4. Restaurants

McGillin’s Olde Ale House

1310 Drury St, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
  • (215) 735-5562
  • Store is closed

McGillin’s Olde Ale House Menu

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  • Enoch T.

    Came with a few friends Tuesday night for their Wing Night. With 35-cent wings and $1 beer. The place was crowded and loud, but since it's pretty much free seating, you could still have a conversation if you pick your table strategically. Service was attentive even for wing night, which was impressive. Wings were average, and come with blue cheese or reach. The dollar beer is on a rotating schedule, and we were served Rolling Rock. You can also get a pitcher for $5. Quality isn't necessarily the selling point here, but if you want to enjoy a fun night out with friends on the cheap, there are few options comparable in Center City.

    (4)

  • Rich D.

    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.

    (4)

  • Brian V.

    Great atmosphere, excellent beers, and the wings are awesome. The place can get loud and very packed, especially during sporting events. Their IPA is my favorite. I'll be back for sure.

    (4)

  • Jan T.

    McGillan's is a place that pretty much defines the classic Irish Pub. Reached by going down a dark, dumpster-lined alley (the smell is amazing on a hot summer night), you see the old-fashioned bar sign from a distance and know that you have come to the right spot. Once inside, the place is set up to be social, with long rows of dark tables in a single large room, and an upstairs somewhere along the side. We went here during Stanley Cup nights, so there was always a game on, with the usual shouting patronage. The drink selection is decent, and pitchers of cheap beer are, well, cheap, so there is always a younger crowd here. This makes the place somewhat rowdy and loud, so do not expect to talk here. The main criticism, indeed, is the volume level of the music. While I don't mind loud music in a bar so much, the level here was sometimes ear-splitting and uncomfortable, leading to quick exits.

    (3)

  • Robin C.

    It can be hard to find, as it's down a little alley, but the food is well worth the search. McGillin's has large portions, cheap prices and a great beer selection. I've never been in when it's not busy and they tend to have a large sports fan crowd. The service has been good when I've been there. I can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Jorge G.

    One of the top all-around dive bars in the city is also one of the top sources for buffalo wings. Word. I used to order the "fifty-wing deal" for like $25; would last me all weekend. Supremely pleasurable wings.

    (4)

  • Jason P.

    Came here as it was close to my hotel while in Philly this past weekend. Thank you McGillin's for having a friendly staff willing to tell me what beers you had on tap and not giving me that 'hurry it up' attitude! It seemed like a college crowd the night i was there; but I didn't mind. I was just sipping on some good craft Philadelphia beer. Friendly place and reminded me of the bars in Chicago.

    (4)

  • Angie A.

    I highly recommend McGillin's! Their own IPA is smooth and refreshing; plus they have an array of local beers to choose from. As far as food goes, we didn't miss a beat with their filet mignon sandwich and Phillg cheesesteak. I definitely recommends McGillin's!

    (4)

  • Fernanda K.

    This place is just like cheers! Lots of regulars, some of whom may say, "Hey, come back tomorrow!" It's the oldest bar in town in a little dumpster-filled alleyway. Tourists have been know to look for this place and lose their way. Forever. No, just kidding about getting lost forever - it's not dangerous, just a little hidden. Karaoke night is pretty fun, and crowded. There is also a bar upstairs.

    (4)

  • Eric C.

    I want to give this place five stars. I really do. The food is great, the staff has been friendly every time I've gone in, but the people who hang out there just SUCK! It's a collection of frat boys and douche bags who are now out of school and want to re-live the old frat boy days. If you're in college, or are now married with kids and get a night out on the town and want a reminder of the good old days back in college, you will love this place. If not, grab a quick meal and then find another bar to hang out in.

    (3)

  • Grover M.

    Something's cannot be improved upon. Philadelphia is a great city. McGillin's exemplifies Philadelphia. It is a perfect pub. The glass windows are maybe 200 years old. The original license (from 1860) hangs on the wall. Everywhere you look you see treasure in this place. Every voice you hear sings Philly and its just an institution. Just perfection.

    (5)

  • Inga W.

    This place is SO loud that you can't hear your own thoughts.Food is just okay. I been there twice. First time I ordered mussels as appetizer and they there good. Also order a chicken marsala sandwich which was GROSS. I just took a bite and was going to leave it but the waitress wrap it up, so had to take it. Try giving to my cats and they didn't eat it either. This Friday I went again because they had Octoberfish on tap which is a very nice beer. I get there, no beer, mussels where bad this time, loud as usual. Hot wings are just okay there. But it's a cheap place to get drunk, I guess.

    (3)

  • Shane W.

    A cool spot that's full of history and good beer. Sucks when it gets crowded, but that's your typical weekend night anywhere.

    (4)

  • Felicia C.

    Great little restaurant/pub! I got a huge plate of mussels with spaghetti, sausage, and spinach for 7 bucks at lunchtime. And a delicious Winter White Sangria for 5 bucks! The place is cozy and is 150 years old! I loved it.

    (5)

  • Vin D.

    Mcgillins what can you say that hasn't been already

    (4)

  • James S.

    The vibe outside is actually much cooler than the one inside. You walk down a narrow alley and it's right there on your right. It feels loud, boisterous, and energetic. You think "Wow, this could be a really cool taste of Olde Philadelphia! Revolutionaries could have plotted over tankards of ale here!" Inside, it disappoints. Over the two floors instead of patriots you'll be more likely to find hoards of post-college patrons swilling pitchers of Yuengling. Not that it's a bad thing but you would think an establishment promoting its legacy as the oldest continuously operated bar in Philly would try to keep some charm. It's a normal American bar and if that's your scene you'll like McGillin's but don't expect anything special.

    (3)

  • Joan S.

    While the place is a popular spot for younger people, we found the seasonal beers great and delicious. However, the noise level is so high, it is hard to converse at your table and the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich was very plain and dry without any onions, green peppers, etc. It was a great hang out for the young versus those who are over 50. We were disappointed but then not a lot of places are open on Sunday evenings.

    (3)

  • Sophia S.

    McGillians has many great things about it....cheap pitchers, often hilarious kareoke, and freaking AMAZING wings (they are in my top 3 in philly...and I'm picky about wings) However, its massive space is always crowded so finding a table is near impossible and its ALWAYS too loud to talk to anyone without screaming. Plus, the crowd can get douchey. If it weren't for these 'atmospheric' negatives, McGillans would be getting a few more stars from me...

    (3)

  • Louis R.

    A. Rented upstairs room for a party, the bartenders helped get my friends smashed B. Wings killed C. Got packed downstairs but was still able to maneuver D. Lots of college kids E. The motif is old school...thats a good thing I will hit again (st. Patty's day in 2 weeks)

    (4)

  • Aruna A.

    It's a good bar. The outside seems really neat - it's down a dark alley named Drury St (I mean really, who doesn't love nursery rhymes!), and it's doors seem to be ancient. Inside, it's a regular old irish puby bar. The food is good - especially all the fried things. Standard bar fare. The beer list isn't anything to write home about either. BUT it's a great place for a good time with friends - and on a weekday, it's super easy to find a table and hang out with your pals. It's also got cheap beer - which is a big plus. AND it has a number of tv's to watch the Phillies on. Dependable, you always know what you will get - AND after eating fried things and having beer, you can go across the street to Capogiro and indulge in gelato. B/c why not?!?!

    (3)

  • Chris C.

    This place surprised me with a very neighborhood-bar kind of feel. It was pretty crrowded but we had no troubles finding seats. Food was good their house brews not so much. Frankly my experience in PHL leads me to believe the city doesn't appreciate beer as much as other places. Would definitely go back to McGillins again tho. . .

    (4)

  • Jim F.

    Holy Cow, what a great time! This place is not only old and charming but it is fun, friendly, and fantastic! I love the selection of local Philadelphia-area beers and some very tasty crab cakes. The music was perfect for the vibe of the place and induced dancing, fun, and a great social atmospehere. This is not a phony-baloney fake "old town" brewery - it's the real deal. Right down to the dumbwaiter delivering dishes, silverware, and napkins, this place is authenitic old-Phildelphia. LOVE IT !!! It opened in 1860 and you can tell, but it still maintains a contemporary vibe. I want people 150 years from now to still be writing about McGillin's and loving it as much as I.

    (5)

  • Meghan C.

    How can you not love Mc's? A standard place for lunch to get a pitcher and a sandwich. Cheap. ALSO, I encourage you to have a bloody mary. They have this jug at the bar with their mix that just kind of brews all week long...killer. Love the servers. Sometimes the soup can be gooey - I blame cornstarch to thicken it, but it's free, so that isn't being considered in my rating.

    (5)

  • Pattie F.

    Love this place. One of the oldest bars in the city, this place has great atmosphere; down to the comfortable dark lighting inside being juxtaposed with the harsh glare of the streetlights illuminating the outside. The food is good, the drinks are great, and the music is particularly awesome. Great place any night of the week :)

    (5)

  • Whitney B.

    When I used to work at 1 south broad, we pretty much lived at McGillin's... for lunch and happy hour. How can you go wrong with $5 bud light pitchers? The upstairs is a nice getaway if you want to avoid the karaoke singers, but if you are up for karaoke, downstairs is a great place to catch an eagles/philles/flyers game.

    (4)

  • Andrzrej K.

    Olde tyme fune- other than that, its just a regular after college pick up spot for girls, boys and the like... I came here with a local friend and he said its the oldest bar in town, not sure if thats true- but- it sure looks like that olde ladye in the corner has been here many nights, in many decades, and in various states of cognitive thought(yielding hornyness and ultimately, babies), but not before eating wings!

    (3)

  • Matt T.

    I have been to this bar a few times when staying in downtown Philly. It has a nice comfortable vibe, a good selection of beers at reasonable prices. On the last visit we probably had at least 6 pitchers with a tab around $80 before tip. Wandered in on quiz night and karaoke and had a good time even though we weren't local. Now if I just would have been smart enough to not sing Jump Around by House of Pain.

    (4)

  • Joey T.

    I never had so much fun. Pitchers were cheap. And music was SO great. The music was pretty good mix of everything from 80s rock to current hits of today. And the people - I love a place where people are having a great time. Also, no women trying to take photos or guys showing off how many push ups they can do. The wings were drenched in buffalo sauce, so the next order I told them to put it on the side. But that's not enough to ruin my experience. I love it here.

    (5)

  • Rick M.

    We had heard good things about this place and decided to try it on a recent visit to Philly. We arrived on a Tuesday night about 7:00pm. It is a seat yourself place. It is fairly loud although the music was good. We tried the veggie platter with humus, chiken fingers and shepards pie. All were good. The waitress greeted us as we sat down. It seemd to be a younger crowd in the place but I did not feel like I didn't belong there. It is down an ally, not so bad at 7:00pm but maybe at 1:00am.

    (4)

  • PJ H.

    If i could give 6 stars i would. This is one of the better bars in philly. whenever i have friends come in, i try to bring them in here for some 5 dollar pitcher day drinking and a big ole' lunch try of wings. Awesome bar, cheap beer, great wings. 5 stars in my book

    (5)

  • Ryan W.

    This review is based solely on my drinking experience as I did not get to try the food. McGillin's is a really cool place to drink. It can get packed, but there are two floors. I was there around Christmastime and they do a great job of creating a holiday atmosphere without losing that "neighborhood pub" feel. The drinks are fairly priced and the service was pretty good. They had a broad selection of beers which is never a bad thing. The only drawback to this is that their specialty beers are priced MUCH higher than the mainstream American beers. McGillins has a great atmosphere, good service, pretty friendly employees, and good selection. It can be a bit small, crowded and pricey (unless you drink solely B/M/Coors LIght).

