Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago Reviews

Service was good. Expect to wait 15-20 minutes for your order because this place is super popular (and rightfully so). Great price and great taste!

This felt like a true American experience from the way we ordered and paid to the way we queued to collect the food. It all seemed a bit manic but the food was good and wholesome. A true taste of America for our 1st night in Chicago.

Excellent dining experience! The ribs were tender and fell right off the bone. The side dishes were equally impressive. Service was attentive, making the night even better!

Yummy Chicago hotdogs. Helpful & humorous staff. Funky atmosphere. Not crowded when we were there @ 6:30 pm. No long wait.

Husband and I split an Italian beef we did not get peppers it was very good. Daughter got fettuccine Alfredo it was a very good size portion it was very good as well. I do not think they have a kids menu as I did not see that an option at the kiosk. Unique place with a lot of room for seating and a lot of decor to look at.

Sure they make great Chicago dogs, but the real star here is the beef and cheddar croissant. No it is not a true croissant it's a crescent roll but it's big and filled with delicious beef.We enjoyed it so much we went back the next day. Their kiosk ordering system is easy to use and the prices are reasonable. They make great onion rings too very crunchy but still the whole onion ring. If you go during busy hours it's good to have somebody get a table while you do the order. There's also police presence so we felt very safe there.

Close to Motel, fast friendly service. Great food good variety of food. Prices are average. Would eat there again.

Best meal we had in Chicago. This is a chain of restaurants (fast food), however it was the best meal we had in Chicago. We went there to get a traditional chicago hot dog, but ended up getting a different meal instead. Portions were large, my husband and I split a meal. Service was fast, food was good, atmosphere was cool.

I have to say we were a little disappointed with our visit. We were really looking forward to it. Made the walking trek from the magnificent mile. A very busy day there as expected. Something must have gotten mixed up with our order. We waited significantly longer than other diners. Therefore when we got our food ( 4 hotdogs and 1 Italian Beef Sandwich, 1 salad) - the buns on the sandwiches were extremely soggy. The beef sandwich we weren't even able to lift to eat. The chopped salad was pretty tasty. The dressing for it was good. Not sorry we tried it, I am guessing had our order not gotten seemingly lost, the food would have been better.

I was surprised after the first bite. Maybe it was the flavors of the toppings on the dog, but it was delicious..Didn't expect the hotdog to be so good! The fries were good and crispy as well. Had those with a side of the cheese. Great experience!

Truly amazing hot dogs. Lovely clean restaurant with a really lovely atmosphere. The food was fresh and tasty. You must visit when in Chicago!

The flavors here were out of this world. I tried the house special and wasn’t disappointed. The portions were also generous for the price.

I was visiting a nearby spot and it worked out that I could stop here to try a traditional Chicago dog, but I wanted to at least sit down and eat. I walked in about 1 pm and it was SOOO busy and looked like every table was filled, but I waited in line anyway, and kept an eye on the tables, they turn over quickly and employees clean them up quickly. I got on my phone to see if the app would complete my order more quickly, but couldn't even finish it by the time I got to the head of the line. OK, so I'll place in person! Once there, I was sent to the large waiting area, which could easily turn into an angry throng of people :) EVERYONE is standing around waiting for THEIR number to be called, and this is not your neighborhood McDonald's where that happens too. This might be one area where they could improve, because once you're there, there's like no immediate logic on why someone else's number gets called before yours, and you can be standing there with a number 97 of like ONE hot dog and a drink, and see someone called in with an 89 who had several special orders. You can see that the person in front of you finally got their order, but wait, wasn't that other person ahead of them and got THEIR order before even that one? lol. It's hot and sweaty and too many people crowded together demanding, and that's just the people waiting for their food! I feel for the workers! We didn't even get a chance to tip them on our receipts... I hope they are paid well, because they work hard under intense scrutiny. I managed to get my Chicago dog and a cold drink and sit down at a small clean table to eat, and it was very tasty.

We wanted to try a classic Chicago dog for the first time and saw this place had good reviews. The service is very fast and there’s tons of seating. We enjoyed our dogs and cheese fries. I was impressed they had a veggie dog, too!

We came here on our first night for something quick to eat. I was actually told not to come here with it being a chain but was willing to try anyway. The hot dog was fine and I would get it again. Everything else was very wet and tasteless, the beef sandwich was weird, we ordered extra mozzarella and peppers but you couldn’t really tell. The fries were not crispy, and kind of soggy. We tried the gravy bread just because we were curious and it was exactly that, just wet bread. I was surprised with how busy it was, almost all tables were full. But the service was fast and we managed to find an empty table. If you’re a tourist and close by, I’d say try the hot dog, but if not, I wouldn’t make a trip especially.

Coming from Europe, we found this place to be great fun. Simple but very nice and reasonably priced dishes in a friendly atmosphere.

This was the most recommended restaurant we heard about while planning our trip to Chicago. Everyone told us to go for the hotdogs and we did. The restaurant has a fun atmosphere and was buzzing on Saturday night (post-Cubs game) despite the crowds, we were able to easily place an order on the large touch screens and waited, approx ten mins for our order number to be called, which seemed reasonable. There were lots of dine in options, but we decided to place a to go order, and were very pleased. Next time we visit we will certainly go back and sample more of the menu. On this occasion we ordered: Jumbo Chicago Dogs (Fully Loaded) x 2 Fountian Sodas x 2

My first Italian beef sandwich and I loved it. The pickles make it. I also tried the maxwell street polish which was a fine hot dog. I love the decor here and ordering was super quick and easy. A great fast food restaurant.

