My visits here never go as smoothly as they do at other Panera locations. The workers always seem confused (probably because they haven't been properly trained), there's always a mix up with my food (I'm missing something, or received something I didn't order), etc., etc.... This location could also use a DEEP CLEAN. If you look closely, it's dusty on the light fixtures and there are crumbs everywhere on the counters they place your trays. Wouldn't recommend this location.
(2)
Geri L.
Love coming to Panera. Usually the staff is quite & can't hear what is going on in kitchen area. But tonight boy were they very LOUD! Not sure I will come back. Manger the loudest one of bunch. Very disappointing to be here
(3)
Dawn B.
This location has a drive thru. Which at certain times of the day isn't any more helpful than getting out of your car and going inside. I like Panera's options for lunches. Somewhat healthier than other fast food places. The food is consistent and good.
(3)
Win K.
The location in the plaza had Noelle as our hostess who went out of their way to find out which items on the menu were vegan. Panera's always been great at making custom paninis for me, but this time they made a great avocado-spread based tomato panini, which was amazing! I've been to this location before, so not all employees will treat you nicely always, but I was so impressed with Noelle and the store manager's willingness to help find the ingredients during our last visit that I had to leave an awesome positive review! Thank you a million times! I also love that you can order using the phone app these days!
(5)
Michelle W.
Worst visit ever at Panera bread in Newport :( Cashier was very rude,managers not helpful :( Very annoyed with the whole experience there :(
(1)
Carrie H.
It's the typical Panera chain. The staff is friendly, the soup is delicious and there's classical music in the background. This location is new and has a drive thru which makes this location superior compared to the others. Don't get me wrong I love the atmosphere but some days you just need the option of having a drive thru!
(4)
F H.
Food was as expected. The "grilled cheese" was actually microwaved in a similar style to how they toast subs at Subway. We were there at 5 PM and I was surprised at how few bagel options they had remaining. Only two options. Either Panera stores have had many many more options. When they have it, cinnamon crunch bagel cannot be beat with cream cheese.
(3)
Amanda J.
I was excited for this Panera to open because it is so easily accessible from my work AND it had a drive thru. While the food and coffee are pretty tasty, the staff is not very friendly and the drive-thru is painstakingly slow. I wouldn't recommend the drive-thru if you're on any sort of time constraint (I went one morning and waited 14 minutes at the speaker and no one even took my order... and that was with only one other car in line). Also, you never know what you're going to get. With their breakfast sandwiches, I guess it depends on how generous they feel that day. Sometimes it's a good size and worth the money, and other times it's a half size smaller. If there were a Starbucks that offered breakfast sandwiches in this plaza, I would 100% go there instead.
(2)
Stephen G.
I was one of many invited to a 'practice opening' the day before this location was due to open properly. As has been my experience many times before at Panera, the quality of the food and the attention of the staff was exemplary. Panera really get this right and I can't fault them at all in these departments. (I'd never had their hot chocolate before this morning and can't declare it anything short of 100% YUMM!) However, here's where my positive review ends. And my negative issues are not all Panera's fault. The physical location of this store is designed for drivers only. Much like the rest of the Newport Pavilion development no consideration whatsoever has been given to potential customers who would prefer to walk rather than drive here. I was forced to cross the busy Parkway itself and then double back on myself to get to the front door of the building. There are no crosswalks anywhere so you are at the mercy of drivers in a hurry and often with no patience for us 'mere pedestrians'. Walking back, one of the the exit doors throws you out straight into the drive-thru road (which seems a little careless on the part of the architects) and, to avoid having to again run across the Parkway, I wandered down to a 4-way stop and traversed the road there, which then necessitated me having to walk completely across Target's parking lot before reaching a proper sidewalk. There is NO sidewalk that runs the length of the Parkway - like there should be if this was a thoughtful development - and as a result I suspect our visits to this location will be limited, despite living just a mile & a half away. It's, frankly, just too much effort, even as yummy as the offerings inside might be. So 5-stars for the food & drinks, minus two stars for the horrible thoughtless location.
(3)
Keith C.
