The Chili Mac is best in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. I have tried Chili Mac all this over area, and always come back here for the BEST. The service was excellent, they came back several times to see if we need something. read more

The best chili mac and one of the 1st places I went to eat when I came back to town. Toledo's Best! read more

Me and my sister was regular customers at ideal hot dog for breakfast. The last time I went in there I ordered a western omelette which comes with ham green peppers and onions. When I start eating The Omelette I realize it did not have any ham in it so I notified my waitress and she took it back to the boss, and he came back and asked me what did you do take the ham out. I was very offended that he thought that I would sit up there to take out the ham out The Omelette to get a free breakfast. I told him that I am 70 years old and could afford to buy anything that I need to that I don't have time to sit up here and pick ham out of a omelette. That was the last day I patronize ideal hot dog. read more

Service was good. Restaurant was clean and well maintained. Food is reasonably priced. Not my cup of tea. Plate presentation not good. Sorry to say, it looked like dog food, placed on fries, and hot dogs. I more than likely will not be back. The stars given were for service. read more

Best service in town ! Food always fast and fresh. From eggs to the hotdogs been going there for decades

Neighborhood diner locally owned. They serve breakfast also which is OK but cheap. But this is a hotdog spot. Hotdogs are tasty. Get a chilli dog. My guy loves the chilli mac. They also have some good desserts. Quick good service. Prices are reasonable. Call for hours. Owner tends to close when he feels like it. No longer open on Sundays. If you are in the area check it out read more

I have been going here for years, I even lived by the store for a few years. My brother and I like to meet there to get our "Ideal fix" I usually get the chili dogs but there are so many other options. It's much cleaner than other chili dog store and the food and service is great. read more

We enjoy the old-school . We also enjoy the staff. Wonderful people. The only thing I don't care for ideal hot dog is all the grease in the chili. The flavor of the meat taste good, but way too much grease. Hope they learn people can't eat that way and stay healthy. read more

So disappointing went to the Heatherdowns locations got there before 730 and the store was closing. Told only doing carryout. Got take out only to come home and find out they didn't put chili on my spaghetti. It was just beans and noodles read more

Chili Mac is one of my all time favorite meals, and Ideal Hot Dog has the best in town. Again, not quite as good as Cincinnati style, but still really good. The only question is which location? Alexis or Heatherdowns? North or south? George or Nick? Greek or, uhhhh, Greek? No matter which Ideal you eat at, you can't go wrong with the chili. Put in over noodles, put it on a hotdog, or put it in a bowel. Just make sure you put some in your stomach! read more

Ideal Hot Dog - This is what 7 bucks will get you on a Sunday! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

Chili Mac is on point!!! My server June Bug was amazing and accommodating. She even upsold me on my chili Mac. She even got me a bib and put it on for me. lol. She was so upbeat and she is definitely great at her job. We need more servers like her. read more

I thought I would visit the newly renovated Ideal Hot Dog on Heatherdowns about a week ago, carefully noting their hours before I went in. With an hour and a half before closing, and many people in the dining room, I was almost to my seat, when I heard a voice from the kitchen say, "HEY BUDDY, CANT YOU SEE THE DINING ROOM IS CLOSED!" Of course, I left apologizing profusely for my mistake, as the apparent owner pointed to a faded gold on black sign, which should have had the same paint overhaul as the rest of the place, along with their attitude toward any potential customer. I thought I was being considerate, doing the right thing, but closing the dining room "Willy Nilly", an hour and a half before closing, and then being rude to the customer? A more respectful attitude, which included an "I'm sorry sir," might have gone a long way, but at this point a paint overall is not everything, and anyone would be well advised to call first or go somewhere else! read more

The food wasn't as great as it was at the Alexis location. I think my fish may have been a bit freezer burnt..: but what do you expect when you order fish and chips from a hotdog spot? My boyfriend had a really good BLT with a side of mushrooms. My side salad could have fed three people. The fourth star is for the service. Our waitress yesterday busted her a$$ she had a decent amount of tables and she RAN to make sure everyone had everything they needed. Covid has made life rough on servers. Everything from ketchup to salt to napkins has to be brought out in individual packets. There is no pre-setting tables. Despite being bussssssy she was super friendly and very attentive. The food might be a bit better at Alexis but this waitress deserved a damn trophy for mad skills. read more

Has been 30+ years since I ate here as a kid. Nothing has changed! Food and service are still amazing. Best place and best bang for your buck. read more

As a fan of Cincinnati chili, was intrigued by this place when I was in town for an event. First of all, this is NOT Cincinnati chili. So if you're looking for that, this isn't it. In fairness they don't advertise it to be so no fault of their own. I had the jumbo chili Mac ( which is REALLY JUMBO) and a hot dog with all the fixings. The diner is cool and a nice throwback, service was excellent, price was reasonable...food was ok. It's worth a try but not on my hotlist for the area. I could tell there were many regulars who frequent it so maybe it's an acquired taste or I have to try more menu items (the menu has a lot of variety). read more

