Panera Bread

I both like and don’t like this particular Panera Bread.
Let me say that is has nothing to do with the food, it is standard Panera fare. Nothing amazing but good and filling.
My first issue is that menu changes often and without warning. I am assuming this has to do with the availability of what food they get in but it’s annoying. As a vegan my choices are already limited and when they take things away I am sometimes left with only 1 or 2 choices. Annoying but whatever.
To offset this they have self serve kiosks, which I love! And they bring the food to your table. The kiosks let you customize much more and you get to skip the lines. The servers are always polite and prompt, the trackers seem to work well.
My other issue is that you literally have to scope the place out to know whether to order in or not. I have had to ask for boxes to take my food to go after we ordered and couldn’t find seats.
But it is in a high density area and a lot of business people go there on lunch from the surrounding area. So just don’t hit them up at lunch or order to go and save yourself the hassle.
TLDR: menu sometimes changes, the self serve kiosks are awesome and look around to see if there are seats before you order in at a busy time.

Self service kiosk and table servers make this Panera rock! I’ve been a fan but hate the crowds and dis functional mirage of customers who can’t make up their minds and hold up everybody else. What a novel idea for self kiosk check out?
And…Green Tea comes with refills

Located off busy 83, this location has the usual comforts of the Panera brand. There seems to be a steady crowd here on a Sunday morning but finding a table wasn’t a problem. The food is good — like the selection you’d find at any Panera. I ordered at the counter & my order was accurate. You can also order online & from your table. There’s wifi, drip coffee, & parking. It’s nothing extraordinary but this was just what I was looking for this morning.

Not honoring veterans on Veterans Day. Despite the national Panera policy of a complimentary sandwich for military/​veterans with ID, nothing from this Oakbrook Terrace store. Other Panera stores in Dupage County gladly and proudly honored veterans on this day, but not here unfortunately.

Panera has changed since I’ve last visited. They have table service and self-​order kiosks and flavors.
I never used to be a big fan of Panera, but the menu has changed a bit since I was last here. And the service was fast and brought right to my table. Multiple drink stations, comfortable seats that are nicely lit with nothing harsh.
I think I may fall for you yet, Panera. Nice job.

Stopped for a late lunch little after 2 not super busy but not slow. The gentleman who helped me with the new kiosk order system was delightful, kind and helpful. I believe his name was Bryan. This is my new favorite Panera.

This is my absolute favorite Panera location because the customer service is the best I’ve seen anywhere. There is one manager who acts like she has known me for years — she’s so nice, and almost every single employee who has been there to greet me has been friendly and welcoming. When they were «technically closed» for some technical issues, they welcomed me in anyway and encouraged me to stay and eat there. I LOVE this place.

Customer service is bad. During lunch time the wait can vary from 15 – 20 minutes, which is their busy time. They should be more efficient, as they know that it is their prime hour. You have to waste your lunch hour waiting for food. Also they ALWAYS get the order wrong. Order a sandwich to go and you will get something completely different. Is it that hard to get it right? In the end, they don’t care. All they say is — we are backed up today. WOW

Friday night dinner rush and they have no bread, because of a «busy day»…seems like an establishment created around their bread and pastries should be able to avoid a situation like this. The front staff was very nice however.

Stopped in for a quick breakfast this morning.
I was welcomed with a warm friendly greeting as soon as I walked in the door.
The restaurant appeared to be clean and generally well maintained.
I ordered a small coffee and an everything bagel sliced and toasted. The bagel tasted fresh and was very savory. In addition I had the roasted vegetable medley cream cheese spread. Also reasonably flavorful and a good compliment to the savory bagel.
The coffee was hot and tasted fresh. I went with the dark roast added a touch of skim milk and one Splenda. Maybe not the best coffee I’ve ever had but very good for the price.
Overall I was very pleased with the experience and I would come back if in the area.
If you’re nearby looking for a quick bite at a reasonable price give this location a try.

Even thought the location is out of the way, this is the best Panera I’ve been to in this area. They have nice helpful service. You are greeted with smiles and they pay attention to getting your order right. I go out of my way to go to this location.

I like Panera, but don’t find myself at one often enough. This Panera location is pretty close to my work and is usually my default lunch spot when I don’t feel like dealing with Oak Brook lunch traffic. The food is consistently good, although it’s one of the pricier options. The mac and cheese they serve up is so damn cheesy, that I wouldn’t be surprised if I dropped dead on the spot, but the taste is really addicting.
I don’t find the service at this location very inviting. I was waited on by the manager recently and found him less friendly than the cashiers.
Overall, I’d say it’s a 3 star option. It’s not the worst location or lunch spot, but I don’t find myself overrun with excitement to come here either.

