Portillo’s Secret Menu Items You Need to Try 🍔
If you’re a fan of Portillo’s hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake, then hold tight—because you’re about to discover a whole new side of Portillo’s that most people don’t know exists.
That’s right: Portillo’s Secret Menu is real (kind of). It’s not officially listed on their website, but if you know what to ask for—and how to ask—you can unlock hidden flavors that’ll change your Portillo’s game forever.
Your Portillo’s Favorite? Let’s Hear It!
Portillo’s Secret Menu
As someone who’s been visiting Portillo’s for years, let me walk you through the best-kept secrets I’ve personally tried and absolutely loved.
Mocha Chocolate Cake Shake ☕
If you love Portillo’s famous chocolate cake shake, try asking for an espresso shot to be blended in. It’s not on the menu, but if the staff is cool (and they usually are), they’ll add it for you.
🔥 What’s Inside?
✅ Portillo’s famous chocolate cake blended with vanilla ice cream and milk
✅ 1 shot of espresso (added by request)
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- It’s thick, creamy, and insanely rich—like a chocolate lava cake in liquid form with a punch of bold coffee.
- The espresso cuts the sweetness, giving it a balanced mocha flavor that’s not too sugary.
💰 Price & Availability:
- Not on the menu; you’ll have to ask them to add espresso to the shake.
- Not every staff member will know this, so be specific.
💵 Estimated Price:
- Around $5.50 – $6.50
- Espresso shot add-on: $0.75 – $1.00 extra
Experience tip: This “Mocha Cake Shake” is rich, creamy, and gives you a caffeine kick like no other. It’s like dessert and coffee in one giant cup. Totally worth it.
Explore Portillo’s Salad Menu Like a Pro & Order Online Portillo’s Official Site.
Chili Cheese Fries 🍟
Want to turn your regular cheese fries into a full meal? Just ask for chili on top of your cheese fries. They’ll usually scoop some from the chili dog station.
✅ What’s Inside:
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Creamy nacho cheese
- Spicy beef chili (from the chili dog topping)
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- Gooey, meaty, and satisfying.
- Think of it as a loaded comfort snack that’s perfect for cold days or cheat meals.
💰 Price & Availability:
- Just ask for chili added to cheese fries—they usually can do it.
- Some stores may charge for the chili separately.
💵 Estimated Price:
- $4.50 – $5.50
Pro tip: Add giardiniera on top for a spicy crunch. It’s not standard—but man, it elevates everything.
Double Bacon Cheeseburger 🍔
You won’t see a double burger listed on the menu—but ask and you shall receive. Request a double patty with crispy bacon, grilled onions, and all the fixings.
✅ What’s Inside:
- 2 beef patties (grilled fresh)
- American cheese
- Crispy bacon
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayo (customizable)
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- It’s big, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor from the bacon.
- The double patty gives it that thick, steakhouse-style bite.
💰 Price & Availability:
- You can ask for a double patty even if it’s not listed.
- Most locations will accommodate easily.
💵 Estimated Price:
- $7.50 – $9.00 depending on toppings
From my experience: This burger feels like something off a gourmet grill. Pair it with a side of onion rings and you’re in burger heaven.
Loaded Chicago Dog 🌭
You’ve probably had their famous Chicago Dog, but here’s the insider twist: ask for extra sport peppers, extra celery salt, and don’t hold back on the mustard.
✅ What’s Inside:
- All-beef hot dog
- Yellow mustard, relish, onion
- Tomato slices
- Pickle spear
- Extra sport peppers
- Extra celery salt
- Poppy seed bun
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- Classic Chicago flavor—spicy, tangy, and savory in every bite.
- The extra peppers give it real heat, and the celery salt adds sharp flavor depth.
💰 Price & Availability:
- Easy customization; just ask while ordering.
- No extra charge for most toppings.
💵 Estimated Price:
- $3.50 – $4.25
Taste hack: It adds a mouthwatering tangy-spicy combo that hits just right, especially with a cold root beer.
Italian Beef + Sausage Combo 🥩
This is the king of secret menu sandwiches at Portillo’s. Ask for the Italian beef with a sausage inside and get it fully dipped in gravy (au jus).
✅ What’s Inside:
- Italian sausage
- Sliced Italian beef
- French roll
- Au jus (beef gravy, sandwich dipped fully)
- Optional: sweet peppers, hot giardiniera
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- Juicy, meaty, peppery—like a flavor explosion.
- The gravy-soaked roll is messy but so satisfying.
- The combo of sausage + beef = the ultimate Chicago sandwich.
💰 Price & Availability:
- Fully available—just ask for the “Combo Beef & Sausage, fully dipped.”
💵 Estimated Price:
- $8.50 – $10.50
How it feels: It’s messy, juicy, and completely worth every napkin. Add hot peppers for a kick or sweet peppers for a mild flavor.
Garlic Bread Bun Hack 🧄
Some locations will let you swap the regular bun for garlic bread, especially if you’re ordering Italian beef or a hot dog.
✅ What’s Inside:
- Swap regular bun (hot dog or sandwich) for buttery garlic bread (used in other menu items)
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- Buttery, slightly crisp outside, soft inside.
- Adds Italian restaurant vibes to any sandwich or hot dog.
💰 Price & Availability:
- Not available at all locations. Depends on whether they have garlic bread that day.
- Ask nicely—staff may get creative.
💵 Estimated Price:
- Small upcharge: $0.50 – $1.00
My suggestion: Always ask politely—it’s a hit-or-miss depending on the store, but if they say yes, it adds an extra buttery, crispy edge that’s unforgettable.
Extra Frosting Chocolate Cake 🍰
Everyone talks about Portillo’s chocolate cake. But did you know you can ask for extra frosting? Some fans even ask for a small cup of frosting on the side.
✅ What’s Inside:
- Moist chocolate cake
- Rich, thick chocolate frosting
- Ask for extra frosting or frosting on the side
🍽️ Taste & Experience:
- Already one of the best fast food cakes—but with extra frosting, it’s a chocoholic’s dream.
- The cake is super moist and the frosting is sweet, dense, and creamy.
💰 Price & Availability:
- Just say: “Can I get extra frosting on my cake?”
- Many locations will do it, especially if you’re dining in.
💵 Estimated Price:
- $3.25 – $4.00
- Extra frosting usually free or up to $0.50 extra
Why it matters: The cake is already moist and rich, but that extra chocolate frosting? It takes it to another level.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely! While Portillo’s doesn’t officially promote a secret menu, these insider tips and customizations are loved by fans who know how to ask. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-timer, these secret items offer new ways to enjoy your favorites.
