Portillo’s

[patfla06]

Found out from an online source that Portillo’s will be opening on 27/441.

[Chi-Town]

Get ready for a real treat. Great news! And just southeast of Tire Kingdom.

[kaydee]

I’m not familiar with this business but I’m interested

[JohnN]

Yum Yum. Hurray!!!

[rjn5656]

what kind of restaurant is it?

[Foxtrot]

For better Chicago food, go to the Great Chicago Fire Brewery in Downtown Leesburg. They make their own beer too, and make their own pizza.

[RICH1]

what kind of restaurant is it?
It’s AWESOME ! Hot Dogs, Beefs , the works…. I grew up on Portillos.

[baustgen]

Been to both. Portillo's is the king of fast food restaurants. From McDonald's to Beef O'Brady's won't know what hit them.

[charlie1]

For better Chicago food, go to the Great Chicago Fire Brewery in Downtown Leesburg. They make their own beer too, and make their own pizza.

I am a HUGE Portillo's fan! Use to like going to Great Chicago Fire Brewery for the Italian Beef and actually went there often until the loud and sometimes vulgar bar trade got to us. Actually liked the Italian Beef, which they got shipped in from Chicago, but it just was not a pleasant environment to enjoy food. We stopped going! I do give the owners credit as they TRIED to control the bar crowd (without any known prompting from the restaurant patrons) but it only worked for a short time before they were back to being loud and disgusting. Really hated to take them off our dining list! On the brighter side, Portillo's has THE BEST Italian beef available anywhere and is a Family place. Can't wait!

[bespoke]

Found out from an online source that Portillo’s will be opening on 27/441.
Where did you hear this? I am beyond thrilled if it is true. I'd like to read it for myself. Did they give ETA? Yay!

[russtcc]

Really good chocolate cake!!

[patfla06]

That online “newspaper” you can subscribe to.
Building it by some tire store where the bridge used to be on 441.

[JoMar]

with Portillo's close by and COSTCO in Clermont may never need to visit Orlando or Tampa again :)

[Gpsma]

Never heard of them…if they come from somewhere west of the Hudson River..they cant be good.

[Stu from NYC]

Interesting website but is it fast food or cooked to order?

[Bilyclub]

For better Chicago food, go to the Great Chicago Fire Brewery in Downtown Leesburg. They make their own beer too, and make their own pizza.

You can't compare the two. That guy from Mokena's food is so so at best.

[justjim]

Portillo’s will do well in TV. They started in Chicago and were famous for their hot dogs but their Italian beef has become truly their fast food menu leader. If you are a “chocoholic” you’re in for a treat with the chocolate cake at Portillo’s. Let it happen!

[ltjd3104]

If only we'd get a Carvel!

[vinricci]

98262

[Susan1717]

Portillo is the best! Best chicago roast beef! Took my kids there after every sporting event all through school! It’s a little big piece of chicago!!

[Foxtrot]

Just what we need, another fast food chain. Sheesh!

[Bridget Staunton]

They are a Chicago based company. Another fast food but better than the rest. Great beef sandwiches

[ChicagoNative]

Portillo’s is fantastic! Technically fast food, but a step up from the rest. Great Italian beefs and salads. The original owner sold it several years ago and I’ve heard that the quality has slipped a bit, but I’ll definitely give them a try when they open here.

[Robbb]

If only we'd get a Carvel!

Is Carvel still in business, that was a go to place in the 60's in Hicksville.

[dlspiess]

For better Chicago food, go to the Great Chicago Fire Brewery in Downtown Leesburg. They make their own beer too, and make their own pizza.

Been there. Far cry from Chicago style food

[dlspiess]

And their ribs are outstanding

[msilagy]

Portillo's has a large menu. I would not consider it fast food, but yet in a way it is. Chocolate cake is made with mayo, that's why it's so good. They will do a huge business once people try them as they are a Chicago tradition. Started from a food truck and grew massively. They had a food truck at Edna's for a couple of days but were called back to Chicago because the pandemic was heating up. Most people in line were familiar with Portillo's and loving it. Others ate at the Mexican food truck because they weren't sure what Portillo's was. I was elated and the sandwiches large and filled with tasty thin sliced beef, great Italian style au jus on Italian style bread. They can be ordered juicy for extra flavor with sweet green peppers or hot Italian peppers in oil which are not readily available in Fl. Try it - much better than anything around trying to replicate Portillos.

[michaelh]

Fantasically good news. Wonderful Italian beef sandwiches...full dip in gravy!![]

[PugMom]

Is Carvel still in business, that was a go to place in the 60's in Hicksville.

i have actually seen a Fudgie the Whale @ Publix.

[Regorp]

Found out from an online source that Portillo’s will be opening on 27/441.

Great. Another Italian restaurant!

[wamley]

Don't know what makes this so exciting it takes 53 min from the Sumter landing to Clermont. Not exactly around the corner.

[Bill14564]

Don't know what makes this so exciting it takes 53 min from the Sumter landing to Clermont. Not exactly around the corner.

What does the driving time to Clermont have to do with restaurant opening in Lady Lake?

[mermaids]

I grew up in Villa Park, where he started with the original Portillo's little trailer. They have the best Italian beef sandwiches and awesome lemon cake. Excited for them to open one here!

[Taltarzac725]

Spent three months in Itasca, IL in 1994 taking care of an uncle before he was to go into a nursing home a few hundred feet away.

I do see a Portillos nearby to Itasca but do not remember going there in 1994 at all.

They had a Chicago style Italian beef place where NYPD Pizza used to be. This is near Walmart but that place went under as far as I know.

[Ecuadog]

I grew up in Villa Park, where he started with the original Portillo's little trailer. ...

"The first Portillo's hot dog stand known as "The Dog House" opens in 1963 on North Avenue in Villa Park. Owner and founder Dick Portillo invests $1,100 into a 6' x 12' trailer without a bathroom or running water. To get the water he needs, he runs 250 feet of garden hose from a nearby building into the trailer."

[MDWolff]

what kind of restaurant is it?
Best Italian Beef sandwiches in the World! Plus lots of other salads, pasta and other sandwiches.

[richdell]

Love the hot dogs and the italian beef sandwiches. :icon_hungry:

[Worldseries27]

is carvel still in business, that was a go to place in the 60's in hicksville.
if you get carvel i want mr softee

[Pairadocs]

It’s AWESOME ! Hot Dogs, Beefs , the works…. I grew up on Portillos.

Well, don't expect it to be like "home" ! Have you been to the one in Brandon ? It's sure not Dick's same food, not that I'm not happy they are coming, but it seems nothing ever get better once a place either goes the franchise route, or, they just expand and expand. Same with Another Broken Egg, sure glad they will be opening here, love the place, but... is it like when there were only two locations and it was such a delight to get to Charleston for such a special restaurant (to us it was equal to a New Orleans brunch !), but, like Portillos, it will be a nice addition !

[rwfisher1969]

Interesting website but is it fast food or cooked to order?

Stu,
Jeannie and I went to the one in Orlando. Its kind of both. Stand in line to place your order. They give you a number and you go find a seat. Wait for your number to come up on the screen and go get your food. Good hot dogs and roast beef sandwiches.

[omimom]

https://www.**************.com/2023/05/04/portillos-files-plan-to-build-restaurant-on-u-s-hwy-27-441-in-lady-lake/

[Gpsma]

Chicago hot dogs remind me of the old wendys commercial where clara pellter screamed Wheres the Beef?

Chicago dogs throw so much useless stuff on the hot dog..bit maybe they have to hide a no flavor frank.

There is no hot dog as good as Nathans in Coney Island

The real dog

[Chi-Town]

Chicago hot dogs remind me of the old wendys commercial where clara pellter screamed Wheres the Beef?

Chicago dogs throw so much useless stuff on the hot dog..bit maybe they have to hide a no flavor frank.

There is no hot dog as good as Nathans in Coney Island

The real dog

A Chicago style hot dog is " dragged through the garden". All good stuff, but the Vienna all beef dog is the mainstay. You should try one.

[Bilyclub]

Well, don't expect it to be like "home" ! Have you been to the one in Brandon ? It's sure not Dick's same food, not that I'm not happy they are coming, but it seems nothing ever get better once a place either goes the franchise route, or, they just expand and expand. Same with Another Broken Egg, sure glad they will be opening here, love the place, but... is it like when there were only two locations and it was such a delight to get to Charleston for such a special restaurant (to us it was equal to a New Orleans brunch !), but, like Portillos, it will be a nice addition !

They were good until Dick sold out to a Boston investment firm. Haven't been to a non-chicago location since before the Pause. At the very least, the food will be better than the place in Leesburg and the atmosphere a hundred times better.

[Bilyclub]

Never heard of them…if they come from somewhere west of the Hudson River..they cant be good.

Chicago hot dogs remind me of the old wendys commercial where clara pellter screamed Wheres the Beef?

Chicago dogs throw so much useless stuff on the hot dog..bit maybe they have to hide a no flavor frank.

There is no hot dog as good as Nathans in Coney Island

The real dog


If NYC is so great you would still be there. By the way, Clara Peller was a Chicago resident

[Battlebasset]

This is excellent news. For my tastebuds. Not my waistline.

I've eaten at the one in Orlando a couple of times. Pretty much like I remember from Chicago. Not a huge Italian Beef fan, but the Maxwell Polish makes up for it. Be good to try some other things from there as well.

[RICH1]

I grew up in Villa Park, where he started with the original Portillo's little trailer. They have the best Italian beef sandwiches and awesome lemon cake. Excited for them to open one here!
Addison checking in… I remember going there after Mom shopped at Big R & Topps… missing those days

[patfla06]

Is Carvel still in business, that was a go to place in the 60's in Hicksville.

We had a Carvel about a mile from our house on Long Island.

[Garywt]

Been to both. Portillo's is the king of fast food restaurants. From McDonald's to Beef O'Brady's won't know what hit them.

I can’t get excited for a fast food hot dog place, generally the only place I eat hotdogs is home and they are Kayems in casings or at ball parks. Also since when is Beef O’Brady’s a fast food restaurant, I thought is was a sit down restaurant with a bar. I have never eaten at one as I can’t get past the name.

[Singerlady]

Never heard of them…if they come from somewhere west of the Hudson River..they cant be good.
You are SO wrong!

[Singerlady]

Addison checking in… I remember going there after Mom shopped at Big R & Topps… missing those days
I grew up in VP, too! Went to the little wagon on St. Charles just west of Rte. 83.

[Bilyclub]

Addison and Villa Park were the main destinations of the people moving out our Chicago neighborhood in the 70's.

[justjim]

Great. Another Italian restaurant!

Another Italian style restaurant with great fast food but better. Unfortunately over on US 27/441 which is already a “crowded space” and far from the newer areas of The Villages.

[Chi-Town]

The Portillo's opening here is about the same size as the one in Kissimmee. For people new to Portillo's this should be a good intro.

https://youtu.be/IUazcJX7TCA

[coffeebean]

If only we'd get a Carvel!

Culver's custard beats Carvel any day, any time anywhere. I highly recommend their Midnight Toffee flavor of the day. It is my absolute favorite. Coming in a very close second is Culver's Andes Mint Avalanche. YUM!!!!

[coffeebean]

Is Carvel still in business, that was a go to place in the 60's in Hicksville.

Did you ever go to the club "The Tiger's Tail" in Hicksville?

[Pairadocs]

It’s AWESOME ! Hot Dogs, Beefs , the works…. I grew up on Portillos.

Do you think it's the same since Dick franchised ? Been to a couple south of us, boy it's not like the old place downtown... cake seems fairly similar, but pasta sure isn't !

[Pairadocs]

What does the driving time to Clermont have to do with restaurant opening in Lady Lake?

Yes, that is really PUZZLING ???? Think they are thinking of driving to the one down on Palm Park way not far from Disney Lake Buena Vista area ????

[Pairadocs]

Portillo is the best! Best chicago roast beef! Took my kids there after every sporting event all through school! It’s a little big piece of chicago!!

So how about a Garrett's so we can get some really good Chicago mix popcorn... fresh made ! Yes !

[Pairadocs]

Just what we need, another fast food chain. Sheesh!

Absolutely agree we can always use more fast food places, some people are from areas where their favorites are not available here ! However, VERY surprised that you consider Portillos a "fast food" restaurant ! Maybe WAY WAY WAY back when Dick started with just that hot dog "stand", but we've always gone to Portillos more as a family sit down restaurant, family atmosphere place. Frankly we have quite a few "fast food" places, but, the more the better I guess, nothing like having the favorites of a wide range of people.

[Pairadocs]

Been there. Far cry from Chicago style food

A FAR, FAR, FAR cry for sure !

[Bilyclub]

A FAR, FAR, FAR cry for sure !


Is this concerning the joint in Leesburg ?

[Bilyclub]

Portillo's has formally submitted the plans to Lady Lake. Yahooie...

[JohnN]

I'm Chicago born and raised. "Italian Beef Sandwich" was my middle name as a kid. I attended UICC on the outskirts of Chicago and at the time, it was surrounded by an old timey Italian neighborhood where there were a lot of storefront Italian food joints.

So, I visited Portillo's in Orlando near Disney and it was beyond HORRID.
Sad to say. A crusty French bread, a very thin slice of beef, no giardiniera (sweet and/or hot peppers), the "gravy" (I always called it juice) was about a teaspoon though I asked for it "wet". It was darn near unedible. Broke my heart.

I thought to mention it to the manager, then I thought again, the world has enough issues and I wasn't up for it. But I won't go there again.

I'll try the new Portillo's once, but it had better be a whole ton better.
Orlando ain't Chicago, I guess.

[Bilyclub]

I'm Chicago born and raised. "Italian Beef Sandwich" was my middle name as a kid. I attended UICC on the outskirts of Chicago and at the time, it was surrounded by an old timey Italian neighborhood where there were a lot of storefront Italian food joints.

So, I visited Portillo's in Orlando near Disney and it was beyond HORRID.
Sad to say. A crusty French bread, a very thin slice of beef, no giardiniera (sweet and/or hot peppers), the "gravy" (I always called it juice) was about a teaspoon though I asked for it "wet". It was darn near unedible. Broke my heart.

I thought to mention it to the manager, then I thought again, the world has enough issues and I wasn't up for it. But I won't go there again.

I'll try the new Portillo's once, but it had better be a whole ton better.
Orlando ain't Chicago, I guess.


Hey John, you left out the part comparing your bar in Leesburg to Dick Portillo's Dog House.

[Chi-Town]

The last three times I've been to Portillo's were in Chicago, Tampa, and the new one in Kissimmee. They were as good as it gets. Looking forward to it opening here.

[JoMar]

I'm Chicago born and raised. "Italian Beef Sandwich" was my middle name as a kid. I attended UICC on the outskirts of Chicago and at the time, it was surrounded by an old timey Italian neighborhood where there were a lot of storefront Italian food joints.

So, I visited Portillo's in Orlando near Disney and it was beyond HORRID.
Sad to say. A crusty French bread, a very thin slice of beef, no giardiniera (sweet and/or hot peppers), the "gravy" (I always called it juice) was about a teaspoon though I asked for it "wet". It was darn near unedible. Broke my heart.

I thought to mention it to the manager, then I thought again, the world has enough issues and I wasn't up for it. But I won't go there again.

I'll try the new Portillo's once, but it had better be a whole ton better.
Orlando ain't Chicago, I guess.

Odd, have several neighbors that were also born and raised in Chicago and they have a very different opinion of the Portillo's in Tampa and Orlando. Taste bud changes or memory reinvention?

[JohnN]

Odd, have several neighbors that were also born and raised in Chicago and they have a very different opinion of the Portillo's in Tampa and Orlando. Taste bud changes or memory reinvention?

I've not been to the one in Tampa, nor to the bar in Leesburg referenced by another post. I'm just callin' the Orlando Portillo's as I see it, and it wasn't good. As I said, I'll give the Lady Lake location a chance at redemption. My taste buds are just fine, thank you.

The bread and peppers were not up to standards, that's no opinion, that's a fact. Who uses french bread on an Italian sandwich and doesn't offer Giardiniera. Just examples. "nuff said.

From their website: Chicago's #1 Italian Big Beef served on perfectly baked French bread with large fry and drink.
*This picture shows optional sweet and hot peppers that must be added to the sandwich, as they do not come standard.

[Michael 61]

I’m not normally a fast-food guy, but I do like a good Chicago-style Hot Dog, so I will check that out for sure. Also, I’ve never had an Italian Beef Sandwich (not too popular out West) - so I will try that to see if I like or not.

[Gpsma]

Just put on a couple of videos on YouTube about Portillos.

As i said in a prior post..nothing west of the Hudson river can be that good. They dont call Chicago the SECOND City for no reason.

Chicgo hot dogs…hmm…baloney dusguised under ridiculous toppinga

Deep Dish pizza…lol…its not a pizza!

Italian beef….hell, no italian would eat that.

Another fast food restaurant serving villagers with no taste buds

[npwalters]

major hype about a overblown hot dog stand that is not golf cart accessible

[Bilyclub]

Just put on a couple of videos on YouTube about Portillos.

As i said in a prior post..nothing west of the Hudson river can be that good. They dont call Chicago the SECOND City for no reason.

Chicgo hot dogs…hmm…baloney dusguised under ridiculous toppinga

Deep Dish pizza…lol…its not a pizza!

Italian beef….hell, no italian would eat that.

Another fast food restaurant serving villagers with no taste buds


Nobody outside of NYC cares about inflated opinions.

[Boomer]

I had never heard of Italian beef sandwiches (which sound delicious, btw) until we started watching The Bear on Hulu.

Jeremy Allen White (Lip from Shameless) stars as Carmy Berzatto an award winning chef who leaves his job in a very high-end restaurant to return to Chicago to take over his dead brother’s Italian beef sandwich shop.

The opening scene in the chaotic kitchen shows that Carmy has his work cut out for him. His brother has left him with a mess.

We like the show — and if you know the territory of Italian beef sandwiches, you might want to tune in to The Bear.

Boomer

[Battlebasset]

Just put on a couple of videos on YouTube about Portillos.

As i said in a prior post..nothing west of the Hudson river can be that good. They dont call Chicago the SECOND City for no reason.

Chicgo hot dogs…hmm…baloney dusguised under ridiculous toppinga

Deep Dish pizza…lol…its not a pizza!

Italian beef….hell, no italian would eat that.

Another fast food restaurant serving villagers with no taste buds

Relax, different strokes for different folks. Lived both in NJ and Chicagoland in my life. I like both types of pizza. I prefer Chicago dogs to NY dogs, but it's sort of like saying I prefer Coors Light to Miller Light. Both are about the same just depends how you dress them.

Italian beef? It's just another sandwich. Never had anything similar in the NJ area, other than a French Dip, which is everywhere I've ever been.

And I have been to the Old Chicago place in Leesburg. I wouldn't go back. Food just average, and the atmosphere is a bit too local dive bar for my taste.

[JoMar]

Just put on a couple of videos on YouTube about Portillos.

As i said in a prior post..nothing west of the Hudson river can be that good. They dont call Chicago the SECOND City for no reason.

Chicgo hot dogs…hmm…baloney dusguised under ridiculous toppinga

Deep Dish pizza…lol…its not a pizza!

Italian beef….hell, no italian would eat that.

Another fast food restaurant serving villagers with no taste buds

Keep stirring the pot, you are keeping the hype going lol

[Robbb]

I'm Chicago born and raised. "Italian Beef Sandwich" was my middle name as a kid. I attended UICC on the outskirts of Chicago and at the time, it was surrounded by an old timey Italian neighborhood where there were a lot of storefront Italian food joints.

So, I visited Portillo's in Orlando near Disney and it was beyond HORRID.
Sad to say. A crusty French bread, a very thin slice of beef, no giardiniera (sweet and/or hot peppers), the "gravy" (I always called it juice) was about a teaspoon though I asked for it "wet". It was darn near unedible. Broke my heart.

I thought to mention it to the manager, then I thought again, the world has enough issues and I wasn't up for it. But I won't go there again.

I'll try the new Portillo's once, but it had better be a whole ton better.
Orlando ain't Chicago, I guess.

Gotta ask for double dunked.

[Bilyclub]

Looks good. No Barnelli's though.

[Bilyclub]

From the online news:

“I have never seen so much interest in a restaurant in Lady Lake,” said Commissioner Ruth Kussard, who has served for well over a decade in the town’s government.

It is anticipated the Lady Lake Portillo’s will be finished by the end of 2024. A Portillo’s restaurant in Clermont is expected to open in December.

[Chi-Town]

It's come a long way from once being a hot dog stand. Here's an artist's rendition of the New Lady Lake establishment.

[JoMar]

From the online news:

“I have never seen so much interest in a restaurant in Lady Lake,” said Commissioner Ruth Kussard, who has served for well over a decade in the town’s government.

It is anticipated the Lady Lake Portillo’s will be finished by the end of 2024. A Portillo’s restaurant in Clermont is expected to open in December.

COSTCO in Nov, Portillo's in December.....works for me. :)

[Stu from NYC]

COSTCO in Nov, Portillo's in December.....works for me. :)

Still need trader joes

[mmac321]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaGRiDpndTE

[JohnN]

Gotta ask for double dunked.

I'll do just that, thanks for the tip. I guess that extra juice is expensive and not just given away

[bsloan1960]

Found out from an online source that Portillo’s will be opening on 27/441.

Checked their online menu and see there are no prices listed. Does this mean it's expensive? Anyone know what a cheeseburger costs?

[UpNorth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaGRiDpndTE

Thanks for the video link. Looks like I could make that same kind of hotdog at home, anytime. Maybe better. No secret in assembling good ingredients.

[mermaids]

We lived on Riordan behind the Flame restaurant in Villa Park in the 60's. Went to Willowbrook HS. Where did you live in VP?

[Bilyclub]

Thanks for the video link. Looks like I could make that same kind of hotdog at home, anytime. Maybe better. No secret in assembling good ingredients.

I'll take a beef dipped, no peppers, large fries, and a piece of chocolate cake, please. Pepsi, no coke.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Checked their online menu and see there are no prices listed. Does this mean it's expensive? Anyone know what a cheeseburger costs?

Prices for most places like this would vary depending on location. So they can't post a singular price menu to fit all shops in the chain.

What to do with Portillo's:

Select "order now" and order for pickup in one of the two Orlando stores.

Then pretend to place an order, clicking on the things that appeal to you most. You'll see the prices right before it says to add it to your basket. Back out to the menu to check another item's price. Rinse and repeat.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Thanks for the video link. Looks like I could make that same kind of hotdog at home, anytime. Maybe better. No secret in assembling good ingredients.

Well sure, but you can't buy ONE hotdog and ONE hot dog bun, and just enough of the toppings for ONE dog, and just enough fries for ONE plate of fries, and someone to wash the dishes, and someone to do the actual cooking for you so you don't have to do it yourself.

So you can buy the 8-pack of dogs, the 8-pack of buns, a jar of relish, a few jars of whatever else you want, a whole onion, and so on and so forth. Then you have to decide to actually eat all that within the next week, or else your buns will be stale and the dogs will start to get slimy.

All that - just to have a hotdog.

[Dusty_Star]

Still need trader joes

Indeed we do.

Here is a link to request a Trader Joe's in The Villages, if you would care to. I have already submitted it.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)

[Bilyclub]

Indeed we do.

Here is a link to request a Trader Joe's in The Villages, if you would care to. I have already submitted it.

Request a Trader Joe's (https://www.traderjoes.com/home/contact-us/request-a-store)




I did and suggested Trailwinds for a location. Don't think they would open up close to the brother's store, though.

[UpNorth]

Well sure, but you can't buy ONE hotdog and ONE hot dog bun, and just enough of the toppings for ONE dog, and just enough fries for ONE plate of fries, and someone to wash the dishes, and someone to do the actual cooking for you so you don't have to do it yourself.

So you can buy the 8-pack of dogs, the 8-pack of buns, a jar of relish, a few jars of whatever else you want, a whole onion, and so on and so forth. Then you have to decide to actually eat all that within the next week, or else your buns will be stale and the dogs will start to get slimy.

All that - just to have a hotdog.


Guess what? I have a freezer.

[Bilyclub]

Portillo's Clermont location now open.