Panera Bread

Three stars for the cleanliness and my ocean braid and iced green tea. No stars for the rude cashier.

Allright so this review is well beyond due… I have been coming here (or used to) since the first day that they opened. I live right across this location and I come here often (again, used to).
The location is by far one best things about this Panera. it’s right in the middle of busy/​commerce area of Bay Ridge on 86^th street between 5^th and Fort Hamilton near where Chipotle, Century 21, TJ Maxx, Starbucks, etc. all are.
The seating is pretty spacious, nice cushioned seats for the booths, and spaced out tables for the individual seaters. Lighting is pretty good too towards the front.
Let’s be honest, who really truly goes to Panera to EAT? … I wouldn’t say many… most people go to hang out, catch up with friends while snacking on a pastry or bagel, or to study/​get work done while sipping on unlimited coffee and fountain drinks. The seating is spaced out like I mentioned, I’d say about 50% of them have outlets available to them.
One thing that is extremely an annoyance is their WiFi… it may be better off for them to advertise that they don’t offer WiFi because it’s absolutely terrible. I’ve heard of multiple people coming in, purchasing food/​drinks, sitting down to do work and because of how slow and awful their connectivity is, they decide to leave (30 minute limit during certain hours, takes 2 minutes to load gmail).
As for the food, I mean it’s all pre-​packaged and sodium packed — nothing you can’t get across the street at the grocery store. canned food. Price is pretty high for what they serve. The «you pick 2» is some what of a gimmick because you don’t get much of a better deal for actually picking two.
All in all, I probably only come here when I’m desperate and need a place to catch up with a friend, but for some odd reason, my wife loves their soups and sandwiches… so to each his own.
I’m actually worried that the WiFi is so terrible that when I submit this review, it may not go through…

This Panera bread location is pretty good I never have any issues with my shakes or my meals.
It’s the second time I’ve been to this location and each time the meal is freshly prepared and the shake is exactly how I like it, thick and creamy not watery like some other Panera locations.
Bayridge is a little out of my area but I definitely recommend anyone who’s in the area and enjoys Panera to come to this location as their meals are freshly prepared and the staff is accommodating. I especially like that they do online pick up see you can order online and rapidly pick it up in the store as I did and it was ready exactly when it said it would be.

Walked in 5 min to 9 last night. Absolutely no one in the front. Waited a good 5 min and saw a cashier slowly walk out to take my order. Didn’t get the get any food because they don’t welcome you to stay. This place closed at 930pm. It’s 930pm people. Not 11pm. So I just bought a drink and left hungry. The cashier keep saying their door say 930. Well! Then change up your hours in Unilocal

I came here with my BFF as a girls date. I loved the atomosphere, the workers were friendly and accommodating. However, bring a sweater because it was freezing inside.

I’m not a lazy… I’m just saving all of my sandwich making for «the one»…
came here for a fast quick lunch… did not have time to spend in a local place… came here because it was simple and easy… Panera bread lives up to that… You know what you get… its simple and easy… this is it! I had the roast beef sandwich with sourdough bread… the bread was good… but the meat was very dry…

The main thing I like about this location, doesn’t bode well for it’s longevity.
It’s never crowded when I come in here.
Stopped in for coffee and what I thought was a Pumpkin muffin bargain priced at $ 1.69, but no, that was the sign for the Muffie, (muffin top only) even though the muffin’s were in that spot. I guess I’ll just keep my own muffin top, since the counter person didn’t offer to rectify the situation.
The coffee didn’t crush it either, so overall, a comfortable, uncrowded spot with ok food.

— Soups are crazy salty
— Do not get the pumpkin soup, you will regret it. It’s pure sugar.
— Worst strawberry smoothie I’ve ever had
— The bread is amazing.
— Pretty good kale smoothies
— Ok Mac & cheese

Wow I love this Panera!
Been coming here lately to order the kids meal for my LO. Mac n cheese is very tasty and you get a yogurt or bread with it. Your choice.
Soups are also very tasty. Recently I tried the broccoli cheddar and veggie autumn. Both deeeeeelish and super fresh.
Coffee is good, too. The ladies behind the counter are always super helpful and patient.
I deduct a star because the pastries sometimes seem dry but I guess that’s not their specialty. Will definitely be back!

Having being on 86^th street without any dinner plans I decided to try Panera Bread. This is the first time I’m visiting this location since it opened its soup and sandwich doors to the people of Bay Ridge.
I have to say, the good thing is I ordered right away because there was not a single soul in there, the bad thing is the staff seemed uninterested and almost screwed up my order until i had to correct them.
I opted for the Pick 2, a half a sandwich and a small soup. Went with the creamy tomato soup and the chicken on focaccia bread. The chicken sandwich was so small that I was literally done with it in four bites. This soup was so so heavy that I’m still burping from it as I’m writing this review.
To add insult to injury, there was a basket of bread where you pick up your food and I thought it was OK to help yourself to a piece of bread, but I was quickly yelled at by an employee saying that that bread is not for the customers to grab and I should put it back after I touched it.
A half a sandwich (should really be called «a quarter sandwich») and a small soup is not worth the $ 10 price tag. I would say spend an extra few dollars and go down the street to Chipotle, but based on the reviews I’ve seen for them, that place is a bigger dump than this one is. Hopefully one day Bayridge will realize that these big chain restaurants don’t need to be in this Mom and Pop neighborhood.
You want a good meal on 86^th street? Go to Hinsch’s and tell them Uncle Marky sent ya!!!

I love panera, and I’ve never had s problem at this one. The workers are friendly, and the ordering is efficient. Even when there is a long Line it goes pretty quickly. It’s a nice addition to the area.

