POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS LLC.
1 N LA SALLE ST · LOOP, CHICAGO
15 of 22 inspections passed, 4 failed, 3 passed with conditions. 11 critical violations across the record.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
MAY 72026FAILED5 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN AND PITTED CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
4-601.11(B) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM COOLERS, PREP TABLES,STORAGE CABINETS.MUST DEFROST ICE BUILD UP FROM ICE CREAM FREEZER.
6-201.13 : MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS,WALL BASES,UNDERSIDES OF COUNTER TOPS TO PREVENT INSECT ENTRY POINTS.
6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS.
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2636011 4/30/26 NOT CORRECTED #38-6-501.111 : STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 10- LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING IN OPENINGS IN FRAME AND CREVICES ON UNDERSIDES OF SODA CABINET,UPPER BEAMS AT SEATING BOOTH IN DINING AREA NEXT TO SODA CABINET AND INSIDE OF GAP SURROUND OF SODA CABINET AND SEVERAL DEAD ROACHES ON FLOOR INSIDE OF CABINETS AND COMPONETS OF SODA MACHINE CABINET.MUST REMOVE DEAD ROACHES,CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 5/7/26(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
MAR 262024PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED GASKET ON THE INTERIOR OF MAIN SANDWICH COOLER IN DISREPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRS AT THE BOTTOM OF REACH-IN BEVERAGE COOLER IN THE DESSERT/COFFEE STATION. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN THE DISHWASHING AND DRY STORAGE AREA UNDER THREE COMPARMENT SINK AND SHELVING UNITS.
AUG 12023PASSED1 violationDETAILS
Floors not clean along wall base at dish washing area, instructed to clean and maintain.
show all 22 inspections →
JAN 112022FAILED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 SMALL FLIES IN CABINET UNDER SODA DISPENSING AREA. ELIMINATE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY AND MAINTAIN AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-020(A)
JAN 272021PASSED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
WEAK HOT WATER PRESSURE AT REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREA HAND WASH SINK, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE UNDER CITY PRESSURE.
OCT 212019PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HANDSINK IN FRONT PREP AREA NEAR ICE CREAM ,COFFEE AND SOUP PREP STATION. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). NO CITATION ISSUED.
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNAGE IN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S WASHROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED BEVERAGE CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE STORAGE AREAS AND WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
OBSERVED THE WALLS NEAR THE COFFEE PREP AREA IN NEED OF CLEANING DUE TO SPILLS AND OTHER BEVERAGE SPLATTER. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 302018PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*) -
NO VOMIT/ DIARRHEA CLEANUP KIT, NO PROCEDURE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAINPRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*) -
HOT FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE. FOUND 2 LBS OF MEAT BALLS HELD IN STEAM TABLE AT 103.3F, INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO HOLD HOT FOODS AT 135F OR HIGHER, FOOD DISCARDED VALUED AT $10. PRIORITY VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005.
SANDWICH MAKERS WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINTS. INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
5-501.11. OVERFLOWING GARBAGE, DUMPSTERS LIDS WIDE OPEN. INSTRUCTED TO KEEP DUMPSTERS WITH LIDS DOWN TO PREVENT RODENTS FEEDING SITE. RECOMMENDED TO ADD ANOTHER CONTAINER TO ACCOMMODATE OPERATION NEEDS. 7-38-020(B)
NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE, INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN.PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.A 90 day grace period was given for all new priority and priority foundation violations. Citations will be issued on the next inspection after the 90 day grace period for these violations. (New violations are marked with an asterisk*) -
DEC 222017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED PREP COOLER SLIDE DOOR IN POOR REPAIR. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOORS THRU OUT FRONT AND REAR FOOD PREP AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD AND DIRT DEBRIS LOCATED IN THE REAR AROUND THE HOT WATER HEATER AND IN THE FRONT UNDER AND AROUND ALL PREP COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
APR 142017PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE PLASTIC CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR UNDER THE PREP TABLE IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE ALL SINGLE SERVICE ITEMS 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
OBSERVED THE FLOOR UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS AND DISPOSABLE GLOVES. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE FLOORS.
OCT 62016PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
Found some food items not properly dated in walk in cooler, must properly date food items in walk in cooler.
Cutting boards that had deep cuts in kitchen prep areas shall be replaced. Reach in cooler shelving/racks that had peeling paint/rust shall be repaired/replaced. Caulk around exposed hand sink, and 3 compartment sink in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Reach in freezer door in state of disrepair(broken), shall be repaired/replaced.
Walk in cooler shelving/racks had excess food debris build up, need detailed cleaning(crevices), front counter shelving not clean, needs detailed cleaning(crevices).
Floors under heavy equipment, cooking equipment not clean, had excess grease build, need detailed cleaning(corners), walk in cooler floor under shelving/racks not clean, had excess food/debris, need detailed cleaning(corners).
Walls that had peeling/paint/exposed plaster in kitchen areas, shall be repaired/sealed.
JUL 242015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRI AT INTERIOR OF THE CABINETS ABOVE THE FRONT PREP AREA. CLEAN INTERIOR OF CABINET UNDERNEATH SODA FOUNTAIN IN FRONT CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. CLEAN DIRTY KNIFE RACKS IN REAR PREP AREA. FOUND EXCESSIVE FROST AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE DEEP FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
BROKEN DOOR ON CABINET UNDERNEATH SOAD FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN FRONT CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DIRTY CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FAN COVERS IN THE WALKIN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA.. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED POTS AND OTHER ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR, INCLUDING WET MOPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND STORE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
JUL 72015FAILED6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 40 SMALL FLIES IN FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS ON WALLS AND CEILINGS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CONTIUNE PEST CONTROL SERVICES ALSO CLEAN AND SANITIZE ABOVE STATED AREAS.
