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POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, LLC

3636 N WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60618 · Restaurant

Inspection summary

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, LLC has been inspected 16 times by Chicago Department of Public Health since September 8, 2014. The most recent inspection, on May 15, 2026, recorded 8 infractions.

2 of 16 inspections on record found no infractions at all. In the past 12 months there were 2 inspections with 10 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 4 times across 4 separate inspections, most recently on May 15, 2026. 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 2 times across 2 separate inspections, most recently on May 12, 2023. For example: THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

  • 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 May 15, 2026. For example: INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

  • 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 May 12, 2023. For example: NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

  • 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 16 times across 11 separate inspections, most recently on May 15, 2026. For example: PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

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

    8 infractions

    • 1. PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
    • 2. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
      • OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS MEATBALL, SOUPS, SANDWICHES, SWEET PORK BBQ ETC. PER MENU ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ABOVE TO OPERATE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMIT AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN PROCEDURE/PLAN AND TO MAINTAIN ANY APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED
    • 38. INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT
      • OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED DOUBLE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR WITH 1/2 INCH OPENING BETWEEN BOTTOM DOOR. MUST MAKE DOOR RODENT PROOF TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK DRAINING SLOW IN REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR DISHWASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAN AT ALL TIMES.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • OBSERVED EMPLOYEES ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES AND NEW EMPLOYEES HAVE A 30 DAYS GRACE PERIOD TO OBTAIN THEIR CERTIFICATION.
  2. Canvass

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • OBSERVED FLOOR-MOUNTED DRAIN BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN THE WAREWASHING AREA TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED AND NO LONGER EASILY-CLEANABLE. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN OR REPLACE FLOOR-MOUNTED DRAIN BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN ALL PLUMBING FIXTURES EASILY-CLEANABLE.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOOR, WALLS, AND BEVERAGE TUBING BENEATH BEVERAGE MACHINE IN THE FRONT SERVICE AREA HEAVILY-SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS, WALLS, AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES BENEATH EQUIPMENT AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.
  3. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY CEILING FANS ABOVE DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 57. ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING
      • NOTED EMPLOYEES ON SITE WITH NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES AT ALL TIMES AND NEW EMPLOYEES HAVE A 30 DAYS GRACE PERIOD TO OBTAIN THEIR CERTIFICATION.
    • 58. ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
      • NOTED CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS ON DUTY WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT ALL FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATION.
  4. Canvass

    0 infractions

  5. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 36. THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
      • OBSERVED NO VISIBLE THERMOMETER INSIDE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE A VISIBLE THERMOMETER IN THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLER.
    • 49. NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HEAVILY STAINED COUNTERTOP AND INTERIOR CABINETS UNDERNEATH SODA FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN FRONT SERVING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED HOLES AROUND PIPES AT BASE OF MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED SMALL HOLES NEXT TO SOAP DISPENSER OF HANDSINK NEXT TO ONE COMPARTMENT PREP SINK IN KITCHEN. INSTRUCTED TO SMOOTHLY SEAL AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • OBSERVED HEAVY GREASE AND DUST BUILDUP IN THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE HOOD ABOVE OVEN IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD CONDITION.
  6. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 47. FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
      • OBSERVED STAINED CUTTING BOARDS ON TOP OF THE PREP LINE COOLERS AT FRONT MAIN PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE OR REPLACE THE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
    • 56. ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN EXHAUST HOOD ABOVE THE OVEN AT MAIN FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS.
  7. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED FLOORS UNDER DRINK DISPENSING AREA UNCLEAN. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS AND FLOOR DRAINS UNDER DRINK DISPENSING AREA.
  8. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 10. ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
      • OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE AT THE FRONT HAND SINK IN THE FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
  9. Complaint

    2 infractions

    • 51. PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
      • 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPE FLOOR DRAIN IS DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER SAID FLOOR DRAIN MUST DRAIN QUICKLY.
    • 55. PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
      • OBSERVED DIRT/LIQUID INSIDE CABINET FLOOR UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN SAID LOCATION.
  10. Canvass

    1 infraction

    • 5. PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
      • NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE ON PREMISES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST PROVIDE A VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEANING PROCEDURE WITH ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AS OUTLINED IN POLICY ON PREMISES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
  11. Complaint

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • OBSERVED DIRT/FOOD BUILD UP ON SHLEF UNDER DIPPER WELL. MUST CLEAN SHELF AND MAINTAIN.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • FLOOR LITTERED UNDER SHELF RACKS AT REAR STORAGE ROOM AND DIRT/DUST BUILD UP ON FLOOR IN CABINET UNDER SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER CLEAN FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
    • 35. WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
      • OBSERVED FOOD STAINS ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN WALL.
    • 38. VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
      • PREP AREA HANDWASH BOWL FAUCET LEAKING. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN SINK.
  12. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 32. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
      • PREP AREA LOW STATION REACH IN COOLER AND REACH IN COOLER #3 DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • OBSERVED DUST/DIRT BUILD UP ON FLOOR IN PREP AREA AND DISHWASH AREA. MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT AND ALONG CORNERS/WALLS AT PREP AND DISHWASH AREA.
    • 40. REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
      • MUST RECALBRATE METEL STEM THERMOMETERS.
  13. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE PREP TABLE WHERE THE SOUP IS REHEATED. FOUND COUNTER PREP TABLE DIRTY WITH SOUP SPILLS.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE FLOOR AT THE FRONT SANDWICH PREP AREA TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRI AND SPILLS AT THE FLOOR AND UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS.ALSO MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL FLOOR DRAINS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST MAINTAIN PLASTIC GARBAGE CONTAINERS IN THE PREP AREAS BETTER MAINTAINED. FOUND VARIOUS PLASTIC GARBAGE CONTAINERS FULL DURING INSPECTION. MUST BE BETTER MAINTAINED SO AS TO BE ABLE TO THROW AWAY GARBAGE AT ABOVE MENTIONED AREAS.
  14. Canvass

    4 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE EXTERIOR DOORS OF ALL REFRIGERATORS TO REMOVE GREASE AND FOODS STAINS AS WELL AS INSIDE BOTTOM SHELF OF UNITS TO REMOVE SAME. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE ICE/FROST BUILD-UP AT THE REACH-IN ICE CREAM BOX FREEZER ACROSS FROM THE CASH REGISTER STATION.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • MUST DECLUTTER THE FOOD PREP LINE AREA SO AS NOT HAVE DELIVERY CASES AND OTHER BOXES OFF THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT SERVICE LINE AREA. ALSO REMOVE OFF PREMISES EXCESS EMPTY CARD BOARD BOXES.
    • 42. APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN
      • OBSERVED 2 MALE FOOD PREP STAFF MEMBERS NOT WEARING FACIAL HAIR GUARDS. BOTH STAFF WERE PREPARING FOOD AND MILK SHAKES WITHOUT WEARING FACIAL HAIR RESTRAINTS. MUST PROVIDE.
    • 45. FOOD HANDLER REQUIREMENTS MET
      • DURING INSPECTION FOUND 3 NEW STAFF MEMBERS WITHOUT THEIR IDPH FOOD HANDLER'S CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE FOR THE NEXT ROUTINE INSPECTION.
  15. Canvass

    3 infractions

    • 33. FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR CABINET UNDERNEATH UTENSIL AND BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE IN DINING AREA.
    • 34. FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
      • INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP/STORAGE AREA.
    • 41. PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
      • INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY USE STORAGE RACKS/SHELVES 6" OFF THE FLOOR FOR EASY ACCESS ON CLEANING (NO SODA OR MILK CRATES).
  16. License

    0 infractions

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