Jim F.

Portillo's is the kind of place I'd frequent if it were closer to home (Louisville), but it's not so I have to wait for our every-few-monthly visits to Fort Wayne to get Portillo's awesomeness. I 100% love the throwback/legacy vibe of Portillo's. It's like a 50s diner with lots of red and chrome, with signage and memorabilia dating back (in most cases) to a time before I was born. I absolutely love the malt shop interior and the music that harkens back to a more innocent, less responsible time. Revolving door? A definite plus! Ordering is a breeze, with a live person standing there to take your order. No impersonal order kiosks here! (if you're wondering if that's a slam towards other national fast food eateries that prefer you order from a touch pad instead of a person, the answer to that is a resounding YES!). Any questions you may have about the food, that person has your answer. (Order kiosks do not.) On this particular visit I was Jonesing for a Chicago style hot dog. Luckily they have a combo for that! Two.... (yes, TWO) Chicago Style dogs, fries and a drink. Seeing that made Jim happy. And it's here where we come to my only issue with Portillo's. "What kind of drink would you like with your meal?" "Dr. Pepper®, please" "I'm sorry, we don't have Dr. Pepper®." (audible gasp) "Do you have Pibb®?" "No, we don't have that either." (audible sigh) "Ok, then, how about Coke®?" "YES, we have Coke®!" After ordering (and getting your non-Dr. Pepper®), you sit at the table and wait for your order number to be called. Looking around is like taking a step back in time, with LPs and 45s dotting the walls, vintage signage and movie posters all over the place. When they call your order number they do a little rhyme-y thing with it. I don't recall with they said (something like "Order 84 - Out the Door!"), but it fun and clever. Food delivery never takes along, and it's delivered in a paper bag on a heavy plastic tray. And it was deliver fast and hot. The fries were seriously too-hot at first. Now THAT is fresh food! The Chicago dogs were Spot-Freakin'-On! Seriously, the only thing that could have been better about them would be to have actually been IN Chicago. Go to Portillo's. It's fun. It's retro. You'll have a good time.

Aaron D.

I have a weak spot for Portillo's. While I prefer the sandwiches in Lincoln Park, these are pretty spectacular. I like them dipped in sauce and sauce on the side.

Ebenezer's Anni L.

Why would a restaurant with a drive thru refuse to take cash in the drive thru?!?!! I had to go in. Hot dogs, burgers, chicken, and dessert on the menu. Food made fresh. Was able to a hot dog with just extra mustard and small onion rings. Both was way above average. Lots of setting but place is loud. Interesting decor. Will try one closer to home now.

Missi R.

Portillo's really has an efficient drive-thru experience. Considering the large variety of food options on their menu, and the amount of business (busy!!) I am always amazed at how quickly and efficiently the drive-thru operates. And it is nice to have an actual person to take your order face-to face rather than a speaker. My orders have always been 100% correct. I usually do order ahead on the app, but sometimes (like today) I make a spur-of-the-moment decision to come here so then I utilize the drive-thru. The menu has enough variety to please everyone, so if you can't decide just head for Portillo's. The famous Chicago style hot dogs and grilled polish sausage, veggie dogs, Italian beef, fish sandwich, grilled portobello, chili, chicken, burgers, unique salads, shakes, desserts, and more. Don't forget to order a side of Giardiniera sauce with your fries. Save room for dessert because the chocolate cake is legendary.

Antonio R.

We tried this place one, for the reviews, and second, because I had never had this burgers and decided to put them to the test. I would say I was happily surprised to have a delicious burger. I had the cheeseburger with bacon, and I'll tell you, even though I ordered them through the drive through, their bun was so soft and tasty, and the meat was fresh and tasty as well, that I now understood why the long line to order. Their fries were also really good. My wife ordered a hotdog but she did not see a big difference with any other place. So far we have tried them two times and in both occasions they were really good. Next time I'll come inside to try them directly out of the kitchen. Definitely coming back!

Kim M.

My goodness. I hadn't tried Portillo's in quite sometime. I find that things are very much the same. My sandwich - the fish - was boxed with no other wrappings- this allows for sweat - which causes soggy bread. Oh well, que sara, sara. I pulled up to the drive thru, ordered the fish and sat for 30 mins waiting in line. I felt so bad, I was what they call the lead car, the first in line, they had to hand deliver orders behind me. I asked for the fish without tartar sauce and thus simple request caused 39 mins in delay. They don't seem to be prepared in both preparation and product. I think I'm over it.

Allison B.

This place is quick and clean. I haven't had bad service here yet. I ordered my Italian beef with the gravy on the side for the first time - usually I get it dipped. While the dipped version is definitely messier, I think I prefer it over the dry version. The dry sandwich roll is quite crunchy - not bad just not how I prefer it. I like that their fries are crispy and typically salted just right. The small portion is pretty large IMO. I like to dip them in the gravy. I tried the giardinara dip for the first time but it's not what I expected. I imagined a more zesty acidic sauce mimicking giardinara but it reminded me of a yellow curry crossed with thousand island dressing, a bit sweet and definitely a spice flavor but not hot. The restaurant has a lot of seating and they do have a couple beers on tap if you want over at the dessert counter. I believe yesterday they had Gumballl Head and Blue Moon.

Wright S.

Hot Dogs ! Hot Dogs ! This was my hit on the menu. I love how when you go in you are directed to whole new menu in front. The servers are quick with your order.

Jim J.

I like normal regular buns. They do not have those here. Seeds on the chili cheese dog bun? No thanks. Chili beans on my chili dog?? No thanks. A weird hamburger bun?? No thanks. If you like normal just stick to the italian beef and don't ask for proviolone. Onion rings and fries are good.

Dale B.

I need to keep in mind that my first visit is about 4 weeks from the grand opening and was at 5:45pm on a Saturday night. That said...I will give this place another try and urge you to try it as well. The facility is brand spanking new, clean and in great shape. There was plenty of staff on hand to make this business model work. I don't mind the order then sit and wait for your number to be called concept. On this evening we had to wait about 10 minutes for an uncomfortable table for three to open up. Hunting down a table is a skill that you better have if you are going to dine here in a busy hour. The tables were packed tight. Unfortunately we sat near the garbage can where we were blocked several times by the bus team from accessing our table. The facility is very loud. You must go stand at the pick up counter to hear when your order is ready. On this evening...the gentleman calling out orders was very entertaining as he rhymed his words and one guy broke out in song. Note: the crowd at the pick area is so dense that fighting your way to the front to get a soda refill from behind the counter was very uncomfortable. For dinner I had a chili dog and sides. The chili dog was okay. The dog was tasty and warm. The chili sauce was a bit runny but sweet. I would have liked to seen a thicker chili sauce with more hamburger taste. The cole slaw and onion rings were excellent. The slaw was creamy but not too heavy with mayo. The slaw is fresh - delicious! The onion rings are moderately breaded which is fried to a nice crisp. The fried breading is darker than maybe a normal tan appearance. These rings were excellent as well. This facility has a nice outdoor seating area. I anticipate that this will be an attractive option nice it stops snowing in June lol.

Charlie O.

This location in Fort Wayne is comparable to the one in Chicago. Good food and atmosphere just as I remember. Everything we ordered was good. Chocolate cake was not too sweet as well which is a plus. Will definitely be back!