Went to this location after an early morning doctors appointment for my wife. The place was quite busy. my wife and I both had a bacon egg and cheese sandwich with coffee. Very tasty, and I enjoy the area where you sit down and enjoy your meal. I also noticed that they have a community room. Looks like they were getting ready to have some sort of meeting in the community room. Quite a busy place, quite a buzz going on. The reason for only four stars, is the parking lot. I found the parking lot quite cramped and of an irregular shape, making morning parking a little bit of a challenge. I know this is not Panera's fault, but I felt needed to be mentioned in this review for those that are going to be attending this location in the future. As always, the quality of their coffee is excellent, and their food so far has been very good.
(4)
Denise G.
If I were just reviewing their bakery items, this would be higher. But omg those broth bowls. So salty I couldn't eat it. And what's with their placement of online orders? Anyone could walk in and just grab a ton of free food... With how expensive they are, maybe not a bad idea...
(2)
Paul L.
Up to now, I've not had a bad experience at this Panera (unlike the one in Winter Park). It's fun watching and listening to the bagel slicer do its job - I feel like I'm on the set of Tron! The pastries and bagels we got for a recent meeting looked great, even if I didn't sample everything. The muffins are a little on the oily side, but that's not all that unusual, is it. I just want to sing Panera's praises every chance I get because of their support of a good cause (Foundation of Foster Children, back in May)!
(4)
Brian D.
Down in Orlando for the day. Was looking for something to eat with the family and found Panera nearby. We were in the time between breakfast and lunch so many lunch places weren't open yet. So it was Panera. First, this parking lot pretty much sucks. It's hard to get in and out of. It takes a fair amount of work to get headed back to where you were going. The parking lot is shared with other businesses. Each of them have claimed spots as their own. so if Panera is busy, you might be forced to park in some other business' spot. Ordering is simple. Walk to the counter and tell them what you want. They take your name and give you a puck to let you know when your food is ready. Walk up to the counter to collect your order. Couple of nagging points. First, the bread that was supposed to come with my wife's egg sandwich was not available. They didn't tell her that when she ordered. It was when we went to pick up the food for the family that they informed us. So she had to wait another 5-10 minutes for her food. They were going to bring it to the table but the preparer "forgot" what we looked like. She didn't even try to walk around to find us. I also noticed that they weren't keeping the coffee as fresh as I would expect. We got in there around 10:30. The urns all were labeled with either 9:55 or 10:00. We were there until well past 11am and it was only around 11:!5 that they started to put out new urns. The place does have quite a few tables and the staff does a good job of trying to keep things clean.
(3)
Allison M.
This location is not unlike the other Panera Breads in the area, except for the parking lot nightmare. Depending on which way you're going, leaving the parking lot can be a trial too. Aside from that, their coffees are great, and the pumpkin late is my hands down fave. I usually order the mac & cheese in a bread bowl, because it is fantastic, and I take the side of bread to feed the ducks later.
(3)
Casey H.
This location has the same good staff and food as all of the others. The biggest problem though is the location. Trying to get into the parking lot is the worse I've ever experienced. This is located at a very busy intersection. The parking area is very small at best and is shared with several other stores. If your on the wrong side of the street you have to also travel across 3 lanes of traffic to get in the lot. Boo!
(2)
Leslie W.
I'm a big fan of Panera but this Panera has some set backs. First of all, parking can be in limited supply during peak hours. They definitely didn't think the parking through when they built this location. More than once I've arrived to find absolutely no parking since they only have about 10 parking spaces. Second, if the parking lot is full, the inside if probably full as well. One great thing about Panera is the free wifi that they offer. One downfall, people love to hang out here so it can be hard, especially at this location, to not only find parking but to also find a seat inside. I used to always come here when I worked from home to get some work done but if you don't show up before 11:30, good luck finding a seat during the week. This place gets packed. Service has always been excellent and the staff is incredibly friendly. Just think they could have done better with the parking and seating. I suggest coming during non-peak hours if you don't want to take a number for a parking spot.
(3)
Elizabeth B.
