When you think of Toledo, Ohio, you might picture glassmaking, the Mud Hens, or the Maumee River. But locals know there’s another side to the Glass City that deserves recognition: its food. Toledo has long been a melting pot of cultures, with German, Hungarian, Polish, Mexican, Lebanese, and Greek influences shaping the local dining scene. Over the years, this mix has given rise to a handful of signature dishes that every visitor (and local foodie) should try at least once.
From iconic hot dogs to Eastern European comfort food, here’s your guide to Toledo’s must-try signature dishes—and exactly where to find them.
1. Tony Packo’s Hungarian Hot Dogs
No dish says “Toledo” quite like the famous Tony Packo’s hot dog. Founded in 1932 by Tony Packo, a Hungarian-American, this restaurant became legendary thanks to its chili-topped Hungarian-style dogs.
What makes them unique is the split sausage on a bun, loaded with Packo’s signature chili sauce, mustard, and onions. The dish gained national fame when actor Jamie Farr (a Toledo native) mentioned Tony Packo’s on the hit TV show MASH*. Since then, it’s become a culinary pilgrimage site.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Tony Packo’s Café (1902 Front Street, Toledo) – the original location.
- Several other Packo’s locations around the city also serve the iconic dog.
2. Paco’s Chili Mac
While at Tony Packo’s, don’t stop at the hot dog—try their chili mac. This Toledo staple layers spaghetti noodles with chili, shredded cheese, and diced onions, creating a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort dish.
Locals swear by it on cold Ohio nights, and it’s a great example of how Toledo twists traditional comfort food into something unique.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Tony Packo’s Café and other Packo’s locations.
3. Pierogi and Polish Comfort Food
Toledo has deep Polish roots, particularly in the Lagrange Street neighborhood, once the hub of the city’s Polish community. As a result, dishes like pierogi (dumplings stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut) and kielbasa (Polish sausage) are staples of the local food scene.
These dishes are most celebrated during the annual Polish Festival, but you can also find them year-round at local eateries.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Stanley’s Market (3302 Stickney Ave) – known for some of the best kielbasa in the region.
- Ski’s Polish Deli – a small spot offering pierogi, kielbasa, and other traditional fare.
4. The Paco Burger
This is another Toledo original, also born at Tony Packo’s. The Paco Burger is a small hamburger slider topped with Packo’s chili sauce, onions, and pickles. It’s simple, messy, and delicious—a perfect example of classic Toledo bar food.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Tony Packo’s Café.
5. Lake Erie Walleye
Toledo sits on the western end of Lake Erie, which makes fresh-caught fish a local favorite. The Lake Erie walleye is especially beloved. Known for its mild flavor and flaky texture, walleye is often served fried, grilled, or baked.
Every spring, the walleye run draws anglers from all over the Midwest, and many Toledo restaurants serve up fresh catches straight from the lake.
📍 Where to Find It:
- The Real Seafood Company (22 Main St) – upscale spot with fresh Lake Erie fish.
- Loma Linda’s (10400 Airport Hwy) – a Mexican restaurant famous for combining local fish with bold flavors.
6. Paczki (Polish Donuts)
If you’re in Toledo in late winter, you’ll notice long lines at bakeries. That’s because of Paczki Day, the Polish celebration before Lent. Paczki are rich, fried donuts filled with jam, custard, or cream and dusted with powdered sugar.
In Toledo, it’s a community tradition to grab a box of these indulgent treats to share with family and coworkers.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Holey Toledough (3812 W Alexis Rd) – gourmet donuts with seasonal paczki.
- Sofo’s Italian Market (5400 Monroe St) – sells paczki during the holiday.
7. Middle Eastern Specialties
Toledo is also home to one of the largest Arab-American communities in the Midwest, which means dishes like shawarma, hummus, and tabbouleh are local favorites. Lebanese and Syrian restaurants have introduced these flavorful foods into Toledo’s everyday dining culture.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Sidon Lebanese Grille & Bakery (5801 Monroe St) – a Toledo favorite for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Almasri Sweets – famous for traditional Middle Eastern pastries.
8. Paco’s Pickles and Peppers
Another quirky Toledo favorite born at Tony Packo’s: the pickles and peppers. These sweet-and-spicy pickles are so popular they’re sold in grocery stores nationwide. Packo’s became famous for having celebrities autograph pickle jars, which are displayed on the restaurant walls.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Tony Packo’s Café.
- Also available in local grocery stores if you want to take Toledo flavor home.
9. Gyros and Greek Eats
Thanks to the city’s Greek community, gyros have become another Toledo staple. These pita sandwiches stuffed with seasoned meat, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce are a favorite late-night or lunch option.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Gyro King (2649 W Bancroft St).
- Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant (924 Berdan Ave) – a longtime local spot.
10. Mud Hens Game-Day Food
No visit to Toledo is complete without catching a Toledo Mud Hens baseball game. The food at Fifth Third Field has earned a reputation of its own, with quirky options like “Muddy Dogs” (gourmet hot dogs), barbecue nachos, and giant pretzels.
It’s not so much one dish as it is an experience: Toledo food with a side of hometown pride.
📍 Where to Find It:
- Fifth Third Field, downtown Toledo.
Honorable Mentions
- German Potato Salad – often found at festivals and local diners.
- Perch Dinners – another Lake Erie favorite, often served fried.
- Packo’s Sweet Hot Pickles – so unique they deserve their own category.
- Locally Made Coney Dogs – several diners and bars serve up Toledo-style chili dogs beyond Packo’s.
Toledo’s food scene reflects the city itself: hardworking, multicultural, and a little quirky. From the world-famous Tony Packo’s hot dog to traditional Polish pierogi and Lake Erie walleye, each dish tells a story of the communities that built the Glass City.
If you’re visiting, make sure to eat your way through these signature Toledo dishes. And if you’re a local, you already know there’s nothing better than chili mac on a cold night, a box of paczki in February, or a basket of fried walleye on a summer evening.
Food is part of Toledo’s identity—and these dishes are what make it truly unforgettable.
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