My wife and I were in Philly for a long weekend and this place looked pretty cool. The bouncer checked our ID and we were led through the packed bar to a table for two. They had really good beer prices and I ordered an IPA and a Philly Cheesesteak and a hummus plate. After having some amazing cheesesteaks, this one was a little subpar, not bad but nothing compared to Angelo's, which was amazing. The hummus was really great and we went through it, so good. Pretty good service for such a packed place. Kind of dive bar, but obviously people loved it. Lots of TVs on the walls and I think it has been around a long time. Located in an alley type road. Worth a try. read more

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My husband and I were on a quick weekend trip to Philly, and we love and Irish pub so we decided to check this place out based on reviews. Its pretty cool on the inside, definitely passes the Irish pub vibe check. One thing that killed it for us right away: it was LOUD. Sure, we're not in our twenties anymore, but we're not super old. It was mid afternoon, before dinner time, and the music was so loud we were going to have to yell across the tiny table to hear each other. After walking around in the heat all day it was just not what we were looking for. We did stay for a drink. He had a decent old fashioned, though pretty tiny for the price. I had a beer, and it was what would be expected. The one thing that really stood out was the server. She was nice, pleasant, and very quick. I'd maybe go back if I was in the right mood, but that day was certainly not the day for me. read more

Such a cool little pub tucked away in an alley--it immediately gave off that fun, hidden local spot vibe. We ordered the beer sampler and really enjoyed trying the different selections, but the house beer ended up being our favorite. They had a great variety to choose from, so there's definitely something for everyone. We didn't eat while we were there, but judging by the plates around us, everyone seemed to be enjoying their food! The bar was packed, but you honestly wouldn't have known it by the service. Our waitress and the rest of the staff always had a smile on their faces, and you could tell they had the place running like a well-oiled machine. Great atmosphere, great beer, and a fun spot to stumble upon! read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Downstairs - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This pub has cheap drinks (huge tequila sunrise for only $7!) and a ton of seating. I was hoping for more of a dancing vibe which is not what you'll get here, as it's pretty much all tables. Upstairs there's some more standing room but still a lot of tables. It's good for watching a game or sitting with friends, though the music is so loud it's hard to talk. I think it's a good place if you want cheap drinks and to watch sports, but not so much for dancing. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Tequila sunrise - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The oldest pub in Philly - 1860. A distinct odor of cherry wood and beer graciously emanated thru the pub causing a smile on my face. Ordered a craft brew from Philly and New Jersey, both tasty and needed after a long walk around the city. An Irish sports pub with strong ties to the city. The little bell sounds and the bartender grabs food orders out of the dumbwaiter that is littered with stickers - been a long time since ive seen one of these. The gender assigned men's bathroom was upstairs and it had a wide urinal trough which was an interesting nostalgic touch to the old bar. read more

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Very cool place to visit! Great menu and even amazing prices! The cheesesteak egg rolls were some of the best we had! Chicken Parm sandwich was very nice. More of a fork and knife sandwich. Drinks were good too! read more

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Just stopped in for dinner and a few drinks during the first night in town and it was great! Fish and chips done right! BIG filet on a pile of decent frozen fries. Fish was CRISPY and everything was HOT!!! Good drink menu and a really nice beer list. Way close to being an "authentic" Irish Pub than other places in town... Super nice waitstaff and a cool interior. Wanted to come back, but had so many other places that we had to check out, BUT, I will come back the next time I'm in town! Great spot! read more

Fun place to check out! We popped in for dinner while traveling since this is the oldest bar in Philadelphia. I would say that it's the average dive bar inside. It was packed and on the louder side but a fun energy! We got a cheesesteak and some potato skins. They were both good! I would say it's a good place for bar food! read more

