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    Portillo's Elgin

    2.8 (271 reviews)
    ModerateHot Dogs, Salad, Burgers
    Open 10:00 am - 11:30 pm

    Portillo's Elgin Photos

    PORTILLO'S ELGIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Portillo's Elgin

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    Annette M.

    We stopped in for lunch as my husband couldn't stop talking about the Big Burger Bundle deal. For $9.99 you get a burger, fries and drink. I had mine without the bun since Portillo's doesn't have gluten free buns. The burger was perfectly cooked with a nice char and all the fresh toppings were great although it needed to be eaten with a plastic knife and fork. The place has a 1950's diner vibe and the staff keeps it very clean. My only complaint is the design of the building that requires walking across the drive thru lane to get in from the parking lot.

    Italian beef with hot peppers. TINY AMOUNT OF BEEF! Bread looks smaller as well. Not the first time this happened either. Disappointing.

    Used to LOVE Portillos. Would go few times a month. Until the last few times we went. My husband always gets the Italian beef sandwich. It has SHRUNK significantly but prices keep rising. The meat inside the bread does NOT look like the professional photos here on Yelp. The small amount of beef that you now get is ridiculous!!!! We are done paying for a piece of bread. Even photos from customers on here from 3+ years ago look much bigger with a lot more beef overflowing the bread. We are so disappointed that Portillo's will not be our place to eat anymore. Not worth the price.

    Last time I got a cheeseburger it was still partially raw. This time I ordered a cheeseburger, the just left out the BURGER all together. After a 25min round trip I get home to buns, cheese, mustard and lettuce...nothing else. I called and did receive a refund, but just for the burger and fries. Nothing else for my inconvenience, nothing above and beyond. A completely underwhelming response from a restaurant that has completely gone downhill. Im done with this location.

    Supposedly a chopped salad. Not edible. Disgusting.
    Laura E.

    World's most pathetic chopped salad with wilted lettuce and no real lettuce involved. Do better.

    This location is terrible.. Their portions are half or a third of the other locations. This is the 3rd time [and last for sure] ordering from this place. The "big beef" is a $12+ sandwich with sweet peppers. There is no beef and only 2 sweet peppers? Wtf? Ever since Dick sold this place, the quality has sucked. I would suggest finding another beef spot. At least another Portillo's location. This one is garbage.

    Fries and my wrapped-up plant-based dog
    Hanna O.

    In an ever-changing world, Portillo's is a constant that delivers a solid meal EVERY time. It has been MONTHS since I last ate at Portillo's and I finally satisfied my craving for a plant-based dog and those iconic crinkle cut fries. For folks who are unfamiliar with this place, Portillo's is an iconic spot with 50's-esque retro decor. The mood in every restaurant is always pleasant, uplifting, and joyful. The folks working here are always so kind; from the crew members who take our orders, to the line cooks who prep our food, all the way to the folks who call out orders when they're ready. SOLID and iconic! My family and I ate in, each ordering our go-to orders; my sister - the chopped salad, my mom - the hamburger, myself - the plant-based dog. Although the vegetarian options are limited, the plant-based dog and its wholesome goodness are enough for me! Each of us enjoyed our order, leaving no crumbs behind. As always, Portillo's is a fast-casual dining spot I recommend to everyone whenever they are in town or are local/looking for a quick and delicious meal!

    What do you think?  Is this an $11 sandwich?

    Ordered a combo with sweet peppers. $11 sandwich. I keep trying to like Portillo's but it's just not the same as prior owner.

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    3 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    23 days ago

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    5 months ago

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    1 month ago

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    1 month ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 month ago

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    1 month ago

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    7 months ago

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    7 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    5 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Food wasn't as good as it used to be. Bathrooms were disgusting, and the employees barely noticed I was there

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food. The service was fast and friendly. I love the eclectic decor. Just a fun place to go too and eat.

