Pass

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

5304 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Restaurant ZIP 60640 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Nov 12, 2025

Potbelly Sandwich Shop was last inspected on November 12, 2025 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 2 violations.

Latest inspection

November 12, 2025 · Complaint

Pass

Result: Pass

1 general1 paperwork
  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed empty boxes and clutter in the raear storage area in front of rear exit door. Insructed to remove empty boxes and other items to organize area.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • PaperworkManagement & training

    Required allergen training was missing.

    Inspector’s note: Observed expired allergen training for city of chicago food manager on site. Instructed management that all city of chicago food managers must renew/complete allergen training and keep certificate on site.

    Official wording (code 58)

    Allergen training as required

Inspection history

23 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: 4-501.12 instructed to refinish or replace cutting board on top of (2) prep cooler in the prep/service line.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 4-602.13 instructed to detail clean and maintain storage racks with moldlike build-up inside the walk-in cooler.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: 5-205.15 instructed to repair slow draining hand sink in rear dishwashiing area.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: 6-201.11 instructed to detail clean and maintain floors throughout basement especially along the walls and in all corners.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  2. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    6 general Show violations
    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Observed over 50 small live flies on walls and ceiling throughout basement storage area. Instructed to remove, clean and sanitize the affected areas. Recommend to contact licensed pest control for service. Priority foundation violation 7-38-020 (a) citation issued

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed not to use plastic soda crates or milk crates as a means of elevation throughout the basement storage area. Instructed to provide proper raised shelves 6" off the floor for easy access on cleaning.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to refinish or replace cutting board on top of (2) prep cooler in the prep/service line.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain storage racks with moldlike build-up inside the walk-in cooler.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to repair slow draining hand sink in rear dishwashiing area.

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors throughout basement especially along the walls and in all corners.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    4 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Observed torn and damaged gasket on standing cooler in basement. Instructed manager to replace with a tight sealing gasket.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to refinish or replace cutting boards with deep seams and stain infront prep area (on top of prep coolers)

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed missing grout between tiles in the prep area next to the oven and ice cream freezer. Instructed manager to repair and maintain the floor to be easily cleanable.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean and maintain floors along the walls and in all corners in basement storage area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  4. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed accumulated food debris on the bottom of prep tables located in the rear preparation area. Instructed the person in charge to clean and maintain. (nonfood contact surfaces)

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food debris on floors in front and rear preparation areas. Instructed the person in charge to detail clean floors and maintain them.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  5. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Prep coolers sandwich prep cutting boards surfaces stained/pitted. Instructed manager must repair/replace said, cutting boards. Cutting boards surface must be smooth and easy to clean.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: The basement floor is cluttered along the walls. Instructed manager must elevate all items off the floor and away from walls or remove items.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Some ceiling tiles are stained in the dish room. Must replace said unclean/stained ceiling tiles.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  6. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    6 general Show violations
    • GeneralPests

      Insects, rodents, or animals were present, or the building wasn’t sealed against them.

      Inspector’s note: Outer openings not protected. Front wood door with 1/4" to 1/2" gap between door and frame.must repair issue to minimize pest entry

      Official wording (code 38)

      Insects, rodents, & animals not present

    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Waste pipe above food shelves must be encased or relocate food items. Surface must be smooth cleanable and non-absorbent surface. Basement area

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment or surfaces were in poor repair or made of material that can’t be cleaned.

      Inspector’s note: Must not use milk crates as a means of elevation for stored items.

      Official wording (code 47)

      Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Plumbing problems, or missing protection against backflow.

      Inspector’s note: Floor drain under three compartment sink slowly draining,repair cause

      Official wording (code 51)

      Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Grimes inside floor drains in prep area and under the soda self serve dispenser in dining area,clean and maintain

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Ventilation or lighting was inadequate.

      Inspector’s note: No light fixture inside the mop sink storage,storage is dark.instructed to provide

      Official wording (code 56)

      Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used

  7. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  8. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood handling

      Food wasn’t protected from contamination during prep, storage, or display.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food related items including to go containers stored on floor of section of basement not designed to store food. Store all food and food related items in dry storage area at least 6 inches off floor and maintain.

      Official wording (code 39)

      Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed interior of ice cream cooler uclean with food spills. Muct clean and maintain interior of ice cream cooler.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

  9. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalManagement & training

      No written plan or kit for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea.

      Inspector’s note: Observed no procedure/plan for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events. Instructed facilty to develop and maintain a procedure /plan and to maintain any appropriate supplies on site. Priority foundation violation 7-38-005 no citation issued.

