We love everything about The Bright Star! They were our first Greek experience. We drive 3 hours to Birmingham to see our doctor and The Bright Star is the highlight of
our trip. The food, service and atmosphere is unmatched!
Matt Lawrence
It had been forty years since I had been here as we no longer live in this area. The food was superb and Maxwell was our server and was beyond excellent. This iconic and legendary restaurant is the very best! Look forward to our next visit!
Christine Weber Isbell
The Bright Star never disappoints! The staff is the best in the business. Leigh is fantastic and always goes above and beyond. The food is delicious. We love going to The Bright Star!!
Dana Smith Aycock
So Happy my Mother and I made a trip to Birmingham and drove down to Bessemer . It was our first time to Eat at the Bright Star . I can’t say enough how much we enjoyed our Dinner . Jenny S was our waitress and she was magnificent ! What a Great Experience ! We will be back .
Anthon-ee
Former resident of Alabama and when I visit , we always make a trip to the Bright Star. Through the years , the service , the food , just the traditional feel of the place never changes. Excellent , excellent ..... did I mention excellent ?
chipc847
Had lunch with friends on Saturday, January 7th and everyone enjoyed our dishes. All four of us ordered a different dish and had a variety of sides dishes. The snapper almondine, beef tips, Greek chicken and the country fried steak with gravy were all excellent. All the sides were prepared perfectly from the sweet potato casserole to the Greek potatoes, and everything in between, was perfect. Our friends who live out of state were well pleased. Great service as well.
Chris F
We went for a very much anticipated visit to the bright star restaurant. It was for my wife 60th birthday. The service was fine but unfortunately the food didn't live up to the standards. I had the broiled snapper or maybe half a broiled snapper. The taste of the fish was overpowered by mushy olive oil. I think I ate two bites. I had Black eyed peas and Greek potatoes. I think I had two bites of each of those. The taste just did not live up to what we had hoped for and been a part of in the past. We went to dinner two years ago for my wife's birthday and had a similar experience. Left with a large bill and still hungry. We don't get to go out often and we were really hoping for a better experience. My wife and I both left with significantly full go boxes knowing we weren't going to finish them when we got home. It's a shame and I hope they correct it. Money is hard enough to come by and food prices are very high these days it's a shame to have to throw things away that you paid such good money for. Unfortunately that's our last visit unless they make it right. Should have said something to the waitress before we left but my wife convinced me not to. We had lunch at between one and two on Saturday October 15th. I see all the wonderful reviews about this restaurant and I don't think I get to experience them. Not sure what the secret is but I sure would like to know. Restaurants are so hit and miss these days. And that's a shame as much money as people are having a shell out. I don't believe restaurants will stay in business with the type of food we had today.
LB385
Cool building with a cool family history in the restaurant. It’s basically southern food also serving seafood and steaks. I had the “country fried steak and gravy” which tasted more like a sliced piece of roast w/ gravy (see pic). The "Greek Hash browns” (see pic) were cubed potatoes and bell peppers with some seasoning and would have been better if they didn’t have that reheated/leftover potato taste. My daughter had Red Snapper and disliked the large amount of olive oil it was soaking in on her plate because it was overpowering. She didn’t finish it, but did enjoy the mac n cheese. My son in law had beef tips and rice that he stated were good. He disliked his “Greek hash browns”. We walked away a bit disappointed with the quality of food served and the service, especially after reading good reviews. It’s not somewhere either of us would choose to try again.
Melinda S
We drove 2 hours to get to The Bright Star. Our waitress was very inattentive and service was lacking, she was too busy wandering around and apparently knew people at the table behind us. I am not sure what happened but a waitress for the table next to us had a mishap and food landed on my husband’s arm, which was never acknowledged. Food was ok, but the bread pudding came out to me looking like slop thrown on a chipped bowl. No one honestly asked but it was my birthday dinner.
This is an old, very well known restaurant that has evolved into somewhat of a meat and three. We made a reservation for 11:30 on Saturday. It wasn't crowded at that time. We were seated right away in the 1907 room. I loved the decor! My husband and I both had the Greek style red snapper. Our son had the fried snapper almondine. It was good, but not warm. The Greek side salad is very good, served with Bright Star's garlic parmesan creamy dressing, and greek herbal vinaigrette. The sweet potato casserole was very good. The other sides were unremarkable. The chocolate almond pie and the coconut cream pie were delicious! I would go back for that! The service was fast and friendly. When we left, it was getting pretty busy, so it's still popular.
