Ok, I have come here 5 times in a row after 8 pm and they're don't have what I want (meatball). Â I don't know why they even keep it on the menu. Â And what drives me crazy is that the hipsters that work here don't really care. If I owned this particular franchise I would be pissed if I knew that the staff couldn't care less about satisfying his or her customers. They get a couple of stars for the parking lot but that's it. Â
I really hate giving a bad review but I am tired of this place and the attitudes of the people who work here and told myself last time (4 times in a row at that point) if it happened again, I would write a review.
"I used to tell my pitchers I could get them two strikes on Boggs easy, but from then on they were on their own. There's no doubt in my mind that he is the best two-strike hitter in history."
-Rene Lachemann
. Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â .
I used to say that nothing nails an analogy like a nice, clean comparison. Then I realized that I was being redundant.
Potbelly is not redundant. Yes, there are hundreds of locations sprinkled across Americana. But it is not redundant. It is consistent. There's about ten sandwiches on the menu. Ten pitches. Not a one is an out (maybe the tuna). They are all singles. The Pizza is a double. I once watched a baseball player hit singles day after day for twenty years. He wasn't redundant. He was consistent.
. Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â . Â .
"Wade Boggs was a virtuoso with a bat and one of the game's true masters at striking a baseball between the foul lines at an alarmingly successful rate."
-Baseball Hall of Fame
Sandwiches are great, the people are friendly... however, the last 4 out of 5 times I've been there they've made my sandwich wrong. They make it in front of you, they ask you what you want... but somehow in the few seconds between when I say what I want and what they put on it they completely mess up.
I think my order is easy too; lettuce, tomato, onions, hot peppers (and mustard if I'm geting anything other than the mediterranean). Of my last five visits ordering the same thing, I've got hot peppers only twice. I also had mayo added once, and oil and italian seasoning added twice. One time, I had chicken added to it when I clearly told them no chicken. I'm not really vegetarian, Â but I've cut out meat as part of a diet this month. If I was really vegetarian and took a big bite out of my sandwich and found chicken in it like I did, I would have really been furious.
I wish the counters were a little lower so you can see what they're doing, that way I could shout at them when they start to put something on the sandwich I didn't ask for. But really, they should be listening to the customer when making the sandwich, I don't mind even being asked again what I want on it. I'd rather have to repeat my order than get mayo on my sandwich again. Blech.
Walked up to the staff behind the counter and asked him what's in the vegetable soup and he wasn't able to answer me with ONE ingredient. That of course made me skeptical if I should even order it, but if it wasn't for the cold weather outside, I would have definitely turned around and walked away.
The soup was okay, but my friend's Tuna Sandwich was pretty awesome.
I don't have a problem with Potbelly as a whole -- it's this location that irks me. Â In short, everyone who works here appears WAY too cool to be working at Potbelly. Â Cases in point: about a month ago, I ordered a salad and asked for it with everything. Â The guy in line asked me again, "you want everything?" and I affirmed. Â Sure enough, when I got home, it was missing cheese. Â
About two weeks ago, I went and, when I was checking out, asked for a bag because I had three salads and two sandwiches. Â The uber-cool kid working the register literally threw a bag in my direction and just chuckled. Â I put everything down and said to him, curtly, "no, you put it all in the bag." Â He just huffed.
Then, last weekend, I went on a Sunday afternoon. Â Before sitting down, I went to use the restroom. Â It was a mess, and, in particular, there was no soap. Â I told the people working the front line about the poor conditions and pointed out that someone had initialed that they had cleaned it as recently as 20 minutes ago. Â They said, "oh, yeah, cool." Â When we left 30 minutes later, nothing had been cleaned. Â
I will not be returning and am considering alerting the health department about the last violation.
I come here quite regularly when I'm in the mood for sandwiches. Â My favs are the meatball and turkey breast. Â The Oreo shake is pretty yummy too. Â Like others have mentioned, there is an actual parking lot, which is nice. Â The staff has always been friendly to me. Â The price is affordable (it's a sandwich chain, not fine dining). Â It gets 4 stars because it's close to home, which is convenient.
Review Source:This was the week that they were out of Tomatoes? ugh!!!  I usually get  the WRECK sandwich but it did not taste good. Not sure if the employees were just tired or if it was due to me mentally knowing that they were out of the tomatoes (or even other veggies due to the farmers) what is odd is that they didn't give me a discount on the sandwhich haha!
Review Source:I don't typically review corporate stores but I eat here enough that I owe it to them.
When I die and come back, i want to be a hipster that works at this store.
-I want to ride a bicycle to work and chill in an eclectically decorated restaurant.
-I want to listen to live music as I work.
-I want to greet customers with a smile and then ask unusually inquisitive questions that catch customers off guard.
-I want to yell "Oreo shake!" for no real reason.
-I want to say "sideways" just in case people in line get out of order.
