Taste the moment
Welcome to The Cardinal
The Cardinal, located at 1711 NC-105 in Boone, NC, is a beloved culinary destination known for its outstanding burgers and vibrant atmosphere. Patrons rave about the expertly crafted triple burger, with options like the Carolina-style and unique elk and beet burgers offering delicious twists. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices, showcasing a commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Diners appreciate the friendly service and lively ambiance, making it a perfect spot for family meals or casual dining experiences. With excellent customer reviews and dedicated attention to flavors, The Cardinal is a must-visit for food lovers in the area.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
BISBEE ROLL
FARM BURGER
GRILLED CHEESE
GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER & HONEY
About the Place
The Cardinal
Welcome to The Cardinal, a delightful culinary gem nestled in the heart of Boone, North Carolina. This eatery, located at 1711 NC-105, has quickly become a local favorite, winning the hearts and taste buds of both residents and visitors. With its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to quality, it's easy to see why the restaurant has earned such rave reviews.
The Cardinal specializes in hearty burgers that elevate the standard fare to new heights. Signature menu items like the triple patty Carolina-style burger have been hailed as "heaven" by patrons who appreciate its incredible flavor and perfect seasoning. You’ll also find creative options such as the elk burger and the Wildcat beet burger, catering to adventurous eaters and vegetarians alike. Each dish is crafted with an emphasis on local sourcing and eco-friendliness, a philosophy that resonates with many diners.
The Oscar-winning meal at The Cardinal doesn’t stop at just burgers. Their Carolina spread appetizer, featuring fried saltines paired with pimento cheese, is a hit among customers. Diners rave about the restaurant's homemade barbecue sauce that artfully balances sweet and spicy notes, ensuring that every bite is memorable.
Coupled with a lively ambiance and friendly service, dining at The Cardinal is more than just a meal; it's an experience. Guests often praise the knowledgeable staff, who are eager to recommend the best options from a diverse menu. Whether you sit indoors or on the dog-friendly patio, the vibrant energy adds to the enjoyment of the meal.
With its late hours and welcoming vibe, The Cardinal is a perfect spot for satisfying late-night cravings. From the expertly crafted gluten-free burgers to flavorful sides like homemade chips, it's a place where food lovers can truly indulge.
If you find yourself in Boone, make sure to pay a visit to The Cardinal. As patrons have shared, “Look no further” for the best burger in town—it's waiting for you at this standout eatery.
Shared Experiences
Guestbook
“ The triple burger is heaven. Extremely popular place but for a good reason. Very nice ambiance, service has been great with each visit, but most of all the food is amazing. I have not been disappointed with anything I’ve ordered. The triple patty burger Carolina style tho keeps me coming back every time im in the area. Love this place ”
“ A really nice burger dive bar that doesn’t overdo it. Had the Carolina spread appetizer. Fried saltines/pimento combo was a winner. House made pickled veg were great too. We had one cardinal burger all the way, and one Carolina style. My only slight critique would be to not get the Caroline style on your first go around. It was delicious, but you couldn’t really taste the burger patty itself like you could on the other. Chips are PAPER thin for house made chips. Incredibly crisp and exploded into French fried fractals. Lol Also incredibly reasonable on price. Single burger & fries for $11 in 2025 is great. Lastly, I love the owners attitude on the bad reviews that are very transparently customer related issues. ”
“ This place was a find! Open late, cool atmosphere, and the food was fantastic. Lots of vegetarian/vegan options. The Wildcat beet burger was absolutely DIVINE ”
“ Drove 1.5 hours from Catawba and it was an amazing drive. I went because I saw an Emu burger listed on their website, was disappointed when I learned they didn't have it anymore. I got an elk burger with hush puppies and it was delicious. Cooked to perfection and was super flavorful and went nicely with a couple of local beers they had on tap. ”
“ Customer service was great with recommendations. The overall items from the menu were a little overwhelming as we wanted to try a variety of things. The overall end result was very good. We liked the atmosphere as well as how well our waiter assisted us. We will return if in the area as we know this was a nice dinner. ”