Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
100
Score
Potbelly Sandwich Works appears in inspection records 24 times, starting in 2010. On Jan 28, 2026, the health department conducted the most recent visit. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Things have been moving the wrong way, with the rolling count rising from around four violations to closer to six violations per visit.
When inspectors have written things up, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited 13 times.
The city-wide average for Chicago sits at 81, putting Potbelly Sandwich Works on the better side of that line. Taken together, the history looks like that of a busy facility working through the usual inspection cycle.
24
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
0
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 20, 2026
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 9 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-202.12 (A) : STILL OBSERVING HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF'S WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 82.0F AND MEN'S AT 80.1F MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING ATER AT 100.0F .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
10
Previous priority foundation violation corrected
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2629669 1/13/2026 NOT CORRECTED #38- STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 15 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR & BEHIND COLD HOLDING LINE PREP COOLER,ON THE LEFT SIDE WALL AT ICE CREAM FREEZER,MOTOR OF REAR CHEST FREEZER,ON WALL UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD,ON FLOOR AT MOPS NEXT TO HOT WATER TANK,ON EXTERIOR OF HOT WATER TANK,ON FLOOR AND WALL OF COUNTER AT BEVERAGE COUNTER AREA AND SEVERAL DEAD . MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS .CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/20/26.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
59
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.11: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND ALONG WALLS UNDER & BEHIND REAR STORAGE SHELVES.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM CEILING VENTS.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT.
56
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,SHELVING UNITS,COUNTER TOPS IN PREP AREAS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS AND AT SERVICE COUNTERS AND UNDERNEATH REAR COUNTER SINK AND WHERE NEEDED.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND FLOOR DRAINS.
55
50
Jan 13, 2026
Reinspection
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: STILL OBSERVING HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF'S WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 82.0F AND MEN'S AT 80.1F MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING ATER AT 100.0F .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: 6-501.111 : OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 6 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR COLD HOLDING LINE PREP COOLER,ON THE LEFT SIDE WALL AND FLOOR AT ICE CREAM FREEZER AND SEVERAL DEAD IN SAME AREA AND UNDERNEATH TEA MACHINE AT BEVERAGE COUNTER AREA. MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS .CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/9/26.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: 3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: 4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREAS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-201.13 : MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS AND AT SERVICE COUNTERS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND FLOOR DRAINS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: : 6-201.11: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.
55
58
Jan 9, 2026
Routine
1 critical violation. 1 major violation. 6 minor violations.
View 8 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF'S WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 77.0F AND MEN'S AT 83.3F MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING ATER AT 100.0F .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
10
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 6 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR COLD HOLDING LINE PREP COOLER,ON THE LEFT SIDE WALL AND FLOOR AT ICE CREAM FREEZER AND SEVERAL DEAD IN SAME AREA AND UNDERNEATH TEA MACHINE AT BEVERAGE COUNTER AREA. MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS .CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/9/26.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
38
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
37
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREAS.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS AND AT SERVICE COUNTERS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND FLOOR DRAINS.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.
55
58
Feb 25, 2025
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Utensils, equipment & linens: properly stored, dried, & handled
Inspector notes: OBSERVED UTENSILS NOT FULLY SUBMERGED IN RUNNING WELL WATER FOR ICE CREAM FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS IN FULLY SUBMERGED RNNING WATER IN BETWEEN USE.
44
95
Mar 22, 2024
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BETWEEN COOLING AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
55
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
51
90
Aug 10, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: Food handler with long beard not wearing beard restraints, Instructed to wear.
40
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Cabinet at front service line not clean, food debris noted. Instructed to clean and maintain.
49
90
Jun 2, 2022
Reinspection
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST MEN EMPLOYEES WASHRROM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN FRONT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 55.6F COOLER IS EMPTY AND HAS NOTHING IN IT. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
33
90
May 31, 2022
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST MEN EMPLOYEES WASHRROM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
10
Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN FRONT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 56.6F COOLER HAD CUT TOMATOES IN IT READING 46.8F BUT TOMATOES WAS CUT THIS MORNING AT 9:30AM AND HAD THE DATE AND TIME STAMPED ON THERE. MANAGER MOVED TO DIFFERENT COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
33
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS IN DEEP FREEZER IN FRONT.INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST DEEP FREEZER, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
86
Feb 24, 2021
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: FLY TRAP INSTALLED ABOVE CLEAN UTENSILS SHELF, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AREA OR CLEAN UTENSILS STORAGE.
