Walk down 2nd and Dickinson in South Philly and you'll find a lot of brick. You'll find some gravel. You might even find a stray cat or two lingering near a loading dock. What you won't find is a giant neon sign flickering with the words "Paddy's Irish Pub."
It's a weird realization for fans. We've spent nearly two decades watching the Gang scheme, scream, and huff glue within those green-tinted walls, but the Always Sunny in Philadelphia bar is mostly a trick of the light and some very clever set design in Los Angeles. If you're looking for the "real" Paddy's, you're going to have to look in two different time zones.
The Stark Reality of the Paddy’s Pub Exterior
People travel to Philadelphia expecting a pilgrimage. They want to stand where Charlie Kelly found a "ghoul" or where Mac did an ocular pat-down. But the exterior used for the Always Sunny in Philadelphia bar is actually the Starkman Building, located at 544 Mateo Street in the Arts District of Los Angeles.
It's a warehouse. Honestly, it’s a bit of a letdown if you’re expecting a bustling Irish tavern.
In the early seasons, the production team actually flew to Philly to get those grimy, authentic shots of the city. You can see the Difference. The lighting is flatter, the air looks colder, and the bricks have that specific East Coast decay. Over time, as the budget grew and the logistics of moving a whole crew across the country became a nightmare, they leaned harder on the LA locations. They use "plate shots"—background footage of Philadelphia—and then digitally composite or just tight-shoot the actors on a Los Angeles sidewalk.
If you visit the Mateo Street location today, you'll recognize the door. You’ll recognize the loading dock where the Gang often dumps trash or hides from the consequences of their own actions. But there is no bar inside. Just empty space or storage.
What About the Inside?
The interior of the Always Sunny in Philadelphia bar is a permanent set at Fox Studios. It’s a masterpiece of "gross-out" detail. Production designer Phil Toolin and his team built it to look like it has been marinating in cigarette smoke and cheap gin since the 1970s.
✨ Don't miss: Who was the voice of Yoda? The real story behind the Jedi Master
Every piece of wood is stained. Every mirror has a layer of grime that looks like it would give you tetanus if you touched it.
The layout is actually quite small. If you look closely at the episodes, the bar itself is a central island, which allows the camera to circle the actors during their rapid-fire, overlapping dialogue. This is a classic sitcom technique, but Sunny uses it to create a sense of claustrophobia. You feel trapped in there with them.
The Real Paddy's in Philly (The Namesake)
Now, here is where it gets confusing. There is a Paddy’s Pub in Philadelphia. It’s called Paddy’s Old City Pub, located at 125 Race Street.
Rob McElhenney, the show’s creator and the man behind Mac, grew up in Philly. He didn't just pull the name out of thin air. While the show isn't strictly "about" this specific bar, the vibe of a neighborhood dive where the regulars are basically part of the furniture is very much rooted in the Old City spot.
- Atmosphere: It's dark.
- Price: It’s cheap.
- The Vibe: It feels like the kind of place where you could accidentally get roped into a scheme involving bird law or a pyramid scheme.
But don't go there asking for a "Milksteak." The staff has heard every quote in the book. They’re a real business, not a theme park. They’ve embraced the connection to an extent, but they are a functioning neighborhood staple that predates the show's 2005 debut.
Mac’s Tavern: The Real-Life Connection
If you want the closest thing to an official Always Sunny in Philadelphia bar experience, you have to go to Mac’s Tavern at 226 Market Street. This isn't just a fan-service spot; it’s actually co-owned by Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson (Dee Reynolds).
🔗 Read more: Not the Nine O'Clock News: Why the Satirical Giant Still Matters
This is where the line between fiction and reality blurs.
Unlike the fictional Paddy’s, Mac’s Tavern is actually... nice. It has great food. The beer list is extensive. It doesn't smell like a dumpster. However, it is packed with memorabilia. You’ll find photos of the cast, nods to the show’s long history, and a general sense of "Sunny" pride. It’s the closest fans can get to sitting in a booth owned by the people who created the madness.
Why the Bar Matters More Than the Characters
In most sitcoms, the setting is a backdrop. In Always Sunny, the bar is a character. It’s the only thing that keeps the Gang together. They are socially radioactive; no one else wants them. The bar is their fortress.
Think about the episode "The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award." They visit other Philadelphia bars that are bright, trendy, and full of "normal" people. They hate it. They realize that Paddy’s Pub—with its broken electronics, lack of a sign, and thick layer of filth—is the only place they belong.
The bar’s failure is their success.
If Paddy’s were ever successful, the show would end. The entire premise relies on the bar being a black hole of commerce. They’ve tried to turn it into a high-end lounge, a destination for underage drinkers, and even a "freedom" zone where anything goes. It always snaps back to being a desolate, empty room where five terrible people yell at each other.
💡 You might also like: New Movies in Theatre: What Most People Get Wrong About This Month's Picks
Common Misconceptions About the Location
I see this on Reddit all the time. Someone posts a picture of a random brick building in Philadelphia and asks if it’s Paddy’s.
- It’s not on South Street. While the show mentions South Street frequently, the bar isn't there.
- It’s not a real Irish pub. In the universe of the show, it's an "Irish" pub in name only. They rarely serve Guinness, and the "Irish" heritage is only brought up when they want to exploit a holiday.
- The basement isn't real. The basement scenes, where Charlie kills rats or finds "treasures," are shot on a completely different soundstage. The logistics of having a basement in a warehouse-style set are too complicated for a single-floor layout.
How to Actually Do an Always Sunny Tour
If you’re serious about seeing the Always Sunny in Philadelphia bar locations, you need a two-city itinerary. It’s the only way to get the full picture.
Start in Philadelphia. Hit Mac’s Tavern for a burger and a craft beer. Walk over to Paddy’s Old City Pub to see the inspiration. Then, take a stroll down to the Italian Market. This is where Charlie and Frank forage for "trash" and where the iconic opening credits were filmed. You’ll recognize the awnings and the crates of fruit immediately.
Then, you have to fly to LA.
Head to the Arts District. Stand outside 544 Mateo Street. Take the photo. Just don't try to go inside. It’s a working district with active warehouses, and the owners aren't always thrilled about fans loitering by the loading docks.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Visit the "Real" Paddy's: Go to 125 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Bring cash. Be cool.
- Eat at the Owners' Spot: Mac's Tavern (226 Market St) is the move for fans who want to support the cast directly.
- Check the Filming Schedule: Occasionally, the show does return to Philly for exterior "stunt" filming. Keep an eye on local Philly blogs like Billy Penn or Philadelphia Magazine around late spring or summer when they typically prep for new seasons.
- Look for the "Plate" Shots: Next time you watch, look at the sky. If the sky is a bright, cloudless California blue, they’re in LA. If it’s a heavy, overcast grey, you’re looking at a rare Philly-shot scene.
The Always Sunny in Philadelphia bar is a myth, a warehouse in California, and a dive bar in Old City all at once. It’s as chaotic and disorganized as the Gang itself, which is probably exactly how it should be. Don't expect a theme park. Expect a lot of brick, some confusing geography, and the nagging feeling that you should probably go get a beer.