AWESOME! MEOW WHAT? That is what started my morning with laughter. I was craving the egg soufflee's at Panera, so had to stop in, and while ordering the guy at the counter says AWESOME, I am like yes they are awesome, not sure what he was referring to, and then he goes AWESOME. I said, " are you saying you're awesome?" He is like uh huh in a little boy voice. So I am like "You are awesome!" As I proceed to order he continues to say awesome, just as I was about to bring up the Super Troopers scene, where the guys say Meow a bunch of times, he quotes that, saying it is just like him. Too funny! Good start to my morning to bring some humor. Food is tasty, including the Asiago Bagel with Sundried Tomato cream cheese. My favs! I notice their bagel of the month is the Pink Ribbon bagel to honor Breast Cancer Awareness - how cool! I will have to try that next time. Only bad side to this location is the lack of enough plugs! Other that that it seems like a popular place here in Altamonte Springs.
(3)
Brian M.
The breakfast sandwiches are the best I have had, hands down. Food is good, but portions can be small at times. Pastries at this location have always been fresh. As noted by others, parking can be limited here. Also of note, it can be difficult to get into the shopping center if you are traveling on the opposite side of 436.
(4)
Angela S.
This rating isn't for Panera Bread itself but for the lack of upkeep to this particular location. Don't plan on using the booths if you have a small frame.The booth cushions are unbelievably broken down to where there is nothing but a hole, no cushion. Just sit on one, you'll immediately know what I'm talking about.
(3)
Melinda M.
Mmmm, the food is delicioso!! All of it ... I love the sweet stuff like the bear claws and cinnamon rolls, the Asiago bagels are my favorite, but I can never seem to get them while they are warm. I'm not a big coffee fan but I love the hot chocolate and the chai tea. Lunch - I love the "Select Two" and it's always a task to decide what TWO I want, there are so many tasty options. I have a really hard time passing up the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the Greek salad and the Sierra Turkey sandwiches; these are definitely my favorites. Bonus - Free WiFi, Comfy seating area if you have a good book or a good friend along, and it's open early and on the weekends. .Also a meeting room available for large groups Downers - Management isn't real good about placing orders so they often tend to be out of simple things, like for instance, coffee cups (Yeah, seriously) and the parking is a pain in the rear. Service is mediocre but luckily the food makes up for it.
(3)
Christopher B.
Let me start this review by saying that the parking is not the most friendly and getting in and out of the parking lot is not easy. That being said let's get to the good stuff. I was greeted very friendly with a warm smile and a friendly hello. The croissant was fresh and was served to me in a very timely manner. Having use of the FREE internet is a great bonus. Over all the experience except for the parking was wonderful. I will definitely be back.
(3)
Tom A.
Good food and service but to expensive for the portions u get. Food Quality- (out of 5 stars) 4 Atmosphere ( out of 5 stars) 4 Service ( out of 5 stars) 3
(2)
S K.
The parking is a problem. My favorite is the older version of a Turkey Artichoke Panini but the company decided to offer 2oz pieces of roast turkey and change the artichoke spread. I had more bread than turkey pieces, no artichokes and a lumpy cream cheese spread. I had the best panini up North and commented how skimpy they were with their filling. I was told the bread company who owns Panera in Florida has reduced the weight and fillings in their sandwiches they are allowed to make for customers. Say what? There is more bread vs the meat ratio. The salads are a good size with enough toppings for the price. But I'm very displeased with Panera's greedy stingy fillings. The service is friendly, the place is clean but can get very crowded and noisy. It's not the same anymore I go elsewhere.
(2)
Paul M.
They have good bagels.The coffee is good .The sandwiches are good but portions are small . This place is ok for a quick stop.
(3)
Andrew H.
The food is good. However every time my wife and I visit something distracts us from the food and leaves us with a less then satisfactory experience. Ordering can be a challenge with the non existent line management that is needed with their current layout. I have been cut in line on several occasions by people coming in the side entrance and walking straight up to order without seeing if a line has formed. Not once has the person taking the orders recognized this and pointed out the line. While some of the staff is friendly my wife and I have also had employees at the register that do not give eye contact and one time we had the person prepping our food dropping the F word. We have also had issues with cold soup and missing items in our salads. These all seem like issues that should be recognized and improved upon due to the attachment of Panera area offices in the same building. My wife and I have been burned too many times by this location to give it another chance.
(2)
Jon B.