    (3)

  • Gandhus M.

    Philly's oldest continually operating bar. Whoa, pretty heavy. Or at least I thought so when I was younger. Back in the days when participating in the great amateur folly that is "Thanksgiving Eve" seemed like a must. This was our spot for that and other such occasions. I haven't been there for a while. I always got a kick out of its location. If you didn't know, you could circle it for an hour or so before you finally poke your nose down the alley and it's neon sign smacks you in the face. Try explaining how to get there to your friends who don't know the city well. Good fun. It's a decent enough bar. I used to drink black and tans here. We used to have lunch here a lot too. No complaints. It definitely shows its age, in a good way. It's like a functional historical site. I spent a New Year's Eve here once. My buddy and I got flagged. Ah memories....

    (3)

  • jonathan s.

    i knew philadelphia would be a good time when this was the first bar i went to......saw a stumbling girl walking up to the bar in the rain, she fell down on her face, couldn't get up.....then 10 minutes later i saw her inside the bar. no way that girl gets let into a bar in so cal. then another girl fell into a table and knocked the entire thing over. basically shitfaced people everywhere but a real good time. good pub food. solid place to have some beers and people watch.

    (4)

  • Michael F.

    Whenever I'm in town, I make sure I hit this place at least once. Yesterday, I had the chicken cheesesteak sandwich and my co-workers had the Summer salads. Clean plates for all of us. The atmosphere is great and I love how old the place looks. The service is always very good. I would classify this place as "must" for anyone who comes to town.

    (4)

  • Jaime K.

    How have I not reviewed this place yet?! First off, great atmosphere - total pub vibe. Everyone is friendly. Drinks and food are super super cheap. Food is nothing fancy (not at all) but the wings are suprisingly yummy. An ideal place for people of all walks of life to get together, drink (and/or get drunk), get along and have fun. And most importantly you never have to worry about the bill! They are cheap!

    (5)

  • Miguel V.

    I don't know about the history debates, but I like this place nevertheless. It should be an easy 4 star for me, but wifey had to order some food. lots of tables upstairs and downstairs and a pretty decent environment overall. They have lots of beers on tap. I had their IPA, which didn't really impress me much. It was just okay, kinda light, but still decent hops. I like mine a little heavier than that. They had a really good variety and selection of local and regional micros, which was nice. They were all about $4.25 for a pint and $10-12 for a pitcher. We got six 6oz samplers for $8.25 which was a pretty good deal. We tried their house lager, which was a decent lager, not really my thing. I can't remember all of the names that were in there, but they were all pretty good. They let you pick a seasonal too. The music was really loud, so it was kinda hard to hear, but it is a bar. The music selection, however, was controlled by the patrons and was mostly horrible. Stupid people putting on Vanilla Ice and Hanson. It's only funny for about five seconds and then we actually have to listen to the rest of the song. They put this stuff on because they actually enjoy it, but act like they're making fun of it. Thanks for ruining it for the rest of us jackoffs. Some of the music selected was alright and if I had more money with me, I would have just dominated the jukebox with all of my selections, but I didn't want to insult the crowd as an outsider. Wifey got hungry and ordered the nachos ($3). I tried to warn her in every way, "We're not in Cali anymore", but she wouldn't listen. The one thing she told the waitress was that she wanted Jalapenos. Well, 30 minutes later, we get a pile of chips. Literally about have a bag, and not the tostitos kind, the even cheaper corn chip generic version. There was barely any cheese and no Jalapenos to be seen. waitress said she would get some Jalapenos for us since they weren't there and never came back with them. We ate some chips that actually had a little cheese on them and eventually found 3-4 Jalapeno slices buried in the center of the chip mountain, but it was not making up for it. 10-15 mins later we told our waitress we just wanted the check and she said, "Oh, so you don't want your Jalapenos? They're almost ready." What? These are pickled Jalapenos that are sliced, what do you mean they are almost ready? it takes 15 minutes to slice a freakin pepper? We got our bill and she had charged us .50 for extra jalapenos when we didn't get any in the first place. She took it off, but it took forever for us to actually get the bill and get out of there. Good beer, good drinkers, good prices, horrible music. horrible food, horrible service. it all averages out. They have some daily specials, but it is mostly just $6.50 pitchers of PBR and Bud light. I don't drink that garbage, so it's not very special for me.

    (3)

  • Lea S.

    Cheap beer, not easily offended staff, and dare I say BANGIN' wings. The only thing regretable about this bar is what ever I do after leaving it!

    (5)

  • Laura D.

    I really like McGillan's for a nice little Irish bar. Came here last Saturday around 5pm for a bite and a few drinks. Our waitress was really friendly - put together tables so the 15 of us could sit together, and provided quick, attentive service. A couple friends and I shared a pitcher of an apricot draft, and it was deliciously light and refreshing without being too fruity. They had a good selection of draft and bottled beers so I had a hard time choosing, but the apricots called to me. I also had a turkey sandwich was quite tasty. The waitress even went out of her way to split the check for just 3 of us even though the computers were down. I've been here other times (Friday, Saturday nights) and when they've had karaoke. It can get kinda packed, but it's always a good time. Yay McGillin's, I like you... even though you're really old.

    (4)

  • Karla G.

    I'm finding it hard to believe that I have never written a review of McGillan's, but apparently my ADHD has gotten the better of me. McGillan's has always been a fun spot full of great food, fun atmosphere (when not over crowded with frat boy yuppies for football games), and a beer list including one of my absolute favorites - Beamish. They are literally the only bar here that can import the brew right off of the boat thanks to the hundred year old liquor license. (PS did you know that your "Irish" beer is actually all made in Canada when it is served on draft - stupid PA liquor laws. But they have REAL Irish beer from Ireland. - yay!) I'm going to sans the sarcasm and make it clear why this place rocks: 1.) 25 cent wings on Tuesday - BIG wings, not little ones like some places (South Street, eh hem) 2.) Beamish and damn good house ale! 3.) Mile High Meatloaf dinner at only $8 4.) Saturday $5 steak night rocks my socks. And finally, some things I do NOT like about the placed, which has caused my lack of a perfect star score: 1.) Loud, drunk yuppies falling over me during sporting events. 2.) The fact that they found the need to put hundreds of TVs in an old fashioned pub. That's about it really. Oh, and you get some damn good free soups at lunch, great in the winter with some cider.

    (4)

  • Brian M.

    It smells like stale dish water and there are a lot of my friends that won't go to McGillin's with me - but I do enjoy the place for lunch or happy hour. Normally pretty easy to get a table for any sized group, fast service, reasonable prices good crab cakes and one of my favorite hamburgers in the city. Also the open face turkey sandwich is some of the most comforting comfort food you'll get. Free soup at lunch. A fire place on cold days. Waitresses and "center city friendly." Throw the craft brews on tap and the history of the place on top of that pile and that would be good enough. But more than that I love the crowd. Good like finding another bar in the city with this kind of diversity during the lunch rush or happy hour.

    (4)

  • Brittany F.

    $5 Pitchers of PBR, awesome food, great jukebox, fun Karoke wednesdays, great nostalgic Philadelphia Memrobilia all at the Oldest Bar In Philadelphia! How can you go wrong? it's freaking loud as hell.... That's my only issue. Seriously... and I'm only 26 so itoh and parking but whatever to parking, take PT.... But yeah. I love this place, the food is soooooo yummy. I had a great chicken parm sandwich there, and their fries are good, just good bar food in general. Waitstaff is pretty attentive and the $5 pitchers just keep coming.... so what if it's PBR? Pay another dollar and get a Yuengling one if you have a problem with PBR. It's my brother's fave bar so whenever he decides to have a bday... or move to LA... we go there.

    (4)

  • Laura D.

    My now fiancee and I went on a road trip last spring and I have been super busy I never yelped about our adventures. None the less this was the best time we had in Philly, mind you we only had a day to see the whole city. So we arrived around noon and ventured out and did some sightseeing. Then we returned to our hotel, checked in and decided it was time to start drinking. On the recommendation of fellow yelpers we gave this place a try. It is down a back alley and in the middle of no where. We walked in and it was packed. The people where so friendly. There was a group of people who where singing and it was so much fun. We had a seafood platter and buffalo wings. The seafood platter was above average but the buffalo wings where amazing! The beer was like $8 a pitcher and we had at least two and stumbled back to our hotel as happy as could be.

    (5)

  • Brian T.

    Great pub with a lot of history. I was staying at a local hotel and stumbled upon this place as I was walking around. Extensive beer selection, good wings. The prices...wow. Must be the best bang for the buck in town. Pitchers of beer starting at $6.50, almost all of the sandwiches are in the $6-9 range.

    (5)

  • Sean D.

    Went for a work party- my colleagues are a conscientious bunch, so IMO, we are good customers to have. Bar staff was not that friendly, which I don't understand for a crew that is polite and tips well. It's a cool place because it is so old, but it takes a bit more than that for me to give more stars. I'll go again, but only if I don't have a say in the matter.

    (3)

  • Leo M.

    15 Word Review of McGillins: Drink for Cheap. $10 pitchers of Yard's Philly Pale Ale. Avoid weekends. Food, ok.

    (4)

  • Omar K.

    McGillin's is one of my favorite bars in the city. Karaoke, beer specials, and late night food.. what more can you ask for?! The atmosphere of the establishment screams out FUN! If you want a good time in the city, start your night off at McGillan's. Hands down, my favorite place to show my friends a good time in Philadelphia!

    (5)

  • Bill M.

    This might just be the best place for standard karaoke (Philly has an eclectic mix of karaoke nights - Punk Rock, Puppets, Etc.) in all of Philadelphia. They have roughly three huge books of songs to choose from, so chances are your going to find that one special song your looking for and then some. McGillin's has a great assortment of beer and food as well. your best bet is definitely to go for the featured Micro brew. It's the oldest bar in Philadelphia and has a beautiful decor. The only flaw is that it can get ultra crowded. 2 floors of people packed in together.

    (4)

  • K E.

    I first came here one night a few years back, just to drink w/ the girls. It was fun. This past week I was making another trip to Philly w/ my boyfriend and we decided to stop on by for lunch. We got there around one and there was a good crowd. We were seated immediately. The service was alright. Our waitress never cracked a smile, but whatever. He got a burger, and I got the RB McGillin. We also got the side of Tex-Mex fries. The menu said it was for two people but jeez almighty!! The plate was the side of my head! And it was soooo good. We ended up having leftovers which we bought home. We'll be back for sure, but we'll wait until the fall. Of course we visited Philly during the heatwave, and their upstairs bathroom apparently has no A/C which was a bummer.

    (4)

  • Kathy D.

    Your experience will not have to be compromised for price. Dive Bar prices with a great, old world atmosphere. Literately call it, "My Happy Place." Great times to be had with the karaoke stage, at the long tables on the first floor, or in the alley for their festivals. You will have a great time and leave with money in your pocket!

    (5)

  • Timber W.

    When visiting Philadelphia last week for a conference, some of my colleagues and I went to McGillin's. I'm not a huge fan of beer, but I enjoyed the pinot noir I ordered. This bar had a great atmosphere, and the general consensus at our table was that the people singing karaoke just HAD to be professionals. The best part: we got to see someone be physically thrown out of the bar. He even gripped the door frame in an attempt to stay inside. You don't have to worry about your safety at this place!

    (4)

  • Caroline C.

    Go. Drink. Have fun with friends. This place is awesome and definitely should not be missed on any trip to Philly!

    (4)

  • Erin F.

    This is my favorite place to go to. The drinks are a good price and they have specials every night. Karaoke is always super fun. The crowd on Friday an Saturday nights suck but that's why I prefer to go during the week or Sunday night.

