January 13, 2026 at 6pm
via Zoom. Link will be emailed on January 13 at 3pm. Presentation will begin at 6pm
Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern
presented by Irene Levy Baker and Chris Mullins
Part of the 2026 Winter Speaker Series, Building Philadelphia via Zoom.
$10 for Members. Be sure to log in at checkout for the discounted rates.
Find out what’s brewing at McGillin’s Olde Ale House, the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. Starting with the launch of its new book, Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern, Chris Mullins, co-owner of the tavern, and author Irene Levy Baker will share stories behind the historic bar including its colorful history, romance, ghosts, celebrities and survival through wars, a fire, and even Prohibition. The book includes all this, plus how Philadelphia’s trials and tribulations over the years impacted the bar, tales of long-time employees and beloved customers, food and cocktail recipes and historic photos, as well as a forward by Edward G. Rendell, former Pennsylvania Governor and Philadelphia Mayor.
In 165 years, the bar has only been owned by two families. In 1958, the McGillin family sold the bar to two brothers. When they retired in 1993, they sold the bar to their daughter and son-in-law, Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, Sr, who run the bar today, with their son, Christopher Mullins, Jr. Christopher Mullins, Jr. joined the business in 2006, becoming the third generation of his family to run the historic tavern.
Irene Levy Baker is the author of Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia. She is always hungry for adventures that will surprise and delight her readers. Irene is the owner of Spotlight Public Relations, a public relations firm specializing in restaurants and hospitality. McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been her client through two generations, two decades, and countless icy cold beers and corned beef Reubens.
Complementary access available for current students and Art-Reach ACCESS card holders. Email [email protected] with valid student ID or ACCESS card to register.
The presentation link will be emailed to registrants on Tuesday, January 13 at 3pm.
All lectures will be recorded and a replay will be available to registered participants.
