Since we were out and about in Tempe Market Place, Meg and I decided to try Portillo's. we'd heard quite a bit about the place and figured we'd give it a try. In hindsight, we probably should have just kept driving home.
To start, I tried one of the chili hot dogs and fries. The dog was definitely as advertised; Tasted exactly like a Vienna sausages you get out of the canned foods aisle. And the chili tasted like they took a few steps down the same aisle to grab a can of Hormel. And to complete the shopping experience they took a stroll over to the freezer aisle for some good ol' Ore-Ida Crinkle Fries.
However, in the spirit of giving them a solid try, we decided to try the dipped Italian beef based off multiple recommendations here. I'll give Portillo's on thing, they are consistent! Nothing like discount brand deli sliced roast beef drowned in with some poorly mixed Lawry's gravy then stuff in a bun and drowned again before flopping it on a plate. Was a greasy, salty mess of yuck!
Seriously it all tasted like I could have taken the exact same grocery trip and made the dogs, chili, fries, roast beef and gravy at home. It's possible that it was a really off day for Portillo's but I sincerely doubt I will be back to give them another chance.