POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS LLC.
150 S WACKER DR · LOOP, CHICAGO
Failed 6 of 26 inspections. 12 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
NOV 142025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
FOUND CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION MANAGER WITH NO ALLERGEN TRAINING.MUST PROVIDE.
OCT 22023PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE REVOLVING DOOR(S). MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT-FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.
OBSERVED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF DEBRIS AND ICE BUILDUP IN THE INTERIOR/WALLS/CEILING OF THE CHEST FREEZER. MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE, DETAIL CLEAN, AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN RECORDS AT ALL TIMES.
DEC 132022PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
11 FOUND NO VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE POSTED ON SITE WHILE TIME/TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR SAFETY FOODS (CHICKEN) ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER CERTIFICATE MUST BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE PREPARED AND SERVED TO THE PUBLIC. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN 2 OUT 2 UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECETABLE FOR ANY TOILET ROOM WOMEN UTILIZE.
FOUND AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GREASE AND FOOD DEBRIS BEHIND AND UNDER ALL FOOD PREP COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN SANITIZE AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 272022PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN 2 OUT 2 UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECETABLE FOR ANY TOILET ROOM WOMEN UTILIZE.
FOUND GARBAGE RECEPTACLES OVERFLOWING. MUST PROVIDE TIGHTFITTING GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AT ALL TIMES
show all 26 inspections →
SEP 222022FAILED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND APPROX 30 - 40 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREP, REAR FOOD PRED, UTILITY SINK AND TOWEL STORAGE CABINET. RECOMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. MUST MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A).
FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN 2 OUT 2 UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECETABLE FOR ANY TOILET ROOM WOMEN UTILIZE.
FOUND GARBAGE RECEPTACLES OVERFLOWING. MUST PROVIDE TIGHTFITTING GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AT ALL TIMES.
SEP 192022FAILED4 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
FOUND HANDWASHING SINK WATER TEMPERATURE AT 92F. MUST PROVIDE A MINIMUM HOT WATER TEMPERATURE OF 100F AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.
FOUND APPROX 30 - 40 SMALL FLIES THROUGHOUT FACILITY LOCATED IN FRONT FOOD PREP, REAR FOOD PRED, UTILITY SINK AND TOWEL STORAGE CABINET. RECOMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL. MUST MINIMIZE SMALL FLY ACTIVITY. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-020(A).CITATION ISSUED
FOUND NO COVERED GARBAGE RECEPTACLE LOCATED IN 2 OUT 2 UNISEX TOILET ROOMS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE COVERED GARBAGE RECETABLE FOR ANY TOILET ROOM WOMEN UTILIZE.
FOUND GARBAGE RECEPTACLES OVERFLOWING. MUST PROVIDE TIGHTFITTING GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AT ALL TIMES.
MAR 172020PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DRIED FOOD DEBRIS ON SHELVES OF PREP TABLES IN REAR PREP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND SPILLAGE ON FLOORS THROUGHOUT FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OCT 162019PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED IN ALL COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AMBIEN MEASURING THERMOMETERS IN ALL HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT
FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND DISHWASHING AREA MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER THROUGH DISHWASHING AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS, PROPERLY ELEVATE STOCK 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS FOR BETTER CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN
OCT 92019FAILED7 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED,POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES;FOOD HANDLERS PERFORMING MULTIPLE TASKS.OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE HANDLING AND CUTTING DELI MEAT AND WIPED HANDS ON DIRTY APRON THEN WENT TO HANDLE READY-TO-EAT SALAD PRODUCTS WITH SAME GLOVES ON .ANOTHER FOOD EMPLOYEE USING PLASTIC GLOVE DOING CLEANING WITH AND THEN START SERVING AND PREPARING FOOD . PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-010 CITATION ISSUED
OBSERVED READY TO EAT, TIME FOR TEMPERATURE SAFETY FOR CONTROL FOODS NOT PROPERLY DATED IN ALL COOLERS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER DATE MARKING WITH DISPOSITION DATE FOR RTE FOODS PREPARED ON SITE AND HELD OVER 24 HOURS IN COLD HOLDING UNIT. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. NO CITATION ISSUED. 7-38-005
NOTED NO THERMOMETERS INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED TO MONITOR THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OF EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCURATE AMBIEN MEASURING THERMOMETERS IN ALL HOT HOLDING EQUIPMENT
FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON FLOOR IN PREP, STORAGE AND DISHWASHING AREA MUST PROVIDE PROPER, RAISED SHELVING TO STORE FOOD CONTAINERS 6" OFF FLOOR.
