SANITARY INSPECTION RECORD — CITY OF CHICAGO

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS, LLC.

YOUR CALL. 63/100

1293 N MILWAUKEE AVE · WICKER PARK, CHICAGO

Last inspected April 2, 2026 · passed

9 of 17 inspections passed, 2 failed, 6 passed with conditions. 11 critical violations across the record.

THE NUMBERS

INSPECTIONS
17
9 passed · 6 w/ conditions · 2 failed
VIOLATIONS
45
includes 11 critical
RECORDS COVER
12 YEARS
since Feb 2014

INSPECTION HISTORY

APR 2
2026
PASSED
3 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

OBSERVED IN-USE UTENSILS (TONGS) STORED IMPROPERLY DIRECTLY ON TOP FOOD CONTAINER IN THE PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY.

MINORSanitation
PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

OBSERVED MOP STORED IMPROPERLY IN MOP SINK AREA. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY WITH MOPHEAD IN UPRIGHT POSITION.

MINORFood Storage & Handling
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED MISSING LIGHT SHIELDS IN THE DISHWASHING/STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.

FEB 24
2025
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSFood Temperature
PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

OBSERVED SHREDDED LETTUCE HELD AT AN INADEQUATE TEMPERATURE OF 46 F. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL COLD TCS FOODS ARE HELD AT 41 F AND BELOW. THE MANAGER DISCARDED 7 POUNDS OF LETTUCE ($15), AND A PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION WAS ISSUED.

MINOROther
ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

OBSERVED FOOD EMPLOYEE WITH EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATION. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATIONS ARE CURRENT.

APR 2
2024
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

OBSERVED NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER WITH ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS SUCH AS HAM, TURKEY, AND CHEESE ARE PREPARED AND SERVED. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ENSURE ALL MANAGERS HAVE ORIGINAL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED RACKS IN WALK-IN COOLER WITH SIGNS OF RUST AND CORROSION AND INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE RACKS.

JAN 25
2023
PASSED
1 violation
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED CUTTING BOARDS ALONG THE PREP LINE COVERED IN DEEP GROVES AND STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

FEB 8
2022
PASSED
1 violation1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED A 1/4" GAP AT THE MIDDLE BOTTOM OF THE REAR EXIT AND ETRANCE DOOR. MUST PROVIDE A TIGHT FITTING SEAL AT ALL OUTER OPENINGS TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF PESTS.

show all 17 inspections →
JAN 20
2021
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
5 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALPest Activity
INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR EXIT DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH OPENING ON BETWEEN DOORS. MUST MAKE DOORS TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

MINORSanitation
TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED

NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED AT THE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

MINORSanitation
ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

OBSERVED DUST BUILD UP ON CEILIMNG VENTLATION VENTS INSIDE UNISEX WASHROOM. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC

OBSERVED NO INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MANAGEMENT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF TODAY'S INSPECTION REPORT SUMMARY AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO POST IT IN VIEW OF ALL CUSTOMERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-42-010(B). NO CITATION ISSUED

APR 15
2020
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED

OBSERVED ONE CUTTING BOARD ON MAIN LINE NEAR HAND WASH SINK COVERED IN DEEP GROOVES AND DARK STAINS. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AND MAINTAIN SMOOTH, CLEANABLE CUTTING SURFACES.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

OBSERVED SLIGHT LEAK AT HAND WASH SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA ACROSS FROM 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN IN GOOD WORKING ORDER.

APR 22
2019
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
4 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALDocumentation & Training
MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTING

THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010. NO CITATION ISSUED.

CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS

THE PERSON IN CHARGE UNABLE TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEE TO FOLLOW WHEN RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE WITH THE NECESSARY ITEMS GLOVES, MASK, DISPOSABLE MOPS AND THE APPROPRIATE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. NO CITATION ISSUED.

SERIOUSChemical Safety
PROPER DATE MARKING AND DISPOSITION

OBSERVED NO PROPER DATE MARKING ON TCS FOODS HELD MORE THAN 24 HOURS INSIDE WALK-IN COOLER. MUST PROPERLY LABEL AND MAINTAIN.

