Note: we are republishing this story, which originally made the news in June 2018.
A Night Out Turns Thought-Provoking
Victor Fiorillo headed to the Old Philadelphia Bar one evening, craving a beer and good company. When he saw the sign etched on the window, it gave him pause. Despite the message, he stepped inside and bought a beer. That’s when a man spoke loudly enough for the entire bar to hear.
An Unexpected Moment at the Jukebox
The man approached the jukebox. Before inserting a coin, he announced he was a former firefighter and claimed to be Mexican—then laughed, saying that was “just a joke.” He picked Lee Greenwood’s 1984 hit, “God Bless the USA.” As the song’s chorus played, every patron joined in singing proudly.
A Bar Built on Patriotism
The Old Philadelphia Bar prides itself on the values in that song. That’s why the sign on the door reads:
“If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”
This message is new, but the bar itself has been a neighborhood staple for decades. It aims to greet guests with patriotic cheer and classic bar vibes.
Decal of the bar’s controversial message on the window, Photo Credit: Philly Mag
Keeping It Classic
The bar maintains old-school traditions, including $1.50 pints of domestic beer and $1 beers during televised sports. It proudly remains “hipster-free,” catering to “real men” and resisting the wave of yuppies and professionals changing the neighborhood.
One Google review summed it up: “Not overrun with hipster douchebags. And if you do see some, they keep their stupidity to themselves.”
Local Backlash and Concerns
A passerby photographed the sign and posted it to a local Philly Facebook group. The post triggered outrage. Many locals expressed disbelief that the bar openly displayed such a message.
Some residents even avoid the bar over fears of exclusion. A woman from Fairmount, who has an Indian boyfriend, said she wouldn’t visit because of the bar’s reputation. “I would avoid going there,” she told Fiorillo. “Sometimes, some places, it’s not fine. As is obvious from that sign.”
Manager Stands Firm
The bar manager seems unfazed by the controversy. A bartender told Fiorillo, “If you’re in this country, you should be proud to be an American.”
What’s Your Take?
Do you support the bar’s bold message, or do you think it crosses a line? Share your thoughts below.