This is a fast casual restaurant, that was founded by Dick Portillo and opened in Chicago in 1963. Since then it developed into the chain restaurant in more than 70 states. In Chicago, it is now named Portillo's & Barnelli's restaurant, that is located at the intersection of N Clark St and W Ontario St, where it opened in 1994. I stopped at Portillo's & Barnelli's in the late morning hour, just to have a beverage, and ordered Small Lemonade ($2.59 + tax). The restaurant has a very large dining area indoors, and a row of various stations to place an order. The interior of the restaurant is decorated in the 30s and 40s Gangster style, where exhibits and photos are displayed, creating a historic atmosphere and casual ambiance. The Lemonade I had fell rather short of my expectations: it tasted of some strong lemon powder. The service at the counter was business-friendly. I would like to say though, that this restaurant is quite popular and famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chocolate cakes, chocolate cake shakes, so if I am in this area again, I might visit Portillo's & Barnelli's restaurant again and try one of their signature dishes.

Ordered from counter felt rushed. Did really get an opportunity to read menu. Should have ordered from kiosk. However food was good. I thought I would have a dipping sauce. Dog and Italian meat sandwich good. Fries not so. Limp.

An expansive place with some signature Chicago street foods. Also draft beer. Efficient service. Very interesting decor including items salvaged from old buildings. Recommend for quick eats. Don't know about the Barnelli's side which is pasta.

My order didn't go as planned as I ordered a Chicago dog with a root beer and a chicken tenders with a fry and tea for my son. Unfortunately, the fries and tea didn't make it on my ticket. The line was very long and I wasn't going to stand in line again to re-order the fry or tea. The girl who was working the register was robotic and not very friendly, but hey, it's Chicago, right? The hot dog was tasty but barely a meal. The term "jumbo" definitely doesn't apply here. The toppings were good and fresh so I enjoyed the hot dog but left hungry. Not a great first experience.

it was good but not amazing, i ordered a hotdog and the flavor was very average. the restaurant itself is very pretty, and the workers were very nice

The pizza was crispy and delicious, with just the right amount of toppings. The service was quick and friendly. Very good

Great food and even better cocktails! The drinks were creative and refreshing, while the small plates were perfect for sharing. The atmosphere was lively, making it a fun night out!

Thought I would get to experience the world's best sausage, which also received good reviews here. The place is noisy and as homey as McDonalds. The sausage was lousy, a Dennis Korv with lots of accessories and pretty good bread. The Korvhuset in Malmö is more worth a trip for Americans than for me to go to Chicago.

We visited Near North Side of Chicago and while there we found on the map this pub/dining place. It was exiting as we watched TV program Great Railways Journey presented by Michael Portillo and he visited this place (we think it was this one but we are not sure)in one chapter. The place is mad but simultaneously amazingly decorated and very popular. When we stood inside trying to choose what we will order a gentleman approached us. We told him about the British TV programm and its presenter with the same surname. To our surprise he said he knows him as he always come with book and write at the same table. Wow we thought. Then the gentleman who was the manager said Mr Portillo comes twice a week. Penny drop - it cannot be the same guy but we had nice chat with him. He recommend to have chopped chicken salad which we had and it was big bowl to share. We ordered also small chips and drink. For everything we paid 19.52 dollars. Toilets were clean. If we will come again to Chicago we definitelly will visit this place - for its food and athmosphere.

We walked 2 miles to try an authentic Chicago hotdog and it was well worth it! We also tried the sausage and it was wonderful too. The atmosphere makes it even more special! Highly recommend!

It was ok. But the dogs were quite small to what we thought American was all about. Worth a visit but better places in and around downtown

Place to visit for a tourist , few frills and frequented by locals. The hot dog really is an imperial hot dog!! It is basically a meal enclosed in a sandwich. The cost is very low. There is no service, we serve self service but there is’. Choice of 5/6 types of hot dogs or salads. Oppure sandwich . Wide choice of drinks.

They got good food in my opinion...................... It might not be for everyone though but to each their own guess.

From the UK so we do our beef differently. Had the beef and sweet pepper sandwich with gravy separate. I didn’t enjoy it. Chips and onion rings were nice but just a different taste. Other than that, a nice vibe.

This was a lunchtime event during a business trip with a good friend, very lively place and lots on offer. I went for the Italian Beef and Sausage sandwich ‘deep dipped’ in gravy, fries and cheese sauce. It was all very good, excellent amount of beef, not mean in the slightest, perfectly cooked fries a s the cheese sauce was really good, never had that before in this way. Altogether great value for money, and definitely a must try if you in downtown Chicago.

Great place for traditional Chicago eats. reasonable prices. Relaxed dining atmosphere. Two levels so there is plenty of space.

Good food, and probably need to come here when you come to Chicago. But make sure you are OK if you accidentally leave your purse, because we came back within five minutes of realizing that my daughter left her purse, and the employees had already taken all of the cash out of the wallet. Also, make sure that you are OK with Katrina, the manager, telling you that there is nothing that she can do. Good times in Chicago.

Great food! Chopped salad, hot dogs, fries all delicious. Made a mistake in order, but honored it next day upon returning. Please remove gristle from chicken strips. Peppers on hot dog were too spicy.

Good prices and excellent culinary choice, drinks are excellent, service is good!, atmosphere is very nice

Original American burger restaurant with super good burgers and milkshakes. Can highly recommend a visit. Also try their steak sandwich..

Had zero knowledge or expectations….. really enjoyed eating here, great atmosphere, Christmas music playing and all the decorations. Food was good, and everyone was very friendly. Moderate prices.

Myself and my wife recently visited Chicago to run the Marathon. One of the "eateries" we'd been recommended by a friend to visit was Portillo's to sample their hot dogs. We had a few free days available and one of the days we had a wander downtown and decided to visit Portillo's to sample the food. It is very simple to find although the queues to get in an order were huge we're assumming because of how popular it is. The ordering process was fairly simple and our food wasn't too long in being made but there turned out to be nowhere to sit inside and we ended up going outside into the street to eat the hotdogs. The food was ok but didn't Wow us as we were expecting so we went away a little disappointed especially as we had spent so long waiting to be served in the queue.

