Panera Bread

Out of bread but didn’t want to negotiate Nicholasville Rd. — a no-​go-​zone during the holidays. Went the back way to Brannon Crossing to pickup a few loaves. I do like Panera’s breads. It’s the only thing I go there for, sometimes bagels. First time at this location. Picked up a hearty loaf of tomato basil bread, one of my favorites there. I like thick cut slices, and they were very obliging in cutting them that way. The pumpkin bagel and cranberry walnut bagel caught my eye, so since they’re seasonal, I asked for one of each. I didn’t even have to ask for them to be put in separate bags. Unfortunately, they don’t make wheat baguettes anymore, so I settled for the regular one, clearly fresh by the feel of it. (Yeah, I’m one of those who likes to feel food in the store.) I walked out with a bag-​load of bread for my freezer. The server couldn’t have been nicer and smiled throughout the entire transaction.

Good food, nice staff but TERRIBLE service!!! I’ve never driven away from the place with the correct order! Don’t leave until you’re certain they’ve given you what you paid for.

For the longest time, I only went to Panera for a bagels for work. In the last few months,
I discovered Panera is so much more than just bagels (although it’s really hard for me to turn down a Cinnamon Crunch bagel). It’s now in the rotation of restaurants I frequently regularly, especially with the extended summer hours (they are open until 10pm Sun-​Fri). I am a late eater and I appreciate healthy options even late.
I really like the Pick 2 menu as I can get a half sandwich and a salad, but currently I am loyal to one of the summer menu offerings, the Strawberry Poppy Seed Grilled Chicken Salad. For only 350 calories you get a really big salad with pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, and grilled chicken. I usually order the dressing on the side of my salads, but the dressing on this one is light and doesn’t overpower it.
For only $.99 you can add a bakery item to your order. This is a great deal and worth it even if you don’t have room for anything else! Just ask for it to-​go and you can have breakfast the next day.
Also, be sure to get a My Panera card as you earn discounts and free items as you accumulate points for your purchases.
This location added a drive-​thru recently but my favorite way to order is online. If you place your order online, you can just stop in and pick it up the from cubby-​holes inside. This is a great option if you are in a hurry it just want to pick up lunch/​dinner on your way home.

The food is pretty yummy. Salads are my favorite and their soups. It is a great place to come and get a soup on a cold day! I don’t eat them anymore but I love their bagels! The flavors are different and my favorite was pumpkin pie!

Panera is fast food without the gross, fattening feeling you have after eating at the well known places. I got the 2 for 2 deal and it is delicious. The general manger was nice and friendly and the Panera card helps you rack up points for free stuff.
Atmosphere is quiet yet inviting today and they have the fire rolling which is awesome on this cold, snowy winter day.

Have been to this location multiple times. This location added a drive thru a few months ago and I was able to try it out this weekend. I would recommend the inside more than the drive thru though (more on that in a sec). The interior of this restaurant is well laid out, includes free WiFi and there is a fireplace for colder days. The food is very good, no matter what you order. Personal favs include the cinnamon crunch bagle and the Fuji Apple Salad. Both are stellar!
For the drive thru. .. The one problem is the menu! It is very challenging to order if you don’t know what you like at Panera. The drive thru menu lacks descriptions of the options, whereas the inside menu board lists out everything! Be prepared to ask the window worker what is on each item, which will slow the drive thru down significantly. Otherwise, the service is fast at the window and they will get you on your way pretty quick.
So, if you are not sure of the menu, run inside and get your order to go. If you know what you want, then the drive thru is an awesome option.

Panera has the best Asiago cheese bagel HANDS DOWN!
I don’t think that I’ve ever had a bad meal here. Its casual, quiet, very filling food and the prices are not too bad. I highly recommend this place and the fact that there’s a drive thru now at my closest location is a major plus!

Worst example of Panera ever. Friend stopped here to pick up a loaf of French baguette the bread looked disgusting it had been over proofed had air bubbles the size of a penny it was over cooked and taste was terrible my wife and I love Panera in Raleigh and picked up a few pastries a pecan sticky bun again over cooked and dry and a dry carrot cake muffin it’s no wonder everyone goes to European delights bakery in Brannon station

Panera is a great place for a simple, tasty and affordable lunch. It has just enough variety to satisfy everyone. The speed of service is unbelievable. Healthier than your average deli. The owners were very nice to us.