Panera Bread Reviews 1,169

TrustScore 2 out of 5

1.9

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Most reviewers were unhappy with their experience overall. Customers express concerns about the quality and service provided. Consumers have mixed opinions about the product and location. The sentiment regarding the staff is also varied, with no strong consensus among reviewers. People report issues with food quality, describing it as poorly prepared and sometimes inedible. Reviewers mention problems such as dry bread, bagels tasting like raw dough, and inconsistencies in the ingredients of certain items. Consumers also express dissatisfaction with the service, citing instances of unprofessional behavior, rudeness, and lack of cleanliness in some locations.

Based on these reviews

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

We stopped at Panera's in West Des Moines. We purchased a bowl of soup a Greek Salad and two sandwiches the bread on both sandwiches was so dry that the bread was falling apart. They were comple... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

In the last few months the breakfast bagel sandwiches and the muffins have gone from unbeatable to uneatable. Food taste is definitely bad. Like don't finish the sandwich or muffin and throw uneaten... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

sFirst was the soup selection you have as chili is now seasonal, turkey chili is now longer available. After I ordered the meal selection I turned to pick out pastries and there where none but I coul... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Shutdown the store in Lathrup Village, MI!! Women on their phones while handling food, hair down their backs (no hair nets), I was the only car in the drive in and they still got it wrong… and I wai... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

While visiting the Panera Bread in Homestead Fl. on 9th Court, yesterday, I saw a worker cleaning the FLOOR near the cash register, so I decided that I would wait it out until someone else showed up t... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Why does't Panera Corporate listen to the mass poor reviews it's restaurants are garnering? Their menu is great, but the food preparation and service is surely lacking! Waverly NC location is always d... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

So disappointed with Panera Bread, Jacksonville, NC now and I am a long-time patron! Last night, spent over $31 purchasing 2 each "You Pick2" meals where you get 1/2 of a sandwich and either a CUP or... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered online from Panera for my husband and me. When we started eating, the sandwiches were very small and my husband’s turkey sandwich had no turkey:/ The food was poor quality for the exorbitant... See more

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

We frequent Panera Bread in Exton, PA on a regular basis. Our last two visits have been very disappointing. The quality of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup is poor, barely warm, with mostly broth and sma... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

At Cafe 203730 in Gainess Township, MI, they refuse to put the simple orange stoppers for coffee out for customers. When I asked, I was told that the supervisor said it was company policy; however, ev... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thank you Panera Bread/Bridgewater Falls, Fairfield Twp, Oh This cafe is always clean, unclutter, all the staff SUPER FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL!!!Thank you Cafe #204917, guys you always work as a team, to... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Went today to Panera bread in Parker, CO, for a Bakers Dozen, asiago, and cinnamon crunch. The bagels look awful, the asigao bagel tasted just plain, and the cinnamon crunch lacked cinnamon flavor. W... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Placed an order and canceled a few minutes later in July and here we are in October and still no refund. Company continues to give me the run around. Going to dispute the charges on my credit card. P... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I made a large order at the Panera Bread location on Martin Luther King Hwy, Lanham / Bowie and the customer service was awful. If there was anything less than 1 star that's the rating I would give.... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I've been going to Panera at king Fisher lane & Lowe's lane in Frederick for past 7-8 years. But last couple of years everything at these locations has gone downhill. Quality of food to cleanliness of... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

It is nasty to put the bread for soup or chilli in the bag or order without putting it in something like a box or a bag to cover it. You have drive -thru workers who handle dirty money and employe... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Every morning my first stop is at PANERA BREAD in Montclair. And Carmen is the one who serves me; she always recognizes my name, greets me with a smile, tells me about the specials, and reminds m... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I just got a Strawberry Lemonade on my SIP account for which I paid $130 year Subscription, and the manager (Black Guy) at 313 Merrick Road Rockville Centre, NY 11570 filled my order up to 3/4 of the... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

