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Tried Portillo’s Breakfast… So You Don’t Have To (You’re Welcome)
I’ve been eyeing Portillo’s breakfast ever since they announced it—like a kid waiting for Christmas morning, but with more cholesterol. So when I was driving past the Tonley Park location, stomach growling louder than a Portillo’s lunch rush, I decided it was finally time.
I ordered the bacon, egg, and cheese croissant and (because I believe in dessert for breakfast) their famous chocolate cake but as a donut. Apparently, there’s a breakfast deal—any sandwich, hashbrowns, and iced coffee for $7.99—but in true “me” fashion, I found out about that after I ordered. Classic.
Walking into Portillo’s at breakfast time is like stepping into an alternate universe. The place was a ghost town. No beefs sizzling, no loud orders being shouted out—just me, a lonely breakfast pioneer.
Now, the sandwich? Eh. The eggs were runnier than a toddler with a cold, and the bacon was cold and flavorless—like it had just given up on life. The croissant was decent, but overall, it was like breakfast showed up to the party without getting dressed. BUT… the chocolate cake donut? That was a sleeper hit. Moist, sweet, and full of the energy the rest of the breakfast lacked.
All in all? A solid 3 stars. Kudos to Portillo’s for stepping out of their comfort zone, but I think I’ll let them keep their feet firmly planted in the beef-and-sausage lane. I might come back for that cake donut, but breakfast? I’ll pass next time.