Y5541OGsusanc
We have enjoyed this restaurant for 40 years. I clearly remember my first visit and how much I loved the food! Back then, people dressed up more and men wore jackets to dinner, even if not required. I felt a little intimidated, but they treated us like royalty. I had the Texas special tonight, and it was exquisite. The steak melted in my mouth, the snapper was sweet and tender, and the au gratin was to die for. Was so full, had to get the bread pudding to go this time. treat yourself and try this place out!
rogersober
Greek steak split two ways along with great onion ring and shrimp cocktail starters made for a great meal. The baked potato and gumbo sides were good as well. The Captian’s best service made our meal great in this classic bit of Americana.
lilobrat05
We went here based off the reviews. Meal wasn’t bad but wasn’t memorable either. Our waitress was amazing super polite and sweet. We ordered onion rings and they were good. Salad that came with meal was cold and crisp. Main portion of the meal was disappointing for the $$$ the portions are very small. Got the sampler and the best thing on it was the chicken, I would order that by itself. The tenderloin was just okay as was the snapper. Came with cauliflower and it was just a small bowl of it, which my son ate all of. Adult spaghetti for the price was a let down, you think for $17 you’d get a nice size bowl of pasta but it was a small plateful with 2 meatballs. The child portion was a good size though my 11 year old was able to finish it all. The bread was really good. The atmosphere was fun and loved the history presented on the walls and was neat to be there.
Janet W
We have enjoyed eating at the Bright Star for years and years. It’s been our go to restaurant for special evenings out. Until recently I had never had a bad meal, but last December’s filet mignon was inedible (supposed to have been medium but was burned), and today’s beef tips and rice were simply terrible. After paying and stopping by the ladies room, there was no tissue and both soap dispensers were completely empty. I do want to mention that our service has never anything but outstanding. I will give Bright Star one more chance, but that will be my last visit if the food doesn’t improve greatly. This makes me sad.
The Greek tenderloin is delicious!!!
We love everything about The Bright Star! They were our first Greek experience. We drive 3 hours to Birmingham to see our doctor and The Bright Star is the highlight of our trip. The food, service and atmosphere is unmatched!
It had been forty years since I had been here as we no longer live in this area. The food was superb and Maxwell was our server and was beyond excellent. This iconic and legendary restaurant is the very best! Look forward to our next visit!
The Bright Star never disappoints! The staff is the best in the business. Leigh is fantastic and always goes above and beyond. The food is delicious. We love going to The Bright Star!!
So Happy my Mother and I made a trip to Birmingham and drove down to Bessemer . It was our first time to Eat at the Bright Star . I can’t say enough how much we enjoyed our Dinner . Jenny S was our waitress and she was magnificent ! What a Great Experience ! We will be back .
Former resident of Alabama and when I visit , we always make a trip to the Bright Star. Through the years , the service , the food , just the traditional feel of the place never changes. Excellent , excellent ..... did I mention excellent ?
Had lunch with friends on Saturday, January 7th and everyone enjoyed our dishes. All four of us ordered a different dish and had a variety of sides dishes. The snapper almondine, beef tips, Greek chicken and the country fried steak with gravy were all excellent. All the sides were prepared perfectly from the sweet potato casserole to the Greek potatoes, and everything in between, was perfect. Our friends who live out of state were well pleased. Great service as well.
