Portillo’s FAQs —
Every Answer You Need

Portillo’s is a beloved American fast-casual restaurant chain that originated in Villa Park, Illinois in 1963, founded by Dick Portillo. It is widely celebrated for its authentic Chicago-style street food, particularly its iconic Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, char-broiled burgers, and famous chocolate cake shakes.

Over six decades, Portillo’s has grown from a single hot dog stand into a nationally recognized brand with over 80 locations across 10+ states, while staying true to its Chicago roots and commitment to bold, high-quality flavors.

Portillo’s was founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo in Villa Park, Illinois. It started as a small hot dog stand called “The Dog House” and has since grown into one of America’s most iconic fast-casual dining chains, famous for its Chicago-style cuisine and loyal fan base.

Portillo’s has over 80 locations across the United States. The brand has a strong presence in the following states:

• Illinois — the home state with the most locations, including Chicago and suburbs
• Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan — Midwest expansion locations
• Arizona — Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
• Florida — Orlando, Tampa, Brandon
• Texas — Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston
• California — Buena Park, Moreno Valley

Use the Portillo’s Locations page to find the nearest restaurant to you.

Portillo’s operates primarily as a corporate-owned chain, not a traditional franchise model. This means the company directly controls most of its restaurant locations, which helps maintain consistent quality, food standards, and the distinctive Portillo’s experience across every location.

Portillo’s specializes in Chicago-style American street food. Its menu is built around:

• Chicago-style hot dogs with classic toppings
• Italian beef sandwiches — a Chicago staple
• Char-broiled burgers and chicken sandwiches
• Fresh salads and hearty sides
• Barnelli’s pasta dishes
• Indulgent desserts and hand-spun milkshakes

Yes, most Portillo’s locations offer a drive-through for convenient, quick service. This makes it one of the easiest ways to enjoy your favorite Portillo’s items without leaving your car. Availability may vary by location.

Yes, Portillo’s offers full dine-in service at all of its restaurant locations. Many Portillo’s locations are famously decorated with unique Chicago-themed decor and feature large, welcoming dining rooms that make them popular with both families and groups.

No. ThePortillosMenu.com is an independent, fan-maintained menu guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Portillo’s Restaurant Group. Our website provides comprehensive menu information, prices, nutritional data, and dining guides to help fans plan their visits. For official ordering, catering, or account inquiries, please visit the official website at portillos.com.

The Italian Beef Sandwich and the Chicago-Style Hot Dog are consistently Portillo’s two most beloved items. The Italian beef is made with thin-sliced slow-roasted beef served on French bread, with the option to dip it in au jus gravy or top it with sweet or hot peppers.

The Chocolate Cake Shake is also considered an iconic must-try — a thick milkshake blended with an entire slice of Portillo’s famous chocolate cake.

A classic Chicago-style hot dog at Portillo’s is served on a poppy seed bun and topped with:

• Yellow mustard
• Bright green sweet relish
• Chopped white onion
• Two tomato wedges
• A dill pickle spear
• Two sport peppers
• A dash of celery salt

The Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich is a Chicago classic featuring thin-sliced, slow-roasted seasoned beef piled high on a French bread roll. You can customize it in three ways:

• Dry — beef only, no added juice
• Wet — dipped briefly in the beef’s au jus gravy
• Dipped — the entire sandwich is submerged in gravy (most popular)

You can add sweet peppers or hot giardiniera for extra flavor. It is approximately 690 calories and priced around $12.89.

Portillo’s offers a limited breakfast menu at select locations. Breakfast items may include options such as sandwiches and morning-style offerings. Breakfast availability is not universal across all Portillo’s restaurants.

Visit the Portillo’s Breakfast Menu page for a complete breakdown of available morning items and current pricing.

Yes! Portillo’s serves pasta through its Barnelli’s Pasta Bowl concept, available at many locations. Pasta options include:

• Spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce
• Baked Mostaccioli
• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Penne Ala Vodka
• Penne All’Arrabbiata
• Penne Diavolo

Pasta dishes are priced around $12.89 and make a hearty, satisfying alternative to the classic sandwich menu.

Yes. Portillo’s has expanded its menu to include plant-based and vegetarian-friendly choices:

• Plant-Based Garden Dog — a plant-based hot dog option (~320 cal, $4.29)
• Garden Side Salad and Chopped Salad (without meat)
• Cheese Fries, Onion Rings, and other sides
• Pasta dishes (some can be ordered without meat)
• Desserts and milkshakes

Cross-contamination with meat products is possible in the kitchen, so guests with strict dietary requirements should check with staff directly.

