Have you ever stepped inside Portillo’s and been overwhelmed by the sheer aroma of Chicago-style goodness? The bustling atmosphere, the bright lights, and the endless menu options can be both exciting and a little daunting. While Portillo’s is undeniably famous for its Chicago-style hot dog, limiting yourself to just that one item means missing out on a whole world of culinary delights. This isn’t just a hot dog joint; it’s a Chicago institution with a menu packed with hidden gems, savory masterpieces, and sweet treats that deserve your attention. So, prepare your taste buds, because we’re about to dive deep into the very best food at Portillo’s, going far beyond the iconic hot dog.
The Hot Dog: A Necessary Mention
Let’s be honest; the Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo’s is a legend for a reason. This is a truly beautiful symphony of flavors and textures. A Vienna Beef frank nestled in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. It’s a mouthwatering experience. It’s a quintessential taste of Chicago. Its a great item on the Portillo’s menu and a great introduction to what Portillo’s brings to the table.
While many consider it the definitive Chicago hot dog, it’s important to remember that Portillo’s offers a diverse culinary landscape. We aren’t here to talk about hot dogs all day long. We’re here to uncover the treasures that lie beyond the expected, to explore the dishes that solidify Portillo’s place as a true Chicago food destination.
The Italian Beef: A Chicago Staple
Now, for the main event. The undisputed champion of the Portillo’s menu: the Italian beef sandwich. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s an experience, a tradition, and a testament to Chicago’s rich culinary heritage. Imagine tender, thinly sliced, seasoned beef simmered in a flavorful au jus, piled high on a chewy Italian roll. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.
What makes the Italian beef so special? It’s all about the quality of the beef, the perfect blend of seasonings, and the slow cooking process that creates an incredibly tender and flavorful experience. But the real magic happens when you customize your sandwich to your liking. Do you want it “dipped,” where the entire sandwich is submerged in the au jus? Or perhaps “wet,” which means extra au jus is ladled over the beef? Or maybe you prefer it “dry,” with just a touch of the flavorful broth.
And then there’s the question of peppers. “Sweet” refers to roasted green bell peppers, adding a touch of sweetness and a crisp texture. “Hot” means giardiniera, a fiery mix of pickled vegetables that delivers a significant kick. The combination of the tender beef, the flavorful au jus, and the peppers of your choice creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.
The Italian beef at Portillo’s is more than just a sandwich; it’s a cultural icon, a comfort food, and a true representation of Chicago’s culinary soul. Ask any Chicagoan about their favorite Italian beef, and Portillo’s will undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Many have said that this is their first stop after arriving at the airport. It’s just that good!
Other Savory Delights
While the Italian beef reigns supreme, Portillo’s offers a variety of other savory options that are equally worthy of your attention.
The Maxwell Street Polish Sausage
A true Chicago classic, this simple yet satisfying sausage is a must-try. A char-grilled Polish sausage on a plain bun, topped with yellow mustard and grilled onions. The smoky flavor of the sausage, the tang of the mustard, and the sweetness of the onions create a perfect balance. It’s a no-frills option that delivers big flavor.
The Chopped Salad
This might seem like an unexpected choice at a place known for its meaty sandwiches and hot dogs, but the chopped salad at Portillo’s is a surprisingly popular and delicious option. This vibrant salad is packed with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, crumbled blue cheese, ditalini pasta, diced tomatoes, and shredded red cabbage, all tossed in Portillo’s signature sweet vinaigrette dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s perfect for those looking for a lighter option. The combination of textures and flavors is simply incredible, and the sweet dressing adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory ingredients perfectly.
The Italian Sausage
What’s better than Italian beef? Why not Italian sausage. Portillo’s offers a flavorful Italian sausage sandwich that is sure to satisfy. But many people take the opportunity to combine the two in one delicious concoction. The Italian beef and Italian sausage combo sandwich is one of Portillo’s best kept secrets. Try it out to see for yourself!
Sweet Treats and Indulgences
No visit to Portillo’s is complete without indulging in one of their decadent desserts. And while they offer a variety of tempting sweets, there’s one that stands out above the rest.
The Chocolate Cake Shake
This is not your average milkshake. This is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Portillo’s takes a slice of their famous chocolate cake, blends it with creamy ice cream, and creates a shake that is rich, decadent, and intensely chocolatey. It’s so rich that you may want to share. This shake is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it’s the perfect way to end your Portillo’s experience.
The Chocolate Cake
If you’re not in the mood for a shake, you can always opt for a slice (or the entire cake!) of Portillo’s chocolate cake. This cake is incredibly moist and rich, with a decadent chocolate frosting that is the perfect complement. It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for sharing or indulging in all by yourself.
Strawberry Shortcake
(If Seasonal) During the summer months, Portillo’s often offers a seasonal strawberry shortcake. If you happen to visit during this time, be sure to give it a try. It’s a refreshing and delicious treat that perfectly captures the flavors of summer.
Tips for Navigating the Portillo’s Experience
To make the most of your visit to Portillo’s, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
Ordering Options: Portillo’s offers a variety of ordering options, including in-store, drive-thru, and online ordering. If you’re visiting during peak hours, online ordering can save you time and hassle.
Customization is Key: Don’t be afraid to customize your order to your liking. Whether you want your Italian beef dipped, wet, or dry, or you want to add extra cheese to your hot dog, Portillo’s is happy to accommodate your preferences.
Embrace the Chaos: Portillo’s is a bustling and energetic place, so embrace the chaos and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s all part of the Portillo’s experience!
Catering: Portillo’s provides catering services if you want to feed a bigger crowd. You can bring the Portillo’s experience to any venue!
Conclusion: More Than Just a Hot Dog Place
Portillo’s is more than just a hot dog place; it’s a Chicago institution that offers a diverse menu of delicious and satisfying food. While the hot dog is undoubtedly iconic, there’s so much more to explore, from the legendary Italian beef to the surprisingly refreshing chopped salad. So, the next time you visit Portillo’s, be sure to venture beyond the hot dog and discover the many culinary treasures that await. You might just find your new favorite dish! It’s a celebration of Chicago’s culinary heritage, a place where you can find comfort food, satisfying meals, and sweet treats that will leave you wanting more. It’s a place where you can experience the true taste of Chicago, one bite at a time.
