Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich 2026 Guide
Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Chicago’s most iconic sandwich — thinly sliced seasoned roast beef on a soft Italian roll, dipped in savory au jus and piled with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
- $8.99
- 690Calories
Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich — Chicago’s Classic
The Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich is the gold standard of Chicago street food. Each sandwich is built with tender, thinly sliced seasoned roast beef slow-cooked in rich Italian spices and served on a hearty Italian roll that’s soft enough to soak up every drop of au jus. Whether you order it “dry,” “wet” (dipped in the savory gravy), or “soaked” for maximum juiciness, every bite delivers the bold, savory flavors that have made this sandwich a Chicago institution since 1963.
Topped with your choice of sweet roasted peppers for a mild, slightly charred sweetness, or fiery giardiniera — a Chicago-style pickled hot pepper relish — this sandwich offers a deeply satisfying combination of tender beef, crusty-soft bread, and vibrant toppings. It’s the sandwich Portillo’s was built on, and remains their most beloved menu item.
Macronutrients
Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrition Value | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29 g |
| — Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| — Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 1,540 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| — Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| — Sugars | 4 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
Pricing
Price & Size Options
| Item | Price (USD) | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Beef Sandwich | $8.99 | 690 kcal | 38 g |
| Big Beef Sandwich | $10.49 | 1,040 kcal | 52 g |
| Italian Beef & Sausage Combo | $9.49 | 860 kcal | 46 g |
| Big Beef Combo | $12.49 | 1,100 kcal | 60 g |
Key Ingredients
Every Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich uses a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together for a deeply satisfying result:
- Thinly-sliced Italian roast beef (seasoned with garlic, oregano & Italian spices)
- Soft French-style Italian bread roll
- Rich beef gravy / au jus (for dipping or soaking)
- Sweet roasted bell peppers (optional)
- Spicy Chicago-style giardiniera (optional)
- How to Order It
Customize Your Italian Beef
The beauty of a Portillo’s Italian Beef is the ability to tailor it exactly to your taste. Here are the four most popular ways to order:
- 🌶 Sweet Peppers
- Mild, roasted sweet bell peppers add a gentle char flavor without heat. The classic Chicago-style choice.
- 🔥 Hot Giardiniera
- Chicago’s signature spicy pickled pepper relish. Bold, tangy heat that cuts through the rich beef perfectly.
- 🍞 Dry
- Served without dipping in au jus. The bread stays firm, giving you more textural contrast with the tender beef.
- 💧 Dipped / Wet
- The roll is briefly submerged in seasoned au jus before serving. The result is an incredibly juicy, messy, and unforgettable bite.
Frequently Asked Common Questions
- How much does the Italian Beef Sandwich cost at Portillo’s in 2026?
- How many calories are in Portillo’s Italian Beef Sandwich?
- What is the difference between “wet” and “dry” Italian beef?
- Can I order Portillo’s Italian Beef online?
- Is the Italian Beef Sandwich gluten-free?
