AUG 12
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP.
YOUR CALL. 72/100
1560 N WELLS ST · OLD TOWN, CHICAGO
Last inspected August 12, 2025 · passed with conditions
12 of 18 inspections passed, 2 failed, 4 passed with conditions. 8 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
18
12 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 8 critical
RECORDS COVER
11 YEARS
since Jun 2014
INSPECTION HISTORY
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
NOTED NO ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT THAT A CITY OF CHICAGO ORIGINAL FOOD CERTIFICATE MUST BE POSTED AT ALL TIMES AND ALSO THE PERSON IN CHARGE MUST HAVE A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFICATE BY NEXT INSPECTION (UPON BEING INSPECTED) PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
NOTED FOOD CONTAINERS STORED INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
APR 32025PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
APR 3
2025
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED THE SHELVING UNDER THE LARGE TOASTER WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS WHERE ITEMS ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT ACTIVITY.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FLOOR IN WALK IN COOLING UNIT UNDER SHELVING WITH A BUILD UP OF DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AREA.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED THE SODA DISPENCING UNIT WITH A BUILD UP OF SODA SPLATTER AND DUST UNDER BASE ABOVE THE DISPENCING HOLES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION OF ITEMS DISPENSED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE VENT ATTACHMENT OVER THE UTILITY SINK IN THE REAR LOOSE AND HANGING. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED A SMALL BUILD UP OF DEBR, FOOD DEBRIS AND FOOD SPLATTER ON THE FLOOR AND WALL, FLOOR AND SHELVING AREA LOCATED AT THE SOUP WARMING UNIT. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 252024PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUL 25
2024
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED THE DRAINS IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND GRIME. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE REAR DISH WASHING AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF DIRT AND DEBRIS UNDER THE METAL SHELVING AND THE SINK AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED THE FLOOR IN THE FRONT FOOD SERVICE AREA WITH A BUILD UP OF FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNDER AND AROUND ALL COOKING AND NON COOKING EQUIPMENT AS A MEANS OF PREVENTING POSSIBLE PEST AND OR INSECT FEEDING AND HARBORING.
AUG 232023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
AUG 23
2023
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY
SINGLE USE CUP WITHOUT A HANDLE USED AS A SEASONING SCOOP. FACILITY MUST REPLACE WITH A SCOOP THAT HAS A HANDLE ON IT.
JUN 22022PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JUN 2
2022
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
OBSERVED 2 CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.
show all 18 inspections →
JAN 52021PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
JAN 5
2021
PASSED
5 violationsDETAILS
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST REPAIR BROKEN DOOR GASKET ON 2-DOOR COOLER IN REAR, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
MUST DETAIL CLEAN WATER AND LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM INTERIOR CONTACT SURFACE OF PREP COOLERS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
MUST PROVIDE COVERED TRASH CANS IN BOTH GENDER NEUTRAL TOILET ROOMS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS THROUGHOUT FACILITY, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
MUST DETAIL CLEAN LOOSE FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
MAR 32020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MAR 3
2020
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
MUST PROVIDE VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER AT THE 2-DOOR PRE COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO HOT HOLDING UNIT.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS IN REAR PREP/DISHEASHING AREA. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILING VENTILATION VENTS INSIDE CUSTOMERS WASHROOMS.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 192019PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
NOV 19
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
BAGS OF SLICED DELI MEAT NOT DATED, INSTRUCTED TO DATE AND MAINTAIN.NO CITATION ISSUED
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
MINOR LEAK NOTED UNDER REAR HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 62019PASS W/ CONDITIONS7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
FEB 6
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIES
OBSERVED NO PERSON IN CHARGE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER THAT PERSON IN CHARGE SHOULD BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED.
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON SITE(2:40 P.M.) WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (BEEF, CHICKEN, SOUP) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION.7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED .
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS
OBSERVED FACILITY WITH A CURRENT VOMIT AND DIARRHEA PROCEDURE ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO ALSO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE CLEAN UP KIT THAT CORRESPONDS WITH PROCEDURE. FACILITY MUST PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR EMPLOYEES TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING OR DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION
OBSERVED TCS FOODS (SLICED TURKEY, PREPARED TUNA, SLICED TOMATOES) HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS WITH OUT DISCARD DATE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO PROVIDE DISCARD DATE FOR ANY TCS FOODS HELD FOR OVER 24 HOURS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE
OBSERVED NO THERMOMETER IN WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED FOOD HANDLER TO PROVIDE.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
OBSERVED NO BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICE FOR COFFEE BREWER AND COCA COLA DISPENSER LOCATED IN SIT DOWN RESTAURANT AREA. A BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MUST BE LOCATED SO THAT IT MAY BE SERVICED AND MAINTAINED.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
FOUND NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE ON SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS.
MAR 262018PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAR 26
2018
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED LEAK AT FRONT PREP HAND SINK FAUCET. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
APR 62017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
APR 6
2017
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FOUND DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT. MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING. FOUND FOOD DEBRI UNDER REFRIGERATION UNITS AT THE SANDWICH PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN,SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD (ICE) DISPENSING UTENSILS, WASH CLOTHS PROPERLY STORED
OBSERVED DIRTY WASH CLOTHS ON A COUNTER TOP IN THE REAR. MUST ALWAYS HAVE WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION UNTIL USED.
DEC 82016PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 8
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES STORED INSIDE THE 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER. OBSERVED DELI MEAT AT 48.7F,DICED CHICKEN AT 50.1F.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO MONITOR AND MAINTAIN ALL COLD FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
OBSERVED BROKEN GASKET AT THE 2 DOOR FOOD PREP COOLER.INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE GASKET AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN MANUAL CAN OPENER AND CUTTING BOARDS AT FRONT FOOD PREP LINE AND MAINTAIN.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
ELEVATE STOCK ITEMS AT LEAST 6" INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALL AND REMOVE UNNECESSARY ARTICLES DUE TO POTENTIAL PEST HARBORAGE AND MAINTAIN.
APR 122016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
APR 12
2016
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
REMOVE ICE ACCUMULATION INSIDE THE ICE CREAM FREEZER AT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
REMOVE DUSTS ACCUMULATIONS ON HOOD ABOVE THE OVEN AND ON VENTILATION COVERS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS AND MAINTAIN.
JUN 52014FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 5
2014
FAILED
4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
NO HOT WATER AVAILABLE ON PREMISES. MANAGEMENT IN PROCESS OF REPLACING THE HOT WATER HEATER. MUST PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F FOR PROPER DISHWASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST FROM ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES AND CLEAN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DRAINBOARDS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
NO PROBE THERMOMETER AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE.
JUN 22014FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
JUN 2
2014
FAILED
5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
WATER SOURCE: SAFE, HOT & COLD UNDER CITY PRESSURE
INADEQUATE HOT WATER PROVIDED TO THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. OBSERVED HOT WATER WITH A TEMPERATURE OF 97.8F AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE HOT WATER ABOVE 110F AT ALL TIMES FOR PROPER WASHING OF DISHES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST FROM ALL HORIZONTAL SURFACES AND CLEAN THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND DRAINBOARDS.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DETAIL CLEAN THE CONSTRUCTION DUST AND DEBRIS ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE PREMISES.
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS
NO PROBE THERMOMETER AVAILABLE ON PREMISES TO TAKE FOOD TEMPERATURES. MUST PROVIDE.
NO SMOKING REGULATIONS
NO "NO SMOKING" SIGN PROVIDED AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE.
Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health. We'd love to link you straight to this restaurant's record — turns out Chicago considers that a luxury. The full dataset is what's on offer →