Irene Levy Baker — Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern

Irene Levy Baker — Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern

From History Author Show by Dean Karayanis

March 16, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

Irene Levy Baker discusses her book 'Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern' and the history of Philadelphia's oldest tavern.

  March 15, 2026 – We welcome a treasure from the City of Brotherly Love, Irene Levy Baker, back into the Wayback Machine. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, she’s here to discuss “Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern.” She previously joined us to talk about her book, “100 Things To Do In Philadelphia.” You can find that interview, and my 2016 conversation with the tavernkeeper, Chris Mullins Sr. , in our archives, and visit McGillins.com for more. McGillin’s, which opened in 1860 — the year President Lincoln was first elected to replace Pennsylvania’s own James Buchanan — and is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia. It survived two global pandemics, two World Wars, the Civil War, economic depressions, a fire, Disco, and 165 years of history. Mentioned in This Episode: Chris Mullins, Sr. — McGillin’s Olde Ale House Irene Levy Baker – 100 Things to Do in Philadelphia Before You Die Rafe Bartholomew – Two and Two: McSorley’s, My Dad, and Me Robert Norden — The Old ’76 House

People in this episode

Guest: Irene Levy Baker

Topics covered

  • history
  • taverns
  • Philadelphia

Keywords

  • McGillin's
  • St. Patrick's Day
  • tavern history

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia

Books & works: Cheers to McGillin’s: Philly’s Oldest Tavern, Cheers to McGillin’s:, This Episode

Places: the City of Brotherly Love, Philly, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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