The Cardinal Bar came as a surprising addition to Wake Forest. Generally places do not stay open late. They offer food OR cocktails, not both. Granted the food offering is hotdogs and chips, but if you know that coming in, it works. I had two chilli dogs and they were very good. Grilled to order dogs and buns. DO NOT, do not, try to order two dogs fixed a different way on one paper slip (you order on a paper slip). :-) Full bar, lots of seating both indoor and outdoor. This is a nice open, less crowded part of downtown Wake Forest. We went early because we're early people, but it sounded like it can get busy at night, according to the bartender, who was fun to talk to. You can opt to get a drink then order from Lil Hombre, which offers tacos and the like. Their drink menu looks great so we will try them next time! There are a few games like claw game and a car racing game, so that's fun. read more

The Cardinal Bar - Welcome in! Nice open patio and garage door style walls to open up the inside. - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

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The Cardinal is my go to whenever I want hot dogs. Nothing fancy, it's a local hot dog joint & bar located on West St in Raleigh. You basically mark all the toppings you want on a small form and they get it right to you. I always get two dogs and a beer which is just perfect! They don't use the traditional hot dog bun here which makes it unique and adds a different flavor/texture to the hot dog. No complaints! Always a good spot to go for a hot dog! read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Great dive bar with the best hotdogs! Hotdog buns are like Texas toast on the outside, absolutely a game changer. Had mine with chili and slaw, and a Cucumber Sour. Enjoyed both. Service was fast and friendly. Will def be back! read more

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One of the best bars in Raleigh. "Old school" with great service and chill vibes. Hot dogs are incredible! If you're paying more than $4 / dog in Raleigh you're getting ripped off. My puppers love it here too. Cardinal will make hot dogs for your furry buds, too. Check this place out, really dang good. read more

The Cardinal Bar - My bffs and I at Cardinal - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

OMG! Have our young people become this heartless? As a 60 year old, I got locked out of my phone and couldn't call a Uber to get home.. Then I ask the security guard to help and call me a cab to get home. He tried on his phone just by texting but no one replied. I then went to the bar tender to ask her to call a cab for me but she said she couldn't call anyone for me because it wasn't her job. I got upset and said "How can you treat a customer like this to take their money and not help them get home by just calling a cab". Wow! that change their mood. Instead of helping me get home, they turned against me and asked me to leave, The security guard told me that my house was 3 Miles away and to walk home. When I told him I was afraid to walk home, he said it wasn't his problem. And when I wouldn't leave because I was afraid to walk alone, he called the police on me and said I was trespassing. Thank God, the police arrived because the nice gentleman police officer took me home. The police officer was kind and understanding of my situation unlike these young workers at the Cardinal Bar. They have no respect for their elders. And are careless human beings. My wife hates North Carolina. She wants to go back to Miami. But I thought it would be a good place to raise our kids. But after a number of encounters with the people here, especially how they tailgate you on the road so aggressively, we are selling the house and leaving. We made a mistake to come to North Carolina. I never knew these people were like this. To the police officer tonight, thank you for your kindness. Tomorrow, we are putting the house up for sale. To all others who think of moving to NC, don't just look at the beauty of this place. Look at the character of the people here. They are a different breed of people that you may not be use to. read more

Dives and dogs. It's hard to screw up a vegan hot dog (fuck you, Orlando Vegan Hot Dog Cart), but Cardinal went above and beyond with solid dogs, affordable toppings, and sweet buns. The bartender was a bit off putting but that's probably just bc he could tell he was dealing with some real eaters. Pickled okra is so sick. read more

Bartenders are rude. They hate Spanish language music and will just skip your songs that you paid for and also scream about it to everyone in earshot. The beer is flat. The hotdogs are fine but not worth the abuse. Come here if you like being treated badly. read more

