POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, LLC.
111 E WACKER DR · LOOP, CHICAGO
Failed 4 of 24 inspections. 10 critical violations on the cumulative record. Pattern of issues, not a one-off.
THE NUMBERS
INSPECTION HISTORY
JAN 202026FAILED11 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
5-202.12 (A) : STILL OBSERVING HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF'S WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 82.0F AND MEN'S AT 80.1F MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING ATER AT 100.0F .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL INTERIOR & EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,SHELVING UNITS,COUNTER TOPS IN PREP AREAS.
6-201.13 : MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS AND AT SERVICE COUNTERS AND UNDERNEATH REAR COUNTER SINK AND WHERE NEEDED.
: 6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND FLOOR DRAINS.
6-201.11: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.
MUST ELEVATE,REMOVE AND ORGANIZE ARTICLES OFF OF FLOOR AND ALONG WALLS UNDER & BEHIND REAR STORAGE SHELVES.
MUST CLEAN DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM CEILING VENTS.
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE CRACKED LIGHT SHIELDS IN REAR STORAGE AREA AND CLEAN LIGHT SHIELDS THROUGHOUT.
PREVIOUS PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION FROM REPORT #2629669 1/13/2026 NOT CORRECTED #38- STILL OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 15 OR MORE LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR & BEHIND COLD HOLDING LINE PREP COOLER,ON THE LEFT SIDE WALL AT ICE CREAM FREEZER,MOTOR OF REAR CHEST FREEZER,ON WALL UNDERNEATH 3- COMPARTMENT SINK DRAIN BOARD,ON FLOOR AT MOPS NEXT TO HOT WATER TANK,ON EXTERIOR OF HOT WATER TANK,ON FLOOR AND WALL OF COUNTER AT BEVERAGE COUNTER AREA AND SEVERAL DEAD . MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS .CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. MUST HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/20/26.(PRIORITY 7-42-090)(CITATION ISSUED)
JAN 132026FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
STILL OBSERVING HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF'S WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 82.0F AND MEN'S AT 80.1F MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING ATER AT 100.0F .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
3-302.12 : MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
6-501.111 : OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 6 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR COLD HOLDING LINE PREP COOLER,ON THE LEFT SIDE WALL AND FLOOR AT ICE CREAM FREEZER AND SEVERAL DEAD IN SAME AREA AND UNDERNEATH TEA MACHINE AT BEVERAGE COUNTER AREA. MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS .CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/9/26.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
4-501.12 : MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
4-601.11(C) : MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREAS.
6-201.13 : MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS AND AT SERVICE COUNTERS.
6-501.13 : MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND FLOOR DRAINS.
: 6-201.11: MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.
JAN 92026FAILED8 violations2 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED HOT RUNNING WATER TEMPERATURES AT HAND SINKS IN STAFF'S WOMEN'S TOILET ROOM AT 77.0F AND MEN'S AT 83.3F MUST HAVE HOT RUNNING ATER AT 100.0F .MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.(PRIORITY 7-38-030(C)(CITATION ISSUED)
MUST LABEL FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS WHEN FOOD IS NOT IN ORIGINAL PACKAGE.
OBSERVED EVIDENCE OF 6 LIVE ROACHES CRAWLING ON FLOOR NEAR COLD HOLDING LINE PREP COOLER,ON THE LEFT SIDE WALL AND FLOOR AT ICE CREAM FREEZER AND SEVERAL DEAD IN SAME AREA AND UNDERNEATH TEA MACHINE AT BEVERAGE COUNTER AREA. MUST REMOVE DEAD INSECTS .CLEAN AND SANITIZE AREAS. RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A PEST CONTROL OPERATOR TO SERVICE PREMISES ON OR AFTER 1/9/26.(PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-020(A)(CITATION ISSUED)
MUST REPAIR OR REPLACE WORN CUTTING BOARDS TO BE IN GOOD REPAIR.
MUST CLEAN EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS BUILD UP FROM ALL EXTERIOR SURFACES OF EQUIPMENT,PREP COOLERS,SHELVING UNITS IN PREP AREAS.
MUST SEAL ALL GAPS,CRACKS AND CREVICES IN WALLS AND AT SERVICE COUNTERS.
MUST CLEAN FLOOR UNDER,AROUND,ALONG WALL BASES THROUGHOUT PREMISES AND FLOOR DRAINS.
