Memorable | One of the Best
Tony Packo’s
Review by: Roadfood Team
Tony Packo’s represents Toledo in a way that no other restaurant does, or even can. Started in 1932, Tony Packo’s has grown into a local icon. Popularized by Jamie Farr’s numerous mentions of it on the long-running television series “MASH,” Tony Packo’s Hungarian hot dogs are a must-try dish. There are multiple locations around Toledo but the best of them is at 1902 Front Street.
The atmosphere is very laid-back and comfortable. It is a popular lunch hang-out for the downtown crowd. Lining the walls are plastic-encased hot dog buns, signed by famous visitors to Tony Packo’s, a practice begun with Burt Reynolds in 1976. In the back of the restaurant is a little gift shop where you can purchase their famous canned pickles and chili as well as shirts, aprons, and various other items.
What should I eat at Tony Packo’s?
The Hungarian hot dogs are a must-try dish. The menu is quite diverse and features excellent Hungarian fare. Some favorites include chicken paprikas, stuffed cabbage, and dumplings. The atmosphere is very laid-back and comfortable. Lining the walls are plastic-encased hot dog buns, signed by famous visitors to Tony Packo’s. There are now 5 locations in the Toldeo area, and they even sell their famous pickles, peppers, sauces, and event hot dog kits online and ship to anywhere in the US.
*Original post by Joe V.*
Directions & Hours
Information
| Price | $$ |
| Seasons | All |
| Meals Served | Lunch, Dinner, Dessert |
| Credit Cards Accepted | Yes |
| Alcohol Served | Yes |
| Outdoor Seating | No |
What To Eat
Tony Packo’s Recipes
Discuss
What do you think of Tony Packo’s?
2 Responses to “Tony Packo’s”
Nathan Gabay
March 26th, 2011
Since I make the trip between Columbus and Detroit a few times a year, I occasionally swing by the original Tony Packo’s on Front Street in Toledo. As someone with Hungarian roots, and a great appreciation for good Hungarian food, the key word is “occasionally.”
Tony Packo’s is truly a land of contrast. The fried pickles alone are worth driving two hours for and a couple of menu items are excellent as well. But the mainstays of the legitimate Hungarian menu, namely the chicken paprikas, largely fall flat. Most of the sides are closer to what could be found in a high school cafeteria than in a cafeteria-style restaurant.
If I’m looking for hot dogs, chili, and fried pickles, Tony Packo’s is absolutely worth a stop. If I’m in the mood for something actually resembling Hungarian food, I’ll drive the extra hour north into Southgate, MI (home of Rhapsody).
Rocky Enfield
January 18th, 2011
As a devoted MASH fan I absolutely had to try Tony Packo’s. If you are a fan of that old show you have to visit just because of the memorabilia that they have scattered throughout the restaurant. I have been returning for 25 years not to see the stuff from the show (they have actual props used in MASH) but because of the quality of the food. I always go to the Front Street location whenever I am driving in, around, through, or by Toledo, no matter how far out of the way it takes me.
The Hungarian chili dogs are the best. I always get an order of paprikas dumplings with gravy on the side. While I have been told their other offerings are just as good I never get around to trying them. For me, it’s two Hungarian dogs with chili, a touch of mustard, and some raw onions sprinkled on top. Put that together with a side of pickles and peppers, and dumplings… well, that is pretty close to heaven on earth!
I also visit the gift shop so I can recreate the dogs at home, but nothing can recreate the atmosphere of being there surrounded by hundreds of signed buns.