Controversial Bar Door Sign Divides Opinions but Boosts Business, Says Manager
During a night out in Philadelphia, Victor Fiorillo stopped by a long-standing neighborhood bar known for its old-school charm and affordable drinks.
But before stepping inside, one bold sign on the front window caught his attention:
“If you’re not proud to be an American, do not bother to come in.”
The message was clear, but its reception has been anything but unanimous.
While some patrons embraced the sign as a proud declaration of patriotism, others saw it as exclusionary and divisive.
Inside, the atmosphere mirrored the sentiment of the sign.
During Fiorillo’s visit, a man, proudly identifying himself as a former firefighter, approached the jukebox and played Lee Greenwood’s iconic anthem, “God Bless the USA.”
The entire bar erupted into a singalong, showcasing the deep sense of camaraderie shared among those present.
This unapologetically patriotic stance is no accident, according to the bar’s management.
The establishment, a staple in its neighborhood for decades, prides itself on being a refuge for what it calls “real men”—a place free from the hipster aesthetic and focused on old-fashioned values.
Classic elements like $1.50 pints and dollar beers during sporting events add to the throwback vibe.
Not everyone, however, feels welcome.
The sign quickly made its way to a local Philly Facebook group, sparking heated debates.
“And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the USA”
Some commenters praised the bar for staying true to its values, while others expressed concerns about its potential to alienate certain groups.
One local woman, citing her Indian boyfriend, shared her unease about entering such a space, fearing it might not be inclusive.
For its part, the bar’s management remains steadfast.
“If you’re in this country, you should be proud to be an American,” one bartender told Fiorillo, summing up the sentiment behind the sign.
The controversy has done little to hurt business—in fact, it seems to have drawn more attention and visitors, with some patrons showing up specifically to support the establishment’s message.
The debate raises larger questions about how patriotism is expressed in public spaces and whether such declarations foster unity or deepen divides.
What’s your take on the bar’s sign and its message? Does it embody pride or push boundaries too far?
