National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant

Historic building in Old City, once a bank, with an open floor plan, high ceilings and original leaded glass windows. A bit dingy and very noisy but people seemed to be enjoying themselves. Food was nothing special but good- ribeye cheesesteak & crispy chicken sandwich- and reasonably priced. Our draft Guiness & Citrus mule were standard. Server was harried as it was busy on the 4th of July but still pleasant and courteous. There was a slight mix-up & we had a short wait for our food, so he comped our drinks! Thanks! (Wish I knew his name) Youngish crowd but also families. Would definitely go again.

Tried to get in touch on 3/25/25 by phone, email, and online Rez form to make a reservation for 30 people. No response. Finally spoke with a hostess on 4/5/25 who assured us they could handle our group for 5pm Friday, April 18, 2026 and sent us a confirmation email. Owner just emailed (4/15/25 to cancel reservation because he 'didn't have the bandwidth'. (Must be a mental thing since they advertise for events and groups online.) Now we're stuck at the last minute trying to find a place for a large group to dine. Terrible service, bad attitude, imo. Do NOT waste your time-especially large groups. They do NOT honor their reservations!

We had a group event here during happy hour. The guacamole and salsa were great to be enjoyed with plantain chips Crema was added bonus. The flat breads and pizzas were great. We used tickets for drinks. Our waiter served several others drinks, wine, and beer. I waited 15 minutes while he served others who ordered after me. I had to go up to bar twice
The entry into this historically accurate place is by steps. Restrooms marked "ALL" were small
Venue could be accessible during low business hours but during happy hour it is crowded
Menu on blackboard outdoor sign is legible
The acoustics make loud background noise level

Vegetarian options: Guacamole and salsa with plantains.

Dietary restrictions: Ask!

Parking: Van accessible paid lot can be challenging

Kid-friendliness: Adult venue

Wheelchair accessibility: Six steps to enter and exit
Venue is accessible during low volume events.
Small restrooms

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 2

The service was excellent—friendly and attentive. The ambiance was unique and charming, set in a historic bank building. The food was delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Love this place!!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great place to meet up with friends for drinks and food. Great beer selection. Wouldn’t get the wings again but they had lots on the menu that looked great!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Great atmosphere, but the food was greasy and lackluster. I ordered a grilled cheese and soup combo. It was basically two slices of overly oily bread with no discernable cheese between. The bread was literally flat piece on piece. The onion soup was under-seasoned. The atmosphere is very cool, and our server Victoria was very personable. Unfortunately, the buyer removed all our water glasses as we were waiting for our bill portfolios to come back. I had to grab mine up before it was taken. The restaurant wasn't especially busy on a Saturday around 2:30, so i don't know why the rush. I heard the bar scene and club are good, but I would skip the food.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Grilled Cheese

Pretty good bar in a really nice building.

It was great.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fries, Smash Burger, Ribeye Philly Cheese Steak, Wings, Mexican Burger

Unfortunately they ran out of the fried chicken bucket, but didn't tell the server until after the rest of the food came out. But the server was awesome and did his best. Kids enjoyed the time which meant the adults could too!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I've loved National Mechanics for at least a decade thanks to it's ambience and affordability. It's hard to find a better balance of the two in the area.

While the service staff was very nice on my most recent visit, it did take a very long time for me to get my food and I did not get my requested sauce, despite asking for it twice. Not entirely the server's fault as they were very backed up. Also, the happy hour sliders are great, but the quesadilla and popcorn chicken are pretty weak.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Went on a Wed…, noonish Fantastic food and employees !!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Fries, Smash Burger

Unique bar and grill inside a former bank. Great fresh food (chicken and waffles was crispy and tasty). Nice atmosphere and the bartender/server was super friendly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

RECOMMENDATION ??? top notch... Location, food, beer selection... Definitely take a look ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The bar is in an old bank so that was a fun surprise. My husband and I ordered the chicken sandwich and our friends ordered the chicken sandwich and quesadillas. The food was not good. The chicken sandwich lacked flavor and the sandwich was mainly oil and breading with the tiniest piece of chicken. The 3 of us didn’t enjoy it and were very underwhelmed. Our friend said that their quesadilla was also very “meh” and barely touched it. I don’t recommend this place for food. If we return it would definitely just be for a drink.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5