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.
Chicago style hot dogs come loaded with relish, onions, and peppers. The Maxwell Street Polish Dog and jumbo hot dogs stand out as favorites. Italian beef sandwiches with sweet peppers also complement the menu well.
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.
"I thought the American food, especially the hot dogs, was spectacular."
"I found the Italian beef sandwich here to be flavorful and sloppy."
"I found the Chicago-style hot dog to be spectacular."
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.
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.
Hot dogs come with tomatoes and a pickle spear, a classic Chicago style. The hot dog with everything on it offers a true Chicago experience with great flavor.
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.
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.
Fast food restaurant with vintage décor and classic Americana vibe creates a nostalgic, lively atmosphere. Rock and roll music plays in the background, adding to the fun, old-school energy. Crowded and busy, it attracts locals who enjoy the interactive, bustling scene.
All beef hot dogs come fully loaded with tomato, pickle spear, and sport peppers on a steamed poppy seed roll. Vienna beef hot dogs and Polish sausages offer a classic Chicago style experience with plenty of toppings.
Moist and full of rich chocolate flavor, the homemade chocolate cake offers a decadent taste experience. The chocolate cake shake adds a unique twist, making both solid choices to end a meal.
Good to know
Parking can be challenging due to ongoing construction; plan for extra time.
The drive-thru does not accept cash payments; credit cards only.
Expect a limited drink selection; orange soda may not be available.
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.
Hot dogs come with a crisp snap and a spicy kick that stands out. Chicago-style versions feature classic toppings that blend well and deliver authentic flavor.
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.
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.
Chicago style hot dogs stand out with classic toppings and bold flavors. Options include a plant-based hot dog and a beef and cheddar hot dog served with fries and a drink.
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.
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.
Hot dogs come with Polish sausage options and classic chili cheese toppings. They serve them at room temperature with toppings that can be a bit skimpy.
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.
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.
Chicago style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches stand out with classic flavors. Options include vegan hot dogs and a garden hot dog, all served fresh and well-prepared.
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 Chicago gangster-themed decor and a nostalgic atmosphere that feels both spacious and family-friendly. The environment is bright and trendy but can feel crowded and a bit outdated inside. Large groups and sports teams often gather here, adding to the lively vibe.
Chicago-style hot dogs come with fresh, hot beef and a variety of toppings. The Maxwell Street Polish sausages and chilli hot dogs stand out for their flavor and quality.
Chocolate cake stands out as delicious and highly recommended. It pairs well with other menu items like hot dogs and fries.
Good to know
The drive-through moves quickly even during busy lunch hours.
Getting in and out of the restaurant is very easy.
The restaurant is accessible for handicapped people.
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.
Classic Chicago hot dogs come with sweet peppers and bold flavors. Plant-based options and beef combos add variety to the flavorful hot dog lineup.
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.
Retro design fills the space with old memorabilia and vintage music, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels family-friendly and peaceful. Seating is ample and laid out comfortably, though some furnishings show wear. The vibe blends history with casual dining energy.
Traditional Chicago-style hot dogs come with everything on them and jumbo sizes are common. Vegan hot dogs are available and taste very good. Cheese fries often accompany the hot dog meals.
Chocolate cake stands out with its rich flavor and moist texture. It often comes as a complimentary birthday treat and pairs well with other menu items.
Good to know
Expect long drive-thru wait times, especially during peak hours.
Prices for hot dogs and sandwiches are higher than average.
The restaurant is usually clean and well-maintained.
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.
Chicago-style hot dogs come fully loaded and stay hot. The menu features beef sandwiches and crinkle-cut fries that are always crispy.
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.
Chicago-style hot dogs come loaded with traditional toppings like tomato slices, a whole pickle sphere, and peppers on a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun. The hot dogs are delicious but can be tricky to eat because of the generous toppings.
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.