John Doyle Celebrates his 40th St. Patrick’s Day at McGillin’s

John Doyle (in black) with McGillin’s owner Chris Mullins, Sr.

John Doyle, who was voted Philly’s Best Bartender in 2010, is celebrating his 40th St Patrick’s Day as a bartender at Philadelphia’s oldest bar, McGillin’s Olde Ale House.

According to Doyle, St Patrick’s Day at McGillins has gotten busier every year since he began working there, and the patrons have gotten younger.  “Either they’re getting younger or I’m getting older,” he said.

If he’s having a drink on his shift he prefers Irish Mist (on the rocks), but tonight he is serving up a signature Irish Potato Cocktail, made of vanilla vodka, coconut milk and RumChata. “Do you know what RumChata is? It’s a nice cream rum. It’s good!” Doyle explained.

After all these years of bartending during one of the most notoriously rowdy nights of the year, Doyle said he still looks forward to it. That may be because he has some Irish roots himself. “My great grandparents’ last name was McGowan! Doyle is my father’s last name.”

McGillin’s Olde Ale House [Foobooz]