McGillin's Olde Ale House

Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating tavern, pouring since 1860 on a narrow Center City lane.

McGillin's opened in 1860, the year Abraham Lincoln was elected president, in the home of Irish immigrant William 'Pa' McGillin. Originally called The Bell in Hand, it was soon known by its owner's name, and after his death 'Ma' McGillin ran the house until 1937. Today it is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, a lively, wood-panelled pub on Drury Street, an alley between Chestnut and Sansom Streets, serving local beers, including its own ales, and classic pub food.