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the Cardinal Reviews List
74 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Rating Breakdown 74 reviews
5 stars
(28)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(48)
- fit for foodies(38)
- great for brunch(38)
- good for groups(29)
- hot spot(13)
- great for lunch(10)
the Cardinal Reviews List
Review 1 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rustic meets real good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love this place. We came for brunch not sure what to expect by the name. We certainly weren't expecting what we saw. This cute, charming place is filled with wholesome ingredients, creative menu choices, and each tasty morsel makes you feel like you are having a religious experience you'll want to stay and treasure that's for sure. It also doesn't hurt that the mimosas and the Bloody Mary cocktails are well made compliments to each dish. We plan to come back often"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 2 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went for the burger—delicious! Fried okra is stellar! Will go back to sample fried chicken... and they deliver!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch
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Review 3 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dining as a group
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place was hands down one of the best group dining experiences I have had in NYC. They accommodated our large group easily and offered us a family style menu with literally everything on the menu (this wasn't even planned before hand). The food was delicious and just being able to try everything was very nice. The fried catfish was a hit!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Oh Mimosa
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Had a little bit of a wait for my table despite having a reservation but the pitcher of Mimosa left on my table for me and my gf more than made up for it.
The food was amazing. I had the chicken biscuit smothered in sausage gravy and my gf had the porkchops.
We were seated downstairs which is am acoustic nightmare but it got better as the bigger tables cleared out and there were less shouts to bounce off the walls.
Service was prompt and super friendly."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 5 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great Food, Poor Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food at this venue is always great but the service is always less than mediocre. it was a group of 8 of us and we were bringing out of towners to brunch. They told the waitress they wanted to to the unliminted brunch deal but they didnt get their mimosa until after the appetizer (15 min). The waitress hardly paid attention to us. Good thing the food is good if not I wouldnt recommend!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We got the fried chicken dinner and it was excellent. The mac and cheese was also very good."
Dined on 5/09/2013
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Review 7 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
solid comfort food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The fried chicken was awesome, done just right: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and came in a generous portion. I ordered the okra, which was batter fried (although t I would have prefered it crisped without batter), and the greens, which come topped with a biscuit. Not the best greens I've had, but I ate them all. My better half ordered the fried green tomatoes, which were not very flavorful, and the mac and cheese which was very good. Server was very efficient, up until dessert, which took a while. It seems they make everything to order and the banana pudding did not disappoint. Super yum!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Absolutely the BEST FRIED CHICKEN in NYC (and I've been all over town searching for chicken this ethereal), great burgers and bbq. The crab hush puppies are outstanding and the fried oysters are simply heavenly. The wait staff are really congenial and friendly but not intrusive. The decor looks like rustic North Carolina. This place is wonderful."
Dined on 4/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
the only issue with The Cardinal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the only issue with The Cardinal is how crowded & noisy it gets. And the weekend brunch audience doesn't make that any better by behaving like they're at a frat party or dive bar. the awesome food & great people who work there counteract that."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
$5 unlimited mimosa with brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"$5 unlimited mimosa with brunch - who could say no!
incredibly accommodating place, wonderful southern menu! yum yum."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
yummy!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"So good! Biscuits are addictive and the portions are huge! An all over feast and great time! Perfect place for a group of foodie friends to get together and enjoy a great meal!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Extremely overpriced for the
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Extremely overpriced for the quality of the food and the ambience. Fried green tomatoes were red (white) not even ripe."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2003
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Review 13 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Laid Back Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great, laid back brunch spot. We had a large group and the hostess was very accommodating. They also don't put a cap on your unlimited mimosas and are constantly bringing more around! Food did take a little while to come out, but we were enjoying ourselves so we hardly notcied.
Highlight recommend the fried chicken and big biscuit!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Took a chance on this restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Took a chance on this restaurant a month ago, and I've been back 3 times! And the portions are great. You can take some home for lunch the next day.
I love the Pork Chops, the Bone Marrow, the Okra. Have a Manhattan, and let the evening take its course.
Oh, and the Pecan Pie."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 15 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went here for brunch recently
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went here for brunch recently with my husband. I had the biscuits and gravy with a side of two eggs and he had the fried catfish and cheesegrits with a biscuit on the side. We both thought the biscuits were the best we've ever eaten at a restaurant. Next time I go I'll probably prefer to sit downstairs, which has nicely done brickwork and is a little cozier than the upstairs part. The only thing that bothered me was a certain musty smell but I think it might have come from the dried flowers on the table. That's a bit of decor I wouldn't mind if they did away with. I'll definitely go back. They smoke their own pork and brisket and I'm willing to bet it's delicious. Lots of other organic and house made things on the menu as well."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic sweet potato pancakes
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fantastic sweet potato pancakes (light and fluffy) with REAL maple syrup! The $5 unlimited mimosa deal is also a highlight."
Dined on 03/17/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 17 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food... Fish and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food... Fish and grits was a southern delicacy and for one who isn't a fan of white gravy, the fried chicken and sausage gravy biscuits were to die for. The ambiance was amazing. Recommend to anyone looking for a good brunch and place to chill. Also got to enjoy Livemoore handcrafted juices which were also amazing!,,,"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Cardinal was amazing!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Cardinal was amazing! food was great. There were 4 of us and we each ordered a dinner plate and shared! Price was reasonable and our waiters were very friendly!
Will defnitely recommend this spot- and definitely recommend reserving cuz this place was crowded on a sunday night, imagine on friday and sat nights?"
Will defnitely recommend this spot- and definitely recommend reserving cuz this place was crowded on a sunday night, imagine on friday and sat nights?"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 19 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great brunch spot
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Get the big biscuit and chicken!"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Delicious Southern brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious Southern brunch - if you grew up in the south and are used to good 'ol southern cooking, try this out. It's not your mama's breakfast but it's a close second :)"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A lovely choice for Saturday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A lovely choice for Saturday brunch but make sure you make a reservation"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Get the Fried Chicken. My
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Get the Fried Chicken. My friend had the Cat Fish and he thought it was fishy."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 23 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Nothing like an artery clogging
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nothing like an artery clogging brunch but well worth it. Enormous portions of chicken, pork chops, pancakes and fried catfish, along with some eggs, grits and biscuits. And how could we forget the $5 bottomless mimosas. All in all, wish it was closer to my house. Not your run of the mill brunch. Enjoyed the leftovers for dinner."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 24 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a price fix dinner for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a price fix dinner for Valentine's Day, soup was ok but fried clam on toast was great and short rib was outstanding and the arctic char was fantastic too. The dessert was great as well. Hope they move the short rib to their full time menu, definitely plan to go back for their regular dishes. Plus the value was outstanding, $100 for two people inclusive of two apps each, one entree each, and a shared dessert, PLUS a bottle of red or white wine. Can't beat that with a stick."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for the Cardinal
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Best Sunday Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The chicken, biscuit, and gravy was so good. If you go on Sunday you can take advantage of the $5.00 unlimited mimosa."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2009
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Ratings-Only Reviews for the Cardinal
Based on the average of (49) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
