It’s with good reason that Portillo’s has long been a cheap-eats staple in Chicago; the beloved Chicago-style hotdogs are no more than $4 and piled high with mustard, relish, celery salt, chopped onions, tomatoes, a kosher pickle and sport peppers. The rest of the fast-food-centric menu is just as wallet-friendly, peppered with the likes of a char-broiled chicken sandwich ($5.29), an Italian beef sandwich ($6.29), crinkle-cut fries ($2.69) and a chocolate cake shake ($4.29), which is actually blitzed with ice cream and a slice of chocolate cake.

The menu at Portillo's is long on expertly prepared fast-food staples, but the exemplary Chicago-style hot dog is an absolute must. Each sausage comes wrapped like precious cargo, but as you peel back the wax paper, you'll catch a glimpse of the bright-green relish, crimson tomatoes and sport peppers. The steamed poppy seed bun holds it all together like a warm hug, but you'll surely wind up with a bit of mustard on your chin.

The impeccably moist chocolate cake at this Chicago-based hot dog joint is undeniably the chain’s most iconic dessert, but we’re willing to argue that its lesser-known frozen counterpart is actually even better. The creamy concoction features generous chunks of the signature cake blended into a masterfully spun milkshake, and is best teamed with a Chicago dog with all the proper trimmings.

Entertaining out-of-towners can be stressful when you don’t want to pay for a lot of big meals out. But they’ll probably be excited if you take them to a classic establishment like Portillo’s. And you should be grateful for any excuse to eat the food here, anyway.

This Illinois-based chain, with locations in Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minneapolis, Michigan, Arizona, and California, is famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs (don’t ask for ketchup) and the cake shakes (yes, there’s an actual slice of cake blended into each shake). At dinner time, the line at their typical drive-thru snakes around the block—but don’t let that scare you away. Portillo’s operates 67 locations but it was its Chicago restaurant that got the Tripadvisor award thanks to rave reviews like: “On Holiday in Chicago and been here twice in 2 days,” and “The food lives up to the hype and I understand why there are queues.

You’d probably agree with us in saying that a true Chicago hot dog follows a very specific list of ingredients: a Vienna beef hot dog that’s water-bathed (not boiled), placed inside a steamed poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, fluorescent green relish and chopped white onions. It doesn’t end there, though, as spicy sport peppers, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear and a dash of celery salt are also crucial parts of this popular meal. Ketchup is strictly forbidden, of course.

Any trip to Chicago is incomplete without the unique experience of tucking into a world-famous Chicago hot dog. While many places might claim to have the best hot dog in the city, our money is on Portillo’s – the creme de la creme of all-beef Vienna frankfurters. Piled high with yellow mustard, green relish, diced onions, savory peppers, tomato wedges, celery salt, and a dill pickle spear, we guarantee it’s the best glizzy you’ll ever eat, bar none.

Portillo’s is an icon for Chicagoans, and though there’s some posturing around its presence being mainly in the suburbs versus the city, I’d wager every local has had Portillo’s at least once in their lives. It’s got a family-friendly atmosphere with old-timey decorations and Chicago sports memorabilia displayed proudly. Not only is this location the most accessible to the usual tourist spots, but it can also handle huge crowds.

The Chicago born and based chain is a smart choice for a snappy Chicago style hot dog, a spiced-just-right Italian beef or combo, better than decent char burgers and really good shakes, malts and chocolate cake. Service is fast, staff gets your order right, prices are low and everything is authentically flavored. Even dieters can find a tasty option at Portillo's - char-broiled chicken or grilled tuna sandwiches and big salads.

Portillo’s is an iconic part of Chicago not only for their hot dogs and Italian beef, but for their salads, too. The Portillo’s Chopped Salad is fresh, flavorful, and reliable. The perfect combo that Portillo’s sells includes chopped romaine, iceberg lettuce, red cabbage, diced chicken breast, ditalini pasta, bacon, diced tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese and green onion.

You can’t leave The Windy City without having a classic Chicago Dog. Portillo’s has an extensive allergen and nutrition guide on their website, so take a peak below before planning your visit. They encourage their patrons to always inform the staff about their allergies before ordering, but they have a menu that’s largely free of nuts all together!

Born on Chicago’s Maxwell Street over 75 years ago, this iconic Polish sausage made its way to Portillo’s thanks to our founder, Dick Portillo. Inspired by the flavors of his childhood, Dick added it to our menu to share its legendary taste. Now, you can get it shipped to your door—just add an onion, and you’re set to enjoy this Chicago classic!

So it’s no surprise that the hot dog and burger joint made this list. If you’re visiting the city and don’t have time to go to a sit-down restaurant, slide through Portillos to get you a quick hunger fix. Our favorite menu items include the Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Polish, the Beef-n-Cheddar Croissant, and the Chocolate Cake Shake.

