Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Hot Dogs
Top 100 Restaurant, Chicago
"Welcome to Portillo's Hot Dogs, Inc., started in 1963 by Dick Portillo in a small trailer and soon will be operating in 31 locations. His dedication to serving 'the best food' and 'the best service' available will make it worth your visit. ... Come enjoy what we hope you will find to be the best hot dog, Italian beef, Maxwell Street Polish, tasty burgers, fresh salads and more at any of our locations. Bring the kids and ENJOY!"
– Portillo's website
"This building [on Ontario Street], flashy both inside and out, is perhaps the capstone of owner Dick Portillo's famous chain of stores offering what he calls 'the finest in Chicago street food.'"
– Chicago Tribune
"Not much in this world is perfect. The Chicago hot dog is perfect.
* Diced onion
* Tomato wedges
* Pickle relish the color of Kryptonite
* Yellow mustard
* A few sport peppers
* A dill pickle spear
* A shake of celery salt
There's your classic Chicago style dog, a perfect teaming of tastes and colors and textures. Also there's a bonus, the 'snap' as your teeth sink through the casing–like Chicagoans themselves, a little resistant at first, and then so welcoming. We don't have to mention, no ketchup! None! Ever! Do we?"
– Charles Leroux, Chicago Tribune