Pass

Potbelly Sandwich Works

200 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60604

Restaurant ZIP 60604 Risk 1 (High)

Passed · as of Jan 21, 2026

Potbelly Sandwich Works was last inspected on January 21, 2026 with a result of “Pass”. Inspectors found 4 violations.

Latest inspection

January 21, 2026 · Canvass

Pass

Result: Pass

4 general
  • GeneralFacility upkeep

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

    Inspector’s note: Observed cutting board with dark stains and deep grooves. Instructed to replace and maintain.

    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: Observed accumulation of grease next to 3-comp sink and around grease trap. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    Official wording (code 51)

    Plumbing installed; proper backflow devices

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed hot holding unit being supported by soda crates. Instructed pic to repair or replace hot holding unit and discontinue use of soda crates to support equipment.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

  • GeneralFacility upkeep

    Floors, walls, or ceilings were damaged or dirty.

    Inspector’s note: Observed accumulation of dust on walls, accumulation of grease on floors under prep table in rear across from walk in cooler, and storage racks. Instructed to clean and maintain.

    Official wording (code 55)

    Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean

Inspection history

24 inspections on record

  1. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  2. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  3. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  4. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

    3 general Show violations
    • GeneralPests

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

      Inspector’s note: Found 1/4 inch gap at side of entrance door. Instructed manager to provide closed tight fitting doors at all time.

      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: Found ice cream dipper well not holding water. Instructed manager to repair and maintain.

      Official wording (code 47)

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

    • GeneralFacility upkeep

      Toilet rooms weren’t built, stocked, or cleaned properly.

      Inspector’s note: Found no covered garbage receptacles located in unisex toilet room. Covered garbage receptacle must be provided to any toilet room women utilize.

      Official wording (code 53)

      Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned

  5. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  6. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    1 general Show violations
    • GeneralFood temperature

      Thermometers were missing or inaccurate.

      Inspector’s note: Refrigertor thermometer kept at rear of prep coolers, instructed to keep in warmest part pf cooler where it is easily monitored.

      Official wording (code 36)

      Thermometers provided & accurate

  7. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

    No violations

  8. Conditional

    Complaint · Pass w/ Conditions

    3 critical2 paperwork Show violations
    • CriticalFood temperature

      Cold food was held above a safe temperature.

      Inspector’s note: Observed food not meeting observed food not meeting temperature requirements in rear (cook-line) prep area. Turkey, hummus, soft cheese etc at 46-54 degrees f inside one door prep cooler. Informed person in charge of cold food holding requirements, food handler voluntarily discarded food out of temperature. Priority violation 7-38-005. Citation issued. Appx $150 25lbs

      Official wording (code 22)

      Proper cold holding temperatures

    • CriticalFood temperature

      Not enough equipment, or the wrong method, to cool and hold food at safe temperatures.

      Inspector’s note: 4-301.11 observed cold holding unit in disrepair one door reach in cooler cold holding at 50 degrees f in front (cook-line) prep area of facility. Informed person in charge facility must repair or replace cold holding unit and maintain. Priority violation 7-38-005 citation issued. Tagged unit

      Official wording (code 33)

      Proper cooling methods used; adequate equipment for temperature control

    • CriticalFacility upkeep

      Hot or cold water wasn’t available, or water pressure was too low.

      Inspector’s note: 5-103.11(b) observed no hot water on premises at this time hot water at 98-100 degrees f. Must repair and maintain. Must repair and maintain. Priority violation 7-38-030(c) citation issued. Onsite engineers arrived during inspection repaired and restored hot water to facility, hot water at 120 degrees f.

      Official wording (code 50)

      Hot & cold water available; adequate pressure

    • PaperworkManagement & training

      Required allergen training was missing.

      Inspector’s note: 2-102.13 observed facility food service sanitation managers without required allergen training certification. Must obtain and maintain

      Official wording (code 58)

      Allergen training as required

    • PaperworkFood handling

      The inspection summary report wasn’t posted for the public.

      Inspector’s note: Observed facility summary report not displayed and visible to the public; summary report not on premises. Informed person in charge summary report must remain displayed and visible to the public at all time. Priority foundation violation 7-42-010(b) citation issued.

      Official wording (code 61)

      Summary report displayed and visible to the public

  9. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed lower walls not clean of debris behind grease trap at 3- compartment sink. Instructed to clean/maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed top connection of faucet sprayer in poor repair, leaky. Instructed to repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

      Refrigeration and metal stem thermometers provided and conspicuous

      Inspector’s note: 2-prep coolers behind counter need refrigerator thermometers. Instructed to provide.