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

ADDITIONAL WATER PRESSURE NEEDED AT THE HAND WASHING SINK IN WOMEN'S WASHROOM. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.

FEB 13
2018
PASSED
4 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

NOTED THE INTERIOR OF THE REACH IN PREP COOLERS AND THE UP RIGHT FREEZER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN TO REMOVE SPILLS AND DEBRIS.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOORS NEED DETAIL CLEANING THROUGH OUT ESPECIALLY ALONG THE WALL BASE AND IN CORNERS TO REMOVE SPILLS, DEBRIS AND LITTER(BOXES).

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

NOTED THE FAN INSIDE THE WALK IN COOLER DIRTY. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

MINOROther
REFRIGERATION AND METAL STEM THERMOMETERS PROVIDED AND CONSPICUOUS

MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN A WORKING THERMOMETER INSIDE FOOD DISPLAY COOLER.

JUL 18
2017
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
3 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALFood Temperature
POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD MEETS TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENT DURING STORAGE, PREPARATION DISPLAY AND SERVICE

OBSERVED POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOODS AT IMRPROPER TEMPERATURES: FOUND PRE-SLICED DELI MEATS FOR THE "WRECK" SANDWICH ON THE LINE AT 63.3F AND MEATBALLS INSIDE OF THE HOT HOLDING UNIT AT 130.2F. ALL POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS FOOD ITEMS MUST BE 40F OR LESS OR 140F OR MORE. MANAGER VOLUNTARILY DISCARDED 10# OF FOOD WORTH $100. CRITICAL VIOLATION 7-38-005A

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

OBSERVED DUST BUILDUP ON THE FAN VENT COVER INSIDE OF THE WALK-IN COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN THE VENT COVER TO PREVENT DUST FROM BLOWING ONTO OPEN FOOD ITEMS STORED IN THE COOLER.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

THE FLOORS UNDER THE COUNTERS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE FRONT PREP AREA MUST BE DETAIL CLEANED AND SANITIZED TO REMOVE PLASTIC UTENSILS, FOOD DEBRIS, AND DEBRIS BUILDUP.

NOV 4
2016
PASSED
2 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTATINED,WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS COMING FROM IT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

EXCESS FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

OCT 27
2016
FAILED
3 violations2 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALPest Activity
NO EVIDENCE OF RODENT OR INSECT OUTER OPENINGS PROTECTED/RODENT PROOFED, A WRITTEN LOG SHALL BE MAINTAINED AVAILABLE TO THE INSPECTORS

OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED.OBSERVED FRONT AND REAR DOORS WITH GAPS OF 1/4 TO 1" OPENINGS BETWEEN DOORS AND BOTTOM OF THE DOORS.INSTRUCTED TO RODENT/ INSECT PROOF MENTIONED DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-38-020

CRITICALSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED AND MAINTAINED

GREASE TRAP UNDER THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK NOT MAINTATINED,WHEN WATER IS RELEASED FROM COMPARTMENT SINKS A STRONG SEWAGE GAS COMING FROM IT,NEED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

EXCESS FOOD SPILLAGE INSIDE THE ICE CREAM CHEST FREEZER,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

JAN 7
2016
PASS W/ CONDITIONS
6 violations1 CRITICAL
DETAILS
CRITICALEmployee Hygiene
HANDS WASHED AND CLEANED, GOOD HYGIENIC PRACTICES; NO BARE HAND CONTACT WITH READY-TO-EAT FOODS.

