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Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern
McGillin's Olde Ale House is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. It opened in 1860 - the year Lincoln was elected and around the time the Liberty Bell cracked.
The book tells the tavern's colorful history, which is filled with celebs, love stories, and ghosts and a tale of survival through the Civil War, two world wars, two pandemics, a fire and even Prohibition. It includes historic photos, contemporary photos, food and drink recipes, and a forward to Edward G. Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania and Mayor of Philadelphia.
Over the years, McGillin's has been owned by only two families - Pa and Ma McGillins, who raised their 13 children upstairs and whose descendants ran the pub for 98 years, and then the Spaniak/Mullins family, who have owned the tavern for three generations, since 1958. Both families have set the bar high. They have dedicated every waking hour to being the best, to making memories, and to keeping the bar's 165 year history alive. And through it all, the bar has become part of the soul of Philadelphia and an iconic American institution.
What happened at McGillin's stayed at McGillin's -- until now!
The book tells the tavern's colorful history, which is filled with celebs, love stories, and ghosts and a tale of survival through the Civil War, two world wars, two pandemics, a fire and even Prohibition. It includes historic photos, contemporary photos, food and drink recipes, and a forward to Edward G. Rendell, former Governor of Pennsylvania and Mayor of Philadelphia.
Over the years, McGillin's has been owned by only two families - Pa and Ma McGillins, who raised their 13 children upstairs and whose descendants ran the pub for 98 years, and then the Spaniak/Mullins family, who have owned the tavern for three generations, since 1958. Both families have set the bar high. They have dedicated every waking hour to being the best, to making memories, and to keeping the bar's 165 year history alive. And through it all, the bar has become part of the soul of Philadelphia and an iconic American institution.
What happened at McGillin's stayed at McGillin's -- until now!
160 pages, Hardcover
Published October 14, 2025
About the author
Irene Levy Baker
5 books4 followersIrene Levy Baker is author of "100 Things To Do In Philadelphia Before You Die" and "Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia" and "Cheers to McGillin's: Philly's Oldest Tavern."
Baker has spent more than 25 years exploring Philadelphia and eating her way through the city’s restaurants. After working at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, she opened Spotlight Public Relations, a public relations firm specializing in restaurants and hospitality. In the books, Baker reveals secrets of the city that will surprise and delight readers, plus tips she's learned from working one-on-one with tourist bureaus, travel writers, chefs, restaurant owners, food writers, and diners. Her books will satisfy your appetite for good meals and great stories.
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