Potbelly Introduce
In the vibrant, fast-paced rhythm of New York City, finding a reliable spot for a great meal can feel like a small victory. Among the countless options, there’s a place that has perfected the art of the toasted sandwich and a welcoming atmosphere: Potbelly. Nestled in the heart of Union Square, this isn't just another sandwich shop. It's a destination for locals, students, and tourists alike who crave quality comfort food served with speed and a side of a friendly, casual vibe. From its delicious subs to its engaging, efficient service, Potbelly at 22 E 17th St has become a go-to for a quick, satisfying bite. It stands out in a crowded market by offering a unique combination of classic deli fare, fast-food efficiency, and the warmth of a local hangout. It’s the kind of place you can pop into for a solo lunch, meet up with friends, or even cater an event, all with the confidence that you're getting a top-notch meal that won't break the bank. Their commitment to fresh ingredients and a welcoming environment makes them a true Union Square gem, embodying the spirit of a neighborhood eatery in the big city.
Potbelly distinguishes itself by being more than a one-trick pony. While their sandwiches are the star of the show, the menu extends far beyond, creating a comprehensive dining experience that caters to a variety of tastes and needs. They've built a reputation on offering substantial, flavorful meals that are prepared quickly, which is a key factor for anyone on a tight schedule in New York. The concept is simple yet brilliant: take classic deli and sandwich shop offerings and elevate them with a touch of warmth and a focus on quality. This approach has resonated deeply with the local crowd, making it a popular choice for lunch and a reliable spot for a casual dinner. Their efficient service means that even during the busiest lunch rush, the line moves swiftly, and orders are filled accurately. It’s this blend of speed, quality, and a comfortable atmosphere that transforms a simple meal into a great experience, solidifying Potbelly’s role as an integral part of the Union Square food scene. It’s a place where you can relax, refuel, and get back to your day, all while enjoying a meal that feels both familiar and special.
Located at 22 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, Potbelly is a central and easily accessible hub for anyone in the Union Square area. Its prime location makes it a magnet for a diverse crowd, including college students from nearby schools, office workers on their lunch break, families exploring the neighborhood, and groups of friends meeting up. The accessibility is a key feature, as it is situated in a bustling part of the city, easily reachable by various modes of public transportation and on foot. For those with mobility needs, the location is a great choice as it offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a meal comfortably. The Union Square neighborhood itself is a vibrant and dynamic area, known for its greenmarket, shopping, and lively atmosphere. Potbelly’s presence here adds a reliable dining option to the mix, offering a casual and friendly space amidst the urban energy. This makes it a perfect gathering point and a convenient stop for a quick bite before heading to an event or while running errands. Its well-known address in a high-traffic area solidifies its reputation as a consistent and convenient choice for anyone in the vicinity.
Potbelly offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers:
Dine-in: The establishment provides a comfortable and casual atmosphere for dining in, with ample seating for both individuals and groups. It's an ideal spot to sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal at your own pace. The customer reviews highlight that even during busy times, there are often open tables available, making it a great option for those who prefer to eat on-site.
Takeout: For those on the go, the efficient and quick takeout service is a perfect solution. You can place an order and have a delicious meal ready to pick up in no time, a crucial convenience for the fast-paced life in New York City. The efficient service ensures your order is prepared promptly and accurately, allowing you to grab your food and continue with your day.
Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Potbelly provides a seamless delivery service, bringing their toasted sandwiches, salads, and soups directly to your doorstep. They also offer a no-contact delivery option, which adds a layer of safety and peace of mind, ensuring your food is delivered securely and hygienically. This service is a lifesaver for busy professionals and those who prefer to dine in the comfort of their home or office.
Catering: Beyond individual meals, Potbelly is also a reliable caterer. They can provide a delicious spread of sandwiches, salads, and sides for group events, meetings, or parties. This service is perfect for corporate lunches, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for high-quality, crowd-pleasing food. The convenience of their catering options makes them a smart choice for any event planner.
Potbelly distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that enhance the dining experience:
Live Music: One of the most unique and charming features is the presence of live music. This adds to the casual and friendly atmosphere, turning a simple meal into a more engaging experience. It’s a wonderful touch that sets Potbelly apart from other fast-food restaurants, making it a more inviting place to linger and enjoy your food.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu goes far beyond typical sandwiches. It includes a variety of options such as fresh salads, hearty soups, and mac & cheese, providing something for every craving. The availability of healthy options and vegetarian choices, like the Veggie Melt and Powerhouse Salad, ensures that a wide range of dietary preferences are accommodated. From classic comfort food to lighter fare, the menu is designed to please.
