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POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS

211 W Wacker DR, CHICAGO, IL 60606 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since April 6, 2010. The most recent inspection, on December 29, 2025, recorded 1 infraction.

1 of 16 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 1 infraction recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Food temperature control, Handwashing and staff hygiene and Cleaning and sanitizing.

The number of infractions per inspection has stayed roughly the same over time.

What these findings mean

Health authorities word their violations differently, so we group them by what they mean for food safety. Higher-risk findings are the ones inspectors treat as critical, because they can directly make someone sick.

  • Food temperature controlHigher risk

    Bacteria multiply fastest between about 4 °C and 60 °C (40 °F to 140 °F). Inspectors check that cold food stays cold, hot food stays hot, cooked food is cooled quickly, and that staff have accurate thermometers. Temperature problems are one of the most common causes of food poisoning, so these are treated as critical findings.

    Recorded 3 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on October 5, 2021. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • Handwashing and staff hygieneHigher risk

    Hands are the main way germs like norovirus move from people to food. Inspectors look for stocked, accessible handwashing sinks, staff washing hands when required, hair restraints, and sick employees being kept away from food. Gaps here can spread illness quickly.

    Recorded 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on August 3, 2023. For example: PERSONAL CLEANLINESS

  • Cleaning and sanitizingHigher risk

    Anything that touches food, such as cutting boards, dishes and utensils, must be washed, rinsed and sanitized. Inspectors check dishwasher temperatures, sanitizer strength and how wiping cloths are stored. Poor sanitizing lets bacteria survive from one use to the next.

    Recorded once on November 5, 2020. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • PestsHigher risk

    Signs of mice, rats, cockroaches or flies, or gaps and clutter that let them get in or hide. Pests carry bacteria and can contaminate food and surfaces, so evidence of activity is treated seriously and usually triggers a follow-up visit.

    Recorded once on July 28, 2017. For example: NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

  • Building, plumbing and upkeepLower risk

    Floors, walls and ceilings must be smooth and clean, with working lighting, ventilation, plumbing, hot and cold water, and washrooms. These are rarely an immediate food-safety risk on their own, but persistent problems can lead to pest or sanitation issues.

    Recorded 17 times across 13 separate inspections, most recently on December 29, 2025. For example: PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

About this data

These results come from Chicago Department of Public Health, which inspects food premises and other public facilities in this area. We republish the authority's public disclosure data and refresh it regularly; the official record is the final word.

16 inspections

  1. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • FOUND WALLS IN POOR REPAIR AT MEN'S RESTROOM.MUST REPAIR.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • Mops, brooms and dust pans not stored properly, wet mops sitting in bucket. Instructed to store properly
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • Ceiling light fixture missing a shield at main kitchen area, instructed to provide.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 40. PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
      • OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS PREPPING FOOD WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE THAT ALL FOOD HANDLERS MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT. EMPLOYEES WERE PROVIDED HAIR RESTRAINTS DURING THE TIME OF INSPECTION.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED ONE HANDSINK AND TOILET STALL IN THE LOWER LEVEL EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM THAT NEEDS REPAIRED. THE FACILITY HAS TWO ADDITIONAL WORKING STALLS AND HANDSINK TO UTILIZE, ALONG WITH ANOTHER TOILET ROOM UPSTAIRS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MISSING CEILINGS TILE PANELS IN THE REAR DRY STORAGE AREA NEAR THE DISH AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE MISSING PANELS TILES.
  4. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (SLICED TURKEY) IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
  5. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • MISSING THERMPMETER IN PREP COOLER, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE IN WARMEST PART OF COOLER.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • STANDING WATER ON FLOOR AT DISH WASHING AREA, INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE AND KEEP DRY AS POSSIBLE.
  6. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK-IN COOLER AND WALK-IN FREEZER TO BE SOILED WITH DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THE ONE COMPARTMENT SINK TO HAVE A LEAK AND FAUCET TO BE LOOSE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED THE HAND SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA NEAR THE ASSEMBLY LINE TO HAVE A SLOW DRAINAGE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED DIPPER WELL LEAKING IN PREP KITCHEN NEAR COFFEE AND THREE COMPARTMENT SINK (FAUCET & KNOBS) LEAKING FAUCET DOES NOT TURN ON AND OFF WITHOUT MIDDLE PRESSURE VALVE ON/ACTIVE. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED VENTS AND HOOD THROUGHOUT OUT KITCHEN WITH ACCUMULATION OF GREASE, DUST AND DEBRIS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  8. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS INSIDE FURNACE/ STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • SOME CEILING LIGHT SHIELDS DUSTY IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • FAUCET LEAKY AT 3- COMPARTMENT SINK.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
  9. Canvass Re-Inspection

