Such a Philly kind of day... a half hour meander from my office in the Gayborhood to Old City for an entertaining evening at this bar. Tiny pockets of garden squares with burbling fountains. Cobblestone streets. Around every corner is a sign or plaque boasting about this city's history. From the outside, it looks like you're walking into an old bank. Inside, it's just about 6:00 PM and the place is packed for happy hour (one of the few places, by the way, that has happy hour until 7:00 PM) and for one of the monthly talks sponsored by local science museums. As soon as I walked in, they found us an open spot right up front. A cheery waiter took our order - the $8 burger sliders didn't come with any fries, but they were tiny and delicious. I love the idea that this place sponsors monthly science talks. Just a bunch of nerds all gathered here to listen to local experts talk about different topics. One week it might be about rare Galapagos birds to how to preserve fossils or the etymology of vampire lore. read more

National Mechanics - Happy hour $8 burger sliders. - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This spot is super fun, and the food is great. The breakfast burrito is probably the best one I've had in the entire east coast, which means a lot given I lived in Arizona for 10 years which is positively known for amazing breakfast burritos - and they largely suck here out east by comparison. THIS breakfast burrito is excellent. Service is also great here and I love the building/space! read more

National Mechanics is a unique spot, located on 3rd Street just a block west of the "heart" of Olde City (2nd St corridor). The space is a former bank building--hence the name. My traveling companions and I visited on a recent Monday night. Though we were a party of seven with no reservation--normally a recipe for disaster--we were seated almost immediately and enjoyed GREAT service throughout out visit. National Mechanics has a nice beer selection and menu of American favorites to suit most tastes, including one vegetarian member of our party. Portions were good and the fries were unanimously praised. Decor is fun and funky, and our booth-style seats were repurposed church pews My friends from out of town truly enjoyed the laid back atmosphere, good food, and friendly service. read more

Came here after exploring the museum of American revolution! It was a good place to get some lunch! The service was fast so we could enjoy the rest of our day in the city! Overall this was a good place to get fuel up and to watch some World Cup games! read more

National Mechanics - Mexican Burger - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Always love this place! I came in for the fried chicken bucket we've had before because it was so good but they were out. Fear not, everything else was amazing anyways, and happy hour specials are chefs kiss! read more

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What a neat old building to have a bar and restaurant in. Everyone in there was nice, from the staff to the patrons. Such a fun atmosphere. Our server did a great job with my beer questions and just taking care of us with anything we needed. The food was delicious! My wife had popcorn chicken and fries. Both were seasoned well, and came out in big portions. They were a great deal. I had the poutine, which was some of the best I've had. Also a big portion for a good price. read more

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Always come here when I want a quick bite to eat. Usually don't need to wait very long and service has always been good. Have good variety of beers to choose from and have liked anything I've tried from the menu. read more

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Came here for brunch and was promptly seated. We ordered a pretzel to share and I went with the brunch burger. Our server checked in frequently to let us know status of our food and top off our drinks. The food came out timely as well and it was delicious. Beef was on point, toppings to the burger as well and I added some bacon to it. The pretzel was great too with a soft inside and firm outside. I would recommend this place to anyone. read more

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We booked a reservation for a big group here and they were super accommodating. However, when we asked if we could be at high tops instead of seated tables we were told no. We all ordered drinks and the server was just very confused about what they were or where to deliver them, causing much confusion. The soft pretzel was good and great for sharing. I'd recommend this for a drink at the bar but maybe not for a table. read more

National Mechanics - Bavarian Pretzel - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Have been here before for drinks but finally stopped in for a quick lunch. They have a decent happy hour too if I recall, and events throughout the week. It's a unique spot with its facade as it's an old bank building. Fairly spacious inside so seems good for groups with many larger tables. Got the fried chicken sandwich and it was just fine. Chicken was a bit tough though the sauce helped a bit. Bun seemed a little old or just lower quality. Fries were a mix of some soggy and others crispy. Felt a bit letdown as it was $17, expected a bit better for that. Otherwise it's a chill bar in the area, though unsure if I'd go there specifically to eat. read more

