For those who live in Chicago, the name Portillo’s is synonymous with hot dogs. The fast-food chain has been around since 1963 and has been serving up hot dogs ever since. But what kind of hot dogs does Portillo’s use? Let’s take a closer look at this iconic Chicago food.
The History of Portillo's Hot Dogs
Portillo’s hot dogs first started appearing on menus in the early 1960s. At the time, the restaurant was simply known as The Dog House and was owned by Dick Portillo. After a few years, Dick Portillo changed the restaurant’s name to Portillo’s and began selling hot dogs at a discounted price. In the years since then, Portillo’s has become a Chicago institution, serving up hot dogs to hungry customers for over five decades.
What Kind of Hot Dogs Does Portillos Use?
All of Portillo’s hot dogs are 100% pure beef. The restaurant uses Vienna Beef hot dogs, which are made with a blend of beef, pork, and spices. The hot dogs are also gluten-free and contain no fillers or preservatives. The Vienna Beef hot dogs are then boiled in a combination of water, beer, and spices, giving them a unique flavor that has become synonymous with Portillo’s.
The Origin of the Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog, which is served at Portillo’s, is a classic Chicago dish. It is made with an all-beef hot dog, mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt on a poppy seed bun. The exact origin of the Chicago-style hot dog is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1900s.
Types of Hot Dogs Served at Portillos
In addition to the classic Chicago-style hot dog, Portillo’s also serves a variety of other hot dogs. The restaurant offers a “Chicago-style Italian Beef Dog,” which is a hot dog topped with Italian beef, giardiniera, and mozzarella cheese. They also serve a “Chicago-style Chili Dog,” which is a hot dog topped with chili and cheese, and a “Chicago-style Pizza Dog,” which is a hot dog topped with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and marinara sauce.
Portillo's Hot Dogs Today
Today, Portillo’s serves up over 70 million hot dogs each year and is one of the most popular hot dog chains in the country. The restaurant has expanded beyond Chicago and now has locations in California, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The hot dogs are still made using the same recipe that was first used when the restaurant opened over five decades ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of hot dogs does Portillo's use?
Portillo’s uses 100% pure beef Vienna Beef hot dogs, which are made with a blend of beef, pork, and spices.
Where did the Chicago-style hot dog come from?
The exact origin of the Chicago-style hot dog is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1900s.
How many hot dogs does Portillo's serve each year?
Portillo’s serves up over 70 million hot dogs each year.
Does Portillo's serve other types of hot dogs?
Yes, in addition to the classic Chicago-style hot dog, Portillo’s also serves a “Chicago-style Italian Beef Dog,” a “Chicago-style Chili Dog,” and a “Chicago-style Pizza Dog.”
What is the history of Portillo's?
Portillo’s was founded in 1963 by Dick Portillo and was originally known as The Dog House. After a few years, Dick Portillo changed the restaurant’s name to Portillo’s and began selling hot dogs at a discounted price.
Are Portillo's hot dogs gluten-free?
Yes, all of Portillo’s hot dogs are gluten-free and contain no fillers or preservatives.
Do Portillo's hot dogs contain pork?
Yes, Vienna Beef hot dogs contain a blend of beef and pork.
Does Portillo's serve vegetarian hot dogs?
No, Portillo’s does not offer vegetarian or vegan hot dogs.
Does Portillo's sell their hot dogs online?
No, Portillo’s does not currently sell their hot dogs online.
Does Portillo's have locations outside of Chicago?
Yes, Portillo’s has expanded beyond Chicago and now has locations in California, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, and Wisconsin.