National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Marciano.. sorry for the delay but still a work in progress.

I was absolute taken back by this place. I had noticed the restaurant or the more correctly the building (see photos) on one of my previous trips to Philly.

Yesterday during a sight seeing trip to Philly with a visiting family member we had the first opportunity to checkout the restaurant housed in this cool building.

Something told me I we were not going to be disappointed. Marciano greeted us as we passed the "seat yourself" sign. It was refreshing to have the option to pick your own table in a restaurant in the USA with the quirky and unfair wait staff pay and tipping system. (Sorry off Topic).

Marciano was working the bar and waiting the occupied high-tops. Being the difficult person I can be, I grabbed menu's for the three menus from the stand near the sign and lead the two others in my group to the unoccupied section against the side with the low 6 tops with church pews (so cool, see pictures).

The table I selected had the most natural light which in some older historical pubs is unheard of. So thank you Marciano and management for being so chill on the seating.

The music playing in back ground was sort heavy rock, can't be certain as the architecture, furnishing, accents had my attention.

I believe I mentioned to Marciano that "this place" got a five star rating before we even got our food order in. I rate places based on several criterion including things location, staff, atmosphere. You see this place if the food was horrible.... I would still return for drinks and even occasionally food as well. Because the people make the location.

The food!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had the pork sandwich (Marciano's recommendation) I was not disappointed. The fries were absolutely perfect! The roll, was from a local bakery (Amoroso's ?) Marciano hooked me up with the pork sandwich on the Cheese steak roll... that is the way he has his prepared. Did I mention the fries were perfect. My wife and her cousin were being cheapskates and split a cheese steak, otherwise I might have been about tell you about a third awesome menu item. Sorry for forgot Guillermo, I barely stayed seated looking at the building furnishing etc but Guillermo was in the mix keeping us straight. Thank Again!

Definitely my new "hang" when I am in Philly..... look for me on my next visit hopefully my favorite table will be...

National Mechanics was recommended to my husband and I this past weekend, and we're somewhat adventurous so we gave it a shot on Saturday night. Got there right around 6 pm - it was busy but not crowded. Hostess was friendly and seated us promptly. The atmosphere is typical for Old City - minimalist and not overdone - but it's also a little on the odd side.

Our waitress was incredible - probably one of the best I've ever had. She was extremely friendly and provided recommendations as well as more info about certain dishes when we asked for it. She was attentive, stopped by just to check in, etc. Always had a smile on her face, too!

The food was incredible as well. We had:

-Corn dogs: YUM! Perfect hint of sweetness and not greasy at all. -Cactus burger: Best veggie burger I've ever had, and didn't contain onions or tomatoes (both of which I dislike). Wasn't an actual ground up patty, more like julienne veggies smooshed together. Didn't look, feel or taste artificial in any way. -Gorditas: These had duck meat in them! I don't remember what else, but they were excellent. -Popcorn chicken: Our least favorite, a little bit bland but came with good hot sauce and blue cheese dressing.

Prices were reasonable for the area as well. Go...

I'm not sure, bc a gentleman came in-alone, and he got immediate service. I came in alone, I sat down and had to wait for over 10mins to have someone come over and say the bartender was going to be my waiter. Only to wait additional time, having the original person come back and say, oh well, guess I'll be your waiter. 😳 Otherwise the fries were lukewarm, the veggie burger was pretty good. The resiling was some California white. Smfh. Trust me, I come from a Sicilian Family (that is a dynasty) with restaurants, bars, and delicatessens. So I know what I'm talking about. Maybe it's the color of my skin IDK. I tipped well., regardless. Seemed more of a neighborhood get together during happy hour than a restaurant that so happens to have a happy hour, where everyone would feel welcomed. I mean try at your own behest. I'm just saying in MY experience going there wasn't the best/wasn't that bad, but won't go again bc of the way I...