While out for a casual drink one evening, Victor Fiorillo visited the Old Philadelphia Bar—a longtime neighborhood staple in the City of Brotherly Love. He was expecting cold beer and good company, but a bold sign on the front window gave him pause: “If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”
Despite the message, he stepped inside and ordered a beer. That’s when a man walking toward the jukebox announced, loud enough for the entire bar to hear, “I’m a former firefighter—and I’m Mexican!” He laughed and quickly added, “Just kidding,” before dropping a coin into the jukebox and selecting Lee Greenwood’s 1984 patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.”
As the song echoed through the bar, patrons stood and joined in, belting out the chorus in unison. It was a display of raw patriotism, with every person in the room proudly singing along. The moment seemed to perfectly embody the spirit the bar tries to uphold.
The sign on the window wasn’t just a decoration—it was a mission statement. According to management, the bar prides itself on traditional American values and old-school charm. $1.50 pints, cheap beer during televised games, and a no-nonsense vibe have kept it rooted in the past, even as the neighborhood around it modernizes.
That same nostalgia, however, sparked controversy when a passerby snapped a photo of the sign and shared it on a local Facebook group. The image quickly stirred outrage, with some critics accusing the bar of exclusionary, even discriminatory, messaging.
One local woman from nearby Fairmount admitted she wouldn’t step foot in the bar with her Indian boyfriend, fearing the atmosphere might not be welcoming. “Sometimes, some places, it’s not fine,” she said. “As is obvious from that sign.”
The bar’s management didn’t seem fazed. A bartender told Fiorillo, “If you’re in this country, you should be proud to be an American,” doubling down on the bar’s unapologetic stance.
Despite public criticism, the bar claims the attention has only helped business. Loyal customers continue to show up for the cheap drinks, familiar faces, and a strong dose of red-white-and-blue sentiment. And whether you find the message inspiring or offensive, one thing’s for sure—the Old Philadelphia Bar is standing by its sign, and it’s not backing down.