Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Potbelly Sandwich Works, LLC

Name: Potbelly Sandwich Works, LLC
Address: 1293 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL

1293 N Milwaukee Ave

Last inspected Apr 2, 2026 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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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 2, 2026

Pass

3 recorded violations

notedCode 43Equipment and utensils

Official wording

IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED

Inspector’s notes

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

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

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

notedCode 56Facility maintenance

Official wording

ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

Floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, ventilation, or garbage areas needed repair or cleaning. These are usually less urgent than food-handling problems but still need to be fixed.

More about building upkeep issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Apr 2, 2026 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 24, 2025

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 22Food temperature

Official wording

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES

Inspector’s notes

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.

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 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

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

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 24, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Apr 2, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

2 recorded violations

notedCode 2Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE

Inspector’s notes

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.

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

notedCode 47Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

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

Inspector’s notes

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

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 2, 2024 · Original Source