Boone, North Carolina, nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, is not just a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a rising star in the culinary scene. If you’re searching for fantastic Food Boone Nc, look no further than The Cardinal, a local gem known for its creative twists on classic American fare and commitment to fresh, local ingredients. Let’s dive into a detailed exploration of The Cardinal’s menu, highlighting why it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking exceptional food Boone NC.
Starters to Share: Appetizers at The Cardinal
Begin your culinary journey with The Cardinal’s enticing appetizer selection, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
For a taste of Southern flair, the Bisbee Roll is a delightful choice. These aren’t your average rolls; they are filled with spicy slow-braised chicken, complemented by the zesty salsa verde and creamy queso fresco. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that awakens the palate.
Alt text: Close-up of two golden Bisbee Rolls filled with spicy braised chicken, salsa verde, and queso fresco, showcasing a flavorful appetizer at The Cardinal in Boone NC.
Vegans and vegetarians will rejoice in the Tempeh Tenders. These house-marinated and breaded tempeh strips are a testament to flavorful plant-based food Boone NC. Choose your adventure with BBQ, Buffalo, or Cardinal Style sauces, ensuring a satisfying start to your meal.
Alt text: Plate of crispy Tempeh Tenders, a vegan appetizer option at The Cardinal in Boone NC, served with a choice of dipping sauces.
Indulge in the rich and savory Hot Damn Ham Dip. This creamy blend of Watauga County country ham, cream cheese, onion, garlic, and toasted pecans, served with fried saltines, is a local favorite. It’s a comforting and flavorful dip that perfectly captures the essence of Appalachian cuisine.
Alt text: Bowl of Hot Damn Ham Dip, a creamy appetizer with country ham and pecans, accompanied by fried saltines at The Cardinal, Boone NC.
Experience the Carolina Spread Plate, a celebration of local flavors. Choose between house-made pimento cheese or hummus, accompanied by tomato jam, house pickles, pork rinds, fried saltines, and a Stick Boy baguette. It’s a versatile and shareable platter that highlights the best of Carolina culinary traditions.
Alt text: Carolina Spread Plate featuring pimento cheese, hummus, tomato jam, pickles, pork rinds, and baguette, a flavorful appetizer platter at The Cardinal Boone NC.
For classic comfort, dive into the Pile of Fries or Pile of Sweet Potato Tots. Enhance your fries with chipotle ranch or opt for bacon and cheese or chili and cheese for an extra layer of indulgence. The sweet potato tots are served with honey mustard, creating a sweet and savory balance.
Alt text: Generous Pile of Fries served with chipotle ranch, a classic and shareable appetizer at The Cardinal in Boone NC.
Don’t miss the Pile of Jalapeño Cheddar Hushpuppies, served with chipotle ranch. These savory and slightly spicy hushpuppies are a Southern staple, perfectly complementing any meal.
Alt text: Plate of golden Jalapeño Cheddar Hushpuppies with chipotle ranch, a flavorful Southern appetizer at The Cardinal, Boone NC.
Fresh and Vibrant Salads
For a lighter yet equally satisfying option, The Cardinal offers a selection of fresh salads, featuring local greens and house-made dressings. Dressings include Champagne Vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese, Ranch, or Garlic Oil & Vinegar. You can also add grilled chicken to any salad for extra protein.
The Cobb Salad is a hearty and classic choice, packed with local greens, Ramblin Poppy bacon, chicken, tomato, onion, avocado, egg, and bleu cheese crumbles. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Alt text: Vibrant Cobb Salad with grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, egg, and bleu cheese crumbles on local greens, a hearty salad option at The Cardinal Boone NC.
The Pickled Veggie Salad is a unique and refreshing option, featuring local greens, rotational house pickles, craisins, citrus, beet chips, toasted pecans, and herbs. Choose between chevre or bleu cheese crumbles to complete this flavorful and texturally interesting salad.
Alt text: Pickled Veggie Salad with house pickles, craisins, citrus, beet chips, and goat cheese on local greens, a refreshing salad at The Cardinal, food Boone NC.
The Kale Caesar Salad is a healthy twist on the classic Caesar, using local kale and Between the Trees sourdough croutons. Fried capers and parmesan add savory notes, all tossed in a Caesar dressing (contains fish).
Alt text: Kale Caesar Salad with sourdough croutons, fried capers, and parmesan cheese, a healthy and flavorful salad at The Cardinal, Boone NC.
For a simple and fresh choice, the House Salad features local greens, tomato, cucumber, and onion, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine.
Alt text: Fresh House Salad with local greens, tomato, cucumber, and onion, a simple and light salad option at The Cardinal in Boone NC.
Satisfying Sides
The Cardinal offers a wide array of sides to complement your meal or enjoy as a lighter bite. From classic Potato Salad and refreshing Cucumber and Onions to crispy Sweet Potato Tots and Fried Okra, there’s something for everyone. Other notable sides include Fries, House-Made Chips, Jalapeño Cheddar Hushpuppies, Slaw, Wildcat Slaw, Black Eyed Pea Salad, and a Small House Salad.