Agree with Tom on this one. Panera Bread Altamonte serves up the typical Panera bread at a somewhat confusing corner of 436 and Maitland Blvd. While Panera Bread is consistent from location to location in terms of in their atmosphere, food, and service, unfortunately that same consistency is found in their pricing. The food, consisting of sandwiches, soups, pastries, and now pastas, is always decent. However, I somehow leave panera bread feeling underwhelmed and ripped off. This particular location has a good amount of indoor seating and several tables for outside dining whhen the weather is nice. When leaving, I would consider using the back exit as there are several bushes blocking a clear view of the oncoming traffic of 436 and creating a somewhat dangerous condition for patrons leaving the parking lot onto 435.
(3)
Ashley B.
Parking lot is a little tricky getting into if coming from I4 area. It's a sharp turn- and parking lot has a tough twist in it. Friendly staff- fast service. Tons of outlets for laptops and what not.
(4)
Becky F.
parking is limited. The pecan roll I had was ok only due to having only 1 pecan on top. pointed this out to day manager and said wanted to get me something else. I said no thanks I was just thought I needed to point this out. Should call it one nut roll lol. I enjoy other locations better.
(3)
Judy B.
I've visited this location frequently. Lunch is great but if you need to go for breakfast they are short handed and cannot predict nor be prepared for the breakfast crowd. On four separate occasions I have ordered a souffle and have been successful only once and having it, all other times they have told me , its still in the oven and it'll be done in 20 minutes.
(2)
Alexy R.
Service was really good. The place was clean and warm.
(5)
Tom G.
Food was good. Staff was friendly. The restaurant was clean, but the bathroom was disgusting.
(3)
Lisa W.
Great Panera location, except for the parking issues. Service is great, staff is friendly. Food is prepared well and the coffee drinks are made well here. Now to the big parking issue. The shared parking lot is small and difficult to navigate. There are only a certain number of spots for Panera customers, which fill up quickly during the prime dining hours for lunch and dinner. Getting out of the lot is tricky and limiting, you need to U turn on Maitland Ave to go back Eastbound/north on 436. Or navigate by double parked cars down the narrow drive behind the building to got West/South on 436. Just bad, so be careful and drive/park defensively or expect to make a few laps as this location is always very busy.
(3)
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Address :696 E Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL, 32701
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
George D.
Went to this location after an early morning doctors appointment for my wife. The place was quite busy. my wife and I both had a bacon egg and cheese sandwich with coffee. Very tasty, and I enjoy the area where you sit down and enjoy your meal. I also noticed that they have a community room. Looks like they were getting ready to have some sort of meeting in the community room. Quite a busy place, quite a buzz going on. The reason for only four stars, is the parking lot. I found the parking lot quite cramped and of an irregular shape, making morning parking a little bit of a challenge. I know this is not Panera's fault, but I felt needed to be mentioned in this review for those that are going to be attending this location in the future. As always, the quality of their coffee is excellent, and their food so far has been very good.
(4)Denise G.
If I were just reviewing their bakery items, this would be higher. But omg those broth bowls. So salty I couldn't eat it. And what's with their placement of online orders? Anyone could walk in and just grab a ton of free food... With how expensive they are, maybe not a bad idea...
(2)Paul L.
Up to now, I've not had a bad experience at this Panera (unlike the one in Winter Park). It's fun watching and listening to the bagel slicer do its job - I feel like I'm on the set of Tron! The pastries and bagels we got for a recent meeting looked great, even if I didn't sample everything. The muffins are a little on the oily side, but that's not all that unusual, is it. I just want to sing Panera's praises every chance I get because of their support of a good cause (Foundation of Foster Children, back in May)!
(4)Brian D.
Down in Orlando for the day. Was looking for something to eat with the family and found Panera nearby. We were in the time between breakfast and lunch so many lunch places weren't open yet. So it was Panera. First, this parking lot pretty much sucks. It's hard to get in and out of. It takes a fair amount of work to get headed back to where you were going. The parking lot is shared with other businesses. Each of them have claimed spots as their own. so if Panera is busy, you might be forced to park in some other business' spot. Ordering is simple. Walk to the counter and tell them what you want. They take your name and give you a puck to let you know when your food is ready. Walk up to the counter to collect your order. Couple of nagging points. First, the bread that was supposed to come with my wife's egg sandwich was not available. They didn't tell her that when she ordered. It was when we went to pick up the food for the family that they informed us. So she had to wait another 5-10 minutes for her food. They were going to bring it to the table but the preparer "forgot" what we looked like. She didn't even try to walk around to find us. I also noticed that they weren't keeping the coffee as fresh as I would expect. We got in there around 10:30. The urns all were labeled with either 9:55 or 10:00. We were there until well past 11am and it was only around 11:!5 that they started to put out new urns. The place does have quite a few tables and the staff does a good job of trying to keep things clean.