National Mechanics - Fried Chicken Sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I can't count the number of times I'd been here. National Mechanics is one of those "great for all occasions" spots. Lots of good brunch options and it's close to so many fun places if you need a place to start the night for dinner and drinks. Love that you can eat outside, the building and views are stunning. Staff is attentive. read more

National Mechanics - Nachos Grande - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Such an awesome pub - we walked in on a cold Friday evening for happy hour and were so glad we were as it was a fantastic deal on a bunch of great brews on draft. The popcorn chicken and fries also a good deal and delicious! read more

National Mechanics - Amazing HH menu Dec 2025 - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Super cool look from the outside in what appears to be an old church. The inside is smaller than expected but very fun. Happy hour runs till 6pm and they have food and drink specials. The food was very good as were the drinks. The HH quesadilla is essentially a 6" tortilla folded in half and sliced into 3 pieces for $8. But overpriced for $8 but it was good read more

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Smashburger was incredible 10/10. Exactly the burger, that would make you glad you got a smashburger. Crispy, salty, a little fatty/juicy, and fries were addictive. The other stuff we ordered was also extremely good. Happy hour good deals 4-7 weekdays, LOUD inside, ask to sit outside, there are only 2 tables but on a nice day (when we were there) it's just perfect. If you're a dive bar/burger connoisseur you'd love this place. And service was also perfect. A great meal! For $40 pp including drinks and tax and tip read more

Great bar with delicious American fare and casual atmosphere. Perfect for an afternoon brunch, beers after work, and happy hour with some of the best specials I've seen. Great service with attentive staff, quick food turnaround, and manager who checked in to ensure quality restaurant environment. read more

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Food was very good the apple turnovers were flaky and warm and the ice cream topping was excellent. Warm apples cinnamon and ice cream is always good this was very good. The wing were finger licking good and the French onion soup made the meal. Service was also good. Very friendly and helpful always available when you needed them. Food was brought out as soon as ready and was blazing hot. Great experience definitely recommend. read more

First time here, went for happy hour which was very expansive. Includes half-off drafts, some food options, and overall good vibes. Really unique look that I didn't quite understand (aka large skeleton in the corner) but staff was very nice and food was good. I had the chicken quesadilla, which comes with pico & sour cream, and the popcorn chicken with fries. I was impressed with the portion sizes for the price. Truly there are fewer better things in life than a good happy hour. Cheers! read more

National Mechanics - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Service was great, everyone was just happy to be there. The food and drinks did not disappoint. read more

National Mechanics - Bloody Bull - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I can't recommend this place enough. I'm not a mushroom person at all but you MUST get the mushroom empanadas. I ordered another round of these because they were that good. I also recommend the wings (I believe they were honey and garlic?) but seriously my favorite place to go eat. read more

National Mechanics - Mushroom empanadas - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Great spot in Old City! The French onion soup was incredible--rich, cheesy, and perfectly done. Our burgers were juicy with fresh toppings, and the giant soft pretzel was a hit. Fun atmosphere, historic building, and friendly service. read more

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Located in a old bank from the 1800's, the ambiance makes you feel like you're eating with pieces of history. Food and service were great, our table even participated in trivia! read more

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My fiance, my buddy, and I all went for brunch a few weeks ago. They have some interesting decor with some old school features along with some other interesting decorations included. Service was very good. My buddy got a bloody mary with Titos and a salted rim and I got their house bloody. Both were good but next time, with the prices being the same, I'd probably do the Titos with the salted rim too. To eat, my fiance got the carne asada fries with a lavender mimosa and I got the basic breakfast platter. My buddy got the cobb salad. The carne asada fries easily stole the show and I highly recommend them. Prices were good and overall a good experience. It's within walking distance of a few of the historic sites too. read more

