Two quarter-pound patties, double cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and grilled jalapeños, all piled onto a 5-inch bun. And that’s just one burger on the menu.
Yes, just one.
The place behind it has been flipping burgers since 1964, and it still looks like the kind of old-fashioned drive-in you’d hope to stumble across on a summer road trip. I love that it has held on to its 1950s charm instead of trying to keep up with every new trend.
And burgers are only part of the fun. This Massachusetts favorite also serves fried clams, lobster rolls, and more than 60 ice cream flavors.
Throw in a few car shows, and you’ve got a pretty good excuse to spend a Saturday afternoon there.
But my favorite part of this story has nothing to do with the food. Just a few months ago, there was a real chance this beloved spot would close for good.
Thankfully, things worked out differently, and the grill is still sizzling.
After more than six decades of burgers, ice cream, and happy memories, I’m glad this old favorite gets to keep making a few more.
The Ultimate Burger Lives Up To Its Bold Name
Some burgers whisper, but this one shouts. At The Star Drive-In, the Ultimate Burger stacks two quarter-pound patties with double cheese and bacon.
Grilled onions and grilled jalapenos come next, adding sweet and spicy layers. Pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes finish the job on a 5-inch bun.
That lineup covers nearly every craving at once. You get smoky, salty, cheesy, and a little heat in each bite.
The menu describes the burgers as having a fresh, not frozen, flavor. That matters when the patty is the star of the show.
Plan ahead before ordering this one. Two patties plus all those toppings make a hefty handful, so grab extra napkins.
Hungry friends might want to compare notes. One person can try the Ultimate while another sticks with something simpler.
Heat fans should feel right at home here. If spicy foods aren’t your thing, a classic option elsewhere on the board will treat you well.
Many burgers on the menu also come as combo meals. That makes it easy to round things out without overthinking your order.
Honestly, the name feels earned. Few burgers anywhere pack this much personality onto one bun.
Simple Burgers Get Plenty Of Respect Here
Not every great burger needs a dozen toppings. The 1/4 lb.
Large Burger keeps it classic with pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes on a 5-inch bun.
Want cheese and bacon? The Bacon Cheese Burger adds both to that same quarter-pound patty.
Big appetites can go for the Super Cheese Burger. It doubles the patties and doubles the cheese, while keeping the familiar fresh toppings.
Smaller eaters have choices too. The Junior Burger comes on a 4-inch bun with the same classic toppings.
There’s also a Value Burger built around a junior patty. It works nicely when you want a burger plus room for seafood or ice cream.
I believe this range is the secret to a good burger menu. Everyone in the car can order something that fits their hunger level.
Kids aren’t left out either. The kids menu lists a hamburger and a cheeseburger, each served with fries and kiddie ice cream.
Families with picky eaters can relax a bit. Simple choices can be a gift when little stomachs are involved.
Classic doesn’t mean boring. Sometimes it just means done right.
Texas Toast Turns A Patty Melt Into Something Special
Toasted Texas toast changes everything. The Patty Melt at The Star Drive-In skips the bun for thick, golden slices instead.
Inside sit two 100% beef quarter-pound patties. Double cheese melts between them, joined by grilled onions and burger sauce.
That combo hits a different note than a regular burger. The bread gets crisp while the cheese gets gooey.
Grilled onions bring a mellow sweetness. Burger sauce ties everything together in one tidy package.
So who should order it? Anyone who loves a grilled cheese and a burger equally will feel very understood.
It’s also a smart pick on cooler days. The drive-in serves food year-round on its regular schedule, so warm, toasty sandwiches make sense in chilly weather.
Two patties make this a filling choice. Pairing it with fries could easily cover lunch and maybe part of your afternoon.
Sharing is another option. Cut down the middle, it gives two people a taste without fighting over the last bite.
Diner fans will recognize the patty melt as a lunch counter classic. Here it fits right into the retro mood without missing a beat.
Fried Clams And Lobster Rolls Steal The Spotlight Sometimes
Burgers may headline, but seafood earns serious stage time. This Massachusetts drive-in serves fried clams, scallops, haddock, and lobster rolls.
The seafood is sourced locally and delivered daily. Vendors such as Kyler’s Seafood supply the fresh catch.
That daily delivery is a big deal for a roadside spot. It means the fish on your plate didn’t take a long, scenic tour first.
Fried clams are a New England classic. Ordering them at an old-school drive-in feels exactly right.
Lobster rolls are another regional favorite on the board. They make a fine pick when someone in your group wants something a bit fancier.
Mixed groups can split the difference here. One person grabs a burger while another goes full seafood mode.
Hot dogs and fries are on the menu too. Fresh pizza even shows up for anyone who wants a curveball.
There are also homemade soups made daily. A cup could be the perfect warm-up on a breezy afternoon.
Having this much variety under one roof is impressive. It’s like a seafood shack and burger joint decided to become roommates.
Sixty Ice Cream Flavors Make Dessert A Tough Decision
More than 60 flavors. That’s the number waiting at the ice cream window, and it’s a lot of happy pressure.
