Potbelly Sandwich Works

547 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
American
Last inspected: Jul 2, 2025
95
Score
Low Risk

Going back to 2010, Potbelly Sandwich Works has 19 inspections in the public record. The most recent visit was on Jul 2, 2025. Low risk indicates the latest report didn't flag anything that would worry the average customer.

Recent inspections have turned up roughly the same number of issues each time, hovering near two violations per visit.

“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” comes up most often, recorded eight times in the inspection record.

Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. Taken together, the history is a positive one.

19
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jul 2, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: FOUND FOOD CONTAINERS NOT STORED PROPERLY ON SHELVING UNITS.MUST STORE INVERTED.
44
95
Sep 20, 2024
Complaint
No violations found.
100
Jan 18, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: No certified food service manager on site no certificate posted while handling and serving TCS foods ( deli meats, chicken....) instructed to obtain. Priority foundation violation 7-38-012.
2
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: Employee's personal items ( phone )stored on prep table, instructed to keep off.
56
Person in charge present, demonstrates knowledge, and performs duties
1
82
Apr 20, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A SLOW DRAIN OF WATER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP HANDSINK. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLS ON THE FLOORS, WALLS, AND SURFACES THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN UNDER ALL SHELVING UNITS, INTERIOR OF PREP DISH AREA, AROUND DISH MACHINE, PREP TABLES, AND ALL COOKING EQUIPMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DIRT BUILDUP. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE CLEANING FREQUENCY AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROOF OF TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD HANDLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
57
86
Jan 18, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 10, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR/EXTERIOR SURFACES OF REFRIGERATION UNITS, CABINETS IN FRONT PREP AREA, AND EQUIPMENT IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DRIED ICE CREAM AND PUREE SPLATTER ON WALLS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIM LIGHTING IN DRY STORAGE CLOSET NEXT TO PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE LIGHTING AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Feb 22, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO CLEAN UP PROCEDURES ON SITE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE CLEAN UP KIT AND POST PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN WATER AND DEBRIS FROM FLOOR IN FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE BURNED OUT LIGHT IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
56
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
56
78
Jan 5, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT EXPOSED HAND SINK, LOCATED BETWEEN 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND PREPARATION TABLE, IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT PAPER TOWELS ARE REQUIRED AT ALL EXPOSED HAND SINKS, WHENEVER FOODS ARE PREPPED AND SERVED. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY CORRECTED VIOLATION DURING INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
12
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DARK DEEP GROOVES AND STAINS ON CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPLACE/RESEAL. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE 2 DRAWER COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. OBSERVED EXCESSIVE CLUTTER AND DEBRIS, DUSTY BEVERAGE CUP LIDS AND FOOD DEBRIS IN SIDE ICE CREAM SINK CABINET AND SOUP CABINET, AT FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CHIPPED PAINT ON WALL IN FRONT STORAGE ROOM AND TRASH ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DELIVERY DRIVER BIKE STORED IN REAR DRY STORAGE AREA, NEXT TO SODA RACK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH LOOSING FITTING HAIR RESTRAINT AND HAIR RESTING ON SHOULDERS. ALSO OBSERVED MALE FOOD HANDLERS WITH NEED OF BEARD RESTRAINT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE THAT FOOD HANDLERS PROPERLY RESTRAIN HAIR/BEARD IN SIDE HAIR/BEARD RESTRAINTS, WHENEVER FOODS ARE PREPARED AND OR SERVED. MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
42
74
Apr 20, 2017
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: Found the following potentially hazardous foods at improper temperatures in the prep cooler: 3.75lbs of chicken @ 45.7F; 4lbs of salad mix @ 45.7F; and 1lb of spinach @ 50.5F. Must keep all potentially hazardous foods at 40F or lower, or 140F or higher at all times. Operator voluntarily discarded denatured foods during inspection. Critical violation 7-38-005(a).
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Observed excessive dust accumulation above dry storage on ceiling vent. Must remove dust, detail clean and maintain.
33
90
May 17, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE DOOR ON THE SALAD CATERING COOLER TO BE BROKEN FROM ITS FRAME. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR THE DOOR SO THAT IT OPENS AND CLOSES PROPERLY.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE ICE CREAM FREEZER IN THE FRONT SERVICE LINE. ALSO INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT SCREENS IN THE FRONT COOK LINE HOODS.
33
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD FOR RECYCLING STACKED LOOSELY IN A DISORGANIZED MANNER IN THE INTERIOR DUMPSTER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ITEMS FOR RECYCLING IN AN ORGANIZED MANNER THAT KEEPS THE AREA CLEAN AND FREE OF LITTER.
41
86
Dec 18, 2015
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Dec 17, 2015
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: CONTINUED NON-COMPLIANCE. PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATIONS FROM REPORT # 1591425 ON 12/09/2015 NOT CORRECTED. (18)NOTED EVIDENCE OF INSECTS ON SITE. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 15-20 LIVE SMALL FLIES RESTING ON WALLS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS, UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE INSECTS, SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. (24)DISH WASHING FACILITIES NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED WASTE WATER CONTAINING GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BACKING UP AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE FIRST AND THIRD COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM THE SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR. MUST CORRECT SERIOUS VIOLATIONS BY THE DATES SPECIFIED ON THE REPORT. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-42-090
14
