what a terrible experience this was. There was no music. The bartender completely ignored me. I don't mean he was just busy. I mean, he purposely ignored me. He was not busy. He just refused to serve me for some reason. I was standing there politely conversing with another customer, patiently waiting for him to take my order. I finally got tired of waiting and said barkeep do you have Tecate in a can? He did not respond. I asked again, barkeep. Do you have Tecate in the can? Again, he did not respond. I looked at the gentleman I was talking to and said well I guess he can fuck off and I turned around and left. That was my experience with the Mecklenberg in. I will not be going back anytime soon. On an unrelated note, it is a beautiful building, absolutely gorgeous woodwork. read more

This was a unique find during our visit to Harper's Ferry. We enjoyed feeling like locals in this restaurant/bar. We had great service and the beer selection was limited but perfect for us. read more

Mecklenburg Inn - Locals gather on a rainy night for a beer and football - Bars Near Me - Shepherdstown, West Virginia

I would go back anytime for the comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Friendly staff too.

This food is dope AF! The pasta salad was incredible, perfectly cooked noodles, great seasoning, nicely chopped veggies! The soup smelled SO GOOD as I was driving home I couldn't help myself... I drank it in the truck on the way home Porto sub was smash worthy, so good- like healthy but also greasy bar food cheesesteak on a soft bun- absofuckinglutely nailed it. Veggie tray is to die for! I bet this bean dip would be dope warm too!!!! The burger was on point as always (they always have it on the menu there and I order it frequently) Love everything about this meal and the bartender we picked up from was so friendly too Highly recommended, even if you're not vegan and I'm not just blowing smoke to hype this place up, y'all know I'm a straight up food SNOB. read more

My partner and I were excited to try this place since we now live relatively close by, but we couldn't stay inside for more than a few minutes due to the ever present stench of cigarette smoke. Smoking may not be permitted indoors, but the damage has been done. It's hard to enjoy good food, drinks and company when the place smells like an 80s dive bar. read more

My daughter and I wandered in with no expectations. The front was unassuming, but we were immediately wowed by the back patio! It was charming and spacious. A cool and hip oasis that you would never know was there. We loved the vibe and the separate seating. The burgers were delicious and service was great. It was slow when we were there so we got a tour of the upstairs. Definitely worth another visit and maybe even an overnight! read more

See all

Four years ago I rode my bike from Pittsburgh to DC. I hit up this historical establishment on day 4. I loved it. Today I rode up from harpers ferry. I had an even better experience. I spent a lot time talking with George, the owner. He's an interesting, intelligent guy. I definitely enjoyed the conversation. Audra was manning the bar and she was cool too. I got a burger with egg and bacon. It was bomb. The back garden is up there with my favorites of all time. I honestly can not say enough good things about Mecklenberg Inn, and for that matter, Shepherdstown. Very cool place. read more

Great atmosphere and great food!! The outside dining area is a pretty neat place to hangout during a beautiful summer night. read more

Mecklenburg Inn - My wife and I enjoying the outside area! - Bars Near Me - Shepherdstown, West Virginia

This place is a hidden gem of West Virginia. Great vibes! Fantastic bar tender (Audra I think?) UFO Raspberry Ale was so good! $6 burger special was juicy, chargrilled and just what we needed! 10 out of 10! This is going to be our new hideout! read more

See all

Atmosphere is everything. Loved the local feel downtown and service was great. Cool historical spot.

Comfortable outdoor seating out back. Great portobello burger that paired well with local brew read more

Mecklenburg Inn - Spacious outdoor seating with great food! Portobello burger was juicy and paired well with local brew - Bars Near Me - Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Staying in Harper's Ferry to do some hiking and relaxing but really, we fell in love with Shepherdstown and this bar. Some people may call it a dive, but really it's the classic local watering hole. It's actually fairly large and has a pretty patio out back (apparently it's great in the summer), foozeball, and darts as well as sports on the front television. Restrooms are clean, and they have lots of different beers in the bottle/can and on tap as well as a full bar. Kitchen open most nights too, although we didn't try the food. Stopped in after dinner for drinks one night and loved the place so much we came back the next night to watch the World Series! That night the bar was more packed with locals that all seemed to know each other by first name, and were super friendly to us too - gave us local recommendations and everything! We recommend, and if we are in the area again we will be back! read more

Mecklenburg Inn - the bar and entrance - beautiful ceiling - Bars Near Me - Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Raymond Chandler said: "I like bars just after they open for the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself one last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth. I like neat bottles on the bar back and the lovely shining glasses and the anticipation." That first quiet drink. That's what you'll get in this charmingly local dive before it livens up with local talent to play all your favorites and a decent beer with good people. read more

Best beer garden in the area. Old inn, new drinks, fun people. Sometimes they have food and live music

The garden is lovely. Great place to stop by for a drink or two and just savor being alive!

Waited over an hour for a mediocre burger with a hair in it and a bag of chips.... garden is beautiful!

The Meck is absolutely one of my favorite places on the planet. This old post office has tin ceilings, stained glass, lots of wood and tons of charm. The Bar is always dimly lit. In the back there is a place for a good game of darts. Branded a "townie" bar for locals only back in the late 80's (maybe earlier for all I know), but since has broadened it's customer base to an eclectic crowd. Open mic night is always good, where the local talent take the stage. They even make a mean burger here (on the weekends). Do yourself a favor, gather a few close friends, order a Guinness from George at the bar and grab a seat by a fire in the winter or on the tree swing, under the bamboo, in the garden in the summer (say hello to BK, an orange tailess cat, ); they even rent beautifully antique furnished rooms if the party gets a little out of control... life doesn't get much better than this. read more

Mecklenburg Inn - Bars Near Me - Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Great place!. George, the owner, is a good guy. Had the Mecklenburger with a local brew from Rippon Brewing. Really nice outdoor seating in the read more

Very cool place in what seems to be a very cool, artsy town. I stopped in for a cider on my way through town. Hey, not everyone wants to take the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Pittsburgh to D.C. Some people like to take the scenic route! A great, old-fashioned building with an amazing extended courtyard out back. The closest feel to a British country pub that I have found in America. And that is quite a compliment. Best part - order drinks at the bar, take them and find a table. No servers! No waiting for someone to bring you a drink! (Maybe that is different when they are serving food - the night I was there it was drinks only.) I really liked this pub and I would make a special trip to visit again. Make that I *will* make a special trip to visit again!!! read more

Love this place! Folks are so friendly, good drinks and good food. Awesome outdoors space. Lynn the bartender is the best! Great place to stop by if you are in town read more

Mellow bar with tons of historic charm, including a tin ceiling and well-worn wood floors. I visited on a cold January night, and missed out on the garden and swings though :( From the other reviewers it sounds like a return visit once the weather warms up would very much be worthwhile. I love that they have Guinness on tap, and enjoyed sitting at the main bar hanging out with a couple of friends. You get the feel that you're hanging out at someone's old house, because there are so many rooms feeding off the main parlor. They also have a red tabby manx kitty who saunters about surveying all the patrons and pretty much keeps to itself. read more

This bar gives off good vibes the minute we walked into the door. Perhaps it was the girl with the pink hair who turned towards the open door with a smile or the bartender who made friendly jokes about our orders and even tried to honor a Floridan Long Island Ice Tea (first one I've ever seen that's blue). Great clientele, nice update bartender and plenty of chairs around to chill out. Drink prices decent, good beer selection, and nuthin is watered down here. We stopped by for a quick drink and ended up playing darts for close to two hours with my sister's friends. Will be back in the summer when its warm enough to hang out outside. read more

