This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to The Cardinal, a place serving “classic American road food” in Boone. This neighborhood meeting spot boasts burgers made from different meats combined with fresh ingredients to excite the flavor buds in your mouth.
So excited this place is just up the road from our home-away-from-home!
Dora here. Aren’t you amazed that we actually went out for dinner? lol. What can I say? We prefer to dine out for lunch and stay in for dinner. The crowded restaurants might be one reason why.
I chose the 50/50 burger, half Emu (an Australian bird) and half chorizo. It was slathered with housemade queso and packed with jalapeños (not after I got a hold of it), and onions, and served with fries.
50/50 Burger, full of flavor and packed with heat!
Now this burger was full of flavor, very juicy, and packed with heat! Spicy enough that they had to keep refilling my diet coke. The bun was very soft and worked perfectly with the burger and the fries, which were thin and crispy just like I prefer. This is definitely a place we will have to go back again.
Dora again. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a great burger, right? At least, I am, and the Gringo Burger satisfied my craving. Bison topped with an avocado spread and wonderfully strong cheddar, sandwiched between two of the most amazingly soft buns I’ve ever tasted. While it was a bit heavy on the avocado, I would’ve liked more cheese. And I know Ernie adores those potato sticks, but I prefer thicker fries.
The Gringo Burger satisfied my burger craving
Still Dora. I tend to be noise-adverse, and since we visited for dinner, it was a tad loud for my liking. Could be because we sat in a more confined section of the restaurant, where the ceiling was lower. Overall, we’re thrilled to find a great hamburger joint just up the road from our home-away-from-home and we’ll definitely be repeat customers. Although probably for lunch rather than dinner. lol.
What’s your go-to hamburger spot? What’s the most unusual burger you’ve tried?
We rate the restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family restaurant serving great food.
Fiction Faith & Foodies 
Those are some good looking burgers, no wonder the place is packed. The restaurant reminds me of the houses I used to construct as a child, with my set of Lincoln Logs. 🙂
I’ve never tried any unusual burgers, but as long as it’s got gobs of cheese and plenty of onion…I’m happy. Enjoy the weekend! It’s cold this morning! ❤
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I know! To me, it looks like a log cabin that would make a cozy, comfy house. lol. Hope your “today” is awesome, Jill! xo
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Thanks Jill, a sloppy burger is always great.
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I love the classic burger without ketchup. I prefer it with chips rather than fries. I like to add Ruffles to the burger. The chips add a layer of crunch and salt!
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Oh, YUM, that sounds great, Gail! Not a ketchup lover, huh? That’s a must for me, unless it has BBQ sauce or similar condiment. Happy Saturday!😃
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Thanks Gail, that is interesting, I will have to try it one day.
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Looks like a neat place. I am not very adventurousome when it comes to myburgers. Just give me a burger with beef.
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That’s what I’d expect from a Texas gal, Ann. I love simple beef burgers too. Happy Saturday. 😍
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Thanks Ann, you have to try something different, you might like it.
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You two have such exotic taste buds! And you can’t get too much avacado. 😉
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Exotic? Huh. Not sure hubby would agree. lol. I tend to hover close to my comfort zone most of the time. Happy Tuesday, Sandy!
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