Sunday, April 28, 2024

Daring Fireball: Local Note: 'McGillin's Bartender John Doyle Marks 50 Years at Philly's Oldest Bar'

mcgillins olde ale house

His first job was “huckstering,” or selling tomatoes, bananas, and other produce door-to-door as a kid. From there, he worked at a Dairy Queen, a soda shop, and sold newspapers at Municipal Stadium. And that’s how Doyle, 79, a married father of two and grandfather of four, came to be the longest-serving bartender at Philly’s oldest-operating bar.

June 2021 - Troegs Begins Brewing McGillin's House Beers

They married in 1970 and had twin daughters six years later. When Doyle’s wife stopped working to take care of the kids, his part-time job at McGillin’s helped supplement their income. Doyle, who lives in Andorra, was born in South Philly and raised in the Tasker Homes, where he was the middle child of seven in an Irish-Catholic family. But his big break came when the downstairs bartender broke a bottle over an unruly customer’s head (the patron had reached behind the bar to serve himself). Doyle had to cover the bar when his coworker was hauled out by police in handcuffs. Doyle was so stoic and observant that the staff thought he was a cop.

February 2018 -- Super Bowl LII

Don’t expect lighting-speed service if your visit falls during a weekend or weeknight special (which is basically every day, considering there’s always something on offer). That said, the staff hustle hard to keep service moving. If you can, seek out a barstool in front of barman John Doyle, who’s as much legend as the place itself (he’s been behind the bar at McGillin’s for more than 40 years). Get your Christmas spirit (& spirits) at McGillin’s, Philadelphia’s original pop up bar with over-the-top decor since 1860 and holiday drink prices that don’t pop UP during the holidays. Make it a tradition to stop by before/after shopping & Christmas shows for meal/drinks. McGillin’s Olde Ale House is like a Winter Wonderland with hundreds of ornaments, bows and strings of lights.

The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape

This month marks 50 years for Doyle at McGillin’s, which opened on Drury Street near 13th in 1860, and in true Philly fashion, the bar is throwing a yearlong party in his honor. That was the extent of Doyle’s application and interview process. A few weeks later, in April 1974, he was asked to work Friday nights as a doorman and agreed.

mcgillins olde ale house

They now own the historic tavern with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr. McGillin’s Olde Ale House opened in 1860 and has survived not 1, but 2 pandemics — one in 1918 and the other in 2020! Owner Chris Mullins, Sr. locked the doors on March 16, 2020 (1 day before St Patrick’s Day) and then gleefully re-opened them about a year later. Modelo has paired with the International Rescue Committee, an NGO that responds to humanitarian crises and helps people rebuild their lives. More than 100 years ago, Christopher’s grandparents immigrated to America making McGillin’s especially proud to be part of this campaign that helps immigrants get a fighting chance here.

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The Oldest Bar In Philadelphia Has A Fascinating History

The tavern grew to include the oyster house next door, the back alley/washroom and the house upstairs. It’s a long weekend and that means one more night to party at McGillin’s. We realize that wait times are sometimes long & thank you for your patience. We realize that wait times are sometimes long — thank you for your patience.

McGillin's Olde Ale House kicks off year-long celebration in honor of bartender's 50th work anniversary

With four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms in its 2,512 square feet, it's asking $798,000. Maybe this Boyle Heights house does have too many extras to mention, but would it have killed them to list one or two? The remodeled three-bedroom house built in 1890 is listed for $314,000.

This month marks 50 years for Doyle atMcGillin’s, which opened on Drury Street near 13th in 1860,and in true Philly fashion, the bar is throwing a yearlong partyin his honor. Festivities begin Saturday, with an open-to-all party featuring surprise guests at the bar from noon to 5 p.m. Celebrations will continue throughout the year, with specials like Doyle dollar dog days, and will culminate on St. Patrick’s Day.

Doyle for President

McGillin’s served blue beer in honor of Villanova’s National Basketball Championship in 2016 and again in 2018. During the week Philadelphia hosted the DNC, McGillin’s hosted MSNBC’s morning show “Morning Joe” hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. Local and National politicians visited McGillin’s throughout the week, the highlight was President Joe Biden (then Vice President) and Vice President Kamala Harris (then Attorney General of California). Le Bec Fin, which kicked off Philadelphia’s restaurant renaissance in 1970, closes and its sign is added to collection at McGillin’s. Fox News named McGillin’s to the list of Top Irish Pubs in the U.S.

The use of whole flower hops creates a bright, citrusy aroma. Ryan Hughes joined CBS News Philadelphia in June 2022. "He's a very dedicated man, very nice man; everyone loves him. I know he doesn't work full-time now, but still, he's very well-liked as you can tell by the turnout," said friend Robert Devitis.

In 1936, on her 89th & last birthday, she gave out nearly 4,000 carnations. McGillin’s is only closed a few days a year  – and Thanksgiving is one of them. Stop by on July 14 to celebrate Bastille Day with half priced French Onion Soup. Pair with a glass of red wine   – only $6 all day every day.

Get your Halloween boo-ze at Philly’s oldest bar, where we have real ghosts, skeletons in our closet, drink specials and over the top Halloween decor! John Doyle is considered an icon in Philadelphia. The beloved McGillin's bartender is credited with being a matchmaker, saving marriages and pouring countless drinks while working at Philadelphia's oldest continually operating tavern. Doyle’s service even impresses first-time customers. He once served two men a couple of martinis and some stout beers and was shocked when they left him a $500 tip — his biggest ever — which he split with the other bartender working that day.

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