Portillo's Opening Second Chicago Location, With Two Patios in South Loop

The Internets erupted on Wednesday when various media outlets reported that Chicago street food favorite Portillo's Hot Dogs was targeting May for the opening of its long-awaited second location in the city proper. Though easily found in the suburbs, fans of Portillo's Italian beefs, hot dogs and chocolate cakes only had their Ontario Street location in River North to satisfy their city cravings.

This new two-floor Portillo's, already under construction at 520 W. Taylor St., will feature two patios. Like the River North location, they plan on serving beer. While the Tribune reported the story first, DNAinfo mentions a 1928 green Ford pickup will be part of the decor in the South Loop. Portillo's, founded in 1963, counts 36 locations in Illinois, as well as one in Indiana, and spots in California and Arizona. There's also an upcoming location in Florida. Founder Dick Portillo last year sold his chain to a private-equity firm.

The restaurant's site is two blocks northeast from Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli. That could make for quite a Chicago-style "Bang Bang."