Delicious food in an amazing downtown location! The Italian beef and hot dog were to die for and at a very good price!

Was the first stop when I arrived in town. Hot dogs are wonderful,Italian beef is huge and delicious. The atmosphere is definitely Chicago vibe,fast and friendly service. Definitely recommend and will be back time after time.

Very attractive Location service fast and efficient, for Food I can only review the famous hot dog which was great accompanied by a beer in a glass cup

Even though they told me they were Top-rated Hod Dogs in town, they seemed like the norm to me. To be exact the typical Chicagoan, with cucumber, was very good, but the Italian beef and the one with cheese, a total disappointment. Recommended only to try the typical Chicago Hod Dog

Family lunch to try the typical dishes that the restaurant chain has. Nice place near Hillis Tower. Crowded place where you need to book and then wait for service. Good hotdogs and special Chips.

First of all- word of mouth has many Chicago residents recommending Portillo’s as the best Chicago dog AND/OR the best Italian beef - so we tried… both! Lol! So good! Loved this restaurant - it’s cute and fun! Did not disappoint! And we just found out there are a couple Portillo’s in SO CAL!?! (Buena Park and Moreno Valley(?!)

Food came out quick and they call out the numbers in a funny way which was pretty interesting! The decor was fun and it was a nice environment to enjoy a dawg in. The dawg was decent, it wasn’t mind blowing but it was good and that’s what we needed for a mid day pick me up.

Polish sausage, great..! Very tasty…! This place has to be seen to be believed. We plan a return visit to try a Chilli Dog.

Portillo's & Barnelli's in Chicago came up with a new gimmick. This popular restaurant, which was founded in 1963, has installed digital self-ordering, state-of-the-art kiosks with 24-inch screens that showcase core menu items and new innovations. It allows employees to do other things rather than wait for customers to make up their minds and it allows customers to make up their minds on due time. Located at 100 West Ontario Street, Portillo's offers authentic Chicago street food in a 1930s and 1940s Prohibition themed atmosphere. Open daily from 10 to 1 a.m, with a convenient drive-through, it specializes in Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, chopped salad, cheese fries, chocolate cake and chocolate cake shakes. But the expansive menu also includes burgers, sandwiches, char-grilled Maxwell Street Polish sausage, chicken, fish, ribs, spaghetti, mostaccioli and fries. Portillo's has been a household name in Chicago since Dick Portillo invested $1,100 to open his first hot dog stand in a small mobile trailer in Villa Park, Illinois, in 1963. In 2014, he sold his business to a private entity firm for $1 billion. That's right, $1 billion. Today, the company has 94 locations in 11 states. On my most recent visit, I couldn't resist ordering Portillo's biggest sellers, the items that put Portillo's on the map, a Chicago-style hot dog with an all-beef Vienna hot dog and mustard, relish, onions, tomato slices, a Kosher pickle, sports peppers and celery salt stuffed in a steamed poppy seed bun and an Italian beef sandwich with slow roasted thinly sliced beef piled high in fresh Turano French bread.

Great location on the corner of Ontario and Clark streets. Lovely decor throughout the space. Order using the five (5) kiosks upon entering the restaurant. Your name/number will then be called at the appropriate stations once your food is ready. Food is reasonably-priced and pretty good. Very efficient process...orders were fulfilled quickly during my visits. I don't think they have a parking lot...but there is street parking (metered) throughout the surrounding streets.

Portillo’s serves up a great Chicago Dog in an organized & speedy fashion. The dogs are authentic & tasty & the atmosphere is welcoming, clean & comfortable. Our salad was tough to eat since the lettuce was old & much of it was soft & black. That was disappointing.

While well known for their excellent dogs (the Maxwell St may be too rich and salty unless you're up for it), I have to say their cheeseburger blows many out of the water. Particularly at that price point.

I have to say… as far as recommendations go, I’m inclined to agree that this place really does have the best hot dogs in Chicago. I visited on my own for lunch whilst visiting Chicago on a solo trip. The hot dog menu is extensive and as well as a Chargrilled Dog, I also tried the new plant based hot dog which was also excellent. So this place caters to vegetarians/vegans too whilst still delivering on quality when it comes to taste. Highly recommended for an authentic Chicago Hot Dog!

Best Burgers In Chicago. The fries from here are great as well. Don't even get me started on the chocolate milkshakes! So good

We actually passed here on route to Mr Beef to try their Italian Beef Sandwich. They were closed for the week !! We wondered back to Portillo's & Barnelli's. It's huge (although upstairs appeared to be closed. Ordered a beef sandwich and hot dog along with chicken tenders and fries and drinks at the counter and took it to a table. All excellent.

The food was superb it was a great atmosphere and the ambience was very demure. The waiter was very nice in explaining how things went when it was time for the brunch menu

This spot has great hot dogs and burgers ! Its a pretty popular place downtown chicago. Dont forget to try their #1 must, the chocolate cake shake .

pretty cool place, nice decor hotdog is really authentic but a bit too salty, which is likely due to personal preference. friendly staff

The place is quaint but the food is not special. It's worth a visit just for the atmosphere... Maybe a quick hot dig... but nothing more

I was here with my son, daughter-in-law and 3 kids under age 10. A friend had suggested it. There was something for everyone; an informal atmosphere where you place your order and pick it up when called. Seating was a bit limited; they had more upstairs but it was closed off. Prices were very reasonable; our group was well-fed for $52 and no tip line on the bill. Refreshing! My son ordered the milkshake made with cake and passed it around- it was very good. So was everything else.

