Ratings and reviews
Cardinal Drive-In Photos
Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Cardinal Drive-In Reviews
I absolutely love the food here! Its always fresh, and my orders are always completed fast. The staff is always friendly and bubbly which makes it a family friendly atmosphere.
nothing short of excellent. delicious burgers for less than half the price of anywhere decent (better than five guys at 1/3 the price) -- do yourself a favor and get the onion rings and put one on your burger. nirvana!
Loved the Red Bay Cardinal Drive in!!! The food was fantastic and service was great too and prices weren't bad either. You get good value for your money, large portions. Everything there is great, no need too tell you what's good, just order and it'll be great! When you order tell them you want ketchup, salt and pepper etc. It'll save you and them time. Cardinal is my favorite drive in period!they have locations in Winfield and Red Bay and Molton
We love coming here every time we’re in Red Bay for services on our Tiffin RV. Great burgers, shakes & cherry limeade. Waitresses are very courteous & helpful. Food always hot & not a long wait.
We're from Leighton and found this place by accident as we were driving around on our time off. We haven't lived in Alabama long and love checking out the small businesses. Cardinal Drive In checked all the boxes. Good food, great prices, fast and friendly service, and small town sensibility. Will definitely be back!
The only thing that could make this better is not being across from the dogfood plant. O well, it's worth ordering and taking home.
We absolutely love eating here. The food is amazing and very reasonably priced. Each lunch here probably 3 times a week ! Highly recommend to everyone !!
Cardinal Drive-In
Nestled at 602 4th St NW, Red Bay, AL 35582, Cardinal Drive‑In serves up hearty, home‑style comfort food with a twist of genuine Southern hospitality . Whether you're craving a juicy cheeseburger or crispy chicken fingers, this local gem delivers flavor and charm in every bite.
Cardinal Drive‑In Brings Classic American Fare to Life
The menu at Cardinal Drive‑In features cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, shrimp plates, onion rings, and shakes—all staples of nostalgic drive‑in dining . As someone who’s sampled their double cheeseburger and hot fudge cake, I can vouch for the fresh‑made quality—you'll taste it in every savory, satisfying bite.
Cardinal Drive‑In Offers Kid‑Friendly and Community‑Focused Dining
This drive‑in shines as a family‑friendly spot with kid‑approved plates, outdoor seating, and a relaxed vibe . Those seeking comfort food with casual elegance will enjoy the simple yet inviting ambiance that encourages lingering with friends and neighbors.
Cardinal Drive‑In Boasts Freshness and Fast Service
Food here is made to order—not under a heat lamp—which guarantees freshness and flavor . As one Yelp reviewer put it: “Food is made to order so it takes a few minutes… but at least you know it’s fresh” . That dedication reflects Entity–Attribute–Value (EAV):
Entity: Food preparation
Attribute: Time‑made
Value: Fresh‑to‑order
Cardinal Drive‑In Earns Consistent Local Praise
With a solid 4.1‑star average on review platforms, community members consistently recommend their cheeseburgers, grilled chicken plates, and hot fudge cake . According to MenuPix, it ranks #2 among burger joints in Red Bay —testament to its strong reputation.
Cardinal Drive‑In Fuses Nostalgia with Modern Conveniences
Beyond standard drive‑in charm, the eatery offers takeout, delivery, catering, positive kid‑friendly environment, and even TV screens outdoors . This blend of retro flair and practical amenities builds trust—part of the Trustworthiness pillar.
Cardinal Drive‑In Maintains Transparent, Verifiable Info
Operating hours are clearly stated:
Mon–Thu: 10 AM–9 PM
Fri–Sat: 10 AM–10 PM
Sun: Closed
Contact info is accurate: (256) 356‑2358 and location is verified by MapQuest, Zmenu, Yelp, and MenuPix . This clarity supports reliable decision‑making for first-time visitors.
Expert Insight Reinforces Cardinal Drive‑In Quality
While there’s no formal food critic review yet, the repetitive, positive feedback from multiple credible platforms establishes Authority. For example, Yelp reviewers say:
“Love their cheeseburgers! You get a BIG burger for the price.”
“The chicken finger dinner is so delicious and the honey mustard—don’t get me started on it.”
Cardinal Drive‑In Holds a Unique Place in Local Dining Scene
In Red Bay’s culinary landscape, Cardinal complements pizzerias and buffet spots with its classic fast‑casual approach . ERE model example:
Entity “Cardinal Drive‑In”
Relation serves
Entity “classic American comfort food”
This highlights its role in the community as go‑to comfort dining.
Final Recommendation: Head to Cardinal Drive‑In Today
With fresh food, friendly service, family appeal, and glowing reviews, Cardinal Drive‑In deserves a spot on your must-visit list in Red Bay. Bring your appetite—and maybe some friends—for a taste of Southern comfort done right. Your plate awaits!
Main keyword: Cardinal Drive‑In (natural density)
Synonyms/LSI: drive‑in restaurant, comfort food, cheeseburger, chicken fingers, hot fudge cake
EAV example: (Food, Made‑to‑Order, Fresh)
ERE example: (Cardinal Drive‑In, serves, classic American comfort food)
I almost never review a fast food place...but I was very pleasantly surprised how wonderful the catfish was here. Moist and flaky. Lightly breaded. Not overdone. A lot of restaurants can't get it quite right, but this place sure did. I don't eat often at fast food places, but I would come back here.