McGillin's Olde Ale House

Before the days of LinkedIn -- and even telephones -- there were business cards.

William "Pa" McGillin opened McGillin's in 1860 -- the year Lincoln was elected president. And ran it until his death in 1901. After that, the tavern was run by his wife, Catherine "Ma" McGillin. In 1958, their ancestors sold it to Henry Spaniak & his brother, Joe, whose family has been running it ever since -- now in its 3rd generation.

Yes, we noticed that on this card William "Pa" McGillin spelled his name differently than we spell it now. We've found historic documents with may different spellings - McGillin, McGillan, McGillian, M’Gillin, and even McGillion.

Whatever game you're watching, you'll have a ball at Philly's oldest bar. Lots of food & drink specials. And just wait 'til you hear what we're hatching for the Eagles! Thanks, Eater Philly for including McGillin's on your list of "The Best Sports Bars in Philly."

The Best Sports Bars in Philly Eat wings, drink beer, and watch an Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, or Sixers game at these excellent sports bars

Menus from over the years -- 2024, 1942, 1933 and the late 70s/early 80s. While the look has changed, the food and drinks we have served has been pretty consistent over the years. Wanna see pictures of the insides?

DYK: Next time you're here, pick up a postcard and jot a quick note. We'll stamp and mail it for you. It's free!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ on Google

"In town for a conference and one of my local co-workers mentioned McGillin's. It's not easy to spot. I absolutely love places like this, and it did not disappoint. Loved the beer sampler! Loved the old vibe. Met some great people around me. Have fun!!" - Shirley

It's time for Cocktail BINGO! How many have you tried this summer at McGillin's?

🌶Spicy Margarita
🍍Pineapple Mule
🍋Limoncello Spritz
🍹Mango Madras
🧉Watermelon Aperol Spritz
🪻Lavender Lemonade

Get them all before they're gone!

Eagles are BACK! Make McGillin's your game-watching headquarters - all season. Starting TONIGHT. E-A-G-L-E-S! 🦅

Our celebration of John Doyle's 50th work anniversary at McGillin's continues with this awesome story by NBC10 Philadelphia's Brenna Weick.

Center City bartender celebrates 50 years slinging suds

Congratulations to Karen & Rich, who got married at McGillin's in 2014 and came back to celebrate their 🔟th anniversary here.

The reception was held here too. These two Phillies fans had a bat for guests to sign, cake toppers of Rich throwing a baseball and Karen swinging a bat, Phillies drink umbrellas and reusable Phillies light up ice cubes. Rich wore a Phillies shirt, tie and boutonniere with a baseball. Karen wore stiletto heels with small baseball bats. It was a real HIT! ⚾️

"How Lucky Are We" that ZB's QUITTIN’ TIME tour is making a two-night stop in Philly? We'll be celebrating "the Great American Bar Scene" at McGillin's with a Zach Bryan-inspired cocktail menu because we all know - "you only smile like that when you're drinking!"

"Hey Driver," please bring Zach Bryan back to Philly's Oldest Pub for another all night "REVIVAL!"

Fans, stop by for pre & post-concert gaming. Or to be part of the fun if you couldn't get tickets. Available 8/6 & 7.

Our friend, Joey, used AI to colorize this old black and white photo of Ma McGillin in Wildwood in 1930. Pretty cool, isn't it?

It was a mini bartender reunion -- between them they've probably mixed, shaken, stirred and poured thousands of drinks at McGillin's!

Right to left: Greg King, John Doyle (who is celebrating his 50th year working at McGillin's), Jeannie (who was one of the 1st female bartenders to work downstairs), Chris Mullins, Sr (who owns McGillin's with his wife & son) and Pat Breen.

Spotted at McGillin’s —former Sixer Mac McClung. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest Championship twice. And you could say that stopping at Philly’s oldest bar is his 3rd Slam Dunk Contest win! 🏀

Shown here with our server, Griffin.

We got a really kick out of hosting so many Premier League fans at McGillin's this week! ⚽️

So honored that Christopher was asked to speak at Discover Philadelphia's Global Tourism Update Meeting about how we welcome groups from Canada and overseas. We love hosting these groups & even offer group menus & our history in 5 languages.

Salad Lyonnaise 🇫🇷: grilled chicken breast, bacon, hard boiled eggs, roasted shallots, goat cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, over mixed greens. served with a side of roasted garlic vinaigrette $12.99 at McGillin's.

Watch the games on our high-def and projector screen TVs and enjoy olympic-themed food & drink specials through August 11.

UPDATE: Our phones are working again!

Our phones are down but we’re here. You can’t call but you can still eat, drink & have fun at McGillin’s!!

We are open from 11 am to 2 am daily. Drury St is between 13th & Juniper, Chestnut & Sansom. Close to hotels & Convention Center. Other questions - [email protected]

It's National Chicken Wing Day. You know what to do.

And there are 4 ways to do it at McGillin's:

🍗 Buffalo Wings - Our own blistering, crispy Chicken Wings served with Blue Cheese Dressing, Celery and Carrot Sticks
🍗 BBQ Wings - Tossed in our delectable BBQ sauce
🍗 Old Bay Wings Tossed in Old Bay Seasoning with Ranch Dipping Sauce
🍗 Tossed in a Thai sweet and sassy sauce

Note: Our phones are down but we’re here. You can’t call but you can still eat, drink & have fun at McGillin’s!!

We believe this may be the world's coolest baby! Look at the baby's big beautiful eyes - what do you think she's thinking?

DYK: McGillin's is kid-friendly? Kids love our homemade comfort food and parents love our prices. Note: 21+ after about 9 pm.

The pluses of renaming the Wells Fargo Center after McGillin's:

🍻great beer list
🍻Ring our bell whenever there is a basket or goal
🍻Karaoke on non-game days
🍻Box seats for our regulars
🍻There would be a second McGillin's!

Let the games begin! Watch the Olympics on our high def and projector screen TVs. And don't miss the Olympic-themed food & drink specials at Philly's oldest bar. From July 26 through August 11.

Yep, that's Kamala Harris at McGillin's!

We can't agree on everything but we can certainly agree that she has good taste in bars!

Support a different candidate? Get him to stop at Philly’s oldest bar. Then we’ll post his picture too.

Merry Christmas in July! Starting NOW:

🎄Mad Elf by 's Mad Elf $5 ('til keg kicks)
🎅 Poinsettia Punch $11

Available here or online at https://mcgillins-olde-ale-house.myshopify.com:
👕Christmas t-shirts $10 (limited stock)
🌟 Ornaments $7.50

While supply lasts.

It's a good day for COLD beer and HOT wings at McGillin's!

On Tuesdays after 5 pm, wings with bleu cheese, celery & carrots are only 50¢ each. That means you could get a dozen wings and a pitcher of beer & still have money left for a nice tip!

After graduation, our server John, headed to Paris. What a great way to pre-game for the Olympics! Thanks, John, for repping McGillin's in the City of Light!

And speaking of pre-gaming, watch for our Olympics food & drink specials running from July 26 to August 11.

Thanks,Eater Philly, for naming McGillin's one of the best karaoke bars in Philadelphia. We have karaoke every Sunday and Wednesday night starting at 9 p.m.🎤

The Best Philly Karaoke Bars Build up some liquid courage and grab the mic

Brides just wanna have FUN!

McGillin's is the perfect spot for your shower, rehearsal dinner, meet & greet, wedding or post-wedding brunch. Or stop in-between your wedding and your reception.

Then. Now.