In the heart of Philadelphia, the Old Philadelphia Bar, a long-standing neighborhood establishment, is making headlines for its unique approach to promoting unity. In 2018, a customer, Victor Fiorillo, hesitated when he saw a sign on the window but decided to enter. Inside, a man, self-proclaimed as a former firefighter and Mexican, lightened the mood with a patriotic song. The bar, a neighborhood fixture for decades, proudly displays the sign to set expectations of a patriotic atmosphere. Embracing its roots, the bar offers $1.50 pints of domestic beers, a throwback to simpler times.
Known for its aversion to hipsters, the bar is a haven for “real men,” resisting the neighborhood’s influx of working professionals. The establishment gained attention when a photo of the sign circulated online, sparking both support and outrage. In a time of heightened political division, the Old Philadelphia Bar stands as a unique symbol of unity, welcoming diverse patrons to share in a patriotic experience.