As Philadelphia’s oldest and long-running tavern, McGillin’s has a long and rich history.
That history is now documented in a new book titled, Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern by longtime publicist Irene Levy Baker.
Since first opening its doors in 1860, McGillin’s has only been owned by two families: the McGillin family who opened the tavern, and the Mullins family, who currently own it.
Both sets of families have owned the tavern for three generations each, respectively.
Over these 165 years, McGillin’s has survived the Civil War, World War I and II, two pandemics, a fire, and even Prohibition.
“I’ve been a publicist here for 20 years, and every day has been an adventure. From being on every national Morning Show to being a clue in the New York Times’ crossword puzzle,” Levy Baker said during a recent book launch event that took place at the tavern.
The Spaniak/Shepaniak/Mullins family has owned McGillin’s since 1958.
Second generation owner Chris Mullins Sr. — who took over the tavern from his father-in-law and uncle-in-law, Joe and Henry Mullins — recalls becoming owner in 1993, a time when the bar was going through various challenges and had to be resurrected.
It has been able to resurrect, and then some.
Two events Mullins Sr. credits for the rejuvenation of McGillin’s are the election of Ed Rendell as mayor and the opening of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
His son, Christopher Mullins Jr. joined the bar in 2006.
As the third-generation of his family to become McGillin’s owner, he calls it “a labor of love.”
“It’s a family adventure,” he added. “I consider myself lucky to be in my 50s and still get to see and work with my mom and dad every day.”
Stories like that are what makes McGillin’s so special for so many.
Over the years, McGillin’s popularity has continued to grow, while building a strong sense of community among many of its longer-tenured employees. This includes John Doyle, who celebrated his 51st anniversary as an employee there earlier this year.
McGillin’s has also developed a reputation for the numerous celebrities who have visited over the years, from athletes to politicians, entertainers, and everyone in between, including everyday people.
“We take great pride in the food that we put out. We work so hard,” said Mullins Jr.
As the Mullins look forward, the goal is always to preserve the tavern’s history while also introducing new and more modern initiatives.
Earlier this year, McGillin’s opened a new retail shop, where customers can purchase a copy of the book, as well as McGillin’s merchandise, and several unique Philadelphia souvenirs.
From history, to the introduction of craft beer, to the countless love stories that have unfolded at the tavern and more, Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern is a worthy read.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in November 2025.
