Portillo’s Hot Dogs & Barnelli’s Salad Bowl
235 North Ave, Glendale Heights, IL, 60139
Portillo’s Hot Dogs & Barnelli’s Salad Bowl Menu
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Soups
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Salads
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Caesar Salads
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Hot Dogs And Chili
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Chicken Sandwiches
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Meatless Sandwiches
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Char-broiled Burgers
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Beef-n-sausage Sandwiches
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Side Orders
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Desserts
Healthy Meal suggestions for Portillo’s Hot Dogs & Barnelli’s Salad Bowl
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Soups
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Salads
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Caesar Salads
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Hot Dogs And Chili
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Chicken Sandwiches
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Meatless Sandwiches
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Char-broiled Burgers
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Beef-n-sausage Sandwiches
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Side Orders
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Desserts
Visit below restaurant in Glendale Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Glendale Heights for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
235 North Ave
Glendale Heights, IL, 60139 - Phone (630) 690-9380
- Website https://www.portillos.com/locations/glendale-heights
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Drive-Thru : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Burgers
Burger or Hamburger is savored as the most desired fast food meal in the United States. A hamburger is basically a sandwich prepared by stuffing ground meat patty, generally beef, between two slices of a bun cut in half. Hamburger is also famous for its seasoning. Most popular condiments used in hamburgers in the United States are mustard, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Besides ground meat patty, hamburgers are also stuffed with lettuce, onions, tomato slices, pickles, and cheese.
Hamburgers are also categorized into two types in the United States. Fast food hamburger and individual hamburgers served at restaurants are two basic types of burgers served in the United States. The individual hamburgers served at restaurants are prepared using everything including lettuce, onion, tomato, and sliced pickles as well as melted cheese on the patty or crumbled on top. American restaurants also serve veggie burgers for those who don't relish meat. Cheeseburgers are also hot favorite in the United States.
McDonalds is the most popular fast food burger restaurant serving different types of burgers in the United States. On the other hand, there are several restaurants such as Burger King are famous for serving the best hamburgers in the United States. Most burger restaurants in the United States often serve hamburgers with French fries and other condiments. If you have a liking for burgers in the United States, then you won't be disappointed. You can easily find the best burger restaurants in your city on our Restaurants Listings directory. Check the reviews and ratings of the top burger restaurants and savor yourself with the best hamburger in the city.
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William P.
Definitely liked this place a lot. The lines were fast and the food was great. The atmosphere was awesome and unique. It was a bit crazy but that's all a part of the experience. The italian beef sandwich was spot on. It was just the meat but even that was super juicy! I got the chocolate cake as well which was nice and moist. Will visit next time I'm back.
(4)Sara B.
Ok so we don't eat here often...Yes, I am from Chicago, no I dont have a special place in my heart for portillos... The food is always sub-par....The fries are cold, the dogs or soggy and the salads are soaked....No thanks
(2)Andy L.
Portillo's hot dog is a neat experience in Chicago. I liked the design of the building with the 60's theme. I first ordered the portillo's hot dog chicago style, I shared one with my parents and it was so good we downed the hot dog in minutes. The portillo hot dog has a juicy dog with pickles, tomato, hot pepper. It was great! Next, I tried the famous italian beef sandwhich. The italian beef was dipped in gravy ( must do, so good!) and it came with hot peppers. When I first saw the italian beef sandwhich and it was greasy, I knew it was going to be good. The first bite into the dog was juicy, powerful flavor, and all around satisfying. I could not wait to stuff down the dog, the beef tasted extra flavorful after being dipped in gravy, and hot peppers gave a nice kick to the beef. The hot peppers were not too spicy, it was more of a medium spice. If you like a little bit of spice in your food, def. get it. All in all, I had a great experience in this place and would definitely come back if I am around the area again.
(4)Donna D.
I forever love Portillos mmmmh. Italian beef combo will always be my favorite along with fries, onion rings and cheese dip!!!
(5)Rob H.
This is not a four star restaurant by any stretch, it never has been & isn't currently. While the food is decent the service is lacking and the time it takes to prepare an order for a family of 3 is often way too long. When I get my food home, the bags are usually ripped open & falling apart because they're using cheap bags. You can't often read the register receipt because the heat from the food has lightened the ink, again using cheap material. (The bag & receipt problem is something I've experienced at every Portillo's I carried out food from over the years.) I thought the Portillo's name meant quality. Whatever corporation is running Portillo's now, needs to step up their game! It's unlikely that I'll visit this Portillo's again as they are out of chances. Fortunately there is a good Portillo's in Bloomingdale that is a lil further drive but worth it to get better service.
(2)Ken D.
What can anyone say about Portillo's? They have the best American fast food of anyone of course. Their prices are way too high but it doesn't seem to hurt their business. They are always crowded. I particularly like the fact that there is a Barnelli's there. So there is a huge variety overall to select from. The food at both places is great. One of my favorites is the chopped salad. I also crave the panini sandwiches they have. Both are good. On the Portillos side everything is good. Their ribs can't be beat and all the sandwiches are awesome. Service is usually professional and friendly but the food preparation is slow. I am a regular here so I must like it!
(4)Mandy K.
