Rustic means characteristic of, or resembling, a rural or countryside setting. It can refer to the simplicity, charm, or roughness associated with the countryside. In this context, "like a rural setting" means that something is reminiscent of or similar to the charm and simplicity typically found in the countryside.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Like a rural setting. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.