MUST CLEAN FOOD DEBRIS SPLATTER FROM WALLS THROUGHOUT.
FEB 252025PASSED1 violationDETAILS
OBSERVED UTENSILS NOT FULLY SUBMERGED IN RUNNING WELL WATER FOR ICE CREAM FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE UTENSILS IN FULLY SUBMERGED RNNING WATER IN BETWEEN USE.
show all 24 inspections →
MAR 222024PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED A LEAK AT THE FAUCET AT THE HANDWASHING SINK IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON THE FLOORS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER AND BETWEEN COOLING AND COOKING EQUIPMENT.
AUG 102023PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
Food handler with long beard not wearing beard restraints, Instructed to wear.
Cabinet at front service line not clean, food debris noted. Instructed to clean and maintain.
JUN 22022PASS W/ CONDITIONS2 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST MEN EMPLOYEES WASHRROM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN FRONT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 55.6F COOLER IS EMPTY AND HAS NOTHING IN IT. COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
MAY 312022PASS W/ CONDITIONS3 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED NO HAND WASHING SIGNAGE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN FIRST MEN EMPLOYEES WASHRROM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
OBSERVED PREP COOLER IN FRONT NOT MAINTAINING PROPER TEMPERATURE 56.6F COOLER HAD CUT TOMATOES IN IT READING 46.8F BUT TOMATOES WAS CUT THIS MORNING AT 9:30AM AND HAD THE DATE AND TIME STAMPED ON THERE. MANAGER MOVED TO DIFFERENT COOLER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN COOLER AT 41F OR BELOW. PREP COOLER IS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT BE USED UNTIL REINSPECTED BY CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
OBSERVED EXCESSIVE ICE BUILDUP AND FOOD DEBRIS IN DEEP FREEZER IN FRONT.INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST DEEP FREEZER, CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FEB 242021PASSED1 violation1 CRITICALDETAILS
FLY TRAP INSTALLED ABOVE CLEAN UTENSILS SHELF, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AWAY FROM FOOD PREP AREA OR CLEAN UTENSILS STORAGE.
JAN 232020PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MUST INSTALL SPLASH GUARD BETWEEN THE HANDWASHING SINK AND PREP COOLER IN THE FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN.
MUST DEFROST DEEP FREEZER IN FRONT PREP AREA, EXCESSIVE ICE PRESENT, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND MAINTAIN.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN EXCESSIVE DUST ACCUMULATION FROM CEILING VENTS ABOVE FRONT PREP AREA, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
MAR 12019PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED REAR PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK MISSING A SPLASH GUARD. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL DUE TO CLOSE PROXIMITY FROM MEAT SLICER TO HANDSINK LOCATION.
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS IN THE FRONT COUNTER PREP AREA WITH OPEN SEAMS AND DISCOLORED. INSTRUCTED TO REFINISH OR REPLACE DAMAGED/STAINED CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
FEB 72018PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
REAR PREP AREA HAND WASH SINK MISSING A SPLASH GUARD. TOO CLOSE TO MEAT SLICER. INSTRUCTED TO INSTALL.
LEAK UNDER REAR HAND SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
FOOD HANDLER WITH BEARD NOT WEARING BEARD RESTRAINT, INSTRUCTED TO WEAR.
JUN 132017PASS W/ CONDITIONS6 violations1 CRITICALDETAILS
OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUD FOODS (TURKEY, ROAST BEEF) AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES; 5 LBS OF PORK AT 58.1F, AND 20 LBS OF DELI MEAT AT 55.3F. TOTALING $100. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO DISCARD AND DENATURE SAID ITEMS AND ALWAYS MAINTAIN ALL COLD POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT 40F OR BELOW AT ALL TIMES. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005(A).
