Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Chicago, IL

North America

United States

# Potbelly – Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Crestwood, Chicago, IL
Potbelly Sandwich Shop, located at 13134 Cicero Ave, Crestwood, Chicago, IL, is a beloved restaurant known for its hearty sandwiches and community vibe. Established with a vision to provide quality food in a cozy atmosphere, Potbelly has become a staple for locals seeking delicious meals. The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sides, with a focus on fresh ingredients and customer satisfaction. Over the years, Potbelly has garnered a loyal following, with many patrons praising the friendly service and the flavorful offerings. However, like any establishment, it has faced its share of mixed reviews, reflecting the diverse experiences of its customers.

## History
### The story of Potbelly
Potbelly Sandwich Shop began with a simple vision: to create a warm and inviting space where people could enjoy delicious sandwiches. Founded in 1977 in Chicago, the original location was a small antique shop that served sandwiches to customers. The concept quickly gained popularity, leading to the expansion of the brand across the United States. Potbelly's commitment to quality and community has remained at the core of its identity, making it a recognizable name in the fast-casual dining sector.

### Milestones and growth
- 1977: Potbelly opens its first location in Chicago.
- 1996: The brand begins franchising, expanding its reach beyond Chicago.
- 2005: Potbelly goes public, further fueling its growth.
- 2010: The company celebrates its 300th location.
- 2020: Potbelly adapts to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing its delivery and takeout services.

### Cultural and local influence
Potbelly has become more than just a sandwich shop; it represents a cultural phenomenon in many communities. Its unique blend of comfort food and a relaxed atmosphere resonates with a diverse clientele. The restaurant often hosts local events and supports community initiatives, reinforcing its role as a neighborhood gathering spot. Many customers appreciate the nostalgic feel of the original locations, which are adorned with eclectic decor and a welcoming ambiance.

### Continuing the tradition
As Potbelly continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its founding principles. The brand emphasizes quality ingredients, customer service, and community engagement. New menu items are introduced periodically, while classic favorites remain staples. The commitment to providing a pleasant dining experience ensures that Potbelly retains its loyal customer base while attracting new patrons.

## Community
### Community involvement
Potbelly actively engages with the communities it serves, often participating in local events and supporting charitable causes. The restaurant frequently collaborates with schools, non-profits, and community organizations to foster goodwill and strengthen ties with local residents. This involvement not only enhances the brand's reputation but also creates a sense of belonging among customers.

### Community notion about the place
Many locals view Potbelly as a friendly and reliable dining option. The restaurant is often described as a gathering place where friends and families can enjoy a meal together. Customers appreciate the casual atmosphere and the attentive service, which contribute to a positive dining experience. However, some reviews indicate that experiences can vary, particularly regarding staff interactions.

### Events and gatherings
Potbelly hosts various events, including community fundraisers, live music nights, and seasonal celebrations. These gatherings not only promote the brand but also encourage community members to come together and enjoy good food and entertainment. The restaurant's ability to adapt its offerings for special occasions makes it a popular choice for group outings and celebrations.

## Offerings
### What Potbelly offers
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is renowned for its extensive menu featuring a variety of sandwiches, salads, and sides. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh ingredients and offers customizable options for patrons. Signature sandwiches like the Wreck and Turkey Avocado are popular choices, while salads and soups provide lighter alternatives. The menu also includes a selection of desserts, including cookies that many customers rave about.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Potbelly is designed to be casual and enjoyable. Customers can choose to dine in or opt for takeout and delivery services. The restaurant's layout encourages a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for quick lunches or leisurely dinners. Many patrons appreciate the ability to customize their orders, allowing them to create meals that suit their tastes.

### Events and packages
Potbelly offers catering services for events, providing a range of sandwich platters, salads, and sides. This makes it a convenient choice for corporate meetings, parties, and gatherings. The restaurant also runs promotions and loyalty programs, rewarding frequent customers with discounts and free items. These offerings enhance the overall value for patrons and encourage repeat visits.

### Facilities and features
- Cozy dining area
- Outdoor seating (where applicable)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Delivery and takeout options
- Catering services for events

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Potbelly Sandwich Shop reveal a mix of experiences. Many customers highlight the quality of the food and the speed of service, while others express dissatisfaction with specific interactions or order accuracy. The restaurant's commitment to quality ingredients is frequently praised, but some patrons have noted inconsistencies in service and food preparation.

