I want to like Panera. Really, I do. It's a stone's throw from my house and it has healthy(ish) alternatives to fast food when we are completely pinched for time (or I neglected to make anything for dinner :). The biggest problem I have with this Panera location? Getting in. Seriously. The parking lot is rather small for the volume of business that this store seems to do. And the small amount of parking in the neighboring strip mall fills up quickly with patrons from those businesses. I have to be honest, if I circle the parking lot a few times without finding a spot, I am more than happy to bail on the idea of Panera. Yes, yes. I *know* they have a drive thru. Unfortunately, our few d/t experiences have been...lackluster. Items always seem to be charged wrong and my soup always seems to make it into the bag without a well secured lid. Perhaps this is to make sure the missing bread bowl doesn't seem like such a big deal. I mean once your soup spills out across the bottom of the bag, what does it matter if they forgot the bread bowl? I know that this problem could be remedied by checking before I leave the drive thru. But when there are a line of cars behind me and I've already been waiting 10 minutes, all I want to do is GTFO, you know? Also? I shouldn't have to check. It's called quality control. On the off chance we are lucky enough to snag a spot (and be careful parking here, I've seen a number of scrape/bump and runs in this parking lot) our cafe experience tends to be moderately better. Obviously, the food is over-priced for what it is, but at least I am assured soup and bread when I order a bread bowl. I'd be more willing to try other items if Panera would stop removing their few vegetarian menu options in favor of more protein laden items. All in all, Panera has a great concept which simply comes up short in its execution. Until it gets its act together...it really isn't worth the hassle.
(2)
Gary C.
I have tried this Panera many many times as it is much closer than the one on Indy blvd. The problem is they always mess up the order and the food is below par. I have yet to have a bad experience at any other panera... However this one is ALWAYS having problems. Be it drive thru or in store, I've yet to have a correct order and meal that is up to par. They are always either forgetting drinks or getting the order wrong. When you ask for something simple like no tomatoes they'll put tomatoes on and forget the bravo sauce. It's bad. They are also out of almost everything almost all the time. It's easier to ask what they have (nothing...) than to try and order 5 different meals before being told they have absolutely none of them available. Time and time again. And not just before close either. I'm amazed this location is still open, it's that bad.
(1)
Dave F.
High prices and always out of products. We have been very disappointed just about every time we have tried this location
(1)
Mike P.
Was here the other night and saw they are now selling pastas (a la Corner Bakery) so took a chance and tried their four cheese tortellini along with their chicken noodle soup. Both good choices and came out and and hot. Another reason to love going there (when they are not that crowded that is).
(5)
Evie S.
This place is always friendly and right on my way to work! Inside is always clean and hot fresh coffee!!!
(4)
Noran W.
Nice looking place. Comfortable with free wi fi Tasty bread and bagels-a little pricey. Pastries seem always dry. French bread tasty-need another piece with soup, but they charge for it. The sourdough bread makes very nice toast in the morning. Now that I think about the bread, when fresh, 4 th star is awarded. Nice place to meet someone for a snack. Patio nice as well. Service has been hit or miss for me. Hazel nut coffee, when fresh in the morning is very nice-not a common coffee to find served. The parking can be a hassle, especially at prime times. They did try to work out a deal with Arnie's hotdogs, to move their shop over some, and share the additional parking, but Arnie's did not bite on the deal!!! LOL
(4)
Allison F.
I was just driving through and decided my love for Panera outweighed these terrible reviews. So I took a turn off a random exit and prepared myself for parking lot chaos and butchered special requests. As soon as the paper bag hit my hand from the drive-they window, I ripped my order apart like it was Christmas morning and what do I uncover... Missing chicken! I ordered my driver (boyfriend) to loop around. I grab the food and receipt and walk through the doors in the name of poultry justice! Not just for me, but for all you beautiful yelpers out there who warned me of this monstrosity. And you know what... I felt like a freakin' queen in this place. I was hit with an apology, an upgraded salad, a free cookie, offer from GM for bakery item of my choice and his apologies. Mind you, I was actually a pretty pleasant patron despite my minor annoyance. I really think this place responded to their pitiful yelp rating, and considering I'll never see this place again I thought I could at least show my gratitude with a little rating boost. I'd definitely come back here if I didn't live closer to 20 other locations, food taste the same as any other Panera I've had the pleasure of inhaling. Also, 1 star reviews because of the parking lot?? C'monnnn...
(5)
mac m.
Worst parking situation ever. No need to go at lunch. 15 min still no spot. You can't get in or out either.
(2)
Bill S.
Went there this afternoon for lunch got the chicken Cobb salad. All the tables were dirty. They also gave us dirty silverware. The salads were good. Need to work on cleanliness.
