Lunch with Lance: Portillo’s Hot Dogs – A Taste of Chicago in Tempe!
By Lance Reece
Hey Pulse listeners and fellow foodies! Lance Reece here with another mouthwatering installment of Lunch with Lance. This time, we brought a little slice of the Windy City right into the desert. Our stop? The iconic Portillo’s Hot Dogs in Tempe, AZ.
If you’re craving authentic Chicago-style food in Arizona or just scoping out top Tempe restaurants with an old-school American vibe, you’ll want to stick around for this one.
The Vibe & The Grub
Walking into Portillo’s feels like stepping into a time machine headed straight for a busy Chicago street corner. Vintage signs, lively décor, and the mouthwatering scent of grilled dogs and slow-cooked beef fill the air. I rolled in with my usual lunch crew: Michael Mallace and Brandon Neyenhuis, ready to dive into some serious comfort food.
Let’s talk about my order first. I went with their famous Italian beef sandwich, but kicked it up a notch with The Leo style. That means it’s dipped in rich, savory gravy and loaded with sweet and hot peppers. Every bite was juicy, bold, and full of that unmistakable Chicago flavor. It’s messy in the best possible way and totally worth it.
Michael, a true hot dog purist, went classic with the Chicago dog. This beauty came topped with all the traditional fixings: mustard, onions, neon green relish, tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and a dash of celery salt, all cradled in a poppy seed bun. That satisfying snap? He confirmed it was spot on.
Meanwhile, Brandon went for something simple but solid. He ordered the chicken tenders, which are golden, crispy, and juicy inside. Comfort food done right.
More to Explore
We barely scratched the surface of Portillo’s menu. Between the sizzling charbroiled burgers and the eye-catching trays flying out of the kitchen, there’s plenty more to try on our next visit. But if there’s one more thing you have to order, it’s the chocolate cake shake. Yes, they blend an actual slice of chocolate cake into a creamy milkshake. And yes, it’s as insanely delicious as it sounds.
Grub or Dud?
Let’s cut to the chase. After a full round of taste-testing, the entire Lunch with Lance crew agreed on one thing:
Portillo’s Hot Dogs is a certified GRUB.
From the energetic atmosphere to the bold, authentic flavors, this place brings Chicago heart and flavor straight to Tempe. It delivers consistently on quality, taste, and fun, making it a standout among Tempe food spots.
That’s why we’re proud to officially stamp it as LWL Certified, our seal of approval for restaurants that truly hit the mark.
So grab your crew, bring your appetite, and head to a Portillo’s near you in Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Gilbert, Avondale, Surprise and Queen Creek. And when you go, tell them Lance and The Pulse sent you.
Want more local food reviews and tasty spots around the Valley? Visit 887thepulse.com or check out more foodie adventures on Instagram at @lunchwithlanceaz.
Check out Portillo’s full menu and locations here