38
95
Jan 23, 2020
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HANDWASHING SINK AND PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: MUST DEFROST DEEP FREEZER IN FRONT PREP AREA, EXCESSIVE ICE PRESENT, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
86
Mar 1, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK MISSING A SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY FROM MEAT SLICER TO HANDSINK LOCATION.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DISCOLORED. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED/STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
47
90
Feb 7, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: REAR PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK MISSING A SPLASH GUARD. TOO CLOSE TO MEAT SLICER. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: LEAK UNDER REAR HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
42
86
Jun 13, 2017
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUD FOODS (TURKEY, ROAST BEEF) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES; 5 LBS OF PORK AT 58.1F, AND 20 LBS OF DELI MEAT AT 55.3F. TOTALING $100. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID ITEMS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
3
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES ATTACHED TO THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE SANDWICH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE SLOT AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A BROWNISH SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BY ICE MAKER AND CLEAN ICE MACHINE SLOT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH STANDING WATER OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER AND BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BY THE FLOORS LOCATED UNDER THE 1 COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK ON THE DIPPER WELL BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE PREP COOLER WITHOUT A THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
74
Apr 18, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES ATTACHED TO THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE SANDWICH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ICE MACHINE SLOT AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A BROWNISH SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BY ICE MAKER AND CLEAN ICE MACHINE SLOT AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FLOORS WITH STANDING WATER OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER AND BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BY THE FLOORS LOCATED UNDER THE 1 COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A LEAK ON THE DIPPER WELL BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ONE PREP COOLER WITHOUT A THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
40
78
Apr 1, 2016
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: Caulk around 3 compartment sink, and exposed hand sink in prep area, in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Front counter shelving in prep area had exposed raw wood, peeling paint, shall be repaired/replaced.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Non food contact surfaces of cooking/warming equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning. Prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Front counter shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: Floors in rear kitchen prep area needs re-grouting. Floors in rear kitchen area by hot water heater, mop sink area not clean, need detailed cleaning.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in rear kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/replaced. Ceiling tiles in kitchen prep area rear not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
35
82
Feb 10, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS ,PREP AREAS AT PREP COOLER AREAS,NOT MAINTAINED,CLEAN OF FOOD PARTICLES,DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF FOOD PARTICLES,DEBRIS THRU-OUT PREP AND SERVICE AREA.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR AREAS.ALSO FLOORS NOT CLEAN INSIDE WALK IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING UNITS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN.
34
90
Nov 17, 2014
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MISPLACED RUBBER GASKETS AT DRAWER COOLERS, UNABLE TO CLOSE TIGHTLY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOOD DEBRIS NOTED AT PERIMETERS OF PREP COOLERS AT UPPER AREAS, IN CABINETS OF DRY GOODS IN FRONT SERVICE LINE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: HOT WATER KNOB AT 3-COMP SINK FAUCET NOT SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
38
86
Feb 26, 2014
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR, EXPOSED INSULATION AND DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
32
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: SLOW DRAINAGE AT 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
90
Sep 5, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE 3COMP-SINK SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
34
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FLOOR DRAIN IN FRONT OF THE ICE CREAM COOLER.
34
90
May 4, 2012
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE AND DETAIL CLEAN ICE CREAM FREEZER IN THE FRONT AND REAR CHEST FREEZER.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND CABINET UNDER BEVERAGE STATION.
34
86
Jan 18, 2011
Reinspection
No violations found.
100
Jan 11, 2011
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: All dish washing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health. EXTREMELY SLOW DRAINAGE AT 3COMP SINK (ABOUT 5 MIN TO DRAIN 3 GALLONS) INSTRUCTED MGR TO REPAIR PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
24
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. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLERS, FOOD AND SPILLS NOTED.
33
90
May 13, 2010
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
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. PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN AROUND THE TOP LEDGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
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. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SHELVES AND PREP AREA. FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT NOTED ALONG WALL BASE AND FLOOR DRAINS.
34
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains 24 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 13 times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Has Potbelly Sandwich Works' inspection record improved over time?
No. Recent inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works have averaged around six violations per visit, up from roughly four earlier in the 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 around two times per year on average.
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