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  3. Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Chestnut Hill

Cardinal Restaurant and Bar

4.1
4.1
63 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Cardinal Restaurant and Bar is a American bistro specializing in upscale casual dining. In partnership with Cardinal Hollow Winery we offer their full inventory of Pa. Made wine and local beer as well as spirits. Happy Hour Tuesday-Friday 5:30pm-7pm $4 Drafts, $6 House Cocktails, $5 Burgers

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 233-2316
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Private party contact
    Jennifer Brennan: (215) 589-0736
  • Neighbourhood
    Chestnut Hill
  • Cross Street
    Montgomery Ave
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Entertainment
    Every Thursday Jazz with Alex Barlett.
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

What 63 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.1
4.1 based on all time ratings
  • 4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

63 Reviews
  1. JLL95

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2017

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Huge disappointment. Had reservations on Thursday night with friends - when we got there the door was bolted shut and no one was there! There was no sign on the door! Surely won't even attempt to try another time. That's poor customer service!!

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  2. AAg08

    Philadelphia

    54 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2017

    overall2food3service4ambience2
    At 6:30 on a Saturday night there were 3 other people in the dining room. We were told to sit anywhere and we chose a table and realized after we sat down it need to be cleaned. the waiter cleaned it and brought us glasses for water (which were very smeary) and silverware. We sat by a window where the sun was streaming in and I would suggest the owners get some blinds/shades on those windows. We ordered our food which was delivered in record time and very good although the portion size was very small. The main portion was okay but the size of the "sides" was very weak. Our water was very nice and cordial and knew the menu.

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  3. jtownmom

    Philadelphia

    111 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    111 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2017

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    I understood this restaurant was previously a Leila's Bistro, and we were familiar with the Jenkintown restaurant, and had recently had a very nice meal at the new location in Jenkintown, so we thought we would give it a try, thinking it was still under this management. We arrived before 8pm on a Saturday night, and the parking lot was nearly empty. There were a couple of tables occupied, and a couple of people at the bar, but at the peak of a Saturday night this was not a good sign. The staff was friendly, and our server did a good job. We were presented with a cocktail and beer menu, but no mention of wines, which I thought was a bit odd because the place is partnered with a winery. I asked our server about the wines and he recited them. I think the cocktail menu mentioned it being BYOB, which I thought was also odd-usually a restaurant is either BYOB or it isn't and why would a place that is named for a winery not exclusively offer it's own wine. I ordered a glass of a white wine, and it was...not good. I ordered a glass of a red wine and it was so bad I left the glass barely tasted. I tasted my husband's choice and it was a bit better. My daughter and I shared a couple of appetizers, which were fine. There was a limited menu, and they were out of the steak entrée. My husband ordered a pork chop, and our server came back and stated that the chef "did not like the way it smelled." He ordered scallops which were fine. My daughter and I had the pierogis (I was glad we had decided on a non-meat dish after hearing about the pork chop), which were fine. Overall, a disappointing meal, and we won't be back.

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  4. Phil

    Philadelphia

    22 reviews

    2.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2017

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    When we pulled into the lot there were two members of the kitchen staff outside smoking, which I understand being a smoker but still not something I want to see upon arrival. We walked in and there was 1 guy at the bar having a beer. We were told we could sit anywhere since there was 1 table of 4 when we got there at 8:15 on a Saturday night. Said guy was actually the entertainment for the night. After a few minutes of sitting at our table he stood and played guitar to an empty bar. We were given the Pennsylvania only booze list which was larger than expected but there was no wine on the list. We got a glass of wine each which was ok at best. I ordered three small plates which weren't all that small. The mushrooms and creamy polenta was good. The ravioli was obviously store bought, thick pasta, crappy cheese filling, in a sauce that was "house made" but not good. The short rib fell apart with a fork but the broccoli was burnt the potatoes were over done and the carrots were underdone. The sauce the ribs came with was overpowering and inedible. My girlfriends burger was ordered medium rare... um I don't even know what to say... it was grey. It looked like it was boiled, grey, no grill marks, there was no way I was trying it. She said the bacon on top was good. Most dishes came out so hot that we had to wait to eat them which is usually a sign of a microwave. Overall not a good experience. Hell we still had the menus on the table when we left. The staff was very nice even though I had to wait a few minutes for water. I hope they can correct the problems because I would love a local restaurant that warrants the price of their menu.

