Sandwich in 15 minutes near Gate B46
Post-security in Concourse B by Gate B46, Potbelly Sandwich Works is one of the few spots at IAD where frequent flyers routinely report getting a made-to-order sandwich in under 15 minutes. It sits in the fast-food cluster with Wendy’s, so you can spot it quickly on a short walk from nearby B40–B50 gates.
Opening hours track typical IAD bank times, generally early morning to late evening, so you can grab something before a 7 a.m. departure or a 9 p.m. arrival. Price tier is $, and multiple Google reviews say costs line up with “normal Potbelly prices” in town, which is rare for an airport. Expect standard Potbelly subs around the $8–$12 range depending on size and extras.
The move here is a straightforward toasted sandwich like an Italian or A Wreck, plus chips, instead of rolling the dice on steam-table food elsewhere in B. One reviewer flat-out said Potbelly at B46 “beats most of the mystery hot food in the terminal.” If you’re really tight on time, regulars note that ordering a cold sandwich instead of toasted often shaves a few minutes off the wait.
Mobile ordering helps: several Google reviewers say app orders are usually ready in under 10 minutes, even during moderate traffic. There’s no official priority line, but placing the order from the AeroTrain or while you’re still at B30–B35 can turn a 30-minute layover into a stress-free grab-and-go.
Watch out for the 11 a.m.–2 p.m. rush, when multiple reviews mention disorganized lines and 15–20 minute waits, plus the occasional wrong toppings or missing ingredients. Seating around B46 fills fast thanks to Wendy’s spillover, so Reddit regulars suggest walking a few gates toward B42 or B48 to find open chairs.
Practical tip: on a 30–40 minute domestic connection in B, place a mobile order as you taxi in, walk straight from your arrival gate to B46, grab the bag, then backtrack to sit closer to your next departure gate.