    (5)

  • Benjamin M.

    With 228 reviews of McGillin's already, it's difficult and redundant to expand upon what's already been written. However, having never been here, we decided to make it our go-to spot for St. Patty's Day. With only a $2 cover charge and no line before noon, I was happy with the decision immediately. Of course the place was packed on both floors, but the upstairs was extremely loud. So, we we headed back downstairs and camped out for the afternoon at a small wall table near the one exit. We enjoyed some fish and chips, drank some of the McGillin's brews, listened to good music and watched the entertaining antics of those around us. It was definitely a fun place to enjoy the holiday festivities. I'd love to come back again when I'm not hearing "excuse me" every 8 seconds.

    (4)

  • Gerald H.

    Excellent meatloaf! Great service and atmosphere. Good beer at a great price. A definite must when in Philly. The standard for every pub!

    (4)

  • Steve W.

    The beer here is good and it's cheap. $4/glass or $11/pitcher, other places charge more at happy hour and this is their normal price. The 1860 IPA is good. The food isn't as good as the beer, very average. Best to drink here first, then go to dinner elsewhere. The inside is wide open and gets pretty loud. We got here around 5pm and the bottom floor and bar was already pretty crowded with the after work crowd. It starts the thin out by 6:15pm. Fun place, worth a trip.

    (4)

  • Tom D.

    McGillin's is where you need to be! This bar is a classic, there are many to choose from in Philadelphia but this is one you MUST grab a beer at. It's the oldest bar in the city, and it's still around for a reason. It's located on a very small side street which kind of adds to the mystique of this place. It's got everything one would want for a day of drinking with friends or just hanging at the bar all day. Sports... They got that covered, a couple of big screens and some smaller tvs to cover every sport. Food... Some of the best bar food you can get, I go for the hot wings. Great flavor, great sauce. Need a place for a large party, they got the room for it with a second bar/party room upstairs. Now for my favorite part the beer. Cheap pitchers of beer from as little as $6! Good luck finding a beer in any other bar in the city for less. Plenty on tap from the norm to the excellent. The have their own beers too, a favorite of mine being the 1860 IPA, crisp and refreshing. All in all you will get great drinks, great food and great hospitality (very friendly bartenders) always with a funny story to tell. Do yourself a favor and spend a day at McGillin's, you will thank me for it!

    (5)

  • Vinny P.

    If you went to college, just attended at least one fraternity party or maybe just saw Animal House, PCU, or Old School, then this part of you will awaken in McGillin's. The beer selection is ok but pitchers are what you drink here. People come here to get hammered. The crowd is mixed, basically young and certainly bro-tastic. It's not all bad, there are some cute girls floating around and most likely, they're drunk so there's that. Um, bathrooms upstairs definitely smell awful. If you start dancing in the middle of the first floor, people will stare at you. Just sayin...

    (3)

  • Colleen M.

    Went on Saturday... Bartender? Awesome. $3 bloody mary? MORE AWESOME!!! Smell? Still gross.

    (3)

  • Mike S.

    Very crowded Irish pub! If your there with friends order a pitcher, you get more bang for your buck. 2 draft beers cost me $6, but a pitcher was only $7 and you got 5 glasses worth. If you see a table I highly suggest you grab it without delay or you will end up getting bumped all night. We were upstairs, I prefer the downstairs area but at least we got a table. All in all a fun place to go, next time I will try some of their pub grub.

    (4)

  • Sean H.

    Fantastic pub fare, and downright cheap beer. It's kind of tucked away off the main streets, but McGillin's is a Philly treat.

    (4)

  • James C.

    Their in house IPA is definitely worth trying especially for the price. Great environment especially around happy hour during the week when the after work crowd comes in. French onion soup, Shepard's pie, and their Reuben are my favorites.

    (5)

  • John Q.

    Some people love McGillin's, other people hate it. I am somewhere in between. At times this place could be really crowded, insanely noisy, and full of overly intoxicated/obnoxious people. Other times it's a really nice place to grab a cheap beer and wings. Their food is actually decent and I recommend trying the French Onion soup or the mussels. Both are much better than you'd expect from an Irish Ale House. They run specials and serve pitchers making this an attractive spot for large groups. The place is split up into two floors but the 2nd floor is really small and has a small bar too. Sunday nights they host karaoke and even though it's the same singers week after week, it's entertaining and a good way to end the weekend. My friends tend to always start/finish the night here so it's inevitable that I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Sean K.

    oldie but goodie. i love going to this place. had many events at this bar and always packed. food and karaoke nights aren't too shabby

    (4)

  • Maximiliano S.

    This is an update of my 2 stars review of last week. I was told that they DO have Soda Stereo and a wide selection of international bands. So Im sorry about my last comment. Maybe you should promote that list a little more. Nice place :)

    (4)

  • Alison K.

    I went here before and after a scavenger hunt. We were starving afterwards and decided to get chicken tenders, which were pretty much your average heated-up-from-frozen fare. Good enough for what we wanted at that moment, but just based on that, I probably wouldn't rush back. Also, I'm not a huge fan of it being in an alley with dumpsters and stuff. But apparently the beer list is good, so maybe that's a reason to try it again.

    (3)

  • Luis M.

    I don't know what the hype is here. It's an ok bar but nothing too great or memorable. The food was ok, it was bad but it wasn't mind blowing either. The service was good I give them that but it's also because it was a Sunday evening and not so packed. The atmosphere of the place is what I really loved. It was a great and friendly place to be at. They had karaoke, the bartenders and waitresses were singing along to the DJ, it was a lot if fun. It makes for a great hang out spot. The alcohol is why I'm only giving it 3 stars. I ordered a Long Island ice tea and it was horrible. My wife got a Fuzzy Navel and I swear it was missing the alcohol. Thinking it was maybe a mistake we have them another shot at it. We got another round and nope, same thing. IDK if its maybe because I'm not from around here and in California they make things stronger but these guys need to up the alcohol content in the drinks.

    (3)

  • David C.

    I came here with some coworkers for a holiday party. The buffet food that was served was good, especially the wings. The drinks were a little watered down, and the service left something to be desired. The bartender seemed a little bit upset about the behavior of those present, but in general the selections that they had was pretty good. Good for a night out or to watch a game over beer and wings.

    (3)

  • John H.

    Great spot downtown. Established in 1860! Came in for some dinner during Karaoke night and it was a bit loud and rowdy - perfect after a long day's work. The bangers were excellent as were the side dishes. We tried several different beers - all of which were very good. Next time I'm in Philadelphia on business I'll be back for sure.

    (5)

  • Eric T.

    Solid spot to grab a drink with your buddies. The pitchers were cheap! I was surprised. The music is a bit loud and there isn't much room to dance, although I see people are itching for some place to bust out their moves. You can't beat the prices of the beer especially for the area (at least so I think). Definitely a good spot to check out.

    (4)

  • Erin D.

    I've been here my fair share of times and have always had a great time. It's cheap, the atmosphere is fun, and the space is huge. I've come here with friends and have shared pitchers, and managed not to break the bank ($6-$9 per pitcher). There are two floors, both with a juke box which never gets old. The best times I've had here is grabbing a table and posting up for a couple hours. The volume is perfect. It isn't too quiet but it also isn't so loud that you can't hear each other talk. I love this place and probably end up here at least every other weekend.

    (4)

  • Ron G.

    Great atmosphere, fun karaoke, delicious house beers, lots of big long tables. This place has that quality that puts all the patrons in a good mood somehow. Go. The IPA is yummy.

    (4)

  • Sarah B.

    My friends and I were on a Center City scavenger hunt ( phillythegame.com ) and one of the stops was McGillin's. We decided that since we were there, we had to buy a couple pitchers of lager ($6 each), right? Of course we did! We chatted it up with the friendly bartender who asked how our hunt was going. I glanced at some of the old photos and tschotskes around the bar and felt like I had been transported to another time. I waxed nostalgic and yearned for the good 'ol days and felt somehow more .. patriotic. McGillin's contains a lot of history and I was honored to be there for the first time! I don't know what it's like at night but on this particular Sunday afternoon it was fairly quiet, with most patrons at tables having a bite instead of at the bar being drunk and disorderly. I could definitely see myself as a regular here.

    (4)

  • Nolan D.

    McGillin's...yeah more like McGuyIsland....nothing but dudes in here...FUCKING PLACE SUCKS.......

    (1)

  • Jake V.

    McGillin's Old Ale House.... What a nice little industrial-post-punk gay bar! They did have pints of Hopback for $3.50.

    (3)

  • Carrie E.

    After drinking fancy drinks at a trendy joint, I found myself here. And I'm still processing it, because it was a very strange experience for me. I'm thinking that if I had gone to a frat party when I was in college it may have been like this. There were sports being watched while people chugged beer and The Grateful Dead was being played. Very loudly. So while I tried to deal with this strange new world I randomly found myself in, I enjoyed a delicious beer and some very tasty french fries, served with my required side of honey mustard. De-lish! And our bartender was a sweetie. But the bouncer was the first dude in a long time not to ask for my ID when I came in. Does that mean I'm looking really old or he's just a slacker? If you're thinking the former, then please just lie to me. Pretty please? I'll share my french fries with you!

    (3)

  • Jeremy G.

    i always seem to have a great time at this place. best bar to start rock paper scissors tournaments. for some reason, this place always seems to attract a friendly crowd. maybe its just me. food is above average, but not something to write home about. five stars for the cheap booze and fun.

    (5)

  • Chrissy R.

    I only go here for karaoke for DJ Joe H's jawn, but when I go on Sundays everyone is so nice and friendly. Had some great conversations on Sunday nights with staff and managers (owners?). You never know who you meet in here because it's a bit of a tourist destination being close to hotels and being the oldest bar in Philly. I've met rodeo clowns from TX and businessmen from Prague in here. One time I met two guys from Manchester the same day that Man City did the double over Man United (for the first time in like 25 years) and I was decked out in my City gear celebrating and we had a grand old time talking about how evil Man United is. That doesn't happen too many places in the illdelph. Try the mussels-to die for. If you go for karaoke I recommend going on Sunday, other nights draw HUGE crowds and while it's fun you might get annoyed by popped collars and not getting to sing too much.

    (4)

  • Brad C.

    I love this place. It gets a little crowded at night and can be a bit loud, but that's part of the fun. They always have the Phillies and Eagles on and nothing beats $5 pitchers. Food is perfect for the atmosphere. I highly recommend this place regardless of the day of week. Wednesdays are karaoke, however.

    (5)

  • Adam K.

    Great to get smashed in the city of brotherly love with complete strangers. I was here for biz, this was one of the haunts errybody was like, "Get er done!" so I did. I had a good time, dont remember much about the night other than the bartender chick was hot and flirty.

    (4)

  • Brian B.

    I was very excited when I was in Philly and realized I was a block away from McGillin's - the oldest bar in Philly. I had to check this place out. I was ready to go and made my way over. Walking up I was pumped with a back alley entrance, off the beaten path (at least to me), i thought i had found a great place. Then I walked into a karoke, crowded, loud, hard to get a beer, pushy people trapped in their college hayday. This was all on a Tuesday night... I don't know if this is a one off night or what but I took it as the norm. So I can say I have experienced McGillin's but I will look for another option next time I am in the neighborhood.

    (2)

  • Kristin B.

