McGillin's Olde Ale House

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 celebration begins this Saturday at McGillin’s and culminates next St. Patrick’s Day, which will be Doyle’s 50th at the bar, said Christopher Mullins Jr., co-owner of McGillin’s. But his big break came when the downstairs bartender broke a bottle over an unruly customer’s head (the patron had reached behind the bar to serve himself). Doyle had to cover the bar when his coworker was hauled out by police in handcuffs. Inspired by his new gig, Doyle attended a six-week course at Ronnie’s Bartending School (he still keeps a tiny laminated copy of his 1975 diploma in his wallet) and began tending the bar upstairs at McGillin’s. “I’ve been here for 20 years and I still find something new hanging up on the walls every day. Every single picture holds some type of memory,” says Gabby Rubery, Manager of McGillin’s.

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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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February 8, 2023 - 30th Anniversary Owning 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.

The Sons of Ben are the first Philadelphia Union supporters club, and use the Philadelphia civic colors of light blue and yellow as opposed to the darker shades officially used by the team. The Sons of Ben began during a flurry of rumors regarding Major League Soccer’s negotiations with investors regarding a potential team in the Philadelphia region. Office parties, birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, holiday parties, luncheons and baptisms. That was the extent of Doyle’s application and interview process.

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.

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.

That’s shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for Philadelphia City Hall. The beer taps have been flowing since 1860 — making it the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest taverns in the country. Cover charge with in/out privileges (if we have capacity). 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.

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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When Doyle’s wife stopped working to take care of the kids, his part-time job at McGillin’s helped supplement their income. As he told the story of how he met his wife, Laura, in the late ‘60s at the Jersey Shore, Doyle looked left, then right, and leaned in. His first job was “huckstering,” or selling tomatoes, bananas, and other produce door-to-door as a kid. From there, he worked at a Dairy Queen, a soda shop, and sold newspapers at Municipal Stadium.

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.

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.

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.