Food is simple and flavorful, the place was like stepping back to a 1950s hamburger stand, waited to see car hops on roller skates. But the staff didnt need them they have the charm and personality that makes you look forward to the next visit. Located in a 50 style drive in hamburger stand with a wide space dining area with outside seating. Not like the modern fake built to looklike we see now. The bbq pork was good not over smoked, you can taste the meat and very tasty and moist. Went for the burgers that i had heard local chatter about, so now i have a good excuse to come back. read more

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I'm torn between giving it a four or five star rating. Since this was my first visit, I'm going to go with the four and may upgrade on the next visit. This place dates back to the 1960's and they have worked to maintain the feel of that time. Like many others, I grew up in small town American in the 1950 and 1960's You walk back and it's a throw back in time to when we were younger. The crowd is older but like me, most are trying to experience a time long since gone. You walk it the door and order from the counter, and they give you a cup for your drink and a tent for your table. I ordered the LottaBBQ which is sliced BBQ along with a side of Mozzarella Sticks. The slice BBQ was very good but came with a Lexington Style (tomato based) Sauce on the side. At least it was on the side. I prefer my BBQ with an Eastern NC Pepper Vinegar Sauce. I had asked to hold off on the Slaw which is characteristic but not because of the taste. Most places in the Carolinas who served slaw on burgers, hot dogs and BBQ call it Carolina Style. My problem is that Slaw starts to exude Cabbage Juice in about an hour and your generally end up with a Soggy Sandwich which I do not like so generally I tell them to just hold off on it. I also ordered Mozzarella Sticks on the side with Marinara Sauce. Generally pretty good except they were cold. Love the retro feel and I feel I was back in HS in Brevard NC back in the 1960"s In aback is covered area that houses a lot of cars. I suspect at one time this was a drive in and may have even had car hops but only speculation on my part. Food is great and again I love the atmosphere. Fun place to have lunch. read more

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Classic old school spot in Mount Holly. Straight out of the drive thru era which I love. Delicious burgers, fries and rings. Hit the spot when you're craving a good, no frills burger joint. When we pulled in there was a mini old car show which set the mood. Can't wait to go back! read more

BrightStar Grill - Dining room - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

I have been eating at the bright star grill since 1974 and it's gotten better since then! The triple cheeseburger with bacon is amazing! Price wise it's easy on your budget! read more

This place is a hidden gem! Or at least seems to be hidden to those of us new to the area. It's obviously popular with the local crowd that have been around for years and years. It is the kind of place that seems to have regular customers that they likely know by name and order. It reminds me a lot of my hometown so it's the perfect option on days when I need some good, greasy comfort food. I feel like you may only understand that feeling if you grew up with places like this as the staple in the local community. Back then, many gas stations had grills that offered the typical American fare and was always a quick and convenient option for breakfast or lunch. Or even dinner some nights. Those places don't seem to be the norm anymore and you don't realize how much you miss that kind of food or took for granted just how not only convenient it was, but also how good it was too, until it's just no longer around. So this place really hit the spot today and I'm glad to have something like it around for the days when I need that kind of nostalgia in my life. Seems like the whole menu is great but I've only had the cheeseburger so far. It is just like I grew up eating from the flattop grills back home and really hit the spot. It's amazing how hard burgers like this can be to find these days! My husband decided to spring for the ultimate bacon burger (pictured) and it certainly lived up to the name! Like my cheeseburger, it was cooked perfectly with the nice crispy edge and melty cheese and perfect amount of toppings but it also included six slices of crispy bacon and an extra beef patty. Way more than I could ever eat but for those looking for a substantial meal, they've got you covered! We shared an order of spicy cheese curds and a side of fries as well. Way more food than we had room for so we brought most of those home with us. The curds were cooked to perfection and actually had some good spice to them. At first I didn't notice it much but it shows up as you're chewing and after a few, you understand why they're accompanied by a cup of ranch. The fries themselves were underwhelming but kind of typical for places like this in my experience. They could've been fried a touch longer and needed more seasoning but nothing some ketchup and table salt can't remedy. They're just not much to write about and I would probably pick another side next time. But those burgers and spicy curds? I would come back tomorrow for them! Service has been exceptional on the two visits we've had so far. Everyone is friendly and food is prepared quickly, even when there's a crowd. There's plenty of seating so don't stress if the parking lot looks full. This place is cute and seems to be maintaining the same vibe it has probably had for many decades now. I feel like I stepped back in time from the style of decor to the music playing overhead. There's not nearly as many of these places left so I cherish each one I come across. I hope this one will stick around for many many more decades to come. read more

