Portillo's Hot Dogs, Moreno Valley

Italian Beef Sandwich $4.75

Updated 10/18/2009

On a recommendation from my good friend I returned to Portillo's to try the Italian Beef Sandwich. She always passes the Hot Dogs in favor of this Chicago delicacy. The beef is served in a beef Au Jus dipped French roll. The roll is great, crispy brown crunchy crust. The roll is stuffed with thinly sliced Italian beef. I added the hot peppers for forty cents. Wow the peppers were hot, I had to take some off. The sandwich was very good, next time I will order the homemade sweet peppers instead of the hot peppers with a dog on the side.

Portillo's
12840 Day St
Moreno Valley CA
At the corner of Day St and Gateway Dr
951-653-1000


I was raised in Southern California, my idea of a good hot dog was a Der Wienerschnitzel mustard dog. We do not have a great hot dog tradition here, it was Farmer John Dodger Dog country. Portillo's, a Chicago chain, has opened two units in California, for some reason they picked Moreno Valley as one of their locations. I don't know what kind of demographic study that would make this a testing ground for their operation, but I feel lucky to be only a thirty minute drive from this Portillo's.

The chain is based out of Chicago, and of course serve a Chicago style hot dog. Serious Eats website defines Chicago style as "All beef dogs in a steamed poppy seed bun and dragged through the garden: minced raw onion, neon sweet relish, sport peppers, pickle spear, halved tomato slices, yellow mustard, celery salt—and of course, no ketchup."

http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/07/america-regional-hot-dog-styles-coneys-half-smokes-reds-whites.html


This is exactly what you get at Portillo's. They have a quick ordering system, walk up, two lines. Get a number, you can watch the cook prepare your food, then will call your number.

The dog's were $2.45 each, served on a warm poppy seed bun with mustard. The relish had a sweet taste, garnished with chopped onion and tomato. Also slices of tomatoes a big pickle spear and two small banana peppers. The dog could barely fit in my mouth, the casing had a nice snap when bitten. Now this is a hot dog, sorry I was introduced to this fine cuisine so late in life. I did have to discard a few rough chili skins.

Hot Dog $2.25

I have visited Portillo's three times and have ordered the same thing each time. They have a lot more than hot dogs on the menu.
Chili Cheese Dog $3.08
Char Grilled Maxwell Street Style Polish $3.76
Chicken Sandwiches $3.99 - $4.85
All kinds of Burgers $3.59 - $6.23
Beef-N-Sausage Sandwiches $3.49 - $6.59

Portillo's has a special ordering section devoted to Salads, the Garbage Salad looks enticing.

Someday I am going to force myself to try something different. It is going to be difficult, the hot dogs are so delicious. The restaurant is big, lots of self seating, also seating for larger parties. The restaurant is decorated in 30's style "Prohibition". It is a fun place to eat. I am sure kids would enjoy the atmosphere. I only wish Portillo's was closer, I would be a regular. If your in the area, even if you have to drive a little out of your way, give them a try. They serve Beer and have Drive-Thru service.

Food ***

Ambiance ***

Service **

Expense $

Repeat Visit? Yes

http://www.portillos.com/portillos/