Cardinal Drive In

Tucked off Bankhead Highway in Winfield, Alabama, Cardinal Drive In is one of those old-school gems that locals swear by and travelers are lucky to stumble upon. Located at 364 Bankhead Hwy, this spot has been feeding the community with classic American drive-in fare for decades. Whether you're swinging by early for a hearty breakfast, grabbing lunch during a work break, or stopping in late for a burger and shake, the place has that small-town, made-from-scratch charm that’s hard to fake and even harder to find.

From the moment you pull up, there’s a nostalgic vibe that hits—the kind of place where carhops used to take your order and where the menu board still feels hand-built, not digital. Don’t let the retro feel fool you though. Cardinal Drive In might be rooted in tradition, but it’s never out of step with what hungry folks want today: fast, filling, and flavorful food served with consistency and care.

One of the most popular items here is the Cardinal Burger—a stacked, juicy patty that’s loaded with all the right toppings and served on a soft bun that holds everything together just long enough for you to savor every bite. It’s messy in the best way and delivers that greasy-grilled goodness you expect from a place that prides itself on real-deal burgers. Pair it with their crinkle-cut fries or onion rings, and you’ve got a combo that hits all the comfort notes.

The menu covers more than just burgers, though. Breakfast starts at 7:00 AM sharp every day except Sunday, and it’s worth waking up for. Think fluffy biscuits stuffed with sausage or bacon, grits done right, and golden hash browns that walk the line between crispy and soft. The portions are generous, the pricing is more than fair, and everything is cooked to order—none of that pre-wrapped, heat-lamp stuff.

For lunch and dinner, the variety keeps things interesting. You’ll find hot dogs, chili cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, and even Southern-style favorites like fried chicken plates and catfish baskets. The sides are just as much of a draw, especially the homemade coleslaw and fried okra, which both bring that satisfying, made-in-the-kitchen flavor that’s too often missing in quick-service places.

And then there’s the ice cream. If you leave without trying one of their hand-spun milkshakes or old-fashioned banana splits, you’re seriously missing out. The shakes come thick, creamy, and rich—best enjoyed with a spoon and some patience. They also serve soft-serve cones and seasonal favorites that hit different when the Alabama sun is beating down.

What really makes Cardinal Drive In stand out isn’t just the food—it’s the way they run the place. The staff are friendly, the orders come out quick, and the whole experience feels like a throwback in the best possible way. It’s not uncommon to see families pulling up in pickup trucks, kids in the backseat excited for their cheeseburgers, or older regulars chatting it up with staff who already know their “usual.”

Operating daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except for Sundays when they open at 11:00 AM, Cardinal Drive In manages to stay busy without ever feeling chaotic. Service is smooth, whether you’re dining at one of their picnic tables or ordering straight from your car. The kitchen doesn’t rush, but they keep things moving—and everything comes out hot, fresh, and exactly how you asked for it.

This is one of those places that makes you appreciate the role small-town drive-ins still play in American food culture. Cardinal Drive In doesn’t try to be trendy—it just focuses on being really good at what it does, and that’s why people keep coming back.