Newest Book about Philly's Oldest Bar

What happened at McGillin's stayed at McGillin's, until now! Philadelphia’s newest book is about the city’s oldest bar. "Cheers to McGillin’s, Philly’s Oldest Tavern," just published by Camino Books, delves into the rich history of the historic bar, which is the oldest continuously operating bar in Philadelphia and one of the oldest bars in the country.

McGillin’s was opened in 1860 by William “Pa” McGillin. He and his wife, Catherine “Ma” McGillin raised their 13 children upstairs. Ma took over after Pa’s death and eventually passed the bar down to her two surviving children and then a grandchild.

After being owned by three generations of the McGillin family, the bar was sold to two 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.

The book 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.

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 never before been seen outside of the McGillin family. The book includes a forward by The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, former Pennsylvania Governor and Philadelphia Mayor.

“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 a good bar story 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 the McGillin’s Shoppe (123 S. Juniper Street), online (LINK:

https://mcgillins-olde-ale-house.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/mcgillins-book

and on Amazon, as well as at Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores. The bar is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. 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. It is stocked with unique Philly gifts, Irish imports, Eagles and McGillin's gear.

Background

McGillin’s opened shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before anyone ever tasted a cheesesteak. Its beer taps have been flowing since 1860 -- the year Lincoln was elected. And in 165 years it has only been owned by two families -- the William “Pa” and Catherine “Ma” McGillin, who raised their 13 children upstairs, and the Spaniak/Mullins family, who have owned the historic tavern for three generations.

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 at a reasonable price, camaraderie and, of course, large selection of local and regional beers on tap, seasonal cocktails and reasonably priced food. Tourists seek out the tavern, which is tucked away on a tiny alley in the heart of Center City, for its colorful history.

McGillin’s is located at 1310 Drury Street (between Chestnut & Sansom, 13th and Juniper). The bar is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Phone: 215/735-5562. www.mcgillins.com. The McGillin’s Shoppe is one block away at 123 South Juniper (on Juniper between Sansom and Walnut). The Shoppe is open daily from 12 noon to 6 p.m.