I spent 50 dollars close to 10pm today 01/31/24 and my order was woefully incomplete and I called and spoke to the manager of this restaurant and complained about my order that I placed online and she said she would give me a refund but made zero(0) inquiries as to who I am or what my order was so when I questioned her about exactly who she was giving the refund to and asked her tell me my name to make sure she was giving refund to the right person then she got mad and hung up on me and of course cut to phones off when I tried to call back no one would answer. I have already made dispute with my bank over the charges.

First time experiencing a genuine Chicago Italian beef sandwich. After this, it most certainly will not be my last.... delicious!!!!!!😋

We were told by multiple locals to eat there. When we were on our way to Portillo’s, our cab driver told us to try their Italian Beef Sandwich. We ordered the Chicago dog with everything from the garden (again was recommened) and the Italian Beef sandwich. The Chicago dog was good but the Italian beef sandwich, it was one of the best sandwich I ever had. It was even better than the Philly cheese steak from the famous Philly place.

This place was so good I came back twice. My first trip was for a Chicago style hotdog. Being from the east coast I have always heard of a Chicago style hotdog but never tried one. I placed my order at the kiosk and waited for my order to be call which was, pretty short. I also got onions rings instead of fries. The onions rings came right out the fryer and was delicious and piping hot, which is the way I like them. When I bit into it, I was immediately a believer. Man, it was so tasty and mouthwatering. The second time I order a polish sausage and I don’t know which one I liked better. For anyone traveling to Chicago this is a place you have to try.

Been here on Recommendation. Very own atmosphere. Conveniently configure on the machine. Pick up at different stations. It was delicious. No refill. Only real criticism. Sooo much garbage, although eaten in the restaurant.

Stopped in for a Saturday at lunch. Place was busy but we were able to order within five mins. Food took a little longer to come out but everything was hot and fresh. Really loved their Chicago dog. Italian beef sandwich was good but not memorable. Cake shake was excellent but so sweet! Worth trying once! Pretty cool decor too!

This was a bucket list item for our 13 yr old so we forged through the cold darkness in January to grab some late night food. While the location is very visible, it isn't too close to the metro. Easy pick up/drop off for shared ride services. There are several different ways to order: phone QR code, kiosk, or at a counter. Food order numbers are yelled out so pay attention. I loved the decor and the food was delicious. Easy to order, lots of ablity to makes personal chanags.

Incredible setting the Disney of the restaurant, Fun Mood, wide choice of excellent hot dog menus, very good Price quality ratio

Cuisine: By far the best hot dog and especially the best fries I have ever eaten! Amazing (5/5) Service: People were friendly and fun (5/5) Atmosphere: I loved this old-fashioned decoration and this good ambient mood (5/5) Price: Very good price (5/5)

Good Chicago dog Good Italian beef sandwich Classic Chicago fare We had our order and ordered again for midnight snack Yum

Hot Dog are like rubber and you can't bite into them and the Italian sausage is so spicy hot you can't eat it. The Italian beef sandwich has a miniscule amount of beef on it. Since the corporate takeover Berkshire ruined Portillios food.

Tried to order from the kiosk. Some employee who should have retired 20 years ago moved me to the side of the machine. Line formed right where I was standing and I couldn't get to the kiosk. Gave up. That guy made the place very unwelcoming.

Omg this is a fabulous Chicago restaurant. We absolutely loved the atmosphere and out hot dogs were amazing

Your flight got delayed... You probably won't get to your hotel until around 9 or 10pm at night... You'll know you'll be hungry... You know most restaurants stop serving food soon... Portillo's and Barnelli's will be your foodie angels to save you from starvation, this downtown location is serving up food until 1AM! This is slightly more upscale than your typical fast food restaurant. This interior is very casual with some very cheesy and fun decor all around. Service is "all business" friendly, very typical Chicago. $4.29 Chicago-style hot dog... mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickle and sport peppers...it all sounds quite crazy to a Californian like me, but all these flavors blended worked well! You may want to spend the extra $1 for the Jumbo size. $3.29 small fries...these are super crispy, works well with your main course! $8 or $10 Italian Beef sandwich...I say go for the large with an extra 50% portion! The beef is slow-roasted for four hours, thinly sliced, and served on freshly baked bun. They throw au jus on it, but you can ask for more. Be sure to get some peppers, they really add a lot of flavor! This tasty, juicy, meaty sandwich is a lot of bang for the buck.

The one I went to was only 15 min bus ride from Wrigley Stadium so I highly recommend going there before a game. They have a great selection of food combos, buying things individually is not worth it. Even if it's too much food for you, just get the combo. I didn't find the food to be very good, it was bland but the price was right and you get a lot bang for your buck.

What a great Chicago staple. The beef sandwich with sweet peppers is just what Chicago is all about. Great tasting, fast service, friendly staff.

Went because of a friend's reccomendation and I would also recommend it to anyone that visits Chicago to at least try it once. The line was long but moved fast, and the food was great (ordered the #2, which consists of 2 small chicago style hot-dogs with fries and soda). I would eventually return to Portillo's only to try the italian beef sandwich and the portillo's chocolate cake (although this last one is recommended to share it because of its size).

Having grown up in Villa Park where Portillo’s started and remember when the man who started the place was serving hot dogs and fries and tamales. Every time I come to Chicago I go to Portillo’s. The quality, the service, please don’t ever change a thing. Has always been great for the over 50 years I’ve been coming to the various restaurants . Change that. Just went again and they forgot an entire entre in our take out (drive through) order. After numerous phone calls and a manager at the Tempe store who told me it would be credited and after a 10 days, nothing, the main office finally gave me credit back. Very very disappointed

Kind staff The food was good , and the presentation was beautiful. The grilled shrimp was packed with flavor, and the service was attentive and friendly.

