Our newly-published book delves into the rich history of McGillin’s, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest bars in the country. McGillin’s opened in 1860 — the year Abe Lincoln was elected and around the time the Liberty Bell cracked. The book takes you on a journey through time from just-discovered historical facts to modern-day secrets including:
Written by Irene Levy Baker, McGillin’s long-time publicist and published by Camino Books. Forward by Edward G. Rendell, Pennsylvania Governor (2003-2011) and Philadelphia Mayor (1992-2000).
Over the years the historic bar has been owned by only two families: the McGillins, who raised their thirteen children upstairs and passed the bar down through three generations and the current owners, who have run the bar for three generations.
Both families have set the bar high. They have dedicated every waking hour to being the best, to making memories, and to keeping the bar’s 165 year history alive. And through it all, the bar has become part of the soul of Philadelphia and an iconic American institution.
Drink in some liquid history with your friends from McGillin’s
5:30 pm
Sneak Peek Party & Book Launch — We’ll celebrate our NEW book, “Cheers To McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern” with a party & then share colorful tales about the bar’s history, romances, ghosts, celebrities and survival through wars, a fire, and even Prohibition. Signed books available for purchase. Each attendee gets: discounted McGillin’s house beers, discount coupon for lunch at McGillin’s and for merch at the McGillin’s Shoppe. Limited space/seating not guaranteed. Free – pay as you go. Co-presented by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Book Talk 7 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12 (Ma’s birthday!) SOLD OUT.
5:30 pm
Book Talk & Beer: We’ll celebrate our NEW book, “Cheers To McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern” with a party & then share colorful tales about the bar’s history, romances, ghosts, celebrities and survival through wars, a fire, and even Prohibition. Each attendee gets: discounted McGillin’s house beers, discount coupon for lunch at McGillin’s and for merch at the McGillin’s Shoppe. Limited space/seating not guaranteed. Free – pay as you go. Signed books available for purchase. Door opens 5:30 p.m. Book talk 7-8 p.m. Thursday, November 13. SOLD OUT.
7:00 pm
Book Talk at the Union League: For Union League Members only.
6:00 pm
Virtual Book Talk with the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia: Great for non-local fans and locals too! Hear more about McGillin’s new book, “Cheers To McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern.” The talk will take you on a journey through time from just-discovered historical facts and photos to modern-day secrets including history, romances, ghost stories, celeb spotting, and survival through wars, a fire and even Prohibition. The book includes food and drink recipes. Forward by Edward G. Rendell. January 13, 2026 at 6 p.m. Ticket needed.
>> For ticket1:00 pm
Book Signing at Barnes & Noble Center City: Irene Levy Baker, author of our new book, “Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern” will sign books at Barnes & Noble Center City (1708 Chestnut Street) on Saturday, January 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. You’ll find her upstairs. No formal presentation. She’s there to sign books, answer your questions and share stories about McGillin’s history, romance, ghosts, celebs and how it survived the Civil War, two pandemics, a fire and even Prohibition.
>> No RSVP needed. Details here
5:30 pm
Couples Reunion: Mix, mingle & meet other couples who met, had their 1st date, got engaged or have another romantic connection to McGillin’s. A special book talk about “Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern” with emphasis on the chapter about the mating magic here. Showing lots of photos. Attendees get 2 drink tickets, appetizer buffet, romance-oriented book talk, discounted house beers, discount coupon for lunch at McGillin’s and merch in the new McGillin’s Shoppe. Signed, personalized books will be available for purchase. Each couple only needs 1 ticket. One ticket is good for 2 people. Perfect Valentine’s Day activity! SOLD OUT.
>> For tickets6:30 pm
In-person & virtual Book Talk at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania: Join us for a book talk about “Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern” at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (1300 Locust Street or virtual) on National Beer Day. Christopher Mullins, Jr., co-owner, & Irene Levy Baker, author, will share colorful tales about the bar’s 165-year history. The book includes photos from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, a foreword by former Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, and food & drink recipes. Each attendee will receive a discount coupon for lunch at McGillin’s and at McGillin’s new Shoppe. On-site tickets include admission to the talk and the exhibit Changing Faces of Independence. Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern will be available for purchase on-site or with ticket. Complimentary tickets for students by emailing programs@hsp.org. In-person and virtual. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. For ticket: Click here.
6:00 pm
Book Talk for The Sporting Club: For members only.
1:00 pm
Book Talk for Beer Lovers/History Buffs: Chris Mullins, co-owner of the family-owned bar, and Irene Levy Baker, author of newly-published “Cheers to McGillin’s,” will tell stories about the historic bar and how it survived the Civil War, two world wars, two pandemics, a fire, and even Prohibition. Hear tales of yesteryear, ghost stories, love stories, and modern day secrets revealed over beers and cheers. At McGillin’s from 1-3 p.m.
Ticketed event. Each participant will get a signed copy of the book, hot & cold appetizers, discount on meal before/after event, a chance to win prizes and more. Cash bar available. SOLD OUT.
7:00 pm
Book Talk at the Pen & Pencil Club: Hear tales of yesteryear, ghost stories, love stories, and modern day secrets revealed over beers and cheers. Chris Mullins, co-owner of the family-owned bar, and Irene Levy Baker, author of newly-published “Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Bar,” will tell stories about the bar and how it survived the Civil War, two world wars, two pandemics, a fire, and even Prohibition. And reveal a newly-discovered link to the Union League and historic photos from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania and century old scrapbooks. The book includes a forward by Edward G. Rendell. At the Pen & Pencil, 1522 Latimer Street (between 15th & 16th, Spruce & Locust) at 7 p.m.
Free but sign up needed. Sign up link coming soon. If interested, email mcgillins@aol.com with the subject line: Pen and Pencil event.
Book Talk for Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides. APT Members only.
