Portillo’s Opening 1st Wrigleyville Location A Block From The Ballpark

WRIGLEYVILLE — Portillo’s, one of the Chicago area’s most recognizable restaurant chains, is opening its first location in Wrigleyville a block away from one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The hot dog and Italian beef joint plans to open its fifth Chicago location on the first floor of 3519 N. Clark St., a block south of Wrigley Field. The new Portillo’s will occupy the first floor of a mixed-use building that is home to the Alamo Drafthouse, Shake Shack, Tin Roof and a UFC gym.

To accommodate the high foot traffic along Clark Street, the Wrigleyville Portillo’s will have a walk-up window — a first for the chain — as well as a small indoor dining area.

Portillo’s made the announcement Wednesday in conjunction with National Hot Dog Day.

To celebrate, Portillo’s will pop up outside of its future restaurant 4-8 p.m. Wednesday near the corner of Clark Street and Patterson Avenue with photo experiences, exclusive Portillo’s giveaways and a meet-and-greet with the Portillo’s mascot, Pokey.

“Our Chicago-style hot dogs are at the heart of who we are, and there’s no better place to celebrate them than near another iconic Chicago institution and one of the nation’s most recognized baseball stadiums,” Brett Patterson, Portillo’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

The Wrigleyville Portillo’s is expected to open in 2027, according to a company press release.

Founded by Dick Portillo in 1963 in suburban Villa Park, Portillo’s has grown from a single hot dog stand to more than 70 restaurants in 10 states, according to the company’s most recent annual report.

The new restaurant will be Portillo’s fifth in Chicago proper. It most recently announced its fourth location on Michigan Avenue.

“As we continue investing in our hometown, we’re building on the momentum of our recently announced Michigan Avenue restaurant by expanding to Wrigleyville, bringing the Portillo’s experience to even more Chicagoans and visitors while reinforcing our commitment to the city that made us famous,” Patterson said.

Portillo’s is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, chopped salad, chocolate cake and chocolate cake shake, as well as for its menu collabs with other iconic brands like Chicago’s Lou Malnati’s and New York City’s Milk Bar.