Recently we spent a few weeks visiting friends in the Chicago area. I knew one of the foods I had to try in chicago was italian beef. My friends husband is celiac and reccomended Portillo’s as a must try spot. When I searched for the best places to get gluten-free Italian beef, I came across a thread where people were arguing about whether Buona Beef or Portillo’s served better gluten-free Italian beef. Of course we had to try both places.
I thought I would write this post in a slightly different way since our thoughts on each place were the same. I wrote the review on Buona and let Alan write the review for Portillo’s. Here’s what we thought. 7417 S Cass Ave.
To begin, Buona Beef has gluten-free flat bread that can be used for all of their sandwiches and as pizza crust. I’ve read it is good but due to other allergies I did not want to chance trying it. That’s ok though. We wanted to order the exact same meal at both restaurants for a fair review. Alan and I both ordered the Naked Combo Bowl. This comes with Buona Beef, sausage, peppers (I got sweet and hot) and mozzarella cheese. The restaurant was quiet and comfortable when we walked in. When we ordered I almost forgot to tell the cashier I had Celiac. Thankfully Alan spoke up. The cashier told us that he was glad we told him because they take extra steps to make sure that everything is gluten-free. He went on to say that they tidy up, change gloves, and do a few other things I can’t remember now. I was very confident that my meal would be safe.
At Buona Beef your order is taken and you pick a table. The cashier brings your food out when it’s ready and checks on you during the meal to see if you need more drinks or anything else. This was a nice touch at a semi fast food restaurant (they have a drive thru).
I have never eaten italian beef and did not know really what to expect. The bowls came out smelling wonderful. The beef was tender and there was quite a bit of it. The cashier told me that the cheese is between the meat so it melts really well when I asked where it was. I thought that was a neat trick. The beef was served in a thin gravy that was so tasty that Alan drank his and mine after it was over. I told my food that I wanted to eat this and only this for the rest of my life over and over again.
I loved both the sweet and hot the gardineria as well. They were full of sliced carrots, green olives, onions, and sweet and hot peppers.
We’ll be back in the Chicago area in a few weeks, and I can’t wait to go back to both Chicago’s Pizza and Buona Beef.
Rating by Laurie Clark: 5.0 stars
15900 Harlem Ave
We aren’t quite sure why this place is as busy as it is. Perhaps our experience was unique, maybe other people enjoy this place. Our visit, however, made this one of the worst places we have ever eaten. One of our friends while we were there is also celiac, so we went to Portillo’s with them for dinner. When we arrive, the drive through line was backed up at least 20 cars deep. Inside, the wait was much shorter, and we were placing our order almost immediately. Our order, a Beef Combo in a cup with peppers and cheese, was written on a brown bag, which wasn’t very green of them. A minute or two later, we gave the bag to the cashier. A manager had to assist in translation, and stated what was written on the bag was “all wrong”. The manager fixed something on a new bag and showed the cashier how to enter the order, then left. The cashier had to fumble through entering the information into the order screen. The website for Portillo’s says they can handle gluten-free orders, so we thought at least glove changes would be done. But after we paid, the cashier told us that the manager had said “gluten-free could not be guaranteed.” Usually, we’d ask for our money back and go somewhere else to eat, but since our friends have never had a problem, we chose to keep going.
Next, we waited for our food. And waited. And waited. Our friends were at the table with their food, and we waited. Number 70 was called all throughout our waiting process, we were number 78. We waited. The contents of number 70 were read out – hey, that sounds like our order. We showed the employee our ticket, and found out “they must have wrote the number wrong”. So… our food was ready for a while. We were not happy, but they did at least offer us cake for the problem. You know, cake, to go with the gluten free meals containing an allergy warning on the ticket. Cake.
For now, we just wanted to get out of the line of people waiting for their food and eat. We were really hungry. We joined our friends, and tried our food. This is where Portillo’s lived up to everything we had experienced thus far. There was no gravy to speak of in the bowl. There was some greasy sludge, but even it was limited. The sausage was dry, with burnt ends, and not very good. The unknown meat in the meal had the same texture and taste as steak-um. If we had to guess, we’d say it was probably some frozen beef slices from a different brand. Very, very greasy off brand beef slices.
The extra peppers – which costs – consisted of two or three small, greasy pepper pieces. The bigger order Alan placed looked and felt the same size and weight as the smaller order. Either they screwed up there too, or an extra portion means one slice of steak-um.
Normally, this is where we would some things up in a nice sentence. With Portillo’s, that is simply “Wow. ” Wow that any one visit could have everything go so wrong. Needless to say, we won’t be going back. We’ll stick with Buona.
There you have it guys. Buona Beef is the clear winner in our eyes. They had better customer service, paid more attention to detail, cooked our gluten-free meal better, gave us bigger portions, and most importantly, the food tasted much, much better.
Rating by Alan Cook: 1.0 stars
Portillo’s is a beloved Chicago-style restaurant chain known for their juicy Italian beef sandwiches dripping with gravy But for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the classic sandwich may seem off limits The good news is that with a few modifications, you can enjoy Portillo’s signature Italian beef gluten-free!
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to eat at Portillo’s with a gluten allergy or intolerance. You’ll learn:
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How the restaurant accommodates gluten-free diets
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What menu items are naturally gluten-free
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Tips for customizing menu options to be gluten-free
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Best practices for communicating with staff about gluten
Let’s dig in so you can keep enjoying Portillo’s without the gluten!
An Overview of Gluten at Portillo’s
First, it helps to understand how Portillo’s approaches gluten in their kitchens. The chain states that many menu items contain gluten from ingredients like wheat flour in buns and breading.
However, they emphasize that guests should speak with staff about necessary adjustments to accommodate gluten-free needs. The restaurant tries to be transparent about allergens and thoughtful in their preparation methods.
While fryers used for breaded items likely contribute some cross-contact, Portillo’s staff can guide you on which items are safer choices. Being upfront about your needs is key.
Naturally Gluten-Free Menu Items at Portillo’s
Fortunately, Portillo’s does offer some menu options that are naturally gluten-free:
- Hot dogs without the bun
- Polish sausages without the bun
- Italian sausage without the bun
- Grilled chicken sandwiches without the bun
- Grilled chicken breasts
- Most salad options without croutons
- Chili
- Soups
- Salads without breaded toppings or croutons
- French fries
These items require no modifications and avoid gluten-containing ingredients. But always double check with staff on preparation practices to be safe.
Customizing Portillo’s Menu Favorites Gluten-Free
The best part about Portillo’s is customizing your perfect sandwich or entree. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy their Italian beef and other classics gluten-free:
Gluten-Free Italian Beef Sandwich
- Order Italian beef without bread or bun
- Request gluten-free gravy on the side
- Serve atop a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap
Gluten-Free burger or chicken sandwich
- Choose a lettuce wrap or gluten-free bun
- Order plain beef patties or grilled chicken
- Substitute fries for coleslaw side
Gluten-Free Hot Dog or Sausage
- Skip the regular hot dog buns
- Opt for skinny fries instead of onion rings
- Use a gluten-free hot dog bun if desired
Gluten-Free Chopped Salad
- Choose grilled chicken or beef
- Request no croutons or breaded toppings
- Ask for gluten-free dressing options
The key is knowing what to omit and substituting gf-friendly alternatives. Portillo’s is happily accommodating.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Portillo’s
To ensure the safest gluten-free experience when ordering at Portillo’s, keep these tips in mind:
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Tell staff you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance when ordering. Don’t be shy about it!
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Ask which dressings, gravies, and sauces are made without wheat/gluten.
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Request gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps in place of regular buns.
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Verify that French fries are prepared in their own fryer separate from breaded foods.
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Ask about ingredients in soups, chili, and salad toppings to ensure they’re gluten-free.
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Avoid breaded menu items like chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and fish sandwiches.
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Politely ask staff to change gloves, use clean surfaces, and utensils when preparing your food.
