Number 7, now you are closer to heaven; pick your order…read more I will never forget the poetic server who called you to pick up your order. It's a shame I didn't get his name, but how can you have a bad day listening to him create lines back-to-back with such calm? The ambiance is lively, the decoration has a Midwestern theme full of famous individuals who have visited Portillo's. The hot dog hit the spot, and for less than $5 (Chicago hot dog) one can't complain.

Kari's Rating 8/10…read more As someone who is always at This Portillo is considering it's very close to where I live, it was decently busy this Sunday evening around 7:30. There was a large cluster of individuals in line to use the kiosk because they seem too scared to talk to a human-even though there's absolutely no line to talk to the women up front. It's kind of sad realize how antisocial people have become but also, I know it's beneficial to use a kiosk for the company because they're getting really fast data results, people tend to add more of their order because they're not being watched and they're able to do it in an antisocial way. Honestly, it's actually really fascinating. This place is always busy so as normal, we waited for about 20 minutes. It's OK, it looked like they were a little bit short staffed as 95% of the population of the restaurant was waiting in line. It's usually backed up at this location as it's super busy and very popular but tonight, I can't tell if it's because they're just backed up, or if no one can hear the number because they use those funny one liners after each number which makes it harder to hear the actual number called. I think this location-as it is mostly a tourist spot-is usually very clean. Tonight, it was not. I think it might've just been that one table around us, but whoever sat there before the fries were all strewn about and the sauces were all over the table cloths and there were napkins everywhere, and it just looked kind of bad. Since it's not normally like this, I figured it just was a one off or it might've just happened.

Sabor no more. Must be new owners. I've been going here for 20 years and this little corner had it…read moreall. But now, not even the puertorican accent . The food was ok, or so-so...which is bad considering their history. The lechón was mediocre, no seasoning (before you could see it on there.) now it looks like chicken or turkey. The alcapurrias were super greasy, hollow (?) and flavorless. Alcapurrias should be more substantial, not super soft like these. The rice was ok, but again it had no authentic flavor. The pastelillos (ground beef empanadas) were thin and dry. They may have been from yesterday. The passion fruit juice (parcha) is still delicious and the only good thing I had, besides Coco Rico soda. They must have new owners trying to mimic old recipes because this was our second chance attempt. We will now go to La Bomba, Jibaritos y Más or Las Palmas when they open.

My co-worker and I headed over to "El Secreto del Sabor" food truck and grabbed a quick lunch…read morebefore driving back to our store for the closing shift. She's Mexican but told me about this place. She said there are several food trucks stationed in Humboldt Park, yet this one is her favorite. I believe I had Puerto Rican food before when I was out and about in the city, though I never paid attention to any aromatic mobile vehicle in this neighborhood. Umm...Rosa J., did I not tell you to stay vigilant? Fortunately I had some cash on hand. I scrambled $7 for an order of bistec mixta, which came with arroz. Wow, the rice was SO fresh, and the steak was easy to chew and flavorful. When the young lady was preparing for my food, I was staring at a copious amount of "frituras." They smelled heavenly and were definitely soliciting my taste bud. Well, I gotta get back to work. Fried food doesn't mesh too well with my working stomach. Surely we will meet each other again when I have a day off. I didn't see any credit card machine inside the truck, so I have no doubt it is cash-only. I didn't really notice if their hours were posted on the exterior. I bet it depends based on weather or seasonality.

A LOCAL CLASSIC! I…read moreloved this spot so much I ended up coming back twice. It has that classic late night comfort food vibe and feels like one of those staple spots you have to try at least once. First night I ordered a polish hot dog with everything on it and a fish sandwich w/ extra grilled onions. Super cool that your order comes with fries and I added a cheese cup both times. In my opinion the fries were mid the first go around, but second time they were better. Definitely tasted better dipped in cheese. They were kinda airy in texture, if that makes sense. Polish hot dog was around a 6.5-7/10 for me. It did taste better warmed up the next day. What I was most obsessed with was the double cheeseburger and fish sandwich! both were easily a 10/10. Super good prices and worth the money. Also, the chile peppers were sooo bomb and hotter than I expected ! I wanted to eat them all, but they were packing some serious heat! The lemon Italian ice is where it's at, make sure to order one! You can also mix it with strawberry, but both times people recommended the lemon and now I see why. The line gets super active and busy past 10-11pm, but during the daytime it's way less crowded. Even when it gets packed the line moves pretty quick. They stay open late and close at 1am which is nice.

Taste: 5 Creativity/Authenticity: 5…read moreAtmosphere: 3 Service: 5 Bang for your buck: 4 Chicago known for hotdogs, pizza, Italian beef and popcorn!! I didn't get it but after a long night that hotdog killed it!! Got the polish original and the all beef and both were banging!! And the fries wth is up with Chicago and their amazing fries!? Service here as good as it gets fast and easy. And price man worth it!!

I had read about how Fatso's does the char dog. I made this my last meal in Chicago…read more I went with a char dog, depression style, an order of fries, and a side of the Merkts cheddar. How was it? Fries- Delicious! Fresh cut fries, made right in front of you. They were great! Huge portion, too! Merkts Cheddar Sauce- Hell yeah! Give me a gallon of this, and I will chug it! Such a tasty cheese sauce. Loved dipping my fries in it. Great combo! Char Dog- This dog was delicious! Great char, great toppings. My only beef would be the bun. It definitely could have been more soft/steamed and fresh. It held up pretty well, but there were a couple bites where it broke and flaked apart. Hate when that happens. Still...didn't ruin the overall experience. Had a great last meal in Chicago before I headed to the airport.

