Potbelly Sandwich Works

1293 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
American
Last inspected: Apr 2, 2026
86
Score
Low Risk

The health department has logged 16 inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works, the earliest from 2014. On Apr 2, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. A low risk rating suggests inspectors haven't found much to be concerned about lately.

Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around two violations each.

Looking across the full record, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” is the recurring theme, flagged six times.

Compared to the broader Chicago restaurant scene, where the average is 81, this is a stronger showing. The full picture is one of consistent compliance.

16
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
3
Minor latest
Inspection History
Apr 2, 2026
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (TONGS) STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY ON TOP FOOD CONTAINER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
43
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY WITH MOPHEAD IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
56
86
Feb 24, 2025
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Proper cold holding temperatures
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SHREDDED LETTUCE HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 46 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 7 POUNDS OF LETTUCE ($15), AND A PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
22
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATIONS ARE CURRENT.
57
82
Apr 2, 2024
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS HAM, TURKEY, AND CHEESE ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL MANAGERS HAVE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH SIGNS OF RUST AND CORROSION AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RACKS.
47
86
Jan 25, 2023
Complaint
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ALONG THE PREP LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
95
Feb 8, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE MIDDLE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT AND ETRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
38
95
Jan 20, 2021
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Summary report displayed and visible to the public
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED
61
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED AT THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
53
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILIMNG VENTLATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OPENING ON BETWEEN DOORS. MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
70
Apr 15, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN LINE NEAR HAND WASH SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
47
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK AT HAND WASH SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
51
90
Apr 22, 2019
Routine
2 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND THE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Proper date marking and disposition
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
23
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
74
Feb 13, 2018
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN PREP COOLERS AND THE UP RIGHT FREEZER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND LITTER(BOXES).
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: NOTED THE FAN INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER.
40
82
Jul 18, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMRPROPER TEMPERATURES: FOUND PRE-SLICED DELI MEATS FOR THE "WRECK" SANDWICH ON THE LINE AT 63.3F AND MEATBALLS INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 130.2F. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS MUST BE 40F OR LESS OR 140F OR MORE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE FAN VENT COVER INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT COVER TO PREVENT DUST FROM BLOWING ONTO OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED IN THE COOLER.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE FLOORS UNDER THE COUNTERS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA MUST BE DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED TO REMOVE PLASTIC UTENSILS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DEBRIS BUILDUP.
34
86
Nov 4, 2016
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTATINED,WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS COMING FROM IT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESS FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
90
Oct 27, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED.OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR DOORS WITH GAPS OF 1/4 TO 1" OPENINGS BETWEEN DOORS AND BOTTOM OF THE DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/ INSECT PROOF MENTIONED DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTATINED,WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS COMING FROM IT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXCESS FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
86
Jan 7, 2016
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
Inspector notes: POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD:BREAD,LETTUCE,DIFFERENT KIND OF LUNCH MEAT TO MAKE SANDWICHES, AND SLICED PICKLES,ETC.TOUCHING NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACE SUCH AS: BROOM,MOP(MOPPING THE FLOOR),BOXES ADJUSTING CAPS AND HAIR,THEN GOING BACK TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOOD WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVE OR PUT ON GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WITH GLOVES ON TOUCHED ALL NON FOOD SURFACE ,GOING IN AND OUT THE DOOR TOUCHED GARBAGE CAN,BOXES,THEN WITHOUT REMOVE GLOVE OR USE A UTENSILS, DRAINED THE PICKLED JAR AND WITH HANDS REACHED INSIDE THE JAR PULLED OUT THE PICKLES AND SLICED THEM.INFORMATION GIVEN ON HAND WASHING AND CHANGING OF THE GLOVES. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS AFTER MANAGER REQUESTED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
6
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 4-28-15,REPORT #1453922 #42-ALL HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK WITH PROPER RESTRAINTS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. TODAY UPON MY ARRIVAL OBSERVED SOME EMPLOYEES WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT OR HAIR NOT COMPLETELY RESTRAINT AT FRONT PREP/SERVING AREA,FOOD WAS EXPOSED(EMPLOYEE WERE MAKING SANDWICHES).MANAGER CORRECTED THE ISSUE UPON MY REQUEST SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DEBRIS INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE FRONT COUNTERMAND EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NEEDS ADDITIONAL CLEANING AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTERS.
41
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: VIOLATION UPGRADED TO VIOLATION #29
42
74
Apr 28, 2015
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: ALL REACH IN COOLERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS, HAND SINKS, AND PREP TABLES IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DEATAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS THROUGH OUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANINF TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: WALLS IN PREP AREA WITH FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE TOASTER OVEN IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: ALL HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK WITH PROPER RESTRAINTS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
42
78
Nov 21, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF POP MACHINE DRIP TRAY AND SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS NEAR ICE CREAM FREEZER, UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE CABINET UNDER POP MACHINE.
34
90
Feb 28, 2014
License
No violations found.
100

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?

The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Apr 2, 2026. The public record contains 16 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 six 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.