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN PREP TABLES, CUTTING BOARDS AND SINKS IN THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE TOILET AND SINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER THE SHELVING RACKS IN THE STORAGE AREA LEADING TO THE GARBAGE AREA, UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS, UNDER SINKS, ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS AND REMOVE HEAVY FOOD AND OTHER DEBRIS. MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS AND REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AREAS AND IN WASHROOMS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE REAR PREP AREA AND REMOVE DUST BUILD UP. MUST REMOVE DUST BUILD UP IN DOORWAY BETWEEN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS.
35
82
Dec 9, 2015
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: NOTED EVIDENCE OF INSECTS ON SITE. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 25 LIVE SMALL FLIES RESTING ON WALLS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS, UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND IN STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE INSECTS, SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND HAVE THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY SERVICE AREAS. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-020
18
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITIES NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. NOTED WASTE WATER AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK BACKING UP FROM THE MIDDLE COMPARTMENT INTO THE FIRST AND THRID COMPARTMENTS WHEN WATER DRAINED FROM THE SINK BASIN. MUST REPAIR. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030
24
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNITS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN PREP TABLES, CUTTING BOARDS AND SINKS IN THE PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE TOILET AND SINK IN THE MENS WASHROOM.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS IN PREP AREAS AND IN WASHROOMS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF LIGHT SHIELDS ABOVE THE REAR PREP AREA AND REMOVE DUST BUILD UP.
35
82
Jan 13, 2015
Routine
7 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: NOTED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 22LBS OF CHICKEN BREASTS LOCATED IN THE REACH IN COOLER AND IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES RANGING BETWEEN 51-56 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW OR 140 DEGREES F AND ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE ICE BUILD UP ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF COOLERS AND THE INTERIOR OF STORAGE CABINETS. MUST ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE VENTILATION HOOD COVERS ABOVE THE OVEN IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. ALSO DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT COVERS IN THE WASHROOMS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS, UNDER SINKS AND IN STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE FOOD AND OTHER DEBRIS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR THE LEAKY FAUCET AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK.
38
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST BETTER ORGANIZE STORAGE AREAS. MUST REMOVE CRATES BEING USED TO STORE ITEMS AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING.
41
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: PROVIDE THE IDPH SANITATION CERTIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES AS REQUIRED.
45
70
Sep 4, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND SERVICE COUNTER AT FRONT BETWEEN/AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: CLEAN THE VENT COVERS AT CEILING AT REAR ABOVE WALK-IN COOLER AND IN WASHROOMS OF DUST BUILD UP.
35
90
Oct 21, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CLEAN ICE DISPENSER CHUTE AT SODA MACHINE IN DINING AREA.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS UNDER, AROUND AND BEHIND KITCHEN EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREA UNDER AND BEHIND SHELVES AND CARTS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: REMOVE DUST FROM BOTH CEILING VENT FANS IN WASHROOMS.
35
86
Aug 23, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: UPON INSPECTION OBSERVED MEATBALLS IN HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 116.2F AND TOMATO MARINARA SAUCE AT 86.5F AT SAME UNIT. HOT HOLDING UNIT WAS NOT SET UP CORRECTLY.HOT FOOD MUST MAINTAIN TEMPERATURE OF 140F AND ABOVE AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEMENT VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED AND DENAUTERED FOOD ITEMS. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED.
3
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AT BOTTOM SHELF TO REMOVE FOOD SPILLS AND DEBRIS. MUST ALSO DEFROST ICE CREAM BOX FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOORS AT WALK IN COOLER AT CORNERS TO REMOVE SLIME. ALL FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES MUST BE CLEANED AND SANITIZED.
34
86
Nov 2, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. THE REACH IN DELI STATION COOLERS HAVE DIRTY TUBING INSIDE. WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND REPAIR THE ABOVE ITEMS SO THEY ARE SMOOTH, SANITARY AND EASY TO MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. THE EXHAUST HOODS ARE DIRTY INSIDE AND OUT, THE SODA DISPENSER IS DIRTY AND THE WALK IN COOLER DISPLAY AND STORAGE RACKS ARE DIRTY AND GETTING MILDEWED. WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE ALL OF THE FOOD AND NON-FOOD UTENSILS AND EQUIPMENT UNTIL IT IS CLEAN, SANITARY AND MAINTAINED ON A DAILY BASIS.
33
90
Mar 10, 2010
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
* inspection report summary displayed and visible to all customers
Inspector notes: One copy of the Food Inspection Report Summary must be displayed and visible to all customers. Last summary report from 3/10/09 visit not posted for public view. Last inspection report unable to locate also.
28
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. Cutting boards with deep/dark grooves must be sanded/bleached or replaced.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors under /behind heavy equipment must be kept clean.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. Bathroom ceiling vent must be free of dust build-up.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health. Leaky faucet at front dump sink (ice cream section) must be fixed.
38
78

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Jul 2, 2025. The public record contains 19 inspections in total.

What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?

Across the inspection record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been cited eight times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Works.

Has Potbelly Sandwich Works' inspection record improved over time?

Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works have averaged around two violations per visit across the recent record.

What does a low risk rating mean?

A low risk rating at Potbelly Sandwich Works means inspectors found minimal or no significant issues at the most recent visit. Most facilities at this tier have a clean recent inspection report.

How often is Potbelly Sandwich Works inspected?

Based on the inspection history on file, Potbelly Sandwich Works is inspected roughly once per year on average.