(2)
Cynthia B.
I just went to grab my lunch on my short time off to eat, and they forgot half of my order which I didn't realise until it was too late. They need to make sure they have the orders correct and completed. It's what they're job description is, and when I have to rush back to work I don't have time to do it for them. Bad show, panera.
(1)
Christopher T.
Forgot the chicken on my Chicken Panini. I know this is not gourmet food, its really over priced fast food. The funny thing is that I think the young guy purposely did not put it on. I was looking at him though the drive through window, and he was looking at me for a long moment. I think it was an attempt to "move things along". I was wondering why my sandwich was so fast to make. Normally ordering one holds up the drive thru. Well, guess what. No more Panera for me!! Ever! I am stopping with all fast food. If this guy leaves the chicken off my sandwich, who knows what else they do or don't do to the food! No more!
(1)
Jim G.
This is your standard Panera. It's okay. But let's face it...Panera is chick-food. My wife likes it, and sometimes I acquiesce to her wishes to go there. No dudes that I know are ever really too excited to go eat soup and little sandwiches at Panera.
(2)
Tom J.
Parking lot is horrible. Boyer was a money hungry developer. I digress. I agree with other Yelpers. I ordered the tomato soup only to get to pick up and be told that they are out. Really? Come on manager. Use your inventory skills. Stay away.
(1)
Leah B.
I love Panera Bread and was thrilled to try this place since I was visiting family in the area. I went through the drive-thru and was immediately told they were out of a lot of stuff due to a large breakfast crowd coming through. The only thing I could get was an Egg and Cheese on Ciabatta. This is a popular Panera Bread location and they need to have more in stock. Just unacceptable.
(2)
Dallas M.
I love Panera - they have a very healthy menu and a good variety of coups, salads and sandwiches. I love their turkey paninis. They have a great "you pick two" deal where you get a cup of soup and half of a sandwich. It's my favorite lunch. The only downfall is the prices are a little higher than fast food or subway, for example, but the food is delicious. I also love the staff at this location. They got to know me pretty well at one point and knew the specific drink I wanted (acai berry tea with a splash of lemonade!).
(4)
Tony M.
I love eating here for lunch! It's fast it's close by. I always get a ham and cheese sandwich with a chocolate chip cookie and some chips. Sometimes when I feel spontaneous I get a broccoli cheese soup. Hella good.
(4)
Rebekah V.
I love Panera! It's great for getting away from the busy bustle of life and sitting down with a friend over a hot cup of coffee and a bagel...or gathering with a study group to prepare for that upcoming test. The place is clean, including their bathrooms, and the staff is friendly.
(4)
Abby H.
They get the order wrong every time. They are always out of food. The food is not fresh. Sandwiches are sloppy. Disappointing.
(1)
Hillary V.
1- This parking lot is a nightmare. 2- I ordered black bean soup and paid only to be told they didn't serve it on that day. The refund was quick, but I was annoyed. The free cookie assuaged my anger a little, so they get a 3 instead of a 2...
(3)
Alanna S.
The WORST restaurant around! Terrible service, never have anything you want to order, and the people working there are do rude. Don't eat here, waste of money, time, and sanity. I've given them chances due to their close proximity. They don't change or improve, they just get worse. Stay away.
(1)
Karen M.
I was super excited when I found out a Panera was coming to Munster, but I have been sorely disappointed since their opening by their service and upkeep of their restaurant. A little friendliness goes a long way, Management! The dining room is always dingy...I have been there different times of the day, and the carpets seem to never be free of crumbs. The staff always seems to be having a bad day. I've yet to meet an employee who I feel is genuinely happy for my business. Also, be aware of the drive thru...my order is rarely 100% correct. Check your bag! I wish I had better words to say about this Panera, but I can't stay silent any longer. Get your act together, Panera!
(2)
Lori J.
Although ey have been asking for my card they are getting worse especially in the drive thru. Do not special order anything I REPEAT do not ask for a substitute or no onions, etc...today I ordered a bread bowl w/chic noodle soup, a Greek salad, and a sandwich. Since I ordered a drink I got a cookie for 99 cents. So, in my bag is a large soup no apples and poppyseed dressing for a Greek salad?! Plus no cookie and I had to remind the window person 2x for my drink for $25!!!! They typically give me a Caesar salad so it was nice to order a Greek one and actually get it. I don't like to go inside because people inside steal wallets-2 people I know and there is a new victim in the Munster police blotter weekly. I did call the manager this time-very nice and sending me a gift certificate- I hope he re trains drive up window staff...
(2)
Andrew B.
We have since returned to this Panera location and had a satisfying experience. Apparently, our first trip was during a "working out the bugs" opening period, and the restaurant is now operating as it should.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Private Lot Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Karyn R.