Beverages to Quench Your Thirst
The Cardinal provides a variety of beverages, including Pepsi products, Sierra Mist, Dr. Pepper, Iced Tea, Espresso News Coffee, and local favorites like Uncle Scott’s Root Beer and Lemonade.
The Cardinal Burger: A Boone NC Staple
No visit to The Cardinal is complete without trying their signature Cardinal Burger. Available in Single, Double, or Triple patties (fries are additional), you can customize your burger with various styles and toppings.
Go “All The Way” with Duke’s mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion, or experience it “Carolina Style” with chili, slaw, mustard, diced white onion, and pickle (cheese is free!).
Main Courses: Burgers and More
The Cardinal’s main courses are served with fries or house-made chips (substitute a side for an additional fee). Gluten-free buns are available, and you can enhance your meal with additions like bacon, pimento cheese, sliced avocado, or egg.
The Farm Burger features Shipley Farms grass-fed beef, bleu cheese crumbles, local greens, grilled onions, tomato, and herbed mayo. It’s a gourmet burger that highlights the quality of local ingredients.
Alt text: Farm Burger with grass-fed beef, bleu cheese, local greens, and herbed mayo, a signature burger at The Cardinal, Boone NC.
For a leaner option, the Turkey Burger is made with ground turkey seasoned with garlic and parsley, topped with local greens, tomato jam, beet chips, and goat cheese.
Alt text: Turkey Burger with tomato jam, beet chips, and goat cheese, a lighter and flavorful burger option at The Cardinal Boone NC.
The Wild Game Burger offers a unique culinary adventure, featuring rotational game and fixings – ask your server for the day’s special!
Alt text: Wild Game Burger, a rotational specialty at The Cardinal in Boone NC, with unique game meat and gourmet fixings.
The Gringo burger showcases Carolina bison, Ashe County cheddar, avocado spread, red onion, and salsa verde, delivering a Southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
Alt text: Gringo Burger with Carolina bison, Ashe County cheddar, avocado spread, and salsa verde, a Southwestern-inspired burger at The Cardinal, food Boone NC.
Indulge in the rich Wagyu Patty Melt, featuring 4440 Wagyu beef, grilled onions and mushrooms, remoulade, and American cheese, all melted between slices of grilled bread.
Alt text: Wagyu Patty Melt with Wagyu beef, grilled onions, mushrooms, and remoulade, a decadent and savory sandwich at The Cardinal Boone NC.
The adventurous 50/50 Burger combines Amaroo Hills emu and Ramblin Poppy chorizo, topped with queso, grilled jalapeño & onion, greens, tomato, and cilantro sour cream. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures.
Alt text: 50/50 Burger with emu and chorizo, queso, and cilantro sour cream, an adventurous and flavorful burger at The Cardinal, food Boone NC.
The Chicken Sandwich, available fried or grilled, is a classic done right. Choose your style and add bacon and pimento cheese for an extra treat. For fried chicken, a gluten-free dredge is available (contains pork).
Alt text: Chicken Sandwich, available grilled or fried, with classic toppings at The Cardinal in Boone NC.
Vegetarians can enjoy the Veggie Burger, featuring a rotational veggie patty with game burger fixings – ask your server for details.
Alt text: Veggie Burger with rotational veggie patty and gourmet fixings, a vegetarian option at The Cardinal, food Boone NC.
Vegans will love the Beet Burger, available in two styles: Original with vegenaise, local greens, tomato, and onion, or Wildcat with Wildcat slaw, tomato, and house mustard.
Alt text: Beet Burger, a vegan option at The Cardinal Boone NC, available in Original and Wildcat styles.
The Tempeh Tender Sandwich brings the popular appetizer into a main course. Enjoy Buffalo, BBQ, or Cardinal style tempeh tenders in a sandwich with vegenaise, lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Alt text: Tempeh Tender Sandwich with vegan tempeh tenders, vegenaise, and fresh toppings, a vegan sandwich at The Cardinal, Boone NC.
Kids At Heart Menu
The Cardinal’s Kids At Heart Menu ensures even the youngest diners are delighted. Meals come with fries, house-made chips, or carrots and celery. Options include Grilled Cheese, Grilled Peanut Butter & Honey, Cardinal Nuggets, Ramblin Poppy Hot Dog (plain or “Rad Dog” style), Hand Dipped Corn Dog, and a Veggie Dog.
Sweet Endings
Finish your meal with Lil’ Emma’s Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies, a sweet and comforting dessert that perfectly rounds out your dining experience at The Cardinal.
Alt text: Lil’ Emma’s Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies, a delightful homemade dessert at The Cardinal in Boone NC.
The Cardinal in Boone NC offers a diverse menu with something for everyone, from hearty burgers to fresh salads and vegan options. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to experience the delicious food Boone NC at The Cardinal.