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  5. GeoffreyS

    Philadelphia

    17 reviews

    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2017

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    We went with high hopes... Incredibly amateurish restaurant. And confused.... Sweet young clueless waiters Advertised as French but NOTHING French on the menu (chicken and waffles anyone? burgers?). Advertised as connected to a winery, but the menu said it was BYOB (menu printed 3 days before), waiter said it is BYOB on Tuesday and Sunday, but it was Sunday and they served wine.....but no wine list.......just a mispronounced recitation by very young waiter. Nice chewy bread brought---but served AFTER the appetizer...and bread was very very salty. Served with dull olive oil in which hot pepper flakes had just been sprinkled so no flavor had permeated the oil. My wife's appetizer of Brussels sprouts was very tasty---fried and tossed in maple syrup but the menu said tossed in maple syrup, bacon and pumpkin seeds. No sign of the latter two. My shrimp bruschetta with basil featured NO basil (not even a fleck), of ice cold tasteless shrimp on three slices of burned (not browned but black burned toast), all drizzled with sweet balsamic but the cheap kind with no real flavor. Ouch. The entrees were all "small plates" but there was nothing small. My wife's polenta with wild mushrooms was tasty (and enormous) but when I tasted, the mushroom I got was gritty with sand. I ordered the short rib with roasted vegetables. This was a huge hunk of totally dry meat on a large pile of pink mashed potato puree......quite sweet, maybe sweet potato puree---not a sign of roast vegetables. And not a drop of sauce of any kind

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  6. Chuck

    Philadelphia

    68 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We enjoyed our meal at Cardinal Restaurant. It was a Thursday early evening and very quiet, only one other table. Service was good, and friendly. The wine was very good. Our appetizer, mussels, was a good size serving and very flavorful. For dinner my wife had the scallops which she enjoyed and I had the pork chop. It was done just right, and had nice accompanying flavors. And it was only twenty dollars, i know i have spent almost twice that for the same meal at other restaurants. Overall it was a very good meal and time, I will be going back.

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  7. Tablemanners

    Philadelphia

    32 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2017

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Second visit to Cardinal (previously Leila's Bistro) and it was disappointing overall. The food is mediocre (with the exception of the brussels sprouts appetizer which is delicious) with relatively small portions. The service was spotty with our waiter disappearing for long stretches and forgetting to put in a drink order. While there is a reasonable corkage fee ($10), the fact that the restaurant is affiliated with - and only offers - wines from a single PA winery (Cardinal) further limits the dining experience.

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  8. TommyTigger

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2017

    overall2food1service4ambience2
    I had wanted to try the French bistro, as it turns out, it is the same restaurant but under the winery name so they can sell wine. The place is decorated nicely, though we almost tripped over the musician as we walked in the front door. The main dining room seems to be for groups of three or more, and the back room is where they put couples. If they are going for a romantic atmosphere, they need to seriously consider a few changes such as the musician that was so loud it didn't set much of a mood. In the back room, sound was bouncing all over the place and people would talk louder as the music droned them out. Maybe consider some rugs, tapestries, drapes. Something to dampen the noise. The food was pretty bleak and bland. We started with mac n cheese and fried brussels sprouts. There wasn't much flavor or cheese on the mac, and the sprouts needed more seasoning. The appetizers took a while to get out, and the entrees came probably 45 minutes later. My dining partner had the scallops, which were pretty anemic. I ordered the NY strip, medium rare. When it came it was medium, pushing medium-well, and woefully underseasoned. Rather than wait another 45 minutes, I asked for a salt shaker, ate half and took the rest home. I at least was more fortunate than the lady at the next table whose shrimp scampi had no shrimp. On the upside, the bread and herbed butter was pretty good. I will give props to the understaffed servers and the bus boy that got a field promotion to server. You could tell they were trying to keep up, but I think they were covering all the tables in both dining rooms. If I do ever decide to return, it will be a while until they get their act together. It has potential, just too many things need to be fixed.

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  9. Candlestyx

    Philadelphia

    58 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took a chance and went to Cardinal because we were intrigued by the abrupt name change from Leila's and the good review that Leila's had received in the paper. We had an excellent meal - salmon and pork chop for the main course. Brussel sprouts and caprese salad for appetizer. Drinks were terrific. Prices reasonable.

