Panera Bread

Love the frontega chicken panini! I just wish it didn’t have so many calories, but I guess that’s why it tastes so good. I always order a half sandwich so I don’t feel so guilty.
I’ve been to a few Panera’s in my time and see that some of them could use a good cleaning! Vacuum the corners, wiping the edges.

I usually love Panera. I just wish this one bothered to clean the tables occasionally. They are always filthy and a real turnoff.

I used to come here quite regularly to meet friends. It’s an easy place for grabbing a quick (or not so quick) lunch with friends. It seems incredibly busy all the time, which makes for some pros and cons.
If you come around peak hours there never seems to be a good place to sit. You’re relegated to the tables in the middle of the floor, which we all know are not our favorite. At least there is outdoor seating if the weather is cooperating.
Also, the tables aren’t kept particularly clean with the in and out of so many customers. I was forced on my most recent visit to clean a table I wanted to sit at.
The food is decent though. I continue to enjoy their Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich. And their cobblestone muffin is delectably sugary and huge. I’ll pay for it later, but it was a nice indulgence.
I really like that they have free wifi — its one of the best reasons for coming here. A great place to get out of the house and get some work done if you come when the crowds have dissipated.
If I could, I would give this a 3.5 stars, but I’ll be generous because their iced green tea is delicious!

This Panera Bread was as good as you expect when you visit Panera. Very reasonably priced good quality food. The staff was polite and very helpful. I had a bowl of French Onion soup which was surprising good since I usually make this from scratch at home. I also had a thai chicken flatbread, nice sandwich with a good amount of chicken, cabbage, carrots, cilantro and a slightly sweet and spicy Thai sauce. I would get this meal again. It also came with a fresh whole apple. Dependable and predicable good food.

When I don’t pack a lunch (a rare occurance) I frequent this particular Panera due to its close proximity to my office. It isn’t gourmet by any means, but a good lunch place to avoid the other fast food spots nearby. I usually order the same thing every time: a cup of the broccoli cheddar soup with a baguette — perfectly cheesy and has nice pieces of broccoli. If I am extra hungry I’ll add on half of the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich. I love the hummus, I’m pretty sure it has a hint of cinnamon in it. Sometimes I need a boost so I’ll get the chai. It’s a liquid base versus many other powder based chai lattes elsewhere. It has a strong bold cardamom flavor with a bit of sweetness. It’s usually packed during the lunch hour at this location, but they churn out the orders quickly so you can get on with your afternoon activities.
I’ve tried just about everything at Panera back in my college days and have found the meals above are my favorites. However, I did branch out the other day and tried the French Onion soup for a bit of variety. It was pretty good — the broth was super flavorful. Be warned you will have onion breath the rest of the day so have mints on hand. The downside: the croutons. They give you about 3 and they’re stale-​ish. The baguette is a necessary side to soak up the broth. Although, in any other instance I would prefer the toasty cheese crusted slice of French bread baked in the soup that’s customary with any «real» bowl of French Onion.