Gold Star — Restaurant in Maysville

I am always intrigued to try a new place, especially when it comes to fast food from a brand that I’ve never seen before. Recently whilst in my travels I noticed a few “Gold Star” locations along the road as I was driving. From the first one I saw in Ohio, I was interested but continued driving. Finally as I was passing this location in a small town along a uniquely named highway “AA”, I decided to give it a whirl. I AM GLAD I DID!

When rating new eating establishments, I have a rule to always revert to their standard burger meal if they have one, and always accept it the way it is served. That is the most accurate and fair way of comparing establishments on an even keel.

I was thoroughly impressed with my meal and service from this Gold Star, and I will even go as far as to say that they prepared one of the best fast food burgers I have ever had in my life. Everything about it was fresh, juicy, and delicious. The vegetables were not the typical disgusting low-grade quality you would expect at most fast food joints, they were of the same quality I would serve in my home. The style of bun seemed to have been selected with great care amongst other options. The patty and cheese was plump, juicy, and delicious as well. Their special sauce was just right! Accompanied by some perfectly golden brown french fries and a good sweet tea, it was like I had been missing something I didn’t know for my entire life. Extra points for the tomato as well, as it must have been the most red-ripened, thick sliced, and natural tomato I have ever received from any restaurant ever. Their was even a discontinuity in the thickness of the slice, indicating each one was truly hand sliced as if in your momma’s own kitchen.

Whew! That was a pretty graphic description of a simple burger, even for me. But try it, and you’ll see what I mean. Until now, the best consistently delicious burger in the USA from a chain award went to In-n-Out, however, Gold Star now has them beat. I will definitely be stopping at the next one I find to verify that it wasn’t just a fluke!

So, why not 5 stars you may ask?

Well... they are known for their chili, according to Yelp, and with that they definitely fall short. I would not have tried the chili if it wasn’t touted on everything they make, so as with my typical travel reviews, I ordered a bowl all by itself to give it a run.

HORRIBLE!!!

I have never had chili this bad, not by a long shot. It wasn’t in fact chili at all, but more like a “meat broth”. It was a super watery bowl of mostly salt and cheap seasoning, with the occasional excuse for what may be a bit of meat, (hopefully beef). I paid for a small bowl ($5 with tax), took a few spoonfuls, and discarded the remainder. I had the better half try it as well, and she was revolted! I am ultimately astonished that the same location that served up the heavenly burger combo I had enjoyed not 30 seconds earlier also produced such a poor product! That should’ve earned a 2 star review just based upon that, however everything else was the saving grace for this one.

Overall, it was a solid 4.5 out of 5 for its genre, but as with many reviews in my past, I don’t round up to perfection without perfection. I will be back for a...

Gold Star Chili has the best coney hotdogs anywhere. We ordered ours with the new ghost pepper cheese and it was just enough heat to really set them off. A person should always order at least the three way but I had to get the 4way with onions. I added some ghost pepper cheese to that as well. OMG......this store puts so much cheese and chilli on your spaghetti that it is like cheesy chili heaven. The spaghetti is cooked just right also. I ordered a regular size and that was enough but next time I'm definitely getting the large. I prefer the Gold Star Chilli above all the other Cincinnati chili's because they use a little less chocolate and less cinnamon than the others. Gold Star is more tangy as well with more meat. My favorite. ..super highly recommend this place...

Service was very slow. Plates & food sitting on tables everywhere. Only server working doing his job was a young boy while the girls stood around talking. This was on 04/07/2021. We were there around 4:30 pm. We waited 15 minutes after waiter took our order for the cook to even start making our food. Anyone knows that has been there you can sit right in front of where your food is being prepared & as we sat there looking at the cook she still did nothing. Even the waiter had to ask if he could get help cleaning off tables. Management needs to fire those girls & make her waiter head cook or even asst manager. He was polite, courteous, and came back often to see if we...