Best fast food burger out there! I went just at the right time. I didn't have to wait in the usual long lines and hit every green light there and back. Portillos is a staple for any Chicagoan diet. Thankfully there isn't one super close to my home or I would be morbidly obese. They do a great job with the drive through. I always feel so bad for the people outside running from car to car but it definitely makes things go more smoothly.
(4)Brent S.
Seriously, there is nothing bad to say about Portillo's. I can pick anything on the menu and be completely happy. The jumbo chili cheese dog is amazing, the fries are incredible, the italian beef is out of this world (as long as its dipped with mozz and hot peppers lol), the salads are incredible, the soups are amazing, the pasta dishes are fresh, the ribs are fall off the bone tender, the chicken sandwich is a winner. Although my 2 favorite items are the chocolate cake shake and the burger. I get the cheeseburger with bacon and its chargrilled to perfection, the bun is soft, the bacon is crispy, it's just a classic burger. The chocolate cake shake is a MUST for anyone that has never had it. Please please please try it, you will not be disappointed.
(5)Steve S.
We eat lunch at Portillos at least once a month.. It's typically had good food and solid service... Over the past few months we've noticed the service steadily deline. They have forgotten items in our order, serviced cold food, etc. We tried lunch again today. A few minutes after we arrived a high school girls team pulled in. We placed our order long before the girls team arrived, but our order and the orders from two were lost in the chaos. In the end it took almost 20 minutes to receive our food. Once we receive our food I realied that our sack had been on the counter for 10 minutes and the food was cold. When I complained to the manager he offered me a small fry... It's a real shame to see the restaurant go down hill. We'll try a compeitor over the next few months.
(2)Emilio B.
Love the food. Love the service. Love the atmosphere. I don't find anything wrong except the wait can be alittle long. Just alittle on the long side.
(5)A A.
I grew up eating Portillos. They have the best fries of any food chain!!! Get the onion rings well done. They are so good that way. They need to STOP asking me if I want peppers on my beef after I ordered it and told them the way I want it. "Give me a combo dipped with mozzarella, a large fry and a large coke that's all". Did I ask for peppers?? No I didn't!!!!
(5)Deth D.
THE SERVICE ON THE DRIVE THRU SUCKs, if you aregoing to order make sure they got your order right, and check your ordersbefore leaving, i ordered 5 polish hotdogs with extra pickle each, when i got to the cashier they got it wrong and was charging me for 1 polish hotdog, so i clarified this and told them i want 5 polish hotdog. And reminded them i want 1 extra pickle for each. When they gave me my order they only give me 1 extra pickle. I had to cone in and ask for what i want and when i got home they gave me fFUCKING REGULAR HOT DOGS INSTEAD OF POLISH.
(1)Kevin S.
There are dozens of good things to say about this location. First the parking is pretty big, it does get crowded at lunch time but thats to be expected. The dining room is huge with plenty of tables and booths to choose from. The bathrooms are always clean and stocked well. Theres no real point in mentioning the food other then they always get my order right, which is not surprising since they don't hire monkeys To cook my food like Mcds next door.
(5)Michael L.
It's Portillos, how much can I say? Food is always good, customer service is ok depending on the day and who's working. It's always clean, and a good place to go, when I'm not in the mood to wait at a sit down restaurant. BTW: My favorite thing to get is their chocolate cake shake, it's like heaven on earth!
(5)Sinaloa R.
I was there 2 days ago ( drive thru) I ordered full slab of ribs, small cheese fries, strawberries short cake and a tiramisu. it took them 35 minutes to make it? Wow long time until, I decided to cancel the order because I have a 30 minutes break so I couldn't be late at work so I didn't eat Nutting. really bad service also the manager told me that ribs takes a long time to be clear she said 10 minutes remember I was waiting 35 minutes so definitely I am not going back there also the quality of the food has changed a bit cause there's new owners so they are trying to cheap it out cause it's cheaper and that = more profit. I was a customer for years so now I be going somewhere else!
(1)Lisa L.
Can't go wrong here with the hot dogs and fries. The chocolate cake wasn't that great, not worth the calories.
(4)Veronica C.
First time being here and let me tell you that the customer service is great! The jumbo hot dog with everything on it is so filling. If you're a big appetite kind of person then get two. The onion rings are greasy and crunchy. Not bad for the price you pay. My friends got the burgers and fries. It's also filling. Unfortunately, they found some hair in their fries. The chili is good and recommended. Overall pretty good and affordable. Locals recommend the ribs. I'll try it out on my next visit.
(4)Nancy B.
always a must stop when I come to town. like the early hours to beat the lunch crowds! we are waiting for you in Texas {Texicago} been to the original VP dog house where I grew up.
(5)Silk W.
To this day I dont believe I have ever had an Italian Beef sandwich better than Portillo's. I get it extra dipped wet juicy with sweet peppers. I love the Maxwell Street Polish with relish and extra onion. They have some of the best hot dogs ever but I do enjoy redhots as well. Burgers are very good. I love the chicken club sandwich. Ribs are very good but I dont love the sauce and Id prefer ribs from a legit BBQ place anyday but theyre good. Chopped salads are awesome as well as some other salads. I can go on forever. OH! Loves me a vanilla shake from Portillo's as well!
(5)Rochelle S.
