Portillo's/Barnelli's

Portillo's still has great service, I only wish the same could be said about their food. Unhealthy, yes like always. Large portions, yes like always. Quality - Nope, since their expansions the quality has taken a real dive. Maybe if McDonalds raises their prices to Portillo levels their perception could change to the surrounding Chicagoans in line?

Yes Yelpers, I am the weird person who goes to Portillos to order a cheese burger.  I don't want a Chicago Dog or a Polish, I want a simple double cheese burger with ketchup only.  I like the big beef sandwich of course who doesn't, but that does not tend to provide me the same sense of elation that this burger does.  When I compare the Portillos double cheese burger with Five Guys, Meatheads, or Smashburger... Portillos wins hands down every time.  The meat patties are large and the double gives you 2/3lb of burger.  The cheese slices are thick and are always slightly under-melted, so it isn't gooey and has a bit more flavor and bite to it.  The bun, which tastes like a potato bun, if probably just a white but provides the burger a bit extra sweetness and added structure to the mound of burger and cheese inside.  

I rarely ever get a side order since the burger is so large, but when I do the cheese fries hit the spot.  Also, for those who like malts and shakes, then strawberry malt is delicious and is a great way to end a meal.  

Portillos continues to be a place I crave and I look forward to eating here again very soon.

Two words: chocolate cake