Fatso's Last Stand delivers exactly what its name promises: unapologetically indulgent, old-school…read morecomfort food done right. The burgers are the shining stars -- juicy, generously sized, and cooked to perfection with toppings that strike the perfect balance of classic and creative. Whether you go for a stacked cheeseburger, bacon-loaded option, or a specialty creation, the patties are flavorful and satisfyingly beefy, with a great char and use of quality ingredients that keeps diners coming back. Beyond burgers, the menu also features hearty eats like crispy fries, loaded sandwiches, and thick milkshakes, all served with a no-frills attitude that lets the food speak for itself. Service at Fatso's Last Stand matches the laid-back but attentive vibe of the restaurant -- staff are friendly, efficient, and know regulars by name, creating a welcoming, neighborhood-favorite energy. While the pace can get lively during peak hours, especially on weekends, the team handles the rush with good humor and keeps orders moving. The ambiance is casual and retro in all the right ways, with diner-style seating and a comfortable, unpretentious environment that makes it perfect for relaxed lunches, casual dinners with friends, or late-night burger runs. It's not fancy, but when your focus is on big, delicious burgers and familiar comfort food, Fatso's delivers exactly what you're craving.

Johnnie's was literally our first stop in Chicago -- suitcases in tow! It was at the very top of my…read morehusband's list of places to try, so we grabbed an Uber straight from the airport and headed there before doing anything else. It absolutely lived up to the hype. For only $7, the Italian beef sandwich was incredibly tender, juicy, savory, and packed with flavor. Even with how popular the place is, the line moved surprisingly fast and the whole experience felt easy and efficient. Our only regret was having to fight the urge to order a second sandwich! We had another meal planned and needed to save room, but we easily could have eaten another one. Such a great first taste of Chicago and definitely worth the stop.

Johnnie's Beef was one of those Chicago stops I was really looking forward to, and it absolutely…read morelived up to what I hoped for. It's a small, no-frills, old-school spot where you walk in, know what you want, pay cash, and watch your food come together almost instantly. I got the Italian beef and fries. The beef was easily my favorite. It had so much flavor, and getting the bun dipped was absolutely the right move. The fries were simple but hit the spot; crispy, fresh, and basically what you'd expect a fast-food fry would taste like. What stood out to me most was how genuinely original the whole place feels. The little building, the outdoor tables, the cash-only setup, the fast-moving line, and the way everyone seems to know exactly what they're doing all add to the experience. You order, they make it right in front of you. Pick it up and go. I can see why people make a point of coming here. It's not just about getting an Italian beef sandwich; it feels like getting a little piece of Chicago. The food is simple, but it has so much character. Nothing feels overdone or reinvented; it's just a classic done really well. Definitely a place I'd come back to next time I'm in Chicago.

When I heard about a joint known for its pork chop sandwiches, I was intrigued but also skeptical…read more Would the pork chop be tender enough to work in a sandwich? The answer is absolutely. This is one magnificent sandwich. The pork chop is indeed super tender and super flavorful, and it's enhanced by the copious sautéed onions. The soft, fresh bread is the perfect vehicle for the whole thing. Oh, and the included fries are excellent, as well. I really, truly wish we had places like this in Canada. It's just so different and so good.

Does anyone else love to just drive by MWS and just enjoy the smell? If you know- you know. I do,…read moreI have my whole life and outside of just talking about how good it smells - it's equally a consistent/good fast food spot. This is cash only(atm inside) walk up to window/order type of spot. I believe it's also open 24/7, great for a light night eat - especially if you've had a beer or two lol. Service is fast, food is standard in pricing and above all - the food is good. Is this the best hot dogs/burgers in Chicago - nope. What it does do is give you the same good experience time and time again, and that's why I'll always come back if I'm feeling a greasier/filling type of meal!

Had the opportunity to try Cheesies!…read more They had a food truck up at an event I was at and my boyfriend's brother recommended I try the Tenderizer! In between two pieces of Texas toast there was cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, bacon crumbles, fried chicken tenders, drizzled with sweet baby rays sauce, ranch, and hot sauce. Each bite had so much delicious flavors going on! It was impossible not to love! What a comforting sandwich! Next time I would love to try the Mac and cheese grilled cheese!

You can't mess up a grilled cheese. This place uses very soft and thick bread that soaks up butter…read morefor a crispy outside but soft inside. I got "The Mac" mac & cheese grilled cheese and fries. It didn't feel heavy/greasy which I appreciated. It's a very creative food truck and would recommend trying it if you see it. I got my order within 5 minutes of ordering.

This is the hot dog stand situated near the exit of the Home Depot on Kimball and Addison…read more After eying it with suspicion for the last few years I just grabbed a hot dog and it was a solid not bad. Frankly, it was the lone bright spot in another frustrating trip to the increasingly over priced hardware store devoid of staff. Even those you manage to tackle near paint seem unable to answer even the simplest of questions. The kid working the stand was nice. The fixin's seemed fresh. The dog was all beef and had some snap. The pop was frosty cold. A solid not bad across the board. I don't think I'll ever pull into the parking lot for only a polish, but if I need lumber I'll definitely grab a snack.

I stopped by the other day for lunch and picked up a jumbo dog and a polish. The jumbo was very…read moregood and the Polish was nothing special. I am planning to stop by there again and try their temales along with a jumbo dog.

We had Joe and his hot dog cart at our son's backyard birthday party this weekend and it was a HIT!…read moreThe hot dogs were absolutely delicious and Joe was incredible to work with! We will definitely be asking him back for other events in the future... Highly recommend!

Open again for 2025! Old school hot dog cart, plenty of parking and benches in the area.read more