If you find yourself in Toledo, Ohio, or in one of the suburbs like Perrysburg, Rossford, or Oregon, you may be surprised by the diversity of the restaurants. Although Toledo is not know for its cuisine, there are many fine eateries in the area with dishes that will satisfy any craving.
If you watched “Mash”, Klinger (Jamie Farr) raved about the hot dogs at Packo’s Restaurant. The hot dogs are a special recipe invented by Tony Packo, called Hungarian Hot Dogs. But hot dogs are not the only menu item. Packo’s offers other Hungarian dishes, like chicken paprikas, and stuffed cabbage. Their chili is also one of the favorites. The Packo’s Restaurant at 1902 Front St. (419-691-6054) is home to the most famous hot dog buns in the world, signed by celebrities, politicians, and other prominent figures. According to the “History of Tony Packo’s (found at http://www.tonypackos.com/history.php, the first autographed bun came from Burt Reynolds in 1972 and has become a tradition until this day. Packo’s also has smaller cafes around the city where a smaller menu is offered, but all include the famous hot dogs.
Another great source for Hungarian food is the Budapest Restaurant at 3314 Monroe St. (419-241-1513). This restaurant is small with home-cooked meals that restaurants (before the chains) prepared. The chicken or veal paprikas is excellent, served with dumplings, and mashed potatoes. A salad and bread are served after ordering. They also offer stuffed cabbage and Hungarian goulash. The deserts are also some of the finest in the city, with home-made crepes, strudel, and pies.
If you are a fan of Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, try The Beirut Restaurant at 4082 Monroe St. (419-473-0885 or their sister restaurant, Byblo’s Restaurant at 1050 S. Reynolds Rd. (567-202-1284). Their appetizers include raw kibbe or kafta, hommus, and grape leaves, among others, all of which have generous portions, and all of the accompaniments (such as cucumbers, onions, and pita bread) included. The main meals include shish-kabobs (lamb, beef, or chicken or a combination plate of one of each), shish-kafta, roast lamb shank, a number of chicken dishes like chicken shawarma, and other mediterrean favorites.
If you fancy Eastern Indian food, the Tandoor Restaurant at 2247 S. Reynolds (419-385-7467) should be your pick. The tandoori chicken is excellent, as is their rice soup. They offer a buffet for lunch, however the selections are limited. Their tea and coffee drinks are also recommended. This is also a great restaurant for vegetarians, with a large number of menu items from which to choose.
If you’re polish and looking for the comfort food your mother or grandmother made, try Ski’s Polish Restaurant at 5834 Monroe St. #P, Sylvania, OH (419-882-1199). You’ll find your favorites on the menu: Kielbasa, golabki (cabbage rolls), and of course, czarnina (duck soup). They also offer American dishes. The Toledo Blade gave them a 4 star rating in their restaurant rating column. The background music is, naturally, polkas. This is a wonderful restaurant for family dining.
Perrysburg, OH, is the home of two great ethnic restaurants. The first is Biaggi’s Italian Restaurant at 26611 Dixie Hwy Perrysburg, OH (419-872-1230). Their selection of Italian dishes is phenomenal and the portions are more than adequate. From the appetizer menu, the mussels pomodoro and stuffed mushrooms are excellent. Their Fettuccini with lobster is a wonderful choice, however, some people have a problem with the black fettuccini. They also offer pizza selections, (simple and no gimmicks), soups and salads, fish dishes, grilled options, and sinful desserts.
The second restaurant worth noting is El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant at 26611 Dixie Hwy Perrysburg, OH (419- 872-1230). Besides the typical appetizer offering of nachos and bean dips, the Queso Fundido Con Cameron
(number 67), which is melted cheese, 7 shrimp, onions, mushrooms, and poblano peppers, is delicious, and is hearty enough to be considered a meal. For something different from the burritos, enchiladas, and tacos, the El Sinaloense (number 143) is a must. This is grilled chicken, topped with cheese and chorizo, and served with rice, guacamole salad, and 4 flour tortillas.
Even though Biaggi’s and El Vaquero are chain restaurants, the food is outstanding, and if there is one in your area, you may want to pay them a visit. More than likely, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re looking for a burger or chili, go to a bar or bowling alley that serves food. The bars located near a factory usually has the best burgers and chili. Berger’s Olde Tyme Bar at 1742 W. Laskey Rd, (419-473-9541) offers a variety of burger choices, excellent chili, and delicious onion rings, among other menu items. Another bar/restaurant to consider is The Tropics Lounge, 1583 W Sylvania Ave. (419) 478-8592. Besides burgers and fries, they offer a daily special, a variety of soups, chili, and fish fry’s on Fridays. Both places are reasonably priced and the food is exceptional.
Speaking of fish frys, if you happen to be in Toledo in the fall or winter, most VFW halls and some churches offer fish frys (eat-in or take-out). If you cannot eat fried foods, this is not for you. However, if you like fried fish, these are the places to go. Lake Erie perch or walleye (pickeral) are usually offered. Some also offer shrimp or froglegs, or a combination plate (a little of each). It’s usually served with french fries, bread, and coleslaw. Some also offer steak dinners for those who do not like fish.
There are several other ethnic restaurants, and in checking ratings from various websites, here are some of the favorites:
Chinese food (which includes Mandarin, Szechwan & Hunan Cuisine): Jing Chuan Restaurant, 4424 Secor Rd., (419-472-9612).
Japanese food: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse Sushi Lounge, 5294 Monroe St., Toledo, (419) 843-1300 or Kyoto Ka Restaurant, 6801 W. Central Ave. (419-841-2070).
So as you can see, Toledo is not just about hot dogs; there are many fine restaurants with excellent food to satisfy any craving.
