POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS.
2739 N ELSTON AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO
16 of 19 inspections passed, with 8 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
OCT 292025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED THE INTERIOR OF THE WALK IN COOLERS IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN.
OCT 182024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED PRE-PACKAGED COOKED CHICKEN AND CHILI THAWING AT THE REAR KITCHEN AREA PREP TABLE AT AMBIENT ROOM TEMPERATURE. INSTRUCTED TO UTILIZE APPROVED METHODS FOR THAWING TCS FOODS SUCH AS UNDER REFRIGERATION OR DURING THE COOKING PROCESS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED VENT ABOVE UTILITY SINK AND CHEMICAL STORAGE IN REAR KITCHEN AREA TO BE HEAVILY-SOILED WITH DUST. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN VENTILATION SYSTEMS AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST AND ELIMINATE POTENTIAL SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 232023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED DIRT/FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAINS AND MAINTAIN.
APR 282022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS, ICE CREAM FREEZER, PREP TABLES AND CATCH TRAYS IN THE CONVEYOR OVEN.
OBSERVED THE CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITHOUT AN ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT ALL CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST SHOW PROOF OF TRAINING.
AUG 62021PASSED2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED 1/4 INCH GAP AT BOTTOM OF BOTH FRONT EXIT/ENTRANCE DOOR SWEEPS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS.
OBSERVED DIRT BUILD UP INSIDE FLOOR DRAIN UNDER SODA MACHINE. MUST CLEAN SAID INTERIOR OF FLOOR DRAIN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 19 inspections →
MAR 122020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER, PREP TABLE BELOW THE CONVEYOR OVEN AND THE CONVEYOR OVEN.
OBSERVED LOW WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK AT THE FRONT PREP LINE. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO INCREASE THE WATER PRESSURE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK.
CLEAN THE FOOD DEBRIS ON THE WALLS OF THE FOOD PREP AREAS, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE CONVEYOR OVEN, HOT HOLDING UNIT, AND SLICER IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.
JUN 112019PASS W/ CONDITIONS9 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
Violation Codes: 2-102.14(O) Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED
Violation Codes: 3-501.17 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Violation Codes: 6-202.15 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP IN TOP CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING
Violation Codes: 3-304.15(B-D) Inspector Comments: MUST USE GLOVES PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION
Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON SHELVING UNITS AND SLEEVES IN WALK IN COOLER,DUNAGE RACKS IN REAR AREA,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS,PREP TABLES,BOOKCASE IN DINING AREA.
Violation Codes: 5-205.15 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK
Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF ALL COOLERS AND EQUIPEMENT,ESPECIALLY UNDER SODA COUNTER IN DINING AREA,WALK IN FREEZER
Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND SPILLS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
Violation Codes: 2-102.13 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 312019FAILED12 violations4 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO SIGNED EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICIES.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION- NO CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED 2- MALE EMPLOYEES NOT WASHING HANDS AFTER EVERY POSSIBLE CONTAIMINATION.OBSERVED 1- MALE ON THE PHONE AND RINING THE REGISTER HUNG UP PHONE PUT ON GLOVES AND UNWRAPPED PREPACKAGED COOKIES TO MAKE AN ICE CREAM SANDWICH ,REMOVE FROM PACKAGE AND MADE ITEM.ANOTHER EMPLOYEE CAME FROM REAR AREA TO THE REGISTER HAD WIPED HIS NOSE WITH HAND AND PUT ON GLOVES AND UNWRAPPED COOKIES ALSO TO MAKE ICE CREAM SANDWICHES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS TOO.COS.(PRIORITY 7-38-010)
OBSERVED NO DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS BEING HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX. 15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON WALLS AND BOXES IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/31/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)
OBSERVED AN APPX. "1/2-3/4" GAP IN TOP CENTER OF FRONT DOUBLE DOORS.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
MUST USE GLOVES PROPERLY TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP ON SHELVING UNITS AND SLEEVES IN WALK IN COOLER,DUNAGE RACKS IN REAR AREA,INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS,PREP TABLES,BOOKCASE IN DINING AREA.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE SLOW DRAIN AT REAR PREP AREA HAND SINK.
MUST PROVIDE LIDS FOR GARBAGE CAN IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES OF ALL COOLERS AND EQUIPEMENT,ESPECIALLY UNDER SODA COUNTER IN DINING AREA,WALK IN FREEZER
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND SPILLS FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT PREP AND DISH WASHING AREAS.
OBSERVED NO FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL FOOD MANAGERS.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 302018PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
Observed the upper, interior, mechanical portion of the ice machine (used for human consumption) to have heavy dust buildup. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed ice cream spilled on the interior surfaces of the ice cream freezer. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
Observed dirt and debris on the floors in various areas: in the office area of the rear prep, around the three compartment sink and rear 1 compartment sink, around the water heater, inside the walk in cooler, under and around all equipment at the front prep area, and on the coving throughout. Instructed facility to clean all areas and maintain.
Observed the wall behind the three compartment sink to have dirt and food debris on it. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
Observed the rear prep exposed hand sink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain. Observed the ice cream freezer dipper well not functioning. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
MAR 232018FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
Observed the outside dumpster for recyclable waste to have lid propped open due to overflowing items inside. Instructed facility to fix and maintain all waste inside containers with tight fitting lids. Serious violation 7-38-020.
