Pencil Factory

Bar · Greenpoint

Pencil Factory

Bar · Greenpoint

2

142 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222

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Pencil Factory by Noah Devereaux
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Pencil Factory by null
Pencil Factory by null
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Pencil Factory by null
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Pencil Factory by null
Pencil Factory by null
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Pencil Factory by null
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Pencil Factory by null
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Highlights

Apothecary cabinets, brick walls, wide plank floors, great vibe  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Grub Street

142 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Get directions

pencilfactorybar.com
@thepencilfactorybar

$20–30 · Menu

Information

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142 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222 Get directions

+1 718 609 5858
pencilfactorybar.com
@thepencilfactorybar

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Pencil Factory

"There’s a rich history to be found at this corner location. Owning quite possibly the busiest intersection in the neighborhood on Franklin St. and Greenpoint Ave., Pencil Factory is a discrete bar standing proud of its roots. It was originally a hangout for fisherman a few blocks away on the East River in the early 1900’s. After that, it serviced the bustling and iconic pencil factory across the street – giving workers a place to relax after their work day. After the neighborhood slowly morphed into a livable and lively place, the bar kept its simple facade. The patrons have surely changed, but the charm is still very much there." - Milkshake

https://onthegrid.city/brooklyn/greenpoint/pencil-factory
View Postcard for Pencil Factory
@infatuation

Pencil Factory - Review - Greenpoint - New York - The Infatuation

"There are never not people at Pencil Factory. Which isn’t to say that it’s a rager - far from it. But it is a place that the people of Greenpoint use for any and all of their needs: having a glass of wine with a book, meeting friends for Happy Hour, taking shots before going out, or just drinking a beer outside. You don’t need us to keep listing reasons why people drink, but know that this place is here for you when you need it." - Katherine Lewin

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/pencil-factory
View Postcard for Pencil Factory

Jamie L

Google
I stumbled upon this bar by chance, and it's an absolute vibe! The music and ambiance are spot on--energetic, nostalgic, and effortlessly fun. It was packed on a Saturday night, but that only added to the experience. Everyone was singing along, drinks in hand, completely immersed in the moment. The throwback playlist was a total blast from the past, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable night. If you're looking for an unforgettable night with friends, this is it! The energy is electric, and the vibes are absolutely unmatched! Such an incredible time--I'll definitely be back! LOVE THIS PLACE!!!

Jesse Yuan

Google
Classic bar and best hangout spot in Greenpoint. Super chill, great crowd, live music on certain nights and YES, BYOF (bring your own food) Counter service only with own seating options indoor or outdoor.

Melissa Naja

Google
After dinner, our group still wanted to hang out before we go home so, my friend's boyfriend took my friend and I to the bar. He was here before, so this bar used to be his hang out spot with his friends. It wasn't busy at the beginning but when the night gone by the place got crowded. Better to come with friend because most people that coming here are in a group and it will be nice to have a company.

diego espaillat

Google
Great spot for a drink! Loved the cucumber one and the Zoe Sprit’s! Excellent service and excellent drinks !!

Andi Yuan

Google
We came at 7pm on a Sunday so we weren’t expecting it to be too busy and it wasn’t but the outer area was pretty packed, maybe 4 out of 12 tables open. My group was 4 people took up 2 tables and they had no issue with us moving the tables. The drinks are well priced for what I would think of New York (I’m out of state) 15$ cocktails wines. 10$ beers. The bartenders are fun and are responsive when you want them to be but not if you don’t. The playlist too cannot be complained about. The whiskey sours are so good!! Please try once!! Overall would recommend to come anytime if the vibes on a Sunday and Father’s Day are so good.

Geoff H

Google
What an amazingly best place to checkout if you’re in the area. We were having dinner nearby and wanted to have a beer and found this place. It’s got the right amount of dark and moody to make for a great spot to have a beer and chat with friends.

Rebecca Lee

Google
Great vibe and fast service. The bartender had good recommendations. Will definitely come back!