What a fun joint! This was our first encounter with Shepherdstown and we were not disappointed! It has a very fun and relaxed vibe and the bartenders were very attentive despite being busy. On a Friday night it was busy but not too crowded which was a nice atmosphere. We tried the cheese fries and they were delicious (also served with ranch, yumm!). Their food prices were also reasonable (standard bar fare). I had the Big Timber Porter (local to WV) and it was really good, highly recommend! The setting--a former bank--was really cool and made it very unique and fun. Definitely check this place out if you are from out of town and looking for a unique local place! read more

Great find! It's hard to spot from the outside, I only learned of it because hotel shuttle driver recommended it. This is definitely mainly a locals place but really nice selection of world beers and drinks. There is a secret beer garden in back which I would not have known existed but for the Yelp photos here. Surrounded by tiki torches and beautiful landscaping, and at night I was one of only 3 people here; the only sounds were crickets and occasional church bells. It's through the back Door with no sign except for a poser advertising brunch. I would guess 90% of clientele were locals. Nice friendly bar staff even to visitors. I'll be back for sure! read more

When I come to town to visit friends, we always make it a point to have a few at the Mecklenburg Inn. It is a quaint local bar with seating inside with a few booths and tables. They have draft beer and mixed drinks. When there in the warmer weather we would sit out back and listen to live music. They also have tiki torches and stone tables to enjoy the outside. It is long and narrow area with greenery and trees. The times I have been there we have to go to get our own drinks because apparently they don't have waiters/waitresses or if they do, I never saw them... just a nice hangout.. I give it a 3. read more

Loved this place! Something unexpected around every corner. It was so cozy out back! Not a bad beer selection either. read more

See all

My husband and I stopped here for a quick beer and it was so nice. The outside is quaint, secluded, and really interesting. During Covid you can't really sit inside, but you don't need to with the great beer garden. Someday I'd like to sit inside because it's such an old building it's got a lot of cool architecture. But still great during Covid. Although the plastic sheeting around the bar really makes it hard to hear the bartender. read more

The Meck is my favorite place to go in Shepherdstown. I love the rustic pub feel of the inside and the outdoor garden is simply gorgeous. The staff are always kind, even when they're incredibly busy. I love that they remember their customers, to me that is what a bar really should be like. read more

A favorite local hang out everyone refers to as "the meck". A friendly, laid back place with reasonable prices. I'd recommend it to anyone who was looking for a place to hang out in the evening. read more

The rude bartender simply said they were out of burgers when we asked whether the kitchen was still open. After some prodding, she wordlessly pushed a menu at us. Nothing else looked appetizing in the drafty yet somehow overly smokey bar so that was the extent of our poor experience at the overhyped Mecklenburg Inn. We ended up at a place down the street where the servers were friendly. Otherwise a great town. read more

Friendly place with an amazing back patio seating area. I cannot imagine visiting Shepherdstown without stopping by this place!

Went there about a year ago for an open mic - while waiting for my turn, tried to get the waitress for service - she refused and said they do not serve musicians - they must go to the bar and get their own - - was surprised at this attitude - never experienced this before - went to the bar and had difficulty getting the bartender's attention, and when I did he confirmed the waitress' statement - needless to say, me and 2 other musicians who came to play left, never to return - read more

