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* Pencil FactoryFrom New York Magazine
"Long before hipsters outpriced from Williamsburg flocked to Greenpoint, longshoremen looking to tipple found refuge at the neighborhood's many bars. The Pencil Factory-the namesake factory is actually located across the street-was once the Miltonian Social Club, a bar catering to said dockworkers. The old moniker is now etched in glass at the back of the bar, serving as a reminder to those days of yore along with the original wide-plank floors, apothecary cabinetry, and weathered, exposed brick walls. Since much of Greenpoint's nightlife now consists of Polish social clubs, young newcomers to the area usually settle at "the Factory" for single malt scotches priced by the year, as well as 10 beers on tap like perfectly poured Guinness. –-Carla Spartos "
From Paper
"Even first-time patrons find the handsome Greenpoint watering hole familiar, thanks to its utilitarian construction of classic materials — brick walls, plank floors, tin ceiling — and a no-nonsense drink selection. Patrons can order at the bar (itself a work of frill-free beauty) from a quality selection of beer (10 on tap), wine (two whites, three reds) and spirits (notably single-malt whiskey), then retire to wood chairs and wide tables, which are a favorite of mature hipsters intent on serious socializing, writing or drawing."
Comments
Spent hours on it already.
Posted by: Pepoye | November 14, 2006 03:26 AM
This bar is nice. It's a pub. They have a good cheese sandwich. The people are nice.
But I honestly don't like bars that have 20 guys who look just like me and maybe one girl. Maybe after you've soaked in all the charm, half a block down Greenpoint Ave. is CoCo66, where there are cuter girls and a much better chance of getting some.
{Please note this review was written the first week of Spring}
Posted by: tony the pony | April 3, 2006 03:08 PM
even after i moved from greenpoint, this bar remained a staple. it's beautifully done - but not overdone. plus, it's out of the way enough to eliminate the tourist crowd (which is increasingly rare around here).
Posted by: pgm | July 10, 2005 01:43 AM
the pencil factory is one of my favorite bars! the drinks are excellent--esp cosmos and margaritas--the bartenders are skilled, and nice. (a lot of times if you want a drink that requires more than 2 ingredients, bartenders are snotty to you. this bar they give you the extra in a separate glass.) the atmosphere is chill, a great place to go anytime. esp for couples, groups of friends.
Posted by: cherie | May 19, 2005 08:24 PM