EAT + PLAY

Scratch has been a favorite spot for a pre-show bite or a post-curtain meal whenever I’m catching a production at Mirror Studio in Poblacion.

The original branch is tiny, with limited seating. If you arrive early enough, you can usually spill over to the neighboring speakeasy, Dumbo, where diners are welcome to sit and eat. But if you want to stay within Scratch’s own space and enjoy a view of one of Makati’s liveliest streets, you’ll mostly find bar seating and a handful of tables. I never really minded. Scratch has always struck me as the kind of place with a simple mission: come in, order a burger and a Coke, and leave happy.

So I was genuinely excited to learn that Scratch had recently opened a branch in Eastwood. And for anyone watching a Repertory Philippines production, this is probably my top dining recommendation at the moment.

The Eastwood branch is a different beast altogether. It’s significantly larger than the Makati location and, from what I’ve heard, probably closer in scale to the BGC branch (I’ve never been there). There are indoor and outdoor dining areas, plus an enclosed VIP room for parties or larger groups looking for a bit of privacy. A large screen shows live sports, and there’s even a full bar serving cocktails.

The menu is also more expansive. Alongside the usual Scratch offerings, you’ll find selections from Nolita Joe’s, giving diners a much wider range of choices. If you’re coming with family, kids, or your barkada, it’s an easy place to settle in and spend a few hours.

The sandwich selection remains one of the highlights. On the side-dish front, the crinkle-cut fries come in several variations. The Hot Chick Fries, topped with pieces of fried chicken, are among the crowd favorites, while the Chopped Cheese Fries feature bits of burger mixed in. Personally, though, I’d stick with either the classic fries or the truffle fries since the toppings are essentially ingredients you’ll already encounter elsewhere on the menu.

If you’re not in the mood for a burger, the Hot Chick Sandwich is the better order. Made with chicken thigh, it’s juicy, meaty, and topped with a blue cheese sauce that balances the sandwich’s mild heat. At P320, it’s substantial enough for a light lunch yet not so heavy that you’ll regret it before an afternoon matinee.

A fellow theater fan swears by the Harlem Chopped (P480), essentially a chopped-up version of the burger patty served sandwich-style. I have to admit I’m not entirely sold on it because for me, the classic smash burger remains the star of the show.

Available in junior (P260) and regular (P360) sizes, the smash burger also comes in several variations, including bacon, Swiss cheese and mushroom, and umami truffle. But the basic version is all you really need. Many burger enthusiasts consider it among the best in the city, and it’s easy to understand why. The double patties develop beautifully crisp edges, the seasoning is spot-on, the sauce ties everything together, and even the potato bun deserves credit. It’s a straightforward burger executed exceptionally well.

Honestly, if this is the only thing you order, the visit is still worthwhile.

Since the Eastwood branch carries the Nolita Joe’s menu, I decided to venture beyond burgers and ordered the Truffled Mac N’ Cheese (P480). It was supposed to come topped with crushed Lay’s Classic chips, but they had run out that day. Even without the garnish, it was satisfying. A blend of gouda, cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan gives it richness, while white truffle oil adds just enough sophistication without making it feel fussy. It’s elevated comfort food, but still approachable enough for kids.

There are several other pasta options on the menu as well, including spaghetti and meatballs, which I’ve mentally bookmarked for a future visit.

Then there are the pizzas. Available in 12-, 16-, and 21-inch sizes, they lean toward familiar flavors rather than trendy combinations: pepperoni, four cheese, cheeseburger, and other crowd-pleasers. I ordered the pepperoni (P500 for the 12-inch) and found myself confronting an unexpected realization. Maybe I’ve simply outgrown New York-style pizza as my preferences have shifted to Neapolitan pies. The toppings and sauce here are fine, but the crust no longer speaks to me the way it once did. That’s entirely a matter of personal taste rather than a criticism of the pizza itself.

Whatever you do, save room for dessert.

Scratch serves Fog City ice cream by the scoop or as a shake, but the real gem is the Ice Cream Sandwich, priced at just P160. Available in flavors like Chocnut Dulce de Leche and Mango Biscoff, it might be one of the best-value desserts on the menu.

I went with the Chocnut Dulce de Leche, naturally. One bite and I was transported straight back to childhood. Sweet, nostalgic, and wonderfully messy, it was the perfect way to end the meal.

I’ll definitely be back. In fact, I suspect this place is about to become my new pre-show ritual whenever I’m watching a Rep production in Eastwood.

Scratch Smash Burgers Eastwood is located at the ground floor of One Eastwood Avenue Tower 1.