McGillin's Old Ale House in Philadelphia National Trust for Historic Preservation

Table Of Content

• McGillin's Old Ale House in Philadelphia
• National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page
• February 8, 2023 - 30th Anniversary Owning McGillin's
• “Room for improvement.” Philly restaurateurs present case for making streeteries process better
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums & Attractions in Philly

Its beer taps have been flowing since 1860 — making it the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. McGillin’s has outlasted Strawbridge’s, the Civil War and even Prohibition. McGillin’s celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2010. McGillin’s Olde Ale House threw open its doors the year Lincoln was elected president. That’s shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for Philadelphia City Hall. The beer taps have been flowing since 1860 — making it the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest taverns in the country.

McGillin's Old Ale House in Philadelphia

As he told the story of how he met his wife, Laura, in the late ‘60s at the Jersey Shore, Doyle looked left, then right, and leaned in. He didn’t see active combat, but the experience — his first outside of Philadelphia — changed his life. He’s still able to easily recite Korean words and phrases, and recalls with fondness the people he met there. His first job was “huckstering,” or selling tomatoes, bananas, and other produce door-to-door as a kid. From there, he worked at a Dairy Queen, a soda shop, and sold newspapers at Municipal Stadium.

National Trust for Historic Preservation: Return to home page

Initially called The Bell in Hand, the famous pub opened its doors in 1860 in the home of Irish immigrant William "Pa" McGillin, the owner and operator of the establishment. It was nicknamed McGillin's by those who frequented the establishment, and the bar took on the title as its official name. The Sons of Ben, a supporter group of Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, was created at McGillin’s! Bryan James, Andrew Dillon, and David Flagler founded the Sons of Ben supporters club on January 17, 2007, the 301st anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s birthday. Philadelphia soccer fan Ethan Gomberg suggested the name.

February 8, 2023 - 30th Anniversary Owning McGillin's

Besides being one of the oldest bars in Philly, McGillin’s in Midtown Village is also the entire city’s favorite place to day drink and watch sports. If you’re in Philly during football or baseball season and can’t get tickets to the real thing, there’s no better place to be. They also have a fireplace, so it’s especially useful in the winter when all of the outdoor beer gardens are closed and day drinking options have dwindled. McGillin’s has been featured on numerous “Best Of” lists, including being named one of the “14 coolest bars in America” by Gourmet magazine and one of the “50 best Irish pubs in America” by Complex magazine. In addition to these accolades, it boasts a collection of iconic vintage Philadelphia signs from bygone stores and businesses, like Woolworth's and the John Wanamaker Department Store.

As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. We understand that time is the greatest luxury, which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal, a drink, or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world. You can watch the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers Flyers and Union in a historic Philadelphia bar packed full of life-long fans that want a win more than anything. Locals and visitors, business people and hipsters all seem to agree that McGillin’s is a fine place for a pint and some good conversation.

“Room for improvement.” Philly restaurateurs present case for making streeteries process better

As with most bars and restaurants whose reputations precede them, crowds are commonplace at McGillin’s. Don’t expect lighting-speed service if your visit falls during a weekend or weeknight special (which is basically every day, considering there’s always something on offer). That said, the staff hustle hard to keep service moving. If you can, seek out a barstool in front of barman John Doyle, who’s as much legend as the place itself (he’s been behind the bar at McGillin’s for more than 40 years). In 1910, the bar celebrated its 50th anniversary with a new brick facade and officially changed its name to McGillin’s Olde (the "e" seems to have been dropped in recent years) Ale House.

Office parties, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, holiday parties, luncheons and baptisms. It’s a long weekend and that means one more night to party at McGillin’s. We try to keep this listed up-to-date but please forgive us if it’s not 100% updated. McGillin’s Genuine Lager – Can only be found at McGillin’s and Troegs Independent Brewing.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums & Attractions in Philly

Three house specialties — McGillin’s Real Ale; McGillin’s Genuine Lager and McGillin’s 1860 IPA — are brewed by Troegs Independent Brewing. McGillin’s 1860 IPA – Was originally launched on McGillin’s 150th anniversary in 2010. PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- McGillin's Olde Ale House, considered the oldest continuously-operating tavern in Philadelphia, has a 164-year-long history. Things were a lot different at McGillin’s back in Doyle’s early days.

Philadelphia Bartender Celebrates 50 Years of Service at McGillin's Olde Ale House - Hoodline

Philadelphia Bartender Celebrates 50 Years of Service at McGillin's Olde Ale House.

Posted: Sun, 28 Apr 2024 17:27:27 GMT [source]

McGillin’s is celebrating bartender John Doyle’s 50th work anniversary with a yearlong party

Travel Channel names Philadelphia's McGillin's Olde Ale House one of the best Irish bars in the country - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Travel Channel names Philadelphia's McGillin's Olde Ale House one of the best Irish bars in the country.

Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Not only did our city lay the framework for the founding of our country, but we set precedents with our shops, architecture, bars, restaurants, and more. It’s no surprise then that the oldest bar in Philadelphia has a fascinating history, and it remains one of Philly’s go-to spots nearly 160 years after it opened. That was the extent of Doyle’s application and interview process.

More than 100 years ago, Christopher’s grandparents immigrated to America making McGillin’s especially proud to be part of this campaign that helps immigrants get a fighting chance here. McGillin’s served blue beer in honor of Villanova’s National Basketball Championship in 2016 and again in 2018. Le Bec Fin, which kicked off Philadelphia’s restaurant renaissance in 1970, closes and its sign is added to collection at McGillin’s. Third generation of Spaniak family joins management team at McGillin’s — Christopher Mullins, Jr., son of Mary Ellen & Chris Mullins & grandson of Henry Spaniak.

Catherine McGillin locked the front door and served food. (But Mullins said he wouldn’t be surprised if she added a splash of whiskey to the cups of tea she served.) When it ended in 1933, she took the same key from her breast pocket and opened the door. Co-owner and manager Chris Mullins, Jr. said preparing for the holiday is like holding practices for the big game—it’s the biggest event of the year. “It’s more of a Super Bowl than ever,” he said.

They belly up to the bar, reliving the glory days. Generally speaking, McGillin’s gets progressively louder, busier, and younger as the night goes on. During the Mummer’s Parade, whet & warm your whistle by the fire at McGillin’s.

The bar only took cash, allowed smoking, and charged 45 cents for a mug of Genny Cream Ale. Doyle, who lives in Andorra, was born in South Philly and raised in the Tasker Homes, where he was the middle child of seven in an Irish-Catholic family. Today, he’s the last remaining of his siblings. Doyle was so stoic and observant that the staff thought he was a cop.

Mullins said many Irish tourists visiting Philadelphia stop by the tavern, which can be hard to find, as Drury Street is a small side street. Prior to cell phones, many customers or potential customers could wander for a while before they found it. In 2003, a business older than McGillin’s, J.E. Caldwell, a jeweler who started in 1839, closed, and its sign was added to the collection. This year, the tavern will feature a twist on the traditional Irish Coffee, called a Nutty Irishman Coffee. It is the same as the Irish Coffee but with an added shot of Frangelico (hazelnut liquor).