Ordered regular hot dog and Italian beef with extra gravy, small fries and chocolate cake. The dog was cold otherwise is was good, nothing really special. The Italian beef was very good. Think of a French dip sandwich with lots of beef! The gravy is a nice au jus. The fries are just garden variety Ore-Ida crinkles, nothing special. The chocolate cake alone was worth the trip! Rich, moist, luscious with icing to die for.

regular average hot dogs , there are multiple places in chicago with better hot dogs .....totally over rated

We went to eat the typical famous Chicago hot dog and we really liked it. It was just lunchtime and there was quite a fuss. Recommended to eat the hot dog near the center

The Chicago dogs are some of the best. I found the Italian beef dipped sandwich to be too spicy with the hot peppers so go with the sweet. Counter service. OK prices. Classic ambiance.

The atmosphere was nice. The service was very slow considering you had to order at the counter. Food was ok but nothing thrilling.

Portillos is a good choice for dining in Chicago. You have several stalls to choose food and then 2 floors with dinner tables. You have good economic options.

Very nice discovery American cuisine but of very good quality and at an affordable price The hot dog is killer The setting is also very nice

There are many reasons to miss Chicago in between visits, and one of them for me has to be the distinctive “snap” you get when biting into a Chicago dog. I honestly can’t remember finding that when biting into a hot dog anywhere else. There’s just something about it that makes you feel like you’re being welcomed home. Finding one while here really isn’t that difficult, but one of my fave places to enjoy one is Portillo’s. The combo of toppings found on their Beef dog (especially the “Sport Peppers”) do an exemplary job of dressing Cinderella up for the ball. On the other side of the dance floor is where you’ll find their Polish dog which reflects a far more minimalist wardrobe (and isn’t likely to turn heads while at the ball anytime soon), but features a surprisingly flavorful and satisfying taste profile. While personally I’d slip the glass slipper onto the foot of the Beef dog, that’s not meant to overlook the merits of the Polish dog which rightfully earned its invitation to the ball. If neither of those appeal to you even remotely, not to fear. You can still accompany your friends here and enjoy a plant-based “Garden dog”, salad, or numerous other alternatives. Visiting Chicago is a good choice, but visiting without enjoying a Chicago dog would be a bad one. And that’s…Henry’s Take. #chicagodog #hotdogmagic

Came here because of the madness after the TV show The Bear and the aura around a beef sandwich. Well, the beef is great... but this store has changed things up. The photo over the cashier shows a robust beef sandwich with chopped grilled peppers. What I got was a 4 inch long by 1 inch wide slab o' pepper (grilled) atop the beef. OK. Not very appetizing looking. Flavor was good. Bread was OK. Refills on drinks is a must to wash the food down. Onion rings solid. Friends had the hot dog, loaded, and liked it. Others had the burger. No complaints overall.

Mecca of Chicago hot dogs in a very original and friendly setting. The hot dog is very filling and delicious. Absolutely go there for fun.

Portillos in Chicago continues to disappoint. We live a few blocks away and dinners are often carry-out. Over the years we have been using Portillos less and less. It used to be great. Nowadays you stand less than a 25% chance that when you get your food home the order is correct. I used to blame it on the employees. Now I realize it’s Portillos’ systems that continue to disappoint. Last night I picked up dinner around 6:30. I had driven over and parked across 5he street. I always bring an insulated bag to carry our hot food home. When we opened up our food all three cheeseburger orders were cold. Cold as a stone. Uneatable. Because the restaurant is so close, in a few months I will try again. I feel like Charlie in Peanuts at the beginning of football season.

This was a reasonably priced meal for our family. The food was fine, but it wasn’t great. The shakes WERE great and the price of the shakes was really reasonable. Total overall pricing was $ level. We went twice while we were in town for 6 days (a lunch and an early dinner).

Big variety of food to choose from. A little on the heavy side but in general delicious. The seating is interesting with different sections. Decoration feels like in a market.

Great beef sandwiches here Chicago style. Excellent service and great location. The desserts are fantastic as well. It’s a must stop!!!!

Enjoyed a couple of meals at Portillo’s. The hotdogs were tasty. On the second visit I had the Italian beef sandwich, and it was also very good.

Visited Portillo's on the recommendation from the boat tour guide. He told us the three Chicago foods a visitor should eat is pizza, Garrett's popcorn and a real Chicago dog from Portillo's. During our Sunday 5-hour train layover we decided to go for the dogs. From the Chicago Union Train Station its a clear shot down Canal Street. It was two loooonnnggggg blocks through construction, maybe about half a mile. The inside is very nostalgic with mob history, pictures, and fun signs, and vehicles. Lots on the menu to choose from. You get in the order line, get a number and wait to be called. We just got two dogs, one with every thing, one with mustard and relish, (no Ketchup) large fries ( delish!) and a slice of chocolate cake, (also, delicious!!) We enjoyed the walk getting there, the food and the return walk. No pedestrian traffic.

The Italian Beef was great. They were very accommodating in double wrapping the sandwiches, extra napkins, and even the au jus in separate sealed containers. I would recommend!

Really good food, we went there because of my son's interest for the place, I was unsure at the beginning but I was very soon so happy to be there. Food was really, really good. I would alwasy recommend to go to Portillos if you visit Chicago.

Myself and my wife came here following hearing good things about the place online before coming to Chicago. We were really surprised as it doesn't look much from the outside but inside it feels like stepping back in time decades to an old school lunch canteen/diner like in the movies. The food itself was delicious. I ordered the classic beef hotdogs and a chilli dog which were both tasty (classic was my favourite). I'd definitely recommend this place. We liked it so much we visited it again during our trip.

Porttillo was really busy it took us approx 30 minutes target to get served we had the hot dogs which were great. This is a must while in Chicago as part of the tradition

Probably the worst restaurant experience I have ever had for a quick serve. They have so many people working behind the counter and yet for a piece of chocolate cake it took me 20 minutes. I will never go back. Everyone was waiting an incredibly long time it’s just so frustrating when management doesn’t even seem to notice, yes avoid Chicago avoid

Went most days, best place in the world. Great dining layout. Bar inside too. Wish we had this in the UK, gonna miss this place big time.

I thought twice before going for the bad reviews, but the place I liked, they cater very quickly and the food is not bad, I went with the idea of eating a hotdog in chicago, it is nothing more than that.

It's not worth it, it has a reputation, but the sandwich is nothing special. I ate the Italian meat sandwich, which is traditional in the city, it's just a bread with cooked meat and very thinly sliced, no sauce, no onion. If you go, don't ask for anything with pepper, they put large pieces that you just feel the heat. Now it's a beautiful building, interesting decor.

Hot dogs are spectacular. A Quaint Mood with Moved Jazz Musics. Good prices. would return without hesitation

We came for the hot dogs. It was well worth the walk. It has a nice indoor seating area with a very friendly and helpful host.

If you're supposedly famous for Chicago dogs you'd think you'd work harder to get it right or at least decent. Obviously prepared long in advance and left to sit for way too long

The burger was juicy, and the fries were perfectly crispy. The service was fast and friendly, making for a great experience.

If Whattaburger is in Texas. Shake Shack is in New York , and In N Out is the staple in California, Portillo’s is the benchmark in Chicago. We went there in an afternoon we are fortunate to have seats. Ordered the iconic hotdogs that doesn’t use ketchup , fries , Italian style beef , chopped salad and that popular chocolate cake . It was nothing that really stands out , but just the same they are all delicious! And it was the experience of dining in the birthplace of a popular fast food joint in the East Coast .

Fantastic experience! The ambiance was lovely, and the food was delicious. I particularly enjoyed the pasta dishes—they were cooked to perfection. Definitely a spot I’ll revisit soon!

I had the Chicago dog and cheese fries. And when they say cheese fries, they aren't kidding! Tons of melted goodness on the fries! So happy I was finally able to eat here.

Had read great reviews of this place and hot dogs, a must if you are in Chicago. Loved the hot dog, and ate it with no ketchup, just as I had read. The only thing negative I can say about Portillo's is that after we placed the order, waiting time was too much. More than 35 minutes and people who arrived after us got their orders first. For me it's been there, done that. Would I go again, yes, but just if in next visit I am in the neighborhood.

Great service and good food. Restaurant on 100 West Ontario was clean and well decorated. Greeted by a friendly employee and helped by one when we were seated. Worth a visit and would return

Simply one of the best tasting and cozy looking fast food places I’ve ever been to! Unfortunately my time in the US was limited, so I didn’t try many items on the menu, but here are my favorites: - Italian beef sandwich with grilled onions, sweet paprika, mozzarella cheese, EZ dipped; - Fries with cheddar cheese sauce 🤤

We stopped at this place during a food tour of Chicago. The hot dog was great. I like the combination of flavours on a Chicago dog. The sport peppers add a nice mild heat. I wouldn’t have thought of putting a slice or two of tomato on but it goes well with all the flavours. Eating here made me want another hot dog while I was in Chicago and I got one at Wrigley. I would like to try more food at this spot.

I wanted to go because the drive through line is always around the building. I am new to Chicago food and got a Chicago hotdog and a sausage. I started feeling ill a few hours later. I lost my appetite and my mouth kept watering. When I started vomiting it was yellow and thick like liquid jello and it didn't stop for 5 days. I will never go to this chain again.

We stopped by after a bus tour for dessert. Lemon cake was really good. I've had the chocolate cake before. It's popular but I think it's over-rated. Go for the lemon cake for something different. The chocolate shake was ok. Our order of cake, shake and Coke took about 25 minutes. Not sure if they lost our order but it seemed way too long and other larger order numbers were being called off and none similar to our number when our dessert was finally ready. It's a casual order from the counter place in a touristy area. A good spot if you want to try a Chicago hot dog or Italian beef. The place also has salads so something for everyone. I seem to end up here once every few years.

Wonderful brunch spot! The pancakes were fluffy, and the coffee was strong. The vibe was laid-back, making it perfect for a lazy Sunday. I’ll be bringing friends next time!

Had to get a Chicago hotdog before leaving the Windy City, because I think it’s the law, LOL. Anyway, we enjoyed our food-my husband had the jumbo dog and I had the Polish, we shared some onion rings and the chocolate cake. The food was pretty good—especially the onion rings—and the crew was courteous and friendly. What took this from a 5 star review to a 4 was lack of seating—and the tables that were open weren’t so clean.

Great hot dogs. Price was reasonable. Beer price was more than reasonable. Good location near attractions in the Loop.

The last two times my wife and me went there for dinner the french fries, were as hard as a rock and burnt. The french fries were my favorite thing to eat there. I just don’t now how you eat a cheeseburger or a hotdog without french fries. I will not be eating there until you make butter ff.

Don't forget the cheese sauce! I did, and was sad about it. However, the beef sandwich, hands down best. So messy, but so worth it! Peppers are hot, didn't try the sweet ones. Everything is delicious! Seating is limited for big groups.

Great food & Great atmosphere! Highly recommend & will definitely return when we are back in the area!

Cool atmosphere and very sweet and helpful staff. Good food, you can tell it's a local favorite. Was recommended by a friend who grew up in Chicago and it did not disappoint.

