The homegrown Chicago fast-food icon for Chicago-style dogs, Italian beef, and chocolate cake shakes. This River North location, with its Prohibition-era theming, is the go-to for visitors. Order at the counter, keep the line moving. Cheap, fast, and genuinely good. Open daily until 1am.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Tue 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Wed 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Thu 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Fri 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Sat 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM Sun 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA Red Line to Grand (5-min walk); Brown/Purple to Chicago; bus 65 Grand |
| Time needed | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time to go | Mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner rushes |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.8/10- Value8.5
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a meal cost?
- A dog or combo meal runs roughly $8-$14. It's affordable, filling fast food, and portions are generous. The cake shake is worth the few extra dollars.
- Is there seating?
- Yes, this location is large with themed dining rooms and plenty of seating, plus a drive-thru. It rarely feels impossible to find a table despite the crowds.
- What should I order at Portillo's?
- A Chicago dog, an Italian beef (dipped, hot), crinkle-cut fries, and the famous chocolate cake shake. If you can't decide between beef and sausage, get the combo.
- What's a Chicago-style hot dog?
- An all-beef dog on a poppyseed bun 'dragged through the garden': yellow mustard, chopped onion, sweet relish, tomato, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. And never ketchup. Portillo's does the classic version well.
- Is it open late?
- Yes, this location is open daily from 10am to 1am, making it a solid late-night option in River North after bars or a show.
- What is the chocolate cake shake?
- A milkshake with an entire slice of their chocolate cake blended in. It's rich and famous for a reason. Split one if you're also eating a full meal.
- How does the ordering line work?
- You order at the counter, they call your number, and it moves surprisingly fast even when packed. Know your order before you reach the register to keep things flowing.
- Is Portillo's a local Chicago place or a chain?
- Both. It started in Villa Park in 1963 as a hot dog stand and grew into a beloved regional chain. This River North spot is the main city location and a legit taste of Chicago fast food.
Nearby in Ask Chicago
- Lou Malnati's PizzeriaRestaurant0.43 km · 5 min walk
- Magnificent MileNeighborhood0.53 km · 7 min walk
- The Purple PigRestaurant0.58 km · 7 min walk
- Headquarters BeercadeBar0.6 km · 7 min walk
- Chicago RiverwalkAttraction0.66 km · 8 min walk
Where to stay near Portillo's Hot Dogs
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score