The Classics You Can’t Miss
Have you ever walked into a place that just screams “comfort food?” A place buzzing with energy, the aroma of grilled onions filling the air, and a menu that feels like a warm hug? For many, that place is Portillo’s. More than just a restaurant, it’s an institution, a Chicago icon, and a purveyor of some of the most satisfying eats you can find. While everyone knows Portillo’s for its famous hot dogs and Italian beef, the menu is a treasure trove of deliciousness waiting to be discovered. This article is your ultimate guide to navigating that menu and uncovering the very best food at Portillo’s, ensuring your next visit is a culinary adventure.
Italian Beef: A Chicago Staple
The Italian Beef sandwich is arguably the star of the Portillo’s show. Picture this: thinly sliced, seasoned beef, slow-roasted to perfection and piled high onto a chewy, flavorful Italian roll. But the magic doesn’t stop there. You get to customize your experience with the addition of sweet peppers (mild) or giardiniera (a spicy mix of pickled vegetables). And then there’s the au jus, the rich, savory beef broth that truly elevates this sandwich to legendary status.
What makes Portillo’s Italian Beef so special? It’s the quality of the beef, the perfectly balanced seasoning, and the attention to detail in every step of the process. The bread is sturdy enough to hold the generous filling without falling apart, yet soft enough to soak up the delicious au jus. The peppers add a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. And the au jus itself is a symphony of savory notes that will leave you wanting more.
When ordering, you’ll have a few crucial decisions to make. First, do you want sweet peppers or giardiniera? If you’re a fan of spice, giardiniera is the way to go. If you prefer a milder flavor, stick with the sweet peppers. Second, how “wet” do you want your sandwich? “Wet” means the sandwich is dipped in the au jus before serving. “Dipped” takes it a step further, immersing the entire sandwich in the au jus. And for the truly adventurous, you can order it “extra dipped,” guaranteeing a flavor explosion with every bite. No matter how you order it, the Italian Beef is essential to experiencing the best food at Portillo’s.
The Iconic Chicago-Style Hot Dog
No trip to Portillo’s is complete without trying their Chicago-style hot dog. This isn’t just any hot dog; it’s a culinary masterpiece, a symphony of flavors and textures all working in harmony. Served on a steamed poppy seed bun, the all-beef hot dog is adorned 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.
What’s so special about this combination? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy. The mustard provides a sharp bite, the relish adds a touch of sweetness, the onions offer a pungent aroma, the pickle provides a refreshing crunch, the tomatoes contribute a juicy burst, the sport peppers deliver a fiery kick, and the celery salt ties it all together with a subtle, savory note.
But perhaps the most important rule of the Chicago-style hot dog is what *not* to include: ketchup. To a Chicagoan, putting ketchup on a hot dog is a culinary sin. It’s simply not done. Embrace the traditional toppings and experience the hot dog as it was meant to be enjoyed. This Chicago-style hot dog is a must-try as you eat the best food at Portillo’s.
Cheese Fries: An Irresistible Indulgence
Sometimes, the simplest things are the most satisfying. That’s certainly the case with Portillo’s cheese fries. These aren’t your average fries; they’re crispy, golden-brown, and smothered in a generous blanket of creamy, tangy cheese sauce.
The fries themselves are perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They’re seasoned just right, with a hint of salt that enhances the flavor of the cheese. And the cheese sauce? It’s the perfect consistency, thick enough to cling to the fries but not so thick that it becomes gloppy. The cheese sauce is also very flavorful.
For an extra dose of indulgence, you can add chili to your cheese fries. The chili adds a hearty, savory element that complements the cheese perfectly. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Beyond the Basics: Unearthing Hidden Gems
While the classics are undeniably delicious, Portillo’s menu has so much more to offer. Venture beyond the familiar and you’ll discover a whole new world of culinary delights.
The Surprisingly Delicious Chopped Salad
If you’re looking for something a bit lighter (but still incredibly satisfying), the chopped salad is an excellent choice. This isn’t your typical boring salad; it’s a vibrant mix of grilled chicken, pasta, bacon, tomato, cucumber, red cabbage, blue cheese, and a sweet vinaigrette dressing.
What makes this salad so special is the combination of textures and flavors. The chicken is tender and juicy, the pasta adds a satisfying chew, the bacon provides a salty crunch, the vegetables offer a refreshing crispness, and the blue cheese adds a tangy creaminess. The sweet vinaigrette ties it all together with a light, refreshing flavor.
