Cardiff Giant

Accidentally found this palace as rest was closed on Jan 1. - amazing atmosphere, friendly bartender, local NYC drinks and clean toilet 🤌🏻🤌🏻🧚‍♀️

A bar that specializes in NY based spirits and beers was really intriguing and it did not let me down. I was skeptical that a bar that served only NY-based libations would forget about Genesee Beer, but they did not! They had Cream Ales and Red-Eyes on hand (this impressed the Rochesterian in me). I then tried a Cardiff Mule (their take on a Moscow Mule) which was delicious and fresh. The ginger they used had quite the zing and didn't taste like ordinary ginger beer. Overall a great experience.

This place is great, but the bouncer sucks. He’s constantly leaving his post, and you just walk in thinking there is no problem. He then gets furious and claims you’re trying to evade him. Honestly very off putting to be yelled at right as you first walk into a place. Do you not want ppl in here spending money or what? He seriously needs to chill out with the yelling and the aggressive attitude.

Stopped in for some Christmas eve cocktails and was delighted by the selection of local spirits and ciders. Place has a real "local pub" feel without the hole-in-the-wall part.

Epic night. Drinks were divine - servers were kind and accommodating. High end fancy glassware with average (for Brooklyn) prices. I love that they only serve local products. Lovely backyard. Can’t wait to go back!

So much fun! Great performance from amazing performers! Felt like smart home as we're supposed to enjoy the amazing soft gentian. . Ach best supplies great smooth. Since almatle good but evicted big. Such a nice 10 to find s place to live absolutely key feelings like a soft and in time, the fun no-enjoy soft week to feel like a consumer. So good. If you get it in time.

Excellent beer selection at reasonable prices served in a comfortable atmosphere. Good variety of local brews and good cocktails.

Without a doubt, my favorite local bar. Great cocktails, good vibes, and awesome bartenders. Their niche is serving only NY made alcohol and they rotate their kegs, cans, and bottles often so you will be able to try a wide variety of different flavors and styles. They have a backyard that can comfortably hold several groups. Their grilled cheese is on point, too.

The perfect neighborhood bar to come and grab a drink with a friend or on a date. Amazing service every time, good quality drinks. I believe they have some cheese as well. There's literally no complaints, I will keep coming back here. 5/5

Stumbled upon this bar before dinner to grab a quick drink and use the restroom. Great election of beers. All craft and local options. Around a dozen drafts available. I opted for a beer from Wild East. I remember seeing Transmitter and KCBC on the tap list too. Some great whiskey options too. Looked like they had full line ups from Kings County Distillery and Hudson Whiskey. One gender neutral restroom. It was spacious. Bartender was friendly and service was quick.

As Clinton Hill continues to welcome classier spots like Lula Mae and Rosticceria Evelina to the neighborhood, Cardiff Giant is serving a new purpose as the go-to spot for a pre-dinner cocktail. They have a super cool local hipster vibe, only serving "New York everything", with spirits, wines, and beers coming as local as it gets, direct from NY State. The bartenders are noticeably on top of their game, as I've learned they are poached from other local establishments. If you are trying to create a perfect date night wallabout, this should be your first stop. Dont come for dinner, but if you need a snack they've got that. Open late; I can only appreciate the fact I live around the corner from here. Thank you for being there on a weekday at 1am. See you soon.

Had a lovely, regular, nice time here! Callouts were the delightful service by the very kind bartender with a beaming smile, who seemed like a genuinely good person (name on check was Steven); and that they have Genny beer. The 'Happy Meals' drinks are a good selection. I'm also told they have a spritz of some kind on tap. Was dimly lit but not weirdly so. Good music but could hear our own thoughts. Lively enough people but not a crowd. The Goldilocks of standard neighborhood bars. Great to check out.

This used to be my neighborhood spot! But maybe management has changed lately, because the new bartenders are SH#T and they no longer change the draft menu weekly/bi-weekly. I went on Sunday around 5:45 pm and there was one bartender, a tall dude who looked and acted as though he would rather be in H€LL. Although there was no one at the bar, he gave me attitude as if he couldn't bear pouring me a drink...he shouldn't be a bartender. I drank up quickly and left. I have met a whole host of great bartenders through the years at this bar - Gio, for example although I haven't seen him in years. Maybe no good bartender stays there because the owners treat them so poorly??? Who knows. But definitely AVOID this place, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays because the service is going to bring you down, and kill any buzz you could ever have.

