Portillio’s – Buena Park California

Portillio’s – Buena Park California

Living in the land of sunshine usually means we miss out on some of the great historic USA family restaurant chains. Thank you to Dick Portillio for bringing to Southern California your Illinois mainstay. Portillo's Hot Dogs, Inc., started in 1963 by Dick Portillo in a small trailer and soon will be operating in 45 locations.

Portillio’s web site tells a story of a man who was dedicated to customers and eager to serve their culinary desires with great service and prices.

If I wanted to have a Portillio’s Italian Beef Sandwich, I was going to have to travel to one of thirty-eight locations in Illinois or perhaps travel to Merryville Indiana. Yet Dick Portillo set his eyes on my sunny state of California.

Now, one of two locations in California, the Buena Park location is located ½ mile from the famous amusement attraction, Knott’s Berry Farm. The perfect local, the perfect look, and the perfect food bring customers streaming through the doors without many slow times. This store rocks from early lunch to late dinner and everyone leaves with a smile. In fact, I have watched people with giddy laughter as they walk from the parking lot into restaurant.

CLICK A PIC TO SEE FULL SIZE.

Each of the restaurants are themed; the one I frequent is themed like old Chicago when thugs and the mugs roamed the back alleys with their Tommy guns. Chicago’s roaring past is portrait like a museum and you can even catch Frankie in the bath tub. “Time to plug im, Muggs!”

Through famous for hot dogs, the food that steels the spotlight is the Italian Beef Sandwich. Piled high beef is stuffed into a dipped French roll and loaded with sweet, hot, or sport peppers. For those who are hungry there is the Big Beef and even a beef sandwich with a wonderful grilled Italian Sausage. That is what I ordered and as you can see in the picture, it was a meal in its self.

A full menu greets those who order from an order desk; there are eight different types of salads, made for you fresh from their large salad bar and all salads are served with a poppy seed muffin. You can have a different vegetable and poultry feast every time you come to Portillio’s.

Also served are a variety of chicken sandwiches, broiled burgers, hot dogs, chili, and soups. And if you like dessert, there is yummy treats to suit your cravings. Chocolate, lemon, strawberry and Carmel pecan cakes await your approval and smile.

I have been coming to Portillio’s in Buena Park for several years now and have never walked away unsatisfied. Repetitive good food, service, and a wonderful décor make me one of the giddy people that come regularly.

Each Portillo’s carries a different theme; you should look for them throughout Illinois when you’re up that way. I would be interested in hearing your feedback.

Rating

Service – 9

Food – 9

Portillo's - Buena Park, California
8390 La Palma Ave.
Buena Park CA 90620
714-220-6400
Theme: 30's Prohibition
Map

Web