Poogan’s Porch Dog Ghost

Legend has it that a four-legged ghost roams the restaurant, greeting diners and lounging under tables in hopes of snagging some dropped food. This playful spirit belongs to none other than the restaurant’s namesake, Poogan.

In his lifetime, Poogan was a neighborhood stray who often visited the Queen Street location when it was still a private home. The residents would frequently offer him a spot on the porch, along with food and water. When the last homeowners sold the property and it was transformed into a restaurant, Poogan continued to frequent his beloved porch at 72 Queen, even during renovations.

By the time the restaurant officially opened in 1976, Poogan had become a cherished presence. Diners would often find him waiting at the top of the porch steps, welcoming them. When he wasn’t stationed at his post, he could be spotted scavenging the heart-of-pine floors for crumbs and leftovers.

Poogan passed away from natural causes in 1979, but the restaurant’s owners had already come to regard him as family. He was laid to rest on the property, and the restaurant was named Poogan’s Porch in his honor.

Today, many diners claim to feel Poogan’s presence, with reports of dog hair brushing against their legs while they eat. Most believe this sensation is a sign that Poogan’s spirit still wanders, hoping to catch some scraps from the tables he once frequented.