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    2 years ago

    Whoever is on the fries stop putting so much salt on the fries seriously every time i get my food in the drive thru my fries are super salty

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Food is well prepared although very busy service is relatively quick and if you eat indoors, it's a fun view with all the antiques

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    In the "I'll never order it again" category, had the pepper& egg sandwich for dinner. Dried up eggs, uncooked peppers.

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    Ask the Community - Portillo's Elgin

    The Dogfather

    The Dogfather

    3.8
    (262 reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $

    The last 2 times i ordered pick up, A mature woman (over 30?) Was kind, professional and and…read moreperfectly friendly. This was refreshing. Since our first visits, which were ONLY to pickup some corndogs, we have ventured further into their menu items. THIS is SIGNIFICANTLY better than just a good "hot dog joint!" The menu items SEEM routine but the thought that has gone into these menu items completely won us over. When you order JUST GET IT AS DESCRIBED, because it certainly appears that great thought went into the selections. i am not posting pictures as there is no need. Everything looks the same as it does on the menu.

    We were regulars under the old ownership- so todays visit was the first time we were trying with…read morethe new ownership. As always, when a restaurant you once loved gets new owners, you never know what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised! The food tasted almost exactly like how I remembered. We got two cheese dogs, one with just cheese and ketchup and one with cheese, ketchup, mustard relish and tomato. We also got cheese fries and onion rings (onion rings not pictured). The portions are nice and a small order for the onion rings and cheese fry were the perfect size for my mom and I to split. The cheese sauce is not just an artificial nacho cheese and was the perfect compliment. The onion ring batter was not greasy and had the perfect crunch. The inside was clean and updated. This is the standard "hole in the wall" set up that is perfect for locals. It's not crowded with tables, since there are about 6 true booths and then higher tops along the back wall. I could imagine it may be difficult to find seating on a Friday or Saturday night when it's busier, so be prepared. The pricing is a little different than it used to be, but everything in the world is now more expensive so can't complain! That being said- the pricing isn't ridiculous, it was $26 for all our food and drinks. I'd say this is very doable considering the area we live in isn't super cheap. The service was quick considering the food is made to order and not just sitting out. We waited about 10 minutes for our food and that was with 3 orders in front of us. My only recommendations would be: 1. I wish when I checked out they would have told me the bun for the cheese dog is plain and not poppy seed. My mom ordered a Chicago style dog with cheese sauce so hers was poppyseed, whereas mine was just plain. The food was still tasty though so I'm not upset! 2. I wish the cheese sauce cup was just slightly larger but there was still a decent amount 3. I was a little confused upon arrival because the menu wraps around the front of the cashier- not a big deal, I just lacked awareness :) Overall, my food was great, the quality was there, I walked out full and satisfied and had a great experience! I will definitely be going back, which I'm glad about because this was once a family favorite and I'm happy to keep it that way!

    Photos
    You can't find this too many places in this area and it's a reason I'll use to go back!
    You can't find this too many places in this area and it's a reason I'll use to go back!
    Cheese Dog, Chicago Style Hot Dog, Cheese Fries
    Cheese Dog, Chicago Style Hot Dog, Cheese Fries
    The Dogfather

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    Diana's Red Hots

    Diana's Red Hots

    4.3
    (83 reviews)
    14.2 mi
    $

    My local go-to Chicago style hot dog place closed so I'm on the look out. Small place with a few…read moretables, was really hot inside. People must like them, they had people waiting when we got there, more came while we were waiting & they got a few phone orders. Huge menu from hot dogs & italian beef to tacos & nachos. We ordered a combo sandwich, hot dog, 2 pizza puffs & 2 fries = $38. Seemed a little high to me. The food was ok. The beef in the combo was bland but the sausage was pretty spicy. The guy taking orders was very friendly, guys making the food were fast & efficient. Seemed like a great team! However between the price & not being knocked out by the food, we'll keep looking.

    Me and my wife recently stopped her while we were in the area to see what was featured here. I…read moreenjoy the location of the hot dog joint just because everything around it is ethnic business wise. I ordered some hot dogs to dine in while my wife ran out to grab some Ethiopian food next door. The food here was great but i felt that the staff just wanted to rush me out of there even though there wasn't any other clients at all. Food here is solid and it hit the spot really well. Prices here are just a bit High but is a small family business so understandable. Place is showing its age a bit too. Overall, solid recommend to stop at for casual visit.