  10. Conditional

    Canvass · Pass w/ Conditions

    2 critical Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Hands washed and cleaned, good hygienic practices; no bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.

      Inspector’s note: Observed employee using poor hygienic practices . Upon inspection employee/food handler talking on phone. After phone call didn't wash hands prior to putting gloves on to prepare sandwich for customer. Instructed employee to wash hands, cdi. All employees must wash their hands after each activity before handling food,( ie, talking on phone, handling money,touching their face,etc). Critical violation 7-38-010a.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Adequate number, convenient, accessible, designed, and maintained

      Inspector’s note: Observed inadequate hand washing facilities for staff.no hot water at multiple hand sinks in establishment,ie front exposed sink hot water temperature 58.0f,rear hand sinks-52.1f,56.7f, and men's washroom hand sink used by staff 63.f. Hot water temperature for hand washing must be a minimium of 85.0f. Licensed plumber restored hot water to all hand sinks 127.0f-cdi. Critical violation 7-38-030.

  11. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the front reach in freezer with thick ice build up. Instructed to remove ice build up. Maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the exterior of the grease trap under the 3-compartment sink and the nozzles on the beverage machine in need oleaning. Instructed to clena and remove dirt, food and old syrup build up. Maintain same.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found the floors under the beverage station, the 3-compartment sink, the cooking and cooling equipments with thick dirt and food build up. Instructed to clean 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: The ventilation hood has thick dirt/dust build up in the front food preparation area and the walls around the 3-compartment sink, the cooking and cooling equipment has food and dirt build up. Instructed to clean and maintain.

  12. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

    No violations

  13. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

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

      Previous minor violation(s) corrected 7-42-090

      Inspector’s note: Previous minor violation not corrected from report #948383 dated on 7-29-16 for violation #(35) WALL BEHIND (CHILI,SOUP HOT HOLDING UNIT), IN POOR REPAIR,(PEELING).instructed mgr to correct violations within given time frame. serious citation issued 7-42-090

  14. Conditional

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass w/ Conditions

    1 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Previous serious violation corrected, 7-42-090

      Inspector’s note: Observed previous serious violation (#18 live insects-fruit flies) still exist from last inspection dated 7-20-2016 report #1946852. Observed 24 live insects on walls and flying on premises.pest control company called now by manager during inspection for service.manager in the process to minimize live acvity during inspection. Violation abated.critical violation issued 7-42-090

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2 prep coolers next to toaster machine lids in poor repair on the right side interior area .must repair

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed ,exterior of cabinets behind front counter,interior and exterior of prep coolers not clean and food cart inside walk in cooler.must clean/maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The wall behind (chili,soup hot holding unit), in poor repair,(peeling).must repair.

  15. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

    1 critical5 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Found potentially hazardous foods maintained at improper temperatures inside cooler. Approx 2lbs of hummus at 48.4f,1lb of chicken salad at 46.7f.must maintain cold foods at 40f or below. Approx 4lbs of food cost ,approx $20.00 food removed and discarded by manager-cdi.critical violation issued 7-38-005a.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Observed evidence of improper pest control on premises.23 live insects,(fruit flies) on walls and flying in area located in rear by washrooms and small dining area for customers near washrooms. Also 12 live insects in dishwashing area,and 3 on wall in front prep area .must clean and sanitize all areas.strongly recommened pest service .serious violation issued 7-38-020

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      * certified food manager on site when potentially hazardous foods are prepared and served

      Inspector’s note: Observed no valid city of chicago food certificate posted in a place thats easily visible to all patrons.also none provided at this time. Serious violation issued 7-38-012.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed 2 prep coolers next to toaster machine lids in poor repair on the right side interior area .must repair.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Observed ,exterior of cabinets behind front counter,interior and exterior of prep coolers not clean and food cart inside walk in cooler.must clean/maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: The wall behind (chili,soup hot holding unit), in poor repair,(peeling).must repair.