-I want to stamp brown bags with an overly sized stamp pad.
I want to be these guys.
Potbelly makes some pretty good sandwiches and salads. Â My favorite so far has been the ' wreck salad'. Â Their sandwiches are like I said 'pretty good', not great not bad. Â This is for sure a step above Subway. Â They are fancier than Jimmy Johns but not necessarily better. Â These subs have PLENTY of calories, so check the nutrition facts. Â My salad had a whopping 780 calories in it!!! Â I was not expecting that. Â
They deliver, which is great!
Their chips aren't very good, but we shouldn't eat chips anyway.
All of my coworkers love the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
See the Big Jack's PB & J option on the board? Well, TCB and hold onto your spangles baby, it can get better:
This insanely, strangely delicious experience isn't on the board... I am told it is a killer hangover remedy blessed by the spirit of The King: Peanut butter, jelly, bananas and hot peppers- how could Elvis have missed it?
Again, It's not on the menu, if you are in when the staff isn't overwhelmed by lines of hungry patrons, be real nice and they might just make it for you.
I think they can even add bacon... wow.
The only thing not included is an angioplasty!
No Elvis impersonations required.
San-sideburns, here is my best yelp effort:
Uhhuhhuh...Thank you, thank you very much!
I would still consider this location relatively new even though its been up for some time. Â And just when Ive gotten to know the workers faces and how they make my sandwich, they go and switch it up on me. Â But regardless the company as a whole seems to do alright in their training process so some consistency is achievable.
I always go with a Big Wreck on regular. Â Roast beef, salami, ham, turkey, swiss...you cant go wrong. Â Everything no pickle. Â Depending on whose making my sandwich..sometimes I go easy oil or easy hot peppers. Â Thats why it pays to learn faces and prep styles. Â I cant have an oily mess in my lap or a mouthful of hot peppers in every single bite when Im having lunch at work now. Â I reserve utter gluttony for my days off. Â
Soups or chilli with my Big Wreck is usually a toss up. Â Soups I either go with the loaded baked potato or the broccoli cheddar. Chilli is awesome but not always workspace appropriate. Â Theyre a toss up because when I get them I wish I didnt..when I dont get them I wish I hadnt. Â Always good..but not always good fer yah.
My new most local sandwich shop. The product was great (although the regular size is a little too small, and the "big" is a little too big for me) -- everything perfectly toasted, and exactly as ordered. The staff just all seemed totally zoned-out -- the girl at the register wanted to finish her rather long and tiresome gossiping with her colleague in preference to taking my money.
Review Source:This is a travesty. Why do I come to Pot Belly's? One word: Wreck on wheat. Ok, that's 3 words, but the first one is the critical word to focus on. I like it... nay, I love it. It rolls out of the little toaster conveyor belt and they ask me what do I want on it. I always reply everything -- light on the oil.
What have I been getting recently? A, what would be a perfectly delicious Wreck, sandwich swimming in oil. Blasphemy! Can someone tell me how exactly "light on the oil" can translate into "au jus"??
I don't know what to do. I started to notice the excess and pointing it out has only seemed to make it worse. Grr. I'm I suppose to jump over the counter and prepare it myself? I would just avoid the oil all together, but I like a little on there (or at least anything less than an insane amount). So, why should I have to compromise?
Why did I give this place 3-stars even though they are messing up one of my favorite sandwiches? Well, it is still pretty good, despite. It's just a whole lot messy-er-er to eat. Also, they have an ample parking lot which is found about as often as uncut diamonds growing off an apple tree.
Okay, so I know Potbelly gets a bad rap from some people. They think what's the big deal. Well it's good eatin'! But i will concede sandwiches are a very personal thing. What one chain offers might be completely off-putting for someone else. I love Potbelly and Subway, not so much Jimmy John's. The customer service has been excellent. Maybe it's just the locations I've visited, but all the employees seem to be older than your average fast food chain and that's a good thing. They are always friendly and polite. they don't act like they don't  want to be there. The dining areas have always been clean too. That being said, this is my favorite PSW meal
-Original Ham and Swiss on regular bread, w/ a little mayo, lettuce and tomato
-A side of potato salad
-A medium Cherry Coke
Yes folks they have Cherry Coke at the fountain! Also Coke Zero! I've read some reviews that say there's no fountain drinks. Well in some locations you have to look for them. This one is by the window to the left of the cash register. Â A great selection of drinks different from most fast food places, both in bottles and self-serve is a huge plus
The potato salad is fantastic.  I'm very picky when it comes to food with mayonnaise (see the "little mayo" request for my sandwich). But they get this pitch perfect.  Just the right amount of  black pepper, not alot of mustard and the potatoes are cut au gratin style so you don't get huge chunks of hard potato. If they sold this stuff in tubs at the store I'd buy it.
