The Cardinal

The Cardinal The Cardinal is an intimate cocktail experience. Thoughtfully crafted drinks, fresh ingredients, and a space designed for great conversation.

Whether you're sipping a classic or something new, every pour tells a story.

11/15/2025

I know it appears as though we are back at the 173 Craft Distillery today. We are, however, it is only for today for a Private Event to celebrate the wedding of two of our favorite people. Tomorrow we fly back to our new home … continue to follow our page for more details.
With Love ❤️
The Cardinal

The Cardinal was never just four walls and a bar top, it was an idea. It was the notion that cocktails could be bold, th...
10/17/2025

The Cardinal was never just four walls and a bar top, it was an idea. It was the notion that cocktails could be bold, that a gathering place could feel both familiar and adventurous, and that community could form around a shared drink and a shared moment. That spirit doesn’t disappear just because one chapter has closed.

From the start, our family has poured those values into everything we do; whether it’s the craft at Walsh’s Shebeen, the hospitality at The Corner, or the unique identity that The Cardinal carried in Clear Lake. The heart of The Cardinal has always been about more than location. It’s about creativity, warmth, and the kind of connections that happen when people come together.

While the owners of 173° Craft Distillery have taken back over their own operations, The Cardinal continues forward. You’ll still see the same faces behind the bar, the same dedication to craft, and the same love for the communities we serve. And as The Cardinal charts its next course, those values will only deepen.

So even though our time inside 173° has ended, The Cardinal is far from gone. It’s part of our story now, and the next chapter is already being written.

The Cardinal was never meant to vanish; it was meant to evolve. Just because the lights have dimmed in one space doesn’t...
10/11/2025

The Cardinal was never meant to vanish; it was meant to evolve. Just because the lights have dimmed in one space doesn’t mean the story is finished. A bird changes where it roosts, but the song remains the same; and you’ll hear it again, soon.

Many of you already know there’s a project that’s been waiting in the wings for the right time. That time is closer than ever. It won’t just be about cocktails; it will be a space layered with character and craft, something that feels stitched into the very fabric of our community.

And while we won’t give away too much yet, know this: where you once found only drinks, you may soon find a chair waiting for a trim, or even a canvas waiting for ink. The Cardinal has always been about creativity, and what’s coming will take that spirit further.

For now, keep your eyes open and your ears tuned. The Cardinal is only changing its perch, and when it lands again, you’ll know it.

When a chapter closes, one of the first questions we hear is, ‘What about my Cardinal gift card?’ The answer is simple: ...
10/08/2025

When a chapter closes, one of the first questions we hear is, ‘What about my Cardinal gift card?’ The answer is simple: we’ve got you covered. Every gift card from The Cardinal will be honored in full at Walsh’s Shebeen and The Corner Pizza & Alehouse. Nothing changes about the value you placed with us; it just shifts to our other family spaces where the same hospitality continues.

But it isn’t just about cards. It’s about people. Every member of our Cardinal team is staying with us, being folded into roles across Walsh’s Shebeen and The Corner. That continuity matters: the same bartenders who mixed your favorites, the same staff who kept the nights running smoothly, will still be there to welcome you. Their dedication is also what allows us to move forward with confidence as we prepare for The Cardinal’s next home.

This transition is more than logistics. It’s the people behind the bar and the guests in front of it that make a place feel alive. By keeping our team together, we’re making sure The Cardinal’s spirit doesn’t just linger in memory, it grows stronger. And with that foundation, a project that has been on hold will be finally realized.

So, when you stop in at Walsh’s or The Corner, know that you’re not just redeeming a gift card. You’re continuing the story, surrounded by the same faces and flavors you’ve come to know. The Cardinal isn’t gone; it’s only getting ready to spread its wings in a new direction.

From the very beginning, Clear Lake welcomed The Cardinal with open arms. This city has a way of making newcomers feel l...
10/05/2025

From the very beginning, Clear Lake welcomed The Cardinal with open arms. This city has a way of making newcomers feel like family, and we will always be grateful for the warmth and support we’ve received here. To the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, thank you for helping us find our footing and for encouraging us to become a part of the community’s rhythm so quickly.

To the people of Clear Lake: every guest who pulled up a chair, raised a glass, or spent an evening with us on the rooftop; you gave The Cardinal its spirit. Your support, your conversations, and your laughter made this place come alive. It was never just about the cocktails; it was about sharing moments with you, and those memories will stay with our family long after the final bottles are packed away.

We also want to recognize the owners of 173° Craft Distillery for allowing us the opportunity to spread our wings inside their space. Our time here has been a chapter full of lessons, celebrations, and friendships, and we leave with gratitude for having had the chance to write it.

While this marks the close of The Cardinal at 173°, it is not the end of the story. A new flight path is already charted, and in the coming months, The Cardinal will return in a new and exciting form. For now, please know that from our family - Chris, Cas, and Blair - we thank you with full hearts for making this journey unforgettable!

Our first year decorating a pole for Harvest Festival and we absolutely loved it. We all hope you enjoy our decorations....
10/05/2025

Our first year decorating a pole for Harvest Festival and we absolutely loved it. We all hope you enjoy our decorations. Happy Fall 🍁🍁

Harvest Fest may be winding down around us, but the night is just getting started here. While the last pours are happeni...
10/04/2025

Harvest Fest may be winding down around us, but the night is just getting started here. While the last pours are happening on Main Street, our rooftop is alive with music, cocktails, and the kind of energy that makes Saturday nights feel endless. This isn’t just an after-party, it’s a final chance to see The Cardinal in flight before we close this chapter.

From the beginning, our rooftop has been about more than just a view. It’s been laughter spilling out over the railings, conversations that stretch long after the glass is empty, and the soundtrack of a community that knows how to gather and celebrate. Tonight, we invite you to come share one more of those moments with us.

This is our last Saturday night at 173°, and we want it to be a celebration, not a goodbye. If you’ve ever thought about stopping in, or if you’ve already made memories here, tonight is the night to raise a glass with us. Come for the music, come for the cocktails, come because the best nights are the ones you don’t want to end.

10/02/2025

The weekend is approaching quickly and we’re getting things in line for Harvest Fest!🍁

Join us on Harvest Fest to grab a great cocktail and listen to some tunes by Jeff Boehnke on Saturday October 4th from 2-5pm!!

Look forward to seeing you then!

09/25/2025

We will be closed today 9/25 to prepare our staff with some new drink training that’s sure to knock some socks off for Harvest Fest next weekend! We will be open for our normal hours Friday! Look forward to seeing you then!

09/23/2025

The last Sip. Shop. Slay. event of the season is only six days away. If you haven't been able to attend a Sunday Gathering yet, this is the perfect opportunity to join us. Gather your sisters, friends, family, or come alone and make new acquaintances while you're here. We will even have NFL games on for the men in your life, so bring them with too!
We will be hosting vendors from Blush Salon, Peachy Keen Boutique, Chrisma in Bloom with Ashley Brodersen, Loo & Roo Artistry, and more this Sunday from 1-3pm.
Don't miss the last Sunday event of the season, and look forward to our exciting plans for fall and winter 😉🫶🏻

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Mason City, IA

Opening Hours

Wednesday 4pm - 12am
Thursday 4pm - 12am
Friday 4pm - 12am
Saturday 4pm - 12am
Sunday 11am - 8pm

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