Yummy. Beef with sweet peppers and rocking chocolate cake. The best food all around.But always check your bag when you drive thru 9/10 times they forget something or you end up with 6 extra hot dogs. This happened twice. Kind of funny. We got home with 6 hot dogs once then 4 hot dogs second time. Odd didnt even order a hot dog.. lol
(4)Lana M.
They are always busy if you go in. Drive thru seems to be a faster options. I had then forget parts of my order twice but if you go back the will fix it. Over all place is clean and friendly
(4)Billy I.
Food is still good but the rude people that work there makes me not want to go back . Just horrible costumer service .
(3)Jack B.
Italian Beef first and foremost! Try a hot dog if you have room. Add a combo (sausage+beef) if you're feeling adventurous. The chocolate cake shake is delicious for the first portion, but make sure to split a small with at least two other people or you will get sick.
(4)Richie E.
Chicago style hot dog. Not bad, not bad at all. All the toppings work very well together but it becomes more like a sandwich. As an East Coast guy I'll stick with Texas wieners. With that said, the chili cheese dog was a complete disappointment. The bun was the predominant taste and texture and that shouldn't be the case. The Italian beef sandwich on the other hand is legit. I could eat them all day! And the extra gravy made good, better. An absolutely messy eat, but that just added to the experience. In closing, the chocolate cake shake was heaven in a cup!
(4)Sarah S.
Came here to grab dinner to go on the way to a friend's house in Bartlett. We ordered two salads and a cake shake. Upon arriving at our friends house to sit down and eat, we noticed that my fruit and poppy salad's dressing and the chopped salad's house dressing was nowhere to be found. We also noticed we receive no bread, but DID get four containers of Parmesan cheese. I called the restaurant and spoke with an associate who then directed me to Scott, the "manager". I explained the situation to Scott who lacks customer service skills. He made remarks like "And the meal was ruined because you didn't get the bread, right?" No, the meal is ruined because there's no dressing genius. He asked if we would be coming back to get the dressings, and I explained we weren't driving from Bartlett back to Glendale Heights for dressing for a salad. He asked for my address so he could send a voucher for two free salads, which was really nice...except that was three weeks ago and it never came. As a business owner myself I feel it's no surprise Portillo's is hurting and going to be under new management, especially if people like Scott are in charge of running their locations.
(2)Chris M.
This is the best place for hot dogs and Italian beef period.
(5)Brittany S.
The workers are friendly, the few run ins with the managers, have not been pleasant in the pAst few months.
(4)Kelsey H.
I looooove Portillos. Something about Chicago dogs and cheese fries reminds me of childhood. Plus it's delicious. We ate inside because we just purchased a new car and I didn't want that awesome new car smell to be replaced with whiffs of surprise meat. Service inside was mega friendly and fast. My husband and I split a Chicago hot dog, cheese fries and a chopped salad. This is the first time I've ordered a salad at Portillo's, but over the course of a month TWO random patients at my place of employment have asked me if I've tried it, so I had too. It's even more random considering the nearest Portillo's is over an hour away. Anyway, the chopped salad was awesome with pasta in it and very filling. Hot dog and cheese fries are amazing always. The set-up is a little screwy, in my opinion. We had to order and pay for the salad at one counter and then order and pay for the hot dog and cheese fries at another. I tried to order coleslaw but was told I had to order it at the other counter but I already made two transactions so decided I didn't need coleslaw. It was comical when we tried to leave because we had to get drink refills at one counter and then got sent to the other for take-out boxes. In summary, make sure you look at the menus thoroughly so you can order at the appropriate counter.
(5)Krissy S.
Italian beef with sweet peppers every time!! No complaints on any Portillo store. They always bring it on. Service and food! There is no food that is not good in Portillos. :D
(5)Angel V.
Been coming here for years and never disappoints Great food, great service, great place!!
(5)Regan R.
Tonight our 3 orders of fries were semi cold and half full..and again missed the cheese on my chicken
(1)Kerri L.
I was looking for an italian beef, and Portillo's was in the area, so I thought ' why not?' I had fully planned on posting a review on how going through the drive through is like being waved to park on the grass at a concert, and how the lackluster italian beef I had doesn't deserve the Portillo's worship that so many people bow down for in the area. Then yesterday afternoon I started feeling awful. Then really sick. Then I continued to spew up until the wee hours of the morning, when I finally ended up at the ER because things were just getting worse. Thanks for the crappy sandwich and the hospital bill. I didn't even get a sponge bath from a hot nurse. It was probably because of the whole ' my body is trying to turn itself out through the mouth' thing i had going on. Which reminds me, wasn't inside out boy on liquid television? What a painful reminder to stick to the small places in the area that have awesome food. Portillo's was on my way, and I was trying to save time. I CHOSE POORLY.
(1)Catherine G.
italian beef sandwich, chi-town dog, chocolate cake shake = game over ! I was staying at the Hilton resort in Bloomingdale and decided to splurge on some unhealthy chicago classic only going to get once food and it was by far the best hotdogs / beef sandwiches I've ever had !!!
(5)Dwight P.