Toasty Sandwiches: Potbelly is famous for its toasting process, which brings out the flavor of the bread and ingredients, creating a warm, comforting, and delicious sandwich. This signature method elevates their sandwiches above the competition, making each bite a delightful experience. The toasty goodness is a hallmark of their quality and a reason customers keep coming back.
Speed and Efficiency: As a popular spot for lunch and solo dining, the staff at Potbelly are known for their efficiency and ability to handle large crowds without compromising on quality. This is a crucial feature for anyone with limited time, ensuring that a delicious, hot meal is ready quickly, even during the busiest hours. The a-la-carte service, as noted by a reviewer, is fast and accurate, which is highly valued by New Yorkers.
Accessible and Family-Friendly: With features like wheelchair accessibility and a menu that caters to kids, Potbelly is a welcoming place for everyone. The casual atmosphere and variety of food options make it a great choice for families looking for a quick, no-fuss meal that satisfies both children and adults. The credit and debit card payment options, including NFC mobile payments, also make transactions smooth and easy.
For more information or to place an order, you can contact Potbelly at:
Address: 22 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (646) 289-4204
What makes Potbelly a truly worthwhile choice in the bustling New York City landscape is its perfect blend of quality, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place that delivers on its promises, providing not just a quick meal, but a satisfying experience. The menu is thoughtfully designed to offer something for everyone, from classic sandwiches like the A Wreck and Italian to unique combinations like the Prime Rib Steak and Cubano. The availability of healthy and vegetarian options, combined with hearty comfort food, makes it a versatile destination for any occasion. The added bonus of live music transforms a simple lunch spot into a more enjoyable and memorable outing. Furthermore, the efficiency of their staff and the variety of services—including dine-in, takeout, and a robust catering program—ensure that they can meet the needs of any customer, whether they’re looking for a quick bite or feeding a large group. Potbelly stands out as a reliable and high-quality sandwich shop that is deeply integrated into the fabric of the Union Square community. It’s a place where you can count on a delicious, toasty sandwich, a friendly face, and a great overall experience, making it an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack in the city. The positive customer reviews highlight the speed, quality, and cleanliness of the establishment, reinforcing its reputation as a trustworthy and excellent dining option.
Potbelly Menu
Combos & Deals
- Pick Your Pair Skinny Sandwich + Soup $12.99
Choose any skinny sandwich and any cup of soup, chili, or mac & cheese
- Pick Your Pair Salad + Soup $12.99
Choose any half salad and any cup of soup, chili, or mac & cheese
- Pick Your Pair Skinny Sandwich + Salad $14.99
Choose any skinny sandwich and any half salad
Sandwiches
- Prime Rib Steak
Tender sliced prime rib steak, swiss, housemade caramelized onions, garlic aioli. Want to turn up the heat? Try it with our signature Hot Peppers.
- Cubano
Slow-cooked pulled pork, hickory smoked ham, swiss, deli mustard, pickles
- Sweet Heat Pork BBQ
Slow-cooked pulled pork, cheddar, pickles, and sweet heat BBQ sauce made with our signature hot peppers
- A Wreck
A meaty fan favorite! Turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami, swiss. Want to spice it up a little? Try it with our NEW Hot Pepper Ranch.
- Italian
Salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, provolone. Want to add even more flavor? Try it with Oil and NEW Red Wine Vinegar.
- Avo Turkey
Hand-sliced turkey breast, swiss, fresh-sliced avocado, cucumbers. Want to spice it up a little? Try it with our NEW Hot Pepper Ranch.
- Chicken Club
All-natural grilled chicken, applewood smoked bacon, cheddar. Want sweet with a little spicy? Try it with our NEW Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce.
- BLTA
Applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, fresh-sliced avocado. Want to spice it up a little? Try it with our NEW Hot Pepper Ranch.
- Veggie Melt
Fresh-sliced avocado, swiss, cheddar, provolone, mushrooms. Want to add even more flavor? Try it with our NEW Roasted Garlic Aioli.
- Pizza Melt
Pepperoni, old-world capicola, crumbled meatball, smothered in marinara sauce, provolone, Italian seasoning, mushrooms [can be made vegetarian]. Want to turn up the heat? Try it with our signature Hot Peppers.
- Mediterranean
All-natural grilled chicken, feta, zesty hummus, artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, cucumbers (can be made vegetarian)
- Mama's Meatball
Homestyle beef + pork meatballs smothered in marinara sauce, provolone, Italian seasoning. Want to turn up the heat? Try it with our signature Hot Peppers.
- Turkey Breast
Hand-sliced turkey breast, swiss. Want to add even more flavor? Try it with our NEW Roasted Garlic Aioli.
- Smoked Ham
Hickory smoked ham, swiss. Want to add the perfect companion? Try it with our Deli Mustard.
- Roast Beef
Angus roast beef, provolone
- Grilled Chicken
All-natural grilled chicken, cheddar. Want sweet with a little spicy? Try it with our NEW Sweet Heat BBQ sauce.
- Tuna Salad
100% albacore tuna salad, swiss. Want a little crunch? Try adding some Cucumbers.
- Chicken Salad
Chicken salad, provolone. Want a little crunch? Try adding some Cucumbers.
- PB&J
Creamy peanut butter, grape jelly
- Grilled Cheese
Melted cheddar
Underground
- Barnyard
Turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami, meatballs, applewood smoked bacon, Swiss. Want to turn up the heat? Try it with our signature Hot Peppers.
- Smokestack
Slow-cooked pulled pork, sweet heat barbeque sauce, and our signature mac & cheese
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
All-natural grilled chicken, hickory smoked ham, Swiss cheese, deli mustard, lettuce and tomato served on our toasty bread
- Clubby
Oven roasted turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, applewood smoked bacon, provolone, and creamy buttermilk ranch. Want to spice it up a little? Try it with our NEW Hot Pepper Ranch.
- Lucky 7
Turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, provolone. Want to add even more flavor? Try it with Oil and NEW Red Wine Vinegar.
- Sicilian
Crumbled meatballs, marinara, salami, old-world capicola, pepperoni, mortadella, mushrooms, provolone. Want to turn up the heat? Try it with our signature Hot Peppers.
- Wrecking Ball
Crumbled meatballs, marinara, turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami, provolone. Want to turn up the heat? Try it with our signature Hot Peppers.
- Fireball
Homestyle beef + pork meatballs, chili, Potbelly hot peppers, cheddar
- A Wreck® Salad
Our fan favorite…now in a salad! Turkey breast, hickory smoked ham, Angus roast beef, salami, swiss, hard-boiled egg, cucumber and tomatoes, served on a bed of field greens with creamy buttermilk ranch. Want to spice it up a little? Try it with our NEW Hot Pepper Ranch.
- Pork BBQ Mac
Our signature three-cheese mac topped with slow-cooked pulled pork and our sweet heat BBQ sauce.
Salads
- Farmhouse Salad
All-natural grilled chicken breast, bacon, crumbled blue cheese, hard-boiled egg, cucumber and tomatoes, served on a bed of field greens with creamy buttermilk ranch. Want to spice it up a little? Try it with our NEW Hot Pepper Ranch.
- Apple Walnut Salad
All-natural grilled chicken breast, crumbled blue cheese, grapes, apples, dried cranberries and candied walnuts, served on a bed of field greens with balsamic vinaigrette
- Powerhouse Salad
All-natural grilled chicken breast, fresh-sliced avocado, hummus, hard-boiled egg, cucumber and tomatoes, served on a bed of field greens with non-fat vinaigrette
- Chicken Salad Salad
Freshly made chicken salad, provolone cheese, dried cranberries, cucumber and tomatoes, served on a bed of field greens with balsamic vinaigrette
Soups & Macs
Mac & Soups available after 10:00 am
- Chili Mac
Hearty beef chili with kidney beans, bell peppers and onions topped with our creamy, three-cheese mac
- Mac & Cheese
Creamy, three-cheese mac
- Broccoli Cheddar
Creamy cheese soup with tender pieces of broccoli and carrots
- Chicken Pot Pie
Tender, slow-roasted chicken breast and veggies topped with crumbles of fresh-baked pie crust
- Chili
Hearty beef chili with kidney beans, bell peppers and onions
- Garden Vegetable
Beans, carrots, celery, corn, mushrooms, onions, peppers, potatoes and zucchini in a light tomato broth
- Loaded Baked Potato
Hearty potato soup with bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion
Drinks
- Fountain
- Fountain Large
- Coke $3.79
20 oz. Bottle
- Diet Coke $3.79
20 oz. Bottle
- Sprite $3.79
20 oz. Bottle
- Coke Zero Sugar $3.79
20 oz. Bottle
- 16 oz. Bottled Water $2.49
16 oz. Bottle
- 25 oz. Bottled Water $2.99
25 oz. Bottle
- IBC Cream Soda $3.79
12 oz. Bottle
- IBC Root Beer $3.79
12 oz. Bottle
- San Pellegrino $3.79
16.9 oz. Bottle
- San Pellegrino Blood Orange $3.79
11.15 oz Can
- Gold Peak Sweet Tea $3.79
18.5 oz. Bottle
- Arizona Tea $3.69
16oz Bottle
- Peach Tea Snapple $3.49
16oz Bottle
- Nantucket Nectars Orange Mango $3.79
16oz Bottle
Chips & Sides
- Chips + Drink $4.99
Make it a Meal Deal! Choose any chips and a drink.
- Chips + Bottled Drink $4.99
Make it a Meal Deal! Choose any chips and a drink.
- Chips + Shake $4.99
Make it a Meal Deal! Choose any chips and a shake.
- Zapp's Regular Chips $2.59
- Zapp's Salt & Vinegar Chips $2.59
- Baked Lay's $2.59
- Utz Cheese Curls $2.59
- Zapp's Hotter 'N Hot Jalapeño Chips $2.59
- Zapp's Mesquite BBQ Chips $2.59
- Zapp's Hot Pepper Chips $2.59
- Zapp's VooDoo Regular Chips $2.59
- Hot Peppers Jar $7.49
Our famous giardiniera hot peppers, ready to spice up your kitchen at home. A perfect gift, too.
- Potbelly Whole Pickle $1.59
Cookies & Shakes
- S'mores Cookie $2.79
Chocolate chunks, graham crackers and marshmallows
- 6-Pack Cookie Box
Choose 6 of your favorite cookie or an assortment of our fresh-baked cookies
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie $2.79
A Potbelly favorite! Freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookie
- Sugar Cookie $2.79
Baked fresh daily
- Chocolate Brownie Cookie $2.79
Baked fresh daily
- Dream Bar $2.79
Rich, chocolatey oatmeal bar with sweet caramel
- Bag of Mini Cookies $5.69
Dozen mini oatmeal chocolate chip cookies
- Cinnamon Churro Shake
All the flavor of a cinnamon-sugar churro blended with hand-dipped vanilla ice cream.
- Root Beer Float Shake
The classic flavor of a soda shop favorite in a creamy hand-dipped shake.
- Banana Pudding Shake
The creamy vanilla and sweet banana flavors of the dessert classic, now in a delicious hand-dipped shake
- Cold Brew Shake
Cold-brewed Arabica coffee and hand-dipped vanilla ice cream. Shake and wake!
- OREO® Cookie Shake
Made with hand-dipped ice cream. OREO is a trademark of Mondelez International group, used under license.
- Chocolate Shake
Made with hand-dipped ice cream
- Strawberry Shake
Made with hand-dipped ice cream
- Vanilla Shake
Made with hand-dipped ice cream
Upsells
- Chips + Drink $4.99
Make it a Meal Deal! Choose any chips and a drink.
- Chips + Bottled Drink $4.99
Make it a Meal Deal! Choose any chips and a drink.
- Cookie
- 6-Pack Cookie Box
Choose 6 of your favorite cookie or an assortment of our fresh-baked cookies
- Mac or Soup Cup
- Half Salad
Potbelly Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
Potbelly Photos










