POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS LLC.
1625 N DAMEN AVE · LOGAN SQUARE, CHICAGO
14 of 20 inspections passed, with 11 critical violations on file.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
FEB 252026PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED INTERNAL SURFACES OF COOLING UNITS AND PREP SHELVING NEAR OVENS THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
OBSERVED ORGANIC MATTER IN CORNERS OF FLOOR THROUGHOUT REAR AND FRONT PREP AREA BEHIND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SHELVING RACKS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
APR 162025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FOUND BURNT LIGHT FIXTURE AT DISHWASHING AREAS.MUST REPAIR.
JUN 92023PASSED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED 1/2 INCH GAPS AT BOTH FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOORS SWEEPS. MUST RODENT PROOF SAID DOORS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS/FOOD SPILLS ON PREP AREA SHELVES. MUST CLEAN SHELVES AND MAINTAIN.
SOME EMPLOYEES FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES HAVE EXPIRED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER MUST UPDATE ALL FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATES.
SOME FOOD MANAGERS MISSING FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS MUST HAVE FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES.
APR 42022PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE PREP COOLERS AND BUILDUP CRUST AND FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE OF THE SANDWICH OVEN.
OBSERVED AN ALL GENDER WASHROOM WITHOUT A COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE INSIDE OF THE WASHROOM. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
CLEAN THE FLOOR OF THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA.
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JAN 62021PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED CRATES BEING USED AS SHELVING THROUGHOUT THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE AND PROVIDE SHELVING THAT IS 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND PROVIDES FLOOR ACCESSIBILITY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE FACILITY CLEANING.
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE CHEST FREEZER STORED NEAR THE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD SPLASH ON THE CEILING TILE NEAR THE DRY STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DUST BUILDUP ON VENTS THROUGHOUT THE FACILITY. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A BURNT OUT LIGHT BULB NEAR THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 242020FAILED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE SMALL FLIES ON THE WALLS, CEILING, BOXES OF STOCK AND CABINETS IN THE FRONT AND REAR PREP AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A). CITATION ISSUED.
MAY 32019PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
Violation Codes: 2-501.11 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED
Violation Codes: 3-501.17 Inspector Comments: OBSERVED INCOMPLETE DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE USE BY DATES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
Violation Codes: 4-501.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TOPSIDE LIDS ON SOME PREP COOLERS IN POOR REPAIR
Violation Codes: 4-601.11(C) Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,COUNTER TOP UNDER SODA MACHINE,ICE DISPENSER AT SODA MACHINE,TRASH BIN CORRAL,PREP COOLERS.WALK IN COOLER-SHELVING UNITS AND FAN GUARD COVERS,DUST PANS.
Violation Codes: 6-501.13 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT AND STANDING WATER ALONG WALL BASES IN REAR AREA AT SHELVING UNITS AND FLOOR DRAINS WHERE NEEDED,WALK IN COOLER
Violation Codes: 6-201.11 Inspector Comments: MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS,SPIDER WEBS FROM UNDERNEATH SINKS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOMS
Violation Codes: 6-201.16 Inspector Comments: MUST REMOVE GRAFITTI FROM CHANGING TABLE IN MEN'S TOILETROOM
Violation Codes: 6-202.11 Inspector Comments: MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM
APR 262019FAILED12 violations5 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO EMPLOYEES HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.MUST ENROLL AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010)
OBSERVED NO CLEAN-UP POLICY PROCEDURE AND ITEMS FOR VOMITING AND DIARRJEA.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION -NO CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND SINK IN MEN'S CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES TOILET ROOM.MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.SOAP WAS PROVIDED DURING INSPECTION.COS.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-030(C)
OBSERVED INCOMPLETE DATE MARKINGS ON TCS READY TO EAT FOODS HELD FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE OF ALL COOLERS.MUST PROVIDE USE BY DATES.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION-NO CITATION ISSUED)
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF APPX.15 OR MORE LIVE SMALL FLIES ON BOXES ON TOP SHELVES,CEILING AND WALLS IN REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS.RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 4/26/19.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION7-38-020(A)
OBSERVED AN APPX."1-2 GAP ALONG BOTTOM OF FRONT DOOR BRUSH DOOR SWEEP BROKEN.MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE TOPSIDE LIDS ON SOME PREP COOLERS IN POOR REPAIR.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM LOWER SHELVES OF PREP TABLES,COUNTER TOP UNDER SODA MACHINE,ICE DISPENSER AT SODA MACHINE,TRASH BIN CORRAL,PREP COOLERS.WALK IN COOLER-SHELVING UNITS AND FAN GUARD COVERS,DUST PANS.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM FLOOR THROUGHOUT AND STANDING WATER ALONG WALL BASES IN REAR AREA AT SHELVING UNITS AND FLOOR DRAINS WHERE NEEDED,WALK IN COOLER.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS AND DUST BUILD UP FROM WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS,SPIDER WEBS FROM UNDERNEATH SINKS IN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TOILETROOMS.
