This year marks 50 years since John Doyle began working at McGillin’s Olde Ale House, the Center City bar that serves as Philadelphia’s oldest, writes Victor Fiorillo for Philadelphia Magazine.

Already a customer, Doyle started working at McGillin’s in April 1974 when the door guy asked him to watch the door one night, which he obliged.

He went to Ronnie’s Bartender School in Center City and became a bartender.

Of the countless people he has met at McGillin’s, a visit from then-Vice President Joe Biden during the last day of the Democratic National Convention in 2016, stood out the most.

“When he got to the bottom of the stairs, I yelled out, ‘Yo, Joe! What’s goin’ on?’ Everybody starts looking at me. The owner thought to himself, ‘Oh my God, they’re going to shoot John Doyle!’ But then he approaches me, so I walked to him. And we got a selfie.”

The biggest tip he ever received at McGillin’s was $500, split between the team.

The most popular drinks he’s served are Bud Light, Coors Light, or Budweiser.

In 2010, he won Best of Philly for Best Bartender.

“To this day, it’s a real honor,” said Doyle.

His secret to being a good bartender? Being happy.

Read more about John Doyle’s 50-year career at McGillin’s at Philadelphia Magazine.

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