APR 3
2026
PASS · 0 violations
POTBELLY SANDWICH SHOP.
Chicago Health Dept
4185 W IRVING PARK RD · AVONDALE, CHICAGO
Passed most recent inspection (Apr 2026).
16 inspections on record since 2015 · Last inspected Apr 2026 · 1 critical violation in the last 12 months.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
16
VIOLATIONS
44
total on record
LAST INSPECTED
APR 2026
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAR 31
2026
FAIL 1 violation 1 CRITICAL
SEWAGE & WASTE WATER PROPERLY DISPOSED
OBSERVED WASTE WATER SPILLING ONTO FLOOR FROM DRAIN PIPES WHEN DRAINING 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DRAIN SLOWLY WHILE THEY WAIT FOR THE PLUMBER TO COME FIX IT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO GET PIPES CLEANED TO PREVENT BACK UP ONTO FLOOR OF FACILITY. PRIORITY. 7-38-030(c). CITATION ISSUED.
MAR 13
2025
PASS 3 violations
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.
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.
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
PASS 3 violations
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.
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)
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
PASS · 0 violations
show all 16 inspections →
JAN 17
2023
FAIL 1 violation 1 CRITICAL
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.
MAY 6
2022
PASS W/ CONDITIONS 1 violation 1 CRITICAL
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
PASS 2 violations
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED DUST ACCUMULATION IN EXHAUST HOOD AT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED INOPERABLE VENTILATION IN BOTH WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 20
2020
PASS 6 violations
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST DEFROST THE ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATED AND MAINTAIN.
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED
MUST CLEAN AND SANITIZED ALL THE CARTS WITH BREAD(WITH FOOD CRUMBS)AND MAINTAIN.
WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL THE HAND WASHING SINKS AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND MAINTAIN.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR BOTTOM OF ALL COOLERS AND FREEZERS WITH FOOD DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE MISSING FLOOR DRAIN COVER IN FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE BURNT-OUT LIGHT BULBS AT EXHAUST HOODS FRONT FOOD PREP AREA AND TO MAINTAIN.
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 violations 1 CRITICAL
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
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
FAIL 8 violations 2 CRITICAL
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
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
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.
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES
INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR WATER LEAK FROM DRAINPIPE UNDERNEATH 3 COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR PREP AREA.
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
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.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN WATER DRIPPAGE ON FLOOR FROM CEILING (AIR CONDITIONING LINE) IN FRONT COUNTER AREA.
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
PASS 3 violations
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.
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.
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
PASS 1 violation
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
PASS 6 violations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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
PASS · 0 violations
Public inspection records from Chicago Department of Public Health. Records current as of 2026-07-05. EatOrBeat reports records and does not rate restaurants. Source dataset →
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