About 11:30 pm Friday night we went to restroom, came back and our drinks were GONE from our table. Went to the bar and Ron (bartender/bus boy) and told him what happened. He got bent out of shape and was rude to us both. He was yelling at us that we were CUT OFF and to GET OUT! So much for customer service!!!!!! We weren't looking for a free drink just what we lost which was about 1/2 a drink. Alcohol is not cheap. What happened to customer service. Not sure I'll be going back to such rudeness. And let me be clear, we only had 1 1/2 drinks so we were NOT drunk. read more

Good, but nothing special. The hot dog was tasty, but I've had better. The toppings were fresh, though. A decent option if you're nearby. read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Best dogs this side of the mason Dixon. Definitely go to this place. Vibes are sick, music slaps, the pinball machine will keep you coming for more 10 out of MF'n 10. read more

The Cardinal Bar - Big daddy dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

BEST hot dogs, BEST bartenders, enough said! This place is the best for a cold beer and a hawt dog read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hot dog! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Best place. Best atmosphere. Best bartenders! Does it get better than that? Come see for yourself that it doesn't!

Hot dogs are off the charts, they use a toasted top-sliced bun which cannot be beat. Also the vibes are really great for a nice day! read more

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Amazing hot dogs and my favorite bartenders in Raleigh. Dog friendly and the best patio

Says open till 2am, stops serving food at 1150. Should probably update your hours. or be more specific.

Great veggie hot dog and veggie chili for your veggie hotdogs plus any toppings available. Love the vibe of the place.

Great hot dogs the best hot dogs .. shout the goat miss Anna in the back whippin them dawgs up! read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hotdogs - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

The Cardinal Bar is a really cool place that's been around awhile. It's a neighborhood joint in a rapidly gentrifying area of downtown Raleigh. The beer is cold and the hotdogs are good. Prices here are reasonable and two dogs, chips and a beer will set you back about twenty bucks. Service was good also. There is plenty of seating and there is a parking lot and street parking available. read more

The Cardinal Bar - Beer, hot dogs, Zapp's chips, and football...... - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Cool place. Sick lights. Drinks are reasonably priced. Bartenders are cool. Get a nice view of downtown Raleigh also!

cool little dive bar with yummy hotdogs. slither in grab a basic beer and enjoy listening to the local banter. the afternoon i visited they were all watching slasher horror flicks. it was pretty fun. the bartender was a cross between a young robin williams/bradley cooper/and my son-in-law maybe it was the cocktail he concocted for me. worth a visit! read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

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Staff is rude and inhospitable. It's a nice looking bar which is too bad because I've never had a pleasant interaction with the any of people who work there. I sat at the bar recently for almost two hours and watched the bar tenders engage multiple patrons with abrasive shoddy service. I ordered a hot dog and they set it down the bar from me without even letting me know it was ready until I realized it myself 10 minutes later. Didn't even have the decency to put my food in front of me and let me know it was there. They locked the doors right as it turned 2 and wouldn't let anyone use the bathroom as well. I don't understand why all the hostility when you're in the hospitality business. Seems counterproductive. Maybe get some new staff and things will turn around. read more

We came in here for a quick drink and everyone had a hot dog in their hand! We had just eaten so we weren't hungry, but I think we may need to try them out next time. The bartenders made the BEST lemon drop shots I've ever had. We will be back! read more

The Cardinal Bar - Outside - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

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BEST dive bar in town!! And don't pass up on the hot dogs - they are literally EPIC. {{*.*}} read more

Stopped by to get a hot dog for a late lunch. I will never go back. The female bartender was the rudest person I have experienced in a restaurant. Never said one word when getting my order, brining my food, or sliding the check to me. Not sure if this is the same girl that others write about. But I suppose the owners could care less since she still gets to continue running people read more

The Cardinal is a good little spot with a small patio off the main strip of downtown so it has more of a dive bar feel/atmosphere. It is kind of nice because I feel like it draws a slightly older crowd vs the typical younger Glenwood crowd. The patio is small with not that many seats. We just came for a beer and it was a good time to sit and chat, very laid back! read more

The Cardinal Bar - Seasonal Wheat Beer - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Veggie dogs were amazing and service was great!!! Bartenders were very quick and on it! 10/10 would recommend vegans will love this!

