fish and fries and it was ok at best - moist but lacking flavor- but we also tried the clam chowder and the lobster bisque- both of these were horrible- the clam chowder was very thin and lacked any seasoning- the lobster bisque was thicker but tasted like butter and flour and no lobster could be found- horrible- we are bringing the clam chowder home and will season it to make it eatable- but the bisque there is no salvaging that - I really hate posting poor reviews but they need to step their game

Quick, fresh food, lovely ambience along Lake Ontario! I had fried fish and fries - very tasty

A classic place to eat. Even if you don't like fish. The have changed the ordering process- for the better. They also take credit now ! ! Best fish in upstate NY

Thanks to the damn Covid scare, two hip replacements and open heart surgery, I haven't been to Rudy's in over three years. But plan on it very soon. My wife and I will take our 2009 Corvette out for a run to Oswego and Rudy's for some delicious hot dogs, cole slaw, etc. It's always great food and reasonably priced! Will eat at a picnic table real close to Lake Ontario, and enjoy the scenic view and lake breeze, reliving Rudy's once again. Don't hesitate to sample all of the above. Great weather right now for a cruise!

This is a great hot dog stand with a great selection they are very quick with the orders. Looks like an old hotdog stand kept very clean.

An Oswego tradition! Classic haddock, and all the upstate New York, go tos. Not to mention the beautiful view from a picnic table looking out over Lake Ontario. Not to be missed.

We arrived a few minutes after they opened and there was already a line. But after enjoying this meal, it was easy to see why. We ordered the haddock sandwich, a haddock plate with fries and coleslaw, and rice pudding. The haddock was crispy and juicy. The rice pudding was wonderful and a really nice balance to the savory flavors of the fish. It was a perfect day to eat this meal while enjoying a wonderful view of Lake Ontario. We I'll definitely be going back.

Yelp said it wasn't open on Tuesday evening so we ate somewhere else then drove out to see it. It was open and looked like a great place for very casual dining. Bummer.

If you're looking for a no frills seafood joint with quick service and good bang for your buck, look no further! The building isn't much from the outside (or inside for that matter haha), but you're only in the building for a few minutes to order and pick-up your food. After that, you have plenty of lakefront seating to choose from - both shaded under a pavilion and umbrellas or in the sun. There isn't a bad seat outside, as they all overlook the beauty of Lake Ontario. I ordered the Guppy meal which is the kid's size portion of haddock with fries, a roll, and a side for under $10! My order was ready within a couple of minutes, and everything was served fresh and piping hot. For my side, I chose the macaroni salad which I would definitely recommend. The portion size was very large, too, and I left completely full and satisfied. This isn't a fancy establishment, but it's perfect for a quick bite with a view that cannot be beat!

Great place to stop for a casual meal. Food is nothing unique but it's good and reasonably priced. The best thing about Rudy's is the view, especially if you go at sunset. I live in Syracuse and it's definitely worth the drive up a couple times a summer.

Glad we ordered online in advance! Lots of hustle and bustle in the ordering area. Got a call our food was ready, walked in and gave my name and it was waiting. Very smooth pick up! This place really nailed the efficiency and timing. I had a lobster roll, coleslaw and pickle with lemonade to drink. A refreshing a delicious meal to have at a picnic table on the water.

I love the Texas Hots. They have a large menu with burgers, and seafood, and a ton of sides. Lots of outdoor seating. Lots of aggressive seagulls. Beautiful view of the lake.

Sad when one employee ruins a review. It was a busy Sunday about 1 yesterday when we got in line..50 minutes later we finally got our 2 fish sandwiches and drinks. We waited 40 minutes while order after order got filled. We asked once and were told it's coming up, don't feel like they really checked. Second time the one helpful lady took our pager and tried to help...one little employee with a headphone took it shoved it back in our direction and said your order will be up and never checked. Somehow a manager wondered what was wrong came over retook our order and said our first one got lost!!! Finally someone really checked!! Point here is yes it was busy! We get that but at least really check when a customer politely asks and give them an honest answer!! Food was good but one employee ruined the visit by not caring and a poor attitude!

No frills fried fish on the lake with a beer. Great way to have dinner. Had the fried haddock platter with salted potatoes. No indoor dining but there is a covered pavilion to eat under which worked out since a storm popped up while we ate.

Well, after much anticipation, we took the 40 minute drive and ventured out to Rudy's. Since moving upstate a few months ago, everyone we've met say we "have to" go to Rudy's. So, Saturday afternoon, we grabbed the pooch for some late afternoon dinner. I ordered the "Red Plate" and my wife ordered a haddock sandwich. Mine included several lightly fried scallops and several large bits of haddock. Fries, a roll and a small container of Mac salad. The star of the show was the haddock. We both agreed, was delicious. The scallops were good, but honestly, took a 2nd place to the haddock. I really have no idea why a bun/roll was included. For me, it served no purpose as it was nothing special, not a dinner role, but a typical hamburger roll. Not toasted, not buttered, nothing. ?? The Mac salad was ok 4 solid stars but the bun/roll item, I just don't find it necessary. My opinion. The ordering (I'm told) has improved significantly by using the online process, which was designed to cut down on the waiting-in-line in a hot building process. We followed the instructions, placed and paid on line, waited for a friendly phone call and that's it. Very efficient You show up, grab your food on a cardboard tray and find a table (all with great views of Lake Ontario). I couldn't include any pictures that were any different than all those already posted. But to be honest, once again. I just forgot to take pictures before the eating began. I'll get better... Bottom line, the food was very good with the haddock taking 1st place. The staff was very friendly, both on the phone and in person and the new ordering process made everything easy. Plenty of places to sit and great views. Will we go back, you bet.