I eat a Portillo restaurants often and it is sometimes a good experience. Today if waited 20 minutes in the drive thru for lunch. They work hard at getting it right but they charged me for the car behind me, then came back in confusion charged me again for my order and were unsure about the first order that they "thought" was canceled. Majoring me wait to get clarification from a manager was a waste of time. He didn't bother to identify my concert before tonight off to get me a recipe for one of the charges. I told him that all I really needed was to be sure that I wasn't double billed. He said he was sure I hadn't but I wasn't convinced since he was too busy to actually check. I think they have focused so much on speed that they are missing the point of customer service.
(2)Alma C.
Portillo's is my favorite fast food chain restaurant of all fast food chain restaurants in the history of fast food chain restaurants. This particular Portillo's is one of a select few in the chain that also has a Barnelli's inside, which sells ribs and pasta dishes like mostaccioli, that most of the regular Portillo's restaurants do not have. This place is basically a Portillo's on Steroids, and that's alright by me. The only thing I don't like about this particular Portillo's is the narrow drive thru--not b/c it actually dangerous but because the narrow margin of error doesn't allow me to drive hands free with my knees b/c one hand is probably holding a burger or a beef and the other hand is holding a Maxwell Street polish. Seems treacherous and inconvenient to me, so when I come here I tend to just partake in my piping hot goodies inside. Yummers.
(5)Mike S.
What can be said about portillos that hasn't been said already? The place is a Chicago area institution. Comfort food I grew up on that can't be matched anywhere else in the country. I love coming here to pig out on food that's no good for me. Indulgence can be bliss in moderation!
(5)Jenny G.
My husband is from this area and he raves about Portillo's hot dogs all the time! So when we finally went back to his hometown for Christmas, Portillo was our 1st stop after we landed. They have different types of hot dogs you can order and they make it as orders come in, so you know it's fresh and hasn't been sitting there for hours waiting for someone to consume them. Needless to say I was hooked on them after my first bite. The hot dog is so juice and fresh and the poppyseed bun just completes it. I can see why my husband wishes there's a Portillo close to San Francisco because after my 1st Portillo's hot dogs I too wish there is a Portillo close by San Francisco.
(5)Joe E.
Portillo's is a chicago institution. I know they are known for their beef, but I think they do everything else just as well. My go to dishes: Bacon Chz Burger, Cheese Fries, and of course, the chocolate cake. Hard to mess up Choco cake, but theirs is AWESOME!!! I'd prefer to just have the slice instead of the shake, to be honest. I know people are huge fans of the latter, but I think the cake takes the cake! Big fan of the Barnelli's as well. Awesome ribs and Pasta! Finally, the decor of this place is awesome. I love the 20s gangster theme! Don't go at peak hours, especially in the drive thru, because you'll be there forever!
(5)Torrey R.
I've been going here since I was a kid and the dogs are as good now as they were then. The chili cheese dog without onions is complete heaven. I wish I could write about other food items but I have never ordered anything except this for the last twenty five years. The best part about this specific location is their drive in. They are efficient like none other. Get in, get your dog, get out. See you next time!
(5)K R.
This was my first time eating here, and it didn't disappoint .I cant wait to go back and try something else.
(4)Stacey W.
I love Portillo's. There is one thing I love more than Portillo's: Barnelli's. The lemonades are addictive (I'm sure they're just Minute Maid), the fries are typically hot and crispy, and their pasta is amazing! Their baked mostacholli is phenomenal, and I always recommend the chicken parm sandwich. To die for! I would give this location five stars if I didn't see someone who ordered five minutes after me get the same exact thing I ordered five minutes before me. Needless to say I was not happy.
(4)Nathaniel C.
Was going to leave a good review but some lame "managers on the Barnelli's side saw me snapping some nice photos from my phone told me it was company policy that people couldn't take photos in their restaurants. Little did they know i was going to write up something real nice. Good food, just make sure you don't take photos they are allergic to cameras and start to cry.
(3)Mrs. G.
The drive thru is a joke. Extremely UNorganized. Expect to spend at least 15 minutes waiting, even if you only plan on getting a shake. The Elmhurst location as well as the Addison location have a much efficient drive-thru system. The inside is nice, clean and the staff is friendly.
(3)Catherine A.
Can't go wrong with the Italian beef, some mozzarella and spicy peppers! Deeeeelicious! Lemonade too. Get that.
(5)Tobin h.
Probably the most efficient and well managed Portillo's of the group. If your lunch hour has time limits this is the place to go because they have their service down to a science. Highly recommend this Portillo's!
(4)Bob T.
I make a point of eating at their Downers Grove location at least once each time I visit Chicago. I stopped at this one because it was near my hotel. The Italian Beef was ok, maybe a bit dry. The hot dog was under cooked and tasteless. I suggest driving the extra 5 minutes (or less) to their DG location.
(2)Roseanne S.
This is my favorite Portillo's location. I've been to quite a few, but this one takes the cake (have you had their chocolate cake? Yum!). Any Portillo's location that has a Barnelli's location is always better in my book, because you have so many more options. Do I feel like stuffing my face with a cheeseburger (which, if you haven't had, you must. They are cooked really well and don't look like those poor excuses for a hamburger that McD's tries to pass off.) or maybe a big Italian beef sammich or a dog. Or maybe I'll be classy and order some baked mostacholi (don't judge me on my definition of classy). They also have some really great salads. I'm not a salad person as I typically don't think of it as a full meal, but their options really could suffice as such. My mom and I are fans of the strawberry poppy-seed salad with chicken. That'll fill you up nice and good. It's really fresh. It's possible it's still high on calories, but the way I see it, I'm getting my fill of fruit, so where's the problem? There is a lot of seating at this location and it's great for families, couples, or friends who might all want something different but can't agree on a place. I'm craving some Portillo's now. Almost time for dinner. Hmm...
