Portillo's in Chicago

**GaryJohnson** · 09-08-2009, 11:15 PM

Giordano's is pretty meh. I mean, it's a decent way to get a good idea of what a "real" Chicago stuffed pizza is all about & whatever, but most/all actual Chicagoans I know go for thin crust.

I would hit up Hot Doug's before Portillo's. Hot Doug's is breathtaking. Make sure to go on a Friday or Saturday when they're serving duck fat french fries (best fries I've ever had). They blow Portillo's out of the water (kind of a different beast, but still).

**cyclonedave25** · 09-08-2009, 11:17 PM

Thanks for all of the input! Sounds like a long list of great places to eat at.

**alarson** · 09-08-2009, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by herbicide

I wouldn't call myself a counessiour of hotdogs, but it is the best one I've had.

Where are some better ones at?

Pink's Hollywood.
Pinks Hot Dogs

**burn587** · 09-08-2009, 11:23 PM

Giordanos is great if you're a tourist. You'll think it epitomizes Chicago pizza the first time you have it. The 2nd time you'll think it's good too, but by about the 3rd time you have it you're craving dominos. My biggest problem with it is the crust. It has so much shortening in it that it basically tastes like a bad pie crust. Gino's East and Lou Malnatti's are better bets for "chicago style" pizza. But like someone said, alot of us who live here go for the thinner crusts. I heard a chicago sports talk radio guy once say, "If I wanted a a casserole I'd go to my grandma's." That pretty much sums up my thought on alot of the deep dish pizzas.

**herbicide** · 09-08-2009, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by alarson83

Pink's Hollywood.
Pinks Hot Dogs

Heard of them, been by it, but a 30-40 minute wait for a hot dog is a bit much for me.

**LindenCy** · 09-08-2009, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by GaryJohnson

Giordano's is pretty meh. I mean, it's a decent way to get a good idea of what a "real" Chicago stuffed pizza is all about & whatever, but most/all actual Chicagoans I know go for thin crust.

I would hit up Hot Doug's before Portillo's. Hot Doug's is breathtaking. Make sure to go on a Friday or Saturday when they're serving duck fat french fries (best fries I've ever had). They blow Portillo's out of the water (kind of a different beast, but still).

Originally Posted by burn587

Giordanos is great if you're a tourist. You'll think it epitomizes Chicago pizza the first time you have it. The 2nd time you'll think it's good too, but by about the 3rd time you have it you're craving dominos. My biggest problem with it is the crust. It has so much shortening in it that it basically tastes like a bad pie crust. Gino's East and Lou Malnatti's are better bets for "chicago style" pizza. But like someone said, alot of us who live here go for the thinner crusts. I heard a chicago sports talk radio guy once say, "If I wanted a a casserole I'd go to my grandma's." That pretty much sums up my thought on alot of the deep dish pizzas.

Native Chicagoan here, born and bred. Giordano's still one of my favorites because it is thicker than Ginos and Lous. Lou's is great too though. You can't go wrong with most of them. Funny I am a deep dish guy, but don't order it all that often partly because of cost.

Nancy's Pizza, Edwardo's and Superosa are a few more pizza places for anyone interested.

EDIT: One reason I think I get deep dish less (in addition to the reason before) is that I am not 16 anymore and not eat near as much.

**alarson** · 09-08-2009, 11:28 PM

Originally Posted by herbicide

Heard of them, been by it, but a 30-40 minute wait for a hot dog is a bit much for me.

This is true. We got lucky and only waited about 15, because we got there just before the lunch rush. By the time we were done eating the line was huge. Very good hot dogs though. If i lived there i doubt id hit it up too often just because of that line, but a great spot to hit as a tourist.

**DMjazz** · 09-08-2009, 11:59 PM

Portillo's is fantastic. There's one on Butterfield road that's easy to get to from 88/355.

For my money though the best in Chicago is Philly's Best. 2 brothers originally from Philly opened the place and the cheese steaks are second to none! The place is south of Wrigley on Belmont just west of Clark. They also do deep-dish pizza and regular slices. There is a picture of every sandwich on the wall and my goal in life is to try them all.

http://www.phillysbest.com/

**bugs4cy** · 09-08-2009, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by GaryJohnson

I would hit up Hot Doug's before Portillo's. Hot Doug's is breathtaking. Make sure to go on a Friday or Saturday when they're serving duck fat french fries (best fries I've ever had). They blow Portillo's out of the water (kind of a different beast, but still).

You beat me to the Hot Doug's recommendation. AND, they have awesome t-shirts. Check 'em out on the website.

**Klubber** · 09-09-2009, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by LindenCy

Native Chicagoan here, born and bred. Giordano's still one of my favorites because it is thicker than Ginos and Lous. Lou's is great too though. You can't go wrong with most of them. Funny I am a deep dish guy, but don't order it all that often partly because of cost.

Nancy's Pizza, Edwardo's and Superosa are a few more pizza places for anyone interested.

EDIT: One reason I think I get deep dish less (in addition to the reason before) is that I am not 16 anymore and not eat near as much.

Only a true Chicagoan would mention Nancy's. Great call. Nancy's has always been one of my faves, and is very underrated. I agree with you on Giordano's as well.

For thin crust I'll also throw in Home Run Inn, and Bacino's is another one with great thin and stuffed as well.

**Klubber** · 09-09-2009, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by cyclonedave25

Thanks. Everybody I've talked to makes it seem like it's the best place on earth. I guess I'll have to find out myself one of these days.

Portillo's is very tasty. Great dogs, Italian beefs, burgers, and the fries are awesome. I really like Gold Coast Dogs for hot dogs. They serve something called a "char dog," which is a hot dog charred until the ends split. Great fries too.

**ISU_Alum_2000** · 09-09-2009, 01:47 AM

I used to work right by the Portillo's at Clark/Ontario. They opened one a few years ago out here in OC, so the wife and I get get to eat a little nostalgic Chicago food every once in a while. It's good.

Oh, and if you haven't been... Wiener Circle on Clark in Lincoln Park. Do it. Brace yo' self.

And for pizza, if you want something other than Giordano's/Lou's/Geno's/etc., try Pequod's on Clybourn.

**San Francisco Cy** · 09-09-2009, 01:53 AM

Gino's is my favorite pizza place in Chicago. Never had Portillos or Giordano's actually. I've seen tons of Giordano's and figured it was too much of a chain for me. May have to try both at some point...

**isuclone89** · 09-09-2009, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by alarson83

Pizza. Really good stuffed pizza

Just had to mention stuffed pizza!

**ketchupnmustard** · 09-09-2009, 05:56 AM

[QUOTE=ISU_Alum_2000;1232038]I used to work right by the Portillo's at Clark/Ontario. QUOTE]

I always hit this Portillo's before going to the Clark Street Ale House for beers & bloody marys, just to the north of it. Also go to the one in Villa Park whenever I go back home. Hot Doug's is also an awesome place to go if you don't mind waiting in line for a bit. It's worth it though.