    What began as a conversation at the hotel about the oldest bars in America ended with a field-trip to McGillin's, the oldest bar in Philadelphia. Upon visiting, I can tell you there's a reason it's been around for so long! First, it has a great atmosphere. Even on a Monday night, every table was full and there wasn't an empty seat at the bar. The crowd was friendly, vibrant, and much younger than I expected. The atmosphere and ambiance had that crusty old pub feel going, and I mean that in the best possible way. It was a throwback for me to the centuries old pubs in Oxford, England that I frequented when I studied there. There were cheap pitchers, but also some fancy ciders on tap. The icing on the cake was that the service was attentive and fast. It has the pedigree of a tourist trap, but the execution of a great neighborhood hangout. When I'm back in Philadelphia, I'll be back to McGillin's.

    (4)

  • Abby S.

    Maybe i am the only one with AWFUL service. If a drunk college bar is your vibe you might enjoy just don't expect attentive and friendly service.

    (1)

  • Jess C.

    I took a friend here who was visiting for the weekend. It was a good time, until the server messed up our check and ended up over charging him (A LOT) for a pitcher of beer. They reran the check, however, it is going to take days for that money to go back on his debit card...it ended up freezing his card for the whole weekend and was a whole mess. Ultimately, we were VERY unsatisfied with their customer service. It ended up being a huge inconvenience, and the management didn't seem to give a shit. Next time, I will take guests elsewhere, to a restaurant that takes care of its guests.

    (2)

  • Caesar R.

    Oldest if not one of the oldest spots in Philly to grab a beer or a drink. Tucked away on Drury Street in Market East is this little gem of a bar. Always guaranteed a good time here. Full menu of sandwiches, entrees and bar food. A great selection of locally brewed beers too.

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    McGillin's is a very local place with a very after-work sort of crowd. Being a an out of towner, I was skeptical at first because I didn't want to seem like I was intruding on a place where the bartender seemed to know everyone's name. That said, I was extremely (and pleasantly) surprised when the crowd made me and my boyfriend feel right at home. The bartender chatted with us and made sure that we were given as much attention as his regulars. At one point, I was sitting in the only free chair at the bar and my boyfriend had to stand and someone got up so we could sit together. That's quite a rarity in New York, where free seats are usually nabbed in a heartbeat and (lazy) people are keen on keeping them until they want to go home. The patrons and employees have certainly done the title of 'the City of Brotherly Love' justice, and I will certainly be back when I'm after a loud, I-can-finally-relax-after-work vibe.

    (4)

  • Megan E.

    This place was amazing, it was kind of jam packed and extremely loud but looked like a great place to have beers and catch a game. The waitresses were incredibly friendly and showed me some of the great hospitality I've ever received at a restaurant. I ordered a product that I wasn't sure if it was vegan, she went back to find out what the bread had in it and came back embarrassed that they didn't know. I would have been alright with just choosing something else but she offered to recreate the plate with just more veggies and not the bread in question, which was incredible. It was a homemade hummus plate that was so delicious. We also had a few of the beers, and my friend got a beer that was pumpkin beer and cider which was extremely good and we will be recreating that drink a lot this fall. I'd suggest this for anyone, except those who want a quiet bar.

    (4)

  • G M.

    5th oldest continuously running bar in America and my favorite bar in Philly (possibly the world). Don't think I have frequented any other bar more than McGillin's. I have many things to say, but I'll attempt to keep it short. Friendly atmosphere from patrons to servers to bartenders. Some of the female staff are attractive, the guys (bartenders and bouncers) are cool. This is a great neighborhood bar and what I mean by that is you can go in almost any night and have a good time. The booze is cheap, always some sort of pitcher on special for $7.50 and the mugs they provide make any pour, no matter how bad, a good one. Just let the foam settle for a min or two. Food is also cheap and decent. I wouldn't say the whole menu is outstanding, but the wings are a must and their turkey melt on special is pretty amazing. I believe i had pork schnitzel a few months ago that really surprised me. Hang out downstairs, the upstairs usually has space, but its kinda awkward. Be friendly and ready to have a great time and McGillin's never disappoints. There's a reason this place survived prohibition.

    (5)

  • Andrea A.

    Came here to enjoy a few drinks while visiting Philly. I found this place using the app TVFoodMaps. It was apparently featured on a show called Drinking Made Easy. Went on a Wednesday night and I was so surprised how busy it was. The first floor was crowded and they had a stage for karaoke. Upstairs was less crowded and more of a restaurant. The restroom had the speakers linked to the people singing downstairs so it was funny to listen to people sing. We sat at the bar and I enjoyed a double of jack and coke and my fiance ordered the beer on tap. Each round was only $12. Coming from NY that's a steal for us. We were amused by the fact they actually had a functioning cigarette vending machine near the bathrooms too. We haven't seen one of those old things in years. The kitchen closed at 1am so around 12am we ordered the wings and spicy curly fries with cheddar cheese. The wings were yummy and decent sized. I'm used to cheese fries having the cheese melted on top but it wasn't served like that. It was on the side and seemed more like cheese whiz instead of real cheese but was still pretty good. We enjoyed our night - great service, nice bartenders and cheap drinks. Cabs are easy to catch around this area also. Will come again next time we're in town.

    (4)

  • Vichet O.

    This is not meant to be a bad review! McGillin's was tough for me to rate, because I was here for two great Big Red events, and had a blast at both of them. I have a feeling I would have had a blast with them in almost any venue, though. I also realized that I never go out of my way to actually come here for anything else - among pubs, this place is middle of the road for me. The good things: respectable food options lots of local beers on tap, and effective service. I have nothing negative to say about this place. They're definitely good for events. If I could rate between stars, I'd give this place a 3.5. Perhaps when I go back it will wow me in some non-Big Red related way, and earn that 4th star in my book of places I plan around. Pro-tip: Ask for the Tex Mex curly fries. It's a plate of spiced curly fries piled with jalapeno, onion, sour cream, shredded cheese and salsa, about the size of a football. Definitely share.

    (3)

  • Brian Y.

    Great spot down an alley in Center City. Exactly the kind of place we were looking for after a long day. Fantastic food: we got the shepherd's pie and the open faced roast beef sandwich, both were good, but the roast beef won hands down. Big beer selection, but don't discount the house stuff. That's what we drank and it was great for a couple pitchers on a Saturday night. I can see this place getting pretty crazy on weekend nights. Two bars on two levels and huge Phillies crowd. So take note if you're just hoping to chill.

    (4)

  • Shannon L.

    My favorite bar in Philadelphia, with great Karaoke nights. I am not sure what it is that draws me to McGillins... but it can be really crowded and noisy, boisterous, and I always have a lot of fun! It's so alive, great atmosphere... and they have pretty cheap food beers. It's definitely not the place for a quiet get together, but it's a nice place to hang out with friends if you're not looking for quiet! I think it's also the best place to be in Philly on St. Paddy's Day! You get people of all ages too, though age takes a back seat here. My friend had this 2 hour long conversation with a guy 3x his age (in spite of the noise level) and left smiling.

    (5)

  • Chris P.

    Fun relaxed crazy place to land after a day of covering history on the streets of Philadelphia. Full of fun loving people, I liked reading everything on the walls on the way upstairs.

    (4)

  • Jim H.

    Things I didn't know before planning an event at McGillins... - the upstairs would be closed on Monday. - having planned it in July, I didn't realize the date would be week 1 of Monday Night Football. - pretty much everyone that replied would actually show up - my work schedule would change and I would need to get up on Tuesday at 4am. These things combined to make for a super anxious situation, as I entered Phillys oldest bar on the night of the Prove You Exist event. The place was packed for the MNF game and expecting upwards of 20 yelpers, I scrambled to stake out some territory. One of the owners worked the room amazingly, trying to find us seats. We had secured a few tables , although sadly, not nearby. I'm sure it was extremely difficult for the staff, that we stood in their way and played musical chairs, but they didn't let us know that we were a pain in the ass. We were very quickly over 20 strong and it was just an amazing experience seeing old friends, meeting new ones and watching others meet and get along. Everyone who came were amazingly cool, even Michael W, who made a sad and awkward " feats of strength" display for Elite status. ( Note to Wham: Elite status is based on the merit of your reviews, not your ability to. " pick everyone up") When all was said and done , the consensus was that the night was a huge success. I attribute this to both McGillins and it's staff , and the Yelpers who attended. Since I was a bit nervous about the event, I didn't try most of the delicious looking food ( the pizza was good), but I hope to remedy that for next time ( and there wil be a next time). Thanks to all involved.

    (5)

  • Kyle B.

    This is my kind of bar. The bar is 150 years old and it is instantly apparent that this place is historic. The microbrew selection is awesome, food variety is great, and the atmosphere is welcoming. The selection of microbrews consists of beers from Pennsylvania as well as some other states. Service was decent. I will be returning!

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    One of my favorite bars in Philly. I can't believe how consistently crowded it is, but I don't care. As long as I have a table I can stay there all night. Its a laid back place with cheap drinks, a good atmosphere, and an appropriate number of televisions (just enough to be able to watch a game, not too many to distract me when talking with someone... as I'm prone to do as a result of self diagnosed ADHD issues). The food is pretty good too.

    (5)

  • Derrick J.

    Wings were OK, good atmosphere and defiantly would visit again! Found the place through Yelp and was not disappointed!

    (4)

  • Meg R.

    Stumbled in here VERY hungry on saturday night around 8pm. No one else was eating dinner- lots of drinking, but that's okay with me! Pitchers for $7.50 :D and the tex mex fries were huuuuge and delicious. Good chicken tenders. I take off a star because service was a slow and it took a long time to get some water while my mouth was burning with buffalo chicken sauce. But the place was a good time

    (4)

  • Jon D.

    Came here on a Wednesday night after a Phillies game...it was pretty hopping. The chicken fingers and pitchers of beer (PBR @ $6.50) were a good deal. My whiskey sour, on the other hand, amounted to about 5 tablespoons :(...so stick to beer when you come. Our waitress was nice, so was the bouncer. The atmosphere in this place is classic yet cool mixed with a little dirty...but what else would you expect from the oldest tavern in Philly? The best and worst part of the night- They have karaoke on Wednesdays, which I found out about the minute my eardrum ruptured at what sounded like the shrieking of a wild animal...more specifically, one getting hit by a car. Anyways, as I descended the stairs to the first floor, it was highly amusing to finally catch a glimpse of this beast...who was hugging the mic like it was a juicy meatball sandwich. A cool place worth checking out with some friends.

    (3)

  • Dima M.

    If I were to decide whether to move to a city based on a bar, this would be the one that would make me move to Philly in a heartbeat! Great pub atmosphere, and the way seating is arranged reminds me of pubs in Europe. Came here with a few friends while visiting a friend that live just outside Philly. The space was tight, but very friendly. One of the reasons I loved it is the lack of usual meat market bar scene. It's shocking when you first walk in and see a great room that's just packed with people, but it's actually a decent place for conversing with friends. The menu is fantastic with really good food options and delicious drink selections including local beers (YUM!). The service was good as well. Naturally, it's tucked away and the entrance is in a darkish small street, which may actually be an ally. It's all part of the strange character. This is definitely a place I would come to again next time I'm in Philly.

    (4)

  • Devon L.

    Oh McGillins, how I love thee. This is a favorite spot of mine in the city. Went for brunch Sunday afternoon and sat at the bar. You can't beat the $3 mimosa special, or the cheap brunch options - most options are in the $6-10 range, and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. I had the frittata of the day yesterday - it had sausage, swiss cheese, onions, green peppers, home fries and toast included on the side for $8.99... I went hungry and couldn't come close to finishing the massive platter. I almost ordered the breakfast burger but was told that grown men can't even finish the whopping 2 patty sandwich topped with bacon, cheese, fried egg, and a number of other things served with French fries. You really can't beat the prices here for beer and food - it's a great value, and not to mention it has a lot of history, a good atmosphere, and if you go at off-peak times it is not very loud or crowded if that's not your thing. I also love the wings here, and most of the sandwiches I've had are great too. They have a great selection of beers and all are reasonably priced. Also would like to give a mention of how nice the staff is here - all of the bartenders, waitresses, managers are super nice and cheerful. McGIllins is always my recommendation for out of towners to check out and that probably will hold true for a very, very long time.