My partner and I stayed at an Airbnb down the street and spotted by this place around 10pm on a Sunday night. The ambiance was very impressive and contemporary. The bartender working was very attentive and friendly. Everyone in the bar seemed to be in good spirits, despite the ending of the weekend. Hope to come back next visit!

To feel complete, every man needs a local neighborhood bar. Cardiff Giant is my local neighborhood bar. I have a soft spot for this bar because it opened the same week I moved to Clinton Hill. Being a beer lover, Cardiff Giant quickly became my favorite bar in the neighborhood for a tasty brew. What distinguishes Cardiff Giant from other bars, however, it's not just its great beer selection: it's the fact that this place only carries New York State booze. Yes: This is the only "New York State Only" bar in New York City. And if you think this is a gimmick, think again. The great state of New York, in fact, is home to many a fine breweries: From Suarez Family, to Grimm; from KCBC to Transmitter Brewing; from Barrier to Other Half; from West Kill to Gravies Point; from Industrial Arts to Equilibrium; From Sand City to Hudson Valley Brewing; from Captain Lawrence to Five Boroughs, and many many more. Alongside a signature cocktail on tap (currently a white Negroni), Cardiff Giant offers perhaps the largest selection of ciders on tap in New York City. There's something for everybody here. The bar has a welcoming feel; I love the long, inviting bar, the bare walls, and the communal table by the window facing Myrtle Avenue. The bartenders here are great, and greatly contribute to making Cardiff Giant a very relaxing, laid back place. In fact, I often come here late afternoon/early evening, preferably straight after work to enjoy a beer or 3 and just unwind. This is a place for everybody. There's also an outdoor sitting area in the back, which makes Cardiff Giant even better in the summer. Oh, and if you feel slightly hungry, there's a limited snack menu, including a couple of cheese selections (from New York State, of course; served with crackers and mustard), and two types of pretzels. So, what time should we meet at Cardiff Giant?

Had a drink at Cardiff Giant on Saturday night. A typical bar with a decent beer selection and some cocktail options. Quality: Cardiff Giant was our last stop on a day hopping around Brooklyn. My girlfriend ordered a cocktail, I went with a beer, and we shared a small snack. None of the cocktails really stood out to me, but my girlfriend went with a New York Sour. With bourbon, lemon, and a red wine float, it was simple, but fine. The draft beer menu was small, but had some good local options. They have lots of cans and bottles as well if looking for something more exotic. I went with a Grimm oatmeal stout. The food menu is small, but since food is now a required element of a bar experience, we went with a Cardiff Giant Grilled Cheese. It was okay, using white cheddar and pepper jelly. Quantity: Beer sizes are listed on the menu, the cocktail was strong, and the food is just a bite, but since required it is fine. Value: $12 for Cocktails. $4-$6 for Draft Beers. $6 for the Cardiff Giant Grilled Cheese. Ambiance: Cardiff Giant is a bar located in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn. It has an old-school bar feel inside. Lots of industrial features, making it feel unfinished, and a blackboard to slide on and off new draft beer selections. They have two small tables out front, and then a nice courtyard space in the back. Most guests opted to sit in the back, where Christmas lights lit the space and pop music played a little too loud. Crowd: The small backyard area was filled, and one or two people were hanging out inside. Service: I think there was only one server for the backyard area, but she was extremely efficient. They had several COVID precautions in place, and they made sure each individual coming in was screened. Parking: Some street parking in the nearby areas.

Super chill vibes, all we got was beers and shots at the bar with a couple of friends after an event but it was a great time. I really enjoyed the vibe, the people, how nice the bartenders were. And I'd love to point out that for a bar that's as busy as this place was- the bathroom was super clean lol.

Love the concept of NY Only here. Popped in on a weekend afternoon for a few drinks and was pleasantly surprised with the cocktails! (Knew the beer would be good of course because... New York...) Nice to see a local crowd here chatting with bartenders and having a good time. Will absolutely be back.

Really great beer and cocktail bar that specializes in New York State crafts and liquors. I bet you could come in here at any random day and find something you've never even heard of. I had a few beers while I was here - a Transmitter sour, Suarez pale ale, and a Lough Gill/Industrial Arts/Thin Man collab. Plus, they had OH Short Dark and Wired on tap!!! One of my favorite beers. They also have a bunch of specialty ciders, including a brandy barrel aged one. Plus a limited snack menu!

First visit and love the vibe. Bartenders, patrons even Trixie the French bulldog are all chill and sociable. After all, this is Brooklyn. Stop. Try. Enjoy!

