What trip to this area would be complete without the Ultimate Cultural Coup de Gras? If this place doesn't ring a bell it was made even more famous in the long running TV show MASH as Maxwell Q. Klinger's favorite hometown Toledo eatery.
Tony Packo was the son of Hungarian immigrants, growing up on Toledo's east side. He learned the restaurant business from his brother, John. In 1932 Tony and his wife, Rose received a $100 loan from relatives to open their own sandwich and ice cream shop. Tony's signature sandwich, sausage with sauce on rye, was created when he decided to add a spicy chili sauce to enhance the flavor of the sandwich. He used a Hungarian sausage called Kolbasz, but because it was so large, decided to cut it in half. Not only did it resemble the American hot dog, but he could sell it for 5 cents. Very nice considering the depression economics. Over the years his creation has grown to the worldwide famous entrée that is Tony's Hungarian Hot Dog.
Tony Packo was the son of Hungarian immigrants, growing up on Toledo's east side. He learned the restaurant business from his brother, John. In 1932 Tony and his wife, Rose received a $100 loan from relatives to open their own sandwich and ice cream shop. Tony's signature sandwich, sausage with sauce on rye, was created when he decided to add a spicy chili sauce to enhance the flavor of the sandwich. He used a Hungarian sausage called Kolbasz, but because it was so large, decided to cut it in half. Not only did it resemble the American hot dog, but he could sell it for 5 cents. Very nice considering the depression economics. Over the years his creation has grown to the worldwide famous entrée that is Tony's Hungarian Hot Dog.
Over the years Tony's has grown to include 5 locations throughout the Toledo area, but the original still stands at 1902 Front Street. www.tonypacko.com/ The menu is still the same as it always has been over the years to accommodate popular demand. Of course the Hungarian Hot Dog is still the favorite, but there are some additional choices to accommodate even the most discerning, let alone Hungarian, tastes. Chicken Paprikas, Stuffed Cabbage, Hungarian Open Face Roast Beef Sandwich, and Chili Mac are some of these. There is also a pretty decent assortment of appetizers and sides.
Tony's Original Hungarian Dog
Of course 'the original' demands the most attention......and did on our visit as well. Packo's Original Hungarian Hot Dog served with mustard, onions and hot dog sauce, or the Front Street American Frank with mustard, onions, and hot dog sauce. Pickles, peppers, or sweet hots on the side? It's yours to add. I was completely impressed with their "Dog Packs" These can range from 2, 3, 5, or 10 dog packs or if you want "THE WORKS" there are the 5 or 10 Dog Packs both with a Bucket of Chili. This is by definition COMFORT FOOD.
Hungarian Dog, Bowl of Chili, Coleslaw, and Chicken Paprikash
Barb and I traveled the 19 miles south to Toledo on a Monday. We arrived with appetites stoked and ready for some tasty carbs. It is remarkably easy navigating to get off I-75 to I-280 and find Tony's as well as a large parking lot. We were sure it would be well worth it. We were also aware it would be much harder to get back home without the smell of this meal on our clothes to arouse the furbabies. Challenge accepted?
Digging in
We arrived at about 11:40 a.m. and just in time. The lunch crowd begins and the line goes easily out the door. Most are workers from nearby factories or the ships in the river. We were met immediately by a gentleman who could tell it was our first time. He showed us the menu and then when we decided exactly where to go at the counter and who to see. While there we discovered they were also offering a seasonal promotion for Hungarian Vegetable Soup, Meatloaf & Mashed Taters, Kolbasz Sausage & Baked Beans, as well as their signature Chicken Paprikas. ALL hot dogs are $2 on Tuesday during this promotion as well. After a bit of indecision......Barb ordered a single dog and fries while I went ALL IN ordering 2 Hungarian Dogs w/everything and German Potato Salad. The extra dog is only $1.99. Be sure to ask about the walls full of autographed hot dog buns.
Somewhere underneath it all are 2 Hungarian Dogs
We found the food to be delicious and very filling, served by hospitable waitresses working very hard. The head waitress at the counter really barks out the orders, never missing a beat. She would have to be loud and in command with this lunchtime crowd. The sausage is delicious, with a 'snap' when you bite in just like Bockwurst. I didn't care for the dog sauce, but the chili and cheese were awesome. Barb loved hers, but didn't care for the spicy sweet pickles on the side. I loved them. Our total tab for this meal was $21.16. This place is a 'CAN'T MISS'. Our only regret is that it may be awhile before we are in this area again......or maybe not. I rate this one the full 5 STARS.
"Some people wanted caviar and champagne, when they should have had beer and hot dogs"
Dwight D. Eisenhower
WiFi courtesy of Harbortown RV Resort
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