When I first came to the Chicagoland area to attend a jazz music institute at Northwestern University a little over a month ago, I was immediately bothered by the lack of some of my favorite fast-food restaurants. The city is completely void of El Pollo Locos and In & Out Burgers, and the nearest Baja Fresh is much too far away to visit. I feared I would be forced to be subjected to McDonalds, Taco Bell, and the dreaded sandwich-shop Subway. Luckily, I was able to locate a Jamba Juice only a few hundred feet from the Northwestern campus. As I made my daily pilgrimage to Jamba, I found a sandwich store next door called Potbelly's. I ventured into the store one day for lunch, thinking it would be the equivalent of Subway, only with better decor. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Potbelly's is simply one of the finest fast-food restaurants in existence, if it can even be classified as fast-food. First and foremost, the quality of the food is superb. While some will dismiss it as simply a sub-shop, it is impossible to compare Potbelly's to the mother of all sub-shops, Subway. Subway uses the cheapest possible ingredients in order to save money (the store I visit no longer carries Swiss cheese due to it's price), has no atmosphere to speak of, and has an unfriendly staff. Potbelly's, on the other hand, is much more on line with a real, non fast-food restaurant. Firstly, the quality of the food is unparalleled for it's price range. All sandwiches cost less than four dollars, so with a drink, a meal costs around five dollars. The restaurant has a wide selection of drinks, from milk shakes (which while I haven't sampled, I have heard they are very good) to sodas to juice to water. Chips are available on the side, much like Subway. Potbelly's also stands shoulders above Subway by having a great decor. Sitting inside the restaurant feels like sitting inside someone's awesome basement, from the wood plank walls to the pictures hanging on the wall. Great music is almost always being played on the stereo, which can create a fun experience if with a big group (picture 8 or so young people at about 11 at night). At least at the Evanston location that I frequent, there is often live music being played. Since Chicago is a big jazz city, small jazz combos are often featured on a little stage against the window. Potbelly's really goes the extra mile to give their customers a great atmosphere, something that Subway takes for granted.

Of course, the most important factor of a sandwich shop is the quality of the sandwiches. Potbelly's sandwiches are extremely tasty. What makes them special is that they are served warm, creating a whole different experience than provided at most sandwich shops. My favorite sandwich at Potbelly's is the smoked ham sandwich with Swiss cheese. While many toppings are available, the ones I choose are lettuce, tomatoes, oil, and Italian dressing. As you order the sandwich it is passed down a quasi-assembly line of sandwich makers, with each person assigned to a different facet of the sandwich-making process. While it would perhaps be more efficient to serve one customer at a time, reducing communication confusion, the system works and the staff rarely makes mistakes, more than can be said for the average fast-food restaurant. The end result is outstanding though. I am beginning to branch out into trying different sandwiches, but since I leave to go back to Los Angeles on Monday, my Potbelly's experience is almost done.

Potbelly's is a unique fast-food restaurant in that they do not approach themselves as a fast-food restaurant. Their prices and speed are the equivalent of McDonalds or Burger King, but their atmosphere and quality of food far surpass any other chain. Subway should be embarrassed at the quality of their food, and maybe Potbelly's exceptional sandwiches will encourage Subway to get better. Regardless, Potbelly's is a fun restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, fantastic food, and a good approach to making economical and enjoyable food. Now I only ask that they add some Southern California locations.

Recommended: Yes

Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Once you try your first Potbelly sandwich, you will be tempted to order the same one repeatedly. Take a risk and try other sandwiches, because they're all great.
Best Suited For: Kids and Families