### Compliments and strengths
Positive reviews often emphasize the flavor of the sandwiches and the friendly demeanor of certain staff members. Many customers appreciate the variety of options available, allowing for customization to suit individual preferences. The ambiance of the restaurant is also frequently mentioned as a strong point, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Conversely, some reviews point to negative experiences, particularly regarding customer service. Instances of staff appearing disinterested or unhelpful have been noted, leading to frustration among customers. Additionally, there are mentions of order inaccuracies, which can detract from the overall experience. These contrasts highlight the variability in service quality at different times.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Potbelly Sandwich Shop offers a solid dining experience characterized by flavorful food and a welcoming atmosphere. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in customer service consistency, the restaurant maintains a loyal customer base that appreciates its offerings. The combination of quality food and community involvement positions Potbelly as a noteworthy option in the fast-casual dining landscape.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Potbelly Sandwich Shop is conveniently located at 13134 Cicero Ave, Crestwood, Chicago, IL. This area is known for its accessibility and proximity to various attractions. Visitors can explore nearby parks, shopping centers, and entertainment venues, making it an ideal stop for those looking to enjoy a meal while out and about. The restaurant's location in Crestwood provides a suburban feel while still being close to the vibrant city of Chicago, offering a unique blend of local charm and urban convenience.

## FAQs
**What type of food does Potbelly serve** Potbelly specializes in sandwiches, salads, and sides.
**Is Potbelly a good place for families** Yes, Potbelly offers a casual atmosphere suitable for families.
**Does Potbelly offer catering services** Yes, Potbelly provides catering options for events and gatherings.
**Can I customize my order at Potbelly** Yes, customers can customize their sandwiches and salads to their liking.
**What are the hours of operation for Potbelly** Hours may vary by location; check local listings for specifics.

## Visit Potbelly Today
Potbelly Sandwich Shop in Crestwood, Chicago, IL, invites you to experience its delicious menu and friendly atmosphere. With a rich history and a commitment to community, Potbelly offers a variety of sandwiches and salads that cater to diverse tastes. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, the restaurant's welcoming vibe and quality offerings make it a great choice. Join the many satisfied customers who appreciate the flavors and friendly service at Potbelly!

7d1ecf73-5d7e-4e29-b05d-80354ac8c34c

I come here frequently because I love the sandwiches. The staff are super quick and very nice and friendly. I don't know the name of the Manager, but she is absolutely WONDERFUL. The prices are decent, and the food is of good quality. After you eat a Pot Belly sandwich, you won't be hungry! I love this place and I'm so glad it's only a few minutes from where I live!

d197ae89-6dc3-489c-b6ac-ec442ab898f4

The 2 girls that were there just now 11/23/2024 around 9:30pm had the worst customer service. As soon as we walked in they had an attitude plastered on their faces. When we asked if the chicken club came with bacon the girl serving shook her hands in the air while saying "its a chicken club" with major attitude. The second girl appears and makes the comment "its late". Mind you its 9:30pm and closing time is 10pm. The business stays open until then regardless of you wanting to make a sale or not. Dont like your then job quit but dont make customers feel dumb when theres a question regarding your menu. Know your business hours because if you do not like them then maybe this job isnt for you.

61c2bccb-d10f-434c-9c86-248766c5d1e9

We ordered online and everything was wrong with my order. I ordered a half a salad and I paid $8 for it!!! Because it was supposed to have grilled chicken so I thought it was worth it. As you can see in the pictures, there's no grilled chicken anywhere in that salad. One of my sandwiches was supposed to be white bread and both came in wheat we ordered extra cheese and it was nowhere to be found. If we were asking for extra stuff for free I would understand, but we're paying for all the extras we're ordering, that's just not right. And to top it off, the cashier was extra rude handing out our order, she almost threw it at us. Very disappointed, I will not be coming back to this location.

ef08cf00-46a1-47a9-ab83-edb8bd20ea53

I don't understand why this place has such a low review score. I frickin love it. Their sandwiches have more flavor than most places. The only thing I think it's missing is some vinegar or some other dressing as an option on your sandwich. Other than that, I've tried several and they are tasty. I'm now a member of the rewards/I have their app, and I get free stuff all the time. A free cookie, a free sandwich, I mean that in an of itself is awesome. The turkey avocado sandwich is good. I customize it, as I do all my sandwiches. The wreck is one of my favs because it has a few different meats all in one. My new staple is the ham and cheese- I mean smoked ham, Swiss cheese- and I get double and then ask for 1/2 to be cheddar, just to mix it up! Add lettuce, tomato, onion, extra pickles, extra seasoning, and mayo and you've got yourself a surprisingly tasty meal. Now, sometimes they won't read the customization instructions; like when my BF ordered peppers on the side, but they came on the sandwich. Or one time he was waiting for my order and he noticed it seemed light on cheese because the guy didn't see I ordered double, so he asked him to add it without retaliating it, but the guy retaliated it anyway. Those instances are few and far between and I feel like every time we order things get better. Maybe it's because COVID is (hopefully) almost over? I dunno, but regardless I can't understand why this place has poor reviews. Have you tried their cookies? Omg that sugar cookie is my fav. And the Bf likes the chocolate one. I need to try their salads and their Mac n cheese. Everything looks good, but I'm so hung up on their sandwiches. Oh! And sizing: the regular is great, but if you're really hungry, you could probably eat a large. I get the large and then save half for later!