We visited Panera bread today and could not believe how awful it had gotten. We ordered sandwiches and coffee. The sandwiches took forever and were absolutely awful for $34.34 and all the coffee urns... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Customized my baker's dozen to fit the needs of my staff and they clearly modified my order to accommodate whatever they had available. That is NOT COOL. I had an 8AM rapid pick up time in Homestead o... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

What glitters isn’t always gold. This joint in Monclair, CA might look fresh and new, but the WiFi often sucks or doesn’t work. I only stop by once in a while, but sorry to those who are pressed for... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

myself, my wife and my son ate at a Panera Bread location in Nottingham, Maryland recently and decided we will never again go there. I had chicken chipotle sandwich and you could hardly find any chic... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I have been a big fan of Panera Bread Cafes, but visiting at the Cafe in Conyers, GA today has given me pause in my past experiences at Panera. The service was poor from the guy at the front to watchi... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

False advertising on your menu board showing the bowl is full and when I receive a bowl of soup like broccoli soup it is half full. And when I asked them before I paid for it I asked them if they coul... See more

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Not the greatest fan, as I’ve worked at this location for now just over 5years, and STILL to this day they only have me as a dish washer. Pretty pathetic well on my part. As to PB is extremely lucky w... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I work at Panera bread as a baker and I always have to be forced to mop and do the dishes everyone else is there to help me and the new people they are always so mean to me they are also very unclean... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Extremely disappointed with my visit to the Panera Bread on 150 near Target. From the time we placed our order in the drive-thru, we waited at the window for almost 10 minutes—just for 2 sandwiche... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I like coming to Panera whenever I need a working lunch. I feel the food is cleaner than most other restaurants. And It is a fine experience, quiet, I'm left alone, its comfortable, and the staff is u... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I went to Panera in Grossmont center in zla Mesa, CA. The restaurant was filthy from what I could see in the seating area. It made me think the kitchen area is probably way below par after seeing t... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Panera is getting worse and worse. We travel regularly in our area, and eat at about four different Panera locations. Tonight we were at a location in High Point NC, and as we were eating, we noticed... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Took ten minutes to finally get my order correct and had to keep asking for salad dressing! Had I not checked our order at the drive through I would not have gotten the chicken for our salads again!... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

We just stopped at the Panera in St Robert, MO and got a Strawberry Banana smoothie and a Tropical Green smoothie. The size of smoothies has definitely gotten smaller over the years and yet the price... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

First time I have eaten at Panera's in a long time. Sadly the experience was a far cry from good. The girl who took my order was about as unfriendly as they get! Then I Sat down to eat my food and a... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Been a while since I've been to Panera, now I remember why I stopped going. Bought 6 cinnamon crunch bagels....needless to say, they need to change the name to, used to be cinnamon crunch bagel. Th... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Visited the Panera location on Harrison ave Cincinnati. Only three other customers in the entire store. All I ordered was a toasted bagle. Yet I had to point out that fact on my receipt.The young ma... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’ve ordered twice through the Panera Bread app for pickup at the Dover Capital Commons location, and both times I had to wait about 15 minutes past my scheduled time before my food was ready. Tod... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The Panera Cafe 204917, Bridgewater Falls, Hamilton, Ohio is a GREAT RESTAURANT, This Cafe is always clean, friendly staff, order is always correct and great food!!! Taryn, Tiffany and chef staff Than... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

