Under Construction: Beer Spots to Watch For

Cardiff Giant opens tonight on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill (Photo via Facebook)

Every time we think there might be too many bars specializing in craft beer, a few more empty spaces start buzzing with activity in anticipation of opening. Here’s a few of the many upcoming beer bars we’re keeping an eye on that are in the works, including one that opens this week.



Cardiff Giant (415 Myrtle Ave, at Clinton Ave, Clinton Hill)

Low-down: Another project from the Wiley Brothers (Mission Dolores, Bar Great Harry, to name a few) is ready to swing open its doors, led by partner Steven Baird, who’s also running the show at The Owl Farm. Cardiff Giant is named for a well-known upstate hoax, but there’s nothing tricky about this bar, which will serve New York State craft beer, wine, and cider. While focusing on New York beer was a daunting venture a few years ago, it’s now an easy sell, with Other Half, Grimm, Transmitter, and Peekskill among the breweries on the opening night draft list.



Projected Opening: Confirmed to open to the public Wednesday, March 23rd.

Bronx Drafthouse (884 Gerard Ave, at 161st St, Concourse Village)

Low-down: After years of putting up with sub-standard suds around Yankee Stadium (and a general lack of widespread craft beer bars in the Boogie Down), this craft-centric spot will open in time for baseball season, serving 20 drafts and beer-friendly bar food from a kitchen that’ll stay open till 1am.



Projected Opening: They originally projected a March opening, so look for doors to open soon.

Bierstrasse NYC (2346 12th Ave, at 133rd St, Harlem)

Low-down: Fans of outdoor drinking will be buzzing about this new German beer spot near the Hudson River this summer. Bierstrasse will serve ten German beers, German food like bratwurst and pretzels, and will boast a 4,000 square-foot outdoor patio sandwiched between the 12th Avenue Viaduct and Henry Hudson Parkway.



Projected Opening: As the weather warms up, look to see this spot open sometime in April.

The Weir (1672 3rd Ave, at 92nd St, Upper East Side)

Low-down: Many Upper East Siders were distraught over the shuttering of Kinsale Tavern last year, but The Weir will fill the void for craft beer lovers. The new incarnation of the pub will feature an upscale food and beer menu that focuses primarily on craft. The bar will be clad in zinc and the walls will feature exposed brick. And not everything will change – the bar will still be Irish-owned and run, much like its predecessor.



Projected Opening: Work is well underway and close to completion; they’re currently aiming for an April opening.

Classique (Starr St, Bushwick)

Low-down: Today on Beer Sessions Radio, Stillwater Artisinal founder Brian Strumke announced that he’s partnering with Cory Bonfiglio (formerly of Proletariat) and Tanner Walle (formerly of the Riddling Widow and Terroir wine bars) on a new beer and wine bar in Bushwick. The name, Classique, comes from one of his flagship beers under the Stillwater brand. The bar will focus primarily on beers from Stillwater and wines that Strumke and Walle have come across in their travels.

Projected Opening: Work is only just getting started, so keep an eye out for more details soon.