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  10. Barb

    Philadelphia

    87 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    87 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and the brussel sprouts were the best I've ever had. Very generous portion which was also nice. The scallops were excellent but the plate was a bit sparse. Might think about adding a scallop or two or more veggies. They only serve PA wines which I like. Very good Merlot for a very good price. Chocolate pot de creme was excellent. Definitely save room for that! All in all a great meal and we'll be back soon!

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  11. DrRon

    Philadelphia

    323 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    323 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time and it was a wonderful experience. Servers were very engaging, pleasant, helpful, and efficient. Food was outstanding. Looking forward to going back again.

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  12. BaldBabs

    Philadelphia

    58 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    58 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    All the alcohol is bottled in Pennsylvania. Now that may sound like a negative but everything we had was wonderful. And remember it can be made someplace else but if it's bottled in PA then they can serve it.

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  13. L1B1

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 24, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this place! We've been to their Jenkintown location several times, and were thrilled when they opened a second location near us. It was a little confusing when it went from Leila's Bistro to Cardinal, but the food is still great, Cardinal makes lovely wines, and the atmosphere is relaxing.

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  14. DonB

    Philadelphia

    57 reviews

    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2017

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Escargot and duck delicious. Very limited wine list but food makes up for it. Private parking lot.

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  15. Dee92

    Philadelphia

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really nice dinner - good menu, attentive and friendly service Great pace - we had starters, entrees and dessert and enjoyed the opportunity to linger. Shrimp pasta with broccoli rabe and tomatoes, beet salad, scallops, salmon - all wonderful. We had bread pudding, crime brûlée, and chocolat pot and left happy. Advice to the owner - broaden the wine list and don't change the name of the restaurant. Leila's has a wonderful association and great brand equity -- consider something like Petit Leila, Bon Leila -- save the name!

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  16. GeorgeC

    Philadelphia

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2017

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Tasty food, good beer, weak wine list. Service was good but could be improved.

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  17. L1G1

    Philadelphia

    33 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Had a lovely meal. The portions were large. The brussels sprout appetizer was delicious. Everyone loved their meals. The pork chop was huge and flavorful. Will definitely come back.

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  18. ChristineS

    Atlantic City

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    We had dinner with another couple. It was my first time at Leila's in flourtown, have been to restaurant in jenkintown. As usual we were not disappointed. Food was great and our waitress Katrina was the best! Will be back soon!

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  19. Fireman

    Philadelphia

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on March 3, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Started out with the escargot appetizer, very good. Flavorful and tender. Main courses were, Mediterranean Sea bass and NY strip steak. Both every large portions, tasty, and enjoyable. The only negative. Pennsylvania only liquor license. This means Pennsylvania only wine, beer and spirits. Not knowing what to get, I ordered an aged rye. Turned out it was $20.00 for the shot! Next time I'll have to ask the price first since it wasn't on the menu. Lesson learned.

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  20. JoeD

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had great cocktails at the bar. The bartender and waitress were very convivial and informative. The menu was eclectic and very tasty. An outstanding experience was had by our small party of four - great fun.

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  21. DonB

    Philadelphia

    57 reviews

    5.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Delicious food, attentive service. Older building with drafty wibdows. Will definitely return.

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  22. LynnC

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2017

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We ordered various starters. Each one delicious. Loved the spicey tomato soup, escargot and fusilli mushroom pasta!

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  23. LindaM

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2017

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    was disappointed... not a great selection of options and the ambiance was sterile. the wines, which come from one PA vineyard, were disappointing. the food (we had burgers) was adequate, but far from outstanding.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2017

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Second time here, and food has been great both times. The first time visiting back in December, however, was better simply because we could bring our own wine with us. The new liquor license only allows PA wines, and the food here deserves better than that.

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  25. TomM

    Philadelphia

    46 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2017

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Third time at Leilas. Two at Jenkintown and this Valentine dinner at Flourtown. We had two very good experiences in Jenkintown but this time not good. Our server Katrina was excellent. She was very welcoming and concerned that we have a good experience. Our appatizers ( beet salad and brussels ) were very good. My wife had there fish special ( a type of white fish I was not familiar with ). It was very bland. I had beef bourguignon that was good but not special. The thing that ruined the experience was the wine choices. This Leila's is not BYOB and they offer local wines only. We made the mistake of ordering their most expensive red without tasting first. It was like drinking cough syrup. Katrina took the wine back and let us taste two different reds but they were not much better. We both wanted to share just one good celebratory glass of wine on Valentine's Day and that didn't happen. If you go to Leila's taste the wine before ordering! We like one glass of tasty wine with dinner. We will not be going back unless that becomes a possibility at Leila'a.