What is going on with Panera lately. First our Panera doesn't do drive thru anymore, you have to place the order by phone and pick it up. Then I went in today and they had nothing but 4 bagels and may... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have to agree with all negative reviewers. Charlotte NC and Matthews NC listen up. Meditteranean Sandwich is NOT as pictured nor what it used to be. Turkey and Cheddar also not as pictured nor what... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Purchased a dozen cookies, they were in a gigantic pile on the counter behind the register. None in the display case. When I got home I realized the cookies in the boxes were hard and stale.... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered French dip sandwich and onion soup my sandwich had a strange taste to the roast beef and the bread was the hardest toughest bread I've ever tried to eat thank goodness it came with the Frenc... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered a chili bowl and a cream of chicken wild rice soup. Neither one had ANY meat whatsoever in them, and the cream of chicken had very little of anything. Maybe three bites of rice. Alongside th... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I visit the location in Goodyear AZ frequently, and I'm always happy to see how they take pride in keeping the restaurant clean. Particularly one of the staff, Brock really does a great job, and it... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Nobody behind order counter Did not understand menu Ordered Caprese Focaccio Huge bread..lots of cress Two tiny slices of tomato Mozzarella was 1/4 the size of a dollar bill. Did not even try t... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Cafe #: 202600. McDonough GA. Worst place to eat EVER. They expect a tip prior to any service, the food was not "hot" but barely warm, the soup was cool to eat, and the sweet tea tasted like sewer wa... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Went to the Seabrook, NH Panera with my granddaughter (4 years old) on June 21, excited to have my first lunch date with her. Grilled cheese for her, caprese for me. The grilled cheese had what looke... See more


1.9

Poor

TrustScore 2 out of 5

1K reviews

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Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Panera Bread I believe half bakes their…

Panera Bread I believe half bakes their bread and then ships it to the local store. The quality and taste have disappeared. Uncooked croissant roll. The items that go inside the sandwich are still good, but the bread wrecks the entire sandwich. They have lost me as a customer.

February 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered 2 sandwiches

I ordered 2 sandwiches, and the woman taking my order seemed confused. It's the second time I've had contact with her, and she isn't with it. I received one sandwich. The Chiabarta steak sandwich was light on meat, onions, and cheese. Very disappointing

February 12, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I ordered online from Panera for my…

I ordered online from Panera for my husband and me. When we started eating, the sandwiches were very small and my husband’s turkey sandwich had no turkey:/ The food was poor quality for the exorbitant price and portion. We will not order from there again.

December 17, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

While visiting the Panera Bread in…

While visiting the Panera Bread in Homestead Fl. on 9th Court, yesterday, I saw a worker cleaning the FLOOR near the cash register, so I decided that I would wait it out until someone else showed up to take my order, because I’m always cautious about people taking my order. Then the dreaded moment came when she put her cleaning equipment down, asked if she could help me, to which I replied “uuhhh, eerrr, I usually like it when people who are cleaning floors etc wash their hands prior to serving me”, to which she replied (after an awkward) pause “oh, no, I won’t serve your food items or handle them, I’ll just take your order and someone else will give it to you”…….I said okay. She then proceeded to take my order, and then moments later, handed me my order ‼️why am I confused???

February 5, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I put in an order got a email saying it…

I put in an order got a email saying it was ready for pickup I was devastated because I ordered it for delivery or so I thought I called them told the man who answered what happened he was so nice said he would take care of it 15 mins later I had my lunch I would not been able to pick this up an it was so good French onion soup an tuna sandwich I cant thank him enough

December 7, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

So disappointed with Panera Bread

So disappointed with Panera Bread, Jacksonville, NC now and I am a long-time patron! Last night, spent over $31 purchasing 2 each "You Pick2" meals where you get 1/2 of a sandwich and either a CUP or BOWL of soup of your choice. Before I left the area, I checked our food only to discover that I received a 1/2 cup of soup and not a full cup. When I return to the restaurant to show them, the restaurant employee advised me they were instructed to only fill the soup cups at the line shown inside the cups. Then this is truly FALSE ADVERTISEMENT! The menu board shows you get a CUP of soup, but actually you only get 1/2 cup now while the prices have increased! Plan to report to the NC Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Protection Office.

January 26, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Dry Bread

We stopped at Panera's in West Des Moines. We purchased a bowl of soup a Greek Salad and two sandwiches the bread on both sandwiches was so dry that the bread was falling apart. They were completely different sandwiches on two different kind of bread. But both breads were extremely dry. Was disappointed in the bread quality. The person that took our order was not personable at all. She did not offer assistance on our orders.

