Great spot for a hot dog, some voodoo chips, and some High Life ponies. Fun environment. Plenty of parking.

Yes. Just go. This place is amazing. It is a very chill environment with great staff. The pepperoncini shots are a great adventure to embark on too. But let's get down to business. The hotdogs. There is nothing better than these made to order hotdogs with a bag (or 2) of vodoo chips. read more

Love love love this little bar. Very cool hangout on a Sunday afternoon sitting on the porch with a beer and a hot dog. Great tasty dogs..try the beer onions on it as one of the toppings. read more

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

It's not just the hot dogs and booze. It's the authenticity, originality, atmosphere and energy of this place. Can't give you all the hype and insights or you won't come see for yourself. If you're reading this and not in route yet, there's nothing that can be said to come check this place out (period) read more

I have been looking for a great bar downtown that isn't overpriced or super pretentious. Hello Cardinal!! Full bar, great beers and hot dogs. HOT DOGS! And not that "WTF?"price of a certain Fayetteville place hot dog establishment but honest to God great dogs with good fixings at a start price of $2.75. Cardinal, you get me. Now, let's talk about the view of downtown.... best ever especially since Boylan closed. Bartenders? Can't beat'em; friendly, knowledgeable, and fun. TVs? Yep. Jukebox? Yep. Cool digs? Yep. Indoor AND great outdoor space? YES! I am in downtown heaven now that The Cardinal is here. read more

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These bartenders know how to serve the customer. Patrick knows all kinds of shot drinks, and Jobie knows how to serve drinks and cook hot dogs. read more

From my first visit, this quickly became one of my favorite places in town. Cool crowd, really nice bar and patio with heaters for the winter. Pinball and a cool modern jukebox inside. Great Raleigh beers and liquor for whatever ails you. Open late for a hotdog fix, the Cardinal is what Tasty 8s wants to be with a little bit of Slim's mixed in. Dogs are beer braised then grilled quickly on a Connecticut style grilled bun. You can get a traditional Carolina dog or opt for cheese, hot sauce, beer onions, and more. Voodoo cups are great as well. read more

Great for small groups! The hot dogs were excellent and I really enjoyed the music especially the rock music that you could pick on the pay to play machine. I highly recommend if you want a new laidback bar to go to with friends. read more

Great place to catch Covid. The staff usually do not wear masks and they never ask patrons to wear masks. Your drinks and food will be breathed on by a workers and customers as it is made and placed on the bar for you to pick up. Great food, I will return after there is a vaccine. read more

Wow, I don't even know where to begin! The Cardinal has some of the best hot dogs, hands down! From the toasted bun to the toppings to the pickled okra garnish on the side every bite is full of flavor. I like my dogs with ketchup, mustard, chili, slaw, and relish. A little on the messy side but worth the extra napkins! Not to mention yesterday was my second time this week. That's right, they're just that good! Highly recommend swinging by during lunch (for those of you who work in downtown) or after work for drinks with friends and a bite to eat for dinner! read more

Surprised that I haven't left a review for The Cardinal, as I have been there a few times! This is a solid spot - good hot dogs and bartenders that know how to handle a crowd. I love this place! read more

This was a great little find. The atmosphere is laid back. It's a little dive bar with an awesome deck that has some nice city views. Their menu is super simple. Hot Dogs. I am not a huge fan of hot dogs but these were hands down the best I've ever eaten. If you have eaten one and can't quite figure it out they soak their wieners in beer :) & I love love love the toasted bun! They have a full bar with local beer and what looked to be a good wine selection. The service was excellent. We will definitely be returning here and adding it to our "regular hangout" list. read more

Fantastic, unassuming spot for a great local brew and a very solid hot dog. Enjoy the full bar if you want something stronger. Sitting up on a hill, the open porch has great views of the downtown skyline. Nothing fancy, snooty, or gourmet--just a much-needed reliable neighborhood bar, reflected in the down-to-earth owners and employees. read more

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Loved our first trip there! It's in a good spot in a quiet neighborhood and is a hidden gem. The view from the front porch is really pretty and you have the option of sitting inside or outside. Whether or not you want a hot dog definitely come for the good ambience and drinks. But if you're smart you'll order a dog at some point! Just goes to prove if you do simple food with high-quality ingredients the result is delicious. read more

