Portillo's - Merrillville

Steve’s take

Portillo's is Chicago's answer to fast food and the Merrillville location is right off I-65 heading south out of Chicago. The Italian beef — dipped, with hot giardiniera — is the sandwich that Chicagoans describe to out-of-towners with a level of passion usually reserved for their sports teams. The chocolate cake shake is exactly what it sounds like and your kids will worship you for ordering it. Last taste of Chicago before Indiana takes over.