January 20, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Nobody behind order counter

Nobody behind order counter
Did not understand menu
Ordered Caprese Focaccio
Huge bread..lots of cress
Two tiny slices of tomato
Mozzarella was 1/4 the size of a dollar bill.
Did not even try to rectify
"That is how it comes."

January 21, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I have been a big fan of Panera Bread…

I have been a big fan of Panera Bread Cafes, but visiting at the Cafe in Conyers, GA today has given me pause in my past experiences at Panera. The service was poor from the guy at the front to watching those prepare the food. No initial greeting, no hairnets worn by those preparing the food, tables not cleaned off after each customer, all the coffees offered were cold, the hot water for tea drinkers was not hot. Please Panera headquarters check on the cafes that have your name, offer advice and serious training that buy into Panera and follow up on those cafes. If they do not maintain high standards do something to turn those cafes around. Many are lowering the opinion of Panera customers. I loved eating at Panera in the past in various states, but reading the reviews in GA and other states you have a serious problem. Main office, HELP your company raise the quality of your restaurants.

January 19, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Kat at Panera

Kat at Panera, Abilene Texas is a ⭐️ ⭐️!! She always goes out of her way to make it a pleasant experience for consumers. Great food, great service.

January 18, 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I have to agree with all negative…

I have to agree with all negative reviewers. Charlotte NC and Matthews NC listen up. Meditteranean Sandwich is NOT as pictured nor what it used to be. Turkey and Cheddar also not as pictured nor what it used to be. Both sandwiches have alot less filling than they used to and are not worth the price paid. Panera staff are by and large unfriendly, unhappy and rude. Food is always a crap shoot- will I get a sandwich made by someone who cares? Who takes pride in their work? OR someone who hates working at Panera and takes it out on the customer? More likely the latter than the former. Inconsistency is a real repeat customer killer. An occasional black hair in the sandwich is, too. WHERE are the hair nets?? I'm sorry I purchased 100$ in gift cards- Panera is definitely the last place I want to get food from as they continue their downhill slide. Even their local "corporate" store is a joke.

December 29, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I've been a huge fan of Panera's

I've been a huge fan of Panera's, until tonight. Idk what happened to the quality of the grilled chicken, but it was full of fat and disgusting. The portions are half of what they were about 6 months ago, but still the same price? What's up with that? Over $5. for a cup of mac and cheese almost as small as a prefilled ice cream cup. $9. for a bowl?
Sorry Panera, that's the last time we buy food from you.

December 30, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Gross! Overpriced! What happened?!

In fairness, I do not go out to eat often. It's been a couple of years since last ate at Panera. Last night, it was $15 for a half grilled cheese and tomato soup with a small drink. The grilled cheese was processed cheese and was on stale bread (not toasted). The soup was very hot and tasted burnt. The hard roll was OK.
Seriously, what happened? Panera has always been pricey. The quality was excellent in the past. Now, it's expensive and disgusting.

December 28, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Work Employees!? #FoulPolitics

Not the greatest fan, as I’ve worked at this location for now just over 5years, and STILL to this day they only have me as a dish washer. Pretty pathetic well on my part. As to PB is extremely lucky with myself being a permanently disabled citizen here of USA, & very well the ONLY reason they keep me on payroll. Just for a Foul Tax Credit……#PrayersNeeded…:)

December 24, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Panera Bread in Exton, PA

We frequent Panera Bread in Exton, PA on a regular basis. Our last two visits have been very disappointing. The quality of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup is poor, barely warm, with mostly broth and small shards of vegetables. The large size bowls were barely half filled. We did voice our concern during our last visit.

December 21, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Why does't Panera Corporate listen to…

Why does't Panera Corporate listen to the mass poor reviews it's restaurants are garnering? Their menu is great, but the food preparation and service is surely lacking! Waverly NC location is always dirty, very rude unhelpful register worker's, especially at the bakery counter. They beed to get trained by those at Chick Fil-A

December 20, 2025
Unprompted review

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