Originally reported in June 2018

A neighborhood bar in Philadelphia has become the center of public debate after a sign displayed on its front window drew strong reactions both online and in the local community.

Writer Victor Fiorillo encountered the sign while visiting the Old Philadelphia Bar, a long-standing establishment known for its low-cost drinks, classic décor, and traditional atmosphere. The sign read: “If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”

Curious about the message, Fiorillo entered the bar. Inside, he observed a lively scene that reflected the bar’s overtly patriotic tone. At one point, a patron announced he was a former firefighter and jokingly added that he was Mexican, prompting laughter from the crowd. Shortly afterward, Lee Greenwood’s 1984 song “God Bless the USA” played on the jukebox, with many patrons singing along.

According to management, the sign is not meant to offend but to clearly communicate the bar’s identity and expectations. Staff members described the message as an expression of patriotism rather than exclusion, emphasizing that the bar has always catered to longtime locals and brands itself as intentionally “hipster-free.”

However, after a photo of the sign circulated in a local Facebook group, criticism quickly followed. Some residents said the wording felt unwelcoming, particularly to immigrants and minorities. One woman stated she would avoid the bar, explaining that the sign made her uncomfortable given her boyfriend’s background.

Bar staff pushed back against the criticism, arguing that the message had been misinterpreted. One bartender stated that pride in being American should be a shared value among those living in the country.

Despite the backlash, the bar’s owner claims that business has increased since the controversy began. The sign remains in place, continuing to spark discussion about patriotism, free expression, and inclusivity in public spaces.