NOTED SOME USE OF MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION AT THE KITCHEN AREA, DISHWASHING AREA AND DRY STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED NOT TO USE MILK CRATES FOR ELEVATION TO PREVENT HIDING PLACES FOR PEST. MUST PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SHELVING FOR STORAGE. ALL FOOD ITEMS MUST ALSO BE STORED 6" AWAY FROM THE WALL
OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING (EQUIPMENT) REQUIREMENTS; THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP KITCHEN IN DISREPAIR NOT DRAINING PROPERLY (SLOW DRAINING), OBSERVED STANDING(ODOR DIRTY) WATER RELEASED FROM ONE COMPARTMENT(BASIN) BACKUP INSIDE ANOTHER COMPARTMENT(BASIN) WHEN RELEASED INSIDE SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS AND MUST REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
MUST REMOVE OR ORGANIZE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER THROUGH DISHWASHING AND FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. MUST REMOVE ALL UNNECESSARY ITEMS, PROPERLY ELEVATE STOCK 6" OFF THE FLOOR AND AWAY FROM THE WALLS FOR BETTER CLEANING AND PEST MONITORING. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.
JUL 52019FAILED1 violationDETAILS
4-301.12(A) OBSERVED FACILITY NOT MEETING (EQUIPMENT) REQUIREMENTS; THREE COMPARTMENT SINK IN PREP KITCHEN IN DISREPAIR NOT DRAINING PROPERLY (SLOW DRAINING), OBSERVED STANDING(ODOR DIRTY) WATER RELEASED FROM ONE COMPARTMENT(BASIN) BACKUP INSIDE ANOTHER COMPARTMENT(BASIN) WHEN RELEASED INSIDE SINK. INFORMED PERSON IN CHARGE OF REQUIREMENTS AND MUST REPAIR SINK AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-025 CITATION ISSUED.
FEB 282018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED DRY STORAGE PALLETS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS UNDER STORAGE UNITS, PALLETS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
PEELING PAINT ON WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR. ALSO LOWER WALLS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS, FOOD SPLASHES BY CASHIER AREA. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
SEP 82017PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, SHELVES, AND ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 12017FAILED4 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED 40 SMALL FLIES LOCATED ON THE WALLS, CEILINGS, AND FLYING AROUND THE FOOD PREP AREAS AND CUSTOMER DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE AFFECTED AREAS AND RECOMMENDED CONTACTING PEST CONTROL FOR SERVICE. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
OBSERVED FLOORS IN THE FOOD PREP AREAS WITH ACCUMULATED FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN UNDER ALL REFRIGERATION UNITS, SHELVES, AND ALONG THE WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A LEAK UNDER THE LEFT COMPARTMENT OF THE 3 COMPARTMENT SINK LOCATED IN THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED THERMOMETERS NEEDED IN SOME OF THE PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE FRONT FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
NOV 82016PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGH-OUT FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS NEED RE-GROUTING, (3-COMP SINK,MOP SINK,IN FRONT WALK IN COOLER,HAND SINKS,COOLERS,OVENS,ETC).MUST REPAIR ALL FLOOR AREAS THROUGH-OUT.
INTERIOR OF BOTH VENTILATION HOODS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN
OCT 262016PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED REACH IN COOLER BEHIND CASHIER WITH FOOD STORED INSIDE MAINTAINING IMPROPER TEMPERATURE OF 55.9F.COOLER MUST MAINTAIN 40.0F OR BELOW. MUST NOT USE COOLER.MUST USE ADDITIONAL COOLER ON PREMISES THATS 40.0F OR BELOW,CDI.MUST CONTACT THE HEALTH DEPT FOR TAG REMOVAL.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
FOUND FOODS MAINTAINED AT IMPROPER COLD TEMPERATURES INSIDE OF COOLERS. APPROX 2-LBS OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 45.0F,POTATO SALAD -53.4F,MACARONI SALAD AT 55.4F.MUST MAINTAIN COLD FOODS AT 40.0F OR BELOW.ALL FOODS REMOVED FROM COOLERS AND DISCARDED, APPROX 2 1/2 LBS,COST $10.00-CDI.CRITICAL VIOLATION ISSUED 7-38-005A.
OBSERVED LAST INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY NOT POSTED,DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO ALL CUSTOMERS FROM LAST INSPECTION DATED 5-13-2016 REPORT #1770709. MANAGER REMOVED SUMMARY FROM BEHIND EQUIPMENT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF COUNTER BY PRINTER MACHINE. INSTRUCTED MANGER THAT SUMMARY MUST ALWAYS BE POSTED AND VISIBLE TO CUSTOMERS.SERIOUS VIOLATION ISSUED 7-42-010B.
OBSERVED FLOORS THROUGH-OUT FRONT PREP AREA AND REAR PREP/DISH WASHING AREAS NEED RE-GROUTING, (3-COMP SINK,MOP SINK,IN FRONT WALK IN COOLER,HAND SINKS,COOLERS,OVENS,ETC).MUST REPAIR ALL FLOOR AREAS THROUGH-OUT.
INTERIOR OF BOTH VENTILATION HOODS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN/MAINTAIN.
MAY 132016PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED THAT ALL COOLERS NOT CLEAN AND MAINTAINED.MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXTERIOR, AND HANDLES,INTERIOR OF ALL PREP STATION COOLERS AND REACH IN COOLERS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.
FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF DEBRIS UNDER SHELVING AND AROUND STORAGE STORED ON FLOORS IN BASEMENT STORAGE ROOM.MUST CLEAN,MAINTAIN,AND PRPERLY ELEVATE ALL SUPPLIES ON ADEQUATE SHELVING AT LEAST 6-INCHES OFF FLOORS.
OBSERVED CLEANING EQUIPMENT NOT MAINTAINED.BROOMS IN POOR REPAIR AND UNCLEAN DUST PANS STORED AFTER USE ON WALL.MUST CLEAN AND PROPERLY STORE AFTER USE. REPLACE BROOM.
AUG 202015PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND SINKS.
DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS,DISHWASHING AREAS,IN STORAGE AREAS AND IN WASHROOMS.
STORE ALL ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
AUG 112015PASS W/ CONDITIONS5 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
NOTED REFRIGERATED FOOD STORAGE FACILITIES AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED THREE SMALL PREP COOLERS AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED THE FIRST COOLER AT 44.9 DEGREES F, THE SECOND COOLER AT 50 DEGREES F AND THE THIRD AT 46 DEGREES F. MUST REPAIR OR ADJUST COOLERS AND MAINTAIN AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS NOTED AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES. NOTED APPROXIMATELY 6LBS OF SLICED TOMATOES AT 46.9-52 DEGREES F, 7LBS OF COLE SLAW AT 49-52 DEGREES F, 1LB OF CREAM CHEESE AT 46 DEGREES F, 1LB OF CHEESE AT 52 DEGREES F, 1LB OF EGGS AT 52 DEGREES F AND 1LB OF CHICKEN SALAD AT 52 DEGREES F. MUST MAINTAIN POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40 DEGREES F AND BELOW OR 140 DEGREES F AND ABOVE. CRITICAL CITATION ISSUED 7-38-005A
DETAIL CLEAN THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF REFRIGERATION UNITS AND SINKS.
DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS IN PREP AREAS,DISHWASHING AREAS,IN STORAGE AREAS AND IN WASHROOMS.
STORE ALL ITEMS IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA 6 INCHES OFF THE FLOOR.
JUL 102014PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
CLEAN/SANITIZE UNDER AND AROUND SELF-SERVE BEVERAGE MACHINE AT COUNTER IN FRONT. MUST CLEAN.
CLEAN FLOORS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS; BEHIND FRONT SERVICE COUNTER AND INBETWEEN, AROUND AND BEHIND HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN SAME AREA, BASEMENT STORAGE AREA AND UPSTAIRS ELECTRICAL CLOSET. MUST CLEAN.
CLEAN LIGHT PANELS AT CEILING IN REAR OVER 3-COMP SINK AND WHERE NECESSARY.
LEAK AT PIPE UNDER 3-COMP SINK AT REAR. MUST REPAIR.
MUST CONTINUE TO MONITOR CLUTTER AND HARBORAGE IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ORGANIZE AND MAINTAIN.
JUL 302013PASSED3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
MUST DETAIL CLEAN STORAGE COOLER IN BASEMENT TO REMOVE SPILLS.
FLOORS NEED CLEANING IN BASEMENT STORAGE AREA. ALSO FLOOR AT THE SERVICE COUNTER TO REMOVE DEBRIS.
MUST REMOVE AND/OR ORGANIZE CLUTTER IN BASEMENT TO PREVENT RODENT HARBORAGE.
NOV 52012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE ICE BOX FREEZER INTERIOR LINING LID LOCATED IN THE REAR AREA.
MUST CLEAN FLOOR AT MAIN SANDWICH MAKING LINE TO REMOVE FOOD DEBRIS.
MUST REPLACE BROKEN LIGHT SHIELD IN THE WALK-IN COOLER.
SEP 222011PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact equipment and utensils shall be smooth, easily cleanable, and durable, and shall be in good repair. MILK REACH IN COOLER DOOR RUBBER GASKET RIPPED. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER GASKET.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. OBSERVED FOOD BUILD UP INSIDE PREP COOLERS AND INSIDE COOLERS RUBBER DOOR GASKETS. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL UNCLEAN EQIUPMENT.
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 UNDER AND AROUND PREP COOLERS AND PREP TALBES. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOOR THROUGOUT PREMISES AND MAINTAIN.
The walls and ceilings shall be in good repair and easily cleaned. MUST CLEAN ALL UNCLEAN WALLS IN REAR PREP AREA AND MAINTAIN.
AUG 112010PASSED1 violationDETAILS
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Observed poor floor grouting in rear prep/dishroom area- must fix, to prevent pest harborage.
AUG 42010FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
A separate and distinct offense shall be deemed to have been committed for each Minor violation that is not corrected upon re-inspection by the health authority. Previous minor violations from 2/9/09 visit, not corrected at this time (report#15463): #32-cutting boards with deep/dark grooves must be replaced, #33-interior ledges & walls in most reach-in coolers at front prep area must be kept clean due to food debris, #38=interior of hoods (x2) with dust build-up must be kept clean.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. Floors under/behind equipment at front prep area must be cleaned.
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 →