American restaurants

Cardinal Drive In

4.3 183 reviews 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM 400 N Broadway St, Plainville, KS 67663, United States

Discover this place

If you find yourself in Plainville, Kansas, make sure to swing by Cardinal Drive In, a delightful American restaurant that captures the essence of classic diner fare. Located at 400 N Broadway St, this charming eatery offers a nostalgic drive-in vibe that invites you to relax and savor the moment.

Many reviews highlight the fried chicken strips, which are said to be "perfectly fried" and "melt in your mouth" according to Jessi Jacobs. The fresh cut fries are also a standout, often praised for their taste and texture by customers like Angel Munday, who described them as “great” and well worth the journey.

For those seeking more than just a snack, the menu features enticing options like the Chicken Fried Steak Sandwich and specialty burgers. Doug Staab noted the fair pricing and generous portion sizes, making it a fantastic value for diners. However, some reviews mention that the service can be slow and that the establishment could use some tidying up.

Despite these minor flaws, Cardinal Drive In is recommended for its friendly atmosphere and delicious comfort food, making it a cozy stop for anyone with an adventurous palate.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Fast service
Serves local specialty

Popular for

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Historic
Quiet
Trendy

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Cardinal Drive In before visiting.

Reviews for Cardinal Drive In

4.3

183 reviews

100%

34%

11%

10%

Review highlights

Based on 183 reviews

Cardinal Drive In in Plainville, KS, is well-regarded for its classic American comfort food, particularly its freshly prepared fried chicken, specialty burgers, and hand-cut fries. Customers frequently praise the generous portion sizes and reasonable pricing, contributing to a satisfying value experience. The establishment exudes a nostalgic, small-town drive-in atmosphere that resonates positively with visitors. While the food quality consistently receives commendations, some feedback highlights areas for improvement, including slow service during busy times and the need for attention to cleanliness and facility updates. Overall, Cardinal Drive In is appreciated for its tasty, hearty meals and welcoming vibe, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking authentic local dining.

Jessi Jacobs

Aug 27, 2025

Perfectly fried chicken strips that melt in you mouth!

Angel Munday

Aug 09, 2025

Omg this place is great, from the elderly cashier to the total drove in vibe... fresh cut fries were great... well worth the hour drive

Doug Staab

Aug 04, 2025

The food was great and very fairly priced. Wife and I both felt we got what we paid for. She had a Chicken fried steak sandwich and I had a specialty burger. I watched the cook cut my French fries fresh, they were amazing. The restaurant was clean and comfortable. The waitress wasn't real attentive but in sure if I would have asked I would have had better service. If Google maps did not indicate that this place was open I may not have stopped. Great place, I encourage all tolerant and adventurous dining clients to give it a whirl.

Jesse Beuttenmuller

Jul 11, 2025

Portion sizes were enormous and food was very good! Took over an hour to get our food. Only 1 waitress and not sure how many cook staff. Building could definitely use a cleaning and update.

jacob higashi

Jul 03, 2025

Small town dinner! Delicious food and friendly service.

nancy eilers

Jun 15, 2025

The Best Chz Brg & Onion Rings that I've had in many years..

Wulph Jay

May 21, 2025

Nice quiet atmosphere. Food is delicious and fresh. The ladies managed to get the food out in a timely manor while being seemingly understaffed. Would recommend over and over again

Felix

May 09, 2025

Your local old school greasy spoon . Lots of deeelicious stuff and local faves. Been here a few times and it never disappoints. Very affordable and always friendly.