(3)Allison M.
This location is not unlike the other Panera Breads in the area, except for the parking lot nightmare. Depending on which way you're going, leaving the parking lot can be a trial too. Aside from that, their coffees are great, and the pumpkin late is my hands down fave. I usually order the mac & cheese in a bread bowl, because it is fantastic, and I take the side of bread to feed the ducks later.
(3)Casey H.
This location has the same good staff and food as all of the others. The biggest problem though is the location. Trying to get into the parking lot is the worse I've ever experienced. This is located at a very busy intersection. The parking area is very small at best and is shared with several other stores. If your on the wrong side of the street you have to also travel across 3 lanes of traffic to get in the lot. Boo!
(2)Leslie W.
I'm a big fan of Panera but this Panera has some set backs. First of all, parking can be in limited supply during peak hours. They definitely didn't think the parking through when they built this location. More than once I've arrived to find absolutely no parking since they only have about 10 parking spaces. Second, if the parking lot is full, the inside if probably full as well. One great thing about Panera is the free wifi that they offer. One downfall, people love to hang out here so it can be hard, especially at this location, to not only find parking but to also find a seat inside. I used to always come here when I worked from home to get some work done but if you don't show up before 11:30, good luck finding a seat during the week. This place gets packed. Service has always been excellent and the staff is incredibly friendly. Just think they could have done better with the parking and seating. I suggest coming during non-peak hours if you don't want to take a number for a parking spot.
(3)Elizabeth B.
AWESOME! MEOW WHAT? That is what started my morning with laughter. I was craving the egg soufflee's at Panera, so had to stop in, and while ordering the guy at the counter says AWESOME, I am like yes they are awesome, not sure what he was referring to, and then he goes AWESOME. I said, " are you saying you're awesome?" He is like uh huh in a little boy voice. So I am like "You are awesome!" As I proceed to order he continues to say awesome, just as I was about to bring up the Super Troopers scene, where the guys say Meow a bunch of times, he quotes that, saying it is just like him. Too funny! Good start to my morning to bring some humor. Food is tasty, including the Asiago Bagel with Sundried Tomato cream cheese. My favs! I notice their bagel of the month is the Pink Ribbon bagel to honor Breast Cancer Awareness - how cool! I will have to try that next time. Only bad side to this location is the lack of enough plugs! Other that that it seems like a popular place here in Altamonte Springs.
(3)Brian M.
The breakfast sandwiches are the best I have had, hands down. Food is good, but portions can be small at times. Pastries at this location have always been fresh. As noted by others, parking can be limited here. Also of note, it can be difficult to get into the shopping center if you are traveling on the opposite side of 436.
(4)Angela S.
This rating isn't for Panera Bread itself but for the lack of upkeep to this particular location. Don't plan on using the booths if you have a small frame.The booth cushions are unbelievably broken down to where there is nothing but a hole, no cushion. Just sit on one, you'll immediately know what I'm talking about.
(3)Melinda M.
Mmmm, the food is delicioso!! All of it ... I love the sweet stuff like the bear claws and cinnamon rolls, the Asiago bagels are my favorite, but I can never seem to get them while they are warm. I'm not a big coffee fan but I love the hot chocolate and the chai tea. Lunch - I love the "Select Two" and it's always a task to decide what TWO I want, there are so many tasty options. I have a really hard time passing up the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the Greek salad and the Sierra Turkey sandwiches; these are definitely my favorites. Bonus - Free WiFi, Comfy seating area if you have a good book or a good friend along, and it's open early and on the weekends. .Also a meeting room available for large groups Downers - Management isn't real good about placing orders so they often tend to be out of simple things, like for instance, coffee cups (Yeah, seriously) and the parking is a pain in the rear. Service is mediocre but luckily the food makes up for it.
(3)Christopher B.