Positive comments: service is friendly and efficient. Food is served hot. French fries and fried haddock were served hot and crispy. Not so good. Hubby and I had a haddock sandwich. Both had skin that was tough and didn't taste good. The actual fish meat was cooked well. Haddock we've had at other restaurants have never had skin so cannot recommend it.

We arrived to find a storm closure. Oh no!! I didn't just get off a plane to drive her and give up. I was back at 10am the next day. I ordered 20 beautifully golden scallops and a bowl of chowder. Yummmm Sitting at an empty table, blue sky, clear water and Rudy's seafood. A Culinary orgasm.

This is so much more than a fish fry stand but I usually want a Center Sandwich of Haddock (nice thick big piece of fish) or Fried Shrimp from here. Their Chicken Wings and Sausages are great if you're not looking for seafood. And if you like Hot but not burning try their Texas Hots and Coney Hots (ask for it to be grilled). Sides like salads are small but tasty - Also recommend Mozzarella Sticks, Onion Petals, Zucchini Sticks and Deep Fried Pickles.

I got the lobster roll, I should have asked what kind it was. It had a ton of mayo and celery in it you really couldn't taste the lobster it was like a expensive tuna salad sandwich. I thought it was the kind you dip in butter. I guess it was my own fault.

My friends and I stopped over to get a bite to eat after we hiked a couple of places in Oswego based on our coworker's recommendation. Given the current situation, it was easy to maintain social distancing and order our food. In addition there were plenty of picnic tables nearby to sit that were spaces out along with a great view of Lake Ontario. I went with the pink plate that came with fries and a macaroni salad along with some onion petals. The shrimp an onion petals were crispy and super tasty. The fries were also good and the macaroni salad was amazing. No wonder there is a reason people keep coming back and there was a line even at 5PM. I can't wait to come back and try more of their dinner plates!

First visit to Rudy's and loved it. I think we came in with the right expectations. It's a high end lakeside snack bar. The view is amazing and the food was fantastic. We came on a quiet Wednesday afternoon so there wasn't a crowd. We have head you can wait longer than an hour on a weekend, especially during lunch or dinner rush. We had hardly any wait time to order and our food was ready really quickly. I had the fried shrimp plate and my wife had the fried clam plate. We both loved our meals and the setting. A warning - we saw a nearby table get dive bombed by some seagulls. While it was funny to watch - be forewarned that this is a possibility. We had an umbrella over our table, which helped. I think if you're looking for snack bar style fried seafood, burgers and dogs - Rudy's can hardly be beat.

I've been going there in the summer for as long as I can remember. I enjoy their food especially there fish hots. Great outdoor sitting on Lake Ontario...

For a hot dog stand it's ok Very very SLOW and pricey The locals are fixated on a place in their imagination

Rudy's has a friendly staff that works hard. This place gets packed on a nice sunny day. Great food, great views. What more can you ask for?

Save your $. Nice lake view. Friendly service. $28 for this portion of fried food. Nope. We regret trying this again, thinking last month was a fluke.

When ever I'm near Oswego I always think of Rudy's. My work brings me through the area quit a bit and Rudy's always hits the spot. The fish is always fresh, always fried to perfection. They must change their oil daily because I've never had a bad piece of haddock there...Plenty of out door seating along with covered areas if your sun sensitive. Fresh Fish with an amazing view of Lake Ontario

Are you going to Oswego? Then you are going here to eat. Simple. If they are open. You go. The lakeside walk in is just perfect. Back to the near normal. Walk in, order, wait, eat. The seagulls are not employees, and do not have the permission of the place to loiter.

This is a favorite of mine whenever we would visit my wonderful Aunt and Uncle in Fair Haven and great cousins in the area. One visit upon arriving we ate here for supper. I was so hungry (and younger), I had five white hots. My Dear Aunt made the comment, 'look at that boy, he just swallows them!'. Heading out to Colorado for a Labor Day weekend visit with my best friend and his wife. I advanced shipped some Zweigles, which we intend to do our best to devour with Coors beer (no bud light thank you, you woke idiots) on the other side of Pike's Peak. Happy Labor Day to the best part of New York State. I hope you can still use your natural gas fired grill before the idiots take them away from you!

Fast food and that's about it. Other than the nostalgia of Rudy's, we weren't impressed. We were a group of 8 and not one said, "this is delicious! " But, the portions were impressive for the price. So, I guess the bottom line is, would we try this again? Ummm, probably not. One and done. But please don't let my review determine your decision. Give it a try because it might be a different experience for you! After all it's an Oswego staple that's been around since 1946. You decide!