Bright Star Restaurant - Bessemer, Alabama

Bennett Cowie

One of America's truly great restaurants!! What an amazing place full of history - if only the walls could talk! Phenomenal food and friendly service. Can't wait to get back and try more things. Thank you for an amazing experience!!

Michelle Stewart

Our friends from Bessemer first introduced me to the Bright Star in 2022. We were excited to bring my son and husband back with us because words fail to convey the fullness of the magic that happens here. This is the oldest dining establishment in Alabama. When a business has been doing things right since 1907, you know you're in for an experience, not just a meal.

The food is fabulous, whether hamburger, snapper throats, or filet mignon is chosen. The salad included with dinner is a fresh, generous portion - their Greek salad is almost a meal in itself. If you like Coconut Cream Pie, you'll find your new all-time favorite slice here. I'm sure the other desserts are also wonderful, but I haven't had enough of their Coconut Cream, yet, to move on.

Be sure to visit with the staff about the luminaries who have frequented the Bright Star. The restaurant's private booths and meeting rooms contain a wealth of sports history - especially football. Both stories about famous players and their memorabilia abound. Other celebrities, singers and Oscar winners, who've dined here have also left photos and souvenirs.

The wait staff must also be highlighted. Service is so exceptional that I've included a picture of the woman who served our group in both 2022 and 2024. Apparently, there is little staff turn over here because the employees become like a family.

Marshae Black

Alabamas oldest restaurant (1907) and I’m just getting here! Good food, service great! Atmosphere antique and very clean. Restrooms were clean. Ordered a margarita from the bar (tasty). Ordered crab cakes for appetizer. Served with two. You could tell the crab cakes were fresh and hand made. They were served slightly cold (would have been better hot). I ordered fried crab claws and the veggie of the day (Brussels sprouts). The veggie was spicy and semi sweet. The Brussel sprouts should have been cut in half. It was hard to cut them while at the table with butter knife. The crab claws were fried and seasoned well. We also ordered a Pittsburgh style ribeye (seasoned well) with double fries. They serve little loaves of bread with your entree. We would return to try other items. We visited on a Saturday evening at 6pm. There was a short twenty minute wait. You can make reservations.

Mark P

I’ve always enjoyed eating at The Bright Star restaurant in Bessemer, Alabama. Having lived in Birmingham for the past 25 years, I’ve had many opportunities. The atmosphere is an interesting fusion of diner, farmhouse, lodge and elegant restaurant with hand-painted Euro-like pastoral murals on the walls and early 20th century octagon floor tiles, and lots of wood, brass and marble throughout.

Their menu is extensive enough to meet most patrons’ dietary needs/desires with seafood, steaks, and everything in between. I would personally recommend their snapper and shrimp entrees, and I like the Greek style of cooking (broiling with Greek spices and sauces and lots of lemon).

Recently, I tried their baked/broiled oyster appetizer and it was superb. I would steer away from the bread pudding as enticing as it might sound, but then, I’m a sort-of bread pudding snob having savored that of Muriel’s in the French Quarter. Nothing could compare… but I digress. Stick with their peanut butter pie for dessert. You won’t be disappointed.

I give them four stars mainly because the food portion and quality doesn’t correlate well with the prices. You can eat at several Michelin quality restaurants in Birmingham for about the same price.

Allen Blow

Bright Star is a true classic. Dinner is always good and the atmosphere is fantastic. The meat and three lunch is also quite good. Gumbo and crab claws are also delicious.

Steve McClinton

The Bright Star may be Alabama's oldest restaurant, but it still shines brightly! Serving up a unique blend of Greek and Southern cuisine, it offers an incredible atmosphere perfect for business meetings, family gatherings, or special celebrations. It's definitely a bucket-list destination!

Titus

Delicious food and friendly service. Such a beautiful and neat atmosphere.

Teakeyman

Been here several times and every time it is a treat. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. The history alone is impressive as the oldest restaurant in Alabama. The food is always delicious and served with large portions. This is a special place to many and I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone.