Panera Bread

We generally eat eat here after early church on Sundays. We like Panera as a chain, but we frequent this place purely out of convenience.
It is usually dirty and we have to wipe our own tables off. The staff is not very friendly. They are usually out of flavored coffee and skim milk. There is a HUGE communication issue between placing the order and receiving what you just paid for. We frequently here «we’re sorry but we someone else got the soufflé, muffin, etc. that you ordered. What can we substitute»?
But, the location is very convenient so we will keep coming back.

Good size Panera. Their associates have always been friendly and enthusiastic. Like their pick two options with soup or salad or sandwich. Pricing is affordable.
The only challenge at times is parking. Their parking lot is shared with the entire plaza and Walgreens, and a Starbucks, with a few other stores. During peak times parking will be frustrating.

I’ve always been a fan of Panera dating back to ’99 when I lived briefly in Kansas City. It was a lunch time favorite for me and the coworkers and it was THE best place for bagels. I’ve not been to this location in a while and the last time I went to a Panera it was in the Summit. That visit was less than stellar, but this time it was on point!
I visited this location in Vestavia for lunch and as expected it was pretty crowded. However, there wasn’t a wait to place my order and it was ready before I could even get comfy at my table. Since everyone knows of this place I’ll just review my meal. I did the «Pick 2», which consists of your choice of a salad/​sandwich or soup/​sandwich or any other combo you can think of. I tried the Chicken and Fuji Apple Salad and my sandwich was the Sierra (turkey, chipotle mayo, field greens and onions… I didn’t get the onions). It normally comes on focaccia bread but they were out. I subbed a croissant. I REALLY liked the salad! Dried apple slices, pecans, bleu cheese, onions (again. And I took them off, again), well-​seasoned chicken over field greens. The dressing was a Fuji Apple dressing that was really good… not too tart and not too sweet. Complimented the chicken well.
Portion for lunch was just right. It’s still a tad pricey for lunch and it’s probably why I don’t go there very often. My total was a tad over $ 10, much more than I like to spend for lunch. But quality was good and I would definitely get that salad again.

Panera is one of my favorites for breakfast. Wide varieties of food and great coffee options. Their salads and paninis are fresh and taste great. I’d stay away from the pastas. Anytime I’ve had them they taste like a frozen dinner. This location is clean and the service is always good!

Panera is one of if not my favorite chain for fresh food.
Today was a stop to take advantage of the Tuesday bagel special. Baker’s dozen for 6.99 and they even will package for freshness to last.
I regularly stop by here for breakfast and lunch.
I’ve never had any issues at this location and food is always fresh and great taste.

Have gone to this location several times and am always impressed. The staff is always polite and welcoming even when it is a busy weekday lunch hour. The bakery area is always well stocked. Some favorites of Panera in general include: black bean soup, vegetable soup with pesto, Asian chicken salad, Thai chicken salad, tuna salad sandwich, Cuban panini, Napa almond chicken salad sandwich. I recently tried a soba noodle bowl with chicken and it was yummy. Perfect size with a side of baguette. And I absolutely love the strawberry poppyseed chicken salad. Wish it was around all year! Losing one star because of cleanliness — always seems to be a lot of crumbs on the floor!

I love this location. The food is always delicious (duh) and the employees are friendly. I work down the street so I like to order online during my lunch break and then run in to pick it up real quickly from their rapid pick up shelf. It seems to be the fastest and easiest way to a good meal because it’s paid for already and you don’t have to wait in line at all. Oh, and the Mac n cheese is heavenly.

Came here tonight for a quick and easy supper. The woman taking orders has no idea about the menu or how to operate the machine. It literally took 10 minutes for 5 of us to order. And they’re out of several key menu items, like bread bowls (for soup) and Mac & cheese. Very disappointed.

Conveniently located by the Carmike theatre, Panera Bread is a great place to have a nice sandwich or salad.
They have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the fresh air. Parking is convenient.
The staff has always been friendly and has always checked to see if I have their rewards card so any discounts will be applied to my order.
The menu changes occasionally to keep it fresh but I can’t resist not ordering the Fuji Apple chicken salad. The flavors wet my appetite.
Being so close to the movie theatre we can grab tickets and then come by for a healthy meal and not have to wait. This helps when you want to buy the $ 20 bucket of popcorn.

Overall, the chain has good service and great food for a low price. Keep an eye on the salads, however, as the dressings can be a bit laden with calories and fat.
There are some off menu items that you can find if you look online or simply ask at the counter. The Breakfast Power Sandwich is one of my new favorites.

Parking is tough for this location, especially on a Friday night, and especially considering the collection of other restaurants crammed in around it. However, if you’re willing to walk a bit, you should be able to find something reasonably close in one of the lots or garages in the vicinity.
The food is fresh and tasty, as with most Paneras, and there was plenty of seating, despite a couple of larger parties having dinner there. Flow is to the left as you enter the front door: pastries and breads, registers, pickup counter, and then the drinks, with the restrooms further down a short hallway.

Wish i was still a student. This looks like a great place to study and enjoy the free wi-​fi. The food is great and friendly service same as most of the Panera Bread locations I have been to. Glad this one is within walking distance.

So it’s a chain. Get over it. For quick simple salads and paninis, or even a plain tuna salad sandwich and soup, this place works. Something for everyone here (mac ‘n cheese is a side item, if you have little ones). There are vegetarian options (try the Mediterranean veggie sandwich or the tomato/​cheese panini), and low-​fat soups (the chicken tortilla is excellent). From the bakery, try the orange scone. Dense and sweet. Skip the bagel if you’re looking for NY-​style. Cons: Entrees fresh MOST of the time. On rare occasions I’ve found wilted lettuce in a salad or a soup that tasted like it’d been there all day.

It’s your typical penara bread restaurant with a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads. The tea selection is excellent and the have your typical coffee shop drinks. I would usually give a place like this 3 stars, but they have free wifi and plenty of tables to get work done on. If you are looking for a place to study or get some work done over the Internet, I highly recommend this place.