Visited as I wanted to try the 'Chicago hot dog'. I ordered the jumbo beef hot dog and my wife ordered the 'Garden dog' and we had a drinks and a portion of fries to share. The hot dog was nice enough but it didn't blow my mind and also didn't seem to be jumbo as it was the same size as the garden dog. The place itself is nice enough with a good atmosphere and seems to be popular enough. I don't know what I was expecting from a Chicago hot dog but I tried it, it was nice enough but I've probably had hot dogs which have been just as nice if not better but it's ticked off my list as one of the 'must have' foods when visiting Chicago.

What a gem! I stumbled upon this restaurant and was pleasantly surprised. The tacos were fresh and packed with flavor. The staff was friendly, making for an enjoyable evening out.

Coming to Chicago and not eating a hot dog is a sin and this one is the winner, without a doubt the best of all, it's totally worth it.

Spaghetti! Oddly, this beats out any spaghetti house and even some in Italy for the flavor I like. I ordered a large ($10.99) hoping for leftovers. I had 2 lunches and still didn’t eat every bite. Came with bread and butter. I had also ordered garlic bread, which is just a grilled hoagie roll. Don’t do it. The hubs had a half rack of ribs, and loved it.

Having read very good comments we went to try. We got Italian beef and the classic hot dog. The hotdogs were excellent, everything in them tied together and we highly recommend it. The Italian beef is very good meat. We also got the chocolate cake shake which was literally cake in liquid form.

A culinary delight! The steak was cooked exactly as ordered and had a rich flavor. The side dishes complemented it perfectly. Service was attentive without being intrusive.

Chicago institution. Great menu. Fast service. Plenty of seating. And a pretty good value. Can’t go wrong.

Every time I’m in a city where there’s a Portillo’s I always make a plan to stop in… so, when in downtown Chi-Town, I specifically sought out Portillo’s and was happy to see that this one was a few blocks from my hotel. I walked these long blocks in pouring rain to get my Chicago Dogs and Italian Beef and they definitely didn’t disappoint! This location has ordering kiosks when you walk in, but there were loads of Asian folks standing around them, occupying them while the perused the menu… I noticed the cashier had no one there (thankfully!) so I opted for that style of ordering instead… I actually prefer to order via cashier instead of these automated ways anyway. Service was friendly and helpful. I placed my order for 2 Chicago Dogs and an Italian Beef with spicy giardiniera with sauce on the side. I sat down and within about 8 mins my order was ready for pickup – Digging into this was like revisiting an old friend that I absolutely loved, but hadn’t seen, nor heard from in 5 years… AMAZING and reuniting all at the same time!!! Yummmmmmm is how I have to describe the eats! The “salad” on the dog was fresh and very tasty! The beef Sammie was incredible, as usual. The au jus was flavorful and so insanely great! I can’t wait to get back to an area with a Portillo’s, tho I refer enjoying them in their hometown!

You know when you visit a tourist place you’re gonna wait. It was 25 min to order. That was fine. What wasn’t great was the next wait to get your food. It took another 25 to get our food. There is no rhyme or reason as to who gets their food when. I’m assuming it’s determined by what you order. For example I ordered at the same as another guy. We were talking in the 2nd line and his food was ready in 5 min. Mine took another 20. It is worth going but be prepared to wait. Also my sandwich came dry when I asked for gravy. Wasn’t worth fighting the crowd to get it fixed. They do offer order ahead. If we did it over that’s what we would do.

I love this place so much. I try to eat it once a month. There’s a lot of locations but this one is my fav. It’s a chicago thing!

The hotdog is very rich, we ordered it with onion rings, the place is fastfood style there is no waiter but one I ordered is different seasons.

If you want to try the real chigago hot dog, this stop is mandatory! Spectacular hot dogs with a place set with the time of industrial Chicago! For mandatory!

Awesome food right across from Hampton Inn downers grove. Cheese fries, beef, hot dogs are delicious. Price point moderate.

As a former Chicagoan now living in Canada, I was passing through. The parking was terrible so I gave their drive-thru a try. We ordered an Italian Beef Sandwich, a Chicago Dog, and 2 Caesar Salads. It took over TWENTY MINUTES waiting at the front of the line. The salads were lettuce and a packet of salad dressing. The dog was just fine. My Italian Beef was void of any toppings and just meat in a bun. SO DISAPPOINTED. They lost a customer forever!!!

Well, it is not really fast food. You walk in, you order it a variety of counters, take a chit and then they call your number. Traditional Chicago hotdog and Italian beef as well as salads and numerous other dishes. Enormous memorabilia collection. Food was great, service was quick. Visited Chicago a dozen times and never knew this place existed. We sat near the door and nobody walked in and nobody walked out without a smile on their face.

Visited after reading about “best Chicago-style hot dog”, however, we did not try the Chicago-style... BUT, the jumbo chili cheese dog was delicious! Paired well with fries and a coke (yum!). There are two ways to order for dine-in: at the kiosk or counter. They can get busy at meal times so be patient with waiting. Many people are visiting for the first time and trying to take it all in. Once you order head to pick up counter and listen for your order number to be called. Dining room is two levels with some tables outside on the first level.

I’ve been here a few times and had a similar experience every time. They’re usually pretty quick even when they are crowded. Additionally, it’s generally clean inside of here. I’ve ordered both online and in-person with 0 issues. If you’re looking for a hot dog fix, Portillo’s will hook you up.

DO NOT ORDER ONLINE!!! I tried twice and BOTH times they were 20 minutes after their allotted time. Complete incompetence

Holy cow. No frills, but none needed. As a hot dog traditionalist, I like mustard and sauerkraut. I went against all belief this time and went full Chicago style. So delicious. Will need one more before we go back to New Jersey!

Horrible place. Slow service and they kicked me out because I didn’t have a service animal “card” for my Service Pets (have never been asked for a card anywhere else)

Good food and fun Chicago experience. There is so much memorabilia to look at and experience. Great food. Be prepared for a line but they move you through faster than you might expect. We did go there on a Friday night so the line may have been longer than a weekday. Worth the wait.

