PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
McGillin’s Olde Ale House is a Philadelphia institution.
“We’re the oldest bar in Philadelphia and we’re the fifth oldest in the United States,” says Christopher Mullins, Jr., Co-Owner of McGillin’s Olde Ale House.
Chris Mullins, Sr. pours a pint of O’Hara’s Irish Stout, which he says is brewed exclusively in Ireland. He and his son, Christopher, currently run the historic tavern. It was originally called the Bell in Hand Tavern.
“William McGillin started the bar in 1860,” says Mullins, Sr., Co-Owner and Manager of McGillin’s Olde Ale House. “He was frequently called ‘Pa’ McGillin, and this is Catherine McGillin, most frequently referred to as ‘Ma’ McGillin.”
It has been owned by only two families. First, there were three generations of the McGillin’s family that ran it.
“And I’m the third generation in our family,” says Mullins, Jr.
“My wife’s father and uncle, Henry Spaniak and Joseph Shepaniak, bought it from the McGillin’s family in 1958,” says Mullins, Sr.
Chris, Sr. and his wife, Mary Ellen, took over in 1993.
“We wanted to be unique and have a special niche in Philadelphia, so we decided that we would embrace locally brewed craft beer,” he says. “Tröegs is our number one. They make our House Ale, Lager and our IPA.”
And they’re serving up delicious eats too.
“We’re definitely comfort food, so it’s like Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips,” he says. “Mile-High Meatloaf is a house specialty.”
“So much of it is homemade,” says Mullins, Jr. “We take great pride in the ingredients and the freshness.”
The walls are wearing memorabilia from the past, including many photos and signs.
Mullins, Jr. calls the tavern “a living history museum.”
“We’re also fortunate enough to have all of the old iconic department stores from Market Street, so from John Wanamaker’s to Strawbridge’s,” he says. “Our newest addition is Macy’s.”
Another bit of history they’re documenting is the love connections. They’re already on their fourth book of names and stories.
“Oh, look, somebody taped their picture into the book,” he says. “There’s thousands of couples that we have discovered that have met here.”
The Mullins say the people make the place and they’re happy to carry on the tradition.
“Many great things have happened in this building over the last 165 years,” he says. “You know, I’m proud to say that I still work with my dad.”
“We’re very grateful that we’re able to pass it along to Christopher,” says Mullins, Sr.
There’s a new book out now detailing all this history. It’s called “Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern” by Irene Levy Baker. It can be picked up at the tavern or at McGillin’s permanent shoppe on 123 S. Juniper Street.
For more information:
McGillin’s Olde Ale House
1310 Drury Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
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