This historic establishment has survived the Civil War and Prohibition since opening its doors in 1860 under the guidance of an Irish family. Readers can now explore the rich past of the city's oldest continuously operating tavern through a collection of rare photos and legendary tales.
Philadelphia’s newest book is about the city’s oldest bar! "Cheers to McGillin’s", Philly’s Oldest Tavern delves into the rich history of the historic Irish bar, which is the oldest continuously operating bar in Philadelphia and one of the oldest bars in the country.
What’s the secret? For locals, McGillin’s has become just like the fictional “Cheers”—the place they go for its welcoming atmosphere, good food, and camaraderie. Tourists seek out the tavern, tucked away in a tiny alley in the heart of Center City, for its colorful history.
McGillin's Old Ale House.
McGillin's history
McGillin’s was opened in 1860 by William “Pa” McGillin, who was originally from County Tyrone. He ran the bar with Catherine “Ma” McGillin, who is believed to be from Northern Ireland. The couple raised their 13 children upstairs.
Other rooms above the bar housed Irish immigrants, who often tended bar. Ma took over after Pa’s death and eventually passed the bar down to her two surviving children and then a grandchild.
The McGillin Family.
Having been owned by three generations of the McGillin family, the bar was sold to two Polish brothers, Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak (who spelled their names differently when they Americanized them). The brothers, eventually, sold it to Henry’s daughter and Irish son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, Sr, who still run the tavern today with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr.
Joe Shepaniak and Henry Spaniak.
The Mullins family not only runs the bar but also opened a nearby Shoppe that sells Irish imports (woolen sweaters, hats, ornaments, purses, tea, housewares, and more), as well as the new book. "Cheers to McGillin’s", and unique Philadelphia souvenirs. It is the only Irish store remaining in Philadelphia.
"Cheers to McGillin’s"
"Cheers to McGillin’s" tells the bar’s colorful 165-year history, including how it survived the Civil War, two World Wars, two pandemics, and even Prohibition.
It takes readers on an engaging journey through the bar’s storied past, weaving together tales of the two families who have owned the bar and passed it down through generations, heartfelt love stories, eerie ghost stories, tales of long-time employees and beloved guests, and recipes for the historic bar’s signature dishes (think shepherd’s pie, mile high meatloaf and pork pumpkin apple cider stew) and cocktails.
McGillin's Old Ale House.
"Cheers to McGillin’s" contains more than two dozen historical photos, including some recently discovered by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and others from a 100-year-old scrapbook that has never been seen outside of the McGillin family. The book includes a foreword by The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania and Mayor of Philadelphia.
“At McGillin’s we’ve been serving drinks for 165 years, but this is the first time we’ve served up our whole, unvarnished story,” said Christopher Mullins, Jr, who co-owns the bar with his parents, Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, Sr.
“Even long-time customers may be surprised by some of the secrets revealed and the historic photos we’ve discovered.”
"Cheers to McGillin’s" is a must-read for history buffs, Philadelphians, foodies, beer lovers, anyone who likes an Irish yarn or who has eaten a meal or sipped a drink at the city’s oldest bar, or longs to.
It was written by Irene Levy Baker, McGillin’s publicist of 20 years and author of "Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia" and "100 Things To Do In Philadelphia" (1st and second editions), in conjunction with Christopher Mullins, Jr. They consider capturing the historic bar’s story a legacy project.
The 135-page hardcover book is now available at McGillin’s Shoppe (123 S. Juniper Street), or online here, and on Amazon, as well as at Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores.
McGillin's Old Ale House is open seven days a week from 11 am to 2 am. The new McGillin’s Shoppe is located just one block from the bar at 123 S. Juniper Street (between Sansom and Walnut) and is open from 12 noon to 6 p.m. daily.
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