We had to visit this Chicago institution on a busy Saturday night when our fellow Mexican neighbors were celebrating Independence Day. The queue was long, the anticipation of having the famous hot dog, beef sandwich, and the chocolate cake were there and rewarded!!

My mom wanted a Chicago hot dog and shoreline tours recommended Portillo’s. She got a hot dog with everything. I got Italian beef with au jus on the side. But you can get the sandwich dipped. I was afraid it would make the bread too soggy. She really liked her hot dog. The Italian beef was good. It was huge! The fries were ok. They serve coke products. I believe the restrooms are upstairs - just note this if anyone has mobility issues. I would recommend this place but probably wouldn’t go back because there are so many other places to eat in Chicago. But I’m glad I tried it!

Great atmosphere and delicious food! We got the Italian beef sandwiches with the side of cheese. My husband got the cake shake it was meh but we had to try it. The ice cream part was good but the cake part wasn't great. Regardless!!! The sandwiches were awesome. The buns were crispy outside and soft inside. The meat was tender and delicious. The inside is super fun with really cool stuff to look at (it's like an old timey mine). Finally, Cortez! Cortez was prepping all the food at the pick up window and he was so kind and funny. He made little rhymes for each pick up order number. Excellent meal and experience!

Great atmosphere! The food was delicious, especially the grilled vegetables. The staff was friendly, making our dinner a delightful experience. I’ll be back for sure!

I was surprised by the retro-style decoration. I tried spiced chicken in the early days in Chicago not knowing that it was actually very, very spicy. When I tried to take the first bite, the mere steam burned my digestive system but it was delicious, tasty and piping hot. I ate it alternating bites with sips of soda.

If you visit Chicago, this place is a MUST visit!!! It is like stepping back in time, back to the 1960s era, a proper old school American diner, full of amazing memorabilia, famous photos, an amazing ordering/tannoy system – beer station, salad station, to-go station, and plenty of seating. We tried the famous Chicago Dog which was really good – small, but good. We then finished with the most amazing Chocolate Cake Shake – we have never tasted anything like this, it is literally a chocolate cake that has been blended with ice cream – incredible!!! HIGHLY recommend you stop by and grab some food from this place! We will certainly return the next time we are in Chicago.

My wallet was stolen at Portillo's. And staf and police officer basically said that nothing can be done. Just be carwful.

We had the Italian beef sandwich and the Chicago dog. Both were DELICIOUS!! Definitely worth a visit.

This place was so amazing! The steak was perfectly cooked, and the wine pairing was excellent. We had a fantastic time and will be returning soon.

Oh my yes!!! I knew that this was the place I wanted to try a Chicago dog. It did not disappoint. Our sons didn't want to come with us, so it was just my husband and myself. We split the 2 hot dog meal and there was enough food for the both of us with no problem. I wish I had one right now! The meal came with 2 hot dogs, a large fry and a large drink. We added cheese sauce and the total came to $17! I don't know the last time we ate that cheaply. There are self ordering kiosks in the center of the restaurant, which made ordering simple. I am kicking myself for not getting the chocolate cake because it looked fabulous!

They recommended it to us and we liked it, the hamburger was quite good and the hotdog was good, a good option to eat that type of food and in a typical and cozy place in Chicago.

Beautiful place, very scenic. Orders are made from totems and, within minutes, they call the number. All very efficient. Excellent chips and sandwich with Italian beef. Fast food price, but with excellent quality of ingredients. Longer opening hours than other diners in the area. Recommended!

Good food. They need more staff. We came in on a Tuesday between lunch and dinner and the wait for my daughters salad was 20 minutes. I was the only one in line by the salad counter. I watched her salad be made, then it just sat there for 20 minutes until what appeared to be a manager showed up. She told the staff person the salad wasn’t made correctly and then I watched her remake the salad. By the time I got back to my table, my hotdog and fries were cold. I wouldn’t go back. I’d find another place for a classic Chicago dog. Hire more people please

I had never tried an Italian Beef Sandwich before, so I can't compare it. But this is one of the most fulfilling, tasteful sandwiches I have ever tasted in my life. My wife had the Chicago Dog (loved it). It has a great atmosphere, ordering is easy and the food comes out fairly fast.

A friend took me here for a real Chicago hotdog. I was very busy and very good. Next time I would go later for lunch 12;00 was crazy.

It was a perfect spot to take a break of party but it need to be cleaner. Good options for food not too much for drinks. It was a different experience!

The best hot dog in Chicago! We came here for lunch as it’s always a favorite when we visit Chicago. While the menu is extensive, the all beef hot dog with all the fixings is a must.

This was such a pleasant surprise, I am NOT a sandwich person, but this place has changed my mind! There were very long lines to order, but they moved very fast. The Italian beef sandwich was amazing, tender and so flavorful and the gal that took our order was very kind and helpful. The beer was cold and great too! This will be a “must stop” our next visit to Chicago. Make sure you grab a lot of napkins, it is super messy, but so worth it!!!!!

After 86 minutes waste our time for just pick up the 2 Sandwich You can't believe food was awful never back Just east your time for nothing

Service - 0/5 Hot dog taste - 1/5 Type of hot dog - minus 3/5 Rudeness - 5/5 Queue - 6/5 The tables are dirty, no one is going to wipe them dry. If you ask to wipe the table, they will tell you where to get napkins (and it will be in such a tone and with such a face that it is difficult to compare with anything). The hot dog looks like it was made the day before yesterday from everything that rolled under the baseboard.

Didn’t know what to expect and we really enjoyed it. We loved the food, obviously. My husband had the hot dog “dragged through the garden” and I had a polish street dog. Both were wonderful. We also loved the decor. So authentic and a real must-have experience.