Portillo's Menu and Prices June 2025 [All Meals & Deals]
I'll never forget my first visit to Portillo's. Walking into that bustling restaurant, the smell of Italian beef hit me like a warm Chicago hug. After years of hearing my Midwest friends rave about their chocolate cake shakes, I finally understood what all the fuss was about. Now, I'm here to share everything you need to know about Portillo's menu and prices so you can plan your perfect meal.
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My Journey Into Chicago's Food Paradise
Let me tell you, I've eaten at plenty of fast-casual places, but Portillo's is something special. It's not just about the food (though trust me, we'll get to that). It's the whole experience – from the vintage 1960s vibe to watching your Italian beef get assembled right before your eyes. Every time I walk in, I feel like I'm stepping into a piece of Chicago history.
The Famous Five Meals – Where I Always Start
When I'm introducing someone new to Portillo's, I always point them to the Famous Five Meals. These combos give you the best bang for your buck, and they showcase what Portillo's does best.
| Meal | What's Included | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famous Meal #1: Italian Beef | Big Italian Beef, Large Fries, Drink | $15.20 | 1420-1590 |
| Famous Meal #2: Two Hot Dogs | Two Hot Dogs with Everything, Large Fries, Drink | $15.35 | 1060-1230 |
| Famous Meal #3: Cheeseburger | Double Cheeseburger, Fries, Drink | $15.45 | 1200-1370 |
| Famous Meal #4: Spicy Chicken | Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Fries, Drink | $15.45 | 1070-1240 |
| Famous Meal #5: Chopped Salad | Chopped Salad with Bread | $15.45 | 510 |
I usually go for the Famous Meal #1 – there's something about that Italian beef that keeps me coming back. Pro tip: ask for it "wet" if you want the sandwich dipped in gravy. Game changer!
Also Read: McAllister's Menu and Prices
Hot Dogs – The Chicago Way
Now, I grew up thinking a hot dog was just a hot dog. Boy, was I wrong. Portillo's showed me what a real Chicago-style hot dog tastes like, and I've never looked back.
| Hot Dog | Price | Calories | My Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Beef Hot Dog | $5.15 | 340 | The classic with everything |
| Jumbo Beef Hot Dog | $6.80+ | 450 | When you're extra hungry |
| Chili Cheese Dog (Regular) | $6.80 | 500 | Messy but worth it |
| Chili Cheese Dog (Jumbo) | $8.45+ | 610 | For serious appetites |
| Plant-Based Garden Dog | $5.55 | 320 | Surprisingly good! |
| Maxwell Street Polish | $8.25 | 570 | Grilled onions make it |
| Char-Grilled Polish | $8.25 | 570 | Smoky perfection |
The regular hot dog comes "dragged through the garden" as they say in Chicago – that means mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun. Don't you dare ask for ketchup!
Italian Beef & Sausage – The Heart of Portillo's
This is where Portillo's really shines. I've tried Italian beef at other places, and nothing compares. The meat is slow-roasted for four hours, and you can taste the difference.
| Item | Price | Calories | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Beef (Regular) | $8.95 | 690 | The Chicago classic |
| Big Italian Beef | $11.60 | 1040 | When regular isn't enough |
| Italian Sausage Sandwich | $9.00 | 660 | Char-grilled perfection |
| Italian Beef & Sausage Combo | $11.20 | 860 | Best of both worlds |
| Beef-n-Cheddar Croissant | $11.60 | 670 | Fancy twist on a classic |
| Classic Beef Bowl | $11.20 | 440 | No bread, all beef |
| Chicago Combo Bowl | $13.85 | 760 | Beef and sausage in a bowl |
| Sweet Peppers (add-on) | $1.30 | 40 | Makes everything better |
| Hot Giardiniera (add-on) | $1.30 | 50 | Spicy kick |
I always get my Italian beef with both sweet and hot peppers. The combination of flavors is absolutely incredible. And here's an insider tip: order it "juicy" for the perfect amount of gravy without making it too soggy.
