Portillo's Tucson — Restaurant in Tucson

“Why would you go to a place like Portillo’s and order a fish sandwich? They’re known for their Chicago Dogs, silly.”

“I know that!” I protested to my GF, “but the fish sandwich looked really good on their web site and I did get a dog so I could write a relevant review.”

Well, it’s been a couple of weeks since my visit to Portillo’s and that fish sandwich is a fading memory. But just look at the size of the filet! Unfortunately, the photo I took makes the sandwich look a lot better than how it actually tasted — bland. Maybe their tartar sauce was too sweet — I don’t recall. I just remember thinking I wouldn’t get the fish sandwich again. Too bad, I’d really like to find a great fish sandwich in this town.

As for the dog, I guess I’m not a Chicago Dog fan. I very, very rarely eat hot dogs anyway, so when I do I’m rather finicky. Not really crazy about the ginormous pickle — it was bigger than the sausage. The sport peppers are an overwhelming distraction. And that florescent green relish looked like it should be a dessert topping. I suppose that for someone from Chicago, it probably feels like coming home. But it wasn’t my thing.

I will say the food was very fresh and beautifully prepared. I guess next time I will try a Chili Dog, Polish Sausage or Italian Beef Sandwich — and invite the GF to get her opinion on their dogs.

As for atmosphere, it’s a fun place to visit with that 50’s/60’s diner decor, the booths and all the relics covering the walls. And when coming in from the Tucson midday summer heat, the air conditioning and open, airy feeling are very much appreciated. The service is friendly and efficient and makes you feel welcome.

After my Portillo’s lunch I glanced at the receipt and was surprised to see the total was only $8.69. Then I saw it: “Hot Dog Promo”. The Chicago Dog was only $1. It’s their “Hot Dog Days of Summer” promo where if you order another main (like the fish sandwich), they’ll throw in the dog for only a dollar. The offer is good only on Wednesdays...

Walking in the atmosphere was amazing hundreds of things on the walls and hanging from ceiling. Very hard to find where to order the distractions of all the stuff at the front made it difficult to find the line. Once in line I'm able to see the menu and the teasing board realized that even though they were combo numbers that is not how you were charged or how the meals were put together everything is al-a-cart. No.1 Italian Beef Sandwich 9.99 Lrg Fries 3.99 - Sm Tea 2.50 - shake 4.29 $21 for 1 meal! Plus .75 if you want the peppers that are shown on the sandwich poster. Rodeo Burger 8.39 - Sm Tea 2.50 - eclair 4.89 we shared the fries. Once you ordered your food you were asked to sit down in the extremely loud almost high school cafeteria seating area and watch a 42 inch TV until your number bag danced on the screen or listen for your number over a vintage 60s squat box that you couldn't hear. Overall the cleaning staff was fast and courteous, the kitchen was moving but not keeping up with orders and the counter crew was really good at up selling you on items that should be standard. $40 for lunch for 2 isnt unheard of these days but leaving unhappy or just not impressed makes it a hard meal to swallow. If you have extra cash and are near you can try ot but nothing to go on a road trip (as we did from Avra Valley) to...

Where to start first of all first impression the inside on the restaurant has a nice feel to it I think I went the day after opening and the line went a lot quicker then expected it to! So kudos on the wait times!

Now.. I know it's only the 2nd day of it being open when I went so I anit going to leave my raiting like this I may go up it may go down but the bathroom for as big of a place it is a little disappointing not as decked out as the actual restaurant would have been nice to have a good flow..

But getting on to the food first impression reminds me of a fancy version of Wienerschnitezl I ordered the #2 combo chili dog style and it honestly wasn't far from a chili dog from there just a little bigger, maybe I ordered the wrong thing which is why I'm going to try again soon.. shake was good got the cake one but has quite some chocolate then expected so if you love chocolate definitely would recommend so for now a 3 star because the food wasn't that great... onion rings were a bit to over crispy almost hard/burnt and they messed up a few things on our order Also if you have a texture issue like i do the hot dog skin or casing reminded me a bit of a bratwurst texture as well.. so a little chewey but agin 2nd day being opened I will try again...

If you haven't tried it I...