Potbelly Location
Potbelly Reviews
lunchcookiespricehot peppersturkeysoupareashakesitalian sandwichsmoothie
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Cute place to get some food! Our samdhwiches were made quickly and was really good 🥪Restroom was clean as well as the rest of the establishment. ✨
December 01 · Jocelyn HernandezI like stopping here for lunch because it's quick and delicious. They're pretty busy at lunch, but keep up with the orders very well. Since most people grab-and-go, there are often open tables to sit at, which is nice. I wouldn't call this location particularly warm, or the service to be overly friendly, just more "efficient", and that's fine for Union Square.
June 09 · Jonathan DouglasI’ve had lunch here three times recently. Not only is the food good but the service couldn’t be any faster and the manager goes above and beyond. This is a busy lunch spot with a pretty in-depth menu. Despite this challenge there’s a team of around 8 staff working hard to make everyone’s lunch. My sandwich was ready in 2 minutes (the salads do take a little longer fyi). Everything has been fresh and tasty and reasonable priced especially for the neighborhood.
August 06 · Arianne MayerI recently visited the Potbelly location in Union Square, and unfortunately, the customer service was non existent. The staff seemed disengaged and unwelcoming—no greetings, no smiles, and no effort to create a positive experience. I felt like I was being rushed through the line rather than treated like a customer.The food was decent, which makes the lack of basic courtesy from the staff even more disappointing. A friendly attitude and some simple professionalism would go a long way in improving this location.I hope management takes the time to address the service issues here.
June 05 · Henry LansangWe had here a quick light dinner after a Barnes & Noble visit nearby.The cheddar broccoli soup was too cheesy to eat a lot.The sandwich was decent, they have few good vegetarian options.The sales-women were courteous in answering my questions on the menu options.
May 12 · Ramakrishnan K
More restaurants near me

24 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

26 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

20 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

26 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

26 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

15 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

21 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

23 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

13 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

9 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

25 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

9 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