Cardiff giant provided the best service I could have ever asked for in New York! Joseph was an absolute sweetheart that recommended the best drinks, and best "Go-to" places in Brooklyn for first time goers and just all out great customer service!

Came here for some casual drinks with friends -- solid options and a chill, relaxed ambiance but kind of ruined by the extremely rude guy working the door. Clearly on some kind of unnecessary power trip and wanting to start problems with patrons. All in all probably won't come back for that reason.

Boozy drinks, a chill vibe, and a great location really help make Cardiff Giant an excellent cocktail joint. Every time in there the bartenders have been very helpful. You can find whatever you want. Fancy cocktail, old school cocktail, basic mixed drink, or if you're low on cash you can go with that shot/beer combo. The got you covered. The space is wide for a bar. No need to fret. They also got a great backyard. It's not huge, but during the dead of summer it's rarely packed. When it comes to Myrtle Avenue there aren't many better options. If in the neighborhood you should definitely swing through.

Nice place, nice people, very casual vibe. I just was walking by and thought it looked nice. Nice selection of beers and they will do short pours too. Great place to take a little break and chill.

My neighborhood go-to. Chill vibe at a place that only carries booze made in New York state; not even the cocktails contain an oz of non-native spirits. Incredible ever-changing beer list showcasing a wide range of local breweries on tap you probably have never heard of, and they usually have about 5 or 6 dry delicious ciders on tap too. I never thought I liked cider before I tried the tart, dry ciders they serve here, which are nothing like the sugary canned commercial crap I always associated with the beverage dating back to unhappy encounters in college. Bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly and happy to explain everything and let you sample anything. My bill always seems to come out a little less than I expected. This place sounds like it would be a pretentious hipster place but it's got a great low-key vibe and lots of neighborhood regulars. Have a nice back patio too though that closes at midnight. (Bar is open until 4 though abd often catches a second wind around 1-2 when staff from other local bars and restaraunts start filtering in after closing up shop. )

FINALLY! Clinton Hill has been starved of a real craft beer bar. Cardiff specializes in NY specific beers, wines, and spirits, and executes flawlessly. This is a sister bar of Bar Great Harry and Owl Farm so you know they will deliver. They will probably always have the brooklyn mainstays like other half and grimm, but I am looking forward to the smaller breweries in NY state. Such a great addition to the neighborhood. 20 taps including draft wine. A must-not miss spot for any beer nerd in NYC. Also, can you say outside garden ?! It can't get warmer quick enough.

I wish I lived closer because I'd make this my regular bar in a heartbeat. When we went in on a Tuesday just before HH ended, it was quiet with only the bar seats filled. Holden was the bartender for the night, and he joined in on our conversation from time to time, as a solid bartender should IMHO. He was definitely welcome and was a good sport about the weird things we were talking about. Not only that but he played his own killer playlist (including but not limited to Rhye and Leon Bridges) The boilermakers (in Philadelphia we call them citywides) were affordable in NYC terms and they had a wide variety of combinations. The selection of beer was also stellar, with Interboro, Threes, and many others I didn't recognize. It felt very homey and very low-key, two things that are lacking in the more popular bars in Brooklyn.

I liked this place because it had a cozy outdoor garden that we were able to go out to... drinks were good, but the service took some time because only one person was taking care of both indoor/outdoor seatings.

Ambiance: great place to chill on your own or hang with friends: have seen people working on their lappers at the bar as well as social crowds and couples on dates on the Friday evenings I've been. When packed, can get a bit loud and difficult to hear unless you're almost shouting at the person next to you... Service: chillax , relatively friendly staff Food/Alcohol: Great tasty beers to try even if you're not a beer fan or connoisseur. Cheese plate was good (i.e., comparable to similar at wine bars/restaurants). Layout: large comfy bar with large communal table in front, smaller tables in back. Outdoor space open during warmer months. 2 bathrooms - larger one in back and one midway past bar Would I go back? Being a local, most likely! :)

I really appreciate the idea of having all alcohol produced in New York State. The vibe here is modern and relaxed, and the service is always great. Would come here way more often if I was closer.

