Potbelly

Had the prime rib sub—one of the tastiest I’ve tasted; Thr Briccoli & Cheddar soup—-the worst that I’ve ever tasted. It didn’t seem fresh and tasted floury. The staff members were not friendly and not very accomodating. Having said that, I usually don’t care about service unless the staff come off as rude; they weren’t. I wish Potbelly offered more variety with soups.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

Potbelly Sandwich Works – 1577 Spring Hill Road, Tysons, VA

♿ Accessibility Warning

What should have been a quick stop for a warm sandwich turned into a frustrating reminder of how far some places still need to go when it comes to accessibility.

The parking lot had ten spaces marked “Reserved for Potbelly Customers Thanks,” but not a single one designated as handicapped. No van-accessible stall, no clear ADA signage. From there, the challenges only multiplied.

I specifically searched online for “Top 10 Wheelchair Accessible Sandwich Restaurants in Tysons, VA” because my sister, who uses a walker, wanted something easy to take on a short road trip. Potbelly seemed like the perfect fit. Instead, after a five-minute effort just to get from the car to the entrance, what greeted us was not a ramp but a short flight of six steep, steel-capped concrete steps. For clarity: when I say “steps,” I mean the number of risers, the actual changes in elevation to get from the top to the bottom.

The look on her face said everything. Disappointment. Frustration. For someone in a wheelchair, entry here would be impossible without outside assistance. If a secondary accessible entrance exists, it certainly was not obvious.

Accessibility is not just about technical compliance. It is about dignity and independence, the ability to join friends for a simple meal without barriers.

Confusing Online Promises

What added to the frustration was the conflicting information. Online reviews described this location as having a wheelchair-friendly entrance, seating, restroom, and parking, “confirmed by patrons.” That did not match what we saw.

Yes, there is a sidewalk ramp to the right of Potbelly, but it leads to “A Plus Nails” and the northwest corner of the building, not to Potbelly’s entrance (that we could find).

Further digging revealed that Potbelly entered into a civil rights settlement agreement in 2007 with the Equal Rights Center, supposedly applying to all its restaurants nationwide. As a layperson, it seemed to me that a ramp could have been constructed off to the side of those existing stairs. Yet here we are, in 2025, still facing the same barrier.

Trying to verify anything from Potbelly itself was also a dead end. Their Google page has no “About” tab, and the linked official website is geared only toward placing orders. I also reached out directly to Potbelly customer service to clarify, but as of this writing I am still waiting for a substantive response.

For Everyone Else

If mobility is not a concern, this Potbelly is what you would expect: dependable toasted sandwiches, a casual and cozy setting, and a convenient location near Metro and Tysons Galleria. Food quality is generally solid, service often friendly, and prices are in line with what you would expect.

That said, consistency is an issue. Reports of locked doors 20 to 25 minutes before official closing time exist, bad news if you have ordered pickup late. Service, too, can swing between attentive and slow depending on the day. In fairness, these are issues you will find at many chain restaurants.

Bottom Line

For most diners, this Potbelly will deliver exactly what you came for, a toasted sandwich and a quick bite in Tysons. But for anyone with mobility challenges, the experience starts and ends at the curb. Until clear, functional accessibility is addressed, the first impression here is not a sandwich shop. It is a barrier.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

It’s the worst place ever to visit. I will never never again employees never smile to customers they always was angry. The line is always too long. You gotta wait for a long time to get your food. I don’t know how they called fast food or quick serve food never never again. This is not my first time I did complain before to the website But nothing is changing I do like going to Potbelly. The food is good but this store I will never visit again in my life very disappointed.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

We frequent this potbelly often because it is clean efficient and the food is delicious; the manager there is extremely community-oriented and even offered us a small reward on my husband's birthday as potbelly is his favorite

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Issues with food quality, service, and overall value

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Glad I do not live near potbelly or else it would live up to its name. Perfect every time & friendly staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wonderful outlet, delicious sandwiches and salads. I love this place and highly recommend it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sandwich, Mediterranean

My first time in a Potbelly and Terell was very patient and professional. He explained the process and menu items to me. He even checked the ripened avocado 🥑 for me before I could decide. The place was clean, and there were plenty of reserves parking for patrons that I love since it is by the highway in the busy city side.
The soup was hot and delicious 😋 and tasted like a pot pie, not chicken noodles soup!
The sandwich was toasted to perfection. Thank you for a great first experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sandwich

I honestly think this is one of the best potbelly in the area. The workers are very kind and work hard. I noticed that some customers are rude and try to argue with the workers and the workers are very professional about it. I came in at 6:00 and I tried one of the recommendations THE BIG WRECK and it was sooo good. Thank you POTBELLY GIVE THESE WORKERS A RAISE!!!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Sandwich, Soup

The food at Potbelly is always great, and I haven't had any issues with this location (unlike the Ballston location, where I've experienced quality problems). I can't speak to delivery, but I've ordered in-store and pickup at this location, and the order has always been correct and tasted great!

Potbelly’s is my favorite sandwich shop, hands down. I’ve been to this location many times since my new office is in the area.

No food complaints, but fair warning: the evening crew locks the doors 25 minutes before closing and won’t open even if you wait, knock, etc. The sign says they close at 8:00 pm, but I almost couldn’t pickup a sandwich at 7:45 that I ordered online and I could see sitting on the pickup shelf. Fortunately, there was one last customer in the store, so when he left, I was able to enter. I’ve seen people at 7:40 standing outside the store trying to get someone’s attention so they can pick up their orders too. I understand it’s inconvenient when someone comes in 5 min before closing and orders a sandwich, but it would be nice to at least be able to pick up completed orders until closing. Very frustrating. But they do make amazing sandwiches.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Sandwich

Large, clean, friendly staff, fast service. Not very busy around lunch time. Not the best location for them to be honest. Close to Spring Hill Metro.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

I love eating here, very quiet and relaxing restaurant. The one who attended me was norma, love her attitude and love her service. Would definitely come back and eat here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had been to a Potbelly before and was unimpressed. This one however felt very different. The restaurant was larger and had a lot of windows so was airy and light. The sandwich I had was yummy as was their soup. Order and pay at counter but the environs were so pleasant.

I just ordered sandwich platter for my small party. They were just fine. I think they were similar to subways.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4