Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago is rated 4.4 / 5 from 24,718 Google reviews and sits about 3.9 km (49 min walk) from Fullerton station.
General overview
About Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
Portillo’s & Barnelli’s at 100 W Ontario Street is a large, lively Chicago counter-service restaurant in the River North area. It is known for Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-broiled burgers, cheese fries, chocolate cake, and cake shakes; the attached Barnelli’s menu adds salads, pasta, and other Italian-American dishes. No admission ticket is needed.
- Classic Chicago-style hot dogs with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt
- Italian beef sandwiches served dry, dipped, or with gravy on the side, with optional sweet or hot peppers
- Chocolate cake and the signature chocolate cake shake
- Barnelli’s salads, pasta, and Italian-American dishes
- Colorful Chicago-themed interior suitable for a casual meal near River North and the Magnificent Mile
- Counter service, takeout, delivery, and catering are generally available
Things to do here
Classic Chicago food meal
Order a Chicago-style hot dog, Italian beef, Maxwell Street Polish, burger, cheese fries, or a combination of local favorites.
Italian beef customization
Choose how wet the sandwich should be—dry, with gravy, or dipped—and add sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Barnelli’s menu
Select from pasta, salads, and other Italian-American dishes if your group wants alternatives to hot dogs and beef sandwiches.
Chocolate cake shake
Try Portillo’s thick shake blended with pieces of its chocolate cake.
Chicago-themed atmosphere
Eat amid busy, nostalgic décor celebrating Chicago and Americana; the restaurant can feel like an attraction as well as a quick-service meal.
The restaurant is at the corner area of Ontario and Clark in River North. Walking, rideshare, or public transit is usually easier than driving because downtown parking is limited and expensive. Expect queues at lunch, dinner, and on weekends.
Reservations are generally unnecessary and may not be offered for ordinary counter-service dining. Order ahead online for pickup when timing matters; contact the restaurant for large groups or catering.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago is about 3.9 km (~49 min walk) from Fullerton station on the Chicago "L".
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
Also near this station
Pequod's Pizza
Restaurants · 13 min walk
★ 4.4
Lincoln Park Zoo
Places to visit · 20 min walk
★ 4.6
Wrigley Field
Places to visit · 32 min walk
★ 4.8
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Hotels · 45 min walk
★ 4.5
875 North Michigan Avenue
Places to visit · 48 min walk
★ 4.7
Quartino Ristorante
Restaurants · 51 min walk
★ 4.7
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago from Fullerton station?
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago is about 3938 m (roughly 49 min walk) from Fullerton station on the Chicago "L". Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago rated?
Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago has a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 24,718 reviews.
What's near Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Pequod's Pizza, Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigley Field.
Is Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago?
Google lists these parking options near Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago: paid street parking.
Is Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago good for children?
Yes — Google lists Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago as good for children.
Are dogs allowed at Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago?
Google does not list Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago as allowing dogs.
Does Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago have outdoor seating?
Yes — Google lists Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago as having outdoor seating.
Do I need a ticket or reservation?
No admission ticket is required, and ordinary dining is generally walk-in counter service. Large groups or catered events should contact the location ahead of time.
What should a first-time visitor order?
Common first choices are a Chicago-style hot dog or Italian beef with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera, plus fries. Chocolate cake or a chocolate cake shake is a popular dessert.
What does “dipped” Italian beef mean?
The assembled sandwich is dipped into the seasoned beef gravy, making the bread very juicy. Order it dry or with gravy on the side if you prefer less liquid.
Are vegetarian choices available?
Barnelli’s salads and some pasta or side dishes may provide meat-free choices, but ingredients and cross-contact procedures should be checked at the restaurant. Vegan options may be limited.
Can the restaurant handle food allergies?
Ask staff for the current allergen guide before ordering. Shared kitchens, grills, fryers, and preparation areas may create cross-contact risks, so guests with severe allergies should speak directly with a manager.
Is this the original Portillo’s?
No. Portillo’s began in Villa Park, Illinois, in 1963. The Ontario Street restaurant is a prominent downtown Chicago location.
Is parking available?
Use nearby paid garages or limited metered street parking; downtown rates can be high. Public transit, walking, or rideshare is often more convenient.
Does it offer takeout or delivery?
Takeout, online ordering, delivery, and catering are generally offered, though service areas, hours, fees, and menu availability can change.
How expensive is it?
A typical meal is broadly around US$12–25 per person before tax, depending on sides, drinks, and dessert. Current menu prices should be checked online.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 11, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.