Popular Irish bar in Philadelphia is not selling Guinness on St Patrick's Day

A popular Irish bar in Philadelphia is not selling Guinness on St Patrick’s Day. McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the oldest pub in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the US, having opened in 1860.

McGillin’s was opened by a couple from Co Mayo and Co Tyrone and the current owners, Mary Ellen, 71 and Chris Mullins, Sr, 75, and Christopher Mullins Jr, 48, have stayed true to its Irish roots, especially in the month of March.

The pub is decorated in emerald green and serves up Irish food specials, including bangers and mash and Irish lamb stew, and St Patrick’s Day-themed cocktails such as the Irish Potato Martini and the Galway Girl cocktail.

There is one famous beverage that is not on the list, though, and that is Guinness. Why?

“Rather than serve beer from a massive corporate conglomerate, we serve O’Hara’s Irish Craft Beers, the only Irish stout sold in America that is exclusively brewed in Ireland,” a McGillin’s spokesperson explained.

“You can get Guinness anywhere – a steakhouse, a sushi place, a Flyers game – but not at McGillin’s. Our partnership with O’Hara’s runs deep. We’ve been serving their beer – our only non-American pour – for nearly 20 years.

“Séamus O’Hara, co-owner of O’Hara’s Irish Craft Beers, has visited Philly’s oldest bar many times and we’re proud to call him our friend. He and his brother, co-owner Eamonn, are passionate about their beer and we are, too.

“O’Hara’s is an independent brewery located in the heart of Ireland’s historical malt-growing Barrow Valley region in Co Kilkenny. If you haven’t tried O’Hara’s Irish Stout yet, you’re in for a real treat.”

The reaction to McGillin’s no-Guinness pact was praised by customers on social media. One wrote: “Love that McGillin’s is still true to their beliefs,” while another commented: “This is why I love you!”

A third wrote: “Might have to drop on in for a pint when I’m in Philly next weekend!” and a fourth concluded: “From an Irish perspective, that sounds like a good taste test for me.”

The weekends leading up to St Patrick’s Day will be filled with surprise visits from Irish dancers and bagpipers as well as Philadelphia’s St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 10. McGillin’s opens an hour early – 10am – on March 17.

It’ll be “green beer and green cheer” until 2am and there will be a cover with in/out privileges, space permitting. Christopher Mullins Jr. added: “St Paddy’s Day is always a big one to celebrate our Irish roots and history. We can’t make that day big enough. Everyone embraces McGillin’s but more so in March than any other month.”

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