After catching a movie nearby, my friend and I decided to stop by Portillo’s for a casual lunch—and we left completely satisfied. From the moment we walked in, the place had that classic, upbeat vibe Portillo’s is known for: kind of retro, a little chaotic in the best way, and full of energy. The staff was friendly and efficient, which made the experience even better.
The food? Fantastic. My friend went with the Italian Beef sandwich, fully loaded with sweet and hot peppers. She said the beef was tender and juicy, and the combo of peppers added just the right punch without overpowering the flavor. Her fries were hot, crispy, and not overly greasy—a solid side. She also mentioned her drink stayed nice and cold through the meal, which was a small but appreciated detail.
I ordered the double cheeseburger on a brioche bun with mustard, grilled onions, and hot peppers. Everything was spot on. The burger patties were juicy and flavorful, the brioche bun held up well without being too dense, and the toppings brought a great mix of tang and heat. The grilled onions especially gave it a rich, savory kick. The onion rings on the side were golden, crispy, and had that satisfying crunch you want without being too oily. My drink was fresh, fizzy, and refilled easily thanks to the self-serve station.
Now for the real surprise: the lemon cake. We both grabbed a slice to wrap up the meal, and it might’ve been the sleeper hit of the whole experience. Super moist, bright lemon flavor, and a light, creamy frosting that didn’t overwhelm. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting it to be that good, but I’d go back just for that cake.
Portillo’s nails that classic comfort food experience. Great portions, good prices, and bold flavors done right. Whether you’re craving beef, burgers, or just something sweet after a movie, it’s a...
Read morePortillo’s is a solid go-to when you’re craving classic Chicago-style comfort food with fast, friendly service. From hot dogs to Italian beef sandwiches, they’ve got all the fan favorites covered—and they do them well. The atmosphere is fun and energetic, with a retro vibe that makes it more than just a quick stop for a bite.
The Italian beef sandwich is the star of the show. It’s flavorful, juicy, and even better when dipped in their savory gravy. Add some sweet or hot peppers, and it’s a true Chicago classic. The hot dogs are also excellent—snappy, perfectly dressed, and served on a fresh poppy seed bun. Crinkle-cut fries are crispy and satisfying, and the cheese sauce is a must for dipping.
Another standout is their chocolate cake shake. It sounds over-the-top—and it is—but in the best way. Rich, creamy, and loaded with actual pieces of chocolate cake, it’s indulgent but worth every calorie.
The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star review is the occasional inconsistency with order accuracy or timing during busy hours. On weekends or lunch rush, there can be a bit of a wait, and sometimes items might be missing or not made exactly as requested. But staff are usually quick to fix any issues with a smile.
The restaurant is clean, and there’s plenty of seating, which makes it a great spot for families or groups. Prices are fair for the portions you get, and the menu offers something for everyone, from burgers to salads to ribs.
Overall, Portillo’s delivers on taste, tradition, and experience. It’s not fine dining, but it’s not trying to be—it’s just really good food done right. Definitely worth a visit when you’re hungry and craving something...
Read moreI have always been a fan of Portillo's ever since I visited their flagship restaurant in Chicago. The theme is cute, the menu is fairly extensive, and it's just a different experience from your other casual dining eateries
For those who don't know, this is a Chicago chain that gradually made its way to Texas. They offer Chicago delicacies like the Chicago dog, polish dog, Italian beef, etc. They also have burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, and even plant-based hot dogs. Their fries a signature crinkle cuts. They also have onion rings, cheese sauce (for fries and hot dogs), and shakes
This location much be very new. The staff was incredibly on point. Everyone was friendly, helpful, professional, and efficient. The interior and exterior are immaculate
I ordered the Italian beef because it's a Chicago staple, and I'm a fan. The sandwich itself is both dry (in terms of sauce), and simultaneously soggy (in terms of bread. I opted to try the chocolate cake shake, and while it does taste so much like the cake and there are cake particles on every gulp, it was soooo rich... but good! The crinkle fries were perfectly prepared in terms of crunch, color, and salt
I do wish they provided napkins and maybe a couple packets of ketchup with your order (especially if you order fries). They have these items, but you have to grab them yourself. I suppose that helps with over all sustainability.
Some tips: Join their rewards program. They offer $10 off your first order. Also, on your birthday, half birthday, and sign up anniversary you can get a free slice of their delectable chocolate...
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