The chopped salad is a surprisingly filling and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and it’s a great way to get your veggies in without sacrificing flavor. It showcases Portillo’s range in serving the best food.
Maxwell Street Polish: A Simple Yet Satisfying Choice
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. The Maxwell Street Polish is a prime example. This iconic sandwich consists of a grilled Polish sausage topped with yellow mustard and grilled onions, served on a plain bun.
What makes this sandwich so special? It’s the quality of the sausage. The Polish sausage is flavorful and juicy, with a slightly spicy kick. The grilled onions add a sweet, smoky flavor that complements the sausage perfectly. And the mustard provides a sharp tang that ties it all together. It provides a different flavor profile compared to the Chicago-style hot dog and can be considered by some as the best food at Portillo’s.
The Maxwell Street Polish is a simple but satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a late-night snack. It’s also a great option for those who prefer a more straightforward flavor profile.
The Ribs: A BBQ Surprise
Believe it or not, Portillo’s serves up some seriously good ribs. While they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Portillo’s, these ribs are a hidden gem worth discovering.
The ribs are tender, juicy, and fall-off-the-bone delicious. They’re seasoned with a blend of spices and smothered in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. The sauce is the perfect consistency, thick enough to cling to the ribs but not so thick that it becomes sticky.
What makes these ribs so surprising is that they’re so good coming from a chain that’s primarily known for its hot dogs and Italian beef. But don’t let that fool you; Portillo’s ribs are a worthy contender in the Chicago BBQ scene.
Pasta Dishes: Comfort Food at Its Finest
For those craving classic Italian-American comfort food, Portillo’s offers both Mostaccioli and Rigatoni. Both pasta options are served with a hearty marinara sauce and can be upgraded with meatballs or Italian sausage.
The marinara sauce is rich, flavorful, and made from scratch. The pasta is cooked al dente, providing a satisfying chew. The meatballs are tender and juicy, and the sausage adds a spicy kick.
These pasta dishes are perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. They’re also a great option for those who are looking for a more traditional Italian-American meal. You should add this to your list as you try the best food at Portillo’s.
Sweet Endings: Desserts That Delight
No meal at Portillo’s is complete without indulging in one of their decadent desserts. From creamy milkshakes to classic cakes, there’s something for everyone to satisfy their sweet tooth.
The Legendary Chocolate Cake Shake
The Chocolate Cake Shake is a Portillo’s signature dessert. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a thick, creamy milkshake blended with chunks of moist chocolate cake.
This shake is incredibly rich and decadent. The chocolate cake adds a deep, chocolatey flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the creamy milkshake. It’s the perfect way to end a meal at Portillo’s, if you can eat any more after trying the best food at Portillo’s.
Strawberry Shortcake: A Seasonal Treat
When in season, the Strawberry Shortcake is a refreshing and delightful dessert option. This classic dessert features layers of fluffy shortcake, sweet strawberries, and whipped cream.
The shortcake is light and airy, the strawberries are juicy and flavorful, and the whipped cream adds a creamy sweetness. It’s the perfect dessert for a warm summer day.
Eclair Cake: A Creamy Delight
Another great option is the Eclair Cake. The dessert features graham crackers, chocolate and vanilla pudding and whipped cream. It is a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Tips and Tricks for the Ultimate Portillo’s Experience
To make the most of your next visit to Portillo’s, keep these tips and tricks in mind:
* **Ordering Hacks:** As mentioned before, ordering your Italian beef “wet,” “dipped,” or “extra dipped” can significantly enhance the flavor.
* **Best Times to Visit:** Portillo’s can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Try visiting during off-peak times, such as mid-afternoon or late evening, to avoid the lines.
* **Catering Options:** Portillo’s offers catering services for parties and events. Their catering menu includes a variety of their most popular dishes, making it easy to feed a crowd.
* **Mobile Ordering:** Skip the lines altogether by ordering online or through the Portillo’s mobile app. This is a convenient way to get your food quickly and easily.
* **Secret Menu**: There is an alleged secret menu that may vary by location, so ask a Portillo’s team member if there are any specials.
* **Portillo’s Gear**: Don’t forget to visit the gift shop to buy Portillo’s gear.
Your Portillo’s Adventure Awaits
Portillo’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the classic Italian Beef to the surprisingly delicious Chopped Salad, the menu is full of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. So, the next time you find yourself at Portillo’s, don’t just stick to the usual. Venture beyond the familiar, try something new, and discover your own personal favorites. What’s *your* favorite Portillo’s dish? Share in the comments below!