POOR HYGIENIC PRACTICES.OBSERVED FOOD HANDLERS HANDLING READY TO EAT FOOD:BREAD,LETTUCE,DIFFERENT KIND OF LUNCH MEAT TO MAKE SANDWICHES, AND SLICED PICKLES,ETC.TOUCHING NON FOOD CONTACT SURFACE SUCH AS: BROOM,MOP(MOPPING THE FLOOR),BOXES ADJUSTING CAPS AND HAIR,THEN GOING BACK TO HANDLE READY TO EAT FOOD WITHOUT CHANGING GLOVE OR PUT ON GLOVES WITHOUT WASHING HANDS.ANOTHER EMPLOYEE WITH GLOVES ON TOUCHED ALL NON FOOD SURFACE ,GOING IN AND OUT THE DOOR TOUCHED GARBAGE CAN,BOXES,THEN WITHOUT REMOVE GLOVE OR USE A UTENSILS, DRAINED THE PICKLED JAR AND WITH HANDS REACHED INSIDE THE JAR PULLED OUT THE PICKLES AND SLICED THEM.INFORMATION GIVEN ON HAND WASHING AND CHANGING OF THE GLOVES. OBSERVED EMPLOYEE WASHING HANDS AFTER MANAGER REQUESTED. CRITICAL VIOLATION:7-38-010(A)

SERIOUSEmployee Hygiene
PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION(S) CORRECTED 7-42-090

PREVIOUS MINOR VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 4-28-15,REPORT #1453922 #42-ALL HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK WITH PROPER RESTRAINTS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN. TODAY UPON MY ARRIVAL OBSERVED SOME EMPLOYEES WITHOUT HAIR RESTRAINT OR HAIR NOT COMPLETELY RESTRAINT AT FRONT PREP/SERVING AREA,FOOD WAS EXPOSED(EMPLOYEE WERE MAKING SANDWICHES).MANAGER CORRECTED THE ISSUE UPON MY REQUEST SERIOUS VIOLATION:7-42-090

MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

DEBRIS INSIDE THE CABINET UNDER ICE MACHINE,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FOOD DEBRIS UNDER THE FRONT COUNTERMAND EQUIPMENTS,INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

MINORSanitation
PREMISES MAINTAINED FREE OF LITTER, UNNECESSARY ARTICLES, CLEANING EQUIPMENT PROPERLY STORED

OUTSIDE GARBAGE AREA NEEDS ADDITIONAL CLEANING AROUND GARBAGE DUMPSTERS.

MINOREmployee Hygiene
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

VIOLATION UPGRADED TO VIOLATION #29

APR 28
2015
PASSED
5 violations
DETAILS
MINORFood Temperature
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

ALL REACH IN COOLERS, HOT HOLDING UNITS, HAND SINKS, AND PREP TABLES IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL BUILD UP. MUST DEATAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

FLOORS THROUGH OUT FRONT AND REAR PREP AREA IN NEED OF DETAIL CLEANINF TO REMOVE ALL FOOD SPILLS AND BUILD UP. MUST DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
WALLS, CEILINGS, ATTACHED EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTED PER CODE: GOOD REPAIR, SURFACES CLEAN AND DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS

WALLS IN PREP AREA WITH FOOD SPLATTER AND BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.

MINORSanitation
VENTILATION: ROOMS AND EQUIPMENT VENTED AS REQUIRED: PLUMBING: INSTALLED AND MAINTAINED

VENTILATION UNIT ABOVE TOASTER OVEN IN NEED OF CLEANING TO REMOVE ALL DUST BUILD UP. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES

MINOREmployee Hygiene
APPROPRIATE METHOD OF HANDLING OF FOOD (ICE) HAIR RESTRAINTS AND CLEAN APPAREL WORN

ALL HAIR MUST BE TIED BACK WITH PROPER RESTRAINTS. MUST CORRECT AND MAINTAIN.

NOV 21
2014
PASSED
2 violations
DETAILS
MINORSanitation
FOOD AND NON-FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT UTENSILS CLEAN, FREE OF ABRASIVE DETERGENTS

CLEAN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF POP MACHINE DRIP TRAY AND SHELVES UNDER FRONT COUNTER.

MINORSanitation
FLOORS: CONSTRUCTED PER CODE, CLEANED, GOOD REPAIR, COVING INSTALLED, DUST-LESS CLEANING METHODS USED

CLEAN FLOORS NEAR ICE CREAM FREEZER, UNDER ALL EQUIPMENT, ALONG WALLS AND IN ALL CORNERS IN PREP AND STORAGE AREAS. CLEAN FLOOR INSIDE CABINET UNDER POP MACHINE.

MAR 5
2014
PASSED
0 violations
FEB 28
2014
FAILED
0 violations

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 →

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