25281d30-3d9e-48ec-80d8-096ba5295428

I really enjoyed this potbelly. Quick spot to eat with the wife. The food was appetizing. The service quick. The restaurant was quiet when we arrived so relaxing also.

4dab5b9c-de33-41ac-90e8-c51cc036ae30

This was the second time I ever tried Potbelly's. The first was at Baltimore Airport and I was not impressed, actually saddened what I got was called a sandwich! I worked at a NY deli when I was younger and take sandwich making seriously!! So I took a chance today as I was hankering for an Italian hero.... and tried the Crestwood location...WOW!! Walked in, easy order even substituted mortadella for turkey. Asked for it toasted and it was toasted to perfection! The bread was so fresh, and thin but real bakery like!! I got all the fixins but hot peppers and it was one of THE BEST sandwiches I've had in awhile!! Easy order, easy pay (cashier even went above and beyond trying to help me use a few bucks left on a visa gift card), friendly service! Sad they didnt have a tip jar, that was tip worthy!!! This hero was crave worthy, already thinkin about the next one!!

06b57ea4-86c4-4a4c-861f-2c38b10443e6

Ordered a chicken caesar salad. It was missing the parmesan cheese and the lettuce was brown, wilted, and aged like it had been sitting at the bottom of the fridge for a week. Highly disappointing! I ate the chicken and threw everything else in the trash. I will just make my own salads moving forward. Do better, Portillos!

14a1e9c9-1f16-4794-961f-2a052fa900ab

I ordered delivery from this restaurant they never showed up,so,40 minutes passed l called the restaurant and they tell me there's no one to deliver my food,they didn't even have the decency to call and alert me,not only that my order was wrong,sandwich was flat with little filling l asked for double cheese,l can't tell what they put on it,l didn't eat,don't waste your money going to this establishment it's disappointing,just horrible!!

d786ef64-0a06-4468-96f4-6e884385fd2f

Walked in about 3:30 on a Wednesday afternoon with my cousin and my 7 year old son. My cousin went up to order first and there was nobody else in the restaurant. The girl taking orders seemed annoyed as if she bothered her at home during her time off. Never said hello how could I help you and for sure no smile on her face. I then went to order and same thing she seemed super annoyed with my presence. Continued on my way to pick my chips out I reminded my cousin to grab hers. She went to go pay and I told her to come back and order what she wanted on her sandwich. So she came back to tell the girl I would like everything on my ham and cheese and extra onion please. The girl responded and said wait for your sandwich to come out. Now this was another employee who also seemed as we were bothering her at her job. So my cousin waited and her food came out 30 seconds later and the worker says any toppings?? Like she didn't just remember what my cousin had ordered. She was just being rude and sarcastic and I'm not sure why. So then I waited for my sandwich to come out and told her what I wanted. She seemed miserable and never said hello just said any toppings? We co tributes to lay and the girl asked if we wanted a bag for our food. We had 2 sandwiches 2 fountain drinks and 3 bags of chips. Did she expect us to carry that all out without a bag. I told the girl at the register that if they didn't like their job they should look for another one. The manager was on break or lunch at a table nearby and the girl went to tell her what I said while getting our fountain drinks. I yelled across and said if they don't like their jobs they shouldn't work here their attitude is horrible. The manager came over and asked what happened. I explained and she nicely said I hear you and thank you for the feedback. I'm sure it's not the first time it happened and won't be the last.

edea0d32-4de5-4551-b6fc-2295d3fab8a1

Sad my favorite meatball sandwiches in the world were removed from the menu for a while. Could not order them online at all. Then...when they finally came BACK on the menu and named something different, i was SO HAPPY. But that happiness was short lived when i tasted it. The sauce was different, the meatballs too spicy and not enough provolone for sure. Basically, their revamped and renamed meatball sandwich tasted like arse. Tried 2x just to make sure it wasn't MY taste buds gone bad. It wasn't. Don't give your money to this company anymore...i don't know if someone bought them or what but things have changed, the ingredients are cheap and it doesnt taste like it used to.

Discover Potbelly in Crestwood, Chicago—delicious sandwiches and cozy atmosphere await. Visit us at 13134 Cicero Ave for a tasty, satisfying meal.

Potbelly Restaurant in Crestwood, Chicago IL - Great Local Eats

Crestwood

Potbelly

Illinois

Enjoy tasty sandwiches and salads at Potbelly in Crestwood, Chicago. Perfect for lunch or dinner. Visit us at 13134 Cicero Ave for a flavorful experience!

Potbelly Restaurant in Crestwood, Chicago - Delicious Sandwiches & More

Learn about Potbelly in Crestwood, Chicago. A cozy spot for delicious sandwiches, salads, and great service. Discover our story and menu today!

About Potbelly in Crestwood, Chicago - Your Local Sandwich Spot

Opening hours for Potbelly, Crestwood, Chicago. Find opening hours for Potbelly, Crestwood, Chicago on 13134 Cicero Ave.

Potbelly Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Potbelly

The Brazen Head

McDonald's

Wingstop