Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Jan 28, 2026
95
Score
Across the available record, Potbelly Sandwich Works has 22 inspections on file, the first dated 2010. Potbelly Sandwich Works was last inspected on Jan 28, 2026. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent inspections have found fewer violations than earlier ones, averaging around zero violations lately and about three violations before that.
“Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” accounts for the largest share of issues, appearing 10 times across the record.
That puts the facility ahead of the local pack: the average Chicago restaurant scores 81. The file should reassure diners considering a visit.
22
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jan 28, 2026
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Sewage & waste water properly disposed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MISSING GREASE TRAP AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REINSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
52
95
Mar 25, 2025
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jan 26, 2024
Routine
No violations found.
100
Jun 20, 2023
Routine
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: 6-302.11 OBSERVED NO TOILET PAPER IN ONE OF TWO TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TOILET PAPER IN TOILET ROOMS AT ALL TIMES. BUILDING MAINTANENCE PROVIDED TOILET PAPER IN SAID TOILET ROOM DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-010.
53
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: 5-205.11 OBSERVED REAR DISH WASHING/FOOD PREP AREA HAND WASHING SINK BLOCKED WITH A CONTAINER INSIDE THE BASIN OF THE HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED TO NEVER BLOCK HAND WASHING SINKS BY STORING ITEMS INSIDE OF THE BASIN, HAND WASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR HAND WASHING AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER REMOVED ITEMS DURING THE INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030(C).
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: 4-601.11(C) OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST DEBRIS BEHIND THE PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
49
Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices
Inspector notes: 5-205.15 OBSERVED A SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN THE PREP TABLE AND THE HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
51
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: 6-501.12 OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DEBRIS UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN.
55
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: 2-402.11 OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS NOT PROPERLY WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT, ONE FEMALE FOOD HANDLER WITHOUT A PROPER HAIR RESTRAINT AND MANAGER HANDLING FOOD WITHOUT A BEARD GUARD.. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER HAIR RESTRAINTS AT ALL TIMES.
40
67
Oct 11, 2022
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
95
Dec 13, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: COOLERS THERMOMETER PUSHED TO THE BACK, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART IN AN EASY TO VIEW AREA.
36
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP COOLER FAN COVER NOT CLEAN, HEAVY DUST BUILD-UP NOTED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
49
90
Sep 25, 2020
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA WITHOUT SPLASH GUARD INSTALLED ON RIGHT SIDE( HAND SINK WAS CONVERTED FORMALLY A ONE COMPARTMENT SINK INSIDE PREP TABLE). FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON HAND SINK.
39
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: FOUND CUTTING BOARDS DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
47
90
Aug 22, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA WITHOUT SPLASH GUARD INSTALLED ON RIGHT SIDE( HAND SINK WAS CONVERTED FORMALLY A ONE COMPARTMENT SINK INSIDE PREP TABLE). FACILITY MUST OBTAIN AND INSTALL SPLASH GUARD ON HAND SINK.
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FACILITY HAND SINK IN REAR PREP AREA WITHOUT SIGNAGE FOR HAND WASHING. MUST OBTAIN AND DISPLAY AT HAND SINK.
10
90
Jun 6, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HOT WATER FROM FAUCET ON PREMISES. HOT WATER TEMPERATURE 80.0F. INSTRUCTED THAT HOT WATER TEMPERATURE MUST BE 110.0F. ENGINEER ADJUSTED THE TEMPERATURE OF THERMOSTAT RESTORED HOT WATER TEMPERATURE TO 110.7F-CDI. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030
9
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS ON FLOORS UNDER COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
34
90
Jan 10, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF COOKED CHICKEN INSIDE PREP COOLER AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 50.0F. MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW. FOOD REMOVED AND DISCARDED APPROX 1- LB BY MANAGER-CDI.. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
3
* certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served
Inspector notes: NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON PREMISES WHEN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED,( IE MAKING CHICKEN SANDWICHES, CHILI,ETC) SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-012
21
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF COOLERS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS AND DRIED FOOD PARTICLES.INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN
33
86
May 23, 2017
Reinspection
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST KEEP A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA, THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH THICK FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE WALLS, VENTS,PIPES/CONDUITS AND CEILING TILES HAS FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP IN THE REAR/FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
82
May 16, 2017
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: FOUND 40 SMALL LIVE FLIES ON THE WALLS, CEILING, STORAGE RACKS AND BOXED IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA AND 15 ON THE WALLS/CEILING IN THE FRONT PREPARATION AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE ALL FLIES, CLEAN THE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR ASSISTANCE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS DEEP, DARK GROOVES AND STAINS ON THEM. INSTRUCTED TO SAND OR REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS. MUST KEEP A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOUND THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE COOKING EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA, THE STORAGE RACKS IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF THE FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN THE CORNERS, AROUND THE HOT WATER TANK, COOKING/COOLING EQUIPMENT AND SINKS WITH THICK FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: THE WALLS, VENTS,PIPES/CONDUITS AND CEILING TILES HAS FOOD, DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP IN THE REAR/FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
35
78
Jul 19, 2016
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: TOP LID OF MAIN PREP COOLER NEAR DOOR LEADING TO REAR PREP AREA (BROKEN),IN POOR REPAIR.ALSO TOP LID OF CHEST FREEZER IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR BOTH.ALSO SPLASH GUARD NEEDED IN REAR AT EXPOSED HAND SINK .MUST INSTALL.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: EXTERIOR,DOORS AND INTERIOR OF ALL PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN/MAINTAIN WITH DEBRIS,ETC.MUST CLEAN.
