A beloved fixture in Greenpoint, Pencil Factory, officially closed its doors for the last time yesterday, marking the end of an era in the neighborhood.
The bar was bustling with customers lining up early to grab any remaining merchandise before opening, culminating in a vibrant block party atmosphere by afternoon.
A crowd filled the sidewalk, with eclectic characters joining the festivities, including a person dressed in a pencil costume and a man balancing two cold beers while cradling a baby.
Among the attendees was a woman named Kate, who reminisced about meeting her husband, Tommy, at Pencil Factory on his first night in Greenpoint several years ago.
“They met at the second stool in,” she recalled, “He brought his cute chocolate lab and I thought, ‘I will not fall for this trick.’”
Kate and Tommy now have a baby named Brooklyn, and Kate was seen wearing a matching Pencil Factory hat with a friend who shared a memory of contracting COVID-19 at the bar during a snowstorm when outdoor dining was allowed.
The scene inside was a mix of nostalgia and celebration, with staffers wheeling in giant bags of ice and bouquets of flowers brought by patrons for the bartenders.
People danced in the windows, while slices of pizza were passed around as friends cheered.
Pencil Factory was more than just a dive bar; it was a community gathering spot known for its surprisingly good wine and heavy pours.
The bar was pet-friendly and often catered to families celebrating birthdays or trick-or-treating during Halloween.
Located at the corner of Greenpoint Avenue and Franklin Street, it welcomed visitors to enjoy the sun around small tables on the sidewalk, surrounded by the vibrancy of neighborhood life.
As spring would arrive, it became a typical sight to see locals sitting in wicker chairs, sipping drinks, and watching the various characters that flowed through the area, including the man often seen riding a bike with unconventional items balanced on his head.
Brian Taylor, Louise Favier, and Sean O’Rourke founded Pencil Factory nearly 25 years ago.
Brian, who moved to the area in 1998, observed that Greenpoint was underdeveloped, stating, “back when you couldn’t get a cab here; it was a bit of a wasteland.”
With a desire for a neighborhood bar, Taylor took the initiative to open one of his own.
Favier, who he met at the Ear Inn, joined him in the venture along with O’Rourke.
image source from：grubstreet