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES ATTACHED TO THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE SANDWICH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE SLOT AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A BROWNISH SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BY ICE MAKER AND CLEAN ICE MACHINE SLOT AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOORS WITH STANDING WATER OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER AND BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BY THE FLOORS LOCATED UNDER THE 1 COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A LEAK ON THE DIPPER WELL BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ONE PREP COOLER WITHOUT A THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
APR 182017PASSED5 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES ATTACHED TO THE ONE DOOR PREP COOLERS LOCATED IN THE SANDWICH PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ICE MACHINE SLOT AND INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE WITH A BROWNISH SUBSTANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN INTERIOR OF ICE MACHINE BY ICE MAKER AND CLEAN ICE MACHINE SLOT AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED FLOORS WITH STANDING WATER OUTSIDE OF THE WALK IN COOLER AND BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER. OBSERVED ACCUMULATED DIRT DEBRIS BY THE FLOORS LOCATED UNDER THE 1 COMPARMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED A LEAK ON THE DIPPER WELL BY THE ICE CREAM REACH IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
OBSERVED ONE PREP COOLER WITHOUT A THERMOMETER. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.
APR 12016PASSED4 violationsDETAILS
Caulk around 3 compartment sink, and exposed hand sink in prep area, in state of disrepair, shall be repaired/replaced. Front counter shelving in prep area had exposed raw wood, peeling paint, shall be repaired/replaced.
Walk in cooler shelving/racks not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Non food contact surfaces of cooking/warming equipment not clean, need detailed cleaning. Prep table lower shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices). Front counter shelving not clean, need detailed cleaning(crevices).
Floors in rear kitchen prep area needs re-grouting. Floors in rear kitchen area by hot water heater, mop sink area not clean, need detailed cleaning.
Damaged/stained ceiling tiles in rear kitchen prep area, shall be repaired/replaced. Ceiling tiles in kitchen prep area rear not clean, need cleaning(detailed).
FEB 102015PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
OBSERVED INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF ALL REACH IN COOLERS ,PREP AREAS AT PREP COOLER AREAS,NOT MAINTAINED,CLEAN OF FOOD PARTICLES,DEBRIS.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
FLOORS NOT CLEAN OF FOOD PARTICLES,DEBRIS THRU-OUT PREP AND SERVICE AREA.MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOOR AREAS.ALSO FLOORS NOT CLEAN INSIDE WALK IN COOLER UNDER SHELVING UNITS.MUST DETAIL CLEAN.
NOV 172014PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MISPLACED RUBBER GASKETS AT DRAWER COOLERS, UNABLE TO CLOSE TIGHTLY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
FOOD DEBRIS NOTED AT PERIMETERS OF PREP COOLERS AT UPPER AREAS, IN CABINETS OF DRY GOODS IN FRONT SERVICE LINE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
HOT WATER KNOB AT 3-COMP SINK FAUCET NOT SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR.
FEB 262014PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
CHEST FREEZER DOOR IN POOR REPAIR, EXPOSED INSULATION AND DAMAGED RUBBER GASKETS, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
SLOW DRAINAGE AT 3-COMP SINK, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
SEP 52013PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
MUST REGROUT FLOOR IN FRONT OF THE 3COMP-SINK SO AS TO BE SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE AND TO PREVENT PEST BREEDING.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND SANITIZE THE FLOOR DRAIN IN FRONT OF THE ICE CREAM COOLER.
MAY 42012PASSED3 violationsDETAILS
MUST REPLACE CUTTING BOARDS IN FRONT PREP AREA WITH DEEP DARK GROOVES.
MUST REMOVE EXCESS ICE AND DETAIL CLEAN ICE CREAM FREEZER IN THE FRONT AND REAR CHEST FREEZER.
MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN FLOORS IN ALL CORNERS AND UNDER/AROUND ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND CABINET UNDER BEVERAGE STATION.
JAN 112011FAILED2 violationsDETAILS
All dish washing 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. EXTREMELY SLOW DRAINAGE AT 3COMP SINK (ABOUT 5 MIN TO DRAIN 3 GALLONS) INSTRUCTED MGR TO REPAIR PLUMBING AND MAINTAIN.
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. MUST CLEAN INTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP COOLERS, FOOD AND SPILLS NOTED.
MAY 132010PASSED2 violationsDETAILS
All food and non-food contact surfaces of equipment and all food storage utensils shall be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily. PREP COOLERS NOT CLEAN AROUND THE TOP LEDGE, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
The floors shall be constructed per code, be smooth and easily cleaned, and be kept clean and in good repair. MUST DETAIL CLEAN FLOORS UNDER SHELVES AND PREP AREA. FOOD DEBRIS AND DIRT NOTED ALONG WALL BASE AND FLOOR DRAINS.
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 →