McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Founded in 1860 by Irish immigrant William “Pa” McGillin and his wife Catherine, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Initially called “Bell in Hand,” the establishment has grown over more than 160 years into a renowned social hub and sports bar, frequently visited by notable guests including Joe Biden and Nikola Jokic. Managed today by the Mullins family, the tavern has maintained its rich legacy of serving beverages and fostering community. Recently, the business expanded by opening McGillin’s Shoppe, a retail store offering apparel, souvenirs, Irish imports, and locally authored books, further strengthening its presence in Philadelphia’s cultural landscape.
News Summary
McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia’s oldest bar, has opened McGillin’s Shoppe, a new retail space at 123 S. Juniper St. This store features around 100 items, including apparel, souvenirs, and Irish imports, aiming to enhance customer experience for locals and tourists alike. The grand opening is scheduled for June 6, with operational hours set for weekends. This new venture follows the success of past holiday pop-up shops and marks an expansion of McGillin’s legacy as a social hub in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia – McGillin’s Olde Ale House, acclaimed as the oldest bar in the city, has expanded its operations by launching a new retail shop called McGillin’s Shoppe. Situated at 123 S. Juniper St. in Center City, the store officially opened its doors two weeks prior to the public announcement, adding an exciting new dimension to the well-known establishment’s 165-year legacy.
McGillin’s Shoppe occupies 500 square feet and offers an impressive selection of around 100 different items. The merchandise features a variety of products including McGillin’s apparel, Philadelphia-themed souvenirs, and a range of Irish imports such as wool scarves, hats, and socks. The shop is set to cater not only to local residents but also to tourists seeking unique memorabilia from their visits.
The grand opening celebration for McGillin’s Shoppe is scheduled for June 6, marking a significant milestone after a successful soft launch. Currently, store hours are established from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays, with plans to extend operating hours by the upcoming fall season. This retail space is intended to be a permanent year-round location, expanding McGillin’s brand presence beyond its tavern legacy.
The concept of McGillin’s Shoppe was inspired by previous holiday pop-up shops that the bar operated during the last two winters, which proved to be quite popular. The owners aim to create a shopping experience that rivals offerings at prominent tourist attractions, such as the Independence Visitor Center in Old City, emphasizing the quality and variety of their product selection.
In addition to clothing and souvenirs, McGillin’s Shoppe will feature various Irish imports including stained glass pieces, candles, teas, and locally authored books. As the holiday season approaches, the store has plans to stock gifts similar to those that were sold at its prior pop-up locations, ensuring a curated shopping experience for customers.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House first opened its doors in 1860 under the name “Bell in Hand.” The original tavern was operated by Irish immigrant William “Pa” McGillin and his wife, Catherine. Over the years, the establishment has remained within the McGillin family across multiple generations, and its current management is helmed by the Mullins family. Since its inception, McGillin’s has not only served beverages but has also become a social hub, frequented by many notable guests including former Vice President Joe Biden and Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
Today, McGillin’s continues to be a popular sports bar and a go-to destination for both locals and visitors, enhancing its long-standing reputation in Philadelphia’s vibrant cultural landscape. With the addition of McGillin’s Shoppe, the owners are not only celebrating the history and tradition of the tavern but are also embracing the future by diversifying their offerings and engaging with a wider audience.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Philadelphia
- Wikipedia
- Philly Voice
- Google Search: McGillin’s Olde Ale House
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Philadelphia