(5)Christopher A.
Don't go here for catering. They will mess up the order (how can you forget to put rolls in the order for an Italian beef sandwich), well tell you that everything in the order is hot when it is not. The service is slow (it should not take a half hour to pay and pickup an order), staff uninterested, and food mediocre.
(1)Michelle K.
Been on multiple occasions beef is good and the south west Chicken salad was geat and very big enough for 2.
(4)Kathy J.
Mmmmm! Love to get their tuna sandwich as they are the only place that I have found that has such a thing. Italian beef sandwiches are usually good, but I think there are better places to get a Chicago dog. We try to stop in at a Portillos every time we are back in Chicago visiting. It's a tradition.
(3)David S.
I do not eat hot dogs, but I go to Portillos for hamburgers, beef sandwich's, the cob salad, but most of all the Chocolate cake. I always request Portillos for my birthday and when employees have birthdays, I always offer to purchase them a chocolate cake to share with all of us. ;-) I am writing this review because we went to our family's Christmas party and someone brought Portillos chocolate cake. With all the Christmas desserts on the table, the chocolate cake was the hit. Anyone who is visiting from out of town I send to Portillos if they ask about Chicago Style Hot Dogs. They always have a positive experience. I like that their food is consistently good. There customer service is really good and the dinning environment is well decorated with antique decor. I seem to find a different antique to catch my attention every time I go. The only reason I have this as a 4 star and not a 5 star is the traffic and parking at this location is ridiculous. The drive through takes 10-20 minutes during lunch. I would go more often if they could solve the rush time hassles.
(4)Dana T.
Yum yum yum! We went here like 2 or 3 times on our quick weekend visit... I just can't get enough of Portillos. The drive thru line is like nothing you have ever seen before, it goes out into the street... There are like 3 workers standing outside taking your order, taking your money, and moving along to the next car. It's insane... People in the area obviously knows where amazing food is, and it is totally worth the wait! Italian beef & cheese croissant and a strawberry milkshake. Need I say anymore. Yummy.
(5)Robert U.
Excellent. This location is just as good as the others. I go for an Italian Beef, extra gravy, with hot peppers. Love it. Served hot and fresh. Fries are good but generic, but are a must-have side, and complement the hot beef sammy. This is a big location, so there is plenty of seating.
(5)Rebecca L.
My boyfriend said that their Italian beef sandwich was life-altering, and I think he might be right. I got it with hot peppers, and as I opened the grease-soaked wrapper, my mouth started watering immediately. The first bite was so greasy, but so good. The beef and hot pepper combination is just too good. Their fries are also pretty amazing. Perfectly crisp on the outside and not mealy at all. Perfectly salted.
(5)V C.
Love this place. Sometimes you need a little patience with the younger staff - especially at a busy time. And they DO get very busy. Loved everything I've ever gotten from here!
(5)Alicia H.
Let's not count the times I hit Portillo's for an 'emergency' chopped salad on my way home from work. In all seriousness, though, this place handles huge drive-through lines with ease and efficiency.
(4)Stephanie S W.
Cheap and delicious. The ambience makes it feel as though you walked in an episode of Boardwalk Empire, looking at the photos of all the 20s/30s gangsters. The chili, cheese dog is delicious. My only complaint was that it wasn't served on a plate, but rather just messily wrapped up.
(4)Judicious Z.
Please note my "Fan" review for the Chicago location. Went here 3/1 later afternoon through evening to visit a friend. All Portillo's are great meeting places for unrushed casual dining. Anyway, stopped to use restroom on my way out. A young female worker must have been in a hurry since she barely washed her hands. Seriously, maybe 5 seconds of water, no soap on her finder tips and then she patted down her hair. Ewwwwww. Manager - please teach your employees to sing the "ABC" song and use some soap before returning behind the counter. EVEN if she's a cashier giving our change, well, think about it. Ewwwwwww.
(1)Jared W.
This is the first Portillo's I came to after coming to Chicago for the first time. Needless to say, my love for Chicago grew out of my love for its food, and Portillo's is a big part of that. I've had the opportunity to visit a few other Portillo's locations in Chicagoland, and this is among the nicest that I've seen. I've since moved to the northwest suburbs from Wheaton, so I don't get to this location much anymore (I hit up the Portillo's in Crystal Lake now), but I've always been happy coming here, both with the service and the food.
(4)Dan B.
