DEC 31
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO
✕
POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS LLC.
BEAT. 42/100
277 E ONTARIO ST · STREETERVILLE, CHICAGO
Last inspected December 31, 2025 · passed with conditions
Failed 3 of 20 inspections. 11 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTIONS
20
13 passed · 4 w/ conditions · 3 failed
VIOLATIONS
48
includes 11 critical
RECORDS COVER
14 YEARS
since Jul 2011
INSPECTION HISTORY
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE
OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE THROUGHOUT INSPECTION. CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER SHOWED UP SHORTLY AFTER INSPECTION BEGAN, HOWEVER CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER LEFT BEFORE CONCLUSION OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER IS ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP BLOCKED BY GIANT DISH. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE HAND WASHING SINK IS ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. EMPLOYEE REMOVED DISH. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C) CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED BROKEN TILES ON WALL UNDERNEATH REAR HAND WASHING SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR.
DEC 32024PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
DEC 3
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING
OBSERVED NO WRITTEN EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY AND MAINTAIN WITH VERIFIABLE SIGNED COPIES ON SITE FOR ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF REPORTING AGREEMENT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWEL IN THE AT THE HAND-SINK IN THE REAR PREP AREA. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE THAT PAPER TOWELS MUST BE AVAILABLE AT HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. FOOD HANDLER OBTAINED PAPER TOWEL FOR HAND SINK DURING TIME OF INSPECTION PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING RACKS, BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT FRONT & REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
OBSERVED LIGHT SHIELD OPEN IN REAR PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO SECURLY CLOSED AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED
OBSERVED THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD CERTIFIED MANAGER WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGERS OBTAIN THIS CERTIFICATE.
MAR 262024PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
MAR 26
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
No hand soap provided for rear prep/dish washing area hand wash sink, instructed to provide. priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE
No paper towels provided at rear prep/ dish washing area hand wash sink, instructed to provide. Priority foundation violation 7-38-030(c)
APPROVED THAWING METHODS USED
Improper thawing method, found frozen chicken placed in prep sink at room temp to thaw, instructed to manager to thaw frozen food according to health code.
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
Walk-in cooler walls and fan cover with dirt and dust build-up, instructed to clean and maintain.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
Floors not clean behind grease trap and 3-comp sink, food debris and accumulated grease noted. Instructed to clean and maintain.
APR 262023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
APR 26
2023
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED
OBSERVED DIRTY PLUMBING FIXTURES IN BOTH TOILET ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN DNA MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS ON FLOORS IN WALK IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING RACKS , BEHIND AND UNDERNEATH ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
show all 20 inspections →
APR 82020PASSED1 violationDETAILS
APR 8
2020
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS
FOOD HANDLER WITH LONG BEARD, INSTRUCTED TO TRIM OR WEAR A BEARD RESTRAINT.
OCT 82019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OCT 8
2019
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD-CONTACT SURFACES: CLEANED & SANITIZED
- OBSERVED A SLIGHT DEBRIS BUILDUP ON THE INTERIOR OF THE ICE MACHINE. MUST DETAIL CLEAN/HAVE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN. -
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED
- OBSERVED AN ACCUMULATION OF DIRT/DEBRIS INSIDE THE TOILET ROOMS' EXHAUST VENTILATIONS. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN. -
JAN 222019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JAN 22
2019
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS INSIDE 2 DOOR COOLERS IN THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN, SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN
FOUND MAINTENANCE TOOLS SUCH AS BROOMS AND MOPS STORED INSIDE MOP SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND STORE PROPERLY. MANAGER CORRECTED ON SITE.
JAN 262018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 26
2018
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
FRONT PREP AREA BACKLINE MEAT REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKETS RIPPED. MUST REPAIR/REPLACE DAMAGED DOOR RUBBER GASKETS.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP/DUST BUILD UP ON WALLS AT REAR PREP AREA. MUST CLEAN REAR PREP AREA WALLS AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
WOMENS WASHROOM HANDWASH BOWL COLD AND HOT WATER PUSH BUTTONS NOT CALIBRATED TO 15 SECONDS RUNNING WATER TIME ALSO 3-COMPARTMENT SINK PIPES DRAINING SLOWLY. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ROD OUT DRAIN PIPE/CLEAN OUT GREASE TRAP AT 3-COMPARTMENT SINK, ALSO MUST RECALIBRATE HANDWASH BOWL PUSH BUTTONS RUNNING WATER TIME TO 15 SECONDS RUNNING WATER.
JAN 232017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
JAN 23
2017
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FRONT PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN AT BOTTOM SHELVES, ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED MGR TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 132017FAILED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 13
2017
FAILED
3 violationsDETAILS
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
DISH WASHING FACILITY NOT MAINTAINED. 3-COMP SINK FAUCET COLD WATER NOT SHUTTING OFF, UNABLE TO GET HOT WATER FOR THE WASH COMPARTMENT. INSTRUCTED MGR TO REPAIR FAUCET. MGR TURNED OFF COLD WATER FROM BOTTOM WATER SUPPLY. TO OBTAIN HOT WATER. SERIOUS CITATION ISSUED 7038-030
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
DRAWER COOLER DOOR GASKETS IN POOR REPAIR, INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FRONT PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN AT BOTTOM SHELVES, ENCRUSTED FOOD DEBRIS, INSTRUCTED MGR TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
JAN 132016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
JAN 13
2016
PASSED
3 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED
INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN THE ICE CHUTE AT THE SODA DISPENSING UNIT TO REMOVE GREEN AND BLACK BUILDUP.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOORS UNDER THE FOOD STORAGE RACKS IN THE WALK-IN COOLER TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILDUP AND MAINTAIN.
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED
THE EXPOSED HAND SINK IN THE REAR IS SLOW DRAINING. MUST CONTACT A PLUBMER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 182015PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FEB 18
2015
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, REAR AND WALK-IN COOLER.
FEB 92015FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
FEB 9
2015
FAILED
2 violationsDETAILS
DISH WASHING FACILITIES: PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED, MAINTAINED, INSTALLED, LOCATED AND OPERATED
3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED. WHEN RELEASING WATER FROM ONE COMPARTMENT, WATER BACKS UP INTO THE OTHER COMPARTMENTS DUE TO WATER DRAINGING TO SLOW. MUST REPAIR.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
CLEAN FLOORS BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER, REAR AND WALK-IN COOLER.
MAY 22014PASSED1 violationDETAILS
MAY 2
2014
PASSED
1 violationDETAILS
LIGHTING: REQUIRED MINIMUM FOOT-CANDLES OF LIGHT PROVIDED, FIXTURES SHIELDED
OBSERVED A MISSING LIGHT BULB INSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN ADEQUATE LIGHTING.
AUG 132013PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 13
2013
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations3 CRITICALDETAILS
HAND WASHING FACILITIES: WITH SOAP AND SANITARY HAND DRYING DEVICES, CONVENIENT AND ACCESSIBLE TO FOOD PREP AREA
OBSERVED NO HAND TOWELS AVAILABLE AT EITHER OF THE TWO EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINKS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS, AND NO HAND SOAP WAS AVAILABLE AT THE EXPOSED HANDWASHING SINK IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. MANAGEMENT PROVIDED SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT BOTH SINKS AT MY REQUEST. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN ALL HANDSINKS AT ALL TIMES WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS FOR PROPER HANDWASHING. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-030.
PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION CORRECTED, 7-42-090
PREVIOUS SERIOUS VIOLATION FROM REPORT #1354017 ON 8/1/13 NOT CORRECTED: 18/01 - OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS, CEILING AND BOXES OF STOCK IN THE DINING ROOM, RESTROOMS AND FOOD PREP AREAS. APPROXIMATELY 20 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. THE LAST PEST INSPECTION REPORT FROM ANDERSON WAS DATED 7/30/13. ANDERSON PEST CONTROL TECHNICIAN ARRIVED ONSITE AT 12:30PM TO CONDUCT A PEST CONTROL INSPECTION. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-42-090.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
SEE VIOLATION #14.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE LINE PREP COOLERS AND WIRE STORAGE RACKS ABOVE THE SINKS AND PREP TABLES IN THE REAR PREP AREA.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
DETAIL CLEAN THE FLOOR DRAINS THROUGHT THE ESTABLISHMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE CONDITIONS.
AUG 12013FAILED3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
AUG 1
2013
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FACILITIES TO MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE
FACILITIES DO NOT MAINTAIN PROPER TEMPERATURE. OBSERVED THE LINE PREP COOLER NEXT TO THE SANDWICH OVEN WITH AN AIR TEMPERATURE OF 43.7F. THE UNIT WAS USED TO STORE POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS SUCH AS BLUE CHEESE AND CUT TOMATOES. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS STORED IN THE COOLER WERE AT A PROPER TEMPERATURE. UNIT TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE COOLER BELOW 40F. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A.
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS
OBSERVED LIVE FRUIT FLIES ON THE WALLS AND STORAGE IN THE REAR AND FRONT PREP AREAS AND IN THE DINING ROOM. 21 LIVE FRUIT FLIES WERE OBSERVED IN THESE AREAS. ADDITIONAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE IS NEEDED TO MINIMIZE OR ELIMINATE THE PEST ACTIVITY. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
DETAIL CLEAN THE INTERIOR OF THE LINE PREP COOLERS.
JUN 122012PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
JUN 12
2012
PASSED
2 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
MEAT SLICER NOT CLEAN ON THE BACK OF BLADE AND BLADE HOUSING. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
MISSING GROUT ALONG WALL BASE BEHIND 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO GROUT FLOOR AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 112011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
JUL 11
2011
PASSED
4 violationsDETAILS
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
FOLLOWING NEED CLEANING: INTERIOR LEDGE OF MOST COOLERS AT FRONT PREP AREA, INTERIOR OF CABINETS FOR GARBAGE BINS, COMPRESSORS OF SMALL COOLERS-DUE TO DUST/FOOD DEBRIS. All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily.
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED
FLOORS AROUND EQUIPMENT AT FRONT PREP AREA NEED CLEANING, FOOD DEBRIS NOTED. The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair.
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS
DUSTY WALLS ABOVE FRONT HANDSINK & TO THE RIGHT OF THE SELF-SERVE SODA DISPENSER MUST BE KEPT CLEAN. The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned.
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED
ANY SODA CRATES USED FOR DRY STORAGE RACKS MUST BE REPLACED WITH REGULAR SHELVINGS, FOR EASY ACCESS TO CLEANING/PEST MONITORING. 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.
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 →