One of the most relaxed bars I think I've ever been in near Glenwood. Really great vibe great choice of music and the hotdogs are stellar. Highly recommend them. The bartenders are super friendly and try to greet as soon as you come in. read more

I want to say that this place is great for a drunk hot dog and just so you know the service here is great also. Shannon is awesome. She gave us great service and the atmosphere and ambiance is a party. read more

Cannot find the words to express how great this spot is so I'll just go with. hot dog. beer. vibey . skyline. Anna is cool also.

Hot dogs RIP!!!!! my glizzy tasted amazing as i pounded a couple micky ultras with the fellasssss! People were great, vibe was sophisticated! read more

after a night out at the bars, all I wanted was a chili dog! I had seen someone post about Cardinal on Instagram the other night and wanted to try it out. Definitely didn't disappoint! I recommend getting it with chili, cheese and onions read more

The Cardinal Bar - a drunken photo of my chili dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

My favorite bar in Raleigh. Absolutely must go here and get a hot dog and beer. If you are really in the mood, drop a peppercini shot. read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hot dog with chili, cheese, onion, ketchup and mustard - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Cool little dive bar, had great conversations and laughs, they have these famous hot dogs..bar staff were fun and engaging.

Stumbled upon this semi-hidden bar last night. After reading other reviews it seems pretty typical that people come here for a drink and a hot dog, and end up staying quite a while! The Cardinal has a super chill environment. Sit inside or on the outdoor deck. Order a dog with beer onions and Zapp's voodoo chips on the side (my fave). The hot dogs are delicious and made to order. Chat it up with the staff and neighboring drinkers. Have a beer (or 4) and you're set! I'm looking forward to checking out The Cardinal again since last night's visit was my first. Seems like the no frills type of place that could really steal your heart. Tips: Gender neutral bathrooms Private parking lot Decent wine selection Juke box - $1 a song! 1 tv inside showing ESPN read more

The Cardinal Bar - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Maybe the bartender was having a bad day but complaining with vulgar language about her boyfriend was bad enough but when she rolled her eyes when I decided to eat my food there rather than take it out was cringy. She spent most of her time complaining to her friend sitting at one end of the bar then skipped over us to go talk to her friends at the other end of the bar. I was ready to order another drink. Keep in mind it was Sunday and there were 5 people in the bar including us. I would've stayed and had more drinks as I had 2 hours to kill but the snooty attitude and poor service made us feel uncomfortable. I've bartended and waited tables over the years so I get we all have bad days but the owner needs to know the young lady working today needs to be brought up to speed on customer service. I don't recommend this place to anyone based on service alone. read more

Preface this by stating we went at lunch time and it wasn't busy. Simple order system where you check what you want on your dogs. Fun signs everywhere. Bartenders super personable. Hot dogs had good texture, perfect amount of tasty toppings and loved the toasted buns. read more

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The staff appear miserable & all look strung out on something & are very rude to customers. It's a divey hot dog place, get it together & be more welcoming to ALL customers. read more

This spot is definitely a dive. We stopped in to grab a few drinks before heading to dinner. There were only two draft beer options available, both from Crank Arm. I went with a Trophy can option. The hot dogs looked very tasty, I'll have to come back soon for one of those. In the end, it's a chill bar with cool views from the patio. read more

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I love a bar that tells you exactly what it is, and what is isn't. Makes so much space for pesky dummies to have none of their points proven. I'm not sure that I'd go as far as to call this a dive bar as it's very clean and I'd actually eat here, but it is one. And it's a damn good one. Have a few drinks on the patio. Dip into the air conditioned small bar space, where your bartenders will also be making you hotdogs which is honestly a #dream. Crowd is super diverse and everyone is seemingly super nice. A win if wins. read more

So glad a friend told me about this spot. This joint has great Hot Dogs. Polite and helpful staff. Atmosphere was perfect. They are not afraid to be honest. You can get away with a lot when you're food and service is on point! read more

The Cardinal Bar - From the walls. Love it! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

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