I live super close to this Panera - like walking close - and had eaten at many Panera Breads before. I think if you can have the sense of mind to guide your expectations before going, Panera is a fine choice to stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Panera always impresses me with their ability to go "mass scale" with their creative concepts and somehow make them taste reasonably fresh. NOTHING is going to beat Mrs. ____ ____ sandwich up the street, but hopefully nobody comes into Panera seeking that level of quality, or for that matter, service. Its fast casual restaurant that employs folks commensurate to those that also seek jobs at fast food places, so you are generally going to get a similar experience to what you would get at any other "turn and burn" fast food place - the food is just going to taste slightly better because the ingredients happen to be more expensive / fresher. I love the drive-through addition; I know it's a new concept in its entirety to Panera, but for those that are patient enough to sit in a fast casual restaurant type of line (e.g. NOT fast food type of line / not as quick), it's great. I've seen some get blistering mad thinking it should move like a McDonalds - not for you / in the wrong place for drive through.
(4)
Melanie I.
They have great black bean soup and the tomato soup is great too. I also like the bacon turkey bravo sandwich as well. The restaurant is clean and is well maintained by the staff. I come here with my parents and my husband for meals on Sunday evenings, when it's not as busy.
(5)
T P.
I was pleasantly surprised by the new Newport Panera. Everything appeared on the up-and-up, place was clean, staff was friendly, service was good, food was standard.
(4)
Cindy G.
UM - When did Panera become delicious? Or has it always been and I have just never been to one before? This might come as a shock to you, but I have never been to a Panera before this. As my job and my conscious usually keep me spending my money locally, I have to admit that after my first trip here I have been back several times since. Why? Because eating healthy is hard! I have been trying to make my meals for the week ahead of time, but this time I was out running errands and I was in one of those "omg I need to smash something in my face before I pass out" shopping modes (you know the one) so I saw this Panera in the distance and went for it. This location is brand new and very clean. I LOVE the outdoor patio. Order at the counter and then wait for your name to be called. I ordered the Turkey BLT with avocado. Now I consider myself to be a (this is going to sound dirty when I write it) but a meat expert. As in, growing up my parents were both chefs and caterers and we did our fair share of cooking. Whether it was smoking whole hogs, roasting chickens, or deep frying turkeys, or making our own sausage we did it all. Why am I telling you this? Because the turkey on this freaking sandwich tasted EXACTLY like the thick, juicy, succulent turkey I grew up cooking with my family. None of that subway bullshit, or thinly sliced deli mystery meat they try to pass off as turkey. My point being -- this sandwich not only pulled me out of my "hanger" state, but also blew my socks off with freshness and flavor. Since, then my boyfriend and I have been back after a busy day running errands and this is the perfect place to grab a bite without ruining your diet.
(4)
Katie M.
Don't get me wrong, I love Panera and frequent locations throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky, but the service and accuracy here is below par. The cashiers are rarely friendly and my order has been inaccurate five out of six times. The drive thru moved very slowly and inside the sense of urgency is no higher. If you have the time to wait and don't mind double checking everything about your order this is not a bad place to stop. Food quality is consistently good and the atmosphere is relaxing.
(3)
Liz S.
They need to change the lemon orzo soup description. I came in for a cup of iced coffee and ordered lunch because I thought I was getting avgolemono. Nope. Nope. Nope. Noelle was so sweet; I freaked out that I'd upset them when I was adamant that I would not be able to stomach the carroty broth I saw. She was all, it's okay, no, don't be upset. I have half a sandwich, a cup of clam chowder, a cookie and a frozen lemonade, and a ton of contentment. I'm worrying all the time that I'll hate being an RN and school is just around the corner. This is a great Panera with tons of light and friendly, very sweet employees capable of stopping a stress-out freak-out. I'm sold.
(4)
Liz B.
First time at this panera and its SO great. I got the lemon chicken orzo soup and new power kale salad and they are amazing. I'm halfway through both and already stuffed. There's a quaint outdoor patio that is really nice (aside the high traffic area, but I can tune that out) and on nice days like today, it's near perfect. Panera is easily becoming my favorite place to get a quick bite. Love how healthy the menu is. Definitely the only place I get something different every time and have yet to be disappointed.
(5)
Tiera A.
This is a standard Panera Bread. The food is the same and the service is just fine. The only difference is that this location has a drive-thru. Unfortunately, the drive-thru service is not that great. It's rather slow. If you want your