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Food great, service fast and friendly. Smashburgers yummy. Crowded but service was quick

Really cute spot with a cool industrial vibe and a lot of historic charm. The food was delicious, and everyone was very friendly. Service was a little slow because they seemed understaffed for the crowd, but overall we still had a really nice time. read more

went to society hill hotel expecting the old casual place on the corner and its definitely not that anymore! In a pinch, found our way around the corner to National Mechanics for exactly what we wanted. Great food, fun employees, great atmosphere! Wings, salad, chicken sandwich all great. a great night including jello shots! read more

Came here after seeing a play... Made reservations in advance - we arrived early and were seated immediately. The feel of the place is a little eclectic and divey - I saw a brass shoe/boot on the entrance of the restaurant and some of the windows have stained glass designs. Regarding service, our waitress seemed a tad rushed but she was attentive... I ordered the Ribeye cheesesteak, my friend ordered the shrimp and fries and we split an order of honey garlic wings. Everything that I ate - I tasted everything except the fries - was really good. The food was well seasoned and the shrimp, cheesesteak and chicken was cooked perfectly and was very tender. I did have a side salad with my cheesesteak instead of fries - I was a little shocked by the way the salad looked (I thought maybe it would be a mixed field greens salad but it was iceberg lettuce with diced tomato and thinly sliced onion) - it wasn't bad, just wasn't what I imagined it would be. Overall we had a good experience; if I'm in the area again and looking for something quick and good, I'd definitely return. read more

National Mechanics - Honey garlic wings - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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We were hungry and looking for some comfort food after touring the American revolutionary museum. Grabbed a burger and salad. There were even a couple veg options. read more

National Mechanics - Restaurant - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Listen, I don't know about you, but when I'm searching for a plant-based burger, I'm not necessarily thinking "historic bank-turned-factory-turned-garage-turned-bordello." But let me tell you, National Mechanics is the kind of place that defies expectations. Walking in, I was immediately struck by the building's rich history. It's like stepping into a time machine, except instead of going back in time, you're going back in time with a really awesome bar and restaurant. The servers were fantastic and attentive. I was searching for a vegan burger and the front desk clerk where I was staying at recommended National Mechanics. I was a little skeptical at first - I mean, this place has been through more changes than Madonna's wardrobe - but I decided to give it a try. But let's get down to the important stuff: the food. The plant-based burger was flavorful, and had just the right amount of char on the outside. I could practically taste the history in every bite. All in all, National Mechanics is a must-visit spot in Philly. Whether you're a history buff, a burger lover, or just someone who likes to drink in places with interesting pasts, this place has something for everyone. Five stars and two thumbs up! read more

National Mechanics - A former bank turned into a cool restaurant bar - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Stopped in with grandkids after the museum of illusions and hit an amazing happy hour. Great deals on food and drinks for HH - the burger sliders and the tacos were very good. Excellent service and next time we are in the area we will be back read more

We attempted to visit yesterday, but an event had the whole restaurant so we returned today to try out their food/drinks. We made a reservation online and we found they even put a reserved plaque on a table for us. The food is good, the server was friendly, and the atmosphere is a standard bar with some food. I'm not a drinker so bars even with food aren't always my first choice. They did have decent Happy Hour options (M-F from 5-7pm). I really enjoyed the chicken and cheese quesadilla. It was surprisingly yummy. The chicken bites and fries were pretty good also. It was loud for my taste, but it is a social gathering place so I understand I'm the minority on that. haha It would be nice to hear the other people at my table though. Overall we enjoyed our visit. Thanks! read more

National Mechanics - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Happy hour was awesome. Would definitely go again to hang out amongst peers or catch a game on the few screens they have. Good draft beer selection too. Would return! read more

