Bring on the chocolate cake.
If you live within the city limits, you probably know that the only Portillo’s location in the immediate vicinity is in River North. While that’s all well and dandy, a few more city locations certainly couldn’t hurt.
Portillo’s is branching out with the opening of a brand-new South Loop restaurant this May. The building will feature the chain’s signature pre-Prohibition style fashion, exceptional food, and (our favorite) the chocolate cake shake.
As reported by WGN, the new location, at 520 West Taylor Street, will have a similar look and feel to the River North site. Renderings show a two-story-tall building with not one, but TWO outdoor seating areas for customers. One of the patios is located on the second floor, so you’ll be able to look down and see the unlucky victims of your dripping hot dog mustard as they duck inside for some good eats.
Portillo’s is widely known for their authentic Chicago-style food, but this specific location will sell alcohol as well. The chain chose this specific location to break ground based on the nearby university, residential, and business traffic.
The restaurant, which is currently under construction, will start hiring for their 200 openings in April. Another Portillo’s location in Gurnee, IL is set to open in November.
Portillo’s fans from the far north and south sides will have to wait for their chance at a closer location, but this is certainly a promising step in the right direction. Under new ownership since 2014, the company has made it no secret that they’re looking to expand far beyond their current reach.