Whenever I travel I like to steer clear of chain restaurants and instead prefer to indulge in the local flavor. Our recent jaunt to Ohio provided us with an opportunity to experience a Toledo tradition.
Tony Packo’s Café was opened in the Hungarian community of Birmingham in East Toledo in 1932 and soon thereafter became a city hot spot. The great ethnic food created then by Tony Packo, Sr. is still today offered by his son and grandson. The eatery is not only patronized by locals, but by celebrities as well. Former Toledoan Jamie Farr liked it so much that his character in the M*A*S*H* television series, Corporal Max Klinger, mentioned it during several episodes. Hot dog buns autographed by him and other famous personalities who have stopped by over the years line the walls of the café.
During our visit we were treated to some of the best the restaurant has to offer. The Hungarian hot dog covered with mustard, diced onion and a delicious secret sauce; chicken chili; stuffed cabbage; paprika dumplings; sausage; and apple strudel. In a word: Yum!
If you ever find yourself in the Packos’ neighborhood, checking out their restaurant is a must!
If you ever find yourself in the Packos’ neighborhood, checking out their restaurant is a must!
Tony Packo’s Café
1902 Front Street
419.691.6054
1 comment:
Autographed hot dog buns? That's original! I wonder how long they last ...
Post a Comment