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What's not to love for a bar that's been around for over a hundred years. I've been here a few times and it's always decorated for whatever holiday is upcoming. Seating downstairs is tight but not too surprising for when the place was designed. I always try to sit at the bar when I can. Service overall can be slow depending on the day. Food is typical Irish pub fare. Nothing special but the classics are tried and true. There's an extensive beer list and a flight choice. Bathrooms are upstairs which gave my friend with mobility issues some challenges. There's an upstairs bar as well that shows games and is usually packed on weekends. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Beer sampler - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The MOST amazing atmosphere here! Humongous portions of delicious food that was very very reasonably priced. Our server was so kind and kept checking that we had everything we needed despite how loud and busy they were. The music was on point. We can't wait to come back. read more

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Irish pub, nearby City hall Philly First time being here for the food and watch the superbowl game. The place was packed but was able to get a seat at the first floor. The guard checked my bag and said that the upstairs wasn't open. It was very loud and can barley hear much. The three of the sampler beer were hoppy and tasty but the other three I didn't like. The fish & chip was good. The server didn't bring us any utensils or ketchup so had to ask for them. The TV weren't big enough so came back to the hotel to watch rest of the game. The price of the food was reasonable. read more

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There's a reason McGillin's Olde Ale House has been around since 1860. Places don't last that long unless they're doing something right--and McGillin's does just about everything right. It's a little hard to find at first since you enter through an alley, but that's part of the charm. The city grew up around this place, not the other way around, and once you're inside you feel the history immediately. We went for lunch and started with the fried Brussels sprouts, one of their specialties. I would never order Brussels sprouts on my own, but I'm very glad I did here--crispy, flavorful, and absolutely worth it. I had the open-faced roast beef sandwich, which was classic, filling, and done right. My wife ordered the shepherd's pie, which was hearty and comforting, exactly what you want in a place like this. We had a couple of craft beers, and when the bill came, I honestly did a double take. It was about what you'd pay at a fast-food restaurant, except here you're getting great food, great beer, and sitting in one of the most historic bars in the country. McGillin's doesn't chase trends. It doesn't need to. It's welcoming, authentic, and delivers every time. I can't recommend this place highly enough. If you're in Philly, this should be on your list. read more

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Classic old school pub with history and genuine bar vibes! Came to Philly on vacation and had heard so much about this place due to being toted as the oldest running bar in the city. It did not disappoint. Really is can be said this is the epitome of what a pub should look and feel like. Service was friendly and personable. We love to sit at the bar and the bartenders were talkative and hilarious. The buffalo wings were cooked to perfection. A must stop when in town! read more

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Came by on a Friday before catching a show at the Philly convention center, and it was packed! Great beer selection and amazing loaded fries! Very reasonably priced too. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We came here on Fourth of July and it was crazy busy but the servers and staff were working their butts off. Drinks were great and the appetizers were had were alright. We came here more for the experience than the food and left happy. The bar is two stories and the bathrooms were clean but on the second story for anyone that needs to know. The second story has another bar and seating up there as well. read more

A true Philadelphia legend, that in a nutshell is what McGillins is. Drink , eat and be merry here! Bartenders are great! Wait staff can be legit Philly so be prepared. It's fun all around - good live music. Must go to for any Philadelphia game read more

Hubs found this gem online as it was just a few blocks from our hotel, and he knows I never need any persuasion to visit an Irish pub. And once he mentioned McGillin's historical status, I walked faster! Even with Google Maps, we still got a bit confused about where the entrance was but only because it's actually in what looks like an alley. I now know this is Philly's oldest pub, and I'm so glad we went. Inside, we enjoyed the ambiance, although the tables are super tight. They weren't very busy on this Saturday afternoon so I'm not sure why we were seated so close to another table of two. It just felt awkward, and so many other tables were open. That aside, I loved gawking at the history on the walls & ceiling. Christy was our server & she was absolutely fantastic. We never wanted for a thing as she was always nearby & hustling. As that weekend in June was much chillier than forcasted, we asked about any available long-sleeve merch and she was so helpful in physically walking us out the back door to direct us to their store around the corner, and also reminding us that our receipt would get us 10% off our purchase. I wish I remembered the name of the store clerk because she was also wonderful & even threw in a couple of postcards with our shirts. For our lunch, we started with the draft beer sampler. First of all, it was ridiculously cheap for 6 rather large samples. And then it came out on a spinning metal contraption, set upon a laminated beer guide. To be honest, half of the beers were too hoppy for my palette, but I loved being able to try such a variety of locally brewed beers. And the laminated beer mat was super helpful in reminding us which beer was which as we sampled. Of course I went with the Shepherds Pie for my meal. McGillin's iteration was amazing & I loved the au jus style gravy on top. And I don't typically like gravy. My only note is that that I almost wish I had a bit more mashed potatoes... but that's actually a compliment on the amount of meat & veggie proportioning. I ate everything, so the portion size wasn't huge but definitely filling for me. Hubs got a steak of some kind... he also ate all of his meal, so it must have been good. I definitely hope we can return to McGillin's on a future visit to Philadelphia. They're such a special piece of history in Center City. One visit isn't enough! read more