Portillo's is a difficult place to rate, they have a wide variety of menu items and a lot of variables that go into your dining experience. On the plus side Portillo's uses excellent quality ingredients and doesn't skimp, their standard recipe are very solid as well. The downside to Portillo's is that the meal is generally more expensive than most Chicago style fast food places, and perhaps more importantly, because of the large number of employees that work in an average day, things are made slightly differently from person to person. Moving on to the basics of Portillos, I'm going to go over two items. Their standard Hot Dog and Jumbo hot dog. The stock portillo's hot dog is thin and has a nice flavor, it generally has all the juices intact after cooking. How they're prepared varies greatly, I've seen hot dogs with just the right amount of mustard, relish and onion. I've also seen hot dogs with too much mustard, (or too little), too much relish (or too little) and every combination in-between. This leads to Portilo's visits often being a gamble if you want a great hot dog. Usually you get a good one, but often times you get one that's just a little off. I'm also not a fan of the giant pickle slice they include as it unbalances the hot dog flavor just a smidge. The jumbo hot dog suffers similar issues with condiment application, but is quite a bit thicker and the extra beef can balance out an over-saturated with mustard hot dog. As far as their other menu items their burgers, Maxwell street polish's and fries are usually good, and have the tendency to be great, but it's a bit of a gamble. Portillo's is a place capable of making five star food, but you don't get that experience every time. That's why I rate it four stars.
(4)Kasia K.
Why I love Portillos? For Maxwell Polish (mustard pickle only)! Why I love this location? 'cause this is a first place I had their fettuccine carbonarra! FANTASTIC I even start to make one, with same ingredients like dried tomato and parsley at home I also had a pleasure to meet Mr Dick Portillo (I was his limo driver couple times) He really cares about quality of his places. Sometimes he just check his restaurants service (in different location) by visited them surpricely :-)
(5)Matt W.
Stopped here on a trip to a family wedding - had a great Italian Beef and was impressed by the tamales, but the chocolate cake shake was the (diet crushing) fantastic reason for the four star review. Creamy vanilla and amazingly rich cake and fudgey frosting mixed in? Sold!
(4)Chris M.
It's Portillo's...what more do you need? Consistently great food no matter what location. We need one out in Elgin please! Beef is one of the best in Chicago. Love their salads and pasta dishes as well.
(4)Stephen K.
This place is a Chicago staple! Everytime I go visit, I stop at Portillo's for their Italian Beef and Chicago dogs. The place looks like a chain and it is, but a small one. The buildings are large with lots of seating. At busy times, every seat it filled, but they open quickly. They have a variety of options to choose. You walk up to a counter and they write your order on a paper bag, then proceed down to the other end and enjoy the show. Most locations have a person at this point who get all the compents of your order together and then yells your numbers. You will usually get a notice like "Number 59, You're so fine!". This is a great place to go to for a quick bite of two Chicago classics. Italian Beef - many ways to order. Variety of sizes also. You can go dry, wet (juice poured on), or dipped (dunked in the beef juice). With or without Gardiner (a hot pepper/celery mixture) and cheese (optional). I usually go with a dipped beef, gardiner, mozz . It's de-lish! Now onto the dogs, The Chicago Dog - It's looks like a crazy cluster f*** of an item but it works! Get one for yourself or to split, but get atleast one before you leave! If you are one the floor immobilzed from the food, go back for some desert. Their chocolate cake is amazing, Very moist and great icing. If you like shakes, get the chocolate cake shake!
(4)Danny A.
Whenever I come to Chicago, I make sure to stop at Portillo's. Not even three hours before this experience I had food from another Portillo's in Naperville. I went out to this one with a group of 12 and it was not hard to find seating which surprised me. There was plenty of space and the theme of this particular restaurant was a sort of speakeasy type thing. Since Portillo's doesn't necessarily appeal to the vegetarian persuasion there was a pasta place in the same building that my sister and a few cousins tried out. The food was exceptional as always. I wish California's fast food french fries came with cheese to dip! I got an Italian Sausage and a Chocolate Cake Shake. You cannot find the chocolate cake shake anywhere else so I would recommend it. They put a slice of chocolate cake into a blender and blend it up into the milkshake! Plenty of parking.
(5)Stacy S.
I love Portillo's - wish we had one in Phoenix. Whenever I'm in town, it's one of my must do things.
(5)Kevin G.
I've been going to Portillo's for years. I like the variety on the menu. What amazes me is the efficient way they manage their drive-thru service. There might be 20 cars in line at the drive-thru lane and yet I can order and pick-up my food in less than 5 or 10 minutes. Whoever designed the process to manage orders should get a Nobel prize in customer service (if they had one). BTW, the chocolate cake is wonderful.
(5)Mary J.
What happened? You used to travel through the drive through here at warp speed. That was NOT my experience last night. It was a Saturday night at 6 and I saw 5 employees standing outside. First there was a manager to say hello, then someone to take my order, then someone to call my order in, then someone to take my money, then a guy to tell me to pull into a parking spot. Who is making my food???? They have 4 waiting spots. None of the people in front of me got their food, we all had to pull into a spot. These spots are not made for any car bigger than a mini cooper. When the employee came out with stuff for the guys next to us, we were worried he was going to hit our side mirror. He also had the wrong food. Then spot #3 got their food, then spot #2, then us at spot #4 and then spot #1. That was a not a good time to be #1 if you know what I mean! I don't know if they had a low number of people working due to all the flooding, I can give them that. If that was the case, get all the people inside and cooking! We are ok ordering through the little microphone!
(2)CJ B.
