Local Bar’s Controversial Display Sparks Backlash — Owner Reports Uptick in Revenue

This article revisits a story that first appeared in the news in June 2018. It describes an encounter involving writer Victor Fiorillo and a South Philadelphia bar that became the center of a public debate.

One evening, Fiorillo stopped at the Old Philadelphia Bar looking to relax with a drink. Before going inside, he noticed a sign on the window that read, “If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”

Intrigued by the message, Fiorillo entered the bar anyway. Inside, a man loudly announced that he was a former firefighter and a Mexican, then quickly laughed and admitted the comment was meant as a joke.

The man selected Lee Greenwood’s song “God Bless the USA” on the jukebox. As the music played, most of the patrons enthusiastically sang along, creating a strongly patriotic atmosphere.

The bar is well known in the neighborhood for its inexpensive drinks, traditional decor, and no-frills style. According to management, the sign is meant to reflect the bar’s values and prepare customers for its overt patriotism.

The establishment also promotes itself as “hipster-free,” emphasizing its focus on longtime local residents rather than newer arrivals. When an image of the sign appeared on Facebook, it sparked criticism from some community members.

Several people felt the wording was unwelcoming or exclusionary. While staff defended the sign as misunderstood, others said it made them uncomfortable. The sign remains a source of ongoing discussion.