Welcome to Portillo’s at 855 Cog Circle! Dive into the authentic taste of Chicago Street food at our 30s Prohibition themed restaurant, just 1.5 miles, 1.6 miles from Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Point Shopping Center. 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!
Many customers expressed disappointment with the quality and portion sizes of the food, particularly the Italian beef sandwiches and fries.
Service Issues
Numerous reviews highlighted problems with order accuracy, missing items, and slow service, especially for takeout orders.
Customer Experience
While some customers praised the friendly staff and enjoyable atmosphere, others reported negative experiences with rude service and cleanliness issues.
Consistency
Feedback indicated a decline in consistency, with some customers noting that the food and service were not as good as in the past.
Positive Highlights
Despite the criticisms, many customers still enjoyed the food and recognized the restaurant as a favorite for its classic offerings like Chicago dogs and chocolate cake.
DL
Dorothy Ligeza
2 days ago
2.0
The quality of food has dropped in the last year. No wonder it was empty on a Friday night. Salad from Barnelli's was sad. Fries were cold and limp not crispy and hot how they used to be. Asked for fresh ones got an attitude from the staff. Chicken tenders were not freshly made. What happened to my Portillo's?
DA
Demí Andersen
3 days ago
5.0
My group and I visited for lunch after church. The food was good. I was really surprised. The building and bathroom were really clean. They give you free refills if you go up to the pickup counter. I had a chicken sandwich and my neice and the chicken tenders. Both were delicious.
Price is kinda crazy... For the main dish you pay about $8-$9, and then to add on a side and drink it's about $5 more.
Service was good. We got everything we needed. No complaints.
KB
Kenzie Bryan
Nov 15, 2025
1.0
Ordered a hotdog from here bit into it and there was a staple inside the hotdog. So dangerous and so disgusting. Never ordering here again.
TK
Tiffany Kendzior
Nov 7, 2025
5.0
Celebrated our son’s birthday at Portillo’s in Crystal Lake. The manger came over and asked if he could give the birthday boy a gift. He took our son to select an item. Our son loves to share and asked if he can pick something to share with his whole family. The manger said of course and they came back with an entire chocolate cake! Thank Portillo’s for making it a birthday to remember!
RE
Randy Erwin
Nov 2, 2025
5.0
All around a great place to get beef sandwiches, hamburgers, and fries. They have a lot of other things on the menu but I usually stick with those two ...great atmosphere for a fast food place . And the service is typically too notch compared to any other fast food joint around anywhere!!!
Frequently Asked Questions About Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake
What are the operating hours of Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake is open daily from 10:00 AM. Monday to Thursday and Sunday, it closes at 11:30 PM. On Friday and Saturday, it closes at midnight (12:00 AM). The drive-through operates from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM most days, except Friday and Saturday when it closes at 11:00 PM.
Does Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake offer delivery and pickup services?
Yes, the location offers both in-store pickup and delivery services for customer convenience.
What types of food can I expect at Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
You can enjoy authentic Chicago street food such as char-broiled burgers, Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, fresh chopped salad, and their famous chocolate cake shake.
Is Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake family-friendly and accessible?
Yes, it is a family-friendly restaurant featuring casual attire, wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, and seating, along with high chairs and a children's menu.
What payment methods are accepted at Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
The restaurant accepts American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa cards. Cash and mobile NFC payments are not required or supported exclusively.
Does Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake serve alcohol and coffee?
Yes, the location serves beer, wine, and coffee to complement your meals.
Are there outdoor seating options available at Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
Yes, the restaurant offers outdoor seating for guests to enjoy their meals in an open-air environment.
What nearby attractions can I visit before or after dining at Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
Nearby, you can visit Three Oaks Recreation Area for outdoor activities or shop at Crystal Point Shopping Center, both located within about 1.5 to 1.6 miles from the restaurant.
Are there other dining options close to Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
Yes, nearby dining options include Barnelli's Pasta Bowl for Italian food, Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse for American steakhouses, T.G.I. Friday's, and Baskin-Robbins for ice cream and desserts.
How can nearby places like The Edge Fitness Clubs or The Vitamin Shoppe complement a visit to Portillo's & Barnelli's Crystal Lake?
Guests can visit The Edge Fitness Clubs for workouts or yoga sessions and then enjoy a delicious meal at Portillo's & Barnelli's. Additionally, The Vitamin Shoppe nearby offers health supplements for those interested in maintaining wellness alongside enjoying great food.