MUST REMOVE GRAFITTI FROM CHANGING TABLE IN MEN'S TOILETROOM
MUST REPLACE BURNTOUT LIGHT IN MEN'S TOILET ROOM.
JUL 262018PASS W/ CONDITIONS4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
- FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. NO CITATION ISSUED.
- FOUND THE SALAD PREP COOLER CUTTING BOARD WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES IN IT. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO REPAIR/REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
- FOUND SLIGHT DIRT ACCUMULATION IN THE UPPER INTERIOR PORTION OF THE ICE MACHINE USED FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN, SANITIZE, AND MAINTAIN.
- FOUND THE CEILING, NEAR THE DRY STORAGE IN THE REAR PREP BY THE DOOR, TO HAVE DIRT AND FOOD DEBRIS ON IT. ADDITIONALLY FOUND THE FLOOR AND CABINET UNDER THE SODA/ICE MACHINE TO BE DIRTY. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 162017PASS W/ CONDITIONS8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE REAR PREP/DISH AREA BEING USED TO STORED DIRTY FOOD CONTAINERS AND LID OF THE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT EXPOSED HAND SINK IS FOR HAND WASHING ONLY NOT FOR STORAGE. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030. MANAGER ASKED ONE OF THE EMPLOYEE TO REMOVE ALL DIRTY FOOD CONTAINERS AND LIDS DURING INSPECTION.
FOUND NO PREVIOUS SUMMARY REPORT FROM REPORT #1609303 DATED 1/5/16, NOT POSTED/DISPLAYED IN PLAIN VIEW. INSTRUCTED MANAGER THAT SUMMARY REPORT MUST BE POSTED ALL THE TIMES IN PLAIN VIEW FOR THE CUSTOMER TO SEE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-42-010(B)
ALL CLEAN UTENSILS, POTS,PANS, FOOD CONTAINERS, TRAYS MUST BE STORED UPSIDE DOWN/INVERTED TO PREVENT POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND DUST BUILD -UP AND MAINTAIN.
CAULK WORN OUT WITH BLACK MOLDY LIKE SUBSTANCE ALONG THE SPLASH GUARD OF THE 3 COMPT SINK. MUST RE CAULK AND MAINTAIN.
DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE INTERIOR WALLS OF THE PREP COOLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND ALL COOLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AND REAR PREP/DISH AREA AND MAINTAIN.
CLUTTER OUTSIDE THE EXIT DOOR. BROKEN CHAIRS,TABLES,DEBRIS ON THE GROUND. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, DISCARD ITEMS/ARTICLES NOT BEING USED,CLEAN,REMOVE DEBRIS AND MAINTAIN, TO PREVENT RODENT/INSECTS HARBORAGE.
THREE MORE EMPLOYEES WITHOUT FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. MUST PROVIDE.
JAN 52016PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
NOTED HEAVY ICE ACCUMULATION INSIDE CHEST FREEZER AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA.INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN
NOTED LEAKING FAUCET AT THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN
JAN 212015PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
DETAIL CLEAN COUNTER TOPS IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA. REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.
DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR UNDER AND BEHIND ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS AT FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA UNDERNEATH FOOD STORAGE SHELVING. MUSTV REMOVE DIRT AND DEBRIS.
OBSERVED ACCUMULATION OF DUST AND DIRT ON WALL BEHIND 3-COMPARTMENT SINK,AND REAR VENTILATION VENTS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK LEAKING. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN. OBSERVED EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK LOCATED NEXT TO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IN REAR FOOD STORAGE AREA DRAINING SLOW. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT FRONT SALAD. MUST PROVIDE.
AUG 152014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
NOTED ICE BUILD UP INSIDE THE DEEP FREEZER IN THE REAR STORAGE/PREP AREA. MUST DEFROST, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. ALSO MUST CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF PREP COOLERS.
THE FLOORS NEED CLEANING AROUND HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND INSIDE WALK IN COOLER TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.
NOTED A LEAK AT THE BOTTOM PIPE UNDERNEATH THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 172013PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA. ALSO MUST DEFROST REAR FREEZER.
MUST CLEAN THE FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT PREMISES. ALSO CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS.
MUST REPLACE MISSING BRICKS ON WALLS IN THE DINING.
FAUCET AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK IS SPRAYING WATER ALL OVER WHEN THE WATER IS ON. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE FAUCET.
JAN 92012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR OF ALL COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA.ALSO MUST DEFROST REAR FREEZER
MUST CLEAN FLOORS IN FRONT PREP AREA.
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.MUST TIGHTEN HOT WATER FAUCET HANDLE AT LADIES RESTROOM. MUST CLEAN ALL VENTS THROUGHOUT PREMISES TO REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATION.
AUG 232011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.DETAIL CLEAN INTERIORS OF COOLERS,INTERIOR OF CABINETS.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS.
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF HOODS TO REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATIONS.
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.MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
AUG 152011FAILED7 violationsDETAILS
A certified food service manager must be present in all establishments at which potentially hazardous food is prepared or served.FOUND NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER OR VALID DOCUMENTATION ON PREMISES WHILE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED I.E. MEATBALLS 144.5F,SOUPS 147.1F.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-012.
All dishwashing machines must be of a type that complies with all requirements of the plumbing section of the Municipal Code of Chicago and Rules and Regulation of the Board of Health.FOUND THE 3 COMP SINK NOT MAINTAINED;SLOW DRAINING;BASE OF FAUCET IS LEAKING.INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR WASTE WATER NOT PROPERLY DRAINING OUT.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-38-030.
One copy of the Food Inspection Report Summary must be displayed and visible to all customers.FOUND NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY VISIBLE TO THE CUSTOMERS AS REQUIRED.SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7-42-010 B.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.DETAIL CLEAN INTERIORS OF COOLERS,INTERIOR OF CABINETS.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.FLOORS ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS THROUGHOUT REQUIRE A DETAIL CLEANING INCLUDING FLOOR DRAINS.
Ventilation: All plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, washbasins, etc., must be adequately trapped, vented, and re-vented and properly connected to the sewer in accordance with the plumbing chapter of the Municipal Code of Chicago and the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.DETAIL CLEAN INTERIOR OF HOODS TO REMOVE DUST ACCUMULATIONS.
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.MUST PROVIDE,MAINTAIN THERMOMETER INSIDE THE WALK-IN-COOLER.
SEP 82010PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FIBER GLASS ICE DISPENSER ON SODA DISPENSING MACHINE.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND REPAIR FLOORS IN BASEMENT WITH DEBRIS AND OPENING,AND CLEAN FLOORS IN DINING UNDER SODA AND TRASH CONTAINER CABINETS.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST SEAL UNFINISHED WALLS IN BASEMENT.
All rooms in which food or drink is prepared, or in which utensils are washed, shall be lighted so that a minimum of 50-foot candles of light is available on all work surfaces. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE OUT LIGHT BULBS IN BASEMENT STRORAGE.
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. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE METAL STEM THEMOMETER INSIDE ALL COOLERS.
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 →