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POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, LLC

1293 N MILWAUKEE AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60622 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, LLC has been inspected 17 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since February 28, 2014. The most recent inspection, on April 2, 2026, recorded 3 infractions.

2 of 17 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there was 1 inspection with 3 infractions recorded. The higher-risk findings here relate to: Handwashing and staff hygiene, Food temperature control and Pests.

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.

  • 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 5 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on January 20, 2021. For example: PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

  • 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 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 24, 2025. For example: PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

  • 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 3 times across 3 separate inspections, most recently on February 8, 2022. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • Food source, labelling and allergensHigher risk

    Food must come from approved suppliers, stay in labelled containers and be thrown out when it is spoiled or damaged, such as dented or swollen cans. Labelling matters for allergies: an unlabelled container can hide an allergen.

    Recorded once on April 22, 2019. For example: PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

  • Equipment and utensilsLower risk

    Equipment has to be built from cleanable materials, kept in good repair and stored properly. These findings are mostly about upkeep, like a cracked shelf, a worn gasket or utensils stored the wrong way. They are generally lower risk but show how well the kitchen is maintained.

    Recorded 17 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on April 2, 2026. For example: IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

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.

17 inspections

  1. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 43. IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED
      • OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (TONGS) STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY ON TOP FOOD CONTAINER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY WITH MOPHEAD IN UPRIGHT POSITION.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 22. PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES
      • OBSERVED SHREDDED LETTUCE HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 46 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 7 POUNDS OF LETTUCE ($15), AND A PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATIONS ARE CURRENT.
  3. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS HAM, TURKEY, AND CHEESE ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL MANAGERS HAVE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH SIGNS OF RUST AND CORROSION AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RACKS.
  4. Complaint

    1 infraction

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ALONG THE PREP LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
  5. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE MIDDLE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT AND ETRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
  6. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OPENING ON BETWEEN DOORS. MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 53. TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
      • NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED AT THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILIMNG VENTLATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 61. SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
      • OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED
  7. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN LINE NEAR HAND WASH SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK AT HAND WASH SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.
  8. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 3. MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND THE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 23. PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
      • OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
  9. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN PREP COOLERS AND THE UP RIGHT FREEZER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND LITTER(BOXES).
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • NOTED THE FAN INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER.
  10. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 3. POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
      • OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMRPROPER TEMPERATURES: FOUND PRE-SLICED DELI MEATS FOR THE "WRECK" SANDWICH ON THE LINE AT 63.3F AND MEATBALLS INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 130.2F. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS MUST BE 40F OR LESS OR 140F OR MORE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE FAN VENT COVER INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT COVER TO PREVENT DUST FROM BLOWING ONTO OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED IN THE COOLER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • THE FLOORS UNDER THE COUNTERS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA MUST BE DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED TO REMOVE PLASTIC UTENSILS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DEBRIS BUILDUP.
  11. Canvass Re-Inspection

    2 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTATINED,WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS COMING FROM IT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • EXCESS FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  12. 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
      • OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED.OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR DOORS WITH GAPS OF 1/4 TO 1" OPENINGS BETWEEN DOORS AND BOTTOM OF THE DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/ INSECT PROOF MENTIONED DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020
    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTATINED,WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS COMING FROM IT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • EXCESS FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
  13. Complaint

    6 infractions

    • 6. HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.
      • POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD:BREAD,LETTUCE,DIFFERENT KIND OF LUNCH MEAT TO MAKE SANDWICHES, AND SLICED PICKLES,ETC.TOUCHING NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACE SUCH AS: BROOM,MOP(MOPPING THE FLOOR),BOXES ADJUSTING CAPS AND HAIR,THEN GOING BACK TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOOD WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVE OR PUT ON GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WITH GLOVES ON TOUCHED ALL NON FOOD SURFACE ,GOING IN AND OUT THE DOOR TOUCHED GARBAGE CAN,BOXES,THEN WITHOUT REMOVE GLOVE OR USE A UTENSILS, DRAINED THE PICKLED JAR AND WITH HANDS REACHED INSIDE THE JAR PULLED OUT THE PICKLES AND SLICED THEM.INFORMATION GIVEN ON HAND WASHING AND CHANGING OF THE GLOVES. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS AFTER MANAGER REQUESTED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)
    • 29. PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090
      • PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 4-28-15,REPORT #1453922 #42-ALL HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK WITH PROPER RESTRAINTS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. TODAY UPON MY ARRIVAL OBSERVED SOME EMPLOYEES WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT OR HAIR NOT COMPLETELY RESTRAINT AT FRONT PREP/SERVING AREA,FOOD WAS EXPOSED(EMPLOYEE WERE MAKING SANDWICHES).MANAGER CORRECTED THE ISSUE UPON MY REQUEST SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090
    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • DEBRIS INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE FRONT COUNTERMAND EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NEEDS ADDITIONAL CLEANING AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTERS.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • VIOLATION UPGRADED TO VIOLATION #29
  14. Canvass

    5 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • ALL REACH IN COOLERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS, HAND SINKS, AND PREP TABLES IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DEATAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOORS THROUGH OUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANINF TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • WALLS IN PREP AREA WITH FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE TOASTER OVEN IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • ALL HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK WITH PROPER RESTRAINTS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.
  15. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF POP MACHINE DRIP TRAY AND SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • CLEAN FLOORS NEAR ICE CREAM FREEZER, UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE CABINET UNDER POP MACHINE.
  16. License

    0 infractions

  17. License

    0 infractions

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