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My wife and I had hot dogs from the Cardinal food truck and they were AWESOME! I don't usually write reviews but this one is worth it! We want to give hats off to your owner and to the fantastic service from Jobie and Ari working in the truck, with their great personalities and great service who made our day! We were at the Loneriders tap house in Wake Forest and wherever this food truck pops up , FIND IT! It will definitely be worth it. We haven't been to the cardinal bar but if the service is like the truck ( I am sure it is) this is a Raleigh treasure. Keep it up as whatever you are doing works ! Dace M. read more

Always in search of the perfect hot dog and think I've found it! Great bun and selection of toppings!! Cute venue in an up and coming area. Not a great selection of draft beers...only 2 from Crank Arm, but at least they have 2 good ones! It wasn't very crowded so we got a table with a view of downtown Raleigh. My only concern about the place is the amount of ashtrays sitting around on the tables...hope it's not a place for smokers. read more

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

Love the view of downtown from the front wrap around porch. The hot dogs are the best I have ever had and I'm not even a hot dog person..but they are a must try. They even have veggie dogs. Great selection of liquors and beers plus local beers on tap. This place is always clean unlike a lot of bars. Family and dog friendly during the day. UPDATE: the new buns are now vegan and they also have vegan/vegetarian chili read more

Best late night hot dogs! Veggie dogs and gluten free buns and plus! Great drinks fun peeps enjoy the pickled okra and Zappa chips r soo good! Love this place! read more

Recently heard there's a debate in Raleigh about who has the best hot dogs-- it's absolutely The Cardinal. Also has some awesome bartenders.

I'm on a hot dog quest! Looking for the Best in NC! The Cardinal is worth a stop, for sure! Interesting buns, made to order, cooked in beer, all beef dogs with lambskin casings. You choose the toppings! It's also a bar! Markus the bartender does a great job, warm hospitality! Be sure to pet Ruby the pittie tied up on the porch. Great views and ambience. Back to the main course, a homemade creamy, but not too mayonaissey slaw compliments the beer cooked sausages in a sweet but not cloying way! The chili is gussied up product that just caresses the dogs. Get em Hot if you like em that way! Also, try the pineapple vodka! Enjoy! read more

We went here Sunday night because we wanted a hotdog. It is a nice spot not to big but does have outdoor area as well. It is primarily a bar but has good atmosphere. We sat at the bar and ordered a beer. We used the order forms at the bar and ordered our hotdogs. They were great grilled dogs with toasted buns. We enjoyed the beer, dogs and the football game as well! We plan to go back again. Service and staff were great! Good selection of beer as well! read more

Great dogs, no nonsense little bar. I like this joint. ==================================== read more

Awesome atmosphere, great staff, great cold beer on tap, and hotdogs that don't disappoint. The buns are from bread that is toasted on an open grill and fresh. Beer onions are a must on your hotdog. Vegetarian chili has lots of flavor and my wife fell in love with the slaw. Catchy phrases on wall that are great conversation starters. A must visit if in the area. read more

Delicious Hot Dogs. Best ¨Members Only¨ Hot Dog and Beer Spot in Raleigh. Fun and Different.

The Cardinal is the best bar in Raleigh and if you don't like the atmosphere, the lack of menus, or the bartenders, I've got news for you: you suck. If you don't tip your bartenders, you also suck. The only thing I don't like is that they won't let me play the Grateful Dead on the jukebox anymore. Jobie is my favorite. 10/5 stars. read more

We went on st. Patrick's day and it was a madhouse. I understand that it was difficult for them but the bartenders didn't keep track of the orders as they were coming in so half of my group got their food and the other half waited 45 minutes before leaving for McDonald's because we got nothing. They took our money so it probably doesn't matter to them but I really didn't appreciate the bartender shutting the window in our face when we tried to ask about the food. read more

Nice hidden gem. Not crowded at all during lunch time and a great outdoor/indoor atmosphere. Small place but serves it's purpose: delicious hot dogs and beers. Great view of some of Raleigh's skyline. Will definitely be coming back. read more

The Cardinal Bar - Nice view from the covered deck - Hot Dogs Near Me - Wake Forest, North Carolina

Basic bar with hot dogs and a chilled front porch. Friendly staff and snarky signs. All good things. I'm a fan. Gonna be a regular.