Portillo’s dessert menu is one of its most celebrated categories. Popular dessert items include:

• Chocolate Cake Shake — the #1 most iconic Portillo’s dessert (~1,490 cal)
• Chocolate Shake, Vanilla Shake, Strawberry Shake
• Chocolate Cake Slice (~720 cal)
• Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Eclair Cake
• Whole Chocolate Cake — available for takeaway

Yes! Portillo’s serves both a Half Slab of Ribs (~510 cal) and a Full Slab of Ribs Dinner (~1,020–1,810 cal). These are available as dinner plates and are a popular choice for guests looking for a heartier, smoky meal option beyond the classic sandwiches and hot dogs.

Portillo’s hot dog prices vary by item:

• Hot Dog — approximately $4.89
• Jumbo Hot Dog — approximately $4.89
• Plant-Based Garden Dog — approximately $4.29
• Chili Cheese Dog — approximately $6.19
• Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog — approximately $6.19

The standard Italian Beef Sandwich at Portillo’s is priced at approximately $12.89. The larger Big Beef Sandwich is also around $12.89. Combo meals with fries and a drink will cost more. Prices may vary by region and are subject to change.

Some of the best value items on the Portillo’s menu include:

• Chicago-Style Hot Dog — ~$4.50–$5.50 (great flavor, low price)
• French Bread — ~$1.19
• Tamale — ~$3.19
• Croissant — ~$1.39
• Side of Gravy — ~$0.39
• Regular French Fries (Jumbo, shared) — ~$3.00–$4.00 per serving

The Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Shake is priced at approximately $4.59 to $6.49 depending on size and location. It is one of the most popular and talked-about items on the menu, blended with a full slice of Portillo’s signature chocolate cake for approximately 1,490 calories.

Yes. Portillo’s offers several combo and meal deal options that bundle a main item with fries and a drink at a reduced total price compared to ordering individually. Popular deals include:

• Italian Beef Sandwich Combo (~$10.99)
• Spicy Chicken Sandwich Combo (~$9.99)
• The Big Burger Bundle (~$11.49)
• Two Hot Dogs Deal (~$5.99)
• The Portillo’s Meal Deal — any hot dog or sandwich with a small drink and fries (~$8.49)

Yes, slightly. Like most restaurant chains, Portillo’s menu prices can vary modestly by location based on regional cost factors such as local wages, rent, and supply costs. The differences are generally small, but prices in California or Florida may be slightly higher than locations in Illinois. Always confirm current prices with your local Portillo’s or at portillos.com.

Yes. Portillo’s provides nutrition information including calories, fat, carbohydrates, protein, and sodium for all menu items. You can find complete nutritional data on the official Portillo’s website or on our dedicated Portillo’s Nutrition Guide which includes a full breakdown of every item on the menu.

The standard Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich contains approximately 690 calories. The Big Beef Sandwich contains around 1,040 calories. Adding dipping gravy, giardiniera, or sweet peppers will increase the calorie count. The Classic Beef Bowl (without bread) is a lower-calorie option at approximately 440 calories.

Some of the lowest-calorie options at Portillo’s include:

• Garden Side Salad — 170 calories (without dressing)
• Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken — 230 calories
• Caesar Salad — 230 calories
• Chicken Noodle Soup — 140 calories
• Plant-Based Garden Dog — 320 calories
• Giardiniera Sauce — 90 calories

If you are looking for lighter, more health-conscious choices, consider these options:

• Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken — 230 cal, high protein
• Broiled Chicken Sandwich — 400 cal, lower fat than breaded
• Garden Side Salad — 170–510 cal depending on dressing
• Chicken Noodle Soup — 140 cal, warm and filling
• Classic Beef Bowl — 440 cal, protein-rich without the bread

Visit our full Nutrition Guide for complete macros and dietary details.

The Portillo’s Chocolate Cake Shake contains approximately 1,490 calories — making it one of the most indulgent items on the menu. It is made by blending a full slice of Portillo’s signature moist chocolate cake into a thick chocolate milkshake base. It is a treat best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.

As with most fast-casual restaurant food, some Portillo’s items — particularly sandwiches, dipped beef items, and seasoned sides — can be relatively high in sodium. Guests monitoring sodium intake should review the full nutritional data available on the official Portillo’s website or check our Nutrition Guide to make informed choices. Salads with lighter dressings and grilled proteins tend to be lower in sodium.

