The Cardinal makes Boone's go-to burger

The Cardinal | Burgers, craft beer and cocktails on N.C. 105 in Boone

The basics: A burger-focused restaurant and full bar on N.C. 105, a few minutes from downtown. The signature Cardinal burger comes as a single, double or triple. The menu also has bison, turkey, wild game and vegetarian options. Prices are reasonable. My double burger was $13.

What it is: The Cardinal opened in 2016 and has become a fixture for students and locals. Readers of App State's student newspaper voted it the town's best burger in 2024. It's a small building with a cool, current feel. It doesn't feel like a dingy roadside dive, even though it sits along a busy highway. There's good outdoor seating and a play area for kids, which makes it an easy pick for families. Grownups get a long list of beers on tap and a full bar.

What to order: The double Cardinal burger with homemade chips. You can get it “all the way,” with Duke's mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion, or “Carolina style,” with chili, slaw, mustard and onion. Mine (all the way) was excellent, though the patty could have used more seasoning. If you're feeling adventurous, ask about the rotating wild-game burger. Regulars also talk up the jalapeño-cheddar hush puppies.

Good to know: The dining room isn't big, so it can fill up at peak hours. The outdoor area and play space make it a good stop after a morning hike with kids.

The move: Grab a table outside, order a double Cardinal and a local beer, and let the kids loose in the play area.