Portillo's & Barnelli's Schaumburg

The food and the atmosphere was great. The only complain was customer service. We sat in the diner around 8pm on the top left side of the section. The section we sat at wasn’t closed off yet and there were few other customers/families that were still eating at the section where we were sitting. Remind you I sat at the top left section of the diner around 8pm. One guess went to get his food and the staff closed off both of the entry ways around 8:30pm using the chairs and the retractable belt. He had to climb on top of the chairs to get back to his section since the employee closed off both entrances. The employee gave us a dirty look bc we were still eating. We were done eating around 9:30pm, I moved 2 chairs and the woman staff was giving me an angry look. We had our toddler with us, I’m not going to climb over the chair with my toddler. I moved the chairs back to make her happy. She was a very rude staff. I used to work at Portillo’s. We only closed off one entryway so the other customers could get out. She did the same exact thing in the other section.

First time stepping into a Portillo’s, and I’d been hearing the hype from friends and family for years—mainly about the hot dogs. Tonight, I decided it was time to find out if it lived up to the talk. I went big: long chili dog with cheese, crinkle-cut fries, and a large milkshake. Halfway through, I realized I’d forgotten the famous chocolate cake. A guy on my flight in had told me it was a must. When I mentioned it to the counter staff, they didn’t miss a beat—just handed me a slice with a smile. That’s service. The chili dog? Hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had—perfect snap on the dog, hearty chili, and a cheese blanket to tie it all together. Crinkle fries were golden and crisp, the kind that you can’t help but keep grabbing. The milkshake was massive and so thick it practically needed a jackhammer, but it was worth every spoonful. That chocolate cake? Rich, moist, and just the right amount of sweetness to close out the meal. For under $20, I walked out full, happy, and impressed. Portillo’s delivered the hype, and then some. Highly recommended. Portillo’s began in 1963 when founder Dick Portillo opened a small trailer called “The Dog House” in Villa Park, Illinois. Using just $1,100 in savings, he served hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches to locals. Over time, his focus on quality ingredients, fast service, and a fun, Chicago-style atmosphere turned the business into a regional favorite. By the 1980s and 1990s, Portillo’s had expanded throughout the Chicago area, adding signature menu items like chocolate cake and Maxwell Street Polish sausages. The brand became known for its nostalgic décor—each location styled with vintage signs and memorabilia. In 2014, Portillo’s was sold to Berkshire Partners, a private equity firm, and began expanding outside Illinois. Today, it operates in multiple states while staying true to its Chicago street food roots.

Nothing beats a true Chicago-style hot dog—snappy sausage loaded with all the classic toppings, from mustard to relish to sport peppers. And the Italian beef. Juicy, tender slices of beef soaked in flavor, perfectly paired with spicy, crunchy giardiniera. It’s a combo that defines the city’s food scene—bold, messy, and unforgettable. A Chicago-style hot dog, or "Chicago dog," is a classic all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, traditionally topped with yellow mustard, neon-green sweet pickle relish, chopped white onion, tomato slices, a dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt

Kathy in the drive through has a great attitude. Big smile. Thanks for the sunshine. I didn't catch the name of the guy who took my order but he was super friendly and so was the person at the window today. The food is always a fave but to have wonderful staff is next tier.

Have had horrible experiences time and time again with the drive through here. Check the bags before you drive away, from big orders to small they cannot get it right. As someone who has been eating portillos almost her entire life, I definitely feel like the quality has gone down. Bring back the lemon poppyseed muffins and garlic bread sticks.

I absolutely had to stop here while in town for a work trip. My wife turned me on to this place and is become a favorite of mine. The restaurant was very clean and the staff were very courteous. There was ample seating. My food came out pretty quickly and was prepared as ordered. As always, the meal was delicious. The beef was tender and well seasoned. The fries were nice and crispy. Make sure to stop in if you're in the area!!!

Phenomenal location. Great staff and extremely helpful. Helped us take a great group photo at this classic and must see spot. Food was delicious too, which puts it over the top. Check it out if you are in the area!

The dogs are some of the best I have had! The atmosphere is always intriguing and visually pleasing. They are open fairly late so I stopped by around 9:30 and it wasn’t too busy. Overall a great place to eat!