McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Philadelphia: A Favorite Hangout Where Hundreds Have Found Love

Since its founding, McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Philadelphia has served as Cupid’s favorite hangout spot.

One of the oldest bars in the United States and the oldest in Philadelphia, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is also popular for reasons beyond its food and drinks.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was established in 1860, and since then, hundreds of couples have met, gotten engaged, and even married there.

This is the place in Pennsylvania where the most number of couples have gotten hitched, more than anywhere else in the city. And no, these aren’t just temporary flings or affairs, but lasting love with numerous success stories.

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As a real-life example, Kay Scorboria had planned to become a nun, but her plans changed when she met a handsome sailor, Preston, at McGillin’s. Instead, she married him, and today, after 60 years of marriage, they have five children and eleven grandchildren.

In 1961, Helen and Chuck Meyers met at McGillin’s and fell in love. Three years later, they got married, and Chuck gave Helen a charm bracelet with McGillin’s charm on it. After 50 years, Helen still treasures the bracelet.

William McGillin and his wife, Catherine, had 13 children who lived upstairs while they founded McGillin’s 164 years ago. They owned and managed the place themselves. Today, it is run by their daughter Mary Ellen, her husband Chris Mullins, and their son Christopher.

Amazed by the numerous love stories blooming at the taverns, the owners decided to create a book called ‘Love Letters,’ where couples can share their experiences. According to Irene Levy Baker, author of 100 Things to Do in Philadelphia, the first two volumes of the book filled up quickly, and a third is set to follow soon.

Allison Doll Kelly and Kevin Kelly connected on a dating app in 2012, and just two weeks later, they decided to meet in person. Their parents suggested McGillin’s as a meeting spot, as they would also go there every Friday for drinks after work.

New Jersey’s Betty and Jay Dutill met at McGillin’s in 1977, and their four children, now young adults, couldn’t stop raving about a ‘newly discovered’ bar in Philly. They were taken aback to learn that their parents had also met at the same place years ago.

Not only have couples found or met the love of their lives at the bar, but some have even gotten engaged and married there.

Allison and Kevin had a lovely date at McGillin’s Olde Ale House and decided to have their engagement pictures taken there as well.

Kaitlyn and Amanda not only got engaged here, but they also took pictures in front of the Christmas decorations set up by the bar.

So, the next time you visit Philadelphia, remember to check out 1310 Drury Street, McGillin’s Olde Ale House, PA. If you’re lucky, you might just find the love of your life there, because there’s definitely something in the air!