When asking yourself about something to do near me in Lakewood with a group of friends or family, consider
Potbelly
Why Potbelly is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Potbelly Sandwich Shop, founded in 1977 in Chicago, has grown into a popular fast-casual chain known for its warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu centered on flavorful submarine sandwiches, shakes, and light sides. What makes Potbelly a great place to meet up with friends is not only its varied and freshly prepared menu selections but also its cozy decor inspired by its namesake potbelly stove, creating a relaxed and friendly environment perfect for casual dining or quick bites. The shop offers unique toasted sandwiches served hot, such as popular choices like their meatball, pulled pork, and Italian hero sandwiches, complemented by tasty sides like salt and vinegar chips and freshly made cookies. Potbelly’s commitment to quality is highlighted by its longstanding partnership with a Chicago-based baker for its bread, ensuring a consistent and fresh sandwich experience. Many locations also have a casual vibe that is enhanced with music and friendly staff, making gatherings enjoyable whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a meal. Its growth to over 450 locations across multiple states and internationally in places like Dubai reflects its broad appeal and accessibility. The chain’s mix of great food, quick service, affordable pricing, and welcoming spaces makes Potbelly an ideal spot for friends and colleagues to meet and enjoy a satisfying meal together.
Here's what people think of Potbelly
As of recent, Potbelly holds a 4.2-star rating based on 461 reviews.
User reviews of Potbelly Sandwich Shop generally reflect a positive dining experience with a rating of around 4.2 out of 5 based on over 460 reviews. Many customers praise the freshness and delicious flavors of the sandwiches, often highlighting favorites such as the meatball, Wreck, and Cubano sandwiches. The toasted bread, quality of ingredients, and the unique preparation method involving conveyor-belt toasting receive frequent compliments. Reviewers also appreciate the friendly and efficient staff and the casual but appealing interior decor. Positive feedback often notes the quick service, reasonable pricing, and the opportunity to customize sandwiches and salads. Additionally, many reviewers mention the quality of sides like salt and vinegar chips and the variety of shakes as great complements to the main dishes. On the other hand, some negative reviews touch on inconsistencies in service speed, occasional lack of certain menu options (such as the absence of mozzarella on the meatball sandwich), and variability among locations. A few customers have mentioned less favorable experiences with timing or specific store conditions, but these are outweighed by numerous positive experiences overall. In conclusion, Potbelly enjoys a solid reputation for offering tasty, fresh sandwiches in a welcoming atmosphere, making it a favored spot for quick meals and casual meetups among a diverse clientele.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Blake Musfeldt
I have eaten here twice and it’s been amazing both times. My only complaints are that the line can get a little crazy and the atmosphere is very echoey. However, the service and food are both amazing. I highly recommend the prime rib sandwich
Marcus Warriner
What a joke, ordered 3 of their "BIG" sandwiches, each of which cost more than $18, and recieved the most pathetic looking sandwiches imaginable. I have included pictures of what half of their "BIG" Italian and Chicken Clubs look like. I would have included the blt as well, but the person I ordered it for had to leave before I could get a picture of it. I will admit it looked a little better, but only thanks to the copious amoints of iceberg lettice on it. The others had no veggies, just the smallest amount of meat and cheese possible. I have seen gas station baloney sandwiches with more meat than these, but the thing that really got me is how they are nothing like the sandwiches they have pictured. I mean, I know that some places like to exaggerate how their sandwiches look, but these guys don'teven use the same sandwich in their pictures. It would be like going to mcdonalds and ordering a bigmac and getting a basic hamburger. I guess 63 bucks doesn't get much food in 2024, especially if you go here.
Jen Moriarty
this place provides a good sandwich every time! Today I tried the Cubano and I really like it!
Eddie Garcia
The lady behind the counter was very friendly and helped me find the best soup I've had in a long time. Great place for your next meal
Bodies By Farny
Not a huge fan tried this out multiple times and the sandwiches just don’t hit like they used to. Something about the turkey club isn’t right the turkey has a weird after taste and the bacon is usually never fully cooked and over peppery. I’d recommend doing somewhere else near by. Not sure what happened but pot belly isn’t the same as I remembered.
How to reach Potbelly
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Website: None
Why Potbelly may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Potbelly with your friends?
When considering a cozy and energetic spot to gather with friends, Potbelly stands out as an excellent choice. Its inviting fast-casual atmosphere creates a relaxed yet lively environment perfect for connecting over delicious food. Potbelly’s rich history, originating from a humble 1977 Chicago storefront utilizing a vintage potbelly stove to make toasted sandwiches, adds a unique charm that resonates with guests seeking both comfort and quality. The space combines nostalgia with modern convenience, offering a friendly ambiance conducive to long conversations and shared meals. With a solid rating of 4.2 from over 460 reviews, Potbelly clearly earns its place as a trusted destination for casual dining and meetups. Whether looking for a midday break, an end-of-day catch-up, or a weekend hangout, Potbelly’s combination of hearty sandwiches, soups, and shakes fuels the social energy needed to keep your group entertained and satisfied. The shop’s approachable menu and friendly service make it easy to feel at home while enjoying time with friends and family, making Potbelly more than just a meal stop—it’s a communal gathering place.
What makes Potbelly perfect for group meetups?
