Portillo's icon
Portillo's Mobile App Struggles With User Experience Despite Brand Loyalty

by Portillo's Hot Dogs, LLC

2.0
IOSFood & Drink
This app aims to streamline ordering from the popular Chicago-style fast food chain. Users can place orders for pickup or delivery and access loyalty rewards. However, multiple authentication steps and navigation challenges create friction in the ordering process.

Detailed Review

The Portillo's mobile application serves as the digital ordering platform for the beloved Chicago-based restaurant chain known for its Italian beef sandwiches and hot dogs. Positioned in a competitive food delivery market, the app attempts to capitalize on strong brand recognition while providing convenient access to the chain's menu. Functionally, it enables order placement, location selection, and loyalty program management. Core features include menu browsing with customization options, order scheduling for future pickup, and integration with the Portillo's Perks rewards program. The app displays nutritional information and allows users to save favorite orders for quick reordering. Location services help users find nearby restaurants and estimate preparation times. Payment processing supports major credit cards and digital wallets, though some users report occasional glitches during checkout. Real-world usage reveals significant friction points. The authentication process requires separate logins for the main app and Perks section, creating redundant steps during each ordering session. Navigation between menu categories feels less intuitive than competing food apps, with some users struggling to modify complex orders. The interface design prioritizes visual elements over functional efficiency, resulting in more taps than necessary to complete an order. User feedback consistently highlights authentication frustrations and data privacy concerns. Reviews indicate the multiple login requirements lead to abandoned orders, particularly among occasional users. The app's rating of 1.99 out of 5 stars reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the user experience, though many reviewers acknowledge the underlying quality of Portillo's food remains excellent. Some longtime customers express disappointment that the digital experience doesn't match the brand's established reputation. While the app provides access to Portillo's popular menu items and loyalty program, the current implementation faces significant usability challenges. The authentication complexity and navigation issues detract from what should be a straightforward ordering process. For dedicated Portillo's enthusiasts willing to persist through the friction, the app eventually delivers the desired food, but casual users may find the experience discouraging compared to more polished restaurant applications.

Key Features

  • Mobile ordering for pickup or delivery with customizable menu options including Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs
  • Portillo's Perks loyalty program integration allowing users to earn rewards and redeem exclusive offers
  • Location-based restaurant finder with real-time operating hours and estimated preparation times
  • Saved payment methods and favorite orders for quicker repeat purchases from the menu
  • Order scheduling functionality enabling users to place advance orders for specific pickup times
  • Nutritional information access providing calorie counts and ingredient details for menu items

Why Users Love It

Access to popular menu items
Loyalty rewards program

Perfect for: Dedicated Portillo's customers willing to navigate authentication hurdles for convenient ordering

Screenshots

Portillo's screenshot 1Portillo's screenshot 2Portillo's screenshot 3Portillo's screenshot 4

User Reviews

IU88908
Sep 3, 2025

Don’t even get me started…I agree with reviews below. App is terrible. Downloaded it and a couple days later, deleted it. Way too complicated to order from, makes me sign in to the app each time PLUS sign into the app”perks section, plus shared your data with the 3rd party who signs you in….list goes on. You have high competition in restaurants, your app should be better to make us choose you. Horrible app Don’t even get me started…I agree with reviews below. App is terrible. Downloaded it and a couple days later, deleted it. Way too complicated to order from, makes me sign in to the app each time PLUS sign into the app”perks section, plus shared your data with the 3rd party who signs you in….list goes on. You have high competition in restaurants, your app should be better to make us choose you.

Guitarmanb4u
Aug 30, 2025

The first time many years ago, I was giving a crane training class up in Chicago! My students were from a power company there. I asked them where was a good place to go for lunch! They all said Portillo’s! I said ok, let’s go and try it!! When we got there, they recommended that I get the Italian Beef Sandwich! I did and was immediately hooked!!! Every meal was there. At the time, it was only in Chicago! Now we have a few here in central Florida! I still enjoy those Italian Beef Sandwiches just like many years ago!!!! First time years ago The first time many years ago, I was giving a crane training class up in Chicago! My students were from a power company there. I asked them where was a good place to go for lunch! They all said Portillo’s! I said ok, let’s go and try it!! When we got there, they recommended that I get the Italian Beef Sandwich! I did and was immediately hooked!!! Every meal was there. At the time, it was only in Chicago! Now we have a few here in central Florida! I still enjoy those Italian Beef Sandwiches just like many years ago!!!!

App Details

Developer

Portillo's Hot Dogs, LLC

Platform

ios

Rating

2.0

Last Updated

11/4/2025