    (4)

  • Jenna C.

    Stopped at this place as one of our many bar stops on a Wednesday night during a conference. It was CRAZY crowded. They were kinda rude about the IDing upon entry. The bartenders were nice though. He made a good recommendation for his favorite IPA, and I was happy with his selection. We tried going to the upstairs area, but there was a private event. The event was ending soon, so we waited, cramped in a corner downstairs, for about 10 minutes until the event was over. We ended up getting a table upstairs, and we ordered some buffalo chicken wings to go with our beers. The chicken was crazy spicy, but very flavorful. The place had a good atmosphere (we missed out on the karaoke show downstairs... but that was probably a good thing). We were only here for probably 1-1.5 hours, but I guess our experience was pretty good. I'd probably return, but not with a huge group.

    (3)

  • Don M.

    Stopped by here for a drink while wandering about. Decent size bar and a ton of tables for kicking back and enjoying a beverage or two. This looks like a place just to hang and drink. Prices were cheap. Good service, decent place, variety of patrons from locals to wandering tourists. If you need some drinks cheap and decent place to hang this is it.

    (4)

  • KB C.

    The French onion soup was not hot enough, but I was staring at the bowl and ate it anyway. By the way, it was really, really good. Great flavor- if it would've been hot, it would be the best I've ever had. Cheesesteak Sammy was quite good- great roll, meat and cheese. (my wife had the chicken cheesesteak and it sucked- but what did she really expect, flavor?) Pretty solid list of beers to choose from too... And it's the oldest bar in Philly! Over 150 years old.

    (4)

  • Tony F.

    McGillin's was one of the first places I went to after moving to Philly. I had a few friends suggest it as a place to check out and, overall, it hasn't disappointed. You will be hard-pressed to find a cheaper meal than what you will find at the oldest pub in all of Philly. And you don't get a little plate of food, you get a real meal. Drink prices are great to begin with, but then there are always plenty of specials to take advantage of, too. It's a great spot to go during the day if you are looking for a meal or some drinks, but at night it turns into a really crowded place that is on the younger side. My only gripe is some miserable waitress we have been stuck with on a few occasions. Ugh! We never complained about a thing and have been very friendly, but even though it isn't busy she takes forever to clean up or fill any drinks. Besides her, this is an awesome place to check out!

    (4)

  • Dia S.

    I have been coming to McGillins for a while, this place is an old standby. I really enjoy the feeling in there, lots of fun, good music, people relaxing and having a great time. The food is ok, but the bar scene is great. Ive had great times there and the service is also on point. I give McGillins 5 stars and definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to have a good time, and a few drinks.

    (5)

  • Ronny D.

    It's midnight and I'm still rocking on Pacific Standard Time, time for dinner...now...where to eat at midnight? How about this pub we heard about? It's only 3 blocks away from our hotel. Sweet. McGillin's Olde Ale House was poppin at midnight on a Saturday, bunch of friendly people from 21 to 40 drinking and singing your classic bar songs like Journey or Def Leppard. We ordered the beer sampler, mac and cheese and 10 pieces of chicken wings. Beer Sampler was pretty awesome, 6 half pints of local beers, most were very delicious. Mac and cheese was nicely done as well, baked with a nice cheese crust. Although the veggie side mix didn't taste too good. Chicken Wings were not as legendary as friends and locals told me about, but they were solid wings. I would definitely come back here again, for dinner and/or late night drinking. Cheers!

    (4)

  • Christa H.

    Always on our bar crawl list! Very welcoming, extensive beer selection, reasonable prices, and always a few entertaining characters to people watch! Great Philly bar to watch sports, hang out, or just have a pint:-)

    (5)

  • Annette P.

    Wait staff was attentive, nice environment, food was adequate but the Philly cheese steak is disappointing. It was a short walk from our hotel and we enjoyed hanging out there having a drink or two.

    (3)

  • M. M.

    I'd give this place maybe a 3.5 . On the one hand, I like the historicness of the place, stuck down its picturesque little alley, especially given that we had to walk through deserted, boring and kind of crappy streets from Chinatown to get here. It also felt busy, well-patrolled and reasonably safe to be walking out of McGillan's with a buzz on after last call. On the other hand, being handed a beer list and having to choose at least six different beers before finding one that the bar actually had in stock was annoying. Especially since, as we ordered each one, the bartender girl would say, "Oh, we're out of that, sorry" and we would say, "So what DO you have?" and she'd say, "Everything else." Once or twice, OK, yeah, bars do run out. But SIX TIMES? It was like a bad Seinfeld episode. No idea if that happens regularly or if we just picked a real bad Saturday night to order something that wasn't a cheap pitcher, but it was utterly surreal for them to be out of that many beers. Once we finally did get some beers and found a place to sit, it was all pleasant enough, albeit quite loud in there.

    (3)

  • Sergio K.

    What's not to love. You have to travel down an alley to get to it, it's been around for over 150 years, the beer is cheap, the food is great, and even the bouncers are nice. In comparison to other bars in the area, the pitchers of beer are legit (no skimping on size), the nachos used good ingredients, it was crowded but not too cramped. Overall a great time.

    (4)

  • K W.

    I have been here maybe 4 times. Everytime I have gone, I went on Tuesday for wing night. Love the 25 cent wings and $5 pitchers! The people arent too bad (young crowd with some young professionals mixed in) and the bartenders are nice. They always remember us when we come back! Unfortunately, I just described the last THREE times I went. My 4th time wasnt as pleasant... My friends and I got this waitress who gave us the worst customer service I think I have ever had. And I am one to have much sympathy, because I was a waitress once myself. But the cardinal rule of serving is that you are ALWAYS nice and polite. Well this girl was rude to us right off the bat: She would screw up our order and then blow us off when we tried to ask her to correct it, but then got mad at my friend when she tried to go to the bar instead to ask for it to be corrected. When my other friend only wanted an appetizer, she looked straight at him and said, "Are you serious?" One other waitress noticed we were being neglected and helped to clear our dirty dishes and serve the food when it was up. The worst part was that she tried to tell us that we stiffed her of a tip, which was IMPOSSIBLE. We counted the money ourselves before we gave it to her and she had a 15% tip, despite her poor service and umprofessionalism. She actually walked over to our table and asked if something was wrong. OK, well if we actually stiffed you, do you think we still would be sitting here, waiting for you to find out?? We ended up leaving without tipping her more despite her mini temper tantrum because we just didnt believe her. We felt like WE were getting stiffed! All in all, if you were to go here, I would suggest sitting at the bar, keeping a simple tab, and triple counting your money before handing it over. I will still come back because it was an isolated incident, Ill just be more cautious next time and be super prepared to cover my own ass.

    (3)

  • Philip H.

    I was up in Philly on business and post-meetings met up with an old Penn State friend in Center City. We arrived at McGillin's around 7pm on a Wednesday and headed upstairs to find a table. Downstairs was fairly crowded and people were securing tables and seats for the upcoming karaoke spectacle starting at 9pm. There was a nice selection (not huge, but decent) of local microbrews, available both by the bottle and draft. We opted for pitchers of Yards Pale Ale, brewed in Philly. Also tried Flying Fish Oktoberfest, not my personal favorite, the flavor was on the bbq-ish end of Marzen, I prefer the roasted pumpkin in Sam Adams Octoberfest more. We stuck to appetizers for food, the Tex-Mex Fries are legendary. Nachos, but with french fries. Definitely not for those with current (or expected) heart issues. Definitely amazing though and paired with wings and a Yards, I developed a nice food baby. We stayed for about 2 hours and then headed out, it was getting really crowded (a good sign for a Wed night) and I would definitely come back again when I'm in Philly next.

    (4)

  • Ahmed T.

    I went into my night with great positivity. I've heard great things about this bar. Fun times, respectable drink prices. What I found was the opposite. I walked upstairs to use the restroom after entering into the premises. After leaving the restroom, I received suspicious looks by two bouncers who asked me why I was waiting near the door. I explained that I was waiting for a friend who then left the bathroom as I was explaining my situation. The bouncers then proceeded to kick me out because I was "talking back." They pushed me down the stairs and out of the building. I still do not know why I was kicked out. I was trying to enter the bar to see my good friends who live in Philadelphia and who had been at the bar for hours prior to my arrival. Instead, I was greeted by ridiculous accusations and an inaccurate portrayal of my true character as an individual. I'm disappointed by the character of hired members at this bar and hope they would be more considerate and reasonable in the future. If not, good luck staying open as the most racist bar in Philadelphia.

    (1)

  • Bobby K.

    After spending a few days of researching which pub to visit with my friend who was in Philly for grad school interview, we came across this awesome pub, McGillin's, which was literally less than 500 feet away from our hotel--Holiday Inn Express on Walnut. From the outside, it's sort of deceiving with its old looks, but once you step inside, it's pretty vibrant and it's got a good crowd that loves to drink! My friend and I were lucky enough to grab some seats at the bar--and for sure, the bartender was awesome! Asked him what is his recommendation was, and whatever it was (forgot the name), it was pretty darn good! Didn't stay too long because had to leave early for an early morning flight, however wished I stayed there a bit longer. My only drawback, if any, would be the music is a bit too loud, but I guess it's expected...it's a bar, can't expect shhhhh. I'd definitely recommend it. Great bar!

    (4)

  • Natalie H.

    I love McGillin's! Everyone has drunk ( & been drunk) here at the Oldest pub in Philly. Also, great Karaoke on Wednesday nights, and yummy veggie burgers. Beware: its super loud here, and my tall cousin tells me to watch for lamps.

    (4)

  • Devo S.

    Eating @ the oldest tavern in Philly; it's loud.crowded, @ great menu/prices w/tons of local brews...you guys would love it!! If we're ever back in Philly, we are definitely stopping back by...

    (5)

  • Lindsay W.

    Good bang for your buck. Ordered the loaded fries (surprisingly vegetarian); the dish is huge! They made decent leftovers. French fries are also good. Don't recommend the pasta with mussels. Girlfriend says the burgers are good.

    (4)

  • Evan C.

    Dear Mcgillins. Don't advertise you have Bangers n Mash on Patty's day then not have it. As an Irishman, I'm disappointed. This will be the last time I check your website as it does not give correct information. Update: Chris, the listed owner of Mcgillin's, contacted me after Patty's day to explain why bangers n mash was not on the menu for this special day, which shows great pride. Although trying to state that I may have read it wrong (I didn't, nor did any of my friends), he did give a good explanation why it wasn't on the menu and I appreciated the thought in reaching out to me. The rest of the experience was great, and I will definitely be back. Have a few more stars, in the name of Patty.

    (3)

  • Augie L.

    if your looking to get smashed and somewhere the locals go, you've found the right place. Awesome locals bars for cheap draft beer for 6.50 by the pitcher! can't get any better than that!

    (4)

  • Vadim M.

    Great place with a nice food! Very Philly. Quite noise but the place was packed.

    (5)

  • Stephanie Y.

    Everytime I come here, it's late and the place already smells like sweat and beer which isn't a bad thing. Best night is karaoke night and my friends aren't shy on the stage. After a week of work, all you want to do is scream and not care. Although, there was one embarrassing night when I picked Fergie's Big Girls Don't Cry and my friend couldn't get the right tone on stage.... Luckily a lady went up and saved her. A plus, you don't pay for singing time like yakitori boy or rodeo. the only food I've had here are the mussels and they're amazing, plump mussels in a flavorful broth with a pint of beer, can't go wrong

    (4)

  • K. B.

