Portillo's Hot Dogs/Barnelli's Pasta Bowl
3.7
- Neighborhood: River North
- 100 W. Ontario St.
- Chicago, IL 60610
- 312-587-8930
This building, flashy both inside and out, is perhaps the capstone of owner Dick Portillo's famous chain of stores offering what he calls "the finest in Chicago street food." Portillo began in 1963 in west suburban Villa Park, operating out of a trailer. He now has 28 locations, mainly in suburban Chicago, although he has expanded to Florida. The River North location features Portillo's signature hot dogs, Italian beef, Polish sausage and so forth, as well as Barnelli's menu of salads, pastas, pizzas and ribs. Besides the food, this sprawling, two-story building highlights an eclectic collection of Chicago memorabilia of the 1930s and '40s. "I had a lot of fun designing the place," Portillo said. Across from the period lamp posts that greet your arrival to the dining plaza, a representation of a Chicago neighborhood complete with a second-story barber shop, clothesline and a mannequin unloading freight, catches your attention. Portillo has assembled items such as the clock face that once was on the Stuart-Warner Building, razed in 1993; the 1938 Blackhawks' Stanley Cup banner from the Chicago Stadium; a 1928 Thompson submachine gun, and a 1930 Chevrolet. Intentionally tinny saloon hall music plays in the background. Very casual, it draws from locals, tourists--even beat cops--spanning all ages. A back room plus the upstairs space are available for parties. An outdoor cafe used in nice weather is jammed with local professionals for weekday lunches. Portillo said his hot dogs have won awards, "which is saying something, because Chicago has numerous beef places."
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Ontario and Clark.
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult and Valet
- Public Transportation:
- CTA Bus: 22 Clark, 156 LaSalle.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Entrance and restrooms.
The Basics
- Hours:
- 10:30 a.m.- 11p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10:30-12 a.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday; closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
- Cuisine:
- Hot Dogs and Italian
- Meals Served:
- Dinner and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $ (Under $9)
- Reservations:
- Not Accepted
- Alcohol:
- Beer and Wine. Beer, wine, mai tais available for dine-in only.
- Smoking:
- No
- Audience:
- Families
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Live Music:
- No
- Tours:
- Call customer service to reserve time for large groups.
- Features:
- Kids Menu and Late Night. Barnelli's has "party-sized portions" of pasta, salads and deserts, including a tiramisu ($23.99) that serves 8-10; private parties in the back dining room and on the balcony there's space for up to 100 people.
- Specialties:
- Portillo's hot dogs, Barnelli's ribs, mai tais; Chicago memorabilia; drive-through.
- Payment Methods:
- American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, and Visa
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes. Outdoor cafe for about 100 people.
- Delivery:
- No
- Seating :
- Food court seating is tables and some booths along Ontario Street wall. Upper balcony has booths and stools along wide dining rail.
Write a review
Rate Portillo's Hot Dogs/...
"Growing up in Naperville, Portillo's..."
Kevin from Chicago, IL - November 1, 2006
Growing up in Naperville, Portillo's was a staple in my diet, and the city version is just as good. They are so consistent and do everything well....
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"Place is cool - but..."
Jennifer from Chicago , il - July 3, 2006
Place is cool - but isn't this a restaurant? Shouldn't they be focused on food? I dont care how nice it appears to look, i want good food and fas...
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"Excellent everything. I love this..."
Dick from Chicago, IL - May 9, 2006
Excellent everything. I love this place.
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