Personally not a HUGE fan, but I had a friend coming in from SF and she wanted to go, so we did. I like their hot dogs and cheese fries but I just don't know what all the fuss is about. I mean it's pretty much the same thing as any other hot dogs. Their chocolate cake is so moist but the frosting is way too sweet, and their strawberry shortcake.....well that was just disappointing. They used watered down strawberry jam....ugh! But with the amount of staff they have on hand, why do you have to wait over 10 minutes for your food!? To me, it's just not worth it.
(3)Adam C.
We come here quite a bit and are very happy with the quality of the food and the service we get. The burgers are always outstanding and the chicken sandwiches are tasty as well. We love their french fries, too. The chicken pecan salad is also phenomenal, when trying for a somewhat healthier option. However, my one caveat about this location is that you can get screwed in the drive-though. On 3 separate occasions, our order has been wrong coming home from the drive-through. One time, we ordered cheese fries only to get home and discover they forgot to include the cheese. Another time, we ordered caramel pecan cake and got home to find a slice of plain chocolate cake. The last time we drove through, we ordered one of the combo meals, only to be told we didn't order the combo and the drink would be extra. Given this history with them, I wouldn't recommend leaving the location without double checking your order before you pull away. Otherwise, this is a fantastic restaurant with really high quality fast food.
(4)Sonia B.
An establishment like Portillo's makes me pretty damn proud to be a Chicagoan. You simply can't go wrong with any thing from here-Portillo's and Barnelli's! Just thinking about a Beef n' Cheddar Croissant w/hot peppers and fries, or Baked Mostaccioli w/Garlic Bread, and omggg the.chocolate.cake.slice, makes me giddy. Plus, this location is super cute with its vintage 'Prohibition' theme, and playing old tunes. The only downside is that it gets reallyyy hectic around lunchtime, and forget about the drive-thru...PACKED. I would steer clear if you are in a hurry, but recommend it for any other time!!!
(5)Katie L.
My favorite location of one of my favorite restaurants. Portillo's is the place that people from the Chicago burbs long for when they travel. Seriously, I did an internship in Ohio one summer and I would talk about Portillo's with the one other person from the Chicago area. So good. This location is the best for several reasons: -There's a Barnelli's pasta bowl attached, which has a great rigatoni a la vodka. Also, the ceasar salad. I love this salad. So. Much. -They use real dishes (at Barnelli's) and give you a small side of bread with pastas and salads. They switched to a quarter loaf, but will usually give you two if you ask. -The Portillo's side is delicious also. The best hamburgers and fries ever. Really good. -I kinda love how crazy the decor is. Love the 20's theme. When I was a kid, I was really scared of the mannequin in the phone booth. Still weird, but now I miss it when I go to other Portillo's.
(5)Candice G.
So disappointed! Only the Villa Park location is worse, in my opinion. I love that they have a Barnelli's Pasta Bowl attached but unfortunately, my BF and I didn't go with the Barnelli's offering on our trip. We went after not being fulfilled at a Vietnamese restaurant across the street and just wanted to grab a quick bite in order to make it to the movies on time. Too bad the drive through was sooo backed up that you could barely turn in from the street. Inside was considerably less crowded and I attribute that to the raining buckets weather. My BF and I ordered. I got cheese fries and a chocolate cake slice, he got a hot dog with Ketchup, Mustard, and sport peppers (he's not a Chicago style dog guy :( ), fries, and a soda. Anyway, there were 31 employees in the Portillo's kitchen, which really impressed me with everyone working harmoniously in such close quarters, BUT we saw people who ordered way after us get there food ahead of us over and over as our bag (had our order number on it) sat under the fry heat lamps while my cake and bf's soda sat on a tray waiting. After 15 minutes of staring, finally, I see the manager yell to put our bag on the tray. We are thankful and race to the car to eat and drive to the movies. Sadly, the hot dog my bf got was either made incorrectly or not meant to be his dog and had onions (GROSS!) with no hot peppers. He scarfed it down anyway because we were both hungry and in a hurry. The chocolate cake was good but I think the slice was smaller than other Portillo's slices but the fries were downright awful. Obviously the fry bin left overs as they were all tiny little scrimpy fries and were so dried out that they were hollow, YES- hollow. I was quite sad. So because of this, I can only give this place 3 stars. If I were in the area, I'd go back on a less busy day or just go straight to the Barnelli's side.
(3)Ryan H.
Just another portillos. The service at this one was a little slow but the food was the same as the others, mildly mediocre.
(3)Brynn M.
Best Portillo's location! They allowed us to open up the "private party/catering room" when our large party of 25 arrived so we were able to sit together without having to pull a million tables together. Very accomodating. My family is from out of town and Portillo's is a must-have when they come to visit! This is our spot, Glendale Heights Portillo's DOES take the cake! :)
(5)Alex E.
One of the better Portillo's locations (and they're all good). Love the Barnelli's Pasta Bowl...baked mostaccioli, baked spaghetti, chicken portabello sandwich, salads, soups, fettucine alfredo, and peasant pasta are just a few of our family's faves. I wish they still served pizza. Hot dogs and beefs are typical Portillo's faves. The chocolate cake is mind-blowing. In 10 years we've only had one bad experience when Barnelli's lost our order. Seriously, we could eat here 3 times a week. Updating my review on 11/2012 and downgrading one star: The Barnelli's side has changed some of their ingredients over the last year or so. A manager told me they use a new sauce ingredient with garlic already mixed in, so we no longer have the option of requesting no garlic. There's way too much garlic in their pasta dishes, so I hope they change back soon.