While Portillo’s does not have a dedicated keto menu, guests following a low-carb lifestyle can customize their order to reduce carbs:

• Order the Classic Beef Bowl — Italian beef without the bread
• Request salads without croutons or high-sugar dressings
• Choose grilled chicken options
• Skip the bun on burgers or hot dogs
• Opt for the Chicago Combo Bowl or Italiano Bowl

Portillo’s does not offer a certified gluten-free menu. Many core items such as hot dogs, sandwiches, and burgers are served on buns that contain gluten. However, some items may be lower in gluten when customized:

• Salads without croutons
• Grilled proteins without buns
• Beef bowls (no bread)

Some items on the Portillo’s menu can be made without dairy by customizing your order. For example, hot dogs without cheese or creamy sauces, grilled proteins, and certain salads with oil-based dressings may be dairy-free. However, many menu items — including shakes, pasta, and cheese-topped dishes — do contain dairy. Always inform staff of your dietary needs when ordering.

Portillo’s kitchens are not nut-free environments and cross-contamination with allergens is always a possibility in a busy fast-casual restaurant setting. Guests with nut allergies should review the official Portillo’s allergen guide available at portillos.com and speak directly with restaurant staff before ordering.

Portillo’s does not claim halal or kosher certification for its food. The restaurant sources conventional meat products and does not follow halal or kosher preparation standards. Guests with religious dietary requirements are advised to contact their local Portillo’s for specific ingredient details.

The most comprehensive and up-to-date allergen information for every Portillo’s menu item is available directly on the official Portillo’s website at portillos.com. You can also ask staff in any Portillo’s location to view the allergen guide in person before placing your order.

Most Portillo’s locations are open Monday through Thursday 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM, with Sunday 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Hours can vary by individual location, so checking with your nearest Portillo’s is always recommended.

Portillo’s is open on most major holidays at regular hours. However, there are exceptions:

• Thanksgiving Day — Most locations are closed
• Christmas Day — Most locations are closed
• Christmas Eve — Open with early closure (around 5:00 PM)
• New Year’s Eve — Open with possible early closure
• All other major holidays — Open at regular hours

Always confirm holiday hours with your local Portillo’s as they can vary.

You can find the nearest Portillo’s location in two easy ways:

• Visit our Portillo’s Locations page for a state-by-state breakdown
• Use the official store locator at portillos.com to find real-time location info, hours, and directions

Yes! Portillo’s has expanded significantly beyond its Chicago home base and now operates in 10+ states including Arizona, Florida, Texas, California, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The chain continues to expand nationally, bringing authentic Chicago-style food to new markets every year.

On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, the majority of Portillo’s locations are closed. On Christmas Eve, most locations close early at approximately 5:00 PM. On New Year’s Eve, closing times may vary by location. For all other holidays including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, Portillo’s is typically open at regular hours.

Yes. Portillo’s offers online ordering for both pickup and delivery through the official website at portillos.com/order. You can browse the full menu, customize your order, choose your location, and schedule your pickup time — all online without needing to call ahead.

Yes. Portillo’s offers delivery through its official website and through third-party delivery platforms. Delivery availability depends on your location and distance from the nearest Portillo’s restaurant. You can check current delivery options and zones on the Portillo’s website or on apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub (availability varies by market).

Yes. Portillo’s offers a mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to browse the menu, place orders for pickup or delivery, track your order status, and access any current promotions or loyalty features. It is available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Absolutely. Portillo’s is well-known for accommodating customizations. Common options include:

• Italian beef: dry, wet, or dipped in gravy
• Adding or removing hot or sweet peppers
• Choosing dressings and sauces on the side
• Requesting extra or no cheese
• Asking for sandwiches without specific toppings

When ordering in person or via the drive-through, simply inform staff of your preferences. Customizations can also be specified when ordering online.

Yes! This is one of Portillo’s most popular offerings. Portillo’s offers nationwide shipping on select menu items including their famous Italian beef kit, hot dogs, chocolate cake, and other favorites. Shipped meals arrive ready to heat and serve at home. Orders can be placed through the official Portillo’s website under their shipping section.

