Chicago
76
YOUR CALL

Potbelly Sandwich Works

303 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60606 · Loop · Restaurant · High risk
YOUR CALL
76/100

Passed most recently but 2 prior failures on record

Inspections
20
17 passed
Last Inspected
2025-04-02
Pass Rate
85%
2 failures
Score
76/100
YOUR CALL
4 consecutive passes, most recently 2025-04-02
Failed 2 inspections (2022, 2022)
Pest Activity issues found across 7 inspections
Food Temperature issues found across 7 inspections
Issues were corrected on re-inspection
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🧽
Sanitation minor 29×
🐀
Pest Activity critical
🌡
Food Temperature critical
🔧
Facility Condition minor
📌
Other minor
🧼
Employee Hygiene critical
📦
Food Storage & Handling minor
🚰
Plumbing & Waste minor
2025-04-02 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.

2024-08-09 Pass Canvass
1
minor Sanitation

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.

2023-08-07 Pass Canvass
CRITICAL 3
critical Employee Hygiene

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

OBSERVED NO HAND SIGNAGE AT THE HAND SINK IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

OBSERVED NO COVERED RECEPTACLE IN THE EMPLOYEE TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED UNUSED/BROKEN TWO-DOOR COOLER STORED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.

2022-10-24 Pass Canvass Re-Inspection
2
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND FOOD SERVICE HOTLINE DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.

minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE WITHOUT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

2022-10-07 Fail Canvass Re-Inspection
CRITICAL 3
critical Food Temperature

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND EMPLOYEE TOILETROOM HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 68F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND FOOD SERVICE HOTLINE DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.

minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE WITHOUT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

2022-10-04 Fail Canvass
CRITICAL 5
critical Food Temperature

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

FOUND EMPLOYEE TOILETROOM HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 68F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM COLD WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION.7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

serious Food Temperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

FOUND TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS( EGGS, CHICKEN, SALAD) AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 47F- 54F LOCATED IN REACH COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD. MUST MAINTAIN A MINIMUM COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE AT 41F. INSTRU...

minor Food Temperature

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

FOUND TWO REACH IN COOLERS LOCATED ON HOT LINE AT TEMPERATURES RANGING FROM 50.8F - 47F. COOLER MUST MAINTAIN A PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. REACH IN COOLER TAGGED AND HELD FOR INSPECTION BY THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA AND FOOD SERVICE HOTLINE DISCOLORED WITH DEEP GROOVES. INSTRUCTED TO RESURFACE AND MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.

minor Other

GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED

FOUND INSIDE GARBAGE RECEPTACLE WITHOUT LID. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.

2021-01-11 Pass Canvass

No violations found.

2020-04-09 Pass Canvass
4
minor Sanitation

NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN

OBSERVED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON EXTERIOR SURFACES OF ALL EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST AND MAINTAIN.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND THE STAIR RAILS PAINT TO BE CHIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND STAIR RAILS.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER TO BE OUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER.

2019-11-01 Pass w/ Conditions Canvass
CRITICAL 8
serious Food Temperature

PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN, SALSA, RICE)NOT PROPERLY DATED , STORED LONGER THAN 24 HOURS IN COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVE...

critical Pest Activity

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED A PEST CONTROL FLY LAMP STORED ABOVE THE FOOD DISH STORAGE RACK WHERE CLEAN FOOD DISHES ARE STORED. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE THE PEST CONTROL FLY LAMP IN THE REAR PREP AREA.

minor Food Storage & Handling

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

OBSERVED NO SPLASHGUARD BETWEEN EXPOSED HAND SINK AND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A WASHABLE SPLASHGUARD.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED BROKEN DOOR GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN THE DOOR GASKETS ON THE 2 DOOR REACH-IN COOLER.

minor Sanitation

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND THE STAIR RAILS PAINT TO BE CHIPPED. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE WALL BEHIND THE CHEST FREEZER AND STAIR RAILS.

minor Pest Activity

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

NOTED HEAVY CLUTTER THROUGHOUT ESTABLISHMENT ON SHELVES, FLOORS INSIDE EQUIPMENT AND IN STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN, ORGANIZE AND REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY OR UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST UPGRADE HO...

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER TO BE OUT. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE THE LIGHT BULB IN THE REAR 2 DOOR COOLER.

minor Facility Condition

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED THE LIGHT BULBS IN REAR FOOD PREP AREA TO NOT SHIELDED. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE LIGHT BULB SHIELD ON ALL LIGHT BULBS IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.

2018-02-16 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED CEILING TILES NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS IN REAR PREP/ DISH WASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN OR REPLACE.

minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

NO ADEQAUTE LIGHTING IN WALK IN COOLER AND REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

2017-06-23 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS, UNDER 3 COMPARTMENT SINK AND AROUND HOT WATER HEATER, ALSO UNDER AND IN BETWEEN ALL REFRIGERATION AND FREEZER UNITS AS WELL AS IN ...

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED WALLS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS LOCATED BEHIND REFRIGERATION UNITS IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

2016-10-25 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED STAIRS LEADING TO DISH WASHING/PREP AREA AND STAIRS IN DISH WASHING AREA HAS HEAVY BUILD-UP OF DEBRIS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN ALL STAIRS.

minor Sanitation

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

OBSERVED UNCLEAN CEILING TILES WALLS IN REAR DISH WASING /PREP AREA THROUGH OUT.MUST CLEAN WALLS/MAINTAIN AND MUST CLEAN OR REPLACE CEILING TILES THAT CANNOT BE CLEANED.

2016-03-15 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

TOP LID OF PREP COOLER BY WALK IN COOLER IN POOR REPAIR ON RIGHT SIDE,(MISSING SCREW).MUST REPAIR. ALSO RIGHT DOOR OF COOLER IN REAR PREP IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPAIR DOOR.

minor Sanitation

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

EXTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.

minor Plumbing & Waste

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

NO MOP SINK.MUST INSTALL.

2015-04-24 Pass Canvass
5
minor Sanitation

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

MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE ALL INTERIOR PANELS AT ALL CORNERS OF THE REACH-IN TOP COOLER DOORS AT THE FRONT PREP AREA TO REMOVE ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRI AND CRUMBS. MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE FROST/ICE BUILD-UP AT THE ICE CREAM FREEZER IN THE FRONT PRE...

minor Pest Activity

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

MUST SEAL HOLE AT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE DOOR ACROSS FROM THE COUNTER SERVICE AREA WHERE THE PICKLES IN A JAR ARE BEING STORED TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

minor Pest Activity

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

MUST SEAL HOLE AT WALL JUST ABOVE THE FLOOR (CEILING TO FLOOR WINDOW) IN FRONT OF AND ACROSS FROM THE COUNTER SERVICE AREA WHERE THE PICKLES IN A JAR ARE BEING STORED TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

minor Facility Condition

LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED

MUST REPLACE MISSING LIGHT SHIELD AT LIGHT FIXTURE ABOVE THE 3-COMP SINK.

minor Food Temperature

VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

MUST ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE VALVE AT THE STAFF RESTROOM HAND SINK SO AS TO BE 85F FOR MINIMUM OF 15 SECS. ALSO REPAIR LEAKY FAUCET AT THE FRONT PREP AREA EXPOSED HAND SINK.

2014-05-15 Pass Canvass
5
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

CHEST FREEZER LID AT REAR PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIR. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.

minor Food Temperature

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

CLEAN/SANITIZE PREP TABLE AT UPPER REAR PREP AREA AROUND/UNDER MEAT SLICER. CLEAN INTERIOR BOTTTOM OF REACH-IN COOLER AT REAR AND COLD HOLDING UNITS AT FRONT PREP AREA.

minor Pest Activity

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

DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS AT PREP AREA, UPPER REAR PREP AREA, UNDER STORAGE RACK AND 3-COMP SINK AND IN WALK-IN COOLER. MUST CLEAN/SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES. REPAIR MISSING GROUT AT FLOOR TILES/COVING TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE AND ACTIVITY.

minor Sanitation

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

CLEAN VENTS AT CEILING ABOVE REACH-IN COOLER OF DUST BUILD-UP AT REAR.

minor Sanitation

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

REMOVE CLUTTER AT REAR PREP AREA WHERE NECESSARY, ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

2013-08-05 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

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

MUST CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLER AT THE REAR PREP AREA TO REMOVE SPILLS.

minor Sanitation

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

FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN THE REAR PREP AREA AND INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.

2011-06-23 Pass Short Form Complaint

No violations found.

2011-06-16 Pass Canvass
3
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. SANDWICH PREP LINE COOLERS DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR GASKETS.

minor Sanitation

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

The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOOR AROUND GREASE TRAP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR.

minor Sanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON WALL AT PREP AREA BEHIND SOUP HEATER TABLE. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN UNCLEAN WALL.

2010-11-05 Pass Short Form Complaint
1
minor Sanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & AREAS AROUND THEM MUST BE FREE OD DUST BUILD-UP. ALSO MUST RE-CAULK AROUND 3-COMP SINK SPLASHGUARDS & WALL.

2010-09-29 Pass Canvass
2
minor Sanitation

FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MISSING LIGHT SHIELD IN REAR COOLER, MUST PROVIDE.

minor Sanitation

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

The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. FAN GUARDS OF WALK-IN COOLER & AREAS AROUND THEM MUST BE FREE OF DUST-BUILD-UP.

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Data sourced from Chicago Dept. of Public Health · Score calculated from inspection outcomes, violation severity & recency. · How we score
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