This is a guest blog by Irene Levy Baker for McGillin’s Olde Ale House.
1213 Walnut, Midtown Village Philadelphia’s newest apartment building, is just a few blocks from McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia’s oldest bar.
McGillin’s opened in 1860—the year Abe Lincoln was elected president. The historic tavern’s long, storied history is filled with celebrities, ghosts and a tale of survival through not only the economic recession but also the Great Depression, and even Prohibition. And, through it all, McGillin’s has been owned by only two families: the McGillinses, who raised their 13 children upstairs, and the current owners, the Spaniak/Mullins family, who have passed it down through three generations.
This is a guest blog by Irene Levy Baker for McGillin’s Olde Ale House.
1213 Walnut, Midtown Village Philadelphia’s newest apartment building, is just a few blocks from McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia’s oldest bar.
McGillin’s opened in 1860—the year Abe Lincoln was elected president. The historic tavern’s long, storied history is filled with celebrities, ghosts and a tale of survival through not only the economic recession but also the Great Depression, and even Prohibition. And, through it all, McGillin’s has been owned by only two families: the McGillinses, who raised their 13 children upstairs, and the current owners, the Spaniak/Mullins family, who have passed it down through three generations.
“McGillin’s has become just like the fictional Cheers,” said Chris Mullins, co-owner of McGillin’s with his wife, Mary Ellen and their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr. “It’s the place people go for its welcoming atmosphere, good food at a reasonable price, camaraderie and, of course, large selection of local and regional beers on tap.”
The Mullins Family. Photo by J Fusco for Visit Philly
Though it sounds simple, the bar doesn’t rest on its laurels. After more than a century and a half, McGillin’s continues to receive accolades, including being named “one of the most authentic Irish pubs in America” by USA Today.
Originally called The Bell in Hand, the tavern opened in 1860. The laborers who frequented the place just called it McGillin’s after William McGillin, the Irish immigrant who owned the bar and raised his 13 children upstairs. In 1901, “Pa” McGillin died and “Ma” McGillin took over running the restaurant. No pushover, “Ma” had a list of troublemakers who weren’t allowed in. McGillin’s survived Prohibition, and Ma ran it until her death in 1937 at the age of 90.
The McGillins’ daughter sold it to brothers and experienced barkeeps Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak in 1958. (That’s not a mistake—the brothers actually spelled their name differently.) Keeping it in the family, Henry’s daughter, Mary Ellen Spaniak Mullins and her husband, Chris Mullins, have run the restaurant since 1993. The legacy of hospitality continues with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr., representing the family’s third generation to manage the historic tavern.
Photo by Curt Hudson
The history hangs right on the walls at the classic English-looking pub with beamed ceilings, tall windows, dark paneling and a working fireplace. It’s a story woven into the very fabric of the city. The original bar sign, a wooden arm holding a bell, hangs above the bar. The bar is flanked by years worth of liquor licenses and surrounded by musical instruments, vintage beer cans, varsity banners, caricatures of past regulars, retail memorabilia, aged newspaper clips, old photos and much more.
Over the years, many big names have frequented the friendly tavern tucked into one of Philadelphia’s littlest streets, including Will Rogers, Tennessee Williams, Thomas Eakins, Ethel Merman, Vincent Price, the Marx Brothers, W.C. Fields and John and Ethel Barrymore. That tradition has continued in recent years with visits by Slayer, Tony Danza, Kim Delaney, Will Ferrell, Ty Pennington, Derek Waters from Drunk History, Kate Flannery from The Office, local politicians, professional athletes and many more.
Like the locals, celebrities are attracted by the quaint atmosphere and a special emphasis on brews from Eastern Pennsylvania and nearby, such as Yard’s, Stoudt’s, Victory, Sly Fox, Dogfish, Flying Fish and Yuengling. McGillin’s honors Pa McGillin’s commitment to serving fine beer with 30 taps pouring the region’s best brews.
The whole McGillin’s family couldn’t be more excited for the new batch of neighbors and friends arriving with 1213 Walnut. Cheers!
McGillin’s is located at 1310 Drury Street, between Chestnut & Sansom, 13th & Juniper. 215-735-5562. www.mcgillins.com. Twitter: @mcgillins. www.facebook.com/mcgillins Instagram: @mcgillinsoldealehouse. Open daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
