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Welcome to Portillo’s at 555 E 81st Avenue! Dive into the authentic taste of Chicago Street food at our 30s Prohibition themed restaurant, just 5.6 miles from Deep River Waterpark. Savor our char-broiled burgers, Italian Beef Sandwiches, iconic Chicago-style hot dogs, and fresh chopped salad. Don’t miss out on our famous chocolate cake shake to top off your meal. Open late and designed for family-friendly dining, Portillo’s is the ultimate spot for delicious fast food in a fun atmosphere. Plus, we offer convenient delivery and catering options to bring our Chicago favorites right to your door. We look forward to seeing you!
Chicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–11:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–11:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–11:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–11:30 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–11:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 555 E 81st Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 769-8300
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Portillo’s Merrillville
555 E 81st Avenue! Dive into the authentic taste of Chicago Street food at our 30s Prohibition themed restaurant, just 5.6 miles from Deep River Waterpark.
Portillo’s Merrillville – Order Online
Portillo’s Merrillville · Local Favorites · Sauces Taking Flight · Famous Five Meals · Italian Beef & Sausage · Hot Dogs · Char-Broiled Burgers · Lenten Items · Salads.
Portillo’s – Merrillville, IN – Facebook
Portillo’s – Merrillville, IN, Merrillville. 3591 likes · 22 talking about this · 29914 were here. Welcome to Portillo’s at 555 E 81st Avenue! Dive…
Reviews
Kathrynn
I had the pleasure of dining here on a Saturday evening and am pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the experience! I can imagine struggling to figure out how to get into the lot- but once you’re there you’re going to love your visit. The decor inside is perfectly curated and I adore the kitchen being in that front area like it is (see picture). I put off visiting for a long time because of dietary restrictions, but turns out there were plenty of chicken-based options! I ordered 6 tenders and cheese fries; I throughly enjoyed the fries, though admittedly i felt like the tenders could benefit from more seasoning. The ranch I had ordered wasn’t on my tray, and I wasn’t going to go out of my way for it- anxiety related reasons haha, nothing the team did. I was expecting the comeback sauce to have a little more zing, but it wasn’t bad. We didn’t have to wait long for our meals and the general atmosphere was so enjoyable I don’t think I would have minded waiting longer if I had to.
… moreCraig Lewis
Got get some when I’m in town. I miss Portillos, even though we have a few in SoCal.
My wife swears by the Italian Beef, dipped. If you’re not from Chicago, that’s how you order it. You’ll need a knife and fork to eat it. Don’t try to pick it up. Like proper pizza. You can pick it up if you order it dry, and we’ll feel sorry for you.
I went with the Chicago dog this time, instead of the maxwell polish sausage, because I wasn’t very hungry. 2 dogs are larger than 1 polish.
Chocolate cake is always on point. We did not get a chocolate cake shake… this time
… moreMy wife swears by the Italian Beef, dipped. If you’re not from Chicago, that’s how you order it. You’ll need a knife and fork to eat it. Don’t try to pick it up. Like proper pizza. You can pick it up if you order it dry, and we’ll feel sorry for you.
I went with the Chicago dog this time, instead of the maxwell polish sausage, because I wasn’t very hungry. 2 dogs are larger than 1 polish.
Chocolate cake is always on point. We did not get a chocolate cake shake… this time
Barbara Schultz
Note: pictures are from two separate times below to see if beef quantity on their sandwich changed.
Stopped at this convenient off highway location (4th time on 7/11/25) —ordered a beef sandwich dipped inside (instead of drive thru) thinking maybe the drive thru had the lack of beef quantity issue. I was wrong (new pics below). NOW I believe it’s a business model! Kids without any supervision that just don’t care about your order! I don’t think there was any beef replenished in the pot before they tried to fish some with tongs. This place was filthy inside as I watched them make orders. I asked for a refund this time. They could have cared less about my re-occurring lack of beef complaint. I had hopes and why I went back.
This is the third time off the highway I’ve stopped by this location and ordered a dipped beef sandwich with peppers through the drive up and each time I’ve been more disappointed with the amount of beef than the last time for almost $14. I will add the newer Schererville location is worse! If you’re starving, don’t order the chili! Maybe 2 ounces tops for $7 or $8. You’d be better off at Wendy’s. Consistency like LaSalle Street matters!
… moreStopped at this convenient off highway location (4th time on 7/11/25) —ordered a beef sandwich dipped inside (instead of drive thru) thinking maybe the drive thru had the lack of beef quantity issue. I was wrong (new pics below). NOW I believe it’s a business model! Kids without any supervision that just don’t care about your order! I don’t think there was any beef replenished in the pot before they tried to fish some with tongs. This place was filthy inside as I watched them make orders. I asked for a refund this time. They could have cared less about my re-occurring lack of beef complaint. I had hopes and why I went back.
This is the third time off the highway I’ve stopped by this location and ordered a dipped beef sandwich with peppers through the drive up and each time I’ve been more disappointed with the amount of beef than the last time for almost $14. I will add the newer Schererville location is worse! If you’re starving, don’t order the chili! Maybe 2 ounces tops for $7 or $8. You’d be better off at Wendy’s. Consistency like LaSalle Street matters!
Rebecca Jefferson
This was my first time at portillos and it was great! The drive through was timely and the young lady taking out order was helpful with menu questions. I got the Chicago dog and my husband got the beef and cheddar sandwich. Both were good, along with the cheese fries! We told the young man at the pick up window it was our first time and he said ‘oh, you’ll be back.’ He wasn’t wrong!
… moremelody o
AMAZING VEGAN HOT DOGS!!! If you are vegetarian/vegan and are looking for a hot dog that actually taste good and has a good texture, this is the place! I always get cheese sauce to dip it in too.
Only complaint is the buns getting a bit soggy very fast! Not a meal to drive all the way home with.
… moreOnly complaint is the buns getting a bit soggy very fast! Not a meal to drive all the way home with.
Miguel Garcia
Got a jumbo dog Chicago style and it was kinda mid like I’ve had better. The burger was nice nothing special
… moreEMPRESS T
I ordered a maxwell polish and onion rings and it was to be as expected. It wasn’t bad and it wasn’t great…it did the job lol. However, this review is mainly about CINDY. I’ve only been to this place once so I can’t account for any other day or what she may or may not have done with anyone else but what I met was a friendly upbeat person. She was very friendly and it was nice to see that being that I’m new in town. I know how hard it is for staff at fast food restaurants so I wanted to give her a big shout out here as well as their survey, in hopes they see it and give her some sort of recognition (preferably $ which everyone needs right now ).
… moreDoug Dyer
A fantastic spot for some comfort food. Messy and delicious is exactly what I was hoping for, and this was absolutely the best Italian beef sandwich. Great atmosphere and decor also make this a location worth revisiting.
… moreRuth Sharp
It’s not handicapped accessible. The staff was no help we struggled getting food couldn’t reach the catchup or lids or straws for our drinks barley was able get our drinks . The food was just ok . We didnt check the bathrooms so we cant assume.
… moreShawne Sheldon
It was just ok, everybody hypes it up but I wasn’t super impressed with it. The strawberry shake was tasty but my fish sandwich and onion rings was just mediocre. Maybe I needed to get the hot dogs. Did like how easy it was to order at the kiosk and the dining area was nice.
… more