McGillin’s Olde Ale House

Do we really make it in this world? No one knows, but we must have our turn at the open mic to unleash the tensions which beset us. The voice of the small has to trump the world and triumph over the resounding voice of all. Can we step up to the stage of life to sing our song of time? Perhaps if so, on the downslope of that experience we will face a plate of nachos and a pitcher of beer to remind us that refreshment comes in time.
— RC

Cool spot that is definitely part of history. Food was very tasty and the prices were fantastic. I had the mile high meatloaf and it was delicious. My fiancé had the open face turkey and he demolished it in minutes. He loved it. The only thing I could say wasn’t great was the servers attitude. She was kinda bitchy. But good food and beer will keep us coming back.

McGillans is tight

Enjoyong a great night with friends. Bar food thats tasty and affordable. Drinks are strong and cheap.

The Spot to Day Drink in Philadelphia. People love it here, not the most family orineted, but I see people bring their kids here during the day. The drinks are cheap, its kind of loud inside, and the décor is what you would expect (Classic) kind of like bennigans back in the day. The true dive of Philadelphia.

$ 8.50 beer pitcher, good music and great bar service… One of the best evenings is Philly!

This was worth the stop. It was fun to read the history of the place while we were there which talked about all of the signs inside (and out) are from businesses in the area that the bar has outlasted. Oldest continuously operating bar they claim. It was very busy but it wasn’t too grubby or dirty (there was that many people) and we got beers pretty quickly but had to track down our waitress to pay.

Understand this is basically a college dive bar. If not your scene then avoid. Came here on a Friday night starving looking to get food and drinks. Typical bar food: burger was decent and chicken sandwich was dried out. No fries but instead a bag of chips on the side.
Cheap pitchers of bud light for $ 8 but beer was skunked. Music was so loud I couldn’t hear the person sitting next to me.
I’ll be back if I’m looking to relive my
College glory days.

Honestly, I don’t think its a good fit for me. It really felt like a college bar. There were so many people here and it was super loud. If you are in college this place is the spot to be.
You know when you are getting older cause when you come to a bar and you think its too loud.
I remember going to bars like this in college and loving it.

I know this is a 3 star review but I do recommend you at least stick your head in and at least check it out. I’ll explain why it’s only 3 stars in few more lines.
So this is a pretty cool, way old and very popular spot. We stopped in at 8pm on a week night and it took a little while to get a seat. The energy in here is awesome and the beer is cold. So for that reason alone I recommend you stop by.
Now what I didn’t like so much was my meal and the reason for only a 3 star rating. This was my first night and first meal in Philadelphia so I ordered a «no brainer» a Philly Cheese Steak. It’s not that the cheese steak was bad it just wasn’t OMG AWESOME. I expected to be dazzled by the sandwich and I was thinking is this sandwich any better than a Subway Sandwiches Cheese Steak ($ 5 foot long) back home in California while you’re a super cool bar in Philly. If my mind even went there, this missed the mark big time.
I did get a couple cheese steaks at those famous places in the city and they were to die for. Maybe order something else besides a cheese steak here. That’s my suggestion. Be prepared for a crowd but this is always the sign of good bar.

Awesome Irish bar/​restaurant. The food is cheap and actually really quite good. There also is typically several alcohol specials!
Mcgillan’s is one of the oldest bars in the city (and has the best Christmas decorations this time of year). There are two floors. Customers seat themselves on the bottom floor and as long as you arrive at a decent time, this never is a problem. That said, the bar gets packed!!! Upstairs is usually reserved for private parties, but on the weekends it opens up for anyone and usually is very crowded. Lots of TVs on both floors with sports games playing year round.
Always a great time, but again gets very crowded! Remember to get there early if you want a table.

We found this dive bar close to where we were staying and loved it. The oldest bar in Philadelphia is located down an alley and is pretty large. We walked in to check it out and stayed for a couple of hours enjoying some beer and a breakfast cheese steak. The main bar area is a nice open room but upstairs are the bathrooms and another smaller bar. This is the perfect place to waste away a day drinking and watching football and eating some good food. Service wasn’t overly friendly due to the popularity of the bar on both days we were there but we never went without a drink and that was all we needed. Can’t wait to return!

McGillin’s is located in an alleyway in-​between Chestnut and Sansom. There’s a bottom floor and a top floor. The bottom floor is pretty laid back and a bit easier to hear a conversation. Top floor is more fun if you’re hammered because the music is super loud. Cheap beer. Overall, chill place with a rustic, pubby feel.

I used to be a regular here when I worked in the neighborhood but it’s been about a year since I last stopped in. I was totally impressed when the bouncer and one of the servers remembered me.
The bartenders were attentive and friendly and the stuffed chicken breast I ordered was delicious.
Even though it was busy and loud, I was able to get a seat at the bar immediately.

Enjoyed a couple pints of O’Hara’s stout while watching Philip Rivers and the Chargers choke against da Bears on Monday Night Football. I think at least 3 Van Halen songs were played inside of 30 minutes.
Bartenders were good dudes… I learned that they serve O’Hara’s because it is still brewed and exported directly from the Motherland. That makes me happy.
This whole section of Philly is pretty cool, and this place should be on your «to do» list…5^th oldest bar in America (1860)…it’s your duty to have a pint here.

I couldnt tell you why exactly but I really like this place. Being relatively new to Philadelphia i originally came here because of its claim to be the oldest bar in continuous operation in America, I thought it would be a tourist trap and expensive but its quite the opposite.
When you walk in it feels like you are walking into a turn of the century pub. Its big with crammed seating, and gets really loud, but for whatever reason it works for this place.
The food fits the place perfectly its not trying to be fancier or more expensive than the place. Shepard Pie is pretty good.
They have several local beers on tap, but i am a fan of the house ales, i think again they fit the atmosphere perfectly
I dont know if its by intention or not but this does nothing great, but when u combine it all together it becomes one of my favorite places in center city.
Would recommend to anyone

Back Alley Bueno. This back alley bar was a lucky find in my travels. They love their Eagles and I love them for it. Not such a bad thing that I love their food, their atmosphere, their staff, and all their specials as well. I suugest the chili, and nachos, and … EVERYTHING. I sprung for the beer sampler, you may like to do the same to see what you like but, I suggest sharing it between two people and then going for what you like.

Oldest bar in Philly was why I first stopped here many, many years ago. Always a drink special. Always a great beer selection. Simple, good food. Great service. I prefer to be at the upstairs bar, but I’m happy wherever I am when I’m at McGillin’s!

In town for a conference and a group of us ended up here as it was walking distance from the Marriott and based on a few reviews decided to give it a try. We got there and got the last table. We had a great time. We ordered pitchers of Reale Ale and an IPA along with nachos, spicy fries and wings (it was 25 cent wing night). It was more than enough for 6 of us. Enjoyed the food and beer. Great atmosphere — young crowd!

Oldest Bar in Philly…
Great beer selection with a cider on tap, too.
We stopped in for a snack and ended up ordering 25 hot wings (which came served on a tray!) with extra blue cheese. Cooked to order, crispy, and not over-​sauced. Delicious non-​high-​falootin wings.
We eyed the Shepherd’s Pie on the next table, but we were too stuffed.