7 Best Portillo’s Hot Dogs to Order
When it comes to fast-food hot dogs, Portillo’s is the king. This beloved chain started as a hot dog stand in Chicago in 1963 and has expanded to over 70 locations across the US.
Portillo’s hot dog menu is vast and delicious, but everyone knows that hot dogs are the star of the show.
But what sets Portillo’s hot dogs apart from the rest? It’s all about the high-quality Vienna beef and the toppings!
From the classic mustard and relish combo to the chili cheese dog and other creative toppings, Portillo’s hot dog menu has something for everyone.
If you’re wondering what to order on your next visit, I’ve rounded up the 7 best Portillo’s hot dogs and ranked them from great to my all-time favorite.
7. Hot Dog
When you think of iconic fast-food items, the humble hot dog will surely come to mind.
Portillo’s Hot Dog is a Chicago classic that perfectly captures the essence of the Windy City.
At the heart of this flagship menu item is an all-beef hot dog nestled in a steamed poppy seed bun.
However, the unique combination of toppings truly sets this hot dog apart.
Known as “dragging the dog through the garden,” these toppings include mustard, relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickles, and sport peppers.
While Portillo’s Hot Dog is a simple dish, it’s a reminder of the beauty within the basics.
Each element has been chosen to create an unforgettable balance of flavors and textures.
The variety of spices and seasonings add depth to the dish, demonstrating that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
In terms of complementary sides, the Portillo’s Hot Dog pairs well with classic French fries or a serving of onion rings.
For those interested in maintaining the Chicago theme, go all out and try it with a side of Barnelli’s pasta.
Nutritional Information:
340 calories, 15g fat, 39g carbohydrates, 12g protein
6. Jumbo Hot Dog
The Jumbo Hot Dog has been an all-time favorite on Portillo’s menu for many customers.
A generous portion of grilled, juicy hot dog is served on a steamed poppy seed bun.
True to Chicago-style tradition, the Jumbo Hot Dog is topped with mustard, relish, freshly chopped onions, juicy red tomatoes, kosher pickles, and a dash of celery salt.
As you take your first bite of this masterpiece, you’re immediately transported to the heart of Chicago, with its rich culinary history.
The grilled Vienna beef offers a succulent base for the dish, with each bite revealing the tenderness and quality of the meat.
The explosion of flavors from the mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, and peppers set this hot dog apart from its peers.
The celery salt adds a subtle touch, and the steamed poppy seed bun provides the perfect vessel to carry all the ingredients and flavors.
Nutritional Information:
450 calories, 25g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 18g protein
5. Chili Cheese Dog
Portillo’s Chili Cheese Dog is a tantalizing rendition of their classic hot dog with a delicious twist.
At its core, the Chili Cheese Dog consists of a juicy all-beef hot dog slathered in Portillo’s signature chili and served with American cheese and chopped onions.
All these ingredients are nestled in their soft bun, which is the perfect stage for the symphony of flavors and textures.
The slight heat from the chili, paired with the gooey cheese, creates a satisfying and comforting hot dog perfect for any occasion.
Trust me; you won’t be able to have just one of these!
Nutritional Information:
500 calories, 30g fat, 36g carbohydrates, 21g protein
4. Char-Grilled Polish Sausage
Portillo’s Char-Grilled Polish Sausage truly offers an unforgettable experience.
This Eastern European-inspired sausage is a welcome deviation from the classic hot dog, bringing a touch of smokiness and a hearty flavor to your plate.
Made like their famous Chicago-style hot dog, the Char-Grilled Polish Sausage has a generous selection of toppings.
It includes mustard, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red ripe tomatoes, kosher pickles, and sport peppers.
All of these ingredients are piled onto a steamed poppy seed bun, offering a burst of flavor and an enticing visual appeal.
The Polish Sausage’s slightly smokey taste comes from the char-grilling process, giving it a satisfying crunch on the outside.
The inside of the sausage is juicy and tender, bursting with a garlicky flavor enriched by the smokiness.
The toppings complete the taste by offering a perfect harmony of contrasting flavors and textures.
The zesty mustard and tangy sport peppers add a kick to the dish, while the freshness of the tomatoes and crunch of the onions provide a balance of lightness and texture.
The kosher pickle and celery salt finish the dish with a hint of tartness and seasoning.
Nutritional Information:
570 calories, 25g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 18g protein
3. Plant-Based Garden Dog
Portillo’s Plant-Based Garden Dog is a must-try menu item for all vegetarians.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a delicious hot dog only to discover it’s not your traditional meat-based treat.
Portillo’s swaps the traditional meat-based hot dog with a deliciously seasoned plant-based sausage.
This flavorful veggie hot dog is adorned with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, mustard, relish, chopped onions, kosher pickles, and sport peppers, all served on their classic poppy seed bun.
It’s a refreshing and wholesome take on the classic hot dog that will leave you feeling good about your meal.
Nutritional Information:
320 calories, 12g fat, 44g carbohydrates, 10g protein
2. Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog
If you’re craving hearty comfort food, the Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog will be right up your alley.
This jumbo-sized creation features a Vienna beef hot dog slathered with Portillo’s signature chili, cheese, and chopped onions.
The chili’s bold flavors and tender ground beef blend beautifully with the hot dog, while the cheddar cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch.
Housed within a warm poppy seed bun, the Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog is a true flavor powerhouse that will leave you craving more.
Nutritional Information:
610 calories, 40g fat, 37g carbohydrates, 27g protein
1. Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Polish Sausage
At Portillo’s, the Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Polish Sausage is a tribute to the iconic street food of Chicago’s storied past.
Featuring Makowski’s Real Sausage, this dish is a nostalgic nod to the bustling corner of Maxwell St. and Halsted St., where Polish sausage street carts once filled the air with the irresistible aroma.
Taking its name from the historic Maxwell Street in Chicago, the Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Style Polish offers a unique and smoky flavor profile.
The delicious Polish sausage is grilled until beautifully charred, delivering a subtle smoky flavor and a crisp texture.
It is then garnished with grilled onions, which add a sweet and savory taste to the smoky-flavored sausage.
This combination is further enhanced with a slathering of yellow mustard for an extra tangy kick.
The entire ensemble is nested in a warm, poppy seed bun, making it as appealing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
This is by far my favorite hot dog at Portillo’s!
Nutritional Information:
570 calories, 39g fat, 32g carbohydrates, 25g protein
Conclusion
Portillo’s offers a delicious selection of hot dogs, each with its unique flavor profile and ingredients.
From the Chicago-style classic Hot Dog to the Plant-Based Garden Dog, there is something for everyone on Portillo’s menu.
My favorite has always been their Char-Grilled Maxwell Street Polish Sausage, but the Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog is a close contender.
So next time you’re craving a delicious hot dog, be sure to check out Portillo’s to find your perfect match.
For more information about Portillo’s, check out the articles below.