      Official wording (code 5)

      Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed cabinets for garbage and under soda machine unclean with dirt and debris. Clean and maintain interior of cabinets and maintain

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Equipment and surfaces were dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Observed interior of reach in refrigerator uclean in basement. Clean and maintain interior of freezers.

      Official wording (code 49)

      Non-food/food contact surfaces clean

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

      Inspector’s note: Repair outlet covers on north wall in customer area.

      Official wording (code 55)

      Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  10. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    No violations

  11. Pass

    Short Form Complaint · Pass

    6 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Rusty shelves inside the reach-in cooller by the rear door. Instructed to repair/replace said shelves.surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Interior of reach-in cooler with grimes around the base and corners of the unit.excess ice and ice cream inside at panels and bottom of the ice cream chest freezer,need to clean,sanitize and maintain. Water at dipper well dirty from used scoops,clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Missing grout between floor tile at rear prep dish room areas,instructed to re grout said tiles.surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface.excess slime inside the floor drain/drain pipes under the self serve pop dispenser in dining area. Remove debris from other floor drains on premises. Water on floor under cooler units north site, reroute drain pipes into a floor drain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Grime on walls under the three compartment sink,need to clean and maintain

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must install a grease trap at the three compartment sink. Metal floor trap cover noted in the rear prep area however, no grease trap located in the basement attached to first floor cover. Must be able to show existence of grease trap

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Floor drains under one compartment sink and under three compartment sink slowly draining,instructed to repair cause,also foul odor(sewage gas)throughout the premises,repair cause

  12. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical6 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Facilities to maintain proper temperature

      Inspector’s note: Found small two door prep cooler not maintained,right door not able to close tight fitted to unit,interior air temp of 49.f to 50.f. Unit in question is located by the sandwiches oven behind front counter.potentially hazardous food (shredded lettuce) was stored inside the unit.instructed to repair door and unit must maintain air temp of f and below. Tagged unit" held for inspection" do not use. Critical violation:7-38-005(a)

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Potentially hazardous food meets temperature requirement during storage, preparation display and service

      Inspector’s note: Found potentially hazardous food stored inside the small prep cooler shredded lettuce at temp of 47.7f; 48.9f; and 49.5f.said food items must maintain temp of 40f and below.pounds 7.5,value 6.36. Manager discarded and denatured lettuce. Critical violation:7-38-005(a)

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Rusty shelves inside the reach-in cooller by the rear door. Instructed to repair/replace said shelves.surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Interior of reach-in cooler with grimes around the base and corners of the unit.excess ice and ice cream inside at panels and bottom of the ice cream chest freezer,need to clean,sanitize and maintain. Water at dipper well dirty from used scoops,clean and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Missing grout between floor tile at rear prep dish room areas,instructed to re grout said tiles.surface must be smooth,cleanable and non-absorbent surface.excess slime inside the floor drain/drain pipes under the self serve pop dispenser in dining area. Remove debris from other floor drains on premises. Water on floor under cooler units north site, reroute drain pipes into a floor drain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Grime on walls under the three compartment sink,need to clean and maintain

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must install a grease trap at the three compartment sink. Metal floor trap cover noted in the rear prep area however, no grease trap located in the basement attached to first floor cover. Must be able to show existence of grease trap

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Floor drains under one compartment sink and under three compartment sink slowly draining,instructed to repair cause,also foul odor(sewage gas)throughout the premises,repair cause

  13. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Metal shelving under front prep table and under toaster oven with dirt and debris. Must clean and maintain. Must not use paper labels taped to the exterior of the coolers. Coolers must be smooth and cleanable.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Interior and exterior of all front prep coolers, rear tall reach-in cooler and basement tall reach-in freezer found dirty with food debris. Must clean and maintain. Rusty shelving inside the rear tall reach-in cooler. Must replace or remove rust.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Floor under basement bag in box soda sysytem dirty with debris. All floor drains throughout front and rear prep dirty with excessive food debris. Must clean and maintain all.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Metal wall at the mop sink dirty. Must clean and maintain. Damaged tile baseboard coving at the mop sink. Must replace/repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Both exposed hand sinks found dirty and with accumulate food debris. Must clean and maintain. Must install a grease trap at the three compartment sink. Metal floor trap cover noted in the rear prep area however, no grease trap located in the basement attached to first floor cover.

