Spacious fast food restaurant with retro 1920s decor and automotive-themed displays creates a lively, old-style diner atmosphere. Noise level is high with loud conversations and staff calls, making it difficult to hold quiet talks. Multiple self-order kiosks support a quick, efficient service flow.
Lively atmosphere suits casual dining and quick bites. Offers fast service and a friendly vibe for grabbing food with others.
Chocolate cake comes moist and decadent with a balanced sweetness. It pairs well with shakes and often arrives as a generous slice, sometimes even complimentary.
"The American food, especially the hot dogs and beef sandwiches, is really good."
"You have to try their Chicago-style hot dog with everything on it."
"I found their Chocolate Cake divine, decadent, and not overly sweet."
Good to know
The restaurant accepts only card payments and does not accept cash.
Portillo's & Barnelli's stays open until 11:00 pm for late-night cravings.
Expect long wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.
Retro diner-style space with vintage metal signs and a jukebox creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Loud environment with an energetic vibe makes conversations difficult. Spacious seating accommodates groups comfortably.
Offers a fast food setup with quality that feels above typical fast food. Known for Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs, it serves quick meals that stand out from usual fast food options.
Velvety and moist, the chocolate cake offers a balanced sweetness that satisfies without overwhelming. Recent changes have kept it delicious and sometimes it comes free after a wait.
Good to know
Portillo's no longer accepts cash at the drive-through; only card payments are allowed.
Parking can be challenging, especially during busy hours; consider arriving early.
The menu includes Chicago hot dogs, beef sandwiches, and crinkle-cut fries.
Fast food restaurant with a retro bar design and walls filled with historical Italian-American decor. Atmosphere is fun and casual but can be noisy and lively during busy times. The space feels cozy and visually interesting, inviting exploration especially upstairs.
Classic American fast food shines here with consistently great quality and a perfect menu for quick meals. This spot stands out as a favorite fast food destination for many.
Chocolate cake has a rich flavor and a moist texture. It often draws repeat visits for another slice.
Good to know
The drive-thru does not accept cash payments; card payments only.
Expect a 20-minute wait at the drive-thru during peak hours.
Self-service drink refills are available at the fountain.
Retro design with a 1950's diner theme creates a nostalgic atmosphere. Loud speaker announcements add to the energetic vibe inside the smaller space. Known for Chicago Style Food and Italian beef sandwiches, it offers a mix of classic fast food and original jukebox charm.
Offers a wide variety of fast food with quick service ideal for a fast meal. Convenient for grabbing a quick bite during busy times.
Chocolate cake melts in the mouth with a divine, rich flavor. It pairs well with meals like the Chicago Style Hotdog and stands out as a delicious dessert option.
Good to know
The restaurant does not accept cash payments, only credit cards.
Expect a car show in the adjacent parking lot on many summer weekends.
Self-order kiosks are available to help avoid long lines.
Bright neons and 1930s car culture decals create a retro Chicagoland vibe with a large open space. Jazz music plays softly, adding to the fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Kiosks replace booths, and a near life-size diorama of Chicago's organized crime history stands above the entrance.
Offers a fast food breakfast that stands out from typical options. Serves hot dogs considered top-tier in the fast food scene. Food service is consistently quick and efficient for a fast bite.
Chocolate cake comes moist and delicious with a size option that can be ordered whole or by the slice. It pairs well with other menu items and has a unique, world-famous reputation.
Good to know
Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours, especially on weekends.
Breakfast is now offered, providing a unique fast food option.
Prices are generally higher than typical fast food, with meals averaging $16.
Restaurant features 1930s gangster theme with retro, nostalgic charm and lively atmosphere. Interior design includes unique lighting and special details that create a fun, engaging space. Setup offers both self-order kiosks and register options with a narrow, single-lane drive-thru.
Offers a quick bite with consistent quality and familiar fast food options. Known for reliable fast service and satisfying meals in a casual setting.
Chocolate cake features a lighter texture with buttercream frosting. It balances sweetness without being too dark or rich.
Good to know
Cash is not accepted; only credit or debit cards are accepted in the drive-thru.
The cheese fries are not vegetarian due to the frying method used.
Portillo's Arlington Heights is now only a drive-through location.
Large, modern fast food restaurant with airy, roomy seating and chic Americana decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. The kitchen is visible, showing fast-paced food preparation that adds energy to the space. It attracts people looking for classic Chicago-style hot dogs and beef sandwiches in a clean, contemporary setting.