This bar is BY FAR the only, and best thing around for miles and miles if you are in West-by-God-Virgina. The Mecklenburg Inn and the town of Shepherdstown are in a classic "chicken and egg" situation: were the town folk hip first to spawn such a place or did some imported college grad found the bar and save the town from the kerosene drinking inbred cultural backwash that surrounds. You will understand what I mean if you visit the other of 2 bars in town right next door, which is by far the worst place I have ever been and seems to be populated with locals and in-state college students while the Mecklenburg Inn seems to be kids from other parts of the country, and thank GOD for that. The bar has a high tin ceiling a couple big wooden tables/benches to match the civil-war era wood decor of the entire front parlor portion. There is almost a spirituality contained in old-growth-wood furniture, stained from years dating back to the war between the states. The second section has an old inn feel with some tables, chairs, and a foosball table in the dart room. From there you can walk out of the large glass doors into an awesome outside garden area, along the lit path to groups of stone tables and chairs, and tree swings ( did I mention the tree swings? ). Swinging and drinking in the sweet wet air on a West Virginian summer night almost makes the ducks crossing the great state want to fly right side up. The ratios normally are well proportioned and its easy to strike up a good conversation with the patrons. Potomac river late night swimming trips, find them, they are there. Although the music could use a once-over or a jukebox of well selected CD's ( not an internet jukebox, it would ruin the vibe completely to have the option of playing P-Diddy-nonsense )...I am usually so happy to be there and not drinking in bar full of relatives I don't mind. This bar is a brief example of what is still possible in a truly rural setting, away from the traffic and smog of the hip city. A great local haunt without the constant reminders of a stunted population abandoned by industry after industry, suffocated under a modern feudalism, isolated by fear, and left to the peddlers of vice by their elected officials. read more

Like Lost Dog Coffee down the street, a visit to Shepherdstown is not complete without a stop at the Mecklenburg Inn. The place oozes with personality, from its tin ceiling to its church pew benches and, most of all, the WORLD'S BEST BEER GARDEN. When the weather is nice, head out back to the garden and experience this little treasure. Open Mike Night is on Tuesdays and the mix of musicians and patrons enjoying them is really great to experience. Staff is always wonderful, efficient, and friendly. Burgers and Steak-n-Eggs are fantastic and inexpensive for the quality, though not available every day of the week. (Check out their Facebook page for food and pub hours.) Esquire magazine even ran a little article on this illustrious place, rating it one of the best bars in the entire COUNTRY: http://www.esquire.com/bestbars/bb-MecklenburgInn. That's saying something! Be advised this is a 21-and-older pub - no kids allowed. read more

Finally decided to try the infamous Mecklenburger. It didn't disappoint. Burger was cooked to perfection. Grass-fed beef was succulent with every bite. The chef was hospitable coming out to inform me of the shortage of horseradish cheese but was prepared to accommodate me with a tasty alternative. For the price i would definitely recommend and even consider replacing my regular burger spot in town. read more

Would have loved to experience this restaurant... but apparently everyone has to be 21 to dine, my husband and I brought in our 3 month old and were asked to leave when there was no a single patron in the establishment on a Sunday... the bartender informed us it was because people could get "rowdy." read more

Probably one of the coolest bars I've been to... Plenty of beers to choose from and the outdoor patio is awesome for enjoying your drink of choice in peace! The addition of a random friendly cat with no tail was well received by both my girlfriend and myself. read more

Beautiful bar, but still casual/divey. Inside has a tin ceiling, original floor boards, etc... Kind of quirky. No food except on weekends and only 2 stools at a bar that could hold 8 or 10. I didn't mind standing at the bar though. Limited draft options, but pretty well selected. Had a Spaten Oktoberfest tonight. Has a dart board and table shuffleboard. read more

Awesome! Was here for a short visit and someone recommended I stop at the meck. Great place! The garden seating spans well beyond the back smoking area. My only complaint was that the security light in he back garden area kept going on and off. Stop reading this and go there now. read more

The Meck is simply a great local bar. I lived in Shepherdstown for 2 years and this is the only place I drank. Tony's is for students who live on campus, Alto's seems to be for hicks, and the Meck is for locals. The back area is fantastic in the summer. It doesn't get better than having a burger and a few beers outside on a summer evening. The place is a little cold in the winter, but that's to be expected considering the type of building. I've only had food there twice and both times I got a burger. It was very good and much better than typical bar food. I never thought the bartenders were the most friendly and getting carded every time I went in there was got a little old, but I understand why they have to do it. Definitely recommended if you want to get more of a feel of what the people of Shepherdstown are like and don't want to hang out at a typical college bar. read more