BrightStar Grill - Spicy Cheese Curds - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

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What a fun place - has its own radio station! I definitely didn't leave hungry: the Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger did not disappoint. The crinkle fries were perfect, as was their sweet tea (just right, not too sweet). Nice people and fun diner decor. It was worth the trip! For good diner food (AND ice cream selection), it was perfect. read more

Pretty chill place with an old timey, hometown diner feel. The food is solid and of dependable quality, but nothing to knock your socks off. The lotta burger is my personal favorite. The people are friendly and the service is fairly quick, as well as not being too expensive. read more

What a blast from the past to visit this very popular spot from my teen years! Back in the 50s and 60s this was THE spot to be if you were a teenager in our small town, May still be from the amount of cars. Very nice to see they have retained much of the charm of the era. Posters, placards and lots of memorabilia sealed in every table sets the stage. Prices have increased a bit since I was pulling in a hefty $1.25 an hour, but the food and ice cream is as great as ever. Hard to choose from so many favorites but the overcast day called for a hot & melty grilled cheese sandwich with a side of hot crispy onion rings. Yum! Our friend chose the burger and fries while my wife opted to skip the meal and go directly to the ice cream! Hmmm, can't blame her, it was scrumptious. Lotta Burger looks like Da Bomb, but just not enough room. Plenty of inside dining and tables outside in the drive in parking area where there were once car hops. Delicious foods and a flashback to a simpler time. This is an absolute treasure for the town. read more

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Such an interesting place. I can't decide if its cute and charming or old and gross LOL. So I am just going to go with cute! I'm sure it has looked the same forever but now it is retro and pretty cool. The service is good but a little slow. The menu is varied so no matter what you want they probably have it. I like the burgers and the spicy cheese curds the best so far! read more

Excellent retro diner with great food and selection with a very friendly and welcoming staff

A hidden gem in Mount Holly. Service is quick and efficient, and some of the best southern style burgers in the area. Daily specials and their own radio station playing old tunes. We have been visiting for 21 years and never been dissatisfied. read more

BrightStar Grill - Cheeseburger yum!! - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

The food is usually pretty good, it was MUCH better two years ago, I wonder what happened... They are very skimpy on chili with chili cheeseburgers, and it's extremely dry. The burgers are usually very dry. I'd rather have a drippy, messy burger than one that seems as though the patty had been sitting around to dry out after being cooked. Beware, though, if you go through drive-through, you'll be waiting 30-40 minutes for your food. If you order for delivery, you'll still wait for an exorbitant amount of time, and you won't get everything you pay for. We used to order at least once a week, but it's just not worth it when you have to divvy up two children's meals between three little girls because they forget a kids meal almost every single time. Or you get burgers without the sides. Or they forget a burger and several other items and my husband has to run to Wendy's. What's so hard about reading a ticket and putting the correct items in the bags?? read more

Stopped by for the first time this week while waiting for a meeting down the street to begin. Staff was fantastic, offering recommendations for a meal and toppings for the burgers. Onion rings are made in house, burger was very tasty. They have a house special beverage with cherry in it (I don't recall what it is called) that was refreshing. The diner is straight up 1950s with classic music and décor. I wish the old radio station was still used. read more

This is exactly why i enjoy Yelp. There is NO chance we would have just happened to find this lunch spot without help. That would have been a shame because this "hole in the wall" is worth finding. Super polite service, more choices than expected, plenty of "regulars", and good food at a good price. read more

BrightStar Grill - Wonderful old grill - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

I like to support local businesses that provide great food and service. Chuckwagon all the way never disappoints.