    Walking down a side alley in the middle of Center City and I really don't have any idea what to expect from this place. What I find is that I have possibly found my new favorite bar in the city! McGillin's is old, really old, like 150 years old. However, sitting at the bar, the place isn't musty, there are tvs everywhere, and the bathrooms are updated-ish. Best of both worlds! We had 20 wings, crab fries, and 3 pitchers of PBR (Mmmmmm), total bill: $27! What! For a dollar more a pitcher you can get Bud Lite also. I mean come on. The fact that the wings were really good was just a bonus. Honestly, try this place out.

    (5)

  • Jamie G.

    I've been here for a handful of happy hours and late nights. I dined here for lunch recently for the first time a week ago. The place was DARK - I had suggested that my co-workers and I go here so I was worried I would lose a little lunch spot picking cred based off ambiance. However the food made up for the odd lighting. I ordered a turkey club sandwich off the specials menu. Halfway through my meal I realized I was eating chicken and not turkey, I didn't say anything because it was still a great sandwich (plus I was slightly embarrassed I ate half a sandwich before I realized the error). Overall- quite large portions and inexpensive. I'd come back for lunch but happy hour is my favorite time to visit.

    (3)

  • Clayton L.

    Time of Visit: Wednesday, 10:30PM Context: Post-Quizo Drinking I like McGillans. Then again...there isn't a whole lot to dislike. I ordered a tuna sandwich, which was pretty good for a couple bucks. Pitcher's of Miller High Life might be $6, which is outstanding. On Wednesdays, they also have karaoke; it provided some quality entertainment and people-watching opportunities. Atmosphere is casual, kinda dive-y, with lots of televisions. There is also a bar upstairs, if the first floor is packed (like it has been most times I am there). To make this review somewhat brief, I emphatically support Michael G's review (spot-on). I am pretty sure I would never say "No" to McGillins.

    (4)

  • Kathleen K.

    Just went here last night for a happy hour and had a good time. Beer and bar food was pretty cheap. Then, an hour or so into our evening, disaster struck.... I got hiccups. So I took a stab in the dark and asked the bartender if he had any peanut butter. As expected, they did not. But he did have a cure for my hiccups. A lemon wedge with sugar and bitters on top. IT WORKED! He was my hero at that point. Then I got the hiccups back an hour or so later and he helped me out again. Worked beautifully both times. My only complaint about this place is there's not a lot of room to stand around and talk on the first floor. I felt like I was always in someones way.

    (4)

  • Sarah F.

    Went for my first time this past Saturday night and had an absolute blast! Walked in at 12 am to "I want it that way," by the Backstreet boys. Needless to say I was belting out the words with people I had met only seconds before. A very fun and friendly place! Plus, cheap drinks like a $6 dollar pitcher of PBR!

    (4)

  • Elizabeth D.

    I have now experienced McGillins during both day AND night! We headed there to try out their new weekend "Feb-Brew-ary" brunch. A few different brunch specials for $7-8 each + $3 drink specials. I had the strawberry & cream cheese (aka "farm cheese") stuffed french toast w/ vanilla maple syrup. Delicious & filling for $7! Plus enjoyed their Bloody Mary's - not watery, and really tasty for $3. It's a good, cheap, basic brunch. As for the night time - this place is always insanely packed and amazing for people watching. Plus, their have a great tap list & their drinks are inexpensive. It's not your spot if you're looking for something quiet, lounge-y, or upscale. Many times it's packed with college kids.

    (4)

  • Anita R.

    cool to check out the oldest bar in Philly

    (5)

  • Brian M.

    This is my favorite bar in Philadelphia. I can't put my finger on any one thing that I like the most about it. It has a great atmosphere, the music is done just by a touch tunes machine but the people who go there usually play some pretty good music. The pitchers are CHEAP, about 7 bucks each and they give you glass mugs to drink from which I love. There is tons of seating and you can push tables together to make long ones if you're in a big group. McGillans is the perfect place to start your night out. You can't get really drunk for much cheaper in the city. Once I'm hammered I usually go to bars that I can only tolerate when I'm drunk, but staying at McGillin's all night isn't bad either. This place gets pretty crowded Friday and Saturday nights but there has only been once or twice where I was never able to get a table. There are two floors so there is usually a good amount of space to move around. Even though this place is always very crowded the waitresses and bar tenders do a very good job at making sure you always have a full pitcher or drink. If your mug is empty you won't have to wait very long for it to be filled again. The food here is decent. I usually just get the Texas/Western Fries/Nachos or whatever they're called. and they are delicious. It is seriously a mountain of food and could probably feed 6 people easily. McGillian's is really a fine establishment and one of the best bars I have had the privilege to patronize. You can't go wrong with spending a weekend night there.

    (5)

  • Scott K.

    In my last visit to Phily my intent was to visit those places of history, this trip is to get a feel of Philly life. Thus one must hang with the local folk, which brought me to McGillen Ale House. Though it boasts of being oldest pub in Philly it is. It a tourist place, tucked away in one of Philly's small alley type streets it is certainly a place for locals. McGillen's has a good list of PA microbrews and more but before sampling this part of the menu I completed the task of when in Philly have a Philly cheesesteak and McGillen's was almost as tasty as the so called best Jimmy's but I didn't have to wait in line 45 minutes so as far as I'm concerned it was better. Now for the brews I tried two one called 1860 IPA A house beer brewed by Stoudt a local brewery and O'Hara's Guiness opaque type dark. The latter was my favorite it was very smooth but definitely has the Irish stout taste. The going out the door on McGillen's is in the words of Arnold aka the Terminator "I'll be back" I like the local cliental, the Philly was tasty but the brews are definitely the thing one must do to truly get a true touch of local Philly.

    (5)

  • Stephen S.

    I read the reviews, was a little reluctant to come to a frat house type bar, but came anyway. Maybe because it's a Sinday evening, but I would just call it typical pub: loud, young and older, couples/groups/singles. Bottom line is decent food (I had chicken nachos), great selection of microbrews (the McGillin's ale is fabulous), walking distance from my hotel, and who can resist the oldest tavern in Philly? On most trips I avoid eating at the same place twice, but I'll make an exception for McGollin's

    (4)

  • Laura B.

    One of my favorite hangout spots in Philly! Been coming here since 2 years ago. Some nights it can get very crowded, but we never had trouble finding a table. There is no hostess, so seat yourself. A bouncer is at the door, so have your ID ready. My usual is the Turkey Reuben. Good selection of beers. Love the cheap prices.

    (5)

  • Devon A.

    Heard about this place while in town for a conference, so we decided we needed to go to the oldest Irish pub in Philly. We had a group of about 8 people and were pleasantly surprised to get a table upstairs as soon as we entered. Then grabbed a few pitchers which were mighty tasty. The ambiance was pretty good, but I could've done without the flat screens everywhere (like someone else had said already). Now here's the reasons I gave it a 3 only. As I said, we had 8 people and the tables are narrow so I should've been able to talk to the people with whom I was sitting. I couldn't. The music was so damn loud there was no way at all I could even hear the guy next to me. This wasn't good. Then we had dinner. I ordered the Shepherd's Pie, but it wasn't that good. It wasn't tasty at all. The mashed potatoes wasn't even across the entire top. Just around the sides. The meet part was really thin and not at all thick and tasty. Also, I have had many pies but never one with mushrooms. I hate mushrooms. Completely. This was really annoying, and I couldn't get around them at all. The noise and food made this only average. My friend had a sandwich, which looked really think and like a cafeteria sandwich. The chips came in a bag. Nice ambiance. Good beer. Bad food and too loud.

    (3)

  • Jonny Q.

    Fantastic bar, friendly staff, great beer selection. Music is always WAY WAY too loud - you'll have to yell to the people next to you. Would add two more stars except for that.

    (3)

  • Jennifer T.

    If you were upstairs at McGillin's this past weekend, you may have spotted a large group of people dressed in green, drinking green beer, playing a rowdy game of Chandeliers (quarters meets flip cup). We thought we'd be escorted out within minutes, but McGillin's is amazing and allowed us to continue our game for many hours too many. Thank you, McGillin's, for a lovely Irish themed Saturday afternoon.... you will always hold a dear place in my little green heart. PS - I lost one of my gold ball stud earrings there so if anyone finds it... contact me for a reward!!

    (4)

  • Katherine G.

    Amazing atmosphere, great menu and delicious Philly Cheese Steak! My friend got the Turkey Rueben, which was also pretty great. The only downside? They didn't come with fries, just a baby bag of chips... And I do love my fries. But all in all we loved the cute atmosphere and great food!

    (4)

  • Kelly P.

    mcgillians impressed my aussie friends. they told me, "we dont have bars like this back home!".... like what? i inquired. then they explained to me, what mcgillians was like through their eyes: theres no cover! they play dance music! people can just chill at tables, or stand and mingle! weird pictures of semi irish things on the walls! 2 floors! fun beer on tap! (walt whit, yess please) basically, they saw a gem here. i've been coming to mcgillians (infrequently) for a few years. they helped me appreciate it just a wee bit more than i used to.

    (3)

  • Ken M.

    Good college bar. Loud music and cheap beer. Yuenglings for $3.50!

    (3)

  • Amy J.

    A favorite among locals and visitors, McG's always feels like home! Karaoke and live music multiple nights a week, busy every day and night. This is my fave for meeting up with friends on a Sunday night, but I'll go there anytime!

    (5)

  • Michelle R.

    Good spot for drinking on a Friday or Saturday night. Music was painfully loud the last Friday night I went there. Always packed with people and definitely a fun atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Derrek D.

    We had a great night watching live music and March Madness. Beers were good, lots of people aged 21-30Definitely will be back

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    Every bar has its place. While in some regards, I wish every bar could have a fantastic beer list, an innovative menu, and exemplary service, I know such a thing is not possible. Its hard for me to give an objective opinion here, as my brother is such a regular here that the staff knows me on sight as well. As I understand it, McGillin's is the oldest continuously licensed bar in the city, if not the United States, North America, the Free World, and so forth. That heritage is evident in the decor, decades of liquor licenses and advertising placards. On the taps, domestics are well represented, but there are a few regionals and micros to keep it interesting. Food is mostly pub classics. Tuesday night is quarter wings, if you brave the crowds you can find some fantastic meaty, flavorful wings, in multiples of 5 like any true Philly wing joint. Haven't had much else, though as I recall the nachos are substantial, but the sandwiches leave a bit to be desired. Karaoke nights are an adventure, crowded and wild and unpredictable as ever. The college age crowd most nights can be a bit of a drawback, but I tend to phase out the crowd for the most part. The jukebox is too loud, but this isn't the place to go if you want to hear yourself think. It's loud, crowded, and obnoxious, and many times I think its the type of place I gave up when I finished college, but sometimes, there's no place I'd rather be.

    (3)

  • Stacey M.

    OK, so from what I saw on our table this is not a place for great pub grub but it was sufficient. My open faced roast beef sandwich was pretty tasty, down to the obviously real mashed potatoes so kudos for not using the fake crap. The beer selection was great. The place was vibrant. We were upstairs during an open mic night. Some good performers, some not so good but hanging out there for an evening was pretty nice.

    (3)

  • Walter K.

