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Get your Christmas spirit (& spirits) at McGillin’s, Philadelphia’s original pop up bar with over-the-top decor since 1860 and holiday drink prices that don’t pop UP during the holidays. Make it a tradition to stop by before/after shopping & Christmas shows for meal/drinks. McGillin’s Olde Ale House is like a Winter Wonderland with hundreds of ornaments, bows and strings of lights. Get this season’s Eagles Super Mug for & get $2 refills of Bud Light — every Eagles game — all season long! We’ll be serving our famous Iggletini & other Eagles-themed drink specials. Doyle’s service even impresses first-time customers.
Spotlight On: McGillin's Olde Ale House
Multi-color flowers are perched on the window sill, and the neon sign “McGillin's Olde Ale House” hangs proudly from the top of the building. Philadelphia’s history is some of the most fascinating in the United States. 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. Ma McGillin finally passed away in 1937 at the ripe old age of 90, passing management of McGillin’s along to her daughter, Mercedes McGillin Hooper, one of 13 children to be raised on the bar’s second floor.
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The tavern grew to include the oyster house next door, the back alley/washroom and the house upstairs. It’s a long weekend and that means one more night to party at McGillin’s. We realize that wait times are sometimes long & thank you for your patience.
BEER & MERCH TO-GO
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. Deux Cheminees and Strawbridge & Clothiers signs added to McGillin’s collection. The former opened in 1970s and the latter in 1868. When it closes in 2008, its sign is added to McGillin’s sign collection. McGillin’s Olde Ale House celebrates 100th anniversary.
‘Yo, Joe!’
McGillin’s once again served green beer, in an unsuccessful effort to replicate the Eagles’ win of 2018. Troegs Independent Brewing became the official brewer of McGillin’s 3 house beers – McGillin’s Real Ale, McGillin’s Genuine Lager & McGillin’s 1860 IPA. From 1995 until its closure in 2020, the beers were brewed by Stoudt’s Brewing. At one time, McGillin’s sold more Stoudt’s beer than any other bar in PA. McGillin’s made history – celebrated 150th anniversary with giant party, visit from Budweiser Clydesdales and introduction of McGillin’s 1860 IPA. McGillin’s Olde Ale House threw open its doors the year Lincoln was elected president.

Things were a lot different at McGillin’s back in Doyle’s early days. The bar only took cash, allowed smoking, and charged 45 cents for a mug of Genny Cream Ale. 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. 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. Doyle was so stoic and observant that the staff thought he was a cop.
The Oldest Bar In Philadelphia Has A Fascinating History
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. Catherine “Ma” McGillin, who had taken over operation of the establishment after her husband passed away in 1901, managed to carry the bar through Prohibition by hiring a chef. She served food and ice cream on the first floor and “tea” (i.e. bootleg liquor) on the second.
The list reads like the social registry, including some of Philadelphia’s most prominent citizens. Its sign added to McGillin’s iconic sign collection when it closes in 1987. Its sign added to McGillin’s sign collection when it closes in 1997. Civil War ends, Union Soldiers, grateful for their survival and for their hard fought victory, return to McGillin’s to celebrate with Pop McGillin’s cellared ales. Although Lincoln visits Philadelphia, we have no proof that he visits McGillin’s. Of course, we have no proof that he doesn’t either.
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This month marks 50 years for Doyle atMcGillin’s, which opened on Drury Street near 13th in 1860,and in true Philly fashion, the bar is throwing a yearlong partyin his honor. Festivities begin Saturday, with an open-to-all party featuring surprise guests at the bar from noon to 5 p.m. Celebrations will continue throughout the year, with specials like Doyle dollar dog days, and will culminate on St. Patrick’s Day. He’s also met Chase Utley, watched Jason Kelce play cards in McGillin’s, and worked the bar during the Phillies 2008 World Series parade, the busiest day he’s ever seen. And that’s how Doyle, 79, a married father of two and grandfather of four, came to be the longest-serving bartender at Philly’s oldest-operating bar.
Nation's Best Irish Bar Is In Philly, Travel Channel Says - Patch
Nation's Best Irish Bar Is In Philly, Travel Channel Says.
Posted: Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Hooper ran the establishment with her nephew Doc for the next 21 years before selling it to brothers Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak (who spelled their names differently) in 1958. Located on a tiny alley around the corner from City Hall, McGillin’s should be on your list if you’re looking for an authentic Philadelphia spot for a relaxed dinner or friendly drinks. For more than 150 years, McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been serving up cold beer, solid bar food and friendly service to its loyal patrons, who come in all types. "I met Chase Utley, Moose Johnston came in one night," Doyle recalled.
So one night when the doorman had to use the bathroom, he asked Doyle to watch the door and he did. “I would stand by the door, look around, and just have a couple of drinks,” he said. 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. If you can get a seat, McGillin’s is a great place to watch the big game while you’re in town. The bar stocks a great selection of local beers like Yuengling, Yards and Victory, while the televisions are always tuned to the most important local sporting event.
The Continental is an upscale diner in Old City where you should go for brunch or for late-night eats until 1am. "He's a very dedicated man, very nice man; everyone loves him. I know he doesn't work full-time now, but still, he's very well-liked as you can tell by the turnout," said friend Robert Devitis. Mary Ellen & Chris Mullins, Sr marked the 30th year of owning McGillin’s, which they bought on February 8, 1993 from her father and uncle, Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak.