When a highly anticipated Judas Priest concert was canceled, one Houston Press writer found solace in the grand opening of a legendary Chicago hot dog joint. Portillo's, the iconic eatery known for its mouthwatering Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, had finally arrived in the Houston area, and the writer was determined to experience the culinary sensation firsthand.

Bringing the Windy City Flavor to the Lone Star State

A Chicago Classic Comes to Town

Portillo's, the legendary Chicago hot dog restaurant, has been delighting taste buds since 1963 when its founder, Dick Portillo, started the business with just $1,100 and a dream. Over the decades, the brand has grown to 85 locations across 10 states, and its latest venture has brought the iconic flavors to the Houston area. The writer was eager to see how this Chicago culinary superstar would fare in the heart of Texas.

The Signature Chicago-Style Hot Dog

At the heart of Portillo's menu is the legendary Chicago-style hot dog, a multi-layered masterpiece that begins with a perfectly steamed poppy seed bun and a Vienna Beef frank cooked to perfection. According to a mashed.com article, Portillo's follows a meticulous process to ensure the satisfying pop when you bite into the frank, adding the crucial element of texture to the taste experience.

Topping the Hot Dog with Tradition

The Chicago-style hot dog is then adorned with a symphony of flavors, including mustard, a vibrant relish, celery salt, freshly chopped onions, sliced red tomatoes, a kosher pickle, and the elusive sport peppers that have been hard to find in the Houston area until now. The writer and their companion, Mrs. Sendejas, each indulged in one of these culinary wonders, accompanied by liberally salted crinkle fries and a refreshing soda.

Exploring the Iconic Italian Beef Sandwich

In addition to the classic hot dogs, the writer was eager to revisit the Portillo's Italian beef sandwich, a menu item that has gained widespread popularity thanks to its prominent feature in the hit TV series "The Bear." Portillo's takes its time, slow-roasting the beef for four hours before packing it generously into French bread, resulting in a beautifully seasoned and mouthwatering creation.

Embracing the Windy City Ambiance

As the writer and Mrs. Sendejas navigated the bustling opening night crowds, they couldn't help but feel a sense of Chicago nostalgia. The 7,700-square-foot restaurant was adorned with Texas-themed decor, including license plates and a corrugated tin version of the state flag, blending the Windy City flair with a touch of Lone Star State charm.

Efficiency and Hospitality Shine

Despite the overwhelming opening night crowds, the Portillo's team demonstrated exceptional efficiency and hospitality. Customers were guided through the process seamlessly, with order numbers displayed on video screens and employees enthusiastically calling out orders with a sing-song cadence. The writer was impressed by the lack of any complaints or issues, a testament to the restaurant's well-oiled operations.

Indulging in Dessert: Portillo's Signature Chocolate Cake

To cap off the evening, the writer and Mrs. Sendejas indulged in Portillo's famous chocolate cake, both in the form of a creamy chocolate shake and a freshly baked slice. The decadent dessert provided the perfect encore to a remarkable opening night experience, leaving the writer and their companion fully satisfied and eager to return.

A Warm Welcome from Chicago Cousins

The writer's Chicago cousins, Cousin Amanda and Aunt Debbie, were thrilled to hear about the Portillo's opening in Houston. Their enthusiastic endorsement of the Italian beef sandwich and Polish sausage dog (which was not available on opening night) only added to the writer's anticipation of future visits to the beloved Chicago institution's newest location.