Portillo’s accepts a wide range of payment methods at its restaurant locations and online:

• All major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
• Apple Pay and Google Pay (contactless)
• Portillo’s Gift Cards (physical and e-gift)
• Cash at in-person locations

Yes. Portillo’s offers a comprehensive catering menu for events of all sizes — from small office lunches to large corporate events, weddings, and parties. The catering menu includes Italian beef, hot dogs, chicken, salads, sides, pasta, desserts, and drinks in bulk portions designed to serve groups.

Visit our Portillo’s Catering Menu page for full details on available packages and pricing.

Portillo’s catering orders can be placed in the following ways:

• Online — through the catering section at portillos.com
• By phone — calling your local Portillo’s location directly
• In person — visiting any Portillo’s restaurant to speak with the catering coordinator

It is recommended to place catering orders at least 24–48 hours in advance, and larger orders for events may require more lead time.

The Portillo’s catering menu includes bulk-serving options across most major menu categories:

• Jumbo Chicken Tenders (10–20 pieces, ~$33–$36)
• Jumbo French Fries (~$25–$27, serves ~5)
• Jumbo Onion Rings (~$29–$31, serves ~5)
• Small Catering Chopped Salad (~$33–$45, serves 8–10)
• Italian beef and hot dog packs
• Group drinks and desserts

For most catering orders, Portillo’s recommends placing your order at least 24 to 48 hours in advance. For larger events or orders during peak periods (holidays, weekends), placing the order 3–5 days in advance is advisable to ensure availability and proper preparation time.

Yes! Portillo’s is a popular catering choice for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, graduation celebrations, and large gatherings. The brand’s iconic Chicago-style food is a crowd-pleaser that works well for events of virtually any size. Contact your local Portillo’s catering team for customized large-event proposals.

Yes. Portillo’s offers a Kids Menu with smaller portion options designed for younger diners. Popular kids’ items include:

• Kids Hot Dog — $3.49, 340 cal
• Kids Chicken Tenders (2 or 4 pieces) — $2.99–$4.49
• Kids Cheeseburger — $4.79, 570 cal
• Kids Mac & Cheese — $3.99, 450 cal
• Kids Spaghetti — $5.49, 390 cal
• Kids Grilled Cheese — $4.29, 320 cal

Yes. Portillo’s offers kids meal combos that pair a main item with fries (or another side) and a drink at a bundled price:

• Kid’s Hot Dog Meal — $5.49 (~520 cal)
• Kid’s Chicken Tenders Meal — $6.69 (~600 cal)
• Kid’s Cheeseburger Meal — $6.49 (~750 cal)
• Mac & Cheese Meal — $5.79 (~800 cal)
• Kid’s Spaghetti Meal — $6.59 (~680 cal)

Absolutely. Portillo’s is well-regarded as one of the most family-friendly fast-casual dining chains in America. Its large dining rooms, kids menu, familiar comfort food, and welcoming atmosphere make it an excellent choice for families with children of all ages. The restaurant’s accessibility, drive-through options, and consistent quality make it a go-to family destination.

The most affordable kids’ item at Portillo’s is the Kids Side Salad at approximately $1.79 (50 cal), followed by the Kids Fries (Small) at approximately $1.99. For a full kids’ meal item, the most budget-friendly option is the Kids Chicken Tenders (2 pcs) at approximately $2.99.

Yes. Portillo’s offers both physical gift cards and e-gift cards that can be used at any participating Portillo’s location. Gift cards are available in a range of denominations and are a popular gift for birthdays, holidays, corporate rewards, and other occasions. They can be purchased online at the official Portillo’s gift card store or in person at any Portillo’s restaurant.

Portillo’s gift cards generally do not have an expiration date, meaning recipients can use them at their convenience whenever they visit. This makes them a flexible and practical gift for any Portillo’s fan. Confirm specific terms when purchasing through the official gift card platform.

Portillo’s has explored rewards and loyalty features through its mobile app and online account system. For the most current information on any active loyalty or rewards program, visit the official Portillo’s website or download the Portillo’s app to see what offers and account-based benefits are currently available.

Yes. Portillo’s gift cards can be used for online orders placed through the official website at portillos.com, as well as in person at the register at all participating Portillo’s locations. When checking out online, simply enter your gift card number and PIN in the payment section.

Portillo’s occasionally runs limited-time promotions, seasonal deals, and special offers that can be found through:

• The official Portillo’s website and app
• Portillo’s email newsletter (sign up on their website)
• Portillo’s social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, X)
• Third-party delivery platforms which may offer their own promotions

Portillo’s does not typically distribute traditional paper coupons. The best way to stay updated on deals is to follow official channels and sign up for email communications.