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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Potbelly Sandwich Works

303 W Madison St

Last inspected Apr 29, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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Pass w/ Conditions

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Canvass

Apr 29, 2026

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 33Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FRONT SERVICE LINE AREA SMALL LINE COOLER IN POOR REPAIR, INTERNAL AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50.5F AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PERSON-IN-CHARGE AWARE OF INADEQUATE COLD-HOLDING EQUIPMENT AND TAGGED COOLER WITH SIGNAGE INSTRUCTING STAFF NOT TO USE PRIOR TO INSPECTOR ARRIVAL. TAGGED EQUIPMENT WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO CONTACT CDPH ONCE EQUIPMENT IS REPAIRED OR REPLACED AND PRIOR TO USE. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.

In plain English

Food was not kept cold enough, hot enough, cooled fast enough, or cooked or reheated to the right temperature. Bacteria grow quickly in the "danger zone" between 41°F and 135°F, which makes this one of the most important food-safety checks.

More about food kept at an unsafe temperature
notedCode 44Equipment and utensils

Official wording

UTENSILS, EQUIPMENT & LINENS: PROPERLY STORED, DRIED, & HANDLED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED CLEAN EQUIPMENT STORED DIRECTLY NEXT TO HANDWASHING SINK AT THE WAREWASHING AREA. INSTRUCTED TO RELOCATE CLEAN EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDE BARRIER BETWEEN HANDWASHING SINK BASIN AND CLEAN EQUIPMENT STORAGE TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND MAINTAIN ALL CLEAN EQUIPMENT WHERE IT IS NOT AT RISK OF CONTAMINATION FROM SPLASH OR SPILLAGE.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED FLOOR BENEATH SHELVING IN THE WALK-IN COOLER AND REAR DRY STORAGE HALLWAY AREAS TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS AND OTHER PHYSICAL FACILITIES AT ADEQUATE FREQUENCY TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 29, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 2, 2025

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 2, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Aug 9, 2024

Pass

1 recorded violation

notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

Brooms and dust pans hung next to clean utensils rack, instructed to install a barrier to protect utensils from contamination.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Aug 9, 2024 · Original Source

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