March 14, 2017
After bracing for a potentially "life-threatening" snowstorm that failed to meet expectations in most parts of the Northeast, residents are now able to turn their attention to truly important matters like where to spend Saint Patrick's Day.
Luckily, Travelocity has Americans of Irish descent – and those who want to be Irish for the day – covered, publishing a list of the eight best U.S. pubs to celebrate on Friday. People in the Philadelphia area won't need to look far because the travel website recognized a Center City bar as one of the best places to don green attire and drink green beer.
The local bar isn't just any establishment, but the longest continuously operating tavern in the city and one of America's oldest: McGillin’s Olde Ale House, at 1310 Drury St.
The bar opened as Bell in Hand in 1860 just before the Civil War and patrons have been filling the booths and bar stools ever since. The establishment was nicknamed McGillin’s after owners Catherine and William McGillin, who were Irish immigrants. The bar's name was eventually changed – officially – in 1910.
Here's what Travelocity had to say about McGillin's:
"In preparation for St. Paddy’s day, McGillin's, just a half a block away from the parade route, is serving up Irish food and drink specials from March 1 through March 16, from authentic Irish stout, to Chocolate Leprechaun Cocktails and their Original Irish Potato Martini. Standing at the antique oak bar, be sure to sample McGillin’s three house ales – McGillin’s 1860 IPA, McGillin’s Genuine Lager and McGillin’s Real Ale or opt [for] the 6 beer sampler."
The two-floor bar has 30 beers on draft, including those house brews.
Revelers will be able to begin their festivities at McGillin’s at 10 a.m. on Saint Patrick's Day.
The other seven Irish pubs recognized by the website are: Eire Pub, Boston; Fadó, Chicago; The Dubliner, Washington, D.C.; The Irish House, New Orleans; Molly Malone’s, Los Angeles; Kevin Barry’s Pub, Savannah; and The Buena Vista Café, San Francisco.