This is a pretty good bar that i stop by. A lot of the beer is localize so you could get a Genesee that was made in NY State. Also the staff is very friendly sometimes they could recommend you to try out a new beer there. Also the selection of music is really good for a bar out in Fort Greene. To start off, the beer is really good because a lot is based out of New York State. Also they have a very good selection of beers to choose from so your choices are quite limitless. Also, one beer that has been really good from a good recommendation was a Genesee and I normally get a IPA. Also the staff has a very good selection picks of songs that is well fitting. Some of the music I heard was some trap, some 80s and on Christmas, a bit of James Brown. Some of the best days to go for a chill vibe is a Thursday Night as the weekends tend to get Crowded. The only thing thing, that i'm nitpicking here is that it's a little to dark in the bar. Other than that. 4.5 stars.

We came here to celebrate a friend's birthday last weekend. Since I don't drink, I'm generally don't care for bars; however, Cardiff Giant offered something a little extra special. First, it had a nice chill atmosphere - even on a Friday night. Next, the bartender was very friendly. And, last, I was able to order the mulled cider without alcohol - and only for $3! It was a very cold, winter night so I appreciated having a warm, delicious drink to enjoy while hanging out.

I wandered into Cardiff the other day to check it out, since I used to frequent the spot when it was good old Splitty's. The place didn't seem all that special, the decor was simple and it was pretty empty. Snacks are minimal, they only serve chips and pretzels. The reason why this place gets 2 stars from me is because I thought the bartender was unnecessarily rude -- it was a lot of awkward negativity. I don't know about you, but I expect good service when I'm spending money. "I don't understand anything you're saying," was one line that was said to my friend, who is not from the U.S. and has a slight accent. She also said that Splitty's closed down because it was a haven for coke heads, followed by, "I'm glad it shut down." Let me add that she JUST moved to BK, so what gives her the right to judge another place so harshly when she hadn't even stepped foot into it? She made it sound like people were doing lines while chugging beer at the bar, but I never saw anything like that, and I used to go on Thursdays when it was comedy night. Also, given the competition on Myrtle, I would rather go to Putnam's next door, where they also have a full bar and serve food.

Craft beer has really taken off in the last few years and New York has its share of good, local breweries. I love that Cardiff Giant is here to celebrate that by serving beers, wines, and spirits made in New York state exclusively*. They have 20 taps in total with a large portion of them serving an endless, rotating variety of beers, a smaller portion dedicated to ciders, and an even smaller portion dedicated to wines. Now that's a food pyramid I can get behind. Small pours are about $5, larger pours are $7ish, and you can get a mini carafe as well. No growlers yet. Bummer. There's also a large list of spirits to choose from and a handful of cocktails if you're in the mood for something a bit stiffer. These will run you about $10-$13. Not bad considering most of these are smaller distillers. No food outside some fancy pretzels and chips. The bartenders are nice and knowledgable and won't hesitate to give you a taste of something you're interested or provide a suggestion. They seem to be pretty busy all the time but the place is new so I'm sure they'll get a system going in no time. The space is stereotypical Brooklyn - which isn't bad. Dark woods and metals with dark paint lit by old timey lightbulbs. There's also a couple pinball machines in the back which is kind of fun. Don't miss the cute backyard - which is kind of a mixed blessing in my opinion given the smokers (I hate smokers polluting the air while I try to enjoy the small slivers of sun I get to see). Overall, not a bad place to spend some time with friends and lovers over some tasty adult beverages. ------------- * I did see one of the bartenders pouring a whiskey from behind the bar out of an Early Times bottle once. I'm pretty sure that's from Kentucky. Oops?

Thanks to the Beer Passport my buddy and I were led here. The space is nice. A great bar top with some outdoor seating. They had a great selection of beer and alcohol- all of which is NY State made. The only downside to this place is that food isn't served. So, if you're looking for a place for a good locally crafted drink, look no further.

This is a nice cozy little bar. They serve nothing but beer and liquor from NY only. This is a good thing since if you wanted to try local beer or liquor, this is the place to go. The bartndar was very knowledgeable on what beer or liquor will fit your taste.

Perfect bar in Brooklyn, with all the New York feels. Ask for Nicole, best bartender they have!

Great new addition to the neighborhood. I'm a fan of the concept (all NY sourced booze) and the space is lovely. On the night I was there, I wasn't THAT impressed with the beer selection-- a couple of draughts stood out (found a saison, IPA, and stout that were great), but after that... well, it might have just been a night that wasn't speaking to me- I'm willing to try again. No food, but you can ask the bartender if you can bring in/order delivery.

