McGillan’s Old Ale House
In downtown Philadelphia, down an narrow hidden alley, sits the oldest continuously-run pub in the city, McGillan’s Old Ale House. It’s one of those places that immediately hits you with its charm the moment you walk through the doors. Dimly-lit with wooden beams lining the ceiling, McGillan’s is the quintessential old-time tavern. My wife and I walked through the doors and were immediately greeted by the bar’s owner, who told us to sit wherever we’d like. We chose one of the tables near the fireplace and took a look around.
Lining the walls were the typical bar decor: old pictures, sports news clippings, and a seemingly random collection of antique nick-nacks. But looking through the menu, we discovered that this building contained a boat-load of history.
From their website:
Shortly after the Liberty Bell cracked and long before ground was broken for City Hall, McGillin’s Olde Ale House threw open its doors. Its beer taps have been flowing since 1860 — making it the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. McGillin’s has outlasted Strawbridge’s, the Civil War and even Prohibition.
Hit the link for a few photos.