Really cool diner with small town vibes and an old drive-in layout. The menu is pretty simple and as such everything is good. The staff was friendly and the customers were like a community. The burgers are my favorite. read more

BrightStar Grill - Daily Specials Menu - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

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Poor food quality and slow service. We got there 20 minutes after ordering and didn't receive food for another 40 minutes! BBQ was mushy, and the bun was falling apart it was so soggy. BBQ was obviously not homemade and a terrible choice. They forgot bbq sauce for the sandwich as well. The fried pickles were too salty and could barely eat them. No employees were wearing mask, which was a concern. read more

First time visiting. Pleasant seating area and plenty of room. Nicely decorated and pleasant staff. You place order at counter take a number and they will bring food out. I ordered the double cheeseburger and fries. Big burger but lacking in taste. Fries were white when brought out but they were hot. I prefer at least a light brown. Plenty of empty tables, not in the main sector. The food is nothing to complain about but I would recommend bringing those prices down and filling up the tables. Definitely room for improvement here. read more

Was not impressed with my food. Burgers tasted frozen. Kind of expensive to me $60 for 4 of us. The staff was not friendly at all. The customers must be regulars they all were talking and laughing which gave it a pleasant ambience. read more

Food is usually good but today I'm not sure what's going on but it was terrible. Not sure if they got new management or if it was just a bad day. Unacceptable. The order was a mess if I didn't live so far away I would have taken it back read more

BrightStar Grill - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

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This jewel was in the cut. One of the best hamburgers I have had in a long time. Reminds me of place my Dad would take me when I was a kid. read more

We have came here for years. It has declined significantly in the past 2 years. Today I got the lotta burger. The edge of the meat was so hard I couldn't chew it and the bread was stell and almost chewy. My husband got the hot dog and could not even eat it before feeling sick. It is also way over priced. read more

Had the double cheeseburger with bacon today. Loved it. Bacon was quite crispy, not fatty at all. Held together very well seeing as how it was "all the way", of course. Chilli and slaw...always good here. Lotta burgers still the best. But, what I had is a good change of pace. Maybe they could slap some bacon on that lotta burger....WHOA !!! read more

Great burgers and friendly staff. Location is kind of hidden but not hard to find if you are looking for it.

This is the third time we ordered from them, and (as usual), they just couldn't get it right. Every burger is made incorrectly, even though the receipt is correct. The people who answer the phone couldn't care less about making things right. I've never had a restaurant be so consistently bad. My husband likes their burgers and doesn't care if his has missing or added ingredients, but we're going to have to find a new place. read more

As we pulled up I was a tad concerned since the sign looks like it might be shut down. I was mistake, this place is great for the amount of money you pay. Good food and food portions for under $10 with a drink. I went the chicken tenders with spicy BBQ and it came with hush puppies and two sides. Texas Toast already included. I'll be back when I'm in Mt. Holly for work again. read more

BrightStar Grill - NOM NOM! - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

What can I say more about this place. It's a truly hidden gem! The burgers are spot on and truly cooked to order. The real speciality here is the amazing milkshakes though: Red Velvet or Salted Caramel highly recommended! Bonus: They're hand scooped right in front of you! The fries are average, everything else a nice throwback to 'burger drive-ins'. Even the setting of the building and a nice fresh salad bar thrown in the mix and you can't go wrong for lunch or a shake. Try the milkshakes!!! read more

BrightStar Grill - Great burgers and milkshakes. Try the milkshakes!!! - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

Excited and pleased by the feel of this hometown diner. Was looking for good food at a great price...and we got it! read more

BrightStar Grill - Chubby burger & beer battered onion rings - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

Very nice place. One of the few local places still around. Love their hamburgers, hotdogs and fries

The food is always fresh, great diner experience. I love the people who work here, they are always so friendly.

