John Doyle started working at McGillin’s Olde Ale House in April 1974, making him the longest-serving bartender at Philadelphia’s oldest operating bar. And likely in the city, state and, the country!
The bar will toast him with a year-long celebration beginning on April 27 and ending on March 17, 2025, which will be his 50th St. Patrick’s Day at the iconic Philadelphia bar. Over the years Doyle has worked for three generations of ownership at McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern and one of the oldest in the country.
McGillin’s will toast the beloved bartender on Saturday, April 27 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. His family and friends will be on hand, and a series of surprises are planned throughout the afternoon. The event is free and open to the public. Pay as you go. For the next 12 months, he’ll be feted with contests, special drinks, discounts and parties at the historic tavern, which is located at 1310 Drury Lane, between 13th and Juniper, Chestnut and Sansom streets.
“Over the years John has probably mixed nearly a million cocktails and he’s served local craft beer including green, red and blue beer for local sports championships,” said Christopher Mullins, Jr, who co-owns the bar with his parents, Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, Sr. “John has told more jokes than a late show host and remembered drink orders that even the guests have forgotten. He’s acted as a matchmaker, watched romances blossom, and maybe even saved a few marriages. Always with good humor. His fierce Irish spirit, great humor, and dedication to customer service make him an icon in the industry.”
During his tenure, John has witnessed some of the greatest moments in Philadelphia history. John has experienced the massive celebrations for the Sixers NBA Championship, The Flyers Stanley Cup, The Eagles Super Bowl, and the Phillies World Series. When all of the teams brought their parades down Broad Street, their fans flocked to McGillin’s, and John was there to serve them.
John’s five decades at McGillin’s have spanned eight Philadelphia Mayors and John has served most of them. He has also served a Vice President and future President, the future Vice President, as well as a Secretary of State, Senators, and other national politicians from the United States, Ireland, and other countries. In fact, he has been asked to run for President himself, and that will be the theme for the year-long celebration.
John’s place in Philadelphia bartending history was cemented when a larger-than-life photo of him behind the bar at McGillin’s was included in an exhibit at the Atwater Kent Museum, a now-closed museum that chronicled Philadelphia history. He earned a “Best of Philly” award in 2010 when he was named the city’s best bartender.
“John has met the biggest names in sports, television, stage, music and entertainment. But one of the things that makes him special is that he treats everyone like a celebrity. John has a personality that draws thousands to McGillin’s,” said Chris Mullins, Sr. “John treats staff with the same respect. Throughout his tenure at McGillin’s, John has been a commanding leader for hundreds of our staff.”
The life-long Philadelphia resident was born and raised in South Philadelphia and then served in the Army during the Korean War. John is a family man who cherishes his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House is Philadelphia’s oldest continuously operating tavern and one of the oldest in the country. The bar was opened in 1860 by William McGillin. While John was not around back then, he has been at the bar for nearly one-third of its existence and nearly all of his life. McGillin’s is famous the world over for its extensive local beer list, delicious comfort food and warm hospitality, and John has helped make it famous.
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Marilyn Johnson
Food enthusiast. Travel lover. Social media maven. Independent Journalist. Food marketing/PR. https://sogoodpr.com/ https://original.newsbreak.com/@marilyn-johnson-1587690 https://southjerseyfoodscene.com/ Email: phillygrub@gmail.com
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