Portillo’s

In 1963 in Villa Park, Illinois, a young entrepreneur named Dick Portillo opens a hot dog stand on North Avenue. It is dubbed “The Dog House” and is no more than a large trailer. In order to get water to the trailer, he has to run 250 feet of garden house from a nearby building. In four short years, the success of “The Dog House” prompts a move to a new building and is renamed “Portillo’s”. In the next three decades expansion ensues in the Illinois area and finally a location is opened in Chicago at the corner of Clark and Ontario. In 2013, the first Arizona location is opened, marking the fourth State that the restaurant has found success inside. On the opening day in Scottsdale over 500 people were in line for the Grand Opening. The commitment to serving excellent food and keeping true to the vision of the original is still overseen by Dick Portillo to this day.

We were able to sample a good variety of items on this visit. We started off with the classic Hot Dog ($2.75). We felt it was fitting since it was the first item that was sold by the chain. After much discussion of all the possible order toppings, we finally agreed on just simple ketchup. In order to make sure we gave the hot dog its opportunity to shine and not be muddled down by too many flavors. The hot dog was big and beefy and had great snap when biting into it. It was served on a steamed poppy seed bun, and there is truly almost any topping combination available to you.

The next item for sharing with the table was the Cheese Fries ($2.74, large order). We asked for the cheese on the side, to make sure we could decide the amount of cheese being applied to the side dish. The fries are of the crinkle cut variety and were perfectly cooked and had just the right amount of salt. The cheese came in a small serving cup and it was great to dunk a fry into the cheese and then bring it quickly into your mouth.

The next item was the Breaded Chicken Croissant ($4.95). This is a large white meat breast of chicken deep-fried to perfection in 100% vegetable oil. It is served on an airy and flakey croissant and a thin layer of mayonnaise. It is also finished with a sliced tomato and lettuce. They offer this in breaded as well as grilled, and you can also order it on a toasted bun too.

Then we had the combo Italian Beef and char-grilled sausage ($6.19). This is served on a baked French bread bun. You can order it dry, extra gravy, or dipped. The Italian beef if tender and easy to pull apart while biting into the sandwich. The sausage is a bit tougher, but still can be done with a determined bite. We ordered it dipped, which translated to them piling the sausage and meat on to the bread and then submersing the entire sandwich into the gravy. It soaks into the bread and distributes the beefy flavor throughout every bite. It may not be something you would order every visit, although I am sure people do, but it is something any carnivore should experience at least once.

When ordering the food at the walk up counter, our eyes were large with all the options and our tummies were empty and eager. This is not a good combination when unaware of the size of the dishes. We thought it would be good to experience a dessert item as well as they are known for their Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Shortcake.

We decided on a Chocolate Cake shake ($3.05), which is as delicious as it sounds. It is also very large, even for the size small, which we ordered. That being said, it was amazing. As you take a pull on the straw and a bit of chocolate cake travels up the straw with the shake, you know that you made the right decision.

The décor is funky and friendly and it is a great place to bring the family. The order takers are knowledgeable and patient when trying to decide between their great looking salads, sandwiches and burgers. The pick up line is as well staffed as the ordering section and they are passing out your food with a smile. The walls are littered with famous former patrons and cool nostalgic signage. I recommend you stop and do yourself a favor, save room for the Chocolate Cake Shake.

Location and Website – 10574 N 90th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85258 https://www.portillos.com