One of America’s Best Hot Dog Joints is in Rockford

If you need that hot dog fix and a nuked one won't suffice, you might need to go to a restaurant.

Well, for most national lists, when it comes to food, it usually skips the Forest City.

I don't know if it's my personal bias, but I can't help but feel that Rockford has some culinary gems that deserve recognition.

So keep that in mind when you see one of the most incredible places for a hot dog is in Rockford.

One of America's Best Hot Dog Joints is in Rockford

That's because there's also one in Rockford (and some other places in the state, but hey, a wins a win).

If you haven't yet figured it out, I'm talking about Portillo's.

LoveFood said Portillo's is America's 21st best hot dog restaurant.

Chicago is known for its all-beef hot dogs served in poppy seed buns. And while plenty of vendors sell them, Portillo's is the place to go to get the real deal. It would almost be rude not to get the classic Jumbo Hot Dog with mustard, relish, chopped onions, sliced ripe tomato, sport peppers and pickles in that delicious steamed bun.

Everyone who goes to Portillo's has their go-to order, and I'll take a Maxwell Street Polish every time.

So, what's your take? Do you believe Portillo's deserves its place among the top hot dog spots in Illinois, if not the entire country?

You can find the Portillo's in Rockford at 6090 East State Street.