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRI AT INTERIOR OF THE CABINETS ABOVE THE FRONT PREP AREA. CLEAN INTERIOR OF CABINET UNDERNEATH SODA FOUNTAIN IN FRONT CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. CLEAN DIRTY KNIFE RACKS IN REAR PREP AREA. FOUND EXCESSIVE FROST AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE DEEP FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
BROKEN DOOR ON CABINET UNDERNEATH SOAD FOUNTAIN MACHINE IN FRONT CUSTOMER SEATING AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
OBSERVED DIRTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT FACILITY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED DIRTY CEILING TILES IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FAN COVERS IN THE WALKIN COOLER IN THE REAR PREP AREA.. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED POTS AND OTHER ITEMS STORED ON THE FLOOR, INCLUDING WET MOPS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE AND STORE ITEMS 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
JUN 262014PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
PREP COOLERS AT FRONT SERVICE LINE NOT CLEAN AROUND THE TOP COVER RIM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MISSING GROUT AT FRONT SERVICE LINE FLOOR TILES, INSTRUCTED TO RE-GROUT AND MAINTAIN.
MISSING HANDS WASHING SIGNS IN BOTH TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER TUCKED IN REAR OF COOLERS, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN WARMEST PART OF COOLER.
NOV 192013PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE LOOSE ICE FREEZER BOX IN THE REAR PREP AREA WITH EXPOSED INSULATION.
MUST REPLACE ALL CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT SERVICE PREP LINE. FOUND ALL CUTTING BOARDS WITH DARK GROOVES AND LINES.
MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT EXCESSIVELY RUSTED EXTERIOR OF THE GREASE TRAP BOX.
MUST CLEAN ALL FLOOR CORNERS AT THE FRONT SERVICE PREP LINE TO REMOVE GRIME BUILD-UP.
MUST CLEAN, SANITIZE AND REPAINT RUSTY FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHOUT ENTIRE PREMISES.
JUN 72013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MUST REPAIR LOOSE GASKET AT 1DR REFRIGERATOR LOCATED IN THE FRONT COFFEE STATION.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS TO REMOVE GREASY BUILD-UP AND FOOD CRUMBS FROM COUNTER TOPS AND DOORS AND AT SIDES OF ALL REFRIGEATORS.
MUST CLEAN FLOOR IN FRONT OF REAR FIRE EXIT DOOR AND AT CORNERS TO REMOVE CRUMBS AND FOOD DEBRIS.
MUST REMOVE EXCESSIVE DUST BUILD-UP AT EXHAUST VENTS LOCATED IN BOTH MEN'S AND LADIES RESTROOMS.
NOV 132012PASSED6 violationsDETAILS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS-REMOVE EXCESS ICE, FOOD SPILLS, ETC. MUST CLEAN THE NOZZLES ON THE BEVERAGE STATION, CABINET UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION AND SHELVES THROUGHOUT.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AROUND SINKS AND THROUGHOUT.
MUST REPAIR DAMAGED WALL AROUND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR PREP AREA.
FOUND REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA WITH CLUTTER, MUST ELIMINATE ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREAS.
MUST STORE ALL UNUSED WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
NOV 52012FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND OVER 100 LIVE SMALL FLIES IN THE PREP AREAS AND DINING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO ELIMINATE ALL FLIES AND CLEAN AFFECTED AREAS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS/FREEZERS-REMOVE EXCESS ICE, FOOD SPILLS, ETC. MUST CLEAN THE NOZZLES ON THE BEVERAGE STATION, CABINET UNDER THE BEVERAGE STATION AND SHELVES THROUGHOUT.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR/EXTERIOR OF ALL FLOOR DRAINS, FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND HOT WATER TANK AND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN WALLS AROUND SINKS AND THROUGHOUT.
MUST REPAIR DAMAGED WALL AROUND HOT WATER TANK IN REAR PREP AREA.
FOUND REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA WITH CLUTTER, MUST ELIMINATE ALL NECESSARY ITEMS AND ORGANIZE AREAS.
MUST STORE ALL UNUSED WASH CLOTHS IN SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
OCT 242011PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. CHEST FREEZER DOOR WITH EXPOSED INSULATION, INSTRUCTED TO COVER AND MAINTAIN.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. ICE DESPENSER AT SOFT DRINK MACHINE NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
All food establishments that display, prepare, or store potentially hazardous foods shall have calibrated metal stem thermometers, provided and conspicuous, for refrigerated and hot food units. REFRIGERATION THERMOMETER TUCKED IN BACK OF PREP COOLERS NOT EASY TO READ, INSTRUCTED TO KEEP IN AN EASY TO MONITOR AREA IN THE COOLER.
SEP 82010PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
All cold food shall be stored at a temperature of 40F or less. FOUND THE FOLLOWING FOOD ITEMS STORED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURE: 3LBS OF DICED COOKED CHICKEN AT 53.9F, 3 LBS OF SHREDED BOILED EGGS AT 51.9F. STORED IN A PREP COOLER WITH DOOR LEFT NOT TIGHTLY CLOSED, INSTRUCTED MGR TO STORE SUCH FOODS AT PROPER HOLDING TEMPS. FOOD DISCARDED VALUED @ $30.00
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. BROKEN CHEST FREEZER DOOR, EXPOSED INSULATION, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. BROKEN RUBBER GASKETS AT WALK-IN COOLER DOOR, MUST REPLACE.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. BACK SIDE OF INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN, FOOD DEBRIS AND STAINS, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
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 →