The Star Drive-In carries both hard ice cream and soft serve. Flavors come from Gifford’s in Maine and Bliss Dairy in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Bliss Dairy being local adds a nice touch. Your dessert gets a hometown connection along with its sprinkles.
Soft serve fans and hard ice cream fans can both win here. Nobody has to compromise, which is rare in family decisions.
A smart move is to scan the board while you wait for your burger. That gives you time to narrow things down before the big moment.
Can’t choose? Try a new flavor each visit and keep a running list.
It’s a tasty little project.
Ice cream also makes a fun reward after a car show stroll. Cold treats and shiny classic cars just go together.
Burger first, ice cream second feels like the natural order. Still, nobody here is checking which you eat first.
Honestly, dessert might be the hardest choice you make all day.
Retro Style Makes Every Meal Feel Like A Throwback
Chrome-era charm never really left this place. The Star Drive-In keeps a classic 1950s drive-in look that feels like a friendly time machine.
Its roots stretch back to 1964. It was originally built on site by Al St. Yves, brother of the first owners, Edmond and Reney.
That’s a family-built beginning, which I love. It explains some of the down-to-earth feel that still surrounds it.
The goal here has long been quick service and a fun, family-friendly mood. Prices are kept affordable, which helps keep the vibe relaxed.
The kitchen aims to avoid the fast food trap. Dishes are meant to taste homemade, not mass-produced.
Retro places can sometimes feel like museums. This one stays practical, serving real meals to real hungry people every week.
The drive-in serves lunch and dinner, with hours generally listed from 11 AM to 9 PM. Check the current schedule before heading over, especially if you’re planning a Monday visit.
Takeout is available if you’d rather eat elsewhere. Still, soaking up the old-school setting is half the reason to come.
Some nostalgia is built with paint and signs. Here, it comes from six decades of actually being there.
Classic Cars And Jeep Nights Bring Extra Horsepower
Burgers taste even better next to a gleaming hot rod. The drive-in hosts seasonal classic car shows that fit its retro look perfectly.
Jeep nights roll in too. Vintage bike shows also join the lineup throughout the year.
These events turn a quick meal into a full outing. You can eat, wander, and admire some serious craftsmanship.
Kids often love spotting bright paint jobs and wild designs. Adults might enjoy remembering the cars they once drove or wanted.
Movies Under the Stars on the large lawn are also expected to return. A burger and a film outdoors sounds like a pretty great evening.
Check the drive-in’s social media before heading over. Event dates change with the seasons, so a quick look saves guesswork.
Bring a camera or keep your phone charged. Shiny bumpers and a retro sign make an easy photo backdrop.
Arriving a little early is a smart plan on event nights. That gives you time to order before strolling the rows.
Old cars, old-fashioned food, and open sky make a winning trio. It’s hard to argue with that kind of lineup.
Community Spirit Shines Brighter Than The Neon
Good food feeds people, but good neighbors build something bigger. This drive-in has run Toys for Tots campaigns as part of its community events.
Holiday activities show up on the calendar too. That makes the spot more than a summer stop.
Owner Erika Madden took over at the start of 2016. She’s a military veteran who brought precision, passion, and vision while keeping the old-fashioned feel.
That balance is tricky. Change too much and the magic fades, but change nothing and things can stall.
The Star Drive-In has been called a neighborhood staple for over 50 years. It’s also known as a Taunton classic, which says plenty.
Places like this often become the backdrop for family memories. First ice cream cones, car show outings, and quick weeknight dinners all add up.
Supporting local businesses keeps those memories possible. Every burger order helps a homegrown place keep its lights on.
Holiday visits can feel extra cheerful too. Dropping off a toy and grabbing lunch is a pretty solid errand.
Neon signs look nice, sure. The people behind them are what really keep a place glowing.
Good News Means The Grill Stays Hot For Years
Here’s a plot twist with a happy ending. The drive-in had plans to close when its lease ended in March 2026.
The restaurant received a lease extension through June 30, 2026, giving owner Erika Madden time to secure financing for a possible purchase. By June, she had announced plans to buy the property and keep the drive-in going.
After months of uncertainty, that news brought some much-needed relief to longtime customers. For a place that has been part of East Taunton since 1964, the possibility of staying open meant preserving a little piece of local history.
Finding it is simple. Head to 205 Myricks St, East Taunton, MA 02718, and look for the classic drive-in setting.
Before making the drive, check the restaurant’s current hours. That way, you’ll have plenty of time for a burger, seafood, and maybe an ice cream afterward.
Planning a road trip? Building a southeastern Massachusetts day around a lunch stop here makes total sense.
Bring a group if you can. More people means more burgers, more seafood, and more ice cream flavors to sample.
Takeout works for busy days. Still, eating near the grill keeps that 1964 spirit right in front of you.
Sixty-plus years in, this place is still flipping patties with purpose. That feels like the best kind of comeback story.
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