With locations all over the area, Portillo’s started out as a small roadhouse stand in Villa Park, affectionately termed the Doghouse because that’s what it looked like. They once served only hot dogs. Portillo’s still does a pretty good version of the dragged-through-the-garden Chicago dog, and they also serve an Italian beef.

Other than getting a deep-dish pizza, your other iconic local food to eat while you are in town includes a true Chicago Dog from Portillo’s. The is what is known as “dragging the dog through the garden” as Portillo’s states on its website. Ordering is simple, even though they have quite a few selections on their menu.

If you’re in Chicago, you can’t miss trying its famous foods, hot dogs and Italian beef. Portillo’s has been serving up these classic Chicago eats since 1963. With multiple locations throughout the city, Portillo’s is known for its mouthwatering hot dogs, loaded with toppings, and flavorful Italian beef sandwiches.

1963 (renamed 1967) Villa Park, IL Founded by Dick Portillo, the restaurant started out as a hot dog stand, Dog House. He founded it with $1,100 he and his wife intended to use to buy their first home. The business almost failed, in part because Portillo didn’t even know how to properly cook a hot dog.

What: A big ol’ chain of counter-service restaurant-oid things that sell Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, pasta, ribs, and plenty of other jib-jab. Where: Also-also all over. Allergen info: There are no nuts in the kitchen, save for the almonds and walnuts that go into a few of the salads.

Portillo’s is the largest restaurant chain on this list, but don’t let that scare you off. Every millimeter of the beef is imbued with an intense meatiness from the gravy. I couldn’t detect many spices or herbs beyond garlic and black pepper, just a no-holds-barred assault of beefy goodness.

There’s a reason Portillo’s has grown from one tiny stand in the suburbs of Chicago to more than 75 locations across 10 states. The restaurant delivers on flavor every single time. At Portillo’s, you can top your beef with a hefty, unorthodox portion of melted mozzarella or cheddar cheese.

Portillo's in Chicago is a go-to for delicious, affordable dining. Enjoy classic Chicago-style hot dogs, slow-roasted Italian beef sandwiches, and char-grilled burgers, all served in a vintage-inspired atmosphere. Their fresh salads and famous homemade chocolate cake are must-tries.

You don’t get to over 60 locations without making a mean sandwich. This Chicago icon has grown substantially, but the quality hasn’t taken a hit in the slightest. The beef and sausage sandwiches are the classics, available in a variety of sizes and with several different toppings.

Portillo’s: While you can’t come to Portillo’s and not get a Chicago-style hot dog, their Italian beef is also a sleeper hit on this local chain’s menu. Paired with their crinkle-cut fries and a cake shake, their beef sandwich is often generously filled and deeply satisfying.

Another famous Chicago staple and where you should come for your Chicago hot dog or Italian Beef sans verbal assault. (My brother in law, Brendan, loves their chicken tenders also, so rest assured–the menu is ) If you love a chopped salad–they’re also famous for that, too!

Another one of our favorite spots for takeout in River North is Portillo’s. Order your comfort food favorites like burgers, beef sandwiches, and, of course, hot dogs. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you’ll be glad to know Portillo’s has a plant-based dog, too.

It's been admired by the likes of Chefs Grant Achatz, Rick Bayless and the late, great Anthony Bourdain. Now is your chance to try the Chicago-style hot dog, the dish that truly captures the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Don’t sleep on this dog:

Remember I said there are two places where I’d suggest you grab a Chicago dog from?. One is Devil Dawgs, and the other one is Portillo’s, the one on Canal and Taylor. Now, we’ve talked at length about hot dogs, it’s time we talked about a beverage.

Menu they hand you while waiting in line and online lists sandwich as $5.45, but they’ve raised the price to $5.69 for a sandwich, probably as a result of their being sold to an investment group recently +.60 sweet peppers + .60 hot peppers

The bread is soft, easy to chew and the flavor is AWESOME!!. Even my children who are picky eaters love the Italian beef sandwiches, YUMM!!!!!. I am glad there is not one close by, or I would eat one all of the time, UGH!!

A Chicago treasure, Portillos has cool vibes, and delicious Chicago-style food, including hot dogs, Italian beef, cheeseburgers, and the famous chocolate cake shake. Their chopped salad is my favorite salad in the world!

I ordered a beef bowl with fries after researching their allergen menu days before. Although it’s just meat, it was really good. Plus, it was mainly to fit in with my mom and brother who got Italian beefs from Mr. Beef!

Portillos is a convenient restaurant to try the Chicago hot dog as it has outposts all over Chicago. Most tourists will head to its huge River North location which can get busy during peak lunch hours.

Good ol’ American fare – hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, etc. The shakes and malts are a huge bonus for me. This is also a great place to get your famous Chicago-style hot dog.

When my cousin got married, she had Portillo’s chocolate cake for her wedding cake. That’s how delicious it is. I’m not even kidding, this chocolate cake is super good.

This tour takes you to some of the best food spots in the city, including Al’s Beef, Portillo’s, and The Wiener’s Circle.