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Submitted by Pete

After First Friday tonight, when you are finished prowling the streets of Old City, stay in the neighborhood and head to 3rd and Market, to National Mechanics.

Many of you will remember the building and its many incarnations–from the mythic Revival to its more recent occupants–Dead Fred’s, Foggy Goggle and of course, Coyote Ugly.

But make no mistake, National Mechanics is a different kind of bar than its predecessors. Taking its name from the bank that first occupied the building, the bar/restaurant combines a strong sense of the building’s extensive history (it was built in 1837 by famed architect William Strickland), with a cool, down-to-earth earth feel and a great sense of humor. The bar seems aged and grand–like an old time saloon, and the lighting is quirky, constructed from old mechanical parts and filament bulbs.

Aside from the decor itself, the food and drinks are great. There is plenty of hearty bar food–steak fries, nachos, burgers. But there are also surprising entrees, and several vegetarian options including an unbelievable veggie burger that wins the prize. There are 32 varieties of beer on hand, lots of specials, and all the prices are really reasonable.

The most important thing is that they’re really nice folks, who won’t give you an attitude. The place has been built with love and an enormous amount of work, and it shows. So, tonight instead of making for the usual bars, stop in to National Mechanics and see for yourself what they’ve done with the old Revival.

National Mechanics
22 South 3rd St, Philadelphia PA 19106
http://www.nationalmechanics.com