If you’re a fan of Chicago-style food, you might have heard of Portillo’s, the legendary restaurant chain that started as a humble hot dog stand in 1963. Since then, Portillo’s has grown to over 60 locations across the US, serving up its signature hot dogs, Italian beef, burgers, salads, and chocolate cake to millions of loyal customers.
But did you know that Portillo’s has recently opened its first location in Florida, right in the heart of Orlando? That’s right, you can now enjoy a taste of Chicago in the Sunshine State, whether you’re a local or a visitor looking for a satisfying meal after a day at the theme parks.
In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Portillo’s Orlando, from its menu and hours to its history and ambiance. Read on to find out why Portillo’s Orlando is a must-try for anyone who loves good food and good vibes.
What is Portillo’s Orlando?
Portillo’s Orlando is the newest location of Portillo’s, a restaurant chain that specializes in Chicago-style food. It opened on June 15, 2021, after months of anticipation from fans who had been waiting for years for Portillo’s to come to Florida.
Portillo’s Orlando is located at 7715 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL 32836, near Disney Springs and Lake Buena Vista. It has a spacious dining area that can seat up to 200 guests, as well as a dual-lane drive-thru and curbside pickup options for those who prefer to take their food to go.
The restaurant has a ’50s theme that pays homage to the decade when Portillo’s founder, Dick Portillo, was born. The walls are decorated with guitars, Coca-Cola memorabilia, and classic advertisements from the era. There’s also a replica of Dick’s Dog House, the original hot dog stand that started it all.
But what makes Portillo’s Orlando stand out from other restaurants is its menu, which features some of the most iconic dishes from Chicago. Here are some of the highlights:
Hot Dogs: Portillo’s is famous for its Chicago-style hot dogs, which are made with 100% beef and topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt on a steamed poppy seed bun. No ketchup allowed!
Italian Beef: Another signature item is the Italian beef sandwich, which consists of thinly sliced roast beef simmered in au jus and piled high on an Italian roll. You can have it dry, dipped, or wet (drenched in gravy), and add cheese or hot or sweet peppers for extra flavor.
Burgers: If you’re in the mood for a burger, Portillo’s has you covered with its char-grilled burgers made with fresh Angus beef. You can choose from classic toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayo, or go for something more adventurous like bacon, blue cheese dressing, or grilled onions.
Salads: Portillo’s also offers a variety of salads for those who want something lighter or healthier. Some of the popular choices include the chopped salad with chicken, bacon, pasta, and gorgonzola cheese; the chicken pecan salad with mandarin oranges and honey Dijon dressing; and the Mediterranean salad with feta cheese and olives.
Chocolate Cake: No visit to Portillo’s is complete without trying its famous chocolate cake, which is moist, rich, and decadent. You can have it by the slice or as a shake (yes, they blend an entire slice of cake into a milkshake!).
Of course, these are just some of the items on Portillo’s Orlando menu. You can also find other delicious options like ribs, chicken sandwiches,
fish sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups, sides, and desserts. Whatever you order,
you can be sure that it will be made with fresh ingredients and served with a smile.
Why should you visit Portillo’s Orlando?
There are many reasons why you should visit Portillo’s Orlando if you’re in the area. Here are some of them:
You’ll get to experience a part of Chicago culture without leaving Florida. Portillo’s is more than just a restaurant; it’s a symbol of Chicago pride and tradition. By eating at Portillo’s Orlando,
you’ll get to sample some of the flavors and stories that make Chicago unique.
You’ll enjoy a fun and nostalgic atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. Portillo’s Orlando has a retro vibe that will appeal to anyone who loves the ’50s or wants to relive their childhood memories. You’ll also find plenty of memorabilia and photos that showcase Portillo’s history and growth over the years.
You’ll support a local charity that helps feed the hungry. Portillo’s Orlando is not only committed to serving its customers, but also to giving back to the community. Before the grand opening, Portillo’s Orlando invited fans for a free meal and asked them to consider donating to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, with Portillo’s matching the donation amount. Through the generosity of local fans, the event was able to raise $11,073 for the Orlando charity partner.
You’ll have a chance to win some cool prizes and perks. Portillo’s Orlando is always looking for ways to reward its loyal customers and fans. For example, Portillo’s Orlando recently launched a Chicago-Style Summer Sweepstakes, where you can enter to win a trip to Chicago, free Portillo’s for a year, or other awesome prizes. You can also join the Portillo’s Birthday Club and get a free slice of chocolate cake on your birthday.
How can you visit Portillo’s Orlando?
If you’re ready to visit Portillo’s Orlando and enjoy a taste of Chicago in the Sunshine State, here’s what you need to know:
Portillo’s Orlando is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
You can order online at https://order.portillos.com/menu/portillos-orlando-palm-pkwy/ or call (689) 800-0102 to place your order ahead of time. You can also use the Portillo’s app to order and pay with your phone.
You can dine in at the restaurant, pick up your order at the drive-thru or curbside, or have it delivered to your door through DoorDash or Uber Eats.
You can follow Portillo’s Orlando on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest news, updates, and promotions.
Conclusion
Portillo’s Orlando is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a delicious meal with a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re a fan of Chicago-style food or just curious about it, you’ll find something to love at Portillo’s Orlando. From its hot dogs and Italian beef to its burgers and chocolate cake, Portillo’s Orlando has something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to Portillo’s Orlando today and see for yourself why it’s one of the best restaurants in town. And don’t forget to tell your friends and family about it too!
