Toledo knows how to surprise people who think they already have the state figured out. I came hungry, expecting a few good meals and maybe one standout, and instead I found a city that kept handing me plate after plate of reasons to stay longer.
One stop served up old-school local legend energy, another felt polished enough for a special night, and somewhere in between, I was already rearranging my appetite like it had a flexible schedule. That is the fun of eating in Toledo, because the food scene does not stick to one lane and never asks you to lower your expectations.
If you are looking for a city with real flavor, serious variety, and restaurants that make the drive feel smart, this list is your next delicious excuse to head to Ohio.
1. The Original Tony Packo’s, Toledo
If you have ever watched M*A*S*H, you already know the name Tony Packo’s. Corporal Klinger made this Toledo institution famous on national television, and the restaurant has been living up to that reputation ever since it first opened its doors in 1932…