The story
19th century
Initially called The Bell in Hand, the famous pub opened its doors in 1860 in the home of Irish immigrant William "Pa" McGillin, the owner and operator of the establishment. It was nicknamed McGillin's by those who frequented the establishment, and the bar took on the title as its official name.
20th century
"Pa" McGillin operated the establishment until his death in 1901. Then his wife Catherine, known as "Ma" McGillin continued running the business, which had grown to encompass the oyster house next door as well as the remainder of the McGillin's house, displacing her 13 children. "Ma" ran the restaurant until her own death in 1937, at age 90.
After Ma's death, the tavern was run by her daughter, Mercedes McGillin Hooper, until 1958, when she sold it to Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak, brothers and experienced bartenders, who used different spellings of their last names.
Since 1993, the bar has been owned by Henry's daughter, Mary Ellen Spaniak Mullins, and her husband Chris Mullins. Their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr., also helps run the day-to-day operations.
The ceramic tile floor of the main floor, though not original to the bar, was installed by "Pa" McGillin because he was "tired of replacing the wooden floors because of wear and tear from workers' boots. William got the idea from a local butcher shop—little wear and tear, easy to clean."
There is a ship bell and a cow bell behind the bar which the bartenders ring when they get a great tip. They also ring it to "gong" or "boo" a bad karaoke singer. During a Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Union, or Philadelphia Flyers game, it can be expected that the bell will be rung when the home team scores.
21st century
In 2002, the political website PoliticsPA named it to their list of restaurants frequented by politicians.
In 2007, the national trade magazine Nightclub and Bar included McGillin's in its Editors' Choice Top 100 bars and clubs in the United States. The list is based on annual revenue, effective marketing and advertising, uniqueness to market and other factors. Many media outlets have called McGillin's one of America's most authentic Irish pubs in the nation, including USA Today, HuffPost, Fodor's, The Daily Meal, MSN, and Orbitz.
Read the full text
In 2013, Gourmet magazine called McGillin's one of the three coolest bars in the United States.
McGillin's Olde Ale House has also become known for its elaborate Christmas decorations during the holiday season.
In 2005, the bar opened a permanent, year-round Shoppe located around the corner at 123 S. Juniper Street. The Shoppe is filled with unique Philly souvenirs and gifts, Irish imports, McGillin's, Eagles and Phillies wear.
Also in 2025, Cheers to McGillin's: Philly's Oldest Tavern" was published by Camino Press. The book tells the bar's colorful 166-year history including how McGillin's survived the Civil War, two World Wars, two pandemics and even Prohibition. 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, historical photos, recipes for signature dishes and cocktails. Written by Irene Levy Baker and published by Camino Books. Foreword by Edward G. Rendell, former Pennsylvania Governor & Philadelphia Mayor.
From Wikipedia’s article on McGillin's Olde Ale House, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4