Just like in the cases of both Dixie Burger and #1 Diner, I'm at the Holiday Restaurant for a burger. All of these restaurants have terrific food beyond a burger, but like the title says, sometimes you just want a burger.
I slipped in just after the lunch rush. I like this time window, partially to not add to the lunch stress and partially because I get a good idea of how clean the restaurant is on average. I was greeted pleasantly and was allowed to choose my own table. Speaking of tables, Jay had the tables in the dining room pulled away from the walls, and she was scrubbing them down with soapy water. This place is always clean, and practices like this explain why.
Sticking with the program, I ordered a double cheeseburger all the way and chili cheese fries. Before my food arrived, I was checked on a couple of times by both Rebekah and Jay. There's no chance my tea glass is going to be empty, for sure. During the short wait for my food to be cooked to order, I noticed that Makayla, Kelsi, Aprille and Emily also stayed busy between taking care of customers and cleaning.
Joe, Lonnie and Rob sent a burger and chili cheese fries out of the kitchen looking like an advertisement. Crispy edges on the patty, cheese melted with a few grill marks peeking out. The amount of chili on top of the fries is really something. There's no shortcutting on portions in this place.
The burger put me in mind of old-school Steak ’n Shake, back when they ground quality beef and basically served a ground steak between two buns. The beef quality and seasoning choice are nothing short of fantastic at the Holiday.
The fries were both perfectly salted and crispy, and there was piping-hot chili and cheese throughout.
The service, food quality, and cleanliness were a reminder of why the parking lot is full at mealtime. If you haven't been to the Holiday Restaurant recently, it's definitely worth a visit.
John White is a photographer and lover of food who lives in Hamlet.
