Pret A Manger

I gave a presentation today to the folks at the center on media and Child health. Afterwards we bought them lunch here. I’ve never been to one of these restaurants before but found it to be suitable.
Because I come from a landlocked state I couldn’t pass up the lobster salad. The dressing blended nicely with the lobster and avocado and asparagus tips. It sounds better than it actually was. It was mediocre.
I also ordered a small chicken pesto sandwich. It was on a baguette which was cold and somewhat tough, but the flavor was pretty good.
For dessert I ordered a peaches and cream cookie. It was amazing!
All in all my experience it was OK. I think this would be a decent place to grab a quick bite if you work nearby or don’t have much time.

Walked in on Friday around 4:30 pm to get a coffee as had many hours of work in the evening. The store was less busy; I requested for a Hazelnut Latte. There was an «experienced barista» and a new trainee. The new trainee was asked to make the coffee, for which I waited quite some time. As the line grew to a few people, the experienced one took over and hurriedly passed me the coffee. The coffee that cost close to $ 4, was undrinkable, not much coffee, milk filled to brim of the cup, with no froth, just syrup!. Once other customers were gone, I went to request them to fix the coffee if they could as I felt bad throwing it away and wasting my money!
The experienced barista got quite angry at me, told me I am showing attitude, complained out loud for a while making it awkward as other people sitting there stared back. He jolted his shoulders and made another cup while being very angry. Then started telling the same to the other barista. He asked me if I wanted the lid off on the coffee «this time» so I can keep the froth safe! He asked me why I came there, if I don’t like their coffee as I was moving to the door!
Never going back. Caffe Nero, next door is a billion times better experience and coffee! All the starbucks in the area are worth it despite the wait!
Tried their falafal sandwich once, was quite inauthentic with a cheese like mozarella with falafel! Truly a chain for the airports!

I walk by this place every morning and thought I would give it a try at lunchtime today. Immediately, I fell in love with the concept of this sandwich/​coffee shop! Everything is made with the freshest organic ingredients! My Chicken Caesar on the artisan baguette was divine! And any sandwiches they don’t sell, they give it away to charity. [: [: [:
The place was surrounded by chic decors and furnitures. And there were tall glass windows surrounding the front end of the shop so there’s a lot of light in the room. I sat in the front to people watch but one of the worker asked me to move at the oddest time to change the ‘straight from the oven’ sign. I mean… What were they doing all morning that they couldn’t change it before people are settled in there for lunch? They lost a star for lack of preparation.

I am obsessed with their croissants! The place is clean, spacious, and organized. I love that they have a bunch of checkout stations so I never wait long to pay. I recently had small catering order that had a slight issue and they really went out of their way to make it right. I am very pleased with their customer service. Coffee is very good as well!

Good, yet overly expensive food. People are nice.
Beefs:
I can’t stand the inconsistent portion sizes for everything from the chicken in a sandwich to the yogurt in a cup. Some days leave you wondering how you paid so much for so little.
Lose another star for the crap way loud music. This is a restaurant, not a lounge/​bar. No I’m not old, I just don’t want to be subject to loud crap music over lunch at these prices.

Like the location, had a good salad, also one big thing I really liked about this place is that they take whatever isn’t sold that day and donate it! At least that’s what it says on everything… I like a company that has food waste/​food need in mind, should guarantee that things are fresh right?

The food here is good and staff (some) are very nice. I needed a quick snack for the night and it was 15 minutes before the store was closing and let’s just say someone was very unhappy with customers coming to purchase food or drinks before closing time.
The place is not closed so technically, customers can still purchase food. I’m assuming this person was the manager because he ordered the staff around to do things, complained out loud how he wants to go home and that people always try to come in before the store was closing, etc. I’m used to hearing these kinds of complaints but I did not appreciate how this person was swearing out loud, and probably to me as a customer indirectly. I also did not appreciate how he just said out loud we’re closed and to get out. I had a last bite left of my sandwich so I was trying to finish that and go. I understand people want to go home and enjoy the rest of their time at home, who doesn’t? However, you do not holler at people, you do not demand people to respond to you as if we’re animals, and you can clearly see us trying to leave so do not try to antagonize customers by continuing to holler at us and say we are the rude ones. *rolls eyes*
So, food wise, yes it’s good go for it. However, if you planned to come in before closing time or just stay until closing time, just know there might be someone to be very rude to you.

this place has delicious lattes and great grab and go food for when you’re on the run in the morning. the staff is so friendly! I come here every morning now. definitely recommend!!!

Espresso shot is cheaper than peets& Starbucks. The flavor is bold and i like that. They have a variety of grab& go sandwiches and salads. A little lacking with pastries but I came in around 4pm so maybe they have more in the morning.
So far so good!

I’d rate 0 if I could. Wife had a cucumber & tuna salad sandwich yesterday afternoon, and is now suffering a severe case of food poisoning. Unresponsive via Twitter. Reported to Dept of Public Health.
Avoid until they get their issues sorted.

Known to infrequent international travelers as that French place in the subway and airport, Pret A Manger has been showing up around Boston with this being its newest location.
Prime property location in Longwood Medical area this location is right in the corner of Longwood Ave and Brookline across from the Galleria. It’s a pretty little place.
Looks like they have plenty of room for the hordes to line up, but they seem a little short on seating, for an American joint anyways. My first trip, 8am their first business day, the staff are nice but nervous, and they are going to have to deal with opening day bugs…
Pret USA is apparently branding itself as organic but I’ll try not to hold that against them. Not bad coffee, 2.79 for a 12 oz latte, pain au chocolat 2.29. The pain au chocolate aka chocolate croissant is nice and flakey and at 8am the chocolate was still warm and gooey on the inside. So far so good. Prices are similar to nearby Starbucks and Caffe Nero. I’d say Pret will compete with Caffe Nero for Quality and freshness, Starbucks is just here. You can still get a GOOD cheap coffee 2 blocks away from my fav trolley cart though. More to follow…