Portillos Champaign - Champaign
Tiffani Real By Tiffani Real
I had never heard of Portillo’s before. They’re an Illinois staple that recently opened a location in Kennesaw, Georgia, and Chicago natives were thrilled to get a taste of home. Folks unfamiliar with Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef, on the other hand, were busy complaining about the “wet” sandwiches. Some people just don’t get it.
Funny thing is, I was driving through Illinois when I spotted a Portillo’s sign for the first time ever and decided to stop. Best decision. The woman who helped me—didn’t catch her name—was super friendly and walked me through the menu. I ordered a croissant sandwich, added hot peppers, and got the gravy on the side. Baby… heaven. And the French fries? They took me straight back to childhood. They actually tasted real.
I even downloaded the app, though I missed the cutoff for the free fries—my bad. Still worth it. The restaurant itself was a whole vibe, from the décor to the energy. And let me tell you, the real surprise hit in the restroom: spotless, and it smelled fruity—like cherries. Yes, that matters.
I don’t have another restaurant to compare Portillo’s to, so I’m calling it like I see it. Big, fat 10 out of 10.
#Portillos #ChicagoEats #FoodieLife #CantGiveUpMeat #RealEats