Being clear and specific helps Portillo’s staff make sure you have a safe, gluten-free experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions!
Gluten-Free Side Dishes and Desserts at Portillo’s
When it comes to sides, committed gluten-free diners will need to verify ingredients and preparation details with staff. But in general:
Gluten-Free Side Options:
- Fresh fruit cup
- Kettle chips
- French fries or cheese fries
- Coleslaw (verify dressing)
Gluten-Free Dessert Possibilities:
- Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- Sorbet
- Italian ice
There are just a handful of gluten-free friendly sides and desserts, so enjoy them when you can!
Is Portillo’s a Good Gluten-Free Dining Option Overall?
For those managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, Portillo’s is an excellent option with plenty of menu choices. While some cross-contact may occur, staff is willing to make swaps and take steps to minimize gluten exposure.
With delicious gluten-free customization possibilities for Italian beef, hot dogs, burgers, salads, and more, you’ll never get bored. Portillo’s doesn’t skimp on flavor minus the gluten!
Just be sure to clearly communicate your needs when ordering. With the right modifications, you can relish Portillo’s classics to your heart’s content gluten-free.
So don’t be afraid to stop into a Portillo’s on your next burger or Italian beef craving. They aim to make everyone feel welcome at their restaurant table.
Other Tips for Dining Out Gluten-Free
Eating gluten-free when dining out takes commitment and know-how. Keep these general tips in mind:
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Research the menu thoroughly online first for gluten-free options
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Communicate openly with restaurant staff about your needs
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Verify that sauces, dressings, and oils are gluten-free
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Request separate prep surfaces, cookware, and utensils
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Ask about risk of cross-contact on shared surfaces
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Bring backup safe snacks in case of limited choices
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Thank staff for accommodating your gluten-free needs
With the proper adjustments by chefs and awareness on your part as the diner, you can safely enjoy dining out gluten-free anywhere. Don’t be afraid to try new spots – just do your homework in advance.
Enjoy Portillo’s Favorites Without Gluten
A gluten sensitivity or celiac disease diagnosis doesn’t have to mean the end of all your favorite comfort foods. With the right customizations and smart ordering, you can still enjoy the core menu at chains like Portillo’s.
Ask questions, do your research, and stick to naturally gluten-free picks to keep yourself happy and symptom-free. Portillo’s aims to please all guests, with or without gluten!
So next time a craving for Chicago-style Italian beef or hot dogs strikes, don’t hesitate to stop into a Portillo’s near you. Come prepared with gluten-free tips in hand to relish the menu to the fullest.
How do I eat gluten free at Portillos?
FAQ
Is Portillos celiac safe?
What is Portillo’s Italian beef made of?
Does Italian beef have gluten?
What is Portillo’s hamburgers made of?
Does Portillo’s have a gluten free menu?
Here is the complete, unofficial Portillo’s gluten free menu. At the moment, Portillo’s does not offer a gluten free roll, bun, or hot dog bun at any of their locations. So you’ll have to ensure that you order a few of their “nudie” products, a majority of which don’t contain wheat or any other gluten.
How do I order Portillo’s Italian beef?
There are two ways to order Portillo’s Italian beef. If you’re looking for ready-to-serve buffet-style catering, order under the “Party Packages” category . These Party Packages are full meals, including prepared Italian beef, hot gravy and warmers. They are quick to setup and serve your group easily, even if a kitchen is unavailable.
Does Portillo’s have a kids menu?
This can be purchased in a restaurant or online but is unavailable for shipping as an individual item. Do you have a kids menu? Portillo’s does not offer a kids menu, however we do have a very kid friendly menu that includes hot dogs, chicken tenders and every kid loves CHEESE FRIES!
Does Portillo’s accept cash?
Right now, we only accept cash inside our restaurant. We’d be happy to accept credit or debit cards and Portillo’s gift cards outside. We have changed the survey starting May 15th, you have 7 days from your purchase date to access the survey. If you are taking the survey within 7 days of purchase please check your code was entered correctly.