My spouse and I ate a late lunch at Scratch MaGoos in
Trolley Square in mid-June 2012. We shared cheesesteak eggrolls as an
appetizer, followed by some sandwiches. Scratch MaGoos is open daily for
weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner. We dined outdoors on their back
patio, which is a great outdoor spot, and even though it is a slight trek to
get from the front door (up a few steps) to the rear patio. This location dates
back to 1884, when it first housed a cigar shop. Next, it held a barbershop.
Originally, the Trolley Square area was referred to as “Forty Acres”, and in
1948, The Forty Acres Spaghetti House opened at this location (later renamed as
Marro’s Italian Restaurant when people thought “Forty Acres” was a dumb name).
It then became The Stow-A-Way Lounge Tavern, the Champagne Lounge Tavern, The
Cheesery, Jillian’s Restaurant, and Peppers Tavern. In 1989, Scratch MaGoo’s
Bar and Restaurant was opened, named after the lovable cartoon character, Mr.
Magoo, who has an uncanny ability to get through life finding happiness in
spite of the obstacles the world may throw his way.
