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| - Ive always heard people from Chicago mention this place. They seem to swoon with joy as they reminisce over Italian Beef and Hot dogs from here. I didn't visit this establishment in Chicago because I didn't feel it was going to be worth my time. Jump forward from time and into the present and Im eating Portillo's in Phoenix. I was quite shocked to find they branched out of Illinois, but then again, fast food can go wherever it pleases.
Let me say that I have seen the amount of widly different reviews for this place. Some bed-wetters were complaining about things that dont even involve the food (such as parking and how the food is wrapped). Some people, based on their pictures, were served some god awful food (the sloppy dogs and burnt ribs were cringe worthy). Im not going to defend an establishment that may not do everything right, but my review only stands for what I had on the day I had it. Otherwise, look closely at what people order or dont order.
Walking in, I felt like I was this hybrid of modern times meets 1950's Chicago. I almost thought it was realized that was just a setup. It was quite busy and they had a ton of workers buzzing around with all the orders written on the back of the bags. I figured I would go for the Italian Beef and Sausage combo, since several people mentioned it. I got hot peppers and onions with mine, as well as extra gravy (the dipped sandwich idea sounds like soggy bread to me). In some hope of not completely destroying my body, I also ordered a fruit cup that I picked up from a completely different location of the building. I may not understand their system, but it appears to work for them.
The sandwich was much better than I thought it was gonna be. I knew this place was upscale fast food, but I see now how Chicago natives could get excited over a place like this. The sausage was huge, packed with a meaty, juicy punch in every bite. The italian beef was also moist, although I thought the sausage stood out a little more in flavor. The "gravy" only kept the meat taste continuous in the high notes. The veggies had a good burn without feeling overwhelming. The bread is something Im still trying to decipher. Its firm when served without any gravy, but because of the gravy and juices, it gets soft, but not unbearably soggy. I have a feeling this is the style that this bread was made for, but Im so use to having firm bread. This is more of a note on my personal preference, but its worth mentioning. Their fruit cups are a solid choice (they at least appear and feel fresh).
I was quite pleased with my sandwich here. Its definitely simple in its approach, but satisfies the craving for a meat sandwich. I hope that whoever visits here visits on a good day.
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