I'm sitting in a historic building, built in 1837, drinking a Bloody Mary with a huge smile on my face. Mike ordered an Italian Roast Pork sandwich with spinach, garlic and provolone cheese. I ordered the Poutine - French Fries with cheese curds and extra gravy. See photo attached. I know, right? Service is seriously experienced. 5 stars! read more

National Mechanics - Sunshine streams through the beautiful windows - Pubs Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Went for karaoke but got so much more. Very spacious and set up well for karaoke. Like it was a good crowd but it was night to not feel like sardines. Service was pretty good considering how busy it was. Server definitely acknowledged how busy they were and thanked us for our patience- although once they caught up it was fine. I think they were just feeling frazzled. So good karaoke. Great crowd. Here's what I did not expect- the food was really really good. Like really good. It's wasn't anything out of the ordinary for a bar but it was just done really well. read more

Very cool spot! Great food and atmosphere. I've only been here for late night drinks before and always loved it but decided to try out the food too. We went for brunch and we're all very happy with our choices. The Bloody Mary bar was really cool. I'm normally not a fan of bloodys but tasted my moms and ended up ordering one of my own. The French toast was very good with a nice assortment of toppings. The eggs were good but just classic eggs with bacon and toast; nothing too special. My friend said the veggie burger with the egg was delicious as well. read more

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Friday late lunch in feb, so definitely low eb on traffic. Great bartender, friendly service. Beer prices reasonable. The French onion soup and fried pickled green beans were both off the hook good. Enjoyable- worthy of a return visit. read more

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Great service! Great Value.. location was perfect. Staff was great with our kids. Food was amazing!

The coolest bar/ restaurant I have been in. Service was amazing and so was the food. I recommend that you stop in here if you are in area. I also recommend that if you aren't in the area, you drive here for it. No matter how far. read more

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It was my lunch and I chose this place. Very friendly front reception. The bartender, Yadi, was our server. Very friendly and attentive. They have a full bar. We ordered the disco fries which they call poutine. Very tasty. The gravy had great depth of flavor. We ordered the smash burgers. I got my with bacon. Slightly too crispy for me, BUT great flavor. The bin was tasty. I had to take off the lettuce and tomatoes because I wanted to eat it as a sandwich. The fries could have been a bit crisper. The meat was a perfect blend. PERFECT!!! Yadi was very attentive to refills of our drinks. I ordered the bread pudding as a dessert. Very good. They served it with chocolate ice cream. I think vanilla would have been better but if they served it with chocolate, than that's what it's supposed to be. Very good ice cream. I should have asked who made the ice cream, because it had good chocolate flavor. I've ridden my motorcycle past there and the outside was very nice. Inside was good also. Very spacious at the time we went. Parking not impossible at the time we went, which was around noon. I'd like to go back to have the food and see Yadi again. She was very good at what she does. It's a bit of a hike from Spring Garden, but worth the 2.5 mile commute. Wish I'd been there sooner. Nice area also with shops and other places. Thank you for a nice birthday lunch read more

Walking around the Old City in Philly and stopped for a drink and a quick bite at National Mechanics. Located in a historic industrial building, this place has a cool vibe a great staff, all of whom were super friendly and enjoyed the 1990s music as much as we did. We had a beer (or two) and shared the soft pretzel and the pickled green beans, which were awesome. Definitely a good spot for a casual stop. read more

I made a reservation in Sept for Oct 24. It was a special event for my party. I confirmed the morning of Oct 23 with the restaurant and open table. Then I get an email later in the day from the manager Paul Brown telling me they cancelled my reservation because they had a party that now needed the main dining room. the email was extremely unprofessional as they only offered to move us to a Mexican restaurant they owned (so they still benefit from their screwup). i responded and never received any acknowledgement. I have dined at many restaurants in Phila and New York and never experienced this. Truly unprofessional and clearly shows they do not know how to manage. I would warn anyone scheduling a reservation here. Although I was left scrambling for a reservation on a Fri night, I am happy to say the Glory Bar came through. read more