Potbelly’s appeal to groups lies in its flexible and comfortable setting that accommodates gatherings of various sizes. The layout of many Potbelly locations includes communal tables alongside smaller seating clusters, allowing groups of friends or family to sit together without feeling crowded. This design encourages interaction and sharing, which is ideal for meetups. Additionally, the fast-casual style means anyone can order quickly while still receiving warm, freshly prepared food. The menu itself caters well to groups, with plenty of shareable options such as soups and sides like kettle chips or cookies, alongside customizable sandwiches and salads. For larger gatherings, Potbelly’s catering options can also be handy, offering packaged meals that keep everyone’s tastes in mind. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and speed ensures groups don’t have to wait long to start enjoying their time together. Plus, some locations have hosted live music or lively music playlists during lunch hours, adding to the festive ambiance and making the meetup experience even more memorable.
What activities can groups enjoy at Potbelly?
While primarily a dining destination, Potbelly offers more than just sandwiches, providing activities that suit group dynamics and social interaction. One of the key draws is the occasional live music event historically hosted by some locations, which contributes a vibrant backdrop for friends to enjoy while eating. Even when live music is not present, the ambiance with background tunes enhances the social atmosphere. Group members can bond over customizing their orders—Potbelly’s menu allows for personalized combinations of toasted sandwiches, smoothies, soups, and shakes, which sparks conversation and shared discovery of favorite items. Additionally, Potbelly’s digital ordering platform and loyalty program inject a modern element of interactivity, where friends can compare orders, share deals, or earn rewards together, enhancing the group experience beyond the table. These digital perks encourage repeat visits and add a playful competition element to meetups. Finally, the casual environment is perfect for informal games, phone-based quizzes, or simply catching up without the pressure of formal dining, making Potbelly a versatile spot for various kinds of social activities.
How does Potbelly’s menu support diverse tastes in group settings?
Potbelly excels at offering a diverse menu that caters well to groups with varied dietary preferences and appetites. The cornerstone of their menu is their submarine sandwiches, many served hot with options ranging from classic roast beef and turkey to vegetarian-friendly choices with fresh veggies and cheese. For health-conscious diners, Potbelly also has salads made with fresh, crisp ingredients available in generous portions. Soups and sides complement the main dishes, providing lighter or heartier accompaniments that appeal to all hunger levels. The inclusion of smoothies and milkshakes broadens the appeal, offering sweet, creamy options for dessert or a refreshing drink. This variety ensures that everyone in a group can find something to enjoy, whether seeking indulgent comfort food or lighter fare. Moreover, the ability to customize sandwiches and match them with different bread types and toppings makes Potbelly flexible enough to please picky eaters or adventurous foodies alike. This extensive variety promotes a shared dining experience where trying different menu items becomes a fun part of the social event.
Why is Potbelly’s atmosphere conducive to family gatherings?
Potbelly creates a warm, inviting vibe that makes family meetups comfortable and enjoyable. The casual and unpretentious setting encourages families to relax and be themselves without the restraints often associated with more formal dining venues. The bright yet cozy interiors, often featuring nostalgic decor elements connected to its Chicago roots, provide a welcoming environment suitable for all ages. Families with children appreciate the approachable menu with kid-friendly options like mini sandwiches and cookies. The fast service and helpful staff help families with young children avoid long waits, making the experience less stressful for everyone. Additionally, the availability of online ordering and takeout allows busy families to enjoy Potbelly’s offerings at home or a nearby park if they prefer outdoor gatherings. This blend of convenience, comfort, and tasty food makes Potbelly a dependable choice for family events, whether celebrating milestones or just enjoying casual quality time together.
How does Potbelly accommodate modern group needs and preferences?
Potbelly keeps pace with modern diners’ needs by investing in digital tools, flexible menu options, and efficient service to enhance the group dining experience. Their online ordering system allows groups to place their orders ahead of time, minimizing wait times and enabling easy coordination, which is especially useful for larger groups. The relaunch of their Perks loyalty program rewards frequent visitors, encouraging groups to keep returning while enjoying exclusive deals and personalized offers. Potbelly’s engagement with digital marketing and data analytics ensures promotions and specials are relevant, adding value to every visit. The restaurant chain has also expanded with drive-through options in select locations, catering to groups in transit or preferring a quick pickup. These modern conveniences combined with Potbelly’s longstanding dedication to warm service and quality food create a seamless experience that supports both spontaneous gatherings and planned meetups. For groups, this means a hassle-free visit where the emphasis remains on enjoying each other’s company over great food.
What future growth trends at Potbelly mean for group meetups?
Potbelly’s aggressive growth plans suggest that opportunities to gather at their locations will become even more accessible. With ambitions to nearly double their number of shops through franchise expansion, more cities and neighborhoods will soon have local Potbelly options. This growth is supported by a strong franchise program and investments in customer experience, indicating continued attention to quality even as the brand scales. Increased location density means groups will have easier access to convenient Potbelly outlets for spontaneous meetings or regular hangouts. Furthermore, ongoing enhancements to digital channels promise better ordering experiences and loyalty benefits that groups can collectively enjoy. Such expansion also implies that Potbelly will likely continue exploring event-driven ideas like music or special promotions, further enriching the group outing atmosphere. In short, as Potbelly grows, so too do the possibilities for memorable group gatherings in welcoming, consistent settings.
By emphasizing its warm ambiance, flexible menu, digital conveniences, and growing presence, Potbelly clearly establishes itself as a go-to destination for inviting group meetups with friends and family. Its blend of tradition and modern service ensures every gathering is both satisfying and enjoyable.