“I’ve Been in Chicago for a Year and Never Been to Portillo’s”: When a Small Admission Launched a Big Conversation

1. The Setup: A Rising Star in the Windy City

At 23 years old, Angel Reese is living the dream. The dynamic power forward is in her second WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, and despite the team’s 5‑11 record, Reese’s individual performance continues to dazzle. She leads the league in rebounds with a breathtaking 12.6 boards per game, far outpacing A’ja Wilson’s 9.9 and Napheesa Collier’s mark. Her energy, hustle, and social media presence have made her a genuine fan favorite.

Off the court, Reese has embraced Chicago. She’s featured in downtown billboards, made history with a signature shoe deal (“Angel Reese 1’s”), and even landed the NBA 2K26 WNBA cover. She’s not just a basketball player—she’s a brand and a cultural figure in a city that loves its icons.thehill.comThe Sun

2. The Confession That Shocked the City

So, when Reese posted on X (formerly Twitter),

“Don’t judge me but I’ve been in Chicago for a year now & still haven’t been to Portillo’s 🤣😭😭”

…you could practically hear collective gasps across the city. Portillo’s—renowned for its hot dogs, Italian beef, and deep roots in Chicago’s culinary culture—is practically mandatory for any resident or visitor. The fast-casual chain, founded in 1963, now spans over 90 locations, with 46 right in Illinois.clutchpoints.comthespun.com

As a result, Reese’s confession quickly went viral, prompting a wave of reactions—some humorous, some bewildered.

3. Fans React: Roasts, Teases, and Good-Natured Rage

WNBA fans didn’t hold back. Comments ranged from playful to incredulous:

“We only judge based on your rebounds,” one fan quipped.

Another joked, “Still can’t make a layup either.”

One witty remark: “I’m judging you for the bricks.”

And another: “I won’t judge—but really?”PFSN

On ClutchPoints, commenters were more dramatic:

“Angel trying to get jumped today, I see.”

“So you just gonna keep digging the knife deeper?”

“Nah, this one is diabolical.”

“You need to change this today!”clutchpoints.com

All in all, Reese’s move earned a mixture of roasts, memes, and affectionate ribbing.

4. Why Portillo’s Matters in Chicago

To appreciate the uproar, you need to understand Chicago’s obsession with Portillo’s. The chain is not just food—it’s culture. It’s practically part of the city’s identity. Any tourist guide, foodie blog, or local exchange mentions Portillo’s first.

Reese is not oblivious to that; in fact, she followed up her original post by admitting she’d also never been to Uncle Remus (famous for fried chicken) or Italian Fiesta (a beloved pizza spot), doubling down on her outsider culinary status.clutchpoints.com

Meanwhile, physically, she’s hardly far from Portillo’s: one location is just 10 minutes away on West Taylor, another 11 minutes on West Ontario. Perfect proximity for a quick hot dog pilgrimage—or a clever endorsement opportunity.clutchpoints.com

5. From Roast to Redemption? The Pop Culture Opportunity

Some fans lightheartedly suggested: “Portillo’s should call her agent and draft a partnership.” Given Reese’s brand power, an endorsement deal with the chain could turn this faux pas into a PR home run.

For now, fans are content waiting for her Chicago redemption tour—complete with hot dogs, Italian beef, and maybe some fries for get-right energy.

6. Game Context: Rebound Dominance, Playoff Pressure

This confession didn’t come in a vacuum. Behind it lies a team in flux.

Reese’s rebounding prowess continues to anchor the Sky—despite their 5‑11 record, they’re looking to break back into WNBA playoff competition. Just ahead of the upcoming stretch, Chicago trails Indiana—Caitlin Clark’s Fever—by three games for the final playoff spot.clutchpoints.comthehill.com

Reese has had several standout runs, including being named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 19.7 points, 17.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.0 steals over a three-game span.clutchpoints.com

Their next challenge? Facing the 14‑2 Minnesota Lynx—the toughest team in the league. Expect Reese to arrive with vengeance… and perhaps a hot dog in tow.

7. The Bigger Picture: Identity, Humor, and Connection

The Portillo’s moment is deceptively simple, yet it reveals so much about Angel Reese:

Her down-to-earth humor: even amid superstar status, she’s not above admitting small flaws.

Building rapport with fans: fans love honesty, especially when cute and relatable.

Humanizing the athlete: doesn’t know Chicago staples, but still gives her all on the court.

Chicagoans may tease her, but they’re also watching—and they’ll be watching closely when she finally strolls into Portillo’s.

TL;DR

Angel Reese shocked Chicago by confessing she’d never visited Portillo’s despite living there for over a year. Fans responded with good-natured roast after roast. While Reese dominates the court, this small culinary admission became a cultural moment—reminding everyone that even elite athletes are still figuring out the city they now call home