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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. During the week Philadelphia hosted the DNC, McGillin’s hosted MSNBC’s morning show “Morning Joe” hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Local and National politicians visited McGillin’s throughout the week, the highlight was President Joe Biden (then Vice President) and Vice President Kamala Harris (then Attorney General of California).
The Best Rooftop Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia
After Irish immigrants Catherine and William McGillin opened the Bell in Hand Tavern in 1860, it gradually became known only as “McGillin’s” by regulars. You’ll find every liquor license since 1871, the year that construction on Philadelphia’s City Hall started just two blocks from the establishment, hanging on the wall. In 2007, the national trade magazine Nightclub and Bar included McGillin's in its Editors' Choice Top 100 bars and clubs in the United States. McGillin’s once again served green beer, in an unsuccessful effort to replicate the Eagles’ win of 2018.
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"I met Chase Utley, Moose Johnston came in one night," Doyle recalled. "The truth is the people, I love meeting people." "When I first started working here, I didn't know how long I'd be here. Then I got the job as a doorman, eventually, I became a bartender," Doyle said.
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A few weeks later, in April 1974, he was asked to work Friday nights as a doorman and agreed. Henry, Mullins’ grandfather, and Joe, his great uncle, took a risk, Mullins said, as the business climate in center city was not good. When Prohibition began in 1920, it was expected to last a few months.
Celebrating St. Paddy’s Day at McGillin’s Olde Ale House: A historic Philadelphia tradition
Cover charge with in/out privileges (if we have capacity). 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). And that’s how Doyle, 79, a married father of two and grandfatherof four, came to be the longest-serving bartender at Philly’soldest-operating bar. 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.
When it closes in 2008, its sign is added to McGillin’s sign collection. Daughter, Mercedes McGillin Hooper, one of the 13 children who grew up in the room above the tavern, runs the Ale House until 1958, with her nephew Doc. Pa McGillin dies & Ma McGillin takes over bar. No pushover, Ma has a list of troublemakers who weren’t allowed in. The list reads like the social registry, including some of Philadelphia’s most prominent citizens.
A McGillin's Olde Ale House Proposal 40 Years in the Making - Philadelphia magazine
A McGillin's Olde Ale House Proposal 40 Years in the Making.
Posted: Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Sign added to McGillin’s collection of iconic 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. The tavern grew to include the oyster house next door, the back alley/washroom and the house upstairs. Each additional person over 50 is $35 per head.
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.
If you can get a seat, McGillin’s is a great place to watch the big game while you’re in town. 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. 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. They now own the historic tavern with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr.
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. McGillin’s Real Ale – Brewed exclusively for McGillin’s and inspired by Troeg’s HopBack Amber, which has been discontinued in 2021.
Deux Cheminees and Strawbridge & Clothiers signs added to McGillin’s collection. The former opened in 1970s and the latter in 1868. A fire started in McGillin’s 2nd floor kitchen and burned down the 3rd & 4th floors. Fortunately, there was minimal damage to the 1st floor tavern. The band was playing “Light My Fire” as smoke filled the room and the crowd left in an orderly fashion, some even stopping to blow out the candles on their tables. In 2016 we installed a sprinkler system to ensure we’ll be around for years to come.
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