30 Cent Drinks at McGillin’s … in 1933


If you’re looking for a cheap drink try McGillin’s Olde Ale House … circa 1933. A South Philadelphia resident recently found a bit of history from the tavern dating back almost 80 years. Eddie Stanten (with McGillin’s owner Chris Mullin’s Jr, above) found a few old books almost twenty years ago, including a very old scrapbook, being left out for trash. An avid reader, Eddie saved them but ended up accidentally leaving them at an old friend’s house. Just recently Eddie got those books back and within the old scrapbook found a menu from McGillin’s from 1933. When he found out McGillin’s was still around, Eddie dropped by to show current owners.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been open continuously since 1860 and holds the title as Philadelphia’s oldest bar. The current owners, the Mullins family, love collecting old McGillin’s artifacts so you can imagine their excitement when Eddie walked through the door. The full menu shows two full pages of drinks, most of which ring up around 30 cents. Certain cocktails get a bit pricier, hitting a whopping 50 cents. If only we had a time machine….

McGillin’s Olde Ale House [Official Site]