Well we all know what Panera serves, so…
The place is clean
The staff is friendly
The food is prepared well
Nice location near the Oak Brook mall

I have really lost my interst in Panera. Between the overpriced small portions and the always crowded dining area, I don’t have any desire to give them my business anymore. However, this location is the half-​way point between my mother’s house (Berwyn) and me (Naperville). We always meet here for lunch and to catch up, and exchange Christmas/​Birthday gifts. So, despite being excited to see my mom, I was dreading lunch here.
I ordered a half soup/​half sandwich combo; a bowl of broccoli cheddar and a tomato mozzarella panini on focaccia bread. My mother got a large drink and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. The total was over $ 18. What a ripoff.
My food was good but not great, as usual. Mom stirred her soup and ate some, but it was apparent she didn’t really enjoy it.
I am a fan of their Mac & Cheese and the Thai Chicken Salad, but not a fan of the price for the amount of food you get. The Rigatoni San Marzano is okay (again, overpriced).
My biggest pet peeve here (well, every Panera, for that matter) is when you ask for a cup of water, you are directed to use the itty-​bitty cups by the fountain drink machine. NEWSFLASH PANERA! I am an adult, I don’t want a toddler sized sippy cup for water. Seriously– have you ever tried to enjoy your meal with one of those «cups?» You take two gulps and it’s empty. I usually bring my own water bottle and fill it there, but today I forgot so I had to order a small soft drink and fill it with water that way.
Also, the dining room in this location is extremly cramped. Good luck getting a booth, as they’re always taken. Sitting at table, you pretty much brush elbows with the patrons sitting at the table next to you. It’s nearly impossible to stand up with your tray and try to maneuever your way towards the trash bin without spilling the last of your soup on someone’s head.
Yeah, I think it’s time mom and I find a new place to chow and gab. The hunt starts now.

I actually like panera. There pasta is good and so is there soup. Some of there sandwiches are pretty good too. There is a lot to choose from so be warned lol. There pastries are amazing though. Be warned too that they are a little pricey but still good

I love panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, it’s what keeps me coming back. My problem is in the way they put together their sandwiches. They just throw everything on there, and their ingredients aren’t all that fresh. If only their sandwiches could be as tasty as their soups!

The office loves it when I come to town. 18 – 24 bagels and it makes them all happy! Good price. You might want to have a few extra at the register in the morning, quite a line.

I love the weekday morning crew at this location. They know my family and it’s really nice to get acknowledged since we are there almost every morning. What was great this morning was that I got a call from Vanessa because they forgot to put in an item in my hubby’s bag and to come back or get it later. Talk about above and beyond awesome customer service!!!

Honestly, how good or bad of a review can you give a Panera bread. I go there for two things, their chicken frontera panini and they acai berry tea. Yum. It’s the perfect lunch for me. WAIT! I can’t forget about their black bean soup or their delicious broccoli soup bowl. So I actually go there for a lot more. ;)
I’ve never had a problem with my order and the service is pretty fast. A little on the pricey side but that’s what chains like this strive for. Whatever, it’s close and convenient for a lunch spot. Plus I know that’ll I’ll love whatever I order.

People are creatures of habit, and I am a creature like others. We, creatures that is, tend to stick to what works, the yin to our yang, the go to food that is comfy and high on stability and low on the nerve factor. Sometimes.
Here, I do love and have always loved their café Greek salad. Ample in size, fresh greens, lots of feta, olives and peppers, and a halfway decent salad dressing. And you can opt for bread, chips, or an apple as a side. Or halve it with soup, etc.
Being Eco conscious, they now serve these salads, when you grab them to go, in a paper box that is reminiscent of something you would purchase bakery goods in. I don’t know if the box is playing tricks on me but the serving size has lessened (seemingly) and if you are a salad freak that is problematic. It also seems to get soggy awfully fast.
To add misery to this injustice, they recently turfed their once wonderful and moist and always-​good-​with-​coffee toffee bar cookie for a more nutritious peanut butter toffee cookie that can cause havoc on dental work.
I still give them 3 stars because they have prompt and friendly service and it’s convenient for that speedy box lunch (no pun intended) … but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Or don’t over think it.