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We realize that wait times are sometimes long — thank you for your patience. PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- McGillin's Olde Ale House, considered the oldest continuously-operating tavern in Philadelphia, has a 164-year-long history. 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. This golden Helles lager is smooth and satisfying with a clean malt character reminiscent of fresh-baked bread. German hops add a hint of floral notes and subtle bitterness, while lager yeast lends a crisp, refreshing finish.
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Its light body and tart profile make it refreshing, with notes of cherry and lime showcasing what vacation should taste like. Philadelphia has undoubtedly changed throughout the years, but McGillin’s bar has remained true to its roots. The architecture of the building is timeless; large yellow windows complement the red bricks that make up the establishment.

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"The truth is the people, I love meeting people." In 2013, Gourmet magazine called McGillin's one of the three coolest bars in the United States. 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. J.E. Caldwell, a jeweler in business since 1839, closes.
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He once served two men a couple of martinis and some stout beers and was shocked when they left him a $500 tip — his biggest ever — which he split with the other bartender working that day. Thankfully, our team came hungry because the chef spoiled us. They served us crab cakes and mussels, both perfectly paired with a cold Cape May Orange Crushin’ It and Bay Daze. The food and beers at McGillin’s will not disappoint and the menu has an array of choices. John Doyle is considered an icon in Philadelphia. The beloved McGillin's bartender is credited with being a matchmaker, saving marriages and pouring countless drinks while working at Philadelphia's oldest continually operating tavern.
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While young 20-somethings fill the place for karaoke on Friday nights, happy hours at McGgillin’s are typically filled with a very diverse crowd. Doyle earned a "Best of Philly" award in 2010 when he was named the city's best bartender, and his wife, Laura Doyle, said all these years later she doesn't mind sharing him with the rest of the city. As Doyle gets ready to turn 80, he's scaled back his schedule to one day a week, but he's now worked for three generations of owners, and his tenure has spanned eight Philadelphia mayors.
McGillin’s is only closed a few days a year – and Thanksgiving is one of them. Stop by on July 14 to celebrate Bastille Day with half priced French Onion Soup. Pair with a glass of red wine – only $6 all day every day. McGillin’s Real Ale – Brewed exclusively for McGillin’s and inspired by Troeg’s HopBack Amber, which has been discontinued in 2021.
This deep amber-colored ale boasts flavors of grapefruit and pine balanced by a hint of spice and complex malty notes of caramel and toffee. The use of whole flower hops creates a bright, citrusy aroma. But his big break came when the downstairs bartender broke abottle over an unruly customer’s head (the patron had reachedbehind the bar to serve himself). Doyle had to cover the bar whenhis coworker was hauled out by police in handcuffs. Henjes said Doyle is so proud of his job he hands out his business card to everyone he meets (he gave me one after I interviewed him at McGillin’s this week, in case I forgot where he worked or why I was there). They married in 1970 and had twin daughters six years later.
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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). Typically includes Pumpkin Martinis, Oktoberfest beers and a rotating list of German and pumpkin food specials including Pumpkin Mac & Cheese, Pork Pumpkin Apple Cider.
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During a Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Union, or Philadelphia Flyers game, it can be expected that the bell will be rung when the home team scores. Shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for City Hall, McGillin’s Olde Ale House threw open its doors. 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. Going to Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
McGillin’s month-long Oktoberfest celebration continues through the Midtown Village Fall Festival. We’ll serve a rotating list of Oktoberfest beers, pumpkin beers and a rotating list of German food specials. We’ll be closed on the 4th of July – 1 of only 6 nights a year that we close so staff can celebrate the holiday with family & friends).
Sign added to McGillin’s collection of iconic signs. America celebrates 100th Anniversary, The Centennial. John Wanamaker Department Store opens around the corner from McGillin’s (now Macy’s). Wanamaker sign part of McGillin’s collection of iconic Philadelphia signs. Catherine & William McGillin opened the Bell in Hand Tavern. The Irish immigrants, who raised their 13 children upstairs, soon become known as “Ma” and “Pa” and the laborers who frequented the bar called it “McGillin’s.” The nicknames eventually stuck.
They now own the historic tavern with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr. McGillin’s Olde Ale House opened in 1860 and has survived not 1, but 2 pandemics — one in 1918 and the other in 2020! Owner Chris Mullins, Sr. locked the doors on March 16, 2020 (1 day before St Patrick’s Day) and then gleefully re-opened them about a year later. Modelo has paired with the International Rescue Committee, an NGO that responds to humanitarian crises and helps people rebuild their lives. 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.
The ambiance inside transports you back to the 1860s. Dark wood paneling, vintage photographs, and antique decorations adorn the walls, creating an authentic and cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re a regular coming in for their daily happy hour special, or you’re a first-timer, you’ll feel right at home. From the kind bartenders, to the attentive waitstaff, to the generous management team that took time out of their day to speak with us, McGillin's employees are the bread and butter of the restaurant. As with most bars and restaurants whose reputations precede them, crowds are commonplace at McGillin’s.
4.3% alcohol/21 IBU.McGillin’s 1860 IPA – Brewed exclusively for McGillin’s and inspired by Troegs’ Hop Knife. This hop-forward IPA is fresh and aromatic with bold notes of citrus and tropical fruit courtesy of six different varieties of classic American hops. 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.
Celebrate this Mexican holiday at an Irish fiesta! If you ever visit McGillin’s — and you should if you can — their exclusive McGillin’s 1860 IPA is the beer to order. Back when I was in college they had some sort of ridiculous Friday night wings special — 100 wings for $10? — that never ceased to seem too good to be true. But it’s interacting with everyday people that Doyle loves best. On Saturdays and on St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Day.