Barbara Burgos

Google
I enjoyed the atmosphere, but the service was a big letdown. I went with a friend, and when he ordered a beer, the bartender forgot. After I reminded her, she responded rudely and then completely ignored me. That was the main reason we decided to leave. It's a shame, because her coworkers were decent.
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Jesse Y.

Yelp
Classic bar and best hangout spot in Greenpoint. Super chill, great crowd, live music on certain nights and YES, BYOF (bring your own food) Counter service with own seating options indoor or outdoor.
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Katie B.

Yelp
Came here with friends on a Sunday in the summer and it was such an incredible vibe. The bar is lively inside and there's a ton of space for outdoor seating. Can't believe I didn't know about the spot before but will definitely be coming back! As far as I know, they don't serve any food and it's pretty quick and easy to get a drink. If you wanna grab a casual drink at a bar that isn't pretentious and just has good vibes this is a great spot to check out.
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Maggie B.

Yelp
I came here on a Saturday night. It got decently crowded, but not packed. Drinks were reasonably priced. It was a great place to dance. They played 90s and 00s hits. Very fun vibe. I would definitely come again.
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Justin W.

Yelp
Fun and games til your phone gets stolen. It's a fun no frills bar usually. Best on the weekend if you want a night out drinking and dancing to throwback 90's jams. This one particular Friday night was a unique situation. As often as we come here this has NEVER happened to us. But that evening we were unlucky. 5 people began to realize their phones had gotten stolen and 2 were part of our friend group. It was crazy to witness 1 by 1 these people realizing someone had reached into their bag. This bar does get crowded on weekends and bumping into people is normal. Be carful everyone! The staff didn't do much and shrugged it off. We had felt violated by the thieves but also kinda bummed with the bartenders. They could not care any less. They said this had happened the week before and there wasn't anything they could do. But they could have paused the music and with a quick NY attitude given the crowd a heads up. Or call out the thief in some fashion. Just felt like this neighborhood bar would look out for their own. I thought it was a bar with strong community loyalty but didn't get that feeling that night. Big shout out to Kenny though! Kind guy and really tried to calm the situation and asked people as they were leaving if it was okay to search their bags. Thank you Kenny! We do think a bunch of people with backpacks shortly after people noticed their phones got stolen were the culprits. They had all immediately left as everyone was scrambling to find/ locate their phones. I'm sure they had taken notice and thought it was a smart time to exit.
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Chunjai K.

Yelp
After dinner, our group still wanted to hang out before we go home so, my friend's boyfriend took my friend and I to the bar. He was here before, so this bar used to be his hang out spot with his friends. It wasn't busy at the beginning but when the night gone by the place got crowded. Better to come with friend because most people that coming here are in a group and it will be nice to have a company.
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Emma P.

Yelp
What a great bar! Friendly staff and a good variety of beers and cocktails. I really like the Pencil Factory Bar because it's a proper bar - no food, no screens playing sports, just good drinks and music after 8 on some nights of the week (jazz and vinyl). It's a great place to meet up with friends and chat or have a sundowner before dinner. The outside seating terrace is great for people watching. Prices are reasonable.
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Huw P.

Yelp
I discovered the bar by chance earlier this week, it was a very nice experience, guys on the next table chatted to us and one of the staff offered to get us drinks, I don't drink or Brooklyn sober, All the staff were great, the bar was nice lots of places to sit both inside and outside, bathroom was clean and tidy always a good sign, we only had a half hour as we had a dinner reservation, however we will be back. The beer selection was good and they had non alcoholic beers, I saw that they have music and dis playing vinyl, this is my passion so I plan to go back on the Dj nights

Zozo W.

Yelp
Ive lived in the neighbourhood for 25 years and stopped by to grab a quick drink recently. Two HALF pints of regular old beer $21....In addition the bar was full of people that most local's in recent years can't stand, obnoxious, rude transplants in their twenties. Sorry to leave this review Brian and Louise.
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Catherine L.

