by Katia Baratto on I almost don't need to review this because Josh F. below me pretty much summed up what I have to say. I'll be slightly more generous with the stars. This is truly a 2 1/2er. On with it... I came in for restaurant week. Nice way of sampling a few of the dishes, but they definitely avoided putting the more complex/interesting dishes on the menu. Our server also did nothing but up sell all night. We ordered our entrees and he informed us none came with sides and suggested a few. All were starch based. Two of my friends ordered ravioli, so we asked if they had a vegetable offering. He said yes. What he brought us was veggie fried rice. Um, no. Who wants to eat short rib ravioli with a side of fried rice? We all started with soup that tasted like pho. Would have been really tasty if not for the ridiculous amounts of salt. Every component seemed oversalted. My entree was a miso glazed salmon served with really yummy mushrooms. Definitely the hit of the table. My friends enjoyed all three of their short rib raviolis. Yep, three. So the food - lack luster. The setting? Absolutely freaking gorgeous. Glass ceiling, stunning architecture highlighted with big, modern, asian flower arrangements with buddha everywhere you turn. Lotsa candles. Somehow is not romantic, though. Seems to attract 60 year old men and their 20 year old escorts/girlfriends like fly paper, though... The other negative? The music was horrific. Think Webster Hall meets Abercrombie. N-o. Really brought down the ambiance. Also made it nearly impossible to hear, given how spaced out the seats at the tables are, which was refreshing in contrast to many NYC eateries, but a minus.
by Sarah S. on It has taken me a long time to rave about the brunch at National Mechanics, apparently. Dinner is meh.. and the crowd is meh.. but the brunch is DELICIOUS and CHEAP. Seriously. I'm a lover of all brunch, honestly.. but National Mechanics has yet to let me down. I love their eggs benedict and other spreads. Everything is well cooked, well seasoned and the service is fast and sweet. This is my go to brunch spot when out of towners are around. Everyone enjoys the decor and overall vibe of the surprisingly non-douchey spot in old city. My sisters swooned. Take your parents when they come to see the mess of a city you live in. It'll reassure them that all is well in the city of brotherly love. Please note: This review does NOT reflect the nightlife scene as I only seem to go for brunch. I also went for dinner once which was meh. Sorry about a PURE BRUNCH REVIEW.
