Potbelly Sandwich Shop - Willowbrook

I came with my grandmother and the staff pulled a chair off the table so that she could sit comfortably in her wheelchair. They also helped us pick up a sandwich that would be easier for them to eat.

Great tasty sandwiches and some bomb strawberry milkshakes

One hidden gem in the world of subs, nestled in the small town of Darien, is the Potbelly Sandwich Shop. Today, I tried their Chicken Club sandwich, which includes natural grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, and cheddar cheese, with an option to add mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, deli mustard, and oil/vinegar. First and foremost is the chicken, which unfortunately had its downsides. It tasted a bit frozen, coming from a plastic bag, and lacked depth of flavor—a misrepresentation, as the restaurant advertises it as freshly grilled. Despite these flaws, the chicken was cut into nearly perfect rectangles and had just enough juiciness to enhance its taste, successfully pairing with the cheese to create a pleasing texture. It serves as a good source of protein, as well as vitamins B, iron, phosphorus, and selenium. Overall, while the chicken came from a plastic bag and was frozen, it still earns a 7.5/10. Next, we have the applewood smoked bacon. Good bacon should be savory, salty, and slightly smoky. Sadly, this didn’t deliver. By the time I returned home two hours later, the bacon was cold and decidedly less than crispy; it had dried out instead. While its texture blended well with the rest of the sandwich, I was overall disappointed and would rate it 5/10. The sharp cheddar cheese deserves recognition. It was perfectly melted, embodying the ideal characteristics of hot sandwiches. Rich and creamy, it contrasted beautifully with the bacon and paired well with the chicken. The cheese had a great flavor that complemented the sandwich, although Monterey Jack might have been an interesting alternative. I’d give the cheese a solid 9/10. The bread is crucial, as it must support all the ingredients. Thankfully, even late at night, the roll was relatively fresh. It did become a bit misshapen by the time I got home, but it would have been better consumed immediately. The roll was soft yet maintained a crispiness, earning an 8/10. Lastly, the customizable toppings add their flair. I opted for mayonnaise, onions, and oil. The mayonnaise enhanced the flavor and added creaminess, though the onions were overwhelming for my taste and almost wasted. I had to remove some, but overall, they were a decent addition. The oil significantly improved the sandwich, creating a delightful texture across all the ingredients. I’d rate the toppings a 6.5/10. In conclusion, a great sandwich—be it with oil, vinegar, mustard, or juicy grilled meat—should have a bit of moisture in the center. This requires bread that can absorb some of that moisture while maintaining its structure. Otherwise, it risks becoming a messy disappointment. Overall, the Chicken Club receives a final rating of 7.2/10, and I would definitely order it again!

We visited this restaurant for an early dinner, and it brought back wonderful memories from my childhood when I used to come here with my parents. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and our sandwiches were made quickly yet tasted fantastic. The entire place was very clean, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. I ordered a half turkey and half roast beef sandwich, while my husband opted for a full roast beef sandwich. We both loved our meals! The hot peppers they offer are amazing! I also tried the vegetable garden soup, which was delicious. And of course, no visit to this place is complete without one of their chocolate chip-oatmeal cookies. They are simply unforgettable and will linger in your mind and dreams!

I highly recommend the Mediterranean sandwich with chicken, and you can choose a cup or bowl of your favorite soup—unless you're in the mood for their incredibly delicious chili! I sampled everything, and trust me, all their soups are scrumptious! Adam ensured that my order was correct while I offered additional requests. He was very friendly and smiled throughout the entire experience. The team thanked me for coming and invited me back! I wholeheartedly recommend this Potbelly location; you will not be disappointed! And if for any reason there’s an issue, just speak to a manager, and they will handle it with grace.