Did some shopping in Maumee and decided to have lunch at Ideal. My wife had eggs and bacon and I had an all meat omelet. Superb meal, great staff. We decided to spice up meal with chili-Mac sauce ($2.95). Made a very tasty meal. We have never had bad service or a bad meal at Ideal. Great Place!! read more

We love ideal. However twice now I've gone over there when it said they were open and they weren't

One of the best Chili Mac in Toledo! I love this restaurant I been coming here for years. Very friendly waitress the food is always hot fast and delicious. I will definitely be coming back read more

Ideal Hot Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

My favorite chili Mac and coney dog restaurant anywhere. A unique flavor unlike any place I've ever been. read more

Ideal Hot Dog - a chili dog and onion rings - Hot Dogs Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

I ordered the grilled chicken pita with some French fries; so delicious. The waitress was upbeat and friendly. The cook did an excellent job as well. I am looking forward to returning. Thank you!!! read more

Read a review of someone comparing this to skyline chili... Not even close. The chili dogs were good, not great. I'm sure the breakfast food is good. It's more of a diner than a hot dog joint. I could see 4-5 stars if I had ordered breakfast, but I went to try the chili dogs. read more

Ideal Hot Dog - two hot dogs covered in cheese - Hot Dogs Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

I absolutely love ideal hot dog on heatherdowns, unfortunately the last two times I have been there, the food is horrible and old. These are the pictures of the burgers we received today, still frozen and the bun is so old it feel apart as you can see in the picture. Very disappointed read more

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If they somehow get your order right the food is good. Majority of the time they simply can't get it right.

All around great service friendly staff and great food I definitely recommend it and all for a great price 10000/10 recommend!!!!

I have been going to this dive since I was a kid. When my dad and I have an "Ideal Attack" we go get some dogs. In fact, the only thing I have ever had are the hot dogs-the place is called Ideal Hotdog after all. This may be sacrilege for many Toledoans, but I like them better than Rudy's. The sauce blends well with the bun and dog. It has a little spice, but not too much. The fries are greasy. You will feel like you need exercise after you eat here, and that's okay. If you are in to chili-mac, then this is your type of place. You get a heaping pile of noodles and sauce, and I've heard it is great. Ideal serves some alcohol, mostly beer, and the atmosphere is diner/dive. It hasn't changed in years, and I don't want it to. To me this is a lunch spot that I have been going to for years, and I just can't get myself to change my order. I keep it simple at Ideal Hotdog because that's what this restaurant is all about-simplicity. read more

Why five stars you ask? Because Ideal Hotdog is about as American as it gets in terms of dives/diners. They do not try to sell themselves as anything else and do not pretend to be a fine dining establishment. They are simply operating as a good old fashioned greasy spoon---and they do a hell of a job at that. When you get a hankering for some greasy chili served atop a pile of pasta, poured over a hot dog, or lovingly caked inside a burger bun, then Ideal is your place. Admittedly, this is not a place for those worrying about cholesterol as anyone who has gotten take away chili mac and left it in their fridge overnight knows, but if you are headed out to Ideal for a quick bite, I am sure health is the last thing on your mind. They always deliver on what counts: Tried and True American Classic Greasy Spoon Fare. As Dwight Eisenhower once quipped, "Some people wanted champagne and caviar when they should have had beer and hot dogs". You can rest assured you will get nothing but the ideal chili-grease dog at Ideal. read more

Still looking for the best Hot dog I can find in the Toledo area. This place has a good tasting chili sauce but the hot dog was again unremarkable. Not much flavor for a place dedicated to Hot Dogs. Fries were good. I got the order to go but it took quite a while even though the restaurant was basically empty. read more

This mom n' pop hotdog shop reminds me of some diner in the 60s with a little bit gruff patrons and workers alike. Don't be fooled by the rough interior that hasn't been updated in a long time, that's part of the charm. My first visit had me picking up a ton of food for some coworkers, and the man behind the counter was quite efficient with the amount of she doesn't want this and she wants thats of my order. I got some sort of giant burger, forgoing the common order of a hotdog, I guess. It was really good, had some sort of charbroiled taste to it, and they did a great job of doing it medium rare. Slightly greasy, totally delicious because of it. The fries my coworker and I got were meh, too bad they don't have anything more exciting than the usual frozen dump into oil fried choices, I'd say skip them. Otherwise, this might be my new favorite hot dog place in Toledo. Yes, even over Tony Packos. read more

Best. Chili mac. Ever. From anywhere. Excellent specials, great breakfast, wonderful staff, fast service, but that chili mac....I will drive from anywhere for that mac. I will put it in Mason jars if I ever move out of state. I've been in love with this chili mac for over 10 years. My heart is beating fast just typing about it. This location only! Ideal hot dog chili mac with everything... is everything. read more

Love the coney's, better than skyline back in our home town. We get the shredded cheese and it make them even better. read more

Ideal Hot Dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

A total impromptu and over due stop at this Toledo staple. It's been years. A great quaint diner feel and famous for their chilli mac. Service is great, friendly and quick. The food is average but for the price you can't beat it. If you're looking for tasty hotdogs and chilli mac plus other items, you are in for a treat. read more

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Amazing, I wake up thinking about this place! I've been coming to ideal on every trip back to my one town. The chili Mac is all I ever get because everything else is a waist of time in comparison. Little but of a warning, this is so greasy you will never need chap stick again. I love this place... It is sentimental and the food is worth coming back for... They don't charge enough. read more

I grew up eating chili mac here in Toledo and this is the best restaurant version... My favorite comfort dish done right!

