Metro Detroit: Livonia’s Portillo’s
After nearly 2 years of anticipation, earlier this week was the official opening of Portillo’s Livonia location. Portillo’s original Michigan location was opened 3 years ago in Sterling Heights. The Livonia location is quite spacious (7900 square feet) but is actually a bit smaller than their Sterling Heights location. But, it still offers seating for 175 plus 50 on their outdoor patio. And of course their food is just as delicious!
You may also have seen the Portillo’s Beef Bus around which rolled into the area earlier this year.
The decor of most Portillo’s is garage themed and the Livonia location is no different.
There are all sorts of Livonia and Michigan themed "Easter eggs" throughout the building. You will see a vintage Vernor's sign, a mural of a Ford Mustang with the Wonderland Mall sign in the background and an old Detroit Free Press box just to name a few. The closer you look the more you will discover.
We ordered the Italian Beef and Sausage Combo with both hot and sweet peppers, a Chicago Style Hot Dog and some onion rings. We highly recommend the beef/sausage combo. It is a grilled Italian sausage on a bun and topped with a generous amount of roasted Italian beef . . . and don’t forget the peppers. We always go for hot and sweet, which are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The Chicago dog was good, as always, and their onion rings were darn good for a "fast food" place.
Not a fan of Italian sausage? The beef is also great on its own. Don’t forget to ask for it DIPPED, which is the best way to get an Italian Beef. They also offer char-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, a variety of hot dogs other than Chicago Style and don't forget to save room for their famous chocolate cake shake. A thick and creamy shake with a whole piece of chocolate cake whipped into it.
They also have a grab-n-go section where you can purchase everything you need to make your own Italian beefs at home. You can also purchase whole chocolate cakes if just 1 slice isn’t enough for you. And as an added bonus…they also offer beer and wine which is not a common thing in Michigan “fast food” restaurants.
If you’ve never tried a Chicago Style Hot Dog, you are really missing out. Below is some information about everything that is on it. Portillo’s also offers a plant based version. So either way, everyone gets to enjoy it. Don’t be scared. It’s amazing!
Their new location is located at 13004 Middlebelt Rd in Millennium Park near Meijer and Outback Steakhouse. They are open daily at 10AM until 10:30 PM Sun-Thur and 10AM to11PM on Fri and Sat.
If you would like to learn more about the history of Portillos and the history of Italian beef sandwiches check out our blog from last July here Metro Detroit: Sterling Heights Portillo’s — Beckerz Bites (beckerhomeadvisors.com)
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker
