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Chicago, IL

North America

United States

# Potbelly – Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Oak Park, IL, offers delicious sandwiches and salads with a community-focused atmosphere.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop, located at 1100 Lake St, Fl 1, Oak Park, IL, is a well-known restaurant chain specializing in sandwiches, salads, and milkshakes. Established with the vision of providing hearty, quality food in a friendly environment, Potbelly has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Despite its popularity, this particular location has faced challenges, as reflected in various customer reviews highlighting service inconsistencies and cleanliness issues. Nevertheless, Potbelly remains committed to delivering a satisfying dining experience, with a menu that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

## History
### The story of Potbelly
Potbelly Sandwich Shop was founded in 1977 in Chicago, Illinois, by Peter G. G. H. and his wife, who aimed to create a cozy spot for locals to enjoy homemade sandwiches. The original shop was a small antique store that served sandwiches to customers, quickly gaining a loyal following. Over the years, the concept evolved, leading to the establishment of multiple locations across the United States, each maintaining the core values of quality, community, and comfort.

### Milestones and growth
- 1977: Potbelly opens its first location in Chicago.
- 1996: The first franchise location opens, marking the beginning of expansion.
- 2005: Potbelly goes public, further accelerating its growth.
- 2010: The chain reaches over 200 locations nationwide.
- 2017: Potbelly celebrates 40 years of serving sandwiches.

### Cultural and local influence
Potbelly has become a staple in the communities it serves, often participating in local events and supporting charitable causes. The restaurant's casual atmosphere encourages social interaction, making it a popular gathering place for friends, families, and coworkers. Its menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sides that reflect the diverse tastes of the neighborhoods it inhabits, contributing to its cultural significance.

### Continuing the tradition
Potbelly continues to uphold its founding principles by focusing on quality ingredients and community engagement. The brand emphasizes the importance of customer service, although some locations, like the Oak Park branch, have faced challenges in this area. The company remains dedicated to improving its offerings and ensuring a positive experience for all patrons.

## Community
### Community involvement
Potbelly actively engages with the local community through various initiatives, including sponsorship of local events, partnerships with schools, and support for charitable organizations. The restaurant often hosts fundraisers, where a portion of sales goes to local causes, fostering a sense of community and goodwill.

### Community notion about the place
The Oak Park location has garnered mixed reviews from the community. While some patrons appreciate the food and the concept, many express dissatisfaction with the service and cleanliness. This dichotomy reflects a broader sentiment within the community, where residents hope for improvements while still valuing the brand's presence.

### Events and gatherings
Potbelly often serves as a venue for casual gatherings, whether for lunch breaks, after-school meetups, or community events. The restaurant's layout and ambiance encourage social interaction, making it a popular choice for informal meetings and celebrations. However, the effectiveness of these gatherings can be impacted by service delays and cleanliness issues, as noted by several customers in their reviews.

## Offerings
### What Potbelly offers
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is known for its extensive menu, featuring a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sides. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients and offering customizable options to cater to different dietary preferences. Signature items include the A Wreck sandwich, the Veggie Melt, and various milkshakes, including seasonal specialties.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Potbelly is designed to be casual and welcoming. Customers can choose to dine in or take their meals to go. The restaurant's interior is often decorated with local artwork, creating an inviting atmosphere. However, feedback indicates that the quality of the dining experience can vary significantly based on service efficiency and cleanliness, with some patrons reporting issues with food preparation and staff interactions.

### Events and packages
Potbelly offers catering services for events, providing a selection of sandwiches, salads, and sides suitable for gatherings of various sizes. Their catering packages are designed to accommodate both small and large groups, making it a convenient option for parties, corporate meetings, and other celebrations. However, the execution of these services can be inconsistent, as highlighted by customer reviews.

### Facilities and features
- Casual dining area
- Takeout and delivery options
- Catering services
- Seasonal menu items
- Community engagement initiatives

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Customer reviews of the Oak Park Potbelly location reveal a range of experiences, with many highlighting both positive and negative aspects. While some patrons enjoy the food, others express frustration with service delays and cleanliness issues. This feedback underscores the need for improvements in operational efficiency and staff training.

### Compliments and strengths
Despite the challenges, some customers appreciate the quality of the food, particularly the freshness of the ingredients and the variety of menu options. The ability to customize sandwiches is also a notable strength, allowing patrons to tailor their meals to their preferences. Additionally, the restaurant's community involvement is often praised, reflecting its commitment to local engagement.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Contrasting experiences are common among customers, with some reporting excellent service and food quality, while others describe their visits as frustrating and disappointing. Issues such as long wait times, incorrect orders, and unprofessional staff behavior have been frequently mentioned, indicating a need for consistent service standards across the board.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Oak Park has the potential to be a beloved community spot, but it faces significant challenges in service delivery and cleanliness. While the food quality remains a highlight, addressing operational inefficiencies and enhancing the customer experience are crucial for improving its reputation.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is conveniently located in Oak Park, a vibrant suburb of Chicago, IL. The restaurant is situated at 1100 Lake St, Fl 1, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. Oak Park is known for its rich architectural history, including the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, and offers a variety of shops, parks, and cultural attractions. The community's emphasis on arts and culture enhances the dining experience at Potbelly, as patrons can enjoy a meal before or after exploring the local area.

## FAQs
**What type of food does Potbelly serve** Potbelly serves sandwiches, salads, and milkshakes.
**Is Potbelly family-friendly** Yes, Potbelly is a casual dining spot suitable for families.
**Does Potbelly offer catering services** Yes, Potbelly provides catering for events and gatherings.

## Visit Potbelly Today
Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Oak Park invites you to experience its delicious menu and community spirit. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, this restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches and salads that cater to diverse tastes. While reviews highlight areas for improvement, the friendly atmosphere and community involvement make Potbelly a worthwhile stop for anyone in the area. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a place to gather with friends, Potbelly is ready to serve you.

0eebaf7e-c48a-4e36-b66b-996f9b8ce420

You're always annoying or bothering the staff. At least, that's how they treat you when you're ordering in-person. Been in here two dozen times and it's always an exercise in hoping they got your order right while dodging the employee's disdain of their customers. This must come from management on down, as it's been this way at least for the past 5 years. Tables are always strewn with trash, napkins running out...it's like the dining room doesn't get tended to until they close. Ordering from them online? Good luck with your order having everything it's supposed to or even that your sandwich was made the way it was supposed to be made. Not surprising, just disappointing.

6090d0df-8525-4a50-b495-bab26b23d5c3

Just visited this place for the first (and last) time as I'm new to the area. I wanted to try their Banana Pudding milk shake. I was "greeted" by an employee behind the counter(after waiting a minute just to be acknowledged) who said: "So whatchu want?!" Outstanding service, amirite?! I asked about the banana pudding shake advertised in the window, and if they still made it, the guy looked confused like I was speaking another language...maybe the music was too loud. So I asked again with more clarity...and he still kinda stood there like he had no idea what I was saying. Meanwhile there was another employee fluttering around imitating work within earshot giving his two cents. I was supposed to be a customer but obviously I was disrupting some important standing around doing absolutely nothing activities. Now I guess I'll never know what that shake tastes like because as I told the young lady who said she was the manager, 'I won't be back'. Seriously bruh, a MILKSHAKE.

d71d8d20-51b6-4a0d-9b6c-4e5b935844e1

I made my order via app and it was ready as I arrived. The staff were friendly and efficient. I do wish that Potbelly had dedicated vegan and plant-based items on the menu; but for now I will continue to customize my sandwich when u do order here.

c8b76499-88a0-47c1-add3-a8f28de59537

I ordered the Farmhouse salad in person during lunch on Thursday, July 31st around 1:30 PM It was the absolute worst salad I've ever had. I'm not sure when the salad was made but certainly not that day. The bacon was congealed on the top and the tomatoes were mushy. It was so gross I couldn't even eat the salad. The bathrooms were also filthy and had no toilet paper. I love Potbelly's and have eaten at other locations several times and have not had a problem. The staff there seemed very overwhelmed but did the best they could.

338bcb70-8822-43cf-8a87-385791b658b3

I have been to other locations in the city (Chicago) Unfortunately this place is just a mess. It needs a bit of a tiding up and unfortunately the staff they have seem to be overwhelmed. Not sure if it's because of online orders but a lot of people were vexed cause they ordered stuff and it was not ready. Unfortunately I read other reviews on this location and unfortunately it's true.... Believe me I get it, it's not easy to get or retain staff. I have been to this location a long time ago and they did not seem to have issues. Unfortunately now they do. Our sandwiches were perfect considering the back up. I told the manager you all having this kind of back up on a week day evening was a bit much and everyone seemed discombobulated. He was not much help other than"What do you want me to do" it's obvious you don't need a Harvard MBA to figure it out. It's too bad this place could be really rocking as it's in a great area but if people are in line and ordering and waiting 20-25 minutes for a sandwich do you blame them for being annoyed. Do better....

4eb773b3-252d-4d07-b3e7-ec4fe8011dfe

This is the most unprofessional restaurant I have ever had the displeasure of visiting!. I have attempted at least 6 times to give this location a shot because I do like Potbelly, however, on EVERY occasion I have experienced an ENTIRE staff of workers who are rude and unprofessional. They have routinely used profanity in my presence and talked amongst themselves loudly and in street lingo with no regards for my presence (perhaps feeling that it was okay to code-switch with me because I, too, am the same race). I have a feeling of dread whenever I walk into this Potbelly because I know that everyone who works there is on the same page and lacks respect and professionalism, particularly around those that look like them. Today was no exception: I, being the only person at the order counter, was completely and utterly ignored for 3-4 minutes by the young man standing no further that 3 feet in front of me, with only the order counter between us. This young man did not acknowledge me with so much as a head nod or eye contact and instead continued to split open the bag of bread loafs in front of him. After determining that I was not going to be acknowledged or helped I left and promptly called the manager from the card that was left at the counter and from him I received the perfunctory response. While I understand that you want to give young people a chance, there remains a minimum amount of professionalism expected, regardless of your life circumstances. Respect and professionalism is clearly not a requirement at this establishment and it is clearly modeled and encouraged because once or twice can be a mistake but 5-6 times is a norm and for that reason alone, I will never return to this location and would encourage others to do the same. In my opinion this location should be closed or completely re-staffed. Do Better!

b1ed51a5-9bc0-4626-9860-ea686a61f5a7

This potbelly is actually terrible. The customer service is mid but they do NOT get orders correct. They have messed up my order not once, but TWICE! I'm never going here again. I wouldn't recommend them.

8c8d743f-911c-4025-92db-b4416ac3bbef

They have the worst customer service! Not friendly and gave me grief on not being able to find my pre order. I don't think I'll ever go back. They need some education on customer service!!!!

118e95f9-14fa-4f24-8717-032c52e12326

Potbelly is generally a solid 4. I love Potbelly! This location is a negative 4! I ordered on the app and it said ready in 20 minutes. I waited 20 minutes to leave. Upon arrival they had not started my order and only one customer was in the store with dirty tables. Twenty minutes later my order was handed to me. Got home and it was wrong. Fireball is supposed to have chili and cheddar cheese. I got a dry meatball sub. Nope, no, don't do it, don't go there. Get some Potbelly. Drive out of your way to find it. Just don't make the mistake of visiting this location.

c42727bf-a6b1-44fa-8b22-00601efca10f

Consistent food at Potbelly with the Veggie Melt I had today. Very well stocked sandwich with mushrooms and cheese. This Downtown Oak Park location was a bit understaffed, maybe? Even though I ordered on the App, I waited extra 30 minutes for Sammie to be done, as they were filling in line orders before online. Why don't staff up and do both simultaneously? So, that's why review low because not great service.

Discover Potbelly in Oak Park, Chicago—delight in tasty sandwiches and cozy atmosphere. Visit us at 1100 Lake St for a satisfying meal today.

Potbelly Restaurant in Oak Park, Chicago - Great Local Eats

Oak Park

Potbelly

Illinois

Enjoy tasty sandwiches at Potbelly, Oak Park, Chicago. Perfect for lunch or casual dining. Visit us at 1100 Lake St for a delightful experience!

Potbelly in Oak Park, Chicago - Delicious Sandwiches & Cozy Atmosphere

Learn about Potbelly in Oak Park, Chicago. Serving up delicious sandwiches and friendly service at 1100 Lake St. Come and discover your new favorite spot!

About Potbelly in Oak Park, Chicago - Your Favorite Sandwich Spot

Opening hours for Potbelly, Oak Park, Chicago. Find opening hours for Potbelly, Oak Park, Chicago on 1100 Lake St.

Potbelly Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Potbelly

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