Panera Bread

I don’t normally come here but there are days that I do crave it. The food is good but this is my gripe about this place. The prices are a bit on the high side for what you get. I love the chicken tortellini, but it’s usually small and barely any chicken in it. The grilled sandwiches are good but again are kinda small and not too exciting, I could make them on my George Forman grill for half the price and feed more people. I guess your paying for the atmosphere of hanging out with college/​high school students and pretend your important by bringing your laptop to «work» and make yourself look cool because you checked in. To me this place looks someone took a section of Starbucks and said we are only serving bread so we are going to make a restaurant out of it. Panera could have more potential if they expanded their menus and increased their portions.

I love all Paneras, and this one is no different. They had a Tuesday bagel deal, buy 6 get 6. I must research, is this magic deal at all locations?!? By 10am they were already out of salt bagels and chocolate chip bagels… which makes sense because those are the BEST! They are all good though… you can’t lose!
I also tried their egg soufflés…so good! I didn’t realize how little and cute they are! I tried the cheese one, and the spinach artichoke… both amazing! HUGE chunks of artichoke!
yum

Dirty spoons and soup that has obviously been simmering all day on a steam table! Don’t come here for dinner! Unless you just like the surly staff!

The food was fresh but the washrooms are filthy! The sandwich makers are very friendly though.

Yet another wildly disappointing and downright offensive visit to a chain restaurant.
Put in a large order and was assured that they would count and make sure everything was there. Well, shame on me for not doing it myself. Two of the sandwiches were missing and a third was made incorrectly. I called to get it fixed and told they were too busy to come deliver it and I’d have to go pick it up. So I jump in the car AGAIN and come down to get them. They insist I have to pay for them since «large corporations like us take advantage of small franchises like theirs.»
Well, for starters, we aren’t a large corporation. We have 150 employees so we’re not tiny, but pretty sure Panera employs more people than we do in the neighboring cities. Secondly, you aren’t a small franchise. They have one of the biggest locations in CT and apparently the worst service and understanding that the customer is always right. I would have been happy if he threw in 2 cookies or even just an apology, but no — it was somehow my fault because my count didn’t match his.
I’ve gone to the Panera in North Haven and had them screw up something, but they were quick to fix it and were incredibly apologetic. That’s customer service — not this finger pointing nonsense. Well this «Large Corporation» won’t be ordering from your «Small franchise» anymore, so while you got my $ 20 for the 3 sandwiches, you’ll be losing at least $ 300 a month from our orders. Way to go!

Pretty large seating area split into 2 rooms, but always busy on the weekends. I typically just get a coffee, but ate dinner there tonight, did the pick 2 – cup of soup and half a sandwich for $ 6.99 (there is an upcharge for their signature sandwiches). Was not overly impressed with the french onion soup… instead of a thick layer of cheese on top, there was a very small amount of shredded cheese thrown in with 3 croutons. The sierra turkey sandwich was pretty good, enjoyed the focaccia bread and chipotle mayo on it. Also got a bag of chips as a side, which was included.
Free wifi can be a little finicky. I enjoy that you can spend some time, even a few hours camped out there and staff never rush you out. Also like that there are several choices of coffee and tea and the ease of getting refills.

I have never had a bad experience at a Panera Bread, and the Hamden location was true to form. It was a tasty meal, and the service was good.

This Panera Bread location is pretty clean and decent in size, with two sections of tables. The service was quick and the cashiers were very helpful and polite.
The food arrived quickly and was well prepared. That’s all I ask… Go Panera!

A chain sandwich place, that’s somewhat overpriced. Maybe I’m spoiled from being in New Haven and having Nica’s and Romeo’s nearby, but pretty much and chain sandwich place just doesn’t stand up. It’s not that the food isn’t good, it’s just that I can get more substantial, cheaper, better food elsewhere. So, why would I go back here? Still, it’s not bad, so you can’t really go wrong, but I would prefer other local sandwich shops.

The cashiers seem nice and… Yeah. I get bagels.

Always do the Pick2 with a half of the Asiago Roast Beef Sandwich and the broccoli cheddar soup with extra side of bread. Love it.
My boyfriend does the same, but gets the half of Frontega chicken sandwich and his soup with a bread bowl.
They pack it up great for take out also.
Love their iced green tea.

It is your standard Panera with free wifi and delicious soups (when they’re in stock). They were out of broccoli cheddar and tomato when I was here! WTH?! No free bread samples at this one. However, I did notice that after hours they donate they’re unsold breads and pastries to these ladies (one wearing a tye-​dyed shirt so she must work in non-​profit or some sort of manufacturer of yeast by products). Props.
Unilocal hasn’t made its presence in this small town but thank goodness for its internet access. It is definitely on my list of study spots as my QU Master’s program begins without driving down to New Haven. The staff is pretty friendly and they keep the place quite clean. There are plenty of outlets for those needing to plug in and it’s always uncrowded which I like.
Panera, you do what you do well. Remind me of a bit of home and keeping me connected to the world with unlimited coffee + tea refills for my visit into your doors. Thanks (fist bumps)!