Bar Description

If you are looking for a glossy, high-end gastropub with a thirty-page cocktail list, keep driving. But if you want a masterclass in the authentic, “frozen-in-time” South Jersey dive bar experience, The Beer Factory is your destination. Located in Riverside (often associated with the Pemberton/Browns Mills regional reach), this spot is a blue-collar legend that makes no apologies for what it is: a windowless, grit-and-glory watering hole where the beer is cold, the lighting is dim, and the regulars are part of the architecture.

The history of the Beer Factory is that of a quintessential neighborhood hub. It has spent decades as the “Home of the 1-1/4 oz. Shot,” serving as a sanctuary for local workers and long-time residents. Walking in feels like stepping into a private club that everyone is actually invited to—provided you appreciate the “divey” charm.

What to Expect: An Honest Look

Let’s be clear: the experience here is 100% no-frills. You aren’t here for the decor; you’re here for the atmosphere. The main room is centered around a large rectangular bar where the service is fast and the conversation is unedited. It is a tight-knit community where the bartender likely knows the life story of three-quarters of the patrons at the rail.

Features & Highlights:

The Vibe: Authentic Dive Bar. It’s dark, it’s loud when the jukebox is on, and it’s arguably one of the “deepest” dives in the county.
Bar Games: There is a well-loved pool table that sees plenty of action, serving as the primary source of entertainment alongside the local banter.
The Drink: This is a “beer and a shot” kind of place. While they have a full bar, the move here is a frosty mug of Yuengling or a cold domestic can.
The Food: Don’t expect a full kitchen. The food situation is famously minimalist—think bags of chips, pretzels, and the occasional frozen pizza toasted behind the bar. It’s enough to keep you going, but you’re here for the liquid refreshments and the company, not a four-course meal.

If you walk in expecting a craft beer flight, you’ll be disappointed. But if you walk in looking for a cold drink, a game of pool, and a genuine slice of Americana that hasn’t changed its prices or its attitude in a decade, you’ll feel right at home.

Details can change — check the site or socials for the latest menus, hours, and events.