  14. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    7 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food in original container, properly labeled: customer advisory posted as needed

      Inspector’s note: Label all bulk dry food container and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Must defrost the chest freezer with heavy ice accumulated.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Clean in detail the bottom shelve of the reach in freezer in the basement and the ice cream freezer in the front serving area and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Standing water in the basement by the stair. Instructed to dry the floor to prevent insects harborage. Must clean in detail the floor inside the cabinet under the soda machine ,floor thru-out the basement along the wall base all corner,floor thru-out the prep in the front and rear prep/dish washing area under all coolers, 3 compartment sinks and maintain. Must elevate all boxes,item/articles thru out basement and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Seal the gap around the pipes and conduits in the rear prep/dish washing area.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Premises maintained free of litter, unnecessary articles, cleaning equipment properly stored

      Inspector’s note: Clutter in the rear dish washing area,garbage, empty boxes,etc. Instructed to clean, dispose the garbage and empty boxes to prevent rodent/insects harborage.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Appropriate method of handling of food (ice) hair restraints and clean apparel worn

      Inspector’s note: Noted employees preparing sandwiches with 2 inches beard. Must wear a beard restraint to confine the beard hair.

  15. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to clean the exterior hand sink in the rear to remove food splatter/buildup and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to detail clean the floors in the walk-in cooler under the soda rack to remove liquid and food buildup.

  16. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Instructed to defrost deep freezer in the basement to remove frost buildup along the sides of freezer- maintain replace rusted food storage shelves in the refrigerator behind the 3-compartment sink in the dishroom and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed approximately 20 dead roaches on the floor in the 2nd basement where food is not being stored. No active roaches were observed at time of inspection. Recommend additional pest control service. Instructed to detail clean floors and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Repair slow draining hand sink in the dishroom and maintain. Observed buildup in the floor drain under the soda fountain machine. Instructed to detail clean drain and maintain. Remove dust buildup from the ceiling vent in the women's washroom and clean regularly.

  17. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical2 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Sewage and waste water disposal, no back siphonage, cross connection and/or back flow

      Inspector’s note: Sewage wastewater is backing up via floor drains onto floor in dish room/rear prep area. Floor drains under the three compartment sinks and one compartment sink are clogged,bassinets area full with waste water,grease,food etc. When water is released from compartments or faucets are turned on wastewater spills on floors. Instructed manager to repair cause of the sewage issue and to clean and sanitize all affected areas. Plumber on premises,able to correct problem. Floor drains are unclogged. Critical violation:7-38-030

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Food debris inside the ice cream chest freezer,instructed to clean.ice shutter dispenser at pop machine with a pink mineral build-up,instructed to clean.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Dust and debris on floor in basement area,instructed to sweep and maintain.debris on floor under the coolers,along baseboard walls and corners,instructed to clean and maintain.debris and slime on floor drains under the ice machine,and under the front equipment, instructed to clean and maintain.

  18. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    5 general Show violations
    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed premises using plastic crates to elevate cardboard boxes off basement floor. Instructed manager to remove all plastic crates, must elevate all items 6" off floor, must be able to clean floor under and around all items.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: The following not clean- observed food debris inside reach in coolers door rubber gaskets, accumulated food build up inside unused reach in cooler (front prep line at end). Must clean and maintain all unclean equipment.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used

      Inspector’s note: Observed food/dirt build up on floor along walls under equipment in prep areas and inside floor drains. Must detail clean floor and floor drains throughout.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods

      Inspector’s note: Observed dust build up on ceiling ventialtion cover at 3-compartment sink room. Must clean and maintain ventilation cover.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Ventilation: rooms and equipment vented as required: plumbing: installed and maintained

      Inspector’s note: 1-compartment sink drain pipe disconnected/missing. Must repair and maintain sink.

  19. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  20. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    2 general Show violations
    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      Dish washing facilities: properly designed, constructed, maintained, installed, located and operated

      Inspector’s note: Three compartment sink not maintained not able to release water from compartments due to floor drain overflows,also waste water remains at basin of the floor drain(not completely drains) foul odor,instructed to clean grease tap and floor drain, if necessary contact plumber.serious violation:7-38-030 hoooo77577-12

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents

      Inspector’s note: Remove ice build-up inside the chest freezer,also food debris(ice cream). Need to clean top interior of ice machine of coca-cola unit. Clean and sanitize ice dispenser at same unit, pink mineral build-up.

  21. Pass

    License · Pass

    No violations

  22. Fail

    License · Fail

    No violations

More in ZIP 60640

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 12 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.