What is Potbelly Sandwich Works's health inspection score?

Potbelly Sandwich Works has a SafeDine safety score of 71 out of 100 (Grade B). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Potbelly Sandwich Works last inspected?

Potbelly Sandwich Works was last inspected on February 24, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Potbelly Sandwich Works have?

Potbelly Sandwich Works has 40 total violations across 6 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Potbelly Sandwich Works safe to eat at?

Potbelly Sandwich Works has a good safety record with a score of 71/100. While there are some noted violations, overall compliance is solid.

What type of cuisine does Potbelly Sandwich Works serve?

Potbelly Sandwich Works serves Sandwich cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Potbelly Sandwich Works

Name: Potbelly Sandwich Works
Address: 959 W DIVERSEY PKWY, Chicago, 60614
Rating: 71

959 W DIVERSEY PKWY, Chicago

Last Inspected: 2/24/2026

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0Good

Sandwich•Lincoln Park

Ranked #498 of 754 in Lincoln ParkBetter than 100% of sandwich restaurants

Improving

6 inspections

Last: Feb 24, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

Clean Rate

6.7

Avg Violations

2 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

Temperature controlHigh Priority

Food not kept at safe temperatures — risk of bacterial growth

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Employee illnessHigh Priority

Sick employee handling food — illness transmission risk

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Facility conditionHigh Priority

Building maintenance or structural issues

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-29

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-7 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-6 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-3 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+12 pts

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

959 W DIVERSEY PKWY, Chicago, IL 60614

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Violation Timeline

Jun 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

15 basic

Jun

Jun 2024

1 inspections

1 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

May 2025

2 inspections

5 high priority

3 basic

May

Feb 2026

1 inspections

1 high priority

2 intermediate

2 basic

Inspection History

6 records on file

3 Canvass1 Canvass Re-Inspection1 Complaint Re-Inspection1 Complaint

Feb 26

Canvass InspectionLatestPass w/ Conditions

1 High2 Med2 Basic

5 total

76/100inspection score

−24 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
NOTED TWO PREP LINE ONE DOOR COOLERS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURES. ONE COOLER FOUND AT 44.2F WITH BEEF AT 46.7F. THE OTHER COOLER NOTED AT 55.2F WITH CHICKEN SALAD AT 51.6F. BOTH COOLERS TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED, MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW AND C.D.P.H CONTACTED FOR RE-INSPECTION AND TAG REMOVAL. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (2)

−10 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED APPROXIMATELY 5 LBS COOKED MEATBALLS IN A HOT HOLDING UNIT AT IMPROPER TEMPERATURES OF 110.7F, 112.4F. ALL DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.
22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN TWO COOLERS. SLICED BEEF AT 46.7, HAM AT 44.6F AND CHICKEN SALAD AT 51.6F. ALL TCS FOODS FOUND IN COOLERS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION. SEE THE ABOVE VIOLATION #21 FOR CITATION.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC CRATES AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED ITEMS UNDER THE REAR PREP TABLE AND INSIDE THE WALK-IN COOLER.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
WALL AT THE HOT HOLDING UNIT WITH CHIPPING/PEELING PAINT, PLASTER. INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR TO BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.

Base deductions−24 pts

May 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

1 High

1 total1 risk factor

85/100inspection score

−10 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(SOUP, CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CFM ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−10 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

May 25

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High3 Basic

7 total3 risk factors

39/100inspection score

−46 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE WHILE TCS FOODS WERE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED(SOUP, CHICKEN). INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A CFM ON SITE AT ALL TIMES WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.
3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY PROVIDED ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE VERIFICATION FOR EACH EMPLOYEE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-010. CITATION ISSUED.
5PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTSRisk Factor−10
NO VOMIT AND DIARRHEA CLEAN UP KIT AND PROCEDURE ON SITE. MUST PROVIDE AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED WATER TEMPERATURE AT HAND WASHING SINK IN TOILET ROOM AT 130F. A HANDWASHING SINK shall have maximum hot water temperature of 120F through a mixing valve or combination faucet. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (3)

−6 pts

57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATES ARE INCOMPLETE. MUST PROVIDE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-3-2024, REPORT #2595582. #58-OBSERVED MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES ON SITE. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-090. CITATION ISSUED.
61SUMMARY REPORT DISPLAYED AND VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC−2
SUMMARY REPORT NOT POSTED IN PLAIN VIEW OF ESTABLISHMENT'S CUSTOMERS FROM 6-3-2024, REPORT #2595582. MUST POST RECENT SUMMARY REPORT VISIBLE TO THE PUBLIC AT ALL TIMES. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION. 7-42-010(B). CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−46 pts

Risk factor bonus (3× +5)−15 pts

Jun 24

Canvass InspectionPass

1 High1 Med6 Basic

8 total

73/100inspection score

−27 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO HANDWASHING SIGNS OR POSTERS NEAR HAND WASHING SINK IN THE UNISEX EMPLYEES/CUSTOMERS WASHROOMS. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

36THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE−5
VISIBLE AND WORKING THERMOMETER NEEDED AT THE FRONT LINE 2-DOOR COOLER. MUST PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS IN THE INTEROR CONTACT SURFACES OF MILK COOLER. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED PEELING PAIN ON WALL BEHIND WATER TANK IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST REPAINT AND MAINTAIN.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED CLUTTER AND UNNUCESSARY ITEMS IN REAR STORAGE ROOMS. MUST REMOVED CLUTTER CLEAN AND ORGANIZE ROOM.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED DIRT AND DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDERNEATH REFRIGERATION UNUTS FOOD STORAGE SHELVING IN REAR OF PREMISES. MUST CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
OBSERVED MECHANICAL REGRIGERATION NOT WORKING IN BOTH UNISEX WASHROOMS. MUST REPAIR AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WITHOUT THE ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS MUST OBTAIN FOOD ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE.

Base deductions−27 pts

Jun 23

Complaint Re-Inspection InspectionPass w/ Conditions

2 High5 Basic

7 total2 risk factors

60/100inspection score

−30 pts

High Priority (2)

−20 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
PERSON IN CHARGE AT THE TIME OF THIS INSPECTION DOES NOT HAVE A VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER ON SITE DURING THE INSPECTION WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED/SERVED OR A VALID CERTIFICATE POSTED ON THE PREMISES. MUST PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
4-903.11(A;C)-- ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR HALLWAY STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NEWLY INSTALLED TILES ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER MUST BE SEALED TO BE TIGHT FITTING.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
6-201.11---CRACKED/DAMAGED WALL TILE AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
2-102.13--- NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
8-404.13(B:4)-- PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION FROM 1-6-22 REPORT #2546188 AND NOT CORRECTED FROM 6-12-23 REPORT #2577179 ARE STILL NOT CORRECTED.#58-: ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS NEEDED FOR NEW CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−30 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Jun 23

Complaint InspectionFail

1 High1 Med10 Basic

12 total

65/100inspection score

−35 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

33PROPER COOLING METHODS USED; ADEQUATE EQUIPMENT FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL−10
NOTED THE ABOVE MENTIONED ONE DOOR PREP COOLER UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE TEMPERATURE AT 49.4F WITH FOOD SUCH AS CHICKEN SALAD INSIDE AT 49.1F. COOLER TAGGED HELD FOR INSPECTION AND MUST NOT USE UNTIL REPAIRED AND MAINTAINS A TEMPERATURE OF 41F OR BELOW. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

22PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
OBSERVED THE FOLLOWING TCS FOODS HELD AT IMPROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES IN A ONE DOOR PREP COOLER. CHICKEN SALAD @49.1F, SLICED TOMATO @53.9F. ALL FOODS DISCARDED. PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (10)

−20 pts

45SINGLE-USE/SINGLE-SERVICE ARTICLES: PROPERLY STORED & USED−2
ALL STORED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE REAR HALLWAY STORAGE ROOM MUST BE ELEVATED FROM THE FLOORS.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE PLASTIC BUCKETS AS A MEANS OF ELEVATION FOR STORED BAGGED ONIONS. SHELVING MUST LEAVE FLOORS ACCESSIBLE TO SWEEP, MOP AND MONITOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
MUST NOT USE CLOTH STRING AS A MEANS TO PERMANENTLY ATTACH CUTTING TOOL FOR PLASTIC WRAPPED FOODS. FOOD CONTACT EQUIPMENT MUST BE SMOOTH AND CLEANABLE.
49NON-FOOD/FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEAN−2
INTERIOR OF THE ICE CREAM FREEZER WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND ICE BUILD-UP.---UNUSED ONE DOOR COOLER AT FRONT PREP WITH FOOD DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.
51PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES−2
LEAKING PIPING UNDER THE FRONT PREP HAND WASHING SINK BEING REPAIRED WITH A CLOTH TOWEL. MUST PROPERLY REPAIR.----ALSO NOTED AT SAME SINK FAUCET UNABLE TO COMPLETEY TURN OFF. MUST REPAIR.
54GARBAGE & REFUSE PROPERLY DISPOSED; FACILITIES MAINTAINED−2
MUST PROVIDE WASTE RECEPTACLES AT THE HAND WASHING SINKS.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
DIRTY FLOOR DRAIN WITH EXCESSIVE FOOD DEBRIS AND PLASTIC LIDS UNDER FRONT PREP METAL RACK SHELVING.----EXCESSIVE DUST ON THE CEILING VENT ABOVE THE REAR PREP STORAGE ACROSS FROM THE WALK-IN COOLER ENTRANCE. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN ALL.----CRACKED/DAMAGED WALL TILE AT THE THREE COMPARTMENT SINK. MUST REPLACE/REPAIR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED SOILED MOP HEAD IMPROPERLY STORED INSIDE THE MOP SINK. MUST STORE HANGING OR INVERTED.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS FROM 1-6-22 REPORT #2546188 NOT CORRECTED #55- OBSERVED MISSING BROKEN BASEBOARD WALL TILES IN PREP AND HALLWAY.REPLACE. MISSING CEILING TILES ABOVE THE WALK-IN COOLER(WEST AREA), MUST REPLACE.#58-: ADDITIONAL ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS NEEDED FOR NEW CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−35 pts

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Community Safety Reports

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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