The sandwich...well it's just plain good. In my book you can't go wrong with ham and swiss. I will admit it's not gourmet or fancy but it fills you up and doesn't leave you  wishing you hadn't eaten it later.
I usually don't get this, but their strawberry shakes are so good. Â The soups are also nice if you're in the mood. Much better than Corner Bakery or Noodles & Company.
Okay the cons....
Their macaroni salad. I tried it once and regretted it. Too much salad dressing and not enough macaroni. They put shredded cheese it in too which is kind of weird. I will say that the macaroni was nice and al dente. Â Haven't tried the cole slaw, not a fan.
No cranberries in the chicken salad sandwich but they put them in the salad. What's up with that?
Their cookies! Am I the only one that thinks they are gross? I love soft chewy cookies but I'm sorry underdone doesn't cut it for me. Apparently that's how they make them and I just think it's unappetizing. I got the oatmeal chocolate chip. The chips were sickeningly sweet and there was barely enough oatmeal. I'll stick with the shakes.
Takeout isn't such a great idea if you've got a ways to go. I did this once. Sandwiches weren't warm anymore and the potato salad wasn't as cold as it should be. It's highly recommended if you order a full meal to eat inside.
TO SUM UP....
I'd recommend this restaurant to anyone. It may seem like there's enough complaints here not to go back. But when they do one of my favorite meals this well I will go back. I just have my set order, and that's fine. Also, I have to mention the atmosphere is really nice. The piped in music is great. They play Steely Dan and ZZ Top people! Â So if you've never tried it go. And if what you get doesn't float your boat they might have something else that's perfect for you.
*******************************
Must add, this location gets extra points for being in the city of Chicago with ample parking that's FREE!!!!
Why this Potbelly is superior to other Potbellys:
-They have ample parking, which is a rarity.
-As Christa said, they have Coke Zero AND Light Lemonade, which is fucking fabulous
-They have always been friendly to me
I go to this particular P.B. because I live very close to it. Â I give it only 3 stars because it is, in fact, a chain restaurant that serves mediocre food. Â So, in my mind this is the best of the Potbelly's, but far from the best dining option any day of the week.
I'm going their tonight after I write this review, because now my mouth is watering for a meatball sandwich with peppers!
No one makes a better PB&J sandwich for my kid. He loves the fact that it is so huge. The service is always fast and friendly. I also enjoy it when there is a local Chicago musician in the corner playing. A great addition to the Lakeview area over recent years.
After drinking many glasses of water and a margarita at Sura Thai, I somehow was stupid enough not to use the facilities before leaving, even though I'd almost wet my pants earlier in the day. Â I know, I'm dumb. Â After one attempt at peeing at a gas station whose bathrooms had just been repainted, this Potbelly was like my shining oasis in the desert. Â I felt so relieved, literally, that I bought a dream bar. Â It made a tasty breakfast, and none of the workers made fun of me for obviously only stopping in to whizz. Â Hooray.
Review Source:i usually come in with at least a single stroller, if not a double. Â never seems to phase the employees--even if one or both of the kids is crying.
i'm usually coming in because it's been a rough day with the kids and i need a shake and cookie.
sometimes i actually get a sandwich too.
I get extra chocolate in my chocolate shake, and they never look at me like "ok, lady with the screaming kid" they just smile and put in extra chocolate. Â The cookies are always delicious and perfectly under-baked for that gooey-oh-so-good-melt-in-your-mouth-i-never-want-Âto-stop-eating-this-cookie texture!
I've been in all times of day and the line always moves along pretty quickly, and the service is always great. Â My sandwich (roast beef on regular with everything except peppers) is always perfect!
I feel like this Potbelly's went out of its way to have better service. Â I came in and placed my order and everyone was polite, and mostly it was the cashier guy who was particularly nice and I'm not sure if he was hitting on me. Â You never know if someone is being genuinely nice or they think you are cute, thus my confusion continues to exist. Â Anyways, he said that I made a tasty decision on my sandwich and let me know where the fountain drinks were. Â Yeah, I love me some turkey bacon sandwich. Â It was a simple but easy way to be more personable with the customers without overdoing it and I appreciated it. Â I also have to say that there are plenty of other good looking customers that come in here. Â There was also a guitar player singing in the corner that was pretty good. Â Too bad for the screaming antsy child that came in though. Â Yeah, there are quite a bit of kids or families that come in here over the weekends, especially too.
Review Source:I came here when I visited Chicago for the first time. I saw the chain all over the city. On our last day right before hitting the bus to go to the airport, we ended up here. I was anxious to see if they were any good. I definitely like the set up of the store and it was clean. The staff making the sandwiches were very friendly.
The sandwich itself...it was good...but not really worth coming back, especially when there is so much good food here in this city.
But I liked the fact that they deliver...I think all sandwich places should deliver. I wish they have that back in California.
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