    Photos
    Pizza puff
    Pizza puff
    Storefront for Diana's
    Storefront for Diana's
    Sunday Special of Gyro and Fries at Diana's

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    Sunday Special of Gyro and Fries at Diana's
    Jester's Fast Food

    Jester's Fast Food

    4.4
    (159 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $$

    I was looking for a quick place in Elgin because I was going to see a play downtown. Wasn't sure…read morewhat I wanted either, but I generally like Greek fast food places. Stopped in for dinner with my wife. I got the cheeseburger special (fries and a drink). I will say it was good, but a bit heavy on the added mustard. Most places go heavier on the ketchup side, but this was mustard heavy. Fries were good. Wife got the Greek chicken. She never finishes her meal so I always get to comment on both dishes. I have to say the Greek chicken was outstanding. Really flavorful. I had her wing, leg and part of the breast. The rice was tender and yummy. Small piece of garlic bread but was also good. Greek potatoes were really good too. I made a mistake. I should have ordered what she had. It was that good. I wish I took a photo, but the food was devoured so quickly. The service was long, but Thats to be expected when you order chicken dishes. Only two other people in the restaurant and both had the Greek chicken as well. I want to go back, but it's too far unless I decide to take on another play in the area. Workers in the restaurant were very nice and friendly. They thanked us for dining with them. I like that.

    Fast service. Food was always hot and trash. I mainly go for the hotdog specials which is two dogs…read morefries and drink. Their burgers are good especially the mushroom burger. There is a service charge if you use the card but if pay cash you do not have the Cc surcharge. Service very friendly fast and I am very happy with my meals I eaten there. Also they have inside tables. Highly recommend.

    Photos
    Jester's Fast Food
    Gyro meal
    Gyro meal
    Jester's Fast Food

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    Dawg Park

    Dawg Park

    3.8
    (70 reviews)
    9.2 mi
    $$

    Really cool place that is dog friendly! Although we didn't have our pup with us, I know he would…read morehave loved it! We came here on a Monday night (also Presidents' Day) so we were the only ones in there. I got a burger with sweet potato fries which was good but nothing to boast about. My husband got their chili cheese dog (also nothing to boast about) and their Chicago hot dog. He said the Chi dog was the best chi dog he's ever tasted and that the celery salt on the bun was a nice touch. The kids share some chicken nuggets and fries. They had games inside (connect four, giant jenga, etc.) and swings which makes it really fun. They also serve the food in dog bowls to which my daughter was really confused about lol.

    When you first walk in you see a beautiful painted wall mural of dogs playing in a park. The…read morerestaurant was very clean. They have wooden floors, comfortable booths, and nice wooden tables with patio type chairs to give you that outside dining experience but actually being indoors. There is a Ms. PacMan / Galaga game and a toy locker claw machine. Some yard games: Huge Jenga and two connect 4. There is a outdoor single swing anchored to the ceiling and two TV's on the wall. The food was served in dog bowls lined with paper. It was hard to eat the sandwiches because the bread was cut all the way through. I would have loved for them to cut the sandwich in half. It was a little awkward to eat. The Philly Steak sandwich was good but was not very full, it could have used more meat. The Pulled Pork Sandwich was good but would have been better with a little more meat. The Hot Motz were great - 8 for $7.99 which is a great price! I wanted to try the Poppin Pierogi but they did not have any... hopefully next time. I recommend giving this place a try. Especially if you have a dog and kids and are traveling or passing through the area during meal time! There was a beautiful sweet golden retriever chilling out in the fake grass (people watching - so cute) We will be back again and will most likely order burgers. #kidfriendly #dogfriendly

    Photos
    Large fries.
    Large fries.
    Shake menu.
    Shake menu.
    To go order.

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    To go order.

    Portillo's Elgin - hotdog - Updated June 2026

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