Potbelly Sandwich Works
Last inspected: Dec 31, 2025
78
Score
Potbelly Sandwich Works has been inspected 20 times since 2011. Inspectors last stopped by on Dec 31, 2025. Diners can read the low risk label as a sign that recent inspections have gone well.
Recent visits have flagged more than earlier ones: around four violations per visit lately, up from roughly one violation before.
When inspectors have written things up, “food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean” has been the most frequent reason, cited six times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Potbelly Sandwich Works on the weaker side. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
20
Inspections
0
Critical latest
2
Major latest
1
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 31, 2025
Routine
2 major violations. 1 minor violation.
View 3 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP BLOCKED BY GIANT DISH. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HAND WASHING SINK IS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE REMOVED DISH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
10
City of chicago food service sanitation certificate
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE THROUGHOUT INSPECTION. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER SHOWED UP SHORTLY AFTER INSPECTION BEGAN, HOWEVER CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER LEFT BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
2
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED BROKEN TILES ON WALL UNDERNEATH REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
55
78
Dec 3, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE AT THE HAND-SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
10
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
3
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING RACKS, BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FRONT & REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELD OPEN IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO SECURLY CLOSED AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
58
70
Mar 26, 2024
Routine
2 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No hand soap provided for rear prep/dish washing area hand wash sink, instructed to provide. priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: No paper towels provided at rear prep/ dish washing area hand wash sink, instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
10
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: Walk-in cooler walls and fan cover with dirt and dust build-up, instructed to clean and maintain.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: Floors not clean behind grease trap and 3-comp sink, food debris and accumulated grease noted. Instructed to clean and maintain.
55
Approved thawing methods used
Inspector notes: Improper thawing method, found frozen chicken placed in prep sink at room temp to thaw, instructed to manager to thaw frozen food according to health code.
35
70
Apr 26, 2023
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DIRTY PLUMBING FIXTURES IN BOTH TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DNA MAINTAIN.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING RACKS , BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
Jan 21, 2022
Routine
No violations found.
100
May 20, 2021
Routine
No violations found.
100
Apr 8, 2020
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Personal cleanliness
Inspector notes: FOOD HANDLER WITH LONG BEARD, INSTRUCTED TO TRIM OR WEAR A BEARD RESTRAINT.
40
95
Oct 8, 2019
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN. -
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: - OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. -
56
90
Jan 22, 2019
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE 2 DOOR COOLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
49
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: FOUND MAINTENANCE TOOLS SUCH AS BROOMS AND MOPS STORED INSIDE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE.
55
90
Jan 26, 2018
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP AREA BACKLINE MEAT REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP/DUST BUILD UP ON WALLS AT REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN REAR PREP AREA WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
35
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: WOMENS WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL COLD AND HOT WATER PUSH BUTTONS NOT CALIBRATED TO 15 SECONDS RUNNING WATER TIME ALSO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ROD OUT DRAIN PIPE/CLEAN OUT GREASE TRAP AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, ALSO MUST RECALIBRATE HANDWASH BOWL PUSH BUTTONS RUNNING WATER TIME TO 15 SECONDS RUNNING WATER.
38
86
Jan 23, 2017
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN AT BOTTOM SHELVES, ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED MGR TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
95
Jan 13, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: DISH WASHING FACILITY NOT MAINTAINED. 3-COMP SINK FAUCET COLD WATER NOT SHUTTING OFF, UNABLE TO GET HOT WATER FOR THE WASH COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED MGR TO REPAIR FAUCET. MGR TURNED OFF COLD WATER FROM BOTTOM WATER SUPPLY. TO OBTAIN HOT WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7038-030
24
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: DRAWER COOLER DOOR GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FRONT PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN AT BOTTOM SHELVES, ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED MGR TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
86
Jan 13, 2016
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE ICE CHUTE AT THE SODA DISPENSING UNIT TO REMOVE GREEN AND BLACK BUILDUP.
32
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
34
Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained
Inspector notes: THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE REAR IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST CONTACT A PLUBMER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
38
86
Feb 18, 2015
Reinspection
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, REAR AND WALK-IN COOLER.
34
95
Feb 9, 2015
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated
Inspector notes: 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. WHEN RELEASING WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT, WATER BACKS UP INTO THE OTHER COMPARTMENTS DUE TO WATER DRAINGING TO SLOW. MUST REPAIR.
24
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, REAR AND WALK-IN COOLER.
34
90
May 2, 2014
Routine
1 minor violation.
View 1 violation
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT BULB INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
36
95
Aug 13, 2013
Reinspection
5 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO HAND TOWELS AVAILABLE AT EITHER OF THE TWO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS, AND NO HAND SOAP WAS AVAILABLE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT BOTH SINKS AT MY REQUEST. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
12
Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090
Inspector notes: PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1354017 ON 8/1/13 NOT CORRECTED: 18/01 - OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND BOXES OF STOCK IN THE DINING ROOM, RESTROOMS AND FOOD PREP AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. THE LAST PEST INSPECTION REPORT FROM ANDERSON WAS DATED 7/30/13. ANDERSON PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN ARRIVED ONSITE AT 12:30PM TO CONDUCT A PEST CONTROL INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090.
14
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: SEE VIOLATION #14.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE LINE PREP COOLERS AND WIRE STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE SINKS AND PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHT THE ESTABLISHMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
34
78
Aug 1, 2013
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Facilities to maintain proper temperature
Inspector notes: FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE LINE PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE SANDWICH OVEN WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 43.7F. THE UNIT WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS BLUE CHEESE AND CUT TOMATOES. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED IN THE COOLER WERE AT A PROPER TEMPERATURE. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
2
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS AND STORAGE IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS AND IN THE DINING ROOM. 21 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE LINE PREP COOLERS.
33
86
Jun 12, 2012
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN ON THE BACK OF BLADE AND BLADE HOUSING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: MISSING GROUT ALONG WALL BASE BEHIND 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO GROUT FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
34
90
Jul 11, 2011
Routine
4 minor violations.
View 4 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR LEDGE OF MOST COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA, INTERIOR OF CABINETS FOR GARBAGE BINS, COMPRESSORS OF SMALL COOLERS-DUE TO DUST/FOOD DEBRIS. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: FLOORS AROUND EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA NEED CLEANING, FOOD DEBRIS NOTED. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: DUSTY WALLS ABOVE FRONT HANDSINK & TO THE RIGHT OF THE SELF-SERVE SODA DISPENSER MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
35
Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored
Inspector notes: ANY SODA CRATES USED FOR DRY STORAGE RACKS MUST BE REPLACED WITH REGULAR SHELVINGS, FOR EASY ACCESS TO CLEANING/PEST MONITORING. All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.
41
82
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Potbelly Sandwich Works on file is from Dec 31, 2025. The public record contains 20 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?
No. Recent inspections at Potbelly Sandwich Works have averaged around four violations per visit, up from roughly one 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.
Nearby Restaurants