(4)Pat E.
Do not go here if you are on a diet! hahah....must have items....Italian Beef, Bacon Cheeseburger, Chopped Salad, and ribs. BEST CHOCOLATE CAKE! If you really are feeling wild..CHOCOLATE CAKE SHAKE...A Chicago staple!
(5)Roland W.
Portillo's YUM!! This is one of Portillo's better locations. I especially like it because in addition to great hot dogs and delicious salads in real bowls (not plastic) they also serve pasta. Much better than the St. Charles location and every time I'm in town I try to hit a Portillo's to get my Chicago hot dog or chopped salad fix. I've never had anything bad at Portillo's and I've eaten there a lot. Great food, decent prices and quick service. There's not much more you can ask for.
(5)John S.
We frequent this Portillo's for lunch during the work week. I can't be happier with the food and service I receive when I come to this location. First thing I must say is Portillo's has a science of moving people through the ordering line. I never have any issues with my order when I come here. The service is always extremely fast and my food is always fresh. The dinning room here also always seems to be clean even on fridays during the crazy lunch rush. Be sure to get a slice of there famous chocolate cake as well. If your in the chicago area and haven't had Portillo's yet be sure to try it out... You will never want to eat at McDonalds or Burger King again.
(4)Steve S.
The only thing that comes close to the ribs, is the chopped salad! I don't know anyone in the Chicagoland area who doesn't love them a Portillos !! One year for Christmas we sent my sister who now lives in Indiana (and out of reach of the Portillos empire) an Italian beef package from Portillos and when she ruined the dinner they were preparing, they made Portillos. Maybe my brother-in-law sabotaged the dinner in order to get Portillos, maybe it was fate. Either way it worked out. Good job Dick!
(5)jennifer p.
Confusing line but real quick the people that helped us where very energetic and funny. I just ordered a basic hot dog since I have been eating all day. It was cheap and a simple experience. We where visiting so it was just spur of the moment choice. Lots of seating and there was a catering service also. When I visit I need to order something else.
(4)JP D.
Ugh, the hot dogs are alright, but I would much rather travel to the O'hare airport and get one there (they are so great! the best Chicago dog I have found so far). The beef sandwich or whatever they are, are just disgusting. I don't eat beef often but my boyfriend insisted I get one so I did I ate about half and had to run to the bathroom. It is dripping with grease and doesn't have much flavor. The atmosphere of the fast food joint is pretty neat. I would go here for a hot dog and some onion rings only. The fries are another disappointment they are fat and soggy. Just thinking of the fries and my beef sandwich make me not want to eat again.. The service is always friendly, They call the orders over a microphone super fast and in another language. ugh.
(2)Rebecca T.
Delicious food. Traditional Portillos fare and Barnelli's is great! Delicious fettucine. Everything I have ever had is top notch. And the decor is great in this one-very elaborate! Looks just like the roaring twenties prohibition era! Nicely done LOVE IT GO THERE!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Mick O.
What can I say that has not already been said ? Portillo's is the finest chain of hot dog stands in Chicago and beyond ? I guess my age shows when I say I remember the original in Villa Park . Me I like a jumbo with everything and onion rings . The only thing I totally dislike is the no refill policy , c'mon Dick get with it ! Always fun to see the old-timers that have worked there for years ! You just do not see that very much anymore . Awesome Baby !
(5)R. Q.
Portillo's does have good food which is the only reason I gave them two stars. The service however is lacking especially the drive thru. I used to go here frequently to pick up food, however after several bad experiences in a row I won't be coming back. The staff constantly either does not have the food ready after waiting for several minutes or gets the order wrong. It seems this company is stuck behind the times when it comes to drive thru. The still have people that they make stand out in all types of weather to take manual orders and use manual payment processes. They could learn something from any other fast food place that uses automation. The staff doesn't seem to care if they gets something incorrect either. Perhaps the Portillo Family should spend some time fixing their processes to bring them up to current standards.
(2)Shirley T.
Love their baked pasta but too bad they dont sell it in the drive through its a pain on a rainy or snowy day with a todler in the car
(4)Brandon V.
Its portillo's what else to say. Always good food.
(3)Jennifer B.
You cannot beat Portillo's Italian beef, even though my husband insists on always getting several hot dogs. This time he washed them down with a vanilla shake, which was pretty darn good. It's been a long time since I had a shake that good.
(4)Goda G.
deffenetly best drive though ever. i dont know how portillos does it but its fast and delicious!!!
(5)Captin S.
bin here many times and enjoy the ambeeanse. classy plase for shure. love th burgers, dogs and beef. the cocolate caike is grate!!! my onli cumplane is the long liens at the drive thruh...my stayshen wagen once died and need-ed a jump whil in the drive thruh. all the peeple in back of me were pissd.
(4)Jeff P.
OK Ate ther Friday and had a burger and chilidog again, it was really awesomely tasty and satisfying. Still too expensive.
(3)