Cold beer, great hotdogs and awesome chips. Service is always on point. That is all!!

While I did enjoy the ability to order hot dogs "on tap", the friendliness of the staff could of been a little better. I understand that its a dive bar and more of a local hangout, but getting looks for asking questions is quite annoying. Aside from that, I do not like mayonnaise being spread on outside of the buns to toast them on the griddle it gives a weird after taste. read more

NEVER AGAIN!!!! I visited this location for 2 hotdogs, a flat ass Pepsi, and rude customer service. The bartender decided it was appropriate for him to turn the music down and make a public announcement about not being tipped for making 2 hotdogs so he can't pay his light bill this month. Never did he once come and ask if things were ok or offered to refill our drinks. That same energy that he put into making an announcement could have been the same energy used towards his customer service. I promise to never patronize this business and i will pass the word to other about my experience. read more

My family and I were excited to visit after seeing Cardinal offered veggie dogs. There were two guys working, and one met our order of six dogs with a disgusted, "and nothing to drink?!" He cursed about our order to his coworker directly in front of us and then yelled at another customer for standing in the wrong place. After waiting 40 minutes for the to-go dogs, we asked how much longer it might be. They then dropped a stapler in my brother's dog and served it up. They handed over the rest of the dogs when my mom asked for the two missing chips from our order, and the guy shouted at her to read the sign: "If you don't tip, don't come back." We didn't order drinks, and we placed a to-go order. Honestly, we were afraid to eat the food after such coarse and impolite treatment. Maybe a bit of abuse is this restaurant's schtick, but nah. It didn't pass the vibe check. Seriously, I've never written a negative review in my life. Skip this place. read more

Rude rude rude female bartender. Cut off Eric Church song I paid to play on juke box 30 seconds in. When I asked what happened, she told me to refer to the sign that entitles them to change "bad music" at their discretion. We live less than a mile away and were excited about this spot, but unfortunately won't be going back. read more

Incredibly rude female bartenders. Hotdogs are way underwhelming. They like to double charge you so keep an eye out on your tab.

This bar is perfect to have a few cold ones and a delicious hot dog. Cozy, fun atmosphere and the music is always on point. Must go to in Raleigh! read more

Simply put, delicious!!! The grilled buttery buns are to die for!! If you are in the mood for some delicious hot dogs and a beer then this is the place. read more

Killer hot dogs, great view and awesome bar. They've got all the liquor selections you would need with a solid craft beer selection and great Crank Arm beers on draft. They also have some pretty amazing wines by the glass. Amazing view and personable bartenders round this place out. read more

A very nice dive bar. Great ambiance, reasonable prices, cold beer in cans or on draft, a friendly bar staff and very good hot dogs. Be sure you grab some of the Zapps Vodoo Potato Chips, they really are the best. read more

Hesitant to even write a review as I don't want to let the secret out. Awesome patio with cool downtown views? Check. Great beer and drink selections? Check. Random assortment of music from Michael Jackson to Slightly Stoopid? Check. Oh yeah... did I mention the awesome dogs?! If you don't put the sriracha and slaw on yours, then you are missing out. My husband and I have literally been here 3 Sundays in a row, and you will be able to find us this Sunday chillin on that patio drinking some Crank Arm. read more

Ok dogs, but great buns and drinks can be found here. They appear to start with quality dogs but unfortunately they cook their dogs in water then put them on the grill for a short amount of time so they lack flavor. The buns however, are awesome and the toppings are good as well. They do have a veggie dog but to me it was kinda mushy textured. It should be cooked on the grill longer as well. They have a pretty good selection of beers several of which are local. Kudos. The atmosphere is kinda cool and I think that just about everyone would feel comfortable hanging at this place. I'll probably return but will ask that they roast the dog on the flattop longer before serving to give it some flavor. Great view. read more

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

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