Yelp
Immaculate vibes here. I think this might become my go-to bar for after work cocktails. Dog-friendly too!!!

Kayla A.

Yelp
This bar is a great establishment. They had checked every single bag when I said that my phone was stolen five out of five stars thank you so much. Everyone that works here.
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Christina S.

Yelp
Delicious cocktails, friendly bar staff, and so much fun! Pencil Factory Bar is a Greenpoint locals spot my friend took me to for a Saturday night outing. When we initially arrived the tables were full and bar had a few seats open. We sat at the bar and started with Aperol Spritz- feeling fancy. After the first drink I was a bit hungry. My friend informed me that while the bar does not offer food, you are allowed to bring in food from outside. How amazing. Of course, I ran across the street and brought us both back pizza slices. After the pizza and as the night continues, the bar starts to pick up. Bad Bunny and Drake begin to play from the speakers and everyone is dancing or chatting away their night. I'm excited to return.

Oba T.

Yelp
The best place to be yourself and enjoy the night‼ This is the only bar that turns into a club

L B.

Yelp
WATCH YOUR PHONES!! See other reviews saying the same. this place (awesome as it is), clearly has a reputation for phone thieves - and good ones. Just had mine stolen Friday night. My bag was over my shoulder but close to my side, a zip on the front. i purposely took it out of my back pocket for safety and into my bag. At first i thought i maybe hadn't zipped it up, but i did. literally within 3-5mins max of doing that it was gone. It was packed in there, shoulder to shoulder. Major bummer to what was otherwise a fun night and great music/vibe.
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Krishna A.

Yelp
One of the best bars in Brooklyn. The staff is always super friendly to me and my dog. Yes you can totally bring your dog and no one will be a Karen about it. 10/10 definitely recommend
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Ace D.

Yelp
This place has changed a lot over the years but remains quintessential greenpoint. I've been going here since I first moved to greenpoint in 2003. Always has great selection of drinks and attentive waitstaff. I've had a wide span of fun experiences from innocent nights sipping and people watching on greenpoint Ave to debaucherous all nighters. It's got the old authentic Brooklyn feel inside with dim candlelit lighting and dark wood tables. Absolute perfection.
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Zahra T.

Yelp
Wow. What a terrible place. My friends dog got hit by another dog and was bleeding. I addressed this with the bartenders and they did nothing about it. The girls who's dog bit our friends got to stay and enjoy their drinks while they told us the situation wasn't a big deal. We had to leave while our dog was bleeding. The bar owners did nothing while this dog was bleeding!!! Do not bring your dog here.
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Sean S.

Yelp
I love this corner, and the chill vibe and atmosphere. Greenpoint at it's coolest. One minus point is the volume. It's terribly loud most of the time. Still street seating is sweet, and the beer selection is on point. I had a stella and bitburger. There *may* have been a third. Who can say?
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Dave M.

Yelp
A Valentines Day Poem Roses are red, Violets are blue. This bar is a blast, YABADABADOO!
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Roma J.

Yelp
Drinks are great but Kenny the bouncer is amazing and loves hugs! I will come back just for him. I wish more bars had someone running the front door like him
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Jackie S.

Yelp
I was at the Brooklyn Expo Center a few blocks away for an event when the craving for a cocktail hit. I saw this spot on Yelp so figured why not. The cocktails are good and normally priced. I had a Moscow mule. There's plenty of seating and for a Saturday evening it wasn't rowdy. A good fine, your typical neighborhood type of place.

John E.

Yelp
Excellent service that offers the great vibe of Greenpoint while also offering a way station into this unique neighborhood in New York City. You need to stop here and imbibe. Excessively.
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Joseph T.

Yelp
Came across the bar while walking through greenpoint. They had some good beer specials with a couple different Oktoberfest beers on draft for $5. They had a pretty well rounded list of cocktails and spirits. Very approachable. The bar is at the corner and has a lot of seating outside. The tables are well spaced too. Staff was very friendly.

Hannah D.

Yelp
This place is so fun. My friends and I came here last night for "one" drink and ended up staying until close. The staff is so inviting and made everyone feel so welcome. Felt like we were in college again, except everyone was nice!
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Jim B.

Yelp
The bar has lots of wood surfaces and looks "old" but it may be a modern take on older decor. Saturday about Noon, the place was moderately busy. I had an Irish Coffee which was fine. I liked their selection of warm Winter drinks which included mulled wine and hot toddies. Bartender was fine. I did not see a food menu. I will be back when I am in the neighborhood.
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Jennifer M.

Yelp
It was a cold frigid day and the Pencil Factory Bar hit the spot. They had a large variety of hot cocktails that were absolutely delicious. I got the Hot Toddy and a Spiked Apple Cider. The prices were reasonable and the staff was attentive and kind. I would recommend the Pencil Factory to anyone looking for a great drink.

C M.

Yelp
Allows dogs in both indoor and outdoor seating. Great vibe, drink selection, staff and people watching. Love this place.
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Nadia M.

Yelp
Cool bar situated on the corner with sidewalk seating. I came here with my mom for a quick drink. You walk in and seat yourself. There are wooden benches and tables. The drinks are a bit limited. There is no bottle water, only water from a huge water jug dispenser. The bartender was nice but you could tell she was overworked with customers lined up at the bar. They should have had more bartenders on site that day. I ordered a french 75. It was ok. My mom order a vodka on the rocks. We had about 3 drinks each and then headed out.the bar was just ok, nothing spectacular
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Christina P.

Yelp
Nothing flashy or gimmicky here, just a friendly, well-appointed bar filled with locals, very chill on a Saturday evening while I was killing some time before a show. I liked the rich wood bar and the fact that the antique-looking cash registers are actually functional. It's cash-only, so keep that in mind before visiting! There were a few outdoor tables, perfect for lounging with an Aperol Spritz and people watching and conversing for a bit. Again, no scene to speak of at all, which in my opinion is a good thing! And there seems to be a pretty popular pizza joint right across the street if your drinks ignite a case of the munchies. All in all a great watering hole option in Greenpoint!

Patch S.

Yelp
Killer spot for some chill vibes, great tunes, and awesome bartenders (lookin' at you Justin and Tadhg!--among others, of course)

Brooke A.

Yelp
We had an amazing time at Pencil Factory! Our entire group can't wait to go back again.

J.T M.

Yelp
This is an awful awful establishment that god forbid on a rainy day you stop FOR ONE SECOND to get out from rain under their outdoor awnings with your baby and the miserable bartender tells you to get up unless your buying a drink . There was not one person using the tables or chairs inside or outside so there was PLENTY OF SEATS AND SPACE if god forbid someone wanted to smoke . Please don't be a neighborhood bar if you can't let a mom get out from the rain for one second And for her information my husband and I have lived in the neighborhood for 6 years and frequent that bar very very often. My husband said him and every single one of his friends will never go back after the way she spoke to me. Red head bartender , rudest woman in greenpoint
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Kate N.

Yelp
Nice neighborhood bar, lots of space to find a comfortable nook. Nice outside seating area, good for watching sunsets. Downside cider on tap.
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Ang M.

Yelp
While waiting for a table at Paulie Gee's we stumbled upon this bar. I liked it, but I am sucker for small stools since it makes it feel like a real pub. No tvs but they must have had 15 beers on tap and some good bottle/cans. My only gripe is that all beers were $7 except for two IPAs; Bell's Two Hearted and Ballast Point for $9. And, well, coors banquet for $5, but let's be honest that should be $3. I don't like iPAs but that doesn't seem right Bartender was friendly and my friend got an old fashioned that wasn't very good. Stick to the beer except the IPAs since you have plenty to choose from.
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Lisa D.

