Portillo’s: A Chicago Classic Every Family Should Experience

Portillo’s was first introduced to me years ago while watching the Food Network. The moment I saw that glorious Italian Beef sandwich, I knew that on my next visit to Chicago—especially since my sister lived there at the time—I had to try it for myself. And let me tell you, it lived up to every bit of the hype.

Portillo’s is also famous for their Chicago‑style hotdogs, so if you ever want to switch things up, definitely give one a try. Since this was my son’s very first visit to Chicago, we knew we had to introduce him to Portillo’s too. It’s practically a rite of passage.

A Restaurant With Personality

One of the fun things about Portillo’s is that each location has its own theme. Some feel like a lively 1950s diner, while others have a 1920s vibe straight out of the Al Capone era. The decorations are playful, nostalgic, and full of character—such a fun atmosphere for families.

What We Ordered

My husband and I each went with the classic combo:
Italian Beef sandwich + fries + a drink.
No regrets.

When you order your Italian Beef, you get to choose how it’s made. I always go for hot and sweet peppers, fully dipped. My husband prefers sweet peppers and dipped. Yes, dipping makes the sandwich messy, but the flavor payoff is absolutely worth it. That juicy, savory goodness is what makes Portillo’s iconic.

For our son, we ordered from the kids menu and chose the hotdog, because he LOVES hotdogs. The only thing that threw him off was the poppyseed bun—a classic Chicago touch he’d never seen before. So naturally, he ate the dog and left the bun behind. Toddler logic at its finest.

Family‑Friendly and Easygoing

Parents, Portillo’s is a great spot for the whole family. They have plenty of highchairs, and of course, changing tables in the bathrooms. The atmosphere is casual, loud enough to hide toddler chaos, and full of fun visuals to keep little ones entertained.

Add Portillo’s to Your Chicago Must‑Do List

Next time you’re in Chicago, make sure you stop at Portillo’s for a delicious meal and some easy family fun. Whether you’re craving an Italian Beef, a Chicago dog, or just want to soak in the nostalgic vibes, it’s a place everyone should experience at least once.

Show me your fabulous foodventures at Portillo’s by tagging me @fabulousfoodventures on Instagram—I love seeing your family’s foodie moments!