Char-Broiled Burgers – Not Your Average Fast Food
I'll be honest – I used to skip the burgers at Portillo's because I was too obsessed with the Italian beef. Big mistake! These burgers are char-broiled to perfection.
| Burger | Single Price | Double Price | Single Calories | Double Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburger | $8.00 | $13.20 | 570 | 900 |
| Cheeseburger | $8.90 | $14.10 | 660 | 990 |
| Bacon Hamburger | $9.90 | $14.40 | 670 | 950 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | $10.95 | $15.45 | 760 | 1040 |
| Rodeo Burger | $11.60 | $17.70 | 790 | 1160 |
The Rodeo Burger has become my guilty pleasure – BBQ sauce, onion rings, bacon, and cheese. It's like a party in your mouth!
Fresh Salads – Because Sometimes You Need Greens
Don't roll your eyes! I know you don't go to Portillo's for salad, but their Chopped Salad is legendary. I've converted many salad skeptics with this one.
| Salad | Price | Calories | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped Salad | $15.45 | 510 | Bacon, pasta, gorgonzola heaven |
| Spicy Chicken Chopped Salad | $16.05 | 740 | Adds a kick to the classic |
| Caesar Salad | $11.20 | 230 | Simple and fresh |
| Caesar with Grilled Chicken | $15.45 | 360 | Protein boost |
| Greek Salad with Chicken | $15.45 | 340 | Mediterranean vibes |
| Chicken Pecan Salad | $16.75 | 620 | Sweet and savory |
| Garden Side Salad | $7.45 | 170 | Light option |
The house dressing on the Chopped Salad is what dreams are made of. I've tried to recreate it at home, but it's never quite the same.
Chicken & Fish – More Than Just Beef
While Italian beef might be the star, don't sleep on the chicken options. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich has become my go-to when I want something with a kick.
| Item | Price | Calories | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaded Chicken Sandwich | $9.00 | 600 | 8/10 - Crispy goodness |
| Char-Broiled Chicken Sandwich | $9.00 | 400 | 7/10 - Healthier option |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | $9.50 | 520 | 10/10 - Perfect heat |
| Chicken Tenders (4 piece) | $7.60 | 340 | Kids love 'em |
| Chicken Tenders (6 piece) | $11.40 | 510 | Good for sharing |
| Chicken Tenders (20 piece) | $33.40 | 1700 | Party time! |
| Breaded Whitefish Sandwich | $9.00 | 710 | Surprisingly good |
Sides & Soups – The Supporting Cast
The sides at Portillo's aren't just afterthoughts. Those cheese fries? I dream about them.
| Side/Soup | Small | Large | Jumbo | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries | $4.25 | $5.95 | $25.70 | 380/530/2650 |
| Cheese Fries | $5.60 | $7.65 | $30.40 | 515/665/3190 |
| Onion Rings | $5.40 | $8.10 | $29.55 | 320/480/2400 |
| Cheese Sauce | $1.70 | - | $6.80 | 135/540 |
| Giardiniera Sauce | $1.30 | - | - | 90 |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | $4.55 | - | - | 140 |
| Cup of Chili | $5.70 | - | - | 420 |
| Gravy Bread | $3.20 | - | - | - |
I always get a side of cheese sauce, even if I'm not ordering fries. Is that weird? Maybe. Do I care? Not one bit.
Desserts – Save Room!
Listen, I don't care how full you are. You MUST try the chocolate cake. It's not just hype – this cake has won awards and hearts across America.
| Dessert | Price | Calories | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Cake Slice | $5.15 | 720 | Life-changing |
| Whole Chocolate Cake | $37.30 | 5760 | For special occasions |
| Birthday Cake Kit | $38.55 | 5760+ | Includes candles! |
| Strawberry Shortcake | $6.45 | 480 | Light and fresh |
| Chocolate Éclair Cake | $6.45 | 520 | Decadent layers |
Shakes & Malts – Drink Your Dessert
The Chocolate Cake Shake is what happens when someone decides to blend their famous chocolate cake into a milkshake. Genius? Absolutely.
