Panera Bread

I come here frequently and u actually enjoy the new remodel. The space is fresh and clean and the customers that used to hang around and use the lobby for free have disappeared. The service here is great, especially the morning crew on weekdays. There is a fruit fly infestation in the soda machine that really grosses me out. I really wish they would have pest control come out and treat the area ASAP. Otherwise I like this location!

As of May 2025, this location is To-Go only. They removed all the chairs and tables. There’s nowhere to sit down to eat your food; you’re meant to grab and go. No longer a place to meet up or hang out.

I love Panera. Just know that. But some locations are better than others. This is the south loop location near a lot of shopping stores. The front staff was nice and friendly. Only problem is they didn’t take my details like put the sauce on the side or add this or that. My salad had no dressing on the side but it was mixed in which I never like bc it’s too much salt and flavor. Then I asked for extra lettuce and onion and they said it was added. But it wasn’t. When I got my order I didn’t bother to return it for salad w no dressing bc I won’t waste food but I asked for the extra onion and lettuce. Make sure to ask for the side dish if you do Pick 2. It says on the receipt if it’s not accurate tell them and you will get a treat. So I got a treat. And they were nice about it. No questions asked and totally believed me. Bottom line… check your order before you eat. So the bathroom was not really clean and the floors of the dining area was full of dirt and crumbs. How is it that they expect Panera staff to broom the crumbs? You can get a small lightweight vacuum for $20 and not make a staff person work so hard for the crumbs and not flick them all over the air as a result. Please order the staff a working small vacuum so they can keep it clean? I wouldn’t want to work there cleaning w a broom. Too much work. No wonder the cleaning needs a lot of work. Otherwise location is nice to do other stuff nearby. Parking is meters on the street.

I ordered my regular PB catering service for a client presentation. On pickup, I was informed that my order had wrongly been sent out for delivery. My cortisol levels went up through the roof! I didn’t need this on my presentation day, especially with a $500+ order.

BEWARE No more dining-in totally a to-go atmosphere. Order at kiosk, has 1cashier station. NO seating but a solo bench. Open kitchen, no pastry display coffee is prepared by automated coffee machine with coffee beans which adds crema. I punched dark roast & coffee was coming out as if cream was already added. Not liking the atmosphere at all. Sometimes change is good sometimes it's not.

Grabbed takeout from Panera Bread on Canal Street the other day. Ordered the Bacon Turkey Bravo sandwich and a cup of Creamy Tomato Soup—classic combo. The sandwich was stacked with turkey and that signature sauce, all on their fresh bread. The soup was rich and hit the spot, especially with the unpredictable Chicago weather. Spent around $15, which is fair for the quality and portion size. Service was quick, and the staff was friendly. Definitely a solid spot when you're craving something hearty but don't wanna wait around.

I’ve been coming to this Panera location on and off for ten years. In the early years the dining area was clean, and everything pleasant. I usually don’t stay to sit down and eat but this time I did with a client. Big mistake. The dining area was dirty. Crumbs on the floor, mould spores in the ceiling vents (isn’t that a health code violation?), toilets had no tissue paper, the table we selected to seat at was dirty and not wiped down. They had also removed some tables that used to be by the rear window by the ladies restroom, and there were also tables removed by the large dining table. The food was so so. I ordered this chicken sandwich that looked nothing like the picture. To go is the best option but even then your Order isn’t always correct so check before you leave. This tired and run down looking location needs a revamp.

I stopped here to get a cup of hot chocolate, grilled cheese sandwich and a Mediterranean veggie sandwich. I really enjoyed the hot chocolate which had chocolate chips, whipped cream and caramel marshmallows. The sandwiches were good too. This place is vegetarian friendly. Their staff got my order right and had the order served to my table. Their service was very good and quick. If you don't worry about their pricing then you could definitely try their items.