What Portillo's Is and How to Order

Portillo's is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and other casual meals. You order at a counter, pay, and either eat in the dining room or take your food to go. There is no table service — you walk up to the register, tell the staff what you want, hand over your payment method, and they hand you your food in a bag or tray.

The chain operates in the Midwest and a few other regions, with locations in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, and Arizona. Each location has its own hours, which you can find on the Portillo's website or by calling the restaurant directly. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, and some open for breakfast.

You can order in person at the counter, through the Portillo's mobile app, or online through their website for pickup. Mobile and online orders are prepared while you wait or are ready when you arrive, depending on how far ahead you place the order.

Key Takeaways

  • Portillo's is a counter-service restaurant where you order and pay at the register before eating, with no servers bringing food to your table.
  • The menu centers on Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and sides like fries and coleslaw, with prices typically between $8 and $18 per entrée.
  • You can order in person, through the Portillo's mobile app, or on their website for pickup at the location nearest you.
  • Most Portillo's locations have a dining room where you can eat when ready after ordering, or you can take your food to go.
  • Payment methods include cash and all major credit and debit cards at the counter, and digital payment through the app or website.

The Menu and What Things Cost

The core menu at Portillo's revolves around Italian beef sandwiches — thin-sliced seasoned beef on a long roll, often dipped in gravy. You can order it plain, with peppers, with cheese, or with combinations of these. Prices for Italian beef sandwiches typically range from $8 to $12, depending on size and toppings.

Chicago-style hot dogs are the second main item. These come topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, peppers, and celery salt on a steamed bun — never ketchup. A hot dog usually costs $4 to $7. Portillo's also serves char-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads, with entrées generally priced between $10 and $18.

Sides include french fries, crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and onion rings, typically $3 to $5 each. Desserts — cake shakes, brownies, and cookies — run $4 to $8. Drinks are soft drinks, coffee, and bottled water, usually $2 to $4 depending on size.

Prices vary slightly by location and change over time. The Portillo's website and app show the current menu and prices for your nearest restaurant.

How to Use the Mobile App and Website

The Portillo's mobile app and website let you browse the menu, customize your order, and pay before you arrive. read the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit portillos.com on any browser. You will need to create an account with your email address and a password.

Once logged in, select your nearest Portillo's location. The app and website show you the full menu for that location, with photos and descriptions of each item. Click on an item to see size options, toppings, and add-ons. Customize your order — for example, add peppers to your Italian beef or choose a drink size — then add it to your cart.

When you are ready to pay, enter your payment information (credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay). Choose whether you want to pick up your order when ready or at a specific time. The app will tell you how long your order will take. You will receive a confirmation on your phone, and the restaurant will prepare your food. Walk in, give your name or order number, and they will hand you your bag.

The app also tracks your order history and lets you reorder past meals with one tap, which saves time if you order the same thing regularly.

Dining In and Taking Food to Go

Most Portillo's locations have a dining room with tables and chairs. After you order and pay at the counter, you can sit down and eat there. The staff will call your name or order number when your food is ready, or you will pick it up from the counter yourself. There are no servers, so you handle your own napkins, condiments, and trash.

If you prefer to take your food elsewhere, the staff will bag it for you at no extra charge. The bag includes napkins and any condiments you request. Takeout is useful if you want to eat at home, at work, or in your car.

Some locations also offer drive-through service, though not all. Check the Portillo's website or call ahead to see if your nearest location has a drive-through window.

Payment Methods and Pricing

At the counter, Portillo's accepts cash and all major credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you order through the app or website, you must pay with a card or digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal) at the time you place the order. You cannot pay cash for online or app orders.

Portillo's does not charge a delivery fee if you pick up your order in person. If a third-party delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats delivers your food, that service adds its own fees on top of your meal cost.

Some Portillo's locations offer loyalty programs or discounts through the app. Check the app's promotions section to see what deals are running at your location.

What to Know Before You Go

Portillo's is busiest during lunch (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). If you want to avoid a long line, go earlier or later in the day. Ordering through the app ahead of time can also speed things up, since your food will be ready or nearly ready when you arrive.

The restaurant does not take reservations. You show up, order, and eat — there is no way to hold a table in advance. During peak hours, seating can be limited, so you may need to wait for a table to open up or take your food to go.

Portillo's has a full allergen menu on its website if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions. You can also ask staff at the counter about ingredients in specific items. The restaurant does not have a separate gluten-free kitchen, so cross-contamination is possible if you have celiac disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Portillo's for delivery to my home?

Portillo's does not deliver directly, but you can order through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. These services add delivery fees and service charges on top of your meal cost. Pickup through the Portillo's app or website is usually faster and cheaper.

Do I need to tip at Portillo's?

Tipping is optional at counter-service restaurants like Portillo's. Some people tip $1 to $2 per order, while others do not. If you pay with a card at the counter, the register may ask if you want to add a tip. If you order through the app, you can add a tip at checkout or when you pick up your order.

What is the difference between an Italian beef and a regular roast beef sandwich?

An Italian beef is made with thin-sliced seasoned beef that is often dipped in gravy or broth, giving it a wet, tender texture. A regular roast beef sandwich is usually thicker slices of roast beef on a bun without the dipping. Portillo's Italian beef is their signature item and is what the restaurant is known for.

Can I customize my order if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes. You can ask for items without certain toppings, request substitutions, or ask staff about ingredients. The Portillo's website has a full allergen and nutrition guide. If you have severe allergies, speak directly with staff at the counter so they understand your needs.

Is there a kids menu at Portillo's?

Yes, Portillo's offers a kids menu with smaller portions of popular items like hot dogs, Italian beef, and chicken sandwiches, usually priced lower than adult entrées. Kids meals typically include a side and a drink. Check the menu on the app or website for current kids menu options and prices.