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HIGH RISK

POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS

545 W MADISON ST, Chicago, IL 60661

This restaurant has significant health inspection issues.

Multiple critical violations were found during recent inspections. Exercise caution.

SafeScore

52/100

Inspections

4

Last Inspected

Jan 2026

Critical

0

Analysis

Violation Breakdown

6 total

temperature
233%
pest
117%
facility
117%
contamination
117%
hygiene
117%

Case History

Inspection Timeline

MinorTemperature

PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED MEATBALLS AND RED SAUCE BETWEEN 110.0F AND 130.0F AT THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA WARMER. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD LISTED TCS FOOD ITEM(S) AT IMPROPER HOT-HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOOD ITEM(S) AT 135.0F OR ABOVE FOR HOT-HOLDING. APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $30.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED LISTED TCS FOOD ITEM(S) ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION ISSUED.

Code 21

MinorTemperature

PROPER COLD HOLDING TEMPERATURES - Comments: OBSERVED CUT TOMATOES AT 50.1F IN THE FRONT PREPARATION AREA MINI COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO DENATURE AND DISCARD LISTED TCS FOOD ITEM(S) AT IMPROPER COLD-HOLDING TEMPERATURES AND MAINTAIN ALL TCS FOOD ITEM(S) AT 41.0F OR BELOW FOR COLD-HOLDING. APPROXIMATELY 10 LBS OF FOOD VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $15.00 DISCARDED ON-SITE. PERSON-IN-CHARGE DENATURED AND DISCARDED LISTED TCS FOOD ITEM(S) ON-SITE AT TIME OF INSPECTION. PRIORITY VIOLATION. 7-38-005 CITATION CONSOLIDATION WITH VIOLATION #21.

Code 22

MinorPest

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED STORAGE CLOSET IN THE REAR AREA (NEAR EMPLOYEE RESTROOM) TO BE EXCESSIVELY CLUTTERED. INSTRUCTED TO REDUCE CLUTTER AND ELIMINATE ITEMS UNNECESSARY TO FOOD OPERATIONS TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE PEST MONITORING AND MAINTAIN.

Code 55

MinorFacility

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN - Comments: OBSERVED FLOORS BENEATH 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND CHEST FREEZER IN THE REAR WAREWASHING/UTILITY AREA TO BE SOILED WITH DRIED FOOD DEBRIS AND DUST DEBRIS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN FLOORS BENEATH EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT BUILD UP OF DUST, DRIED FOOD DEBRIS, AND OTHER SOILS AND MAINTAIN.

Code 55

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Data sourced from public health inspection records. SafeScore is computed from inspection results, violation severity, trends, and consistency. All data is public record. Last updated based on jurisdiction reporting schedules.