We went for a very much anticipated visit to the bright star restaurant. It was for my wife 60th birthday. The service was fine but unfortunately the food didn't live up to the standards. I had the broiled snapper or maybe half a broiled snapper. The taste of the fish was overpowered by mushy olive oil. I think I ate two bites. I had Black eyed peas and Greek potatoes. I think I had two bites of each of those. The taste just did not live up to what we had hoped for and been a part of in the past. We went to dinner two years ago for my wife's birthday and had a similar experience. Left with a large bill and still hungry. We don't get to go out often and we were really hoping for a better experience. My wife and I both left with significantly full go boxes knowing we weren't going to finish them when we got home. It's a shame and I hope they correct it. Money is hard enough to come by and food prices are very high these days it's a shame to have to throw things away that you paid such good money for. Unfortunately that's our last visit unless they make it right. Should have said something to the waitress before we left but my wife convinced me not to. We had lunch at between one and two on Saturday October 15th. I see all the wonderful reviews about this restaurant and I don't think I get to experience them. Not sure what the secret is but I sure would like to know. Restaurants are so hit and miss these days. And that's a shame as much money as people are having a shell out. I don't believe restaurants will stay in business with the type of food we had today.
Cool building with a cool family history in the restaurant. It’s basically southern food also serving seafood and steaks. I had the “country fried steak and gravy” which tasted more like a sliced piece of roast w/ gravy (see pic). The "Greek Hash browns” (see pic) were cubed potatoes and bell peppers with some seasoning and would have been better if they didn’t have that reheated/leftover potato taste. My daughter had Red Snapper and disliked the large amount of olive oil it was soaking in on her plate because it was overpowering. She didn’t finish it, but did enjoy the mac n cheese. My son in law had beef tips and rice that he stated were good. He disliked his “Greek hash browns”. We walked away a bit disappointed with the quality of food served and the service, especially after reading good reviews. It’s not somewhere either of us would choose to try again.
We drove 2 hours to get to The Bright Star. Our waitress was very inattentive and service was lacking, she was too busy wandering around and apparently knew people at the table behind us. I am not sure what happened but a waitress for the table next to us had a mishap and food landed on my husband’s arm, which was never acknowledged. Food was ok, but the bread pudding came out to me looking like slop thrown on a chipped bowl. No one honestly asked but it was my birthday dinner.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is an old, very well known restaurant that has evolved into somewhat of a meat and three. We made a reservation for 11:30 on Saturday. It wasn't crowded at that time. We were seated right away in the 1907 room. I loved the decor! My husband and I both had the Greek style red snapper. Our son had the fried snapper almondine. It was good, but not warm. The Greek side salad is very good, served with Bright Star's garlic parmesan creamy dressing, and greek herbal vinaigrette. The sweet potato casserole was very good. The other sides were unremarkable. The chocolate almond pie and the coconut cream pie were delicious! I would go back for that! The service was fast and friendly. When we left, it was getting pretty busy, so it's still popular.
We have enjoyed this restaurant for 40 years. I clearly remember my first visit and how much I loved the food! Back then, people dressed up more and men wore jackets to dinner, even if not required. I felt a little intimidated, but they treated us like royalty. I had the Texas special tonight, and it was exquisite. The steak melted in my mouth, the snapper was sweet and tender, and the au gratin was to die for. Was so full, had to get the bread pudding to go this time. treat yourself and try this place out!
Greek steak split two ways along with great onion ring and shrimp cocktail starters made for a great meal. The baked potato and gumbo sides were good as well. The Captian’s best service made our meal great in this classic bit of Americana.
We went here based off the reviews. Meal wasn’t bad but wasn’t memorable either. Our waitress was amazing super polite and sweet. We ordered onion rings and they were good. Salad that came with meal was cold and crisp. Main portion of the meal was disappointing for the $$$ the portions are very small. Got the sampler and the best thing on it was the chicken, I would order that by itself. The tenderloin was just okay as was the snapper. Came with cauliflower and it was just a small bowl of it, which my son ate all of. Adult spaghetti for the price was a let down, you think for $17 you’d get a nice size bowl of pasta but it was a small plateful with 2 meatballs. The child portion was a good size though my 11 year old was able to finish it all. The bread was really good. The atmosphere was fun and loved the history presented on the walls and was neat to be there.
We have enjoyed eating at the Bright Star for years and years. It’s been our go to restaurant for special evenings out. Until recently I had never had a bad meal, but last December’s filet mignon was inedible (supposed to have been medium but was burned), and today’s beef tips and rice were simply terrible. After paying and stopping by the ladies room, there was no tissue and both soap dispensers were completely empty. I do want to mention that our service has never anything but outstanding. I will give Bright Star one more chance, but that will be my last visit if the food doesn’t improve greatly. This makes me sad.
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