Great food for prices, classic grill food .. corn nuggets are great burgers and dogs are delish

They are good and fresh. However twice now they have gotten my order incorrect. I would suggest calling in and waiting a bit before arriving. Friendly staff. read more

Had a carryout order for 8 pm on 12/13/19 and went to drive thru. Order was lost and I had to wait until 8:30. Still no food. Eric came to the window and called me a "Dickhead" and gave me a refund but no food. Drove off still hungry. How Eric still has a job, I will never know. Owner needs to fire him. Grew up in Mount Holly and last trip to nasty Brightstar. Hope Carlton Broome gets this message. Maybe he can change things. Andy Kistler read more

Not good, not bad but nothing special. Bright star has been here quite some time. We went around 3 on a Friday and it wasn't very busy. While walking up to order, we walked passed the salad bar and it looked extremely unappealing. We all just got burgers and sides. You could tell the tater tots and fries came straight out of the bag. The potato wedges seem like the best choice of the bunch. I just got a double cheeseburger with lettuce and onions. It was okay again, nothing special. The total for a double cheeseburger and potato wedges was eight bucks, which is a pretty good deal, but like I said, the food was just average. read more

This has to be one of the most hole-in-the-wallest places I've ever been. What makes it so cool is that in the era of mom and pop shops packing up, this place has been here for decades! There's even a poster on the wall of when Elvis died yall!! And they have an actual radio station on location playing all the hits! They get 2 stars just for ambiance and general bad-assedness! Two words...DRIVE IN! The menu is very "diner". I got a blt and cowboy fried pickles. They also have cowgirl fried pickles. The difference you ask? Cowboy=Dill and Cowgirl=Sweet. Served with a side of rance, it was fabulous!! One of my friends got the salad bar which he liked. It's basic, but a great offering, none the less. When you come across a place like this and you see lots of senior citizens there at lunchtime, you can't help but know that it's been around for a very long time, has great food, a great story and you should try it too. Glad we stumbled across it. read more

Very good burgers and tater tots. Highly recommend! We also enjoyed the DJ booth playing the radio station. read more

BrightStar Grill - American Near Me - Mount Holly, North Carolina

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The best spot for a cheeseburger in Mount Holly hands down. The Lotta Burger is amazing. They also have good hot dogs. The burgers are a little pricey but still a favorite spot in the area. read more

Thank you Yelp for helping me find this place when I was nearby and craving a good burger. As you can see from my previous reviews, I specialize in frequenting these types of establishments and consider myself an expert in 'dive class' burgers. The Bright Star delivered. Burger had a great flavor that comes from the flat top, perfectly cooked, well seasoned, bun was toasted and juicy. Chili and slaw had great flavor. Service was pleasant and order was delivered to us while we sat outside at the picnic tables. This is a nostalgic piece of Americana that is disappearing and being replaced by generic, trendy and overpriced locales with craft beer. read more

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Great place great food. Amazing customer service. I went there when it was normal. I love it and will go back really soon.

If you crave a little nostalgia, Brightstar Drive-In is a throwback to a simpler, more neighborly time. The menu is pretty simple: The LottaBurger that made them famous, pizza, onion rings, tater tots and the like. What I love about Brightstar, though, is the escape it provides from chain restaurants and Charlotte's "Fisher Price" design. Tucked in a quiet wooded lot in Mt. Holly, the place reminds me of burger joints I visited near my grandparents' camp in New York's southern tier as a kid. Grab a deck of cards, a few friends, and head out to Brightstar for an evening. It's not too far from the Belmont Drive-In Theatre, so you could make a true throw-back experience out of it. read more