SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP.

EAT. 84/100

4185 W IRVING PARK RD · AVONDALE, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 3, 2026 · passed

10 of 15 inspections passed, with 5 critical violations on file.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
15
10 passed · 3 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
43
includes 5 critical
RECORDS COVER
10 YEARS
since Dec 2015

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 3
2026
PASSED
0 violations
MAR 13
2025
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Temperature
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED FOOD TEMPERATURE PROBE THERMOMETER IN POOR REPAIR, PROBE SEVERELY BENT AND SCREEN UNREADABLE. FACILITY HAS OTHER FOOD TEMPERATURE PROBE THERMOMETERS IN GOOD REPAIR FOR MEASURING FOOD TEMPERATURES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED FOOD TEMPERATURE PROBE THERMOMETER AND MAINTAIN ALL UTENSILS AND TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICES IN GOOD REPAIR.

MINORFacility Condition
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

OBSERVED BUILD UP OF LITTER IN SHARED OUTDOOR REFUSE ENCLOSURE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE LITTER AND MAINTAIN SHARED OUTDOOR REFUSE ENCLOSURE FREE FROM LITTER OR OTHER ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED WALL AND BASE COVING BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT AND 1-COMPARTMENT SINKS IN THE REAR PREP AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN WALL AND BASE COVING IN REAR PREP AREA AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.

AUG 13
2024
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Storage & Handling
CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED MULTIPLE BOXED FOOD ITEMS BEING STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS SIX INCHES FROM FLOOR ON RAISED SHELVING UNITS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF COOKING EQUIPMENT, PREP TABLES, COOLERS, FREEZERS, SHELVING UNITS. INSTRUCTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. (NONFOOD CONTACT SURFACES)

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. INSTRCUTED THE PERSON IN CHARGE TO CLEAN FLOORS AND MAINTAIN.

JAN 25
2023
PASSED
0 violations
JAN 17
2023
FAILED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED APPROX. 25 LIVE SMALL FLYING INSECTS ON THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA AROUND THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MOP SINK. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.

show all 15 inspections →
MAY 6
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO ONE ON SITE WITH A CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE, NO CERTIFICATE POSTED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012

MAY 6
2021
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION IN EXHAUST HOOD AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 20
2020
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

MUST DEFROST THE ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZED ALL THE CARTS WITH BREAD(WITH FOOD CRUMBS)AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL THE HAND WASHING SINKS AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

FLOOR ALONG THE WALL BASE, ALL CORNER,UNDERNEATH ALL COOLERS AND FREEZER WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

MUST REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULB IN THE DINING AREA CLOSE TO THE ENTRANCE DOOR AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 14
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
7 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Temperature
THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

FOOD THERMOMETER MUST BE EASILY READABLE AND ACCURATE IN FAHRENHEIT TAKING FOOD TEMPERATURES AND TO MAINTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005,NO CITATION ISSUED.

MINORFood Temperature
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR GASKETS OF REFRIGERATION UNITS WITH ACCUMULATION OF FOOD DEBRIS AND EXTERIOR OF SOUP HOT HOLDING UNIT IN FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE DRIED UP FOOD DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE DUMPSTER NOT MAINTAINED OVERFLOWING WITH FOOD WASTE BAGS AND CONTAINER NOT COVERED.INSTRUCTED MANAGEMENT LIDS MUST BE TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST FEED/HARBORAGE AT ALL TIMES.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(b),CITATION ISSUED - COS.

SERIOUSSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE WALLS IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA TO REMOVE FOOD SPLASHED DEBRIS AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORFacility Condition
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AT EXHAUST HOODS FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN TO REMOVE ACCUMULATIONS OF DUSTS AT EXHAUST HOODS AT FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.

AUG 2
2018
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS, INTERIOR STORAGE CABINET UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE, INTERIOR SURFACES OF DISPLAY BEVERAGE COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, FRONT COUNTER WITH DUST BUILD-UP, LIGHT SHIELDS, HOOD AND VENTS ABOVE FRONT AREA. PREP COOLER GLASS COVER, WINDOWS AND DOORS.

JUL 26
2018
FAILED
8 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 (a) NO CITATION ISSUED

CRITICALOther
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

FOUND NO PROCEDURE/PLAN FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE SUPPLIES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL COOLERS, INTERIOR STORAGE CABINET UNDERNEATH BEVERAGE DISPENSER MACHINE, INTERIOR SURFACES OF DISPLAY BEVERAGE COOLER WITH EXCESSIVE DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, FRONT COUNTER WITH DUST BUILD-UP, LIGHT SHIELDS, HOOD AND VENTS ABOVE FRONT AREA. PREP COOLER GLASS COVER, WINDOWS AND DOORS.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER LEAK FROM DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.

MINORPest Activity
GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

FOUND OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NOT CLEAN WITH EXCESSIVE GARBAGE UNDER AND AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE AREA TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020 (B) CITATION ISSUED

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT ACCUMULATION ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN FRONT AND IN REAR PREP AREA.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WATER DRIPPAGE ON FLOOR FROM CEILING (AIR CONDITIONING LINE) IN FRONT COUNTER AREA.

MINORDocumentation & Training
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

FOUND NO APPROVED ALLERGEN TRAINING IN ACCORDANCE WITH PA 100-0367 ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ANY PERSON WITH CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE TO COMPLY WITH ALLERGEN TRAINING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION PA 100-0367 NO CITATION ISSUED

MAR 10
2017
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

CLEAN IN DETAIL INSIDE THE CABINETS IN THE FRONT AREA AND UNDERNEATH THE SODA MACHINE AND MAINTAIN.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN THE FLOOR THRU-OUT REAR PREP AND FRONT AREA WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND USED PLASTIC GLOVES ON THE FLOOR. MUST CLEAN ALONG THE WALL BASE ALL CORNER AND UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOLER AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

CEILING VENT COVER IN BOTH WASHROOMS AND IN THE FRONT SERVING AREA WITH DUST BUILD-UP. MUST CLEAN,REMOVE DUST AND MAINTAIN.

JUN 15
2016
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
CLEAN MULTI-USE UTENSILS AND SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES PROPERLY STORED: NO REUSE OF SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES

Found spoon with handle laying in the lettuce in cold hold unit. Instructed to properly store all utensils in a separate, clean container.

MAR 9
2016
PASSED
6 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED ICE ACCUMULATION IN FREEZER IN FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

OBSERVED DUST ON AIR FILTER ON TOP OF ICE MACHINE/SODA MACHINE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR OF WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINORPlumbing & Waste
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED VENTILATION NOT WORKING IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S RESTROOM. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
LINEN: CLEAN AND SOILED PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED SOILED SHIRTS AND WASH CLOTHS PILED UP IN REAR CORNER OF PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER LINEN BAG TO STORE ITEMS IN (AND TO MONITOR LEVEL OF SOILED LINENS PILED UP IN PREP AREA).

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED REAR PREP AREA NEAR OFFICE WITH MUCH CLUTTER PILED AGAINST WALLS AND ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND ORGANIZE. ALL ITEMS MUST BE AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT KITCHEN AREA AND WALKIN.

DEC 15
2015
PASSED
0 violations

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 →

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