If you’ve never heard of Dorothy Lynch dressing, chances are you’re not from Nebraska. It’s the salad dressing of choice at many a salad bar and it makes appearances in plenty of other dishes in the typical Nebraska kitchen. It was invented in St. Paul, a small city in Howard County, in the 1940s, and you can still eat at the restaurant where it was developed.
American Legion Post 119 in St. Paul was first chartered in 1920, and it’s been in continuous operation since then.
Facebook/American Legion Club
In the 1940s, the restaurant in the American Legion Hall was operated by a woman named Dorothy Lynch and her husband. Dorothy concocted a new type of homemade salad dressing that was sweet, tangy, and a little spicy all at once.
Facebook/Dorothy Lynch
Customers loved it so much that they began bringing in bottles for Dorothy to fill up with her delicious invention.
Facebook/Dorothy Lynch
Dorothy Lynch dressing was eventually purchased by Tasty-Toppings, Inc. in the early ’60s and a manufacturing facility was built in Columbus, NE. The production was eventually moved to a larger facility in the little town of Duncan, where the dressing is still produced today
Facebook/Dorothy Lynch
Although Dorothy has now passed on, you can still eat at the American Legion in St. Paul. It’s a favorite dinner destination for folks from all over the surrounding areas.
Facebook/American Legion Club
Some of the most popular items on the menu are the chicken fried steak and prime rib. Visitors say they both melt in your mouth.
Facebook/American Legion Club
There are rotating specials every evening; stop in for tacos on Tuesday, burgers on Wednesday, chicken fried steak on Thursday, steak and shrimp on Friday, and ribeye on Saturday.
Facebook/American Legion Club
You’ll often find other favorites on the specials board, like a hot beef sandwich that will make you swoon.
Facebook/American Legion Club
You can add the soup and salad bar to your meal, or just make that your entire dinner. And yes, you’ll still find Dorothy Lynch dressing on the salad bar.
Facebook/American Legion Club
The St. Paul American Legion is located at 804 Howard Ave, St Paul, NE. Visit its Facebook page for specials and more information. You do not need to be a member to enjoy a meal there.
Facebook/American Legion Club
Facebook/Dorothy Lynch
There’s a little village within the town of St. Paul that you should definitely visit when you’re in the area. Read all about it here.
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