    Because I ocassionly work in Center City, I've been searching for the perfect lunch spot within walking distance of City Hall. I really like to try out new places too, but after lunch at McGillin's I could give up my search and make this my regular spot. My friend Dan and I hit up this spot for lunch after passing on Misconduct Tavern's average beer list. McGillin's is hidden on Drury St, a side street off Juniper. Because of this odd location, and the fact that it was the middle of the day, I expected to walk into a quite little spot. It didn't even really look open for the outside. But inside, it was bustling with business. There were a few tables filled with clear tourists checking out Philadelphia's oldest bar (established 1860), but it was mostly filled with the Philadelphia work force taking a break. McGillin's is holding on to the old time mentality, with the decorations and atmosphere, and a collection of servers who look like they're been working here for years. They also offer free soup with every entree, which seems like an old time practice lots in search of increased profits. When we visited, the soup was turkey vegetable, and it was surprisingly flavorful. We ordered a side of wings. They were fine, but a mistake, considering we both had soup and entrees. Further, the service was so fast that we barely had time to finish the soup, let alone with wings, by the time main course came out. Dan chowed down on an average burger, and I went with the German platter. Potatoes and Veggies served up with two types of sausage. It was okay, but my experience on South St raised my expectations. The food was okay, but the prices seemingly made it taste better. In general, the prices are great here, especially for the location, and that extends to the beer. Pitchers are $9 to $13, depending on what you want. The tap list here is respectable too. We split a pitcher of Ommegang Rare Vos and then moved to Brooklyn's Sorachi Ace. The Sorachi Ace is a crazy hop, and I think that Brooklyn did a nice job making this beer, although I won't order it again. McGillin's also has three house brews from Stoudt's, a brewery I like a lot. These all come in at less than $10 a pitcher and would make for reliable choices anytime. During the lunch rush, the service also seemed rushed. Also, I must admit I'm turned off by seeing a cook weave his way through the dining room in the middle of lunch with a full bag of garbage. Even if there's no other way, can't it wait until the dining room isn't packed? Bottom Line: My first experience at McGillin's was definitely positive. It's almost a no brainer for a lunch spot close to City Hall, and the beer list and specials every night make it a good bar in it's own right. This won't be my last time here, and either for beer, food, or simply historical value, this stop is a must.

    (4)

  • Steve V.

    This place is everything a pub should be! It has $5 pitchers on most nights and Saturday night is Karaoke Night. Be warned though, it gets crowded!!! There is a room upstairs but it is smaller and is crowded as well. My favorite night however, is Tuesdays, where wings are 25 cents. They are quite tasty and come with all the fixins'. The TVs here are fairly new but not as pleasureable to view as other bars in the area. They are set at weird angles and depending on where you're sitting, you may not have a good view of one. Other than that, the staff are friendly, do the best they can, and the crowd is lively. Definitely a spot to be a regular at.

    (4)

  • Jess C.

    Showed up at this spot on our trip to Philly, definitely had to be gay night! The place was jam packed, even getting a stool was a struggle. My husband and I tried to be bold and jump into some Karaoke but the DJ said the queue was filled for the rest of the night; it was three hours from close! They just had the same six shitty singers in a loop all night. The bar itself is totally badass but that DJ & an endless loop of tone deaf booze bags; what a drag!

    (1)

  • Matt G.

    Had the best night in Philly on a Wednesday here, we rolled in a group of 18 people. Took over the middle half of the downstairs and drank and drank and started to sing karokee...great times at this place. Def. worth the trek to find it.

    (5)

  • Michael M.

    Perfect pub.

    (4)

  • Bif P.

    Festive atmosphere, great service. made me wish I was still in college.

    (4)

  • Mikey I.

    Long before Irish pubs became cool or trendy McGillin's was here. Long after Irish pubs cease to be cool or trendy (which might already be happening) McGillin's will still be here. Why? It's just a cool place to hang out. They've always got something good going on from open mic nights and karaoke to networking happy hours. They have a solid menu without any complete misses from what I've been able to gather. They have a lot of great beer on tap. Best part? Everything is really cheap. Be warned: this place gets excessively crowded on the weekends. It's just insane. Lots of college kids.

    (4)

  • Tae K.

    Would have given at least 4 stars but when my friend and I left (we were with his date and 2 of her friends and they stayed) the waitress claimed that we didn't pay our bill...it was $30 and my friend handed the bill with $40 and never got any change back which he didn't mind but on top of that they tell his date that we didn't pay which is absolutely ridiculous...this was humiliating towards my friend and I felt humiliated for him...oh and his date ended up paying another $40 for the bill they claimed that my friend didn't pay...a slap to the face x100...will never go back to this place if they can't even keep track of who paid for what...I don't recommend this place unless you don't mind taking the chance of possibly getting ripped off

    (1)

  • Michelle Y.

    Saw a crowd outside so we wandered in a for a drink...a mixed drink that turned out to be very small and watery. The place was full and yet dead. They were playing some depressing classic hair rock downtstairs. We went upstairs and it was even more depressing - karaoke night. Ughh.

    (2)

  • Theresa H.

    When I travel, I make a point of seeking out the oldest bar in a city. I like history and I like booze so if I have a chance to combine the two, I'm gonna do it. After wolfing down a cheesesteak, checking out the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, we hoofed it aways, turned down an alley and found McGillins. It was established in 1860. The inside was toasty warm. Their brews were good. The service was great. It looked like Christmas threw up all over the inside because their holiday decorations were crazy. The place was LOUD. The menu offering was unremarkable and reasonably priced. I wasn't there to eat. I was there to experience history! and BEER!. The beer that I had, of their own creation was great. If you want a loud, friendly bar with cheap eats and great beer that just happens to be historical, then I think this is the place for you!

    (3)

  • Nicole C.

    Oldest bar in Philly! I went on a business trip in Philly and was looking for a sports bar just to relax and hang with the locals. It was a little hard to find, in an alley on a small street, but once i got there it was pretty pub-like inside. They have a bunch of micro-brew beers on tap from the local area and since I wasn't from the area I was all over it. They also have really inexpensive happy hour and daily specials. Beer was pretty in expensive overall, average price about 5 dollars for 24 ounces. Didn't try the food, but there were tables for you to actually have a sit down dinner. Great place to just hang out, embarrass yourself with Karaoke night, and catch up on some sports.

    (4)

  • Lucky M.

    Had to wait a little for the waitress but when we ordered our drinks and food they came pretty quick. I had the meatloaf which I could not finish and for 8.99 was a pretty good deal. It wasn't the best I've ever had but it was still pretty tasty. It came piled in between mashed potatoes and had a side of veggies. My best friend had the shepherds pie which said it was chopped sirloin but tasted more like ground round. It wasn't fantastic but still a decent meal. Would definetly come back. If you order the cider, order it without ice.

    (4)

  • Bob B.

    Great piece of history. Cool building on a narrow street. Inside, tons of local memorabilia to interest the eyes, befitting Philadelphia's oldest continuously serving bar. Super lunch, cheap and filling. Sweetheart of a server, awesome service. Nice touch: self-serve complimentary soups with lunch. Fill a crock and sit in front of a roaring real fireplace (not fake, as another Yelper suggested). I'll have to venture back for that outdoor fall festival and dare I say: St. Patrick's Day. A good time.

    (5)

  • Kelly F.

    McGillins is one of my comfort places. My boyfriend and I go almost once a week and the bouncers know us by name at this point. Although my bf would probably give McGillins a 5 star review, I'm giving it 3 stars for a few reasons. The food is your standard bar food and in Philadelphia that's a bit uncommon as a lot of bars in the area offer better food than some of the restaurants. Attentive servers are sometimes a hit and miss. The thing we love most about McGillins is the cheap booze. $6 pitchers of PBR? Yes, please! Food to try definitely includes their wings and their Old Bay fries. If you only get around to McGillins one time a year I'd make sure to go for their Fall Festival. One of the best outdoor fests of the year!

    (3)

  • Shaun O.

    The oldest bar in Philly was a key spot for my out of town friends to check out. Since they are beer enthusiasts, they definitely wanted to check out this place. While it took a little while to get a table (crowded!), we found the beer selection to be of high quality. I made sure that at least one of my friends tried the Lancaster Milk Stout that they had on draft. The service was decent and while there were a lot of people there, it was still pretty easy to carry a conversation. I certainly had a much better experience than the last time I was here....definitely a must see for the tourists.

    (4)

  • Teri M.

    Yo, seriously, you college kids need to get out more. So there I was, enjoying some pumpkin ale, dancing and singing with my fellow Yelpers and naturally a group of youngsters are staring at us. So I go over to try and get one of them to join us in our shenanigans (it's an Irish place right? oh wait, they don't serve Guinness...uh ok weird political/business thing?) Wouldn't you know, not one but TWO chicks in the group whip out their phones and start either taking pics or video and I'm like WOAH WOAH, NO PRESS....I mean really, what is so interesting about a tipsy person in a bar trying to get someone to get up and dance with a group of other dancing people? REALLY? Is this a celebrity non-dancer person I am talking to for 15 seconds? I told them all they were weirdos and went back to my group. It's a BAR, kids. I know y'all have crazier keg parties than a bunch of drunk 30-somethings singing along to Journey. LOL Oh yes...the business....uh well, you know that pumpkin ale was really good! That place isn't nearly as fun without karaoke going on, but at least it was crowded for a Monday night, so we could be loud.

    (3)

  • Angela H.

    For years I have partied at McGillins---happy hour, celebrations, holidays, pre-gamers and of course their karaoke on certain nights. McGillins and I are like two friends who may not see each other often but when we meet up, it's like old times. A little dancing, singing and of course some drinking...it's all good. Often a popular hangout even on the weeknights so seats on the lower floor tend to be rare if you don't show up early. The same goes for karaoke---get your name in fast or else you might be S.O.L on getting your solo debut for the night.

    (4)

  • Horatio J.

    Awesome wings, great beer. Terrible, awful burgers. Great service.

    (3)

  • Erin M.

    I was here for my partner's work holiday party, right before Christmas, so I've only ever hung out in the upstairs area. I didn't get much of a chance to try the food, and I think I drank two Miller Lites because they were free, but I really got the feeling from the staff that they were not happy we were there. Anytime I went to get a drink, the bartenders seemed annoyed, and then at the end of the party, they were really aggressive with getting us out of there so they could set up for another party. I would definitely like to come back and give this place another shot sometime, to see if the service is any different. I was only in the main area for a few minutes, but the crowd in there did seem a bit obnoxious.

    (2)

  • Mike D.

    This is the type of place that I would imagine would be one of those expensive downtown tourist traps, but it's not even close to that and it's awesome. Cheap pitchers of beer (glass pitchers and mugs, too!) regular ol' food and a homey kind of English Tudor atmosphere make this place worth stopping at for an after work drink (on fridays, the place is packed and kind of business douche-y. Don't know what that means? think bad haircuts and square toed dress shoes. I think $6 pitchers of Bud Light emits some kind of pheromone for these types) But that shouldn't keep you from going because good times are had by all here. And the kicker, true to it's old school ale-house roots, they have a free soup of the day at lunchtime, in case you want to indulge your inner crusty old man. And in the winter they actually have a real fire place and keep a fire going. very cool.

    (3)

  • Scott B.

    Simply put... a great hole in the wall historic tavern that predates prohibition. I cant speak for the food, but the bartenders, beer & just overall feel were just what you'd expect from an ooooold pub.

    (4)

  • ben c.

    I came here once with a few friends. It is supposedly the oldest pub in Philadelphia, dating back to the days of John Wanamaker and before the signing of the Dec. of Independence. There is no host/hostess to seat you. It is first come, first serve. So if you have a large party, try to get there early. The food is pretty good and the beer selection is pretty good too. Their Shepherd's Pie was delicious! The only thing I do no like about this place is it is TOO NOISY! My friends and I had to scream at each other. When we left the place, our ears were still ringing from all the noise! hahaha. I will probably be back in the future.

