Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago

“When we arrived at Portillo’s, we were so mesmerized by the menu that we had a hard time deciding what to order.”

When we arrived at Portillo’s, we were so mesmerized by the menu that we had a hard time deciding what to order. We finally landed on the original hot dog and the Italian sausage. While both were delicious, the sausage was an absolute home run. We were literally fighting over the last bite! The only disappointment was feeling like we were bearded toward the automated checkout process by a gentleman that I believe was supposed to be the “welcomer”. Maybe he was having a bad day, but he didn’t feel very welcoming… he felt more annoyed by the masses that wanted to buy something but (like us) we mesmerized by the choices. Having said that, I’m sure it’s hard dealing with excited customers day in and day out.

J B

“Tasty Chicago-Style Hot Dog.”

Tasty Chicago-Style Hot Dog. Correct Service, Funky ambiance. The Portillo’s Chocolate Cake tasted too industrial for my taste.

Jorge Gomes

“Had to try a Chicago style hotdog and the famous cake shake at Portillo’s.”

Had to try a Chicago style hotdog and the famous cake shake at Portillo’s. Plenty of history in this restaurant and as a sports fan it was cool to see some of the memorabilia on the walls. I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t sure how I’d go with the hotdog because I’m used to just the basic style with ketchup but I needed to at least try it and I’m glad I did, it was amazing. I know there are different places and Portillo’s is more touristy but it’s a great place to start.

Dion S

“I am not usually a hot dog person but this was next level.”

I am not usually a hot dog person but this was next level! Given that it was beef, made me think that it’s not that junk ;)) Great ambiance, nostalgic and great food! If you are visiting, this is a MUST!

Star Rb

“Portillo’s Hot Dogs is a must for classic American fast food vibes.”

Portillo’s Hot Dogs is a must for classic American fast food vibes. The line moves quickly, and the hot dogs are delicious. We tried both the jumbo beef hot dog (5.00 USD) and the Maxwell Street Polish (6.50 USD)—both are fantastic, and you really should try each to see which you like best. We liked it so much, we went back a second time!

Traveling Is Our Passion

“The service and atmosphere were great, it does feel like a landmark to visit.”

The service and atmosphere were great, it does feel like a landmark to visit. The food is just okay. The meat is really good, but everything else suffers a bit — the Chicago-style dog is kinda a mess, very soggy and most of the ingredients weren’t particularly flavorful. Ironically I’ve had better “Chicago dogs” elsewhere that had better ingredient quality, so the package as a whole was more pleasant. Not bad, but not awesome, and surprisingly expensive for what it was. Also, take heed: their automated ordering can sometimes mark your hot dog as being “plain” when you’re messing around with different combos, and it’s very easy to accidentally get JUST a plain hot dog.

Eric Dale

“Well, if you want to experience the hype, long lines, and long wait times—this is your place.”

Well, if you want to experience the hype, long lines, and long wait times—this is your place. We went around 4:45 p.m. and the place was absolutely packed. It took about 10 minutes just to reach a digital kiosk to order, and another 40 minutes before our number was finally called. We ordered two hot dogs, French fries, onion rings, two Cokes, and a chocolate éclair cake. By the time we got our food: • The hot dogs were decent, but definitely not worth the hype or wait. • The fries and onion rings were fine, nothing memorable. • The Cokes weren’t even right—they gave us root beer instead. • They also forgot some sauces we had ordered. The one highlight? The chocolate éclair cake—that was hands-down delicious and the best part of the whole experience. The dining environment was another downside. Tables were dirty (we had to clean our own), no employees seemed to be tidying up, and the restroom smelled like urine and was in terrible shape. On top of that, the way food is handed out feels rushed and careless—they just toss your bag at you when your number is called. Overall, the venue itself has a cool, nostalgic vibe, so I’m glad we tried it once. But between the crowds, the wait, the mix-ups, and the lack of cleanliness, it’s not a place I’d ever go back to.

Mr. Unslackable

“The sausage in the hot dogs had a very tough casing, which really took away from the experience.”

The sausage in the hot dogs had a very tough casing, which really took away from the experience. But the burgers were SO good, and the vibe of this place is just awesome – I love it here!

Kamila

“It is one of those classic spots that you have to visit when you are in the city.”

It is one of those classic spots that you have to visit when you are in the city. Like katz in New York. They are known for the Chicago style hot dog, but they have other stuff as well. This is the flagship restaurant , so it is huge. There is plenty of seating on the first floor as well as second floor. The walls are adorned with photographs of famous people who have eaten there. You can place your order at a kiosk and then wait your turn. The food arrived within five minutes. I got the classic Chicago hot dog, which comes with relish and no ketchup. Honestly, it was pretty solid. I don’t think I would come back again, but it’s definitely something you should do once you are in the city.

Suman Hazra

“It was so charming.”

It was so charming! Loved the rustic old American vibe. Hot dogs were good, the onion rings and fries were crispy.

Phoebe Chong

“We decided to take a trip to try as much Chicago style pizza as we could but decided to try the hot dogs too.”

We decided to take a trip to try as much Chicago style pizza as we could but decided to try the hot dogs too! The hot dog was really good but the Italian beef sandwich wasn’t. It wasn’t clear that you needed a to add additional toppings - it does not come out like the picture on the menu unless you manually add those toppings. I would go back, but only for a hot dog. The restaurant was unique though!

Brandon

“The service is fast and the food is delicious.”

The service is fast and the food is delicious. The dining environment has a very American style, making it a great choice for enjoying Chicago-style hot dogs.

ImAS