  16. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: observed excessive old food OBSERVED ROLLING FOOD CARTS FOR FOOD STORAGE,SALAD DRESSING INSIDE WALK IN COOLER AND BREAD STORAGE NOT CLEAN OF OLD FOOD,DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

  17. Pass

    Complaint Re-Inspection · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Must maintain floors dry at all times. Found various puddles of water under the rear exposed hand sink and under the 3-comp sink area in the back and also under the 2dr freezer.must maintain floors dry at all times to prevent pest breeding. Also found debri and grime build up at the same areas stated above. Must regrout floor in front of the mop sink in the rear area so as to be smooth and easily cleanable.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair leaks under the rear exposed hand sink, under the 3-comp sink and the exposed hand sink by the 3-comp sink, and under the 2dr freezer. Must adjust timers on both restroom hand sinks so that running water lasts a minimum of 15 seconds at all times.

  18. Fail

    Complaint · Fail

    3 critical3 general Show violations
    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: During inspecion found approximately 6lbs(value $30.00) of chicken salad at 60f and 52f respectively in a cold holding unit which was maintaining 40f and below. Management voluntarily discarded product. Instructed management that cold foods must always be at 40f.cdi.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Water source: safe, hot & cold under city pressure

      Inspector’s note: During inspection foudn no hot water on premises at 845am. Manager called plumber at 905am. Hot water temperature at the hand sinks was 70f.plumber arrived at 1015am. At 1115am plumber repaired the mixing valve and all hand sinks now have hot water at 85f. Cdi.

    • CriticalCritical (pre-2018 form)

      Hand washing facilities: with soap and sanitary hand drying devices, convenient and accessible to food prep area

      Inspector’s note: During inspection found 2 rear exposed hand sinks obstructed (one with a tall large case of bread in front of it and the one by the 3-comp sink had a sanitizer bucket inside of it with no paper towels and/or soap. Instructed that exposed hand sinks must always have soap,paper towels and must never be obstructed and must be easily accessible. Cdi.

    • GeneralSerious (pre-2018 form)

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: During inspection found approximately 20 small flies in the rear area by the 3-comp sink on walls. Must clean and sanitize walls. Recommended additional pest control service.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must maintain floors dry at all times. Found various puddles of water under the rear exposed hand sink and under the 3-comp sink area in the back and also under the 2dr freezer.must maintain floors dry at all times to prevent pest breeding. Also found debri and grime build up at the same areas stated above. Must regrout floor in front of the mop sink in the rear area so as to be smooth and easily cleanable.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair leaks under the rear exposed hand sink, under the 3-comp sink and the exposed hand sink by the 3-comp sink, and under the 2dr freezer. Must adjust timers on both restroom hand sinks so that running water lasts a minimum of 15 seconds at all times.

  19. Pass

    Canvass · Pass

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

      Clean multi-use utensils and single service articles properly stored: no reuse of single service articles

      Inspector’s note: All multi use utensils must be stored in a clean sanitized container. Instructed manager not to store knives or board scrappers between cutting boards and equipment. Correct and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Cutting boards that are discolored are in need of replacing. Must correct and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Interior of reach in coolers and interior of ice cream freezer in need of cleaning to remove all food spills. Must correct and maintain.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean floors under and around all equipment. Must clean to remove all build and debris. Clean and maintain at all times.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Walls in prep area in need of cleaning to remove all food splatter. Must clean and maintain at all times.

  20. Pass

    Complaint · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean, sanitize and remove food debris at front service sandwich making area and at walk-in cooler and freezer.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must repair loose cold water faucet at front exposed handsink. Must repair vent at the ladies restroom.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must properly store staff personal belongings 6 inches off the floor in the rear area at all times.

  21. Pass

    Canvass Re-Inspection · Pass

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

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean fan covers in walk in cooler-remove dirt/dust.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain interior of all floor drains, floors in all corners and under/around all heavy equipment. Must keep floors dry.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must fix leak at base of copper pipes above 3-comp. Sink in rear.

  22. Fail

    Canvass · Fail

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

      No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors

      Inspector’s note: Found live small flies on the premises-30 in the rear and 10 in the front prep area. Instructed to eliminate all flies, clean all affected areas and recommended contacting pest control services for assistance in eliminating flies. Serious violation 7-38-020

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must clean fan covers in walk in cooler-remove dirt/dust.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must detail clean and maintain interior of all floor drains, floors in all corners and under/around all heavy equipment. Must keep floors dry.

    • GeneralMinor (pre-2018 form)

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

      Inspector’s note: Must fix leak at base of copper pipes above 3-comp. Sink in rear.

  23. Pass

    License · Pass

    No violations

More in ZIP 60604

Source: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) open data, refreshed hourly. Last inspection 9 months ago. Always confirm with the official record.