Toby Keith’s Favorite, Easy Sandwich Is as Classic as He Was

The country music world was rocked by the passing of the legendary singer Toby Keith. While everyone will remember the Country Music Award-winning performer for his iconic songs, like “Beer For My Horses,” “Red Solo Cup,” and “I Love This Bar,” Keith left behind more than just a musical legacy. 

In addition to cranking out country music classics, Keith embarked on a few business ventures throughout his life. Most notably, a chain of restaurants with a nod to one of his popular songs, called I Love This Bar & Grill. 

At its peak, I Love This Bar & Grill had locations in 12 different states. While today, only two locations remain in Oklahoma, the restaurant still serves up Keith’s specialties—including his all-time favorite menu item. 

Keith was an Oklahoma native, so it’s no surprise that his restaurant features Southern fare and down-home cooking—similar to another Oklahoma native’s restaurant, Reba’s Place. 

But what was Keith’s favorite (and best-selling) menu item? The fried bologna sandwich. 

“It would disgust a real chef to have to put that on the menu, but it’s always the number one seller,” Keith told “DiscoverOklahoma” in 2010.

According to the menu, the Fried Bologna Sandwich and St. Louis Style Ribs are Toby Keith’s specialties—but the sandwich was always his favorite. 

“You get all-beef 100% bologna, you cut it yourself about [½-inch] thick, you throw it on the grill,” Keith told “Forbes” in 2013. “Put a little mustard, mayo, [or] barbecue sauce and send it out. It’s not on everybody’s menu.”

On Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill menu, you will find the fried bologna sandwich topped with Jack and Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and barbecue sauce. 

How To Make Toby Keith's Favorite Fried Bologna Sandwich

Thanks to the “Forbes” video, we know the sandwich starts with thick-cut bologna that’s seared and topped with barbecue sauce and a freshly grated Cheddar and Jack cheese blend. While the cheese melts, they toast the bun and top it with shredded lettuce and tomato. Once the bologna slab is perfect, they add it to the bun and serve. 

So, is this sandwich worth the fight Toby Keith had with the chef at Caesars’ Harrah’s to keep it on the menu? It absolutely is. 

I’ll be honest: I’ve never had a fried bologna sandwich before this; I was always more of a bologna with cheese Lunchables kind of person. However, after trying Keith’s rendition, I will definitely be having more fried bologna sandwiches in the future.

Bologna with cheese, lettuce, and tomato sounded great, but the barbecue sauce did make me a bit skeptical. In the end, though, that was my favorite part. It really tied the whole sandwich together with a sweet, smoky flavor.

If you can’t make it to Toby Keith’s bar and grill, that’s ok because we can all raise our red Solo cup to the legend when we make this simple sandwich at home.