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Had a great time at the oldest bar in PA and the food was delicious as well. We came on a Wednesday and they were having karaoke upstairs was poppin off with cool jams. Fun place to hang out, definitely coming back read more

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I visited this place twice within two days and both times it was very nice to be there. I didn't eat either time and ordered only beer which was delicious. The drinks come out quick and the service was good both times. The beer was crisp and cold! It is definitely a place to come out with a few friends and talk. When I went the first time it was busy and it seemed everyone was having a good time. The place is not bright, it's slightly dimmed which seems appropriate for the location. Overall, I enjoyed both my visits and will be returning. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Mcgillin's is always a good time! With a GREAT beer selection and wonderful specials you can't go wrong. The menu has something for everyone and their drink specials can't be beat. We have been several times and I never met a server that we didn't like! : read more

Fun stop for drink or food. Gets very busy on an Eagles game day however the vibe inside is VERY FUN! Do not skip out of seeing the place. It's one of the top 10 oldest bars in the US! read more

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Historic and delicious spot. Hard to believe they got started in 1860! It's a great vibe inside and manages to be packed even on a Tuesday (which is wing night)! The prices are also super reasonable and the portion sizes are huge. We got the buffalo and old bay wings, which were yummy. The old bay ones were a bit dry but buffalo was great. The mussels in white garlic sauce were also divine, and the fish and chips were well seasoned and very crispy. It's a bit crazy inside and I do not know how the staff does it! The service manages to be quick and friendly even amidst the big crowds, Need to come back for: Shepherd's Pie and their sandwiches. read more

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This popped up in every list of must-see dives in Philadelphia. It is apparently the oldest and the decor and history is definitely worth a visit. Coming from Boston, the drinks and food are shockingly cheap. Like three people get food and drinks and the tab was $50. But for me the reason you go to a dive is the vibe and conversation. This didn't feel local. Everyone was sticking to their group and not sparking fun chat. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Been patronizing McGillins for years. Comfortable welcoming environment. Was able to get seated during a World Cup playoff game, service was not slowed or diminished at all. Food was as good as ever. We had classic pub fare, the home made roast beef and au jus always hits the spot. Basket of fries to share was fresh. One of my favorites quirks is the sampler for beer, six generous portion eight oz pours. Reliable and comforting. read more

The deels are phenomenal. $12 for 6 small beers of their samplers. While none of the beers were amazing, it was great to have a little bit of a tone of options. The pints were a great price as well. While I'm sure busy crouds and semi long waits are par for the course at places like this, it makes it tricky if you want a quick drink. The staff is friendly but super swamped and even with how much they fly through orders, the place is huge so it took a while to get the bill. Overall a great Irish bar. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We stopped in on a Thursday night and were able to get a table. The vibe in the restaurant is fun. The music was very confusing as it changed regularly for very different styles which didn't seem to go over well with the crowd. We only had a couple of drinks and a hummus plate which was tasty. It appeared there were a lot of people who popped in briefly rather than sticking around. read more

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This was a fun place! Definitely recommend going here with friends. I loved the decorations and the atmosphere.