    1 infraction

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN WITH AN ACCUMULATED BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE DRAIN LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 18. NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
      • OBSERVED SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOFED WITH 1/4 INCH GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF SAID DOOR. INSTRUCTED TO MAKE SIDE ENTRANCE DOOR RODENT PROOFED AND MAINTAIN. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED FLOOR DRAIN WITH AN ACCUMULATED BLACK SUBSTANCE INSIDE OF THE DRAIN LOCATED UNDER THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DUST ON THE VENT LOCATED ABOVE THE OVEN. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
  11. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 2. FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
      • PREP COOLER BEING USED MAINTAINING IMPROPER AIR TEMPERATURE OF 49.8F. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN 40.0F OR BELOW. COOLER WILL BE TAGED HELD FOR INSPECTION.MUST NOT USE. MUST CONTACT CDPH FOR TAG REMOVAL. MUST USE ADDITIONAL COOLERS ON PREMISES THATS 40F OR BELOW. CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • FOUND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES.APPROX 4LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 61.7F,CHOPPED EGGS AT 50.8F, 18 LBS OF ASSORTED DELI MEATS AT 51.8F,45F.ALSO APPROX 72 LBS OF OVEN ROASTED TURKEY BREAST AT 44.7F,46.4F,44.7F,AND 27 LBS OF HAM AT 45.1F. MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW.FOODS REMOVED FROM COOLERS AND DISCARDED BY MANAGER APPROX COST 125 LBS/$300.00/-CDI.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INTERIOR PIPE INSIDE ICE MACHINE SLIGHT BUILD-UP.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • STORAGE SUPPLY EQIPMENT FOR STORE STORED ON FLOOS IN HEATER CLOSET.MUST PROBALY ELEVATE ON ADEQUATE SHELVING OFF FLOORS AT LEAST 6- INCHES.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • NO ONLINE TRAINING FOOD CERTIFICATES PROVIDED FOR EMPLOYEES.MUST PROVIDE AT NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
  12. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 6. HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
      • NOTED EMPLOYEES NOT PRACTICING GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES:- EMPLOYEES WHILE PREPPING AT THE PREP LINE AND WEARING GLOVES WENT TO THE WALK IN COOLER AND OPENED THE COOLER IN AND OUT WITH GLOVES ON, WENT TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AREA AND TOOK SOME EQUIPMENT, THEN CAME BACK TO THE PREP LINE AND CONTINUED PREPPING WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVES AND WITH OUT WASHING HANDS. INSTRUCTED TO CHANGE GLOVES AND WASH HANDS AT ALL TIMES WHEN THEY MOVE FROM ONE AREA TO ANOTHER. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-010
    • 9. WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
      • NOTED NO HOT RUNNING WATER AT ALL HAND WASH SINKS OF ESTABLISHMENT FOLLOWING THE CITY CODE:- WATER TEMPERATURES AT ALL SINKS WERE AS FOLLOWS:- HAND WASH SINK BY DRIVERS ASSEMBLE ROOM 81.2F, PREP AREA 82.4F, HAND WASH SINK AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK 82.2F AND HAND WASH SINK AT THE EMPLOYEE BREAK ROOM 79.8F. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY CALLED ENGINEER FOR MAINTENANCE. CITATION ISSUED FOR CRITICAL VIOLATION #7-38-030
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED THORN RUBBER GASKET AT DOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED DUSTY CEILING AND WALLS THROUGH OUT PREMISES. ALSO NOTED STAINED CEILING TILES INSIDE THE BATHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DUSTY CEILINGS AND WALL, REPAINT TILES AND/OR REPLACE BATHROOM CEILING TILES.
    • 36. LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
      • NOTED BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD AT THE EMPLOYEE BREAK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
  13. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR EXIT DOOR IN THE FORM OF CARDBOARD BOXES TO PREVENT HARBORAGE.
  14. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE WALK IN COOLER AND FREEZER ALONG THE WALL BASE TO REMOVE SPILLS AND/OR DEBRIS. ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • NOTED A LEAK AT THE U JOINT UNDERNEATH THE REAR HAND SINK. ALSO LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE 3 COMP SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  15. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. OBSERVED CARDBOARD BOXES ON FLOOR ALONG WALL AT DRY STORAGE. MUST ELEVATE ALL ITEMS OFF FLOOR.
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED DEBRIS BUILD UP INSIDE REACH IN COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN COOLER GASKETS.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • 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. 1-COMPARTMENT SINK AND HANDWASH BOWL IN POOR REPAIR (BOTH LOCATED BY 3-COMPARTMENT SINK). MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINKS.
  16. License

    0 infractions

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