The fast-casual diner serves Chicago-style hot dogs, char-grilled burgers, cheese fries, milkshakes, “world famous” chocolate cake and more
Courtesy of Max Steele | The Crow’s Nest
By Max Steele
Since its doors opened on April 5, Portillo’s newest location has welcomed long lines and a hungry St. Petersburg crowd.
“Ever since we’ve opened, the lines have been to the door almost all day,” Portillo’s manager Seth Meade told The Crow’s Nest. “It’s even busier on Fridays and Saturdays.”
Due to its centralized location at 2302 Tyrone Blvd N., on the east end of Tyrone Square Mall, the Chicago-based food chain has had no trouble attracting attention and driving customer traffic.
The 50s-themed retro diner — which serves hot dogs, char-grilled burgers, Italian beef sandwiches, cheese fries, fresh salads, milkshakes, “world famous” chocolate cake and more — is the franchise’s fourth Florida location, alongside Tampa, Brandon and Orlando.
According to a press release, Portillo’s headquarters received an overwhelming amount of feedback from Florida customers to open more locations in the Tampa Bay area.
What began as a small hot dog stand in Illinois named “The Dog House” by Dick Portillo in 1963, has since evolved into a nationwide phenomenon with over 65 locations and a large fanbase.
Anna Marie Gomes, a senior health sciences major at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, ordered a cheeseburger and a chocolate milkshake during her first visit to Portillo’s.
“The milkshake was my favorite,” Gomes said. “The atmosphere was cool, it’s a good place to go inside and eat. I think it’s a great addition to the St. Petersburg food scene and I will definitely go back.”
If you aren’t looking to wait in long lines, Meade said that Mondays and Tuesdays aren’t as busy, and traffic should calm down within the upcoming weeks. The restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 10:00 p.m. every day.