Let me preface this review by saying I'm a BIG Cincinnati Chili fan. The closest Skyline used to be in BG, but no more. I've heard rumor of a Lima outpost... Anyway, Ideal Hot Dog has the best of the Toledo-areastyle of "Chili Mac". Years ago (Like 25+) I used to eat at the Heatherdowns location. Always liked it. Then I moved to South Florida. Visited Ideal when I was up seeing family all those years, but was getting my regular fix from a South Florida Skyline store. But everytime I was in NW Ohio, I had to go to Ideal. Infrequently, I have hot dogs, but the Chili Mac calls my name more often. Love it, and I eat it the Cincinnati way - lengthwise. Ideal ha a great blend of spices and a great meat ratio. I have tried the mild, hot and half and half. All good, but I actually prefer the mild. It has a more even balance of good flavors. The waitstaff is always comforting in that unique diner server way. i always expect kind of a cigarette/whiskey voice and a "what'llyahavehon" demeanor. Rarely the former, but inevitably the latter. I don't mean that in a bad way. I mean it in the nicest possible way. That style of server ROCKS! See my review on Too Jays Deli for more on that if you wish. My one caveat on service is this. Check your bill. Twice now I have ordered the "Whiteboard Special" of Chili Mac, Garlic Bread and Beverage for a set price and have been charged separately for the beverage. Both times it was removed at the register when I pointed it out. Also, as long as I mentioned beverages, they really should have bigger glasses. You give free refills, so save your servers some time and save the aggravation of waiting for a refill or two to the customer. One more thing, the Chili is always hot, but the noodles and beans have always, ALWAYS been luke warm at best. Each time I dig in, I can't believe I once again forgot to ask or the duo to maybe be heated up somehow. Its a bummer, but thank god the chili is good. It seems I run into more Rudy's fans, and the owner at Deez Diner claimed that her late husband actually was the pioneer in Toledo Chili Mac and taught almost all who followed. I still say Ideal is the best Toledo has. Now, if I can remember to ask for a noodle warmup..... read more

Best breakfast, chili Mac, and hot dogs in the city. I've been going for over 20 years and the food quality has not changed and the prices can't be beat. Toledo's best-kept secret and hidden gem. What a great diner! read more

The place is Amazing. It was so amazing I went twice while I was on vacation! I got the jumbo chili Mac both times it has so much flavor and grease and everything a unhealthy meal should be! The place itself might look a little outdated I'm in my twenties and was one of the youngest customer in the restaurant who wasn't a child but it's 100% worth it read more

This is a great place for a cheap meal. Doesn't matter if it is breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You will get the same low prices and slightly below average quality, yet it still tastes great. Chili-mac is amazing I also recommend 1/2 hot 1/2 mild with beans and onions..... don't forget the cheese! Omlettes are great, hot dogs are great, gotta get sauce, mustard and onion (aka everything). Pretty much everything on the menu is great. I've been going here for as long as I can remember. At least 20 years. There are daily specials on the table cards as well. read more

Bad Experience! All of the menu prices on Yelp are wrong. Ordered about $28 worth according to Yelp menu. Called in pick up order and asked 2x for my total over the phone and was told I'll give it to you when you get here. Total was over $42 ???? Complained and was basically told Oh Well! Food was marginal at best. Buyer Beware!!! Will never go back. read more

Awesome chili Mac. Clean place. Waitresses were super nice. If you get the chili Mac you can get mild or hot. Get half and half you'll love it. read more

Ideal Hot Dog - Chili mac! - Hot Dogs Near Me - Toledo, Ohio

Have to say that I am a huge fan of the Ideal on Alexis. I have moved closer to the one on Heatherdowns and figured they would be one and the same. They are NOT.... Staff were nice and place looked clean enough, but once I got my Chili Mac home it was like night and day between the two restaurants. The onion pieces were big, overly strong, and there was ALOT of them on my mac. I did not order extra, and had to pick through the whole thing to try and get rid of what I could. The sauce tasted completely different to me, and I have had many Chili macs to compare to. The spaghetti noodles were mushy and overcooked. I asked for extra beans, and there was just a small amount on there and even the beans were different. Overall, I was very disappointed and will be driving the extra distance to go the one on Alexis. read more