Observed the upper, interior, mechanical portion of the ice machine (used for human consumption) to have heavy dust buildup. Instructed facility to clean and maintain. Observed ice cream spilled on the interior surfaces of the ice cream freezer. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
Observed dirt and debris on the floors in various areas: in the office area of the rear prep, around the three compartment sink and rear 1 compartment sink, around the water heater, inside the walk in cooler, under and around all equipment at the front prep area, and on the coving throughout. Instructed facility to clean all areas and maintain.
Observed the wall behind the three compartment sink to have dirt and food debris on it. Instructed facility to clean and maintain.
Observed the rear prep exposed hand sink to be slow draining. Instructed facility to repair and maintain. Observed the ice cream freezer dipper well not functioning. Instructed facility to repair and maintain.
MAR 202017PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED WET FLOORS IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS, MUST MAINTAIN FLOOR DRY TO PREVENT PEST BREADING.
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED INSIDE 2-DOOR PREP COOLER. MUST PROVE AND MAINTAIN.
MUST ELEVATE ITEM INSIDE WALK-IN FRREZER 6 INCHES OFF FLOOR/LWALL. MUST USE APPROVE SHELVING AND REMOVE MILK CRATES FROM FREEZER
APR 252016PASSED1 violationDETAILS
NOTED DUSTY AND DIRTY FANS AT THE FRONT DINNING AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APR 272015PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE FRONT PREP COOLER LOCATED NEXT TO HOT HOLDING UNIT. MUST P[ROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ITEMS IN REAR PREP AREA NOT ELEVATED 6INCHES OFF FLOOR. MUST ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR FOR THE EASY OF CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING.
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER ON FOOD PREP AREA PREPARING FOOD WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR A HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
OCT 242014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
FOUND TORN REFRIGERATION GASKET ON FRONT PREP COOLER. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND SLIGHT DIRT BUILDUP ON UPPER, INTERIOR PORTION OF ICE MACHINE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT ALONG WALLS AND IN CORNERS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTIAN.
FOUND DUST BUILDUP ON THE CEILING VENT NEAR THE HOT WATER HEATER AND IN THE EXHAUST HOODS ABOVE BOTH SANDWICH TOASTERS/OVENS. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAY 302014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FOUND SLIGHT DIRT BUILDUP UNDER SODA MACHINE STATION ON FLOOR. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
FOUND THE EXPOSED HANDSINK NEAR BACK DOOR TO BE SLOW DRAINING. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. FOUND A LEAKING PIPE CONNECTED TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HOT WATER TANK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 302013PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
THE GRAB AND GO SALAD COOLER SHELVING IS DIRTY; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE DETAIL.
THE SIDES OF THE SANDWICH PREP COOLERS HAVE FOOD BUILDUP; WASH, RINSE AND SANITIZE THE ABOVE.
THE FLOORS HAVE SOME FOOD BUILDUP BEHIND THE TABLE LEGS IN THE PREP AREA AND WALK IN COOLER, CLEAN THE FLOORS IN DETAIL FROM CORNER TO CORNER.
JUN 72012PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MUST REPLACE STAINED AND PITTED CUTTING WITH NEW ONES, THATS SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE
MUST CLEAN VENTS ABOVE COOKING AREA FRONT PREP STATION, REMOVE ALL DUST PARTICLES
MUST CLEAN FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREMISES, UNDER AND BEHIND ALL EQUIPMENT
MUST REPAIR CHIPPING PLASTER ON WALL OF REAR PREP AREA, SEAL AND REPAINT
DEC 272011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST CLEAN AND REMOVE FOOD PARTICLES,AND DUST FROM INSIDE ALL CABINETS AT FRONT PREP AREAS, AND INSIDE CABINETS AT COKE MACHINE DISPENSER.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST CLEAN ALL FLOORS DRAINS IN REAR PREP AREA AND FRONT PREP AREAS, UNDER AND AROUND ALL EQUIPMENT ON PREMISES.MUST ALSO CLEAN FLOORS IN WALK-IN COOLER AND FREEZER. MUST ELEVATE THRESHOLD OF FLOOR AT FRONT DOOR.
Shielding to protect against broken glass falling into food shall be provided for all artificial lighting sources in preparation, service, and display facilities.MUST CLEAN ALL LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR PREP AREA AND REPLACE BURNT OUT BULBS AT BOTH HOODS.
All parts of the food establishment and all parts of the property used in connection with the operation of the establishment shall be kept neat and clean and should not produce any offensive odors.MUST ORGANIZE AND DECLUTTER AREA IN FRONT OF BLACK SAFEBOX AT REAR PREP ROOM. ELEVATE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR AT ALL TIMES.
MAY 102010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING ITEMS NOT CLEAN REAR PREP TABLE STORAGE SHELF,ALSO IN FRONT PREP THE TABLE NOT CLEAN CLEAN AND SANITIZE SLICER , CAN OPENER,ANS CUTTING BOARDS.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.OBSERVED THE FRONT AND REAR FLOOR IN NEED OF CLEANING.
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 →