Great service! I ordered an absinthe not knowing it had such a strong licorice flavor. The bartender (was a lady) offered to make me another drink without me even asking. I ended up ordering a sweet and delicious cocktail (bees knees). I highly recommend this bar! Very laid back and a nice way to spend a Saturday night with the s/o. Kudos to the female bartender! (Sorry didn't get your name)

An easy three stars, maybe worth 3.5. But somewhat over-rated from what I saw. About 16 seats at the bar plus a counter and stools on the opposite wall. Music was something alt rock; for my taste not a good thing. They are promoting the place as NYS only brews and spirits. So you have access to some very good local brands. No kitchen but you can order out for pizza or whatever, This is allowed. They have a back garden which looks pretty nice.

This place is great. Really cool ambiance with an incredible beer selection. I had a carafe of Garvies Point - Gold Coast Double IPA that was super juicy and a lot of other hard to find craft beers. Worth coming just to have a Garvies Point!

Rude bartender. Then he had the gall to throw in some insults told us to leave. Of course I didn't turn down a shot, but still left a bad taste in my mouth. This made for a horrible first date. Won't be back for Brian.

Great bar, local products and very knowledgeable bartenders. A true neighborhood and New York Gem. Try the cocktails too!

This is Hans down the best bar in Clinton Hill and pretty much my favorite bar in Brooklyn. The ambience is simple and clean with pinball machines and an outdoor area. The bartenders are the best around and are always super friendly and knowledgeable. They also have good snacks and they let you order food if you'd like a larger meal. Great spot to make your regular hangout.

Such a great experience! Eden, the bartender is sweet, attentive, FUNNY, and makes a great cocktail. We were all smitten. The beer drinkers amongst us were thrilled with the selection. Really nice vibe here. I'm thrilled with this great addition to the neighborhood.

This is probably one of my favorite bars in the neighborhood! Absolutely love the friendly staff, especially Holden! Look out for him. Great drinks, great atmosphere, the prices are good !

They have cheese plates! Went in for a pint late at night and was surprised by the cheese plate and that I was able to have a snack. Will go back extensive beer list, great bartender.

My prior review was deleted because I actually hadn't been here yet (fair enough) but I'm happy to report that there's a great, NY-based beer list, 8+-oz pours, and no children in sight. Yay for child-free Brooklyn bars!

This is a quiet ambient bar that has an offputting smell when you first walk in but you get used to quickly. The clientele is very peaceful - I've never seen a bar fight here. I like that they have so many types of beer, especially in a "share" sized carafe. The one thing that makes no sense though is that there is no Long Island Ice Tea on the menu. I thought it was supposed to be a bar specializing in New York liquor. What the heck!

This place is great. Out of all of the bars by this group (Owl Farm, Mission Dolores, etc) this one is my favorite. I believe they only carry NY state beers, ciders and spirits, which is a cool concept because there's so much great stuff being made here. Their tap list is fantastic and constantly changing, and they also have ridiculously good soft pretzels?! Decor is good, always seems like a nice crowd, prices are fair, and every bartender I've spoken with has been friendly. A+

Went on a Wednesday night, my last day in New York. A friend lived near there, so we had dinner somewhere else and decided to come here for drinks. It was pretty empty, so can't really speak to being crowded or not on weekends and such, but we had a pretty good experience. The beer and cider are undeniably awesome and they vary in price (I'd never say this place is 3$. The pitchers are large and the same prices I payed almost everywhere else in Brooklyn or Clinton Hill).

Great bar with an awesome local beer selection that rotates all the time. The liquor selection is also all local and super good! The quiet backyard is set up with plenty of seating. The bartenders are quick with an always good suggestion that never feels like they are pushing the flavor of the month. The bar also has different sizes for all their beers so if you just want to try something you don't have to commit to a full 12 or 16 ouncer. Go!

Features New York Made things, but made in New York isn't so delicious. Great backyard patio. Skip cocktails, hit up the beer or port and just chill.

I just moved here. The best bar I have found, and I used to work next door. Each night is a different vibe, but all are great. Nicole and Vicky are always on point. Brian is everyone's favorite. And Gio is such a good time. I come here multiple times a week. My favorite bar.

Excellent cocktails and cider selection. I think it's really special that Cardiff giant carefully selects their offerings and tries to present the variety of NY produced liquor and cider. Beautiful space too!

Nice find. Cozy small place with excellent lighting and atmosphere. The beer and wine selection is amazing and will educate your palate. They have snacks. I went on Monday night and Chrissy was bartending, she knows the list very well and was a good guide.

Rating is based on the beer selection. They focus on small batch local breweries. When looking up the beers on Untappd I find that I am one of a very few that have had the opportunity to drink it. More important the beers are not just small batch but are very good.