I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of Panera. The fact that I work a block down, Panera makes it so convenient for me when I’m on my lunch break: Good & quick service, delicious food, relaxing place, and the food keeps you full. Although it is on the pricey side, you can never beat the Chipotle Chicken Panini & French Onion Soup combo… at least for me. Haha. The Iced Green Tea is the best when you’re in need of a refreshing drink on a hot Summer day. I have yet to try out the Lobster roll… I heard it’s quite delicious. The only problem that’s stopping me is the $ 15 price. The Iced Coffee here? You customize it on your own. The taste is the same as anywhere else.

The 86^th Street Bay Ridge strip of shops is not lacking in its options when it comes to fast food or convenient food dining choices and one of the most welcome to the mix is the still sort of new Panera Bread shop. The place resides in a spot formerly used by Radio Shack (who are now completely done in the region and everywhere else it seems) and they’ve set up the space nicely.
When you walk in there is a small ordering area and plenty of interesting and often healthier choices on the ever changing menu. For my second visit I decided on a steak with cheese Panini. I also had a soup which came for free based on my rewards card. Not bad. After ordering you wait in a small queue by the kitchen where you food is prepared as needed. Much better than something sitting on the shelf under heat lamps for any length of time.
The rest of the space is loaded with tables, and many are booths and depending on the clientele of the time is how one can judge the loudness. On one visit it was crowded but you would have thought you were in a library while on the other a girl from three tables away seemed like she was sitting with me and my friends. The facilities are clean in terms of restrooms and there is a free WiFi signal being broadcast for those that love to check in on Swarm, Unilocal and Facebook or do some Foodspotting like I do.
The staff is pleasant and I will be there again without a doubt. New customers should definitely sign up for one of the rewards cards as it really works as opposed to some others I have seen in play. Thanks Panera Bread and please accept this overdue welcome to the neighborhood from me.

I LOVE Panera.
They have the best soups, delicious sandwiches. My favorites are their French onion soup and corn chowder (which is not always available.)
This location is new, very clean with extremely friendly and nice workers here. Wonderful location!

Pretty much on par with most other Paneras since it a chain. I’m not a huge Panera fan but every now and then I like to walk over and grab a salad and soup. I love getting the You-​Pick-​Two. Today I ordered the clam chowder with fresh baguette and Asian sesame chicken salad. I enjoy that Panera doesnt drench the salad with to much dressing. The clam chowder was a bit on the salty side.

My first time trying panera bread, its awesome! Better than dunkin, less pricey than starbucks! I definitely choose panera breakfast over dunkin but dunkin coffee is better? Good thing its around the corner from each other. Wuhoo!
Alot of choices on the menu, from bagels to yogurt to sandwiches etc.
This location has a large seating area. Order counter and a pick up counter, very organized!

I came here today and it was pretty empty for a Wednesday. I got the bistro onion soup with a Chipotle panini bread and it was very good. The soup was a little salty and the bread was a little hard on the side. Overall the food was pretty good. I would come here again when I am in 5^th ave.
They do have free wifi.

I love Panera and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Yes, it’s a chain, but their pastries… love their scones, blueberry, caramel apple, even orange! The coffee is always fresh and never lacking in strength, but I do prefer the dark roast or hazelnut. I’ve only been to this location a couple times because it’s a tad out of the way for me.
The service is generally friendly and great! I’ve had a small bad experience with a certain employee that doesn’t seem to care for her job… other employees had to make up for her shortcomings and they were very professional about it. This location has a good amount of seating, set up like any other Panera, but nicer. I have yet to try the soups from this location, but looking forward to it. I will be back often for the scones and other goodies!

To be honest, this is the very first time I’ve ever been to a Panera Bread. This location is new in the area, and I enjoy having all these new places popping up around.
It was love at first bite! The Bear Claw is made with an almond filling, drizzled with icing and then covered in sliced almonds. It’s kind of like a danish, but shaped like a claw. I like to rip off the fingers and eat it piece by piece. Wasn’t too sweet, somewhat fruity, not sure how to describe it, but it was good. Also tried a Sausage Egg & Cheese on Grilled Ciabatta, made like a panini sandwich, not bad but lacked flavor.
All their goods are baked on premises and I desire fresh baked bread. You won’t ever find stale items here neither cause everything is donated at the end of the day!

The Panera Bread chain finally opens its doors today to the 86^th street shopping neighborhood of Bay Ridge, right next to Modell’s. This is the third Brooklyn store for the chain in three years following Kings Plaza and Downtown Brooklyn.
Offering both traditional and fancy breakfast sandwiches in the morning; panini, cold sandwiches, and soups in the afternoon evening, this store fills and complements the fast-​casual segment that’s long been neglected in this shopping corridor. NIMBY customers will probably shy away, but Manhattanites and Brooklynites alike will be sure to find comfort here. Be it as it may, their arrival alongside Modell’s and Century 21 further legitimizes this part of southern Brooklyn as the next place to live, shop, and eat while also presenting a solid choice amongst many in the area.
I picked up a bear claw (my favorite), croissant, and toasted asiago bagel with honey walnut cream cheese. I didn’t get a chance to peruse the rest of the store but am expecting the usual– ample seating and free Wi-​Fi for all the weary shoppers. Although they’re working out the kinks in the system, everything came out as expected, the staff were friendly, inviting, and indoctrinated to the Panera Bread standard we’ve come to expect. Time will tell how quality is upheld.
For a limited time (first 250 customers), they offer a free Panera Bread tumbler and a card for free coffee for the month. How’s that for a grand opening?
I’ll update later with details of lunch/​dinner service, but so far so good… (To be continued)