Offers Italian-style fast food with a clean and above average taste compared to typical fast food. Prices tend to be around $15 or more for two items.
Rich and very tasty chocolate cake stands out here. The cake is so delicious many find it hard to stop at one slice.
Good to know
After 11pm, some items like the Fish Sandwich and Chopped Chicken salad are not served.
The restaurant is open late in an area with few late-night options.
There is plenty of parking available at this location.
Fast casual restaurant with gangster decor and Chicago history displays creates a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and well themed despite some eclectic decorations. It stays clean and efficient even during busy times.
Fast food here stands out with cheese sauce for dipping, creating a unique flavor combo. The food is consistently good for a fast food joint and ranks as top notch in quality.
Chocolate cake comes in slices to go and tastes delicious. It pairs well with other items like the tuna filet sandwich.
Good to know
The drive-thru only accepts card payments.
Expect a short wait during busy times.
The restaurant is very clean and has plenty of seating.
Fast food restaurant with a 1950s diner style and spacious seating offers a family-friendly environment. Loud, classic music plays, creating a vintage atmosphere with walls covered in memorabilia. The place balances a fun vibe with efficient service, especially at the drive-thru.
Offers quick bites with comfort food options. Service matches typical fast food standards.
Moist and delicious chocolate cake stands out as a popular dessert choice. Portions vary, sometimes smaller than expected, but the flavor remains especially great.
Good to know
The drive-thru is efficient with multiple lanes for quick service.
Portillo's Elgin only accepts credit cards and Apple Pay; no cash is accepted.
Parking is ample at this location, making it easy to visit.
1930s Prohibition-era decor with speak-easy themes and mobster imagery creates a unique setting. Busy, semi-loud atmosphere fills the spacious dining areas, with a quieter room available for groups. The vibe blends cozy charm with lively energy, making it distinct among fast food spots.
Service stands out as top-notch compared to other fast food spots. Burgers taste better than those at big chains like Five Guys. The place offers great value and a good atmosphere for fast food, with options for both quick service and sit-down dining.
Chocolate cake stays consistent and is a highlight here. It comes in heart-shaped designs and is often served as a full cake. The cake is rich and delicious, frequently recommended to save room for.
Good to know
Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially at the drive-thru.
The drive-thru is often faster than dining in, especially during busy times.
This location does not accept cash at the drive-thru; card payments only.
Vintage style interior with memorabilia and history on walls and rafters creates a Chicago vibe. Atmosphere is loud and lively with pleasant music playing. Many tables inside support a dine-in friendly environment.
Offers Chicago-Style fast food that is affordable and good for a quick bite. Wait times can be longer than expected, sometimes around 21 minutes even during slow periods.
Rich and delicious chocolate cake stands out here. It pairs well with savory dishes like Italian Beef and holds up well for takeout.
Good to know
Drive-through service is available, but cash is not accepted.
Expect higher prices compared to other similar restaurants in the area.
The cleanliness of the restaurant has been reported as poor by several visitors.
Interior features vintage carnival decor with walls and ceilings covered in historical decorations that create a high-energy, noisy atmosphere. The space suits family and friend gatherings and includes ordering kiosks for convenience.
Fast food here features great burgers and chicken tenders with a quick service style. The team is helpful and pleasant, making it a solid choice for a fast, tasty bite.
Moist and fluffy homemade chocolate cake stands out as a staple dessert here. It pairs well with hearty meals and is available by the slice or whole cake for special occasions.
Good to know
Expect long lines on weekends, especially during peak hours.
Drive-thru can be quick, but may take longer during lunch and dinner.
Ordering through kiosks speeds up the process compared to waiting in line.
Pickup and drive-thru setup defines the space with minimal seating and no dine-in option. Atmosphere feels chaotic and fast-paced, catering to quick orders near the airport. Food highlights include Italian beef sandwiches with flavorful peppers and a distinctive spicy mustard on sausages.
Offers quick service with food ready as ordered, ideal when time is tight. The hamburger stands out as a solid choice for fast food quality near the airport.
Chocolate cake arrives with an extra bag and a piece on the side. It tastes delicious and is often recommended.
Good to know
This location is drive-thru and pick-up only, with no indoor seating available.
Expect wait times of 8 to 12 minutes for food orders.
Cash payments are not accepted; only card payments are allowed.