Yelp
Sidewalk seating Ithaca Apricot Wheat Beer for $5 on tap Cheap happy hour specials Good selection of quaffable wines for $7 Cash only
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Alejandro C.

Yelp
I love Greenpoint, I traveled all the way here from NJ and ran into this spot in the fall. Fell in love with place and the staff. Kelly took great care of me, despite having a flood of other other customers to take care of. I come here often just to visit her, she makes you feel right at home and definitely knows what she's doing! Drinks are great and at a good price. Bar is clean and cozy. If you're in the area definately stop by for a drink! Recommended.
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Amanda L.

Yelp
One of the best neighborhood bars in greenpoint! Service is outstanding. Kelly and Nicole are both very sweet fun girls! The new cocktail menu is fantastic with some very delicious and seasonal drinks... plus they have outdoor seating! What more could you want in a neighborhood bar!

Andrew R.

Yelp
One of my favorite places in Greenpojnt. Kelly is an an absolute pleasure and the main reason why I troop it over here from Astoria.
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Solomon C.

Yelp
cool place with a good beer and whiskey selection. I would describe this place as an old west saloon in a hipster neighborhood. the neighborhood is hip, safe and not very umm... loud, offensive, you know like what you'd expect from New York. It can get crowded on the weekends, I like bringing friends from out of town here on weeknights. It's quiet, dark, pretty chill and lets us catch up on stuff. It's that part of New York that tourists don't get to see... beers aren't overly priced and there's pretty much something for everyone. so it's worth coming. My common routine would be to have a few drinks here then go across the street to Lulu's for another round and free pizza. (yes! free pizza!)
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lonny p.

Yelp
Does what it says on the tin; a pastoral pencil manufacturer in the heart of Unnecessary Clothing Boutique Row.
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Chris C.

Yelp
Minimal hipsters and a welcoming bartender at this perfect little bar. Great prices and vibe!
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Luke K.

Yelp
This corner spot is awesome in the summer. Fresh air, cold beer, brooklyn locals walking and driving by..
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systems e.

Yelp
I love this place. I used to live 2 floors above this bar. You can smoke in there after a certain time. I think the best part of this bar is that its a real neighborhood bar, far enough from billysburg. my roomate and I used to go here on hot summer nights cos we didnt have any air conditioning. They take their name from the actual faber pencil factory which is diagnal accross the street. everything in there is dark wood and the light is nice and low. Definitely check this place out. I've heard the neighborhood is changing now...
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Grady M.

Yelp
Nice atmosphere. BUT Luke warm and, frankly, gross hot toddys. Very disappointing. Do the bartenders ever actually try what they're serving? Take pride in what you do. Pretty simple, right?

Jen H.

Yelp
I love this place! Always fun, bartenders all super chill and accommodating even during covid hardship times. Honestly I'm a beer snob and prefer the selection at the place nearby but the vibe here is so much better I'll come here instead. Cuz selection is really decent and there is always something for everyone's taste, and the prices are still low! 5 stars :)
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E D.

Yelp
Best neighborhood bar in the area. Low key attitude and a great selection of beers. Perfect for an early evening drink.
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Albert S.

Yelp
I love Liz and Nicole. Great place to people watch and hangout with the neighborhood regulars. Where is your pride flag? Show some support for your LGTBQ community that frequent your bar!

Niles B.

Yelp
I can't say enough good things about Pencil Factory. It's a neighborhood staple with a solid selection of drinks, chill atmosphere and amazing staff. I've lived in Greenpoint for 5 years and this place is hands down my go to. I was really happy to see that they were able to reopen.
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William Y.

Yelp
not a dive bar . maybe a fancy dive bar.lol this place Is a clean and inviting spot. we were greeted by the bar tended and served promptly. love this place steve the bartender was exceptional
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Bryan P.

Yelp
Also a great spot in Greenpoint. Lots of seating and an overall chill vibe.