Community Reactions Divide Over Philadelphia Bar’s Patriotic Policy

The sign on the window of the Old Philadelphia Bar has become one of the city’s most talked-about topics, igniting passionate debate both online and within the neighborhood. A passerby’s photo of the message—”If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”—quickly spread on social media, drawing thousands of comments from residents across Philadelphia.

While some praised the bar for promoting traditional American values, others accused it of being unwelcoming or exclusionary. Many felt that such a message could discourage diversity in an area that has been rapidly changing. The establishment’s reputation for catering to “real men,” as one regular put it, adds to its old-school atmosphere but also reinforces its image as a place resistant to modern trends.

The bar’s interior, unchanged for years, features classic décor and a loyal crowd that values inexpensive drinks and straightforward service. Online reviewers echo the sentiment, one writing: “Not overrun with hipster douchebags. And even if you do see some hipster douche McDouchebags, they know to keep their abject stupidity to themselves.”

However, not everyone feels welcome. A woman from nearby Fairmount told Fiorillo she avoids the bar entirely because of concerns about how her Indian boyfriend might be treated. “I would avoid going there,” she said. “It’s usually fine. Sometimes, some places, it’s not fine. As is obvious from that sign.”

Despite the criticism, the bar’s staff remain steadfast. One bartender simply stated, “If you’re in this country, you should be proud to be an American.” For now, the Old Philadelphia Bar stands as a symbol of a broader cultural divide—one that stretches far beyond its walls and continues to stir conversation about identity, patriotism, and belonging in a changing city.