| Shake/Malt | Small | Large | Small Calories | Large Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Shake | $5.40 | $8.65 | 800 | 1420 |
| Vanilla Shake | $5.40 | $8.65 | 770 | 1370 |
| Strawberry Shake | $5.40 | $8.65 | 720 | 1280 |
| Chocolate Cake Shake | $6.80 | $10.90 | 850 | 1490 |
| Any Malt | +$0.60 | +$0.60 | +60 | +90 |
Drinks – The Usual Suspects
| Beverage | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Drinks (Small) | $3.20 | 0-170 |
| Soft Drinks (Large) | $3.85 | 0-270 |
| Iced Tea | $3.20 | 0 |
| Bottled Water | $2.95 | 0 |
| San Pellegrino | $3.75 | 0 |
| Milk | $2.95 | 120 |
| Lemonade (Seasonal) | $3.55+ | Varies |
Breakfast Menu – The New Kid on the Block
Portillo's recently expanded their breakfast menu to more Chicago locations. I was skeptical at first, but their breakfast game is strong!
| Breakfast Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Maple Sausage & Egg Croissant | $5.95 | 580 |
| Loaded Breakfast Scramble | $7.45 | 640 |
| Hash Brown Bites | $3.25 | 320 |
| Bacon (3 slices) | $3.95 | 120 |
| Fresh Fruit Cup | $4.25 | 80 |
| Chocolate Cake Donut | $3.95 | 420 |
| Chocolate Cake Iced Coffee | $4.55+ | 280+ |
My Money-Saving Tips
After years of being a Portillo's regular, I've learned a few tricks:
- Join the Birthday Club – You get a free slice of chocolate cake during your birthday month. I may have signed up my whole family...
- The Water Cup Hack – Okay, not really a hack, but water is free and helps balance out all that sodium.
- Share a Jumbo – The jumbo sides are meant for 5 people. My wife and I split them and still have leftovers.
- Lunch Specials – Some locations offer special lunch pricing on certain combos. Ask about it!
- Skip the Combo Sometimes – If you're not super hungry, just get the sandwich. You can always add fries later if you're still hungry.
Dietary Considerations
I've got friends with various dietary restrictions, and here's what I've learned:
- Gluten-Free Options: Limited, but the bowls work great. Skip the bread, obviously.
- Vegetarian: The Garden Dog is actually pretty good! Plus, salads and sides.
- Low-Calorie: Stick to the grilled chicken sandwich (400 cal) or a side salad.
- Keto-Friendly: Get any sandwich as a bowl. The Classic Beef Bowl is perfect.
Regional Differences I've Noticed
I've been to Portillo's in Illinois, California, and Florida, and while the menu is mostly consistent, there are some differences:
- California locations sometimes have additional healthy options
- Florida locations might have seasonal items tailored to warmer weather
- Chicago locations tend to have the most extensive menus and often get new items first
The Portillo's Experience
Here's what makes Portillo's special beyond just the food:
The atmosphere takes you back to the 1960s with vintage décor and music. The open kitchen lets you watch your food being made. The staff actually seems happy to be there (probably because they get to eat the food). And those chocolate cake shakes? They're made with real cake – you can see them put a whole slice in the blender!
My Final Thoughts
Look, I've eaten at a lot of places, and Portillo's holds a special place in my heart (and stomach). Yes, it's a bit pricier than your average fast food joint, but you're paying for quality. The Italian beef alone is worth the trip.
If you're a first-timer, here's my recommended order:
- Regular Italian Beef, wet, with sweet and hot peppers
- Small cheese fries
- Chocolate cake shake (small, trust me, it's rich)
Total damage? About $20-25, but you'll be talking about this meal for weeks.
Is Portillo's perfect? No. The lines can be long, especially at peak times. The calories can add up quickly (did you see those numbers?). And once you've had their Italian beef, every other sandwich will pale in comparison.
But that's a risk I'm willing to take. See you in line – I'll be the one debating between getting my Italian beef wet or dipped!