    (4)

  • Christine B.

    I pretty much just go here on Sunday afternoons to play flip cup on the second floor, and I always have a good time. They should have a Flipadelphia tournament.

    (3)

  • K H.

    May William Penn smite the person who says a word against this place. It's a staple for a cold beer and hot wings on any game night. The only time McGillin's disappointed me was when I made the mistake of coming in on Cinco de Mayo for "authentic Mexican drinks." Note: the Irish never made a mojito or caipirinha (additional note that a caipirinha is brazilian and an Irish pub would only ignore that fact and call it "authentic Mexican drinks") and they never will. I will stick to the beautiful things: their pitchers of beer and beef nachos.

    (5)

  • Charles W.

    Dude bartenders have huge egos. Look past that, and you can't complain at all. Some of their clientele is shitty which leads me to believe why the bartenders are clowns. Great for karaoke, and if people are out in the city, it's a packed house. Good pub food and open late. Great atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    My brother, Aunt and I ended up here after going to another place down the street that looked packed, to a different place that was more packed, and back to the first place where we stood for a while and waited for ANYONE to acknowledge us. No one did until I started up the stairs (that had NO sign saying to not go up) when we were snapped at by a waitress. Bye bye Irish pub down the street from McGillin's. We walked into McGillin's and were greeted warmly, told to seat ourselves, and within 1 minute a waitress took our drink orders. I got the beer sampler, thinking they would be about 3 oz. or so. When they turned out to be around 6 oz. I figured there was no way they'd all be gone, but everybody had a few samples and they all disappeared. I liked all of them, but I'm not a huge stout fan so that was my least favorite. I had the "mile high meatloaf". They weren't kidding - it was huge! Two slices of meatloaf between a ton of mashed potatoes with sauce. I doubt I ate even half (I did eat all the steamed veggies, which were very good). The waitress gave me a hard time saying "you barely made a dent". I assured her it was excellent, just WAY too much for one meal (would have been three meals if I had a way to take it and eat later). The noise level is VERY high, so if you plan on having a lot of conversation you may be disapointed. Most of the crowd seemed to be in their 20s or 30s but it wasn't rowdy at all on a Wednesday (weekends are probably different). I'm really glad we ended up here instead of the other places.

    (4)

  • Megan V.

    Oldest pub in Philly. Decent food, large menu, crowded and pub-like for sure! To escape the noise of the Wed night karaoke, go upstairs. We had a group of 7-8 people and found a table that fit all of us. The menu here was extensive - there were options for everyone! A few people in the group ordered burgers and said they were delicious. I ordered roast chicken with veggies which was really good. A girl in the group ordered a spicy rigatoni with sausage - she felt sick all day the next day. We were traveling from out of town, so who knows if that's what caused it - but she did think it tasted kinda strange. I would recommend this place if you are looking for a cozy, dive type atmosphere. The lighting is low and the crowd is loud, so not a great place for conversations or professional meetings. It was packed full - not an empty table in the place the night we were there - so they must be doing something right!

    (3)

  • Carolyn G.

    I am clearly not the target audience for this pub. The music was too loud. the bar was too crowded, and OMG, please open a freaking window it's so hot in here! However, if you like loud, crowded bars with mediocre food, slow service and CHEAP BEER, then this is the place for you. (I'm guessing the place was packed because of the cheap beer specials.)

    (3)

  • Amanda E.

    More stars for a great micro-brew selection. Too bad I couldn't fully appreciate the suds with the ear-drum rupturing juke-box. Which I don't fully understand, given it was Thursday night NFL Kickoff for the season. And a Phillies game was on, which would have also been better. Servers were just *there* and came by every so often for drinks. Guess if this was my local haunt, it wouldn't matter. Lots of TVs and Philly sports, if thats what you're after

    (2)

  • Jose A.

    This is a pretty cool bar to watch sports games at, karaoke, and drink a few beers or the like. Nice atmosphere, pretty good service, great vibe. Everytime I've been it's been popping off in there, making me want to pop off, lol, HA!

    (4)

  • Michelle C.

    McGillin's was the second (and final) stop of the night for a birthday outing with friends last Friday. Why was it chosen to be the final stop of the night? Because this was the only place I could think of in which a bunch of r-e-a-l-l-y intoxicated twenty-somethings could: 1. still get in 2. continue to get served and 3. carry on like a bunch of teenagers whose parents went away for the weekend and left the liquor cabinet unlocked. Beer is super cheap here, and it should be. How else could they possibly lure large groups of people into a bar that smells like a high school football team's locker room, post-game? My sister actually had a more colorful description than that, but I'll spare those details. Fun times were had for sure, but I'd rather drink a six pack of Milwaukee's Best in the Bog of Eternal Stench than have to smell the inside of that bar again.

    (2)

  • Craig W.

    Literally tucked into an alley, but high energy and a very good beer selection. Apparently the oldest bar in Philly, as everyone else has noted. If you are into "historical" spots, then you have to at least check this place out for a quick pit stop. Very lively atmosphere. The tunes on the sound system ranged from Motown to modern, the just-coming-off-work business crowd was obviously in desperate need of a libation, and the place is well-decorated with interesting and old memorabilia. Lots of well-placed flat screen TVs, too, so we could catch some of the Phillies game. We didn't try the food (which looked like typical bar food) but for drinks, this is a fun, high energy spot, at least it was on the Friday night we were there.

    (5)

  • Colbey W.

    McGillin's is awesome. Besides being ridiculously old, it is cheap, there's always a lively crowd and the food is great. I've had the cheesesteak and chick cheesesteak and both are on the better end of those I've found around the city. Love the cheap PBR pitchers too. McGillin's was the first bar I went to in Philadelphia and I've loved it since. You will too.

    (5)

  • Jenna C.

    Your typical divey, packed pub full of college students and 20-somethings. I've been in on nights where you are crammed in, literally shoulder to shoulder, and it's difficult to even get the bartender's attention for a drink. The upside - drinks are cheap. They run deals on pitchers - last time I was there, it was $6 for a pitcher of Pabst. I recommend heading upstairs, where it can be a little less crowded but a little more of a dance scene (which I personally enjoy on occasion). I've never tried the food here, so I can't speak to that. I do love the sly alleyway entrance...every time I stumble into this place, I wonder how I'll find it the next time, and I completely lose my sense of direction on Philly's city streets. Come here if you're looking for a night of drinking cheap beer by the pitcher, and maybe a little dancing to some pop music upstairs.

    (3)

  • Faye F.

    Cheap drinks! Good atmosphere and vibe! Came here a bit late after the kitchen closed (we were so desperately hungry and wanting/needing food) so we opted to just drink instead. Music is a little meh. Plenty of early 2000s throwback (what's with Philly and the music!? cmon guys, step it up! LOL), which can be a good thing but the choices aren't always great. Anyway, it's a great place to just hang out and unwind after a crazy day/week and in a great location!

    (4)

  • Lauren S.

    Oh, McGillin's. I come here when I want a very specific kind of night -- the kind of night where I get cheap beer by the pitcher, dance to pop music, and flirt with frat boy types. On Wednesday and Sunday nights, they have hands down the most entertaining karaoke I have ever experienced.

    (3)

  • Nicey J.

    went here for st pattys day.. and even though the place was packed, the service was quick and friendly; that is a hard feat to attain which is why I will be back. Also the drinks are priced well. I'm in.. but only on certain occasions .

    (4)

  • Jeff M.

    One year. That's how long it's been since I first stepped in the City of Brotherly Love. Time flies when you're stressing out about grad school, and somehow I've gone from being the padawan to the master. An acquaintance of mine in the graduate program decided to arrange a little hang-out time with a bunch of the incoming grad students with the intention of the outgoing students imparting our wisdom over alcoholic beverages. Thursday night was not as insane as I imagined it would be. Downstairs was a bit of madness, and we did have to juke around a bunch of guys and girls on the way upstairs. Upstairs was a lot less people, and we ended up taking up a majority of space for most of the night. Thoughts on the enjoyable aspect(s): - Various singer/songwriters who got up on stage and shared their talents with the boozed out crowd. The guy who started out the evening did some great covers, which ultimately led to the drunken idiots that are my friends yelling out the oft cliched, "Freebird!" Then came a folk singer who did a lot of funny songs but they all had the same tune. I will not forget his song about lesbians, entitled 'Scissors of Love' or something. I don't need to explain that one do I? Oh, and the last person I heard singing at the end of the night was a hot girl. - Food was pretty standard, but delicious. Not a big fan of the nachos, only because after that initial top layer in the middle, you're left with a whole bunch of chips with nothing on it. The curly fries were glorious though, and the wings were good as well. - I didn't drink, so apologies on being unable to convey the greatness (or lack thereof) of any drinks available for consumption that night. Can you really go wrong with $5 pitchers though? - Service was great. One girl had to deal with almost 40 people, and while she wasn't exactly super friendly, she was very helpful and incredibly fast. - The atmosphere was quite enjoyable, and before I knew it I had wasted way more time there with old friends and new ones than I had planned to. The patrons and employees alike were just a blast to be around. We ended up even talking to random strangers next to us just because that's how they roll in McGillin's.

    (4)

  • A.j. B.

    One of my favorite bars ever. It has an old time feel to it (being the oldest bar in Philly) and some of the best food I've ordered from a bar with very reasonable prices. I highly recommend the mussels and the schnitzel. They have entertainment on some nights and nice looking staff too. Been there 4 times since moving to Philly a month ago and it I'll definitely be going back!

    (5)

  • Erica M.

    Love this place. Good prices. And I think they're kitchen is open 'til midnight if you get hungry! Super plus!

    (5)

  • Michael O.

    My favorite bar in center city Philadelphia. Great food and great people. Fun with a crowd or just going with your wife.

    (5)

  • Casey H.

    We stop in every year when we are in town. Nice casual food and great for those who are into sports. If your looking for a quite place then this is not for you. Its a nice bar and restaurant.

    (4)

  • pracheta t.

    okay, i had the best time at Wednesday night karaoke. I will FER SURE be back.

    (4)

  • Matt S.

    Mediocre pub atmosphere with no redeeming qualities and incredibly rude staff. There are much better neighborhood pub options nearby.

    (1)

  • Laura M.

    Wow....great beer selection, historic, cheap but tasty bar food, and good music. The service was friendly and quick. It was fun!

    (4)

  • Benoit L.

    Great pub, lively, excellent house brews. Crowd is mid-twenties but as in any typical big city Irish pub you will feel at ease even if you're 20 years older. You can't go wrong with a place where the beer is good and you can sing along on Weezer's In The Garage and dance to a pair of fiddlers.

    (4)

  • Norwin E.

    My gf and i had the mussels, crab cakes and irish mixed grill. The only thing good and worth getting were the mussels. Everything else was bleh. The crab cakes were mush, the meats were dry and and the mixed grill only came with one single piece of shrimp! Based on the reviews, it seems like McGillin's is a place more for drinking and hanging out, not to have a good meal. I'd give it another try for the beers (which I didn't have) and maybe some appetizers, but not for the entrees.

    (2)

  • Sara C.

    Tuesdays. $5 PBR & Bud Light pitchers. 35 cent wings. 25 of your friends and copious amounts of money inserted into the jukebox. You will never be the same again, and nor will McGillin's. seriously though, I've never seen a stranger, more diverse crowd at a bar. It's loud, it's rowdy, and everything you'd expect out of Philadelphia's oldest bar. If you're looking to drink a lot and not lose your savings doing it, then this is the place.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Loud
    Music : Juke Box
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Has TV : Yes

McGillin’s Olde Ale House

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