Breakfast lovers rejoice! This iconic hot dog chain is changing the game after 62 years—see what’s on the new morning menu
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If you’ve ever found yourself craving a hearty breakfast with a side of nostalgia, your morning prayers have finally been answered.
For the first time in its 62-year history, Portillo’s—the legendary chain best known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches—is serving up breakfast.
That’s right: the Windy City’s favorite fast-casual spot is breaking tradition and rolling out a breakfast menu that’s already making waves among early risers and foodies alike.
A New Dawn for a Chicago Classic
For decades, Portillo’s has been a lunchtime and dinner staple, drawing crowds for its juicy hot dogs, savory Italian beef, and that decadent chocolate cake.
But until now, the doors didn’t open for breakfast. That all changed this summer, as five Illinois locations quietly began serving a full morning menu, available daily from 6:30 to 10:30 am.
Why the change after all these years?
According to Portillo’s Vice President of Strategy and Culinary, Garrett Kern, “Chicago has been asking for Portillo’s breakfast for years, and we’re thrilled to deliver our unique take on morning classics.”
What’s on the Menu? Local Flavors, Classic Comforts
Portillo’s isn’t just slapping eggs on a bun and calling it a day.
The new breakfast menu is a love letter to Chicago, featuring collaborations with two other local icons: Stan’s Donuts and Metropolis Coffee.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
And for those looking for a deal, the $7.99 meal combo includes a breakfast sandwich, small coffee, and hash brown bites—a value that’s hard to beat, especially when compared to bigger chains like McDonald’s or Chipotle.
Where Can You Try It?
The breakfast menu is currently being tested at five Portillo’s locations in Illinois: Chicago, Elmhurst, Tinley Park, Shorewood, and Niles.
If you’re in the area, now’s your chance to be among the first to try these new offerings and help shape the future of Portillo’s breakfast.
Also read: Are Arby’s new menu “upgrades” worth trying—or are they just burnt leftovers?
Early Reviews: Fans Are Lining Up
The response so far? Overwhelmingly positive. Customers have been lining up to get their hands on the new breakfast items, and social media is already abuzz with rave reviews.
CEO Michael Osanloo shared, “Guests are excited about freshly scrambled eggs, made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, and our rich chocolate cake doughnut— inspired, of course, by our famous chocolate cake.”
Portillo’s plans to monitor feedback throughout the summer.
Source: @corrine_eats / Instagram.
Why the Breakfast Boom?
Portillo’s isn’t the only chain experimenting with new menu items and dayparts. As Americans’ dining habits shift, breakfast has become a battleground for fast-casual and quick-service restaurants.
McDonald’s, for example, recently tested McVeggie burgers in Canada (though the test ended without a US rollout), while Chipotle’s honey chicken was such a hit it became a limited-time offering nationwide.
Even Dutch Bros. is testing new food items to attract the breakfast crowd.
Read next: Enjoy a free upgrade at Starbucks this week—here’s how to enjoy the offer before it ends
Are you excited to see Portillo’s enter the breakfast game? What menu item are you most eager to try? Do you have a favorite breakfast memory from another classic spot? We’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and reviews in the comments below!
For the first time in its 62-year history, Portillo’s—the legendary chain best known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches—is serving up breakfast.
That’s right: the Windy City’s favorite fast-casual spot is breaking tradition and rolling out a breakfast menu that’s already making waves among early risers and foodies alike.
A New Dawn for a Chicago Classic
For decades, Portillo’s has been a lunchtime and dinner staple, drawing crowds for its juicy hot dogs, savory Italian beef, and that decadent chocolate cake.
But until now, the doors didn’t open for breakfast. That all changed this summer, as five Illinois locations quietly began serving a full morning menu, available daily from 6:30 to 10:30 am.
Why the change after all these years?
According to Portillo’s Vice President of Strategy and Culinary, Garrett Kern, “Chicago has been asking for Portillo’s breakfast for years, and we’re thrilled to deliver our unique take on morning classics.”
Image source: ABC7 Chicago / Youtube.
Image source: ABC7 Chicago / Youtube.
What’s on the Menu? Local Flavors, Classic Comforts
Portillo’s isn’t just slapping eggs on a bun and calling it a day.
The new breakfast menu is a love letter to Chicago, featuring collaborations with two other local icons: Stan’s Donuts and Metropolis Coffee.
Image source: ABC7 Chicago / Youtube.
Image source: ABC7 Chicago / Youtube.
Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
- Polish Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwiches: A hearty, savory start to your day, with that signature Portillo’s twist.
- Loaded Scrambles: Eggs, hash browns, cheese sauce, and bacon—what’s not to love?
- Chocolate Cake Donut: Inspired by their famous chocolate cake, this sweet treat is already a fan favorite.
- Chocolate Cake Iced Coffee: For those who like their caffeine with a side of decadence.
- Italian Beef Sandwich: Yes, you can now get this classic for breakfast!
And for those looking for a deal, the $7.99 meal combo includes a breakfast sandwich, small coffee, and hash brown bites—a value that’s hard to beat, especially when compared to bigger chains like McDonald’s or Chipotle.
Where Can You Try It?
The breakfast menu is currently being tested at five Portillo’s locations in Illinois: Chicago, Elmhurst, Tinley Park, Shorewood, and Niles.
If you’re in the area, now’s your chance to be among the first to try these new offerings and help shape the future of Portillo’s breakfast.
Also read: Are Arby’s new menu “upgrades” worth trying—or are they just burnt leftovers?
Early Reviews: Fans Are Lining Up
The response so far? Overwhelmingly positive. Customers have been lining up to get their hands on the new breakfast items, and social media is already abuzz with rave reviews.
CEO Michael Osanloo shared, “Guests are excited about freshly scrambled eggs, made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, and our rich chocolate cake doughnut— inspired, of course, by our famous chocolate cake.”
Portillo’s plans to monitor feedback throughout the summer.
Source: @corrine_eats / Instagram.
Why the Breakfast Boom?
Portillo’s isn’t the only chain experimenting with new menu items and dayparts. As Americans’ dining habits shift, breakfast has become a battleground for fast-casual and quick-service restaurants.
The McVeggie Burger. Image source: CityNews / Youtube.
McDonald’s, for example, recently tested McVeggie burgers in Canada (though the test ended without a US rollout), while Chipotle’s honey chicken was such a hit it became a limited-time offering nationwide.
Even Dutch Bros. is testing new food items to attract the breakfast crowd.
Read next: Enjoy a free upgrade at Starbucks this week—here’s how to enjoy the offer before it ends
Are you excited to see Portillo’s enter the breakfast game? What menu item are you most eager to try? Do you have a favorite breakfast memory from another classic spot? We’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and reviews in the comments below!