I want to like Panera. Really, I do. It's a stone's throw from my house and it has healthy(ish) alternatives to fast food when we are completely pinched for time (or I neglected to make anything for dinner :). The biggest problem I have with this Panera location? Getting in. Seriously. The parking lot is rather small for the volume of business that this store seems to do. And the small amount of parking in the neighboring strip mall fills up quickly with patrons from those businesses. I have to be honest, if I circle the parking lot a few times without finding a spot, I am more than happy to bail on the idea of Panera. Yes, yes. I *know* they have a drive thru. Unfortunately, our few d/t experiences have been...lackluster. Items always seem to be charged wrong and my soup always seems to make it into the bag without a well secured lid. Perhaps this is to make sure the missing bread bowl doesn't seem like such a big deal. I mean once your soup spills out across the bottom of the bag, what does it matter if they forgot the bread bowl? I know that this problem could be remedied by checking before I leave the drive thru. But when there are a line of cars behind me and I've already been waiting 10 minutes, all I want to do is GTFO, you know? Also? I shouldn't have to check. It's called quality control. On the off chance we are lucky enough to snag a spot (and be careful parking here, I've seen a number of scrape/bump and runs in this parking lot) our cafe experience tends to be moderately better. Obviously, the food is over-priced for what it is, but at least I am assured soup and bread when I order a bread bowl. I'd be more willing to try other items if Panera would stop removing their few vegetarian menu options in favor of more protein laden items. All in all, Panera has a great concept which simply comes up short in its execution. Until it gets its act together...it really isn't worth the hassle.
(2)Gary C.
I have tried this Panera many many times as it is much closer than the one on Indy blvd. The problem is they always mess up the order and the food is below par. I have yet to have a bad experience at any other panera... However this one is ALWAYS having problems. Be it drive thru or in store, I've yet to have a correct order and meal that is up to par. They are always either forgetting drinks or getting the order wrong. When you ask for something simple like no tomatoes they'll put tomatoes on and forget the bravo sauce. It's bad. They are also out of almost everything almost all the time. It's easier to ask what they have (nothing...) than to try and order 5 different meals before being told they have absolutely none of them available. Time and time again. And not just before close either. I'm amazed this location is still open, it's that bad.
(1)Dave F.
High prices and always out of products. We have been very disappointed just about every time we have tried this location
(1)Mike P.
Was here the other night and saw they are now selling pastas (a la Corner Bakery) so took a chance and tried their four cheese tortellini along with their chicken noodle soup. Both good choices and came out and and hot. Another reason to love going there (when they are not that crowded that is).
(5)Evie S.
This place is always friendly and right on my way to work! Inside is always clean and hot fresh coffee!!!
(4)Noran W.
Nice looking place. Comfortable with free wi fi Tasty bread and bagels-a little pricey. Pastries seem always dry. French bread tasty-need another piece with soup, but they charge for it. The sourdough bread makes very nice toast in the morning. Now that I think about the bread, when fresh, 4 th star is awarded. Nice place to meet someone for a snack. Patio nice as well. Service has been hit or miss for me. Hazel nut coffee, when fresh in the morning is very nice-not a common coffee to find served. The parking can be a hassle, especially at prime times. They did try to work out a deal with Arnie's hotdogs, to move their shop over some, and share the additional parking, but Arnie's did not bite on the deal!!! LOL
(4)Allison F.
I was just driving through and decided my love for Panera outweighed these terrible reviews. So I took a turn off a random exit and prepared myself for parking lot chaos and butchered special requests. As soon as the paper bag hit my hand from the drive-they window, I ripped my order apart like it was Christmas morning and what do I uncover... Missing chicken! I ordered my driver (boyfriend) to loop around. I grab the food and receipt and walk through the doors in the name of poultry justice! Not just for me, but for all you beautiful yelpers out there who warned me of this monstrosity. And you know what... I felt like a freakin' queen in this place. I was hit with an apology, an upgraded salad, a free cookie, offer from GM for bakery item of my choice and his apologies. Mind you, I was actually a pretty pleasant patron despite my minor annoyance. I really think this place responded to their pitiful yelp rating, and considering I'll never see this place again I thought I could at least show my gratitude with a little rating boost. I'd definitely come back here if I didn't live closer to 20 other locations, food taste the same as any other Panera I've had the pleasure of inhaling. Also, 1 star reviews because of the parking lot?? C'monnnn...
(5)mac m.
Worst parking situation ever. No need to go at lunch. 15 min still no spot. You can't get in or out either.
(2)Bill S.
Went there this afternoon for lunch got the chicken Cobb salad. All the tables were dirty. They also gave us dirty silverware. The salads were good. Need to work on cleanliness.
