Philadelphia has a weird relationship with history. We live in it, we walk over it, and honestly, we mostly ignore it until someone from out of town asks where the Liberty Bell is. But there is one place where the history feels less like a museum and more like a well-worn leather boot. That’s McGillin's Olde Ale House Philadelphia PA. It opened its doors in 1860. To put that in perspective, Abraham Lincoln had just been elected. The Civil War hadn't even started yet. While the rest of the world changed, McGillin's just... stayed.
It’s tucked away on Drury Street. If you aren't looking for it, you’ll probably walk right past the alleyway near Juniper and Chestnut. That’s part of the charm. It’s a survivor.
The Myth of Being the Oldest
People argue about "the oldest bar" constantly. In Philly, you’ll hear names like Tavern on Camac or City Tavern (which is currently closed and was a reconstruction anyway). But McGillin's has the receipts. It has been continuously operating under the same license since 1860. When Prohibition hit in 1920, Catherine McGillin—the matriarch who took over after her husband William died—didn't just lock the doors. She hired a chef. They served food and "tea," and rumors persist about what else might have been flowing in the back.
The walls are basically a scrapbook of the city's soul. You’ve got the original liquor license from 1860. There are signs from vanished Philly department stores like Gimbels and Wanamaker’s. It’s cluttered. It’s loud. It’s perfect.
The Love Stories in the Walls
There’s this running joke—which is actually statistically backed by the owners—that more people have met their future spouses at McGillin's than anywhere else in Philadelphia. They even have "Love Stories" albums. It’s not a meat market, though. It’s just the kind of place where the beer is cheap enough and the room is crowded enough that you're forced to talk to the person next to you.
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I talked to Chris Mullins Jr., who runs the place with his parents. They take this legacy seriously. It’s not just a business; it’s a stewardship. They aren't trying to be a gastropub with deconstructed kale salads. They serve shepherds pie and "Mullins’ Mussels." They keep the prices low because they know that’s what a neighborhood local should be.
What to Actually Drink and Eat
If you go to McGillin's and order a craft cocktail with a botanical garnish, you’re doing it wrong. Don't be that person. You’re here for the beer. They have their own house specialties brewed specifically for them by local heavyweights like Stoudts and Victory.
- McGillin’s Real Ale: It’s an extra special bitter (ESB). It’s smooth, slightly malty, and tastes like 1860.
- McGillin’s 1860 IPA: A solid, no-nonsense IPA.
- The Beer Sampler: If you can't decide, they offer a tray that lets you try a bit of everything.
Food-wise, you want the comfort stuff. The Drury Street Burger is a classic. The fish and chips are reliable. But honestly, the best move is the Mile High Meatloaf. It’s massive. It’s exactly what you need on a Tuesday night in February when the wind is whipping down Broad Street.
The St. Patrick’s Day Madness
Listen, if you don't like crowds, stay away from Drury Street in March. McGillin's is the epicenter of St. Paddy’s Day in Philadelphia. They start prepping months in advance. They dye the beer green (obviously), but they also serve green eggs and ham. The line wraps around the block. It’s sweaty, it’s chaotic, and it’s one of those "only in Philly" experiences that everyone should do exactly once, or every year if you have the stamina.
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But the real magic happens on a random Tuesday afternoon. When the light filters in through the front windows and the bar is half-empty, you can really see the place. Look at the ceiling. Those are thousands of old wooden beer tap handles. Every single one represents a keg that was tapped and finished by someone who sat in the same seat you're sitting in.
Breaking Down the Atmosphere
It’s not a dive bar. Not really. Dive bars feel like they're falling apart. McGillin's feels like it’s being held together by the collective memories of five generations of Philadelphians. The wood is polished. The brass is clean. It’s "well-loved."
- The Lighting: Dim, but not dark. It feels like a living room.
- The Sound: A mix of classic rock, the Phillies game, and about 100 people talking at once.
- The Staff: Many have been there for decades. They don't have time for your nonsense, but they'll treat you like family if you're respectful.
Survival in the Modern Era
It’s actually incredible that McGillin's Olde Ale House Philadelphia PA survived the last few years. The pandemic was brutal for the service industry. But the Philadelphia community rallied. People bought merch, ordered takeout, and waited for the day the doors would swing open again.
Why? Because McGillin's is a "Third Place." It’s not home, and it’s not work. It’s that essential space where society actually happens. You’ll see a construction worker sitting next to a lawyer in a three-piece suit. You’ll see college kids from Temple or Drexel learning how to drink responsibly (mostly) alongside grandfathers who have been coming there since the 50s.
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Planning Your Visit
If you're heading there, keep a few things in mind. It gets packed on weekends. If you want a table, get there early or be prepared to stand.
- Check the Calendar: They do karaoke on Wednesday and Sunday nights. It’s legendary and loud.
- Bring Your Appetite: The portions are bigger than you think.
- Explore the Walls: Take ten minutes to just walk around and look at the photos. You'll see pictures of celebrities like W.C. Fields and Joe Biden, but the photos of regular Philadelphians from 100 years ago are more interesting.
- The Alley Factor: Drury Street is narrow. If you're driving, don't even try to park nearby. Use a garage or take the Broad Street Line to City Hall and walk two blocks.
The Actionable Guide to McGillin's
To get the most out of this Philly institution, follow this blueprint. Don't just show up and stare at your phone.
- Visit during "Off-Peak" hours: Go between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM on a weekday. You’ll get to talk to the bartenders. They have the best stories. Ask about the "ghosts"—though they'll probably just tell you it's the old plumbing.
- Order a "Pitcher and a Pie": It’s the unofficial meal of the regulars.
- Look for the "Sign of the Bell": Before people could read, bars used symbols. William McGillin hung a bell out front. Even though the name changed over the years, the bell stayed.
- Sign the Guestbook: It’s a tradition. Add your name to the literal centuries of history.
McGillin's isn't just a bar. It’s a testament to the fact that some things are worth keeping the same. In a world of "disruption" and "innovation," there’s a profound comfort in knowing that you can walk into a tavern on Drury Street and find the same hospitality that someone found 165 years ago. It’s the anchor of Philadelphia's nightlife, and it’s not going anywhere.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Pin the location: Save 1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 in your maps.
- Check the tap list: Their website stays updated with what’s currently pouring from their 30 taps.
- Plan for cash: While they take cards now, having cash for the bar makes the fast-paced service much smoother for everyone involved.