Portillo’s is a popular Chicago-style restaurant chain known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, and more. For those with celiac disease or who follow a gluten-free diet, dining out can be challenging. So, is Portillo’s celiac safe?
The short answer is yes, Portillo’s does offer some gluten-free menu items that should be safe for most with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, cross-contamination is still a risk and precautions should be taken.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their body mounts an immune response that attacks the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Is Portillo’s Completely Gluten-Free?
No, Portillo’s is not a completely gluten-free restaurant. Most menu items contain gluten, including their famous Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, burgers, salads with croutons, and more. However, Portillo’s does offer some gluten-free options and they take steps to minimize cross-contamination.
What Gluten-Free Items Does Portillo’s Offer?
Here are some of the gluten-free menu options at Portillo’s:
Gluten-Free Bun
Portillo’s offers gluten-free hamburger buns. You can order a burger or sandwich on a gluten-free bun.
Gluten-Free Chopped Salad
Portillo’s has a gluten-free chopped salad made without croutons or gluten-containing ingredients. Add grilled chicken breast for a gluten-free entree salad.
Broth Options
Several broth soups at Portillo’s are gluten-free including the chicken noodle soup without noodles, vegetable beef soup, matzo ball soup, and chili.
French Fries
The regular fries at Portillo’s are cooked in dedicated fryers and are gluten-free. Sweet potato fries are also gluten-free.
Sandwiches Upon Request
Select sandwiches can be made gluten-free upon request including the grilled chicken breast sandwich, grilled salmon sandwich, and tuna salad sandwich.
Desserts
Portillo’s offers some gluten-free desserts including chocolate cake, fruit cups and chocolate mousse. Always confirm with your server that items are prepared gluten-free.
What Steps Does Portillo’s Take to Avoid Cross-Contamination?
While Portillo’s offers gluten-free options, there is always a risk of cross-contamination in restaurants that are not dedicated gluten-free facilities. However, Portillo’s trains their employees on gluten-free prep and takes steps to reduce cross-contamination including:
– Using separate prep areas and tools for gluten-free orders
– Changing gloves before preparing gluten-free items
– Sanitizing work areas before prep
– Using dedicated fryers for fries to avoid oil contamination
– Using separate toasters for gluten-free buns
– Being careful to avoid cross-contact with ingredients when assembling plates
Tips for Eating Gluten-Free at Portillo’s
If you need to eat gluten-free at Portillo’s, here are some tips to stay safe:
Check the Menu in Advance
Review the Portillo’s menu online and note your gluten-free choices before your visit. The options may be limited.
Tell Your Server About Your Diet
Inform your server that you need to eat 100% gluten-free. Ensure they understand the severity of your condition.
Avoid High-Risk Items
Steer clear of breaded, fried, crouton or dough-based menu items where cross-contact is more likely. Stick to grilled items.
Get Sandwiches Unassembled
Order sandwiches on gluten-free buns but with all toppings and sauces on the side to reduce risks. Assemble it yourself.
Ask About Preparation
Inquire about shared prep areas, dedicated fryers, and changes of gloves. The more info you have, the better.
Skip Croutons on Salads
Request salads without croutons or other gluten-containing toppings.
Verify Gluten-Free Desserts
Double check that any gluten-free dessert you order is truly made without gluten.
Check Before Eating
Give your meal a quick visual inspection before you eat to ensure proper gluten-free preparation.
What Have Customers Reported About Eating Gluten-Free at Portillo’s?
Many customers over the years have provided reviews and feedback on what it’s like to eat gluten-free at Portillo’s. Here’s a summary:
Positive Experiences
Some customers report having positive gluten-free experiences at Portillo’s. They say staff took extra care with their orders, changed gloves, and avoided cross-contamination. The gluten-free bun and salad worked well.
Inconsistent Experiences
However, other customers describe inconsistent experiences between different Portillo’s locations. Some were more careful than others. It depended on staff knowledge.
Small Gluten-Free Selection
A common complaint is that the gluten-free choices at Portillo’s are very limited, especially compared to all the gluten-containing menu items.
Demands Patience
Many note that eating gluten-free at Portillo’s requires patience, extra time and care by staff. It can take longer to prepare GF orders.
Not 100% Gluten-Free
Customers emphasize Portillo’s is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant. There is always some risk of cross-contact with gluten.
Check Items Upon Receiving
Several people advise thoroughly checking your order when you receive it to ensure proper gluten-free preparation.
Is Portillo’s Celiac Safe? The Verdict
So in summary, is Portillo’s safe for those with celiac disease and gluten issues? Here is the verdict:
Portillo’s is not a dedicated gluten-free restaurant but they do offer some gluten-free menu options. With proper precautions, most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can eat there occasionally. However, there is always some degree of risk for cross-contamination with gluten.
For maximum safety, stick to basic grilled proteins, salads without croutons, broth soups and fresh fruits. Avoid all breaded items, dough-based foods, and croutons. Carefully inspect your meal when served. Consider potential cross-contact with serving utensils and prep areas. Give clear instructions to your server about your needs. Even then, exercise caution and be aware that 100% avoidance of gluten cannot be guaranteed. Those who are highly sensitive may want to avoid Portillo’s.
In conclusion, Portillo’s can be reasonably celiac-safe with some precautions. But it requires effort on your part to stay gluten-free. Know the menu in advance, ask questions, and use your best judgment. While not ideal for a daily gluten-free diet, it can work occasionally for those who really miss Chicago classics. Just remain vigilant about the risk of cross-contamination. With extra care, you can hopefully enjoy Portillo’s favorites without getting glutened!
Nutrition Information for Popular Gluten-Free Menu Items at Portillo’s
Gluten-Free Chopped Salad with Grilled Chicken
| Calories | 570 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 44g |
| Protein | 63g |
| Sodium | 460mg |
Gluten-Free Bun Hamburger with Lettuce, Tomato
| Calories | 340 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Sodium | 460mg |
Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich with Gluten-Free Bun
| Calories | 480 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbs | 46g |
| Protein | 54g |
| Sodium | 1160mg |
French Fries
| Calories | 370 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 19g |
| Carbs | 41g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 270mg |
Tips for Finding Additional Gluten-Free Options at Portillo’s
Ask for Turkey Burgers or Chicken Breasts
You can request turkey burgers or grilled chicken breast sandwiches on gluten-free buns for more options.
Bring Your Own Buns
Consider bringing your own certified gluten-free buns or bread to use for sandwiches.
Order Side Salads
Supplementary salads like garden salads make easy gluten-free additions. Get dressings and toppings on the side.
Enjoy Desserts Like Fruit, Sorbet, or Rice Pudding
Stick to desserts that are naturally gluten-free like fruit, sorbet or rice pudding. Avoid cake and cookies.
Check Daily Specials
Ask what the specials of the day are. Sometimes there are unlisted gluten-free choices.
Modify Menu Items
See if dishes can be modified to be made gluten-free by removing croutons, breading, etc.
Request Plain Grilled Chicken Breast or other Proteins
Order a basic grilled chicken breast, burger patty, fish or steak. Then add gluten-free toppings.
Top 5 Tips for Eating at Portillo’s with Celiac Disease
1. Stick to basic grilled proteins, fruits and vegetables. Avoid all breads, fried items, croutons, and sauces with gluten-containing thickeners.
2. Always notify your server about your gluten-free needs. Servers should change gloves, use sanitized prep areas and avoid cross-contact.
3. Check your food when it arrives. Make sure your meal came with a gluten-free bun and no croutons added. Also check for correct toppings and sauces.
4. Ask plenty of questions. Inquire about food prep processes, dedicated fryers, hidden ingredients and menu customizations. Knowledge is key.
5. When in doubt, leave it out. Don’t chance eating something that may have been cross-contaminated. Focus on food you’re confident is gluten-free.
Is Portillo’s Celiac Safe? The Bottom Line
Portillo’s makes an effort to accommodate gluten-free guests. With planning and diligence, those with celiac disease or gluten issues can usually enjoy a safe meal there. However, the risk of cross-contamination cannot be fully eliminated. Celiacs must weigh the desire for Chicago favorites against the chances of inadvertent gluten exposure when dining at Portillo’s. Safety comes down to careful choices, thorough questions, cautious eating, and accepting there are no guarantees. In the end, individuals with celiac disease must decide for themselves if Portillo’s is a risk worth taking. Many feel it’s possible to eat there gluten-free, but it requires significant care and caution.