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  26. AliS

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again, our meal at Leila's was outstanding. We had a romantic table for two on Valentine's Day, and the service was excellent. We're definitely going back soon!

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  27. Trey

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    The food is gernerally very good, but dinner would be so much better if they would expand the wine list beyond just local wines (or perhaps allow folks to bring in a bottle of wine for a corckage fee). The food deserves better wine.

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  28. IanG

    New York Area

    370 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    370 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time dining here. Awesome experience all the way around... A+

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  29. MarilynA

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Our entrees and appetizers were Food delicious. The bread was ordinary although we did enjoy the garlic butter. All of us enjoy fine wine and we're disappointed to find the selection limited to wines from Cardinal Hollow. This place must expand their wine selections or allow patrons to bring their own.

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  30. Jrose70

    Philadelphia

    166 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    166 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2017

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    First time here and I am happy to have this place in the neighborhood. We only got burgers, so can't really give a full review, but the service was very attentive and friendly. Fries and burgers were good. I will try it again.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our dinner very much. Great atmosphere, food was delicious. I loved that it is all PA spirits and beer! How great to support all local!!

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  32. Les58

    Philadelphia

    40 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    This was our second time eating at this new location. Since opening, Leila's has been a BYOB while they're waiting for their liquor license. My husband had brought wine with us. The waitress told us that they did get their license and that we could order off the menu or be charged a corkage fee. We chose to drink our own wine since the restaurant list is very inadequate. Wine is part of the dining experience, too. We were told that no outside wine will be permitted in the future since they have their own. Also, I had ordered the onion soup which was served barely warm. Disappointing. Although the rest of the food was good. Not sure if we'll be back.

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  33. ForrestK

    Seattle

    27 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2017

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Leila's was just OK. The onion soup was good, but too salty. I had the beef bourgiugnon which was good, but not memorable. My friend had the cod, which lacked flavor and the sauce was too runny. The atmosphere was lacking. It looked like they just placed some chairs and tables in an empty room. Not cozy at all. The most disappointing part is that we had to leave the restaurant to get cash since it is cash only. A restaurant of that caliber should accept credit cards. Overall it was just OK. I would rather drive a little farther and go to the one in Jenkingtown, which is great!

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  34. DFMoon

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Third time there; each time a hit. Sauces, in particular, are exquisite. Pan seared shrimp, crab cake, sea bass - all great.

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  35. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Great experience. A little pricey - but nice and attentive service. Scallops well prepared, wedge salad is yummy. Pork chop shines. Beef was nicely done too.

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  36. KMMK

    Philadelphia

    64 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on January 17, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had a great meal on a girl's night out with friends. The food was delicious, the server was attentive and it was not too loud. Would definitely recommend!

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is always cooked perfectly. The staff is extremely friendly and professional. Best restaurant in the area.

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  38. Gyuri

    Philadelphia

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    We have been coming to this location for 31 years...from the nite we met until now. We have seen this spot change for the good and the average. Now as Leilas let's hope it gets better. Our dinner was good; my duck was rare, however my wife's fish was good for her and a good portion. Service was acceptable and quiet in the back room. Overall they were friendly and flexible. They will have PA liquors soon along with beers all to the good. Support local. But the choice maybe a bit limited for some. Limited menu, let's hope they add or change it often, otherwise we will not be there too soon. The beet salad while good was small and not exceptional for the price.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2017

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Cozy, quiet and romantic. Main dishes were good. Dessert didn't live up to expectations: butterscotch pudding was only ok, and bread pudding was dry. Summary, worth going but skip dessert.

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  40. RichardG

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on January 7, 2017

    overall2food2service4ambience1
    Leila's needs work ,food is fair at best but has potential. Plating needs work had a dish that was supposed to have a mushroom ragout and parsnip something , but i could hardly find them. the pork chop is the only outstanding dish on the menu.

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FAQs

Cardinal Restaurant and Bar is rated 4.1 stars by 63 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Google Map for Cardinal Restaurant and Bar

700 Bethlehem Pike, Erdenheim, PA 19038

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Montgomery Ave
  • Neighbourhood
    Chestnut Hill
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:30 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Parking Details
    Public Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Every Thursday Jazz with Alex Barlett.
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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