Panera Bread

06/01/2008 Posted by karwatts

We are thrilled to have a good soup/sandwich place that is relaxing and while fast food, food is not typical of fast food. This is a great place to visit in the winter months where the 1/2 sandwich/cup of soup are a good value. Avoid peak lunch hours though due to crowds and also avoid the Capital Blvd location which is somehow set up bad with the drink machine being in the wrong place and NO extra napkins offered at the condiment bar.

Pros: Great Soup/Sandwiches not to mention the irresistable pastries

Cons: Capital Blvd location has poor drinks/condiment set up

04/14/2008 Posted by carolinagirl1974

I eat here weekly. I usually stick with the soup- which is always tasty. I had to write a review today, however, because I went with the "you pick two" and got 1/2 a sandwich. I got back to work, was eating my sandwich, realized something was odd. I took the top slice of bread off and realized they forgot to remove the paper from the cheese slice. I had eaten about 1/2 a slice of paper...gross. I think I'll stick with the soup from now on.

Pros: good location

Cons: usually crowded, seating an issue at times

04/08/2008 Posted by darlla

This particular store at the Crabtree Valley mall has never let me down. I eat here for lunch several times a month and the food is always consistently fresh and some of the best tasting chain/franchise food around. It isn't any more expensive than any of the other typical lunch places in the mall. They have innovative salads and soups, and they regularly come out with new dishes to keep things interesting. I've eaten at a couple other stores in Cary, ordered the same things I always order at Crabtree and they are never as good. The other locations skimp on their salad toppings and the dressing, either completely omitting toppings that are supposed to be there or I might get a salad with barely any cheese on it. The rolls aren't as fresh either. The Crabtree location is super busy at lunch time which is the only downside. You'll have to wait a long time to place an order but they are generally pretty quick at getting the food out and they do a great job of keeping tables clean for the next customer.

01/08/2003 Posted by tjhmcewan

I went there one Sunday night around 7:00 and by the time we were finished eating at 7:30 or so, we went to get a dessert from the pastry counter and the girl gave us cookies, pastries and about 3 dozen bagels of our choice because otherwise she would have to throw them away... I don't think they make common practice of this, but get the right server on the right night at the right time, and you can score breakfast for three weeks :)

Pros: excellent bread, tasty soups, nicely decorated

Cons: expensive, service so-so

10/29/2002 Posted by dbracket

I go to Panera Bread every Tuesday for a cinnamon bagel with hazlenut cream cheese and a large coffee. It's the most delicious bagel I've eaten in my life--and I've eaten a lot! It's a nice atmosphere to study or hang out with friends. The staff is always friendly. And it has plenty of parking (like a miracle on Franklin Street). My only complaint is that for their sanwhich meals, you can only get chips as a side. So when I got one, I ended up paying for the chips but just handing the bag back to them. They really should add some fruit/vegetable choice!!

Pros: great bagels, great atmosphere, PARKING!!!!

Cons: only chips for side

09/24/2002 Posted by rachNC71

it's nice to see that in a world that has been tainted by fast food burgers, there are still healthy, fast and delicious options to the drive thru window. the only negative things i have even ever HEARD about panera bread (besides the fact it gets packed at lunch) have come from people who have eaten so many grease balls that they haven't a tastebud left in their heads. the breads are fantastic, and fresh.... i have never had a soup there that wasn't to die for, the salads are not "run of the mill" and you can finish it all off with something sweet. i highly recomend it! go in with an appetite and go home with a full belly and a yummy loaf of bread.

Pros: healthy, tasty, fast

Cons: packed at lunch

09/01/2002 Posted by shakezilla

Yipee, more mediocre sandwiches. And check out those prices! Why aren't there any good sub or grinder shops around here to put these places out of business?

Pros: healthy choices, multiple locations

Cons: expensive, bland

08/22/2002 Posted by Zeferboy

Best joint in town for some java and a bagel. Nice atmosphere for reading the morning paper or just relaxing with friends. The staff are always working diligentley in the morning brewing fresh coffies and breads. I love it!

08/13/2002 Posted by watckin

Panera is a restaurant with fast food speed but the atmosphere of a high class cafe. Delicious food, friendly and accurate service, and generous portions make it an ideal lunch locale.

Pros: fast, yummy, friendly

07/31/2002 Posted by cjn2

Panera Bread is one of the best breakfast or lunch spots around. The bagels, pastries, and coffee are perfect for a morning stop and the lunch selections are wonderful and very unique. I've tried the soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps and they are all very fresh and packed with good stuff!