Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Feb 19, 2026
64
Score
Across the available record, Potbelly Sandwich Works has 22 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. The most recent report on file is from Feb 19, 2026. When a facility lands in medium risk territory, it usually means a mixed inspection result.
Performance has remained roughly level over recent inspections, averaging near three violations each time.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged eight times.
Compared to other Chicago restaurants (averaging 81), there's room to close the gap. Nothing in the record is alarming, but there's room to improve.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
9
Minor latest
Inspection History
Feb 19, 2026
Routine
9 minor violations.
View 9 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST ELIMINATE CRATES USED FOR FOOD STORAGE IN WALK IN COOLER & REAR PREP AREA AND PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING UNITS.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND PITTED CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,BREAD CARTS,SHELVING UNITS, STORAGE CABINETS,PREP TABLES,WALK IN COOLER- SHELVING UNITS & FAN GUARD COVERS,ICE DISPENSER ON SODA MACHINE & COUNTER UNDERNEATH,LIGHT SHIELDS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS IN WALK IN COOLER AND BEHIND MENU BOARDS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE MASSIVE CLUTTER FROM REAR STORAGE/OFFICE AREA OFF OF FLOOR AND AWAY FROM WALLS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING AND EXPIRED FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR FOOD MANAGERS MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
58
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE (SQUEEZE BOTTLES,SHAKERS,ETC)
37
64
Mar 7, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 22, 2024
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED CUTTING BOARDS AT THE SANDWICH PREP STATIONS.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE CAULKING AROUND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE TOILET PIPING INSIDE OF FAR-LEFT UNISEX RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DIRT BUILD UP FROM THE FLOORS ALONG WALL BASES IN THE FRONT PREP AND DISHWASHING AREAS BEHIND AND UNDER COOLING EQUIPMENT.
55
82
Oct 2, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.114 OBSERVED ITEMS STORED DIRECTLY ON THE GROUND (EMPTIED BOTTLES AND CONTAINERS) UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND NEXT TO THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY ITEMS AND ELEVATE EVERYTHING AT LEASE 6 INCHES FROM THE GROUND.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED MINOR ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS LOCATED UNDER DRY STORAGE SHELVES, BEHIND COOKING/REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT AND UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL.
55
90
Oct 28, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLES INSIDE OF UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOILED MOP HEAD NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HANG MOP HEAD TO PREVENT INSECT BREEDING.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UNUSED EQUIPMENT AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES IN OFFICE/DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED, UNNECSSARY EQUIPMENT AND ARTICLES TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
86
Sep 17, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Approved thawing methods used
35
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEES FOOD STORED WITH CUSTOMERS FOODS IN CHEST FREEZER, INSTRUCTED TO SEPARATE.
56
90
Sep 25, 2020
Routine
No violations found.
100
Sep 3, 2019
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE OVERFLOWING. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AT ALL TIMES.
54
95
Aug 23, 2019
Routine
1 major violation. 1 minor violation.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: FOUND HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 133 F LOCATED IN LADIES WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE A MAXIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 120F. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Garbage & refuse properly disposed; facilities maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE OVERFLOWING. MUST PROVIDE CLOSED TIGHT FITTING GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AT ALL TIMES.
54
86
May 15, 2018
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TUNA, HUMMUS) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLERS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT THE ENTIRE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AROUND GREASE TRAP, UNDER SHELVING AND UNDER AND AROUND ALL PREP COOLERS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA BY THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL LOCATED BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A MISSING CEILING TILE LOCATED BY THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME PREP COOLERS, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE, WITHOUT THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD BY THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
41
78
May 8, 2018
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH A ONE INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS (TUNA, HUMMUS) OUT OF THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING PRODUCT NAME AND DATE LOCATED IN THE PREP COOLERS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO LABEL ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS THAT ARE OUT OF THE ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS AND MAINTAIN.
30
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT THE ENTIRE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK, AROUND GREASE TRAP, UNDER SHELVING AND UNDER AND AROUND ALL PREP COOLERS AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED MISSING FLOOR TILE IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA BY THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A BLACK SUBSTANCE ON THE WALL LOCATED BY THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENTS LOCATED ABOVE THE PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED A MISSING CEILING TILE LOCATED BY THE REAR EXPOSED HAND SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
35
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SOME PREP COOLERS, WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS INSIDE, WITHOUT THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MOP HEADS STORED DOWNWARD BY THE UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL MOP HEADS UPRIGHT AND MAINTAIN.
41
74
Apr 6, 2017
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DERBIS UNDER EQUIPMENT AND IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS.
34
95
Sep 26, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: missing thermometer in front prep cooler, instructed to provide.
40
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: food debris and trash found behind prep tables in rear kitchen, instructed to clean and maintain.
34
90
Feb 18, 2016
Complaint
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR IN REAR PREP AREA, DETERIORATED DOOR, EXPOSED INSULATION, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE OR REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: AIR FLOW HOSES IN PREP COOLER CLOGGED WITH FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINATIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOSE SUBMERGED IN ICE CREAM DIPPER WELL, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP OFF WITH AIR GAP.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: NO THERMOMETER IN SEVERAL PREP COOLERS AT FRONT SERVICE LINE, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL IN WARMEST PART.
40
82
Dec 8, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
34
95
Dec 1, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 40-50 LIVE ANTS CRAWLING ON THE FLOOR AT THE END OF THE EAST PREP LINE NEAR THE DISH ROOM DOOR BETWEEN THE 1 DOOR PREP COOLER AND WALL. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL TO ELIMINATE THE ANT ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLKATION 7-38-020
18
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND EQUIPMENT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND TRASH. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
34
90
Jan 9, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE BASEBOARD MISSING AT THE DOOR LEADING FROM THE FRONT PREP AREA INTO THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ALL BASEBOARDS.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE VACUUM BREAKER AT THE MOP SINK LEAKING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1 DOOR PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA MISSING THERMOMETERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN THERMOMETERS.
40
86
May 29, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLERS NOT CELAN, FOOD DEBRIS NOTED, INSTRUCTED TO CELAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CELAN ALONG WALL BASE AND UNDER FRONT COUNTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MINOR CONDENSATION NOTED AT WALK-IN COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE.
38
86
Dec 18, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF 3-COMPARMENT SINK AND MOP SINK IN REAR AREA. DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR UNDERNEATH COUNTER TOP AT FRONT SODA DISPENSING MACHINE
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN WALLS BEHIND PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP AREA AND BEHIND COOLERS IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR DRAINS AT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA. REMOVE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETERS IN ALL FRONT PREP COOLERS.
40
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE CARDBOARD BOXES AND UNNECESSARY ARTICLES NEAR TO REAR EXIT DOOR IN REAR PREP AREA. MUST ELEVATE SOFT DRNKS 6 INCHES OF THE FLOOR IN REAR PREP AREA.
41
78
Mar 19, 2013
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles
Inspector notes: MUST PROPERLY STORE DIRTY MULTI-USE UTENSILS (FLAT PANS AND STAINLESS STEEL BOWLS) OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES IN THE REAR AREA.OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS STATED ABOVE ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE 3COMP SINK.
31
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COUNTER TOP AT SODA DISPENSING MACHINE AREA TO REMOVE CRUMBS AND OTHER DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE DIPPER WELL.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR AT REAR AREA IN FRONT OF LARGE ICE FREEZER BOX AND IN FRONT OF THE REAR EXIT DOOR SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE. MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR IN THE FRONT MAIN SANDWICH MAKING AREA, AND AT ALL OF THE CORNERS IN THE REAR AREA BEHIND FREEZER ICE BOX AND SHELVING UNITS TO REMOVE EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL HOLES AT WALL NEXT TO REAR EXIT DOOR AS WELL AS REPLACE MISSING AND BROKEN WALL TILES AT SAME AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR LEAKS AT FAUCET BASE AND AT HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLE AT THE 3COMP SINK.
38
78
Sep 1, 2011
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
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. INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Aug 30, 2010
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. BROKEN RUBBER GASKETS AT PREP COOLER DOORS, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
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. FOOD DEBRIS NOTED BEHIND PREP TABLES, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
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. REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK DRAIN PIPE NOT MOUNTD PROPERLY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
86
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Feb 19, 2026. The public record contains 22 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Potbelly Sandwich Works?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & 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 three violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Potbelly Sandwich Works means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
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.
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