(2)Cynthia B.
I just went to grab my lunch on my short time off to eat, and they forgot half of my order which I didn't realise until it was too late. They need to make sure they have the orders correct and completed. It's what they're job description is, and when I have to rush back to work I don't have time to do it for them. Bad show, panera.
(1)Christopher T.
Forgot the chicken on my Chicken Panini. I know this is not gourmet food, its really over priced fast food. The funny thing is that I think the young guy purposely did not put it on. I was looking at him though the drive through window, and he was looking at me for a long moment. I think it was an attempt to "move things along". I was wondering why my sandwich was so fast to make. Normally ordering one holds up the drive thru. Well, guess what. No more Panera for me!! Ever! I am stopping with all fast food. If this guy leaves the chicken off my sandwich, who knows what else they do or don't do to the food! No more!
(1)Jim G.
This is your standard Panera. It's okay. But let's face it...Panera is chick-food. My wife likes it, and sometimes I acquiesce to her wishes to go there. No dudes that I know are ever really too excited to go eat soup and little sandwiches at Panera.
(2)Tom J.
Parking lot is horrible. Boyer was a money hungry developer. I digress. I agree with other Yelpers. I ordered the tomato soup only to get to pick up and be told that they are out. Really? Come on manager. Use your inventory skills. Stay away.
(1)Leah B.
I love Panera Bread and was thrilled to try this place since I was visiting family in the area. I went through the drive-thru and was immediately told they were out of a lot of stuff due to a large breakfast crowd coming through. The only thing I could get was an Egg and Cheese on Ciabatta. This is a popular Panera Bread location and they need to have more in stock. Just unacceptable.
(2)Dallas M.
I love Panera - they have a very healthy menu and a good variety of coups, salads and sandwiches. I love their turkey paninis. They have a great "you pick two" deal where you get a cup of soup and half of a sandwich. It's my favorite lunch. The only downfall is the prices are a little higher than fast food or subway, for example, but the food is delicious. I also love the staff at this location. They got to know me pretty well at one point and knew the specific drink I wanted (acai berry tea with a splash of lemonade!).
(4)Tony M.
I love eating here for lunch! It's fast it's close by. I always get a ham and cheese sandwich with a chocolate chip cookie and some chips. Sometimes when I feel spontaneous I get a broccoli cheese soup. Hella good.
(4)Rebekah V.
I love Panera! It's great for getting away from the busy bustle of life and sitting down with a friend over a hot cup of coffee and a bagel...or gathering with a study group to prepare for that upcoming test. The place is clean, including their bathrooms, and the staff is friendly.
(4)Abby H.
They get the order wrong every time. They are always out of food. The food is not fresh. Sandwiches are sloppy. Disappointing.
(1)Hillary V.
1- This parking lot is a nightmare. 2- I ordered black bean soup and paid only to be told they didn't serve it on that day. The refund was quick, but I was annoyed. The free cookie assuaged my anger a little, so they get a 3 instead of a 2...
(3)Alanna S.
The WORST restaurant around! Terrible service, never have anything you want to order, and the people working there are do rude. Don't eat here, waste of money, time, and sanity. I've given them chances due to their close proximity. They don't change or improve, they just get worse. Stay away.
(1)Karen M.
I was super excited when I found out a Panera was coming to Munster, but I have been sorely disappointed since their opening by their service and upkeep of their restaurant. A little friendliness goes a long way, Management! The dining room is always dingy...I have been there different times of the day, and the carpets seem to never be free of crumbs. The staff always seems to be having a bad day. I've yet to meet an employee who I feel is genuinely happy for my business. Also, be aware of the drive thru...my order is rarely 100% correct. Check your bag! I wish I had better words to say about this Panera, but I can't stay silent any longer. Get your act together, Panera!
(2)Lori J.
Although ey have been asking for my card they are getting worse especially in the drive thru. Do not special order anything I REPEAT do not ask for a substitute or no onions, etc...today I ordered a bread bowl w/chic noodle soup, a Greek salad, and a sandwich. Since I ordered a drink I got a cookie for 99 cents. So, in my bag is a large soup no apples and poppyseed dressing for a Greek salad?! Plus no cookie and I had to remind the window person 2x for my drink for $25!!!! They typically give me a Caesar salad so it was nice to order a Greek one and actually get it. I don't like to go inside because people inside steal wallets-2 people I know and there is a new victim in the Munster police blotter weekly. I did call the manager this time-very nice and sending me a gift certificate- I hope he re trains drive up window staff...
(2)Andrew B.
We have since returned to this Panera location and had a satisfying experience. Apparently, our first trip was during a "working out the bugs" opening period, and the restaurant is now operating as it should.
(4)