Let me start this review by saying that the parking is not the most friendly and getting in and out of the parking lot is not easy. That being said let's get to the good stuff. I was greeted very friendly with a warm smile and a friendly hello. The croissant was fresh and was served to me in a very timely manner. Having use of the FREE internet is a great bonus. Over all the experience except for the parking was wonderful. I will definitely be back.
(3)Tom A.
Good food and service but to expensive for the portions u get. Food Quality- (out of 5 stars) 4 Atmosphere ( out of 5 stars) 4 Service ( out of 5 stars) 3
(2)S K.
The parking is a problem. My favorite is the older version of a Turkey Artichoke Panini but the company decided to offer 2oz pieces of roast turkey and change the artichoke spread. I had more bread than turkey pieces, no artichokes and a lumpy cream cheese spread. I had the best panini up North and commented how skimpy they were with their filling. I was told the bread company who owns Panera in Florida has reduced the weight and fillings in their sandwiches they are allowed to make for customers. Say what? There is more bread vs the meat ratio. The salads are a good size with enough toppings for the price. But I'm very displeased with Panera's greedy stingy fillings. The service is friendly, the place is clean but can get very crowded and noisy. It's not the same anymore I go elsewhere.
(2)Paul M.
They have good bagels.The coffee is good .The sandwiches are good but portions are small . This place is ok for a quick stop.
(3)Andrew H.
The food is good. However every time my wife and I visit something distracts us from the food and leaves us with a less then satisfactory experience. Ordering can be a challenge with the non existent line management that is needed with their current layout. I have been cut in line on several occasions by people coming in the side entrance and walking straight up to order without seeing if a line has formed. Not once has the person taking the orders recognized this and pointed out the line. While some of the staff is friendly my wife and I have also had employees at the register that do not give eye contact and one time we had the person prepping our food dropping the F word. We have also had issues with cold soup and missing items in our salads. These all seem like issues that should be recognized and improved upon due to the attachment of Panera area offices in the same building. My wife and I have been burned too many times by this location to give it another chance.
(2)Jon B.
Agree with Tom on this one. Panera Bread Altamonte serves up the typical Panera bread at a somewhat confusing corner of 436 and Maitland Blvd. While Panera Bread is consistent from location to location in terms of in their atmosphere, food, and service, unfortunately that same consistency is found in their pricing. The food, consisting of sandwiches, soups, pastries, and now pastas, is always decent. However, I somehow leave panera bread feeling underwhelmed and ripped off. This particular location has a good amount of indoor seating and several tables for outside dining whhen the weather is nice. When leaving, I would consider using the back exit as there are several bushes blocking a clear view of the oncoming traffic of 436 and creating a somewhat dangerous condition for patrons leaving the parking lot onto 435.
(3)Ashley B.
Parking lot is a little tricky getting into if coming from I4 area. It's a sharp turn- and parking lot has a tough twist in it. Friendly staff- fast service. Tons of outlets for laptops and what not.
(4)Becky F.
parking is limited. The pecan roll I had was ok only due to having only 1 pecan on top. pointed this out to day manager and said wanted to get me something else. I said no thanks I was just thought I needed to point this out. Should call it one nut roll lol. I enjoy other locations better.
(3)Judy B.
I've visited this location frequently. Lunch is great but if you need to go for breakfast they are short handed and cannot predict nor be prepared for the breakfast crowd. On four separate occasions I have ordered a souffle and have been successful only once and having it, all other times they have told me , its still in the oven and it'll be done in 20 minutes.
(2)Alexy R.
Service was really good. The place was clean and warm.
(5)Tom G.
Food was good. Staff was friendly. The restaurant was clean, but the bathroom was disgusting.
(3)Lisa W.
Great Panera location, except for the parking issues. Service is great, staff is friendly. Food is prepared well and the coffee drinks are made well here. Now to the big parking issue. The shared parking lot is small and difficult to navigate. There are only a certain number of spots for Panera customers, which fill up quickly during the prime dining hours for lunch and dinner. Getting out of the lot is tricky and limiting, you need to U turn on Maitland Ave to go back Eastbound/north on 436. Or navigate by double parked cars down the narrow drive behind the building to got West/South on 436. Just bad, so be careful and drive/park defensively or expect to make a few laps as this location is always very busy.
(3)