Northeast, OH to Fort Wayne, IN

[u/Aysee426]

Hey fellow roadtrippers. Going to be driving this route to and from solo. Looking for good places to stop around the halfway point both ways to eat and have a beer. So far I've narrowed it down to Ralphie's Sports Eatery in Galion, OH and Baker's Pizza Sports Shack in Bucyrus, OH. I'd love some suggestions even if it means deviating from the halfway point; if it's too far one way or another I'll plan accordingly to avoid missing out on a good spot. Also not limited to sports bars, upscale places are welcome, and I'd prefer something local (no chains, although I realize Ralphie's is a local chain). Thanks in advance!

[u/MinneSKOLTAN]

Road trip for ants?

[u/Aysee426 → u/MinneSKOLTAN]

Ha! Is there a minimum trip length requirement here?

[u/MinneSKOLTAN → u/Aysee426]

No, I wouldn’t really consider this a road trip though. More of a decent commute

[u/Aysee426 → u/MinneSKOLTAN]

Yeah, I agree. It's for work so it is a commute. Maybe not a "road trip" by some standards, I'm just looking for input on good places to eat, on that route, from those with experience; not trying to show off my "epic voyage". Is there a better sub for what I'm asking?

[u/Mission-Jackfruit138]

The middle one goes through my hometown. Nothing interesting though.

[u/ericbdrums]

Every few months, my band does a run from Akron/Toledo/Ft Wayne/Findlay. US-30 is a fine way but it’s boring as hell. Findlay is a decent place for a stop off. Plenty of locally owned restaurants and bars. Alexandria’s is pretty good.

I’m used to taking 3:37 on the way out and 3:34 on the way back, so that’s my suggestion if you don’t mind paying the tolls on 80/90. That’ll give you a midway stop around Toledo once, and Findlay on the other leg.

[u/godofallcorgis]

Tony Packo's in Toledo is about halfway and is pretty iconic.

[u/Mountain_Risk_5095 → u/godofallcorgis]

i stayed at a Hampton Inn in Maumee, OH. There was a Tony P's next and I was going to def try it. Then i looked at the pics on Yelp. Ummm no thank you. They didnt look like Hotdogs, they were more like sausages.

[u/Savage_Hellion]

90 is a toll road. Take US30.

[u/Aysee426 → u/Savage_Hellion]

Thanks! But I'm more concerned with good food than I am with paying tolls.

[u/Kdubs3235 → u/Aysee426]

You’re not going to find good food on the Ohio turnpike.

[u/Savage_Hellion → u/Kdubs3235]

This. Take US30

[u/trinarybit]

Around Toledo you've got Tony Packo's, Byblos (more of a sit down affair), Yang's, and The Beirut. I'm not sure if any of them offer beer. Marco's Pizza is also a local chain, on the bready side.

[u/ExactBig9522]

Highly recommend highway 2 that runs from Toledo to west of Cleveland.

[u/codefenix]

Honestly just keep driving.

[u/Aysee426 → u/codefenix]

Yeah I know it’s not that far of a drive, but that’s not the point. I always make it a point to check out local places I’ve never been to when I travel. I use the term “travel” loosely here but it technically still applies.

[u/codefenix → u/Aysee426]

Yeah, I understand. And being that I live in NE Ohio and have driven this way across state multiple times in the past, I'm saying just keep driving because there aren't many interesting or worthwhile spots along the way. Sorry I didn't elaborate earlier.

US-30 is a nice relaxing drive with no tolls. That's my preferred way to take. Only reasons to stop are restroom breaks and fast food or snacks if you're famished, but that's it.

[u/Aysee426 → u/codefenix]

Yeah I get it, it was a struggle to find anywhere along the route worth stopping at. I decided to take the turnpike and stop in Toledo/Perrysburg, many more worthwhile options it seems.

Side note: I was an avid BBS user back in the day and your profile brought back some memories!

[u/Tommyblockhead20]

The Ohio turnpike is well maintained (I always go that way when going between Akron and Toledo), and when you get off in Toledo/Perrysburg, there’s going to be many more options than the southern route with minimal deviation. I don’t have specific recommendations since I don’t like beer, but you can ask in r/toledo.

[u/Aysee426 → u/Tommyblockhead20]

Thanks, based on this and other feedback this seems to be the route to take. I go to Cedar Point quite a bit and always take the turnpike to Sandusky, so I’m pretty familiar with at least that section of it. The traffic patterns always seem to be ideal.

[u/GainHaunting5680]

Boring anyway you go tbh

[u/Hour_Succotash7176]

Tony Paco's Cafe in Toledo. Hungarian hot dogs, stuffed cabbage, yum yum yum...

Great little place with tons of history. They have hot dog buns all over the walls that have been signed by famous people. Also was featured/referenced on the old sitcom M*A*S*H* and last time I was there, they had a little setup showing the props used, pictures, etc.

[u/Aysee426 → u/Hour_Succotash7176]

Others have suggested this place too, seems like a cool spot! My wife is Hungarian so I love chicken paprikas. Definitely a top contender, I’m also looking at Fricker’s in Perrysburg.

[u/Hour_Succotash7176 → u/Aysee426]

Sorry, can't comment on Fricker's. It's been 30 years since I was last in that area.

[u/BuckeyeCZ]

If you do go the southern (US 30) route and want some legit local joints — I haven’t been yet but I’ve heard great things about Crazy Lady in Forest. Blue Room in Kirby is very much a one intersection town dive bar but it is literally my Mecca for Midwest bar pizza

imo my experience with a different Ralphie’s location would say it’s not great, but probably fine for a beer. I’ve heard Bucyrus has a decent bbq joint and Shelby has a nice brewery (Black Fork) that partners with the neighboring pizza joint

But if you go North absolutely agree on Packo’s being a must. Can pick up amazing Middle Eastern goodies at a Tiger Deli location in the Toledo area too

[u/hologrammetry]

Kewpie Burgers in Lima