The winter snow was falling and the Portillo’s of Gurnee’s parking lot was packed. I swung into the only available spot and rushed through the slush inside.  This past November Portillo’s opened its 41st restaurant, this time in Gurnee, Illinois. After waiting two months for the mad rush to die down, I finally gave in and went to their newest location.  

I walked into a dim room with bright signs. The smell of beef and grease drifting through the air. I walked right up to the cashier and ordered a bacon burger with fries and a chocolate shake.  The order came up at the other end of the bar with a window displaying the grills and fryers. Grabbing the small, white paper bag and a mid-sized styrofoam cup I found a small corner table where I dove into my dinner.

First was the red and white striped cardboard container, grabbing the perfectly salted, soft fries. Matched with a small container of smooth buttermilk ranch.

Next was a yellow styrofoam box, opening it to the smell of bacon. The burger was too big to hold with one hand and the juices from it dripped into the container. After the first bite I could not stop, it had the salty, smoky taste of bacon. The juicy beefy taste of the burger matched with the crisp of lettuce and the airy sesame coated bun.

After finishing the burger I attempted to drink the shake. It was so thick I could not drink it at first. I gave it a few stirs and the chocolatey cold drink was melted enough to enjoy its sweetness. I only drank a quarter of it before I left.

I drove home more than satisfied with my newest Gurnee Mall favorite.