33
90
Jan 25, 2016
Reinspection
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STORAGE UNITS IN REAR DISH WASHING/PREP NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN/MAINTAIN.ALSO INTERIOR SHELES INSIDE PREP COOLERS
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELD IN CEILING ABOVE REAR PREP TABLE IN POOR REPAIR.MUST REPAIR
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO NEW IDPH FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES AT NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION
45
86
Jan 11, 2016
Routine
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BOTTOM DOOR OF PREP COOLER IN POOR REPAIR.PREP COOLER MAINTAINING IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 66.8F. MUST NOT USED PREP COOLER FOR FOOD STORAGE.MUST USED ADDITIONAL COOLER ON PREMISES THATS 40F OR BELOW-CDI. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
2
Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service
Inspector notes: FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS( 3 LBS CHICKEN SALAD 51.6F , 5LBS CHOPPED BOILED EGGS-54.6F AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES STORED INSIDE PREP COOLER THATS NOT MAINTAINED. ALSO 4 COOKED EGGS MAINTAINED AT 117.8F IN HOT HOLDING UNIT. ALL FOODS WAS REMOVED AND DISCARDED TOTTAL COST APPROX 8 LBS/$25.00-CDI. CRITICAL VIOLAQTION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
3
Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090
Inspector notes: OBSERVED PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION #34- STILL EXITS FROM LAST INSPECTION REPORT #1418794,DATED 1-22-2015.MUST REGROUT FLOORS IN FRONT OF THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-42-090.
29
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STORAGE UNITS IN REAR DISH WASHING/PREP NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN/MAINTAIN.ALSO INTERIOR SHELES INSIDE PREP COOLERS.
33
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELD IN CEILING ABOVE REAR PREP TABLE IN POOR REPAIR.MUST REPAIR.
35
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: NO NEW IDPH FOOD HANDLERS TRAINING CERTIFICATE PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE CERTIFICATES AT NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
45
74
Jan 22, 2015
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE 3-COMP SINK. MUST CLEAN FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS AT THE MAIN PREP LINE AREA TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRI.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE BOTH EXHAUST HOODS AT THE MAIN PREP LINE AREA.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST ADJUST BOTH FAUCET HANDLES HOT AND COLD IN BOTH MEN'S AND WOMEN'S RESTROOM HAND SINKS SO AS FOR HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER TO LAST AT LEAST 15 SECONDS WHEN HANDLES ARE PUSHED. BOTH STAFF RESTROOMS ARE LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT AREA.
38
86
Jan 3, 2014
Routine
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIRNOR REPLACE WORN RUBBER GASKETS ON REACH IN COOLERS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST CLEAN THE FOLLOWING: INTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS, SODA DISPENSOR, CAN OPENER TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST MAINTAIN CLEAN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS IN NEED OF CLEANING UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT. GROUT AREAS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST 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: WALL AT TOASTER IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL SPLATTER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALL DRAINS IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
38
78
Jan 18, 2013
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPAIR INNER LINING AND GASKET OF LARGE WHITE ICE BOX FREEZER IN THE REAR HALLWAY. MUST REPLACE GASKET AT 1DR COOLER ACROSS FROM THE FRONT EXPOSED HAND SINK.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREAS TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
34
90
Jun 6, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: MUST REPLACE THE RIPPED RUBBER GASKET ON THE DOOR OF THE CHEST REACH IN FREEZER IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE FROM ICE CREAM FREEZER AND CLEAN AND MAINTAING FREEZER.
33
90
Oct 4, 2011
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. OBSERVED DARK PITS IN PREP TABLE CUTTING BOARDS ALONG FRONT LINE. MUST REPLACE OR REPAIR DAMAGED CUTTING BOARDS.
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. OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON REAR OF WALK IN COOLER CONDENSER. MUST CLEAN AND MAITAIN EQUIPMENT.
33
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. FRONT LINE HANDWASH BOWL FAUCET LOOSE/SINK DRAINING SLOWLY. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
38
86
Jul 22, 2010
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 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. All utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after each usage. Found containers not stored properlry on shelving units.(must store inverted)
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 clean floors throughout premises behind and under all equipment). Found floors not clean at rear preparation areas.
34
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: Cleaning equipment shall be properly stored away from food, utensils, equipment, and clean linens. Found clean linen stored improperly below 3 compartment sink.
41
86
Feb 2, 2010
Consultation
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 Jan 28, 2026. The public record contains 22 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 10 times, more than any other issue at Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Has Potbelly Sandwich Works' inspection record improved over time?
Yes. Recent inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works have averaged around zero violations per visit, down from roughly three 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 roughly once per year on average.
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