Very nice bartenders. Tons of historic paraphernalia. Lots to read. Nice bathrooms. I had the raspberry limoncello martini. We didn't eat but would come back to :) read more

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Loved this place. I was in town for a few days, staying in Center City, and decided to check it out. Went around lunchtime on a Friday, and got a seat at the end of the bar. Barkeep was super friendly (found out we are from the same town), service was great even with a big lunch crowd, and had I fun chatting with other employees as well as some guests that sat next to me. Appreciated the decor, especially their liquor licenses from the 1800s! Will definitely being returning the next time I'm in Philly. read more

Busy, worth waiting for a table - the food is wholesome and hearty. The appetizers and my fave - Fish & Chips - yes with Malt Vinegar! Love love love. A tad loud and noisy - and then how important is that - really? read more

The food and drinks were good. The music was super loud, but it made for the atmosphere.

Great historic pub! The service is great. There's a lot of cool things to look at inside. The beer & liquor are fairly priced & the food is great. A must go to spot in Philly. read more

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We had a nice time at McGillins. The staff was friendly and didn't have any issues. We popped in on a Sunday afternoon for drinks. My wife got a cocktail she really enjoyed. I did the beer sampler. The value was great I think $11 or so for the sampler with you get to choose a few of those. I'm not a huge beer guy in general and didn't love any of the beers but enjoyed the experience. Think they could've been a little colder. We did get a koozie for our collection and the vibes were great inside. Definitely worth checking out. read more

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Cool old bar. Gotta get there early because it does get packed and that was a Tuesday night. It's the oldest bar in Philly. Good food too!

Sounds odd, but we selected this spot after a street person recommended it to us. It's the oldest bar in Philly, so how could we miss it??? We arrived in Dallas Cowboys garb on the day after an ugly Cowboys loss. There was some good natured ribbing, but we were welcomed in just the same. Husband ordered a cider, and I tried a Poinsettia. The Poinsettia is my new favorite beverage! Cranberry juice spiked with orange liqueur and champagne. It came in "mix your own" style which was very fun. Where has this been all my life??? read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Christy and Tammy just hit it out of the ball park today as they ALWAYS do ! great service ! We just love coming here ! The food speaks for itself ! Amazing!!! Thank You so much and we can't wait to come back 'n read more

What a cool ambiance and building! So much to look at inside. The food was really good too. It's definitely loud inside so don't go if you're looking for a quiet atmosphere but it was a great place to grab dinner and drinks. The service was good. read more

My friend and I were limited on time and it was super packed (Saturday after Thanksgiving), so we were only able to stay for 1 drink. There were no seats available, so we were standing behind the seated people at the bar, but the bartender still acknowledged us right away. As soon as he finished the drinks he was working on, he actually came around from behind the bar to take our order so we wouldn't have to shout over the people seated at the bar, which I thought was a really nice thing to do. It seems like such a small thing, but I don't recall the last time any bartender anywhere went out of their way like that. I was stoked to try the O'Hara's stout (delicious!), and my friend got the house lager (also delicious, she said!). We really dug the vibe and would like to come back when we have more time, and could try some food, too. Can't go wrong with the oldest bar in town! It's still there and still packed for a reason. Very cool spot. read more

McGillin's Olde Ale House - O'Hara's stout. - Irish Pub Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Nestled down an alley is this cute ale house. There's a ton of history in this place- they even have prohibition documents framed on the wall. While I was only interested in grabbing a beer, they also offered food. This seems like the type of place that is a gathering place for some sports teams. read more

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Called ahead to see if the kitchen was still open after getting in late on a flight. Kitchen closes at 1am, so I walked over from my hotel on a Tuesday night. It was my first time in Philly, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Ambiance was great! Sat at the bar and ordered buffalo wings. Bartender asked "5,10,15 or 20"? Ordered 10 and they were plenty. Food came out fast and hot. Wings were cooked perfectly. Good size and great flavor. Good selection of beers and the bartenders were on top of it. I'll be back for sure! read more