Changes at Magooby's Joke House
Soon after Magooby's Joke House (9306 Harford Road) opened, I went there for a nightlife column. I remember thinking that the service was surprisingly on point, and the comedians were pretty funny. It seemed like a well-run place.
But I also remember thinking the club (formerly Tracy's at the Bowman) and many of the patrons seemed stuck in the '90s. "Light jeans, sweaters and poofy hair abounded," I wrote in my review. "The chairs were metal with vinyl cushions, similar to what you'd see in a VFW hall, but comfortable enough." ...
Though I can't vouch for the people that go there, it seems that decor-wise, Magooby's is finally trying to enter the 21st century. I got an e-mail from co-owner Marc Unger, who said they've installed a new sound system and bought new chairs, among other things.
Unger also said Magooby's is doing well. That's good news, because I think Unger puts a lot of work into the place, and I'm glad it seems to be paying off for him. Of course, this doesn't change my opinion about the incredibly silly name.
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
I haven't been there since around 2001 and it was "meh". I've got a relative who does occasional stand-up there. Maybe I should go check him out. Good to hear they're updating the place.
Posted by: Klip | February 18, 2009 1:43 PM
Sam your website is like a ghost town after I left! Letting me go is going to be a costly mistake for your dorky bosses! People may hate me...but when I speak everyone listens! I think getting the boot only helps me out! I proved I will say what I want when I want!
Posted by: Tim Lumber | February 18, 2009 1:49 PM
Tim, you could star at Magooby's. But everyone would be laughing AT you, not with you.
Posted by: Joke's on you | February 18, 2009 2:20 PM
So silly we think the name's kinda hip... It's the nicknames of my nephews who are known as Mr. Magoo and Mr. B... Plus as a comic, I love the idea of my brethren being forced to tell other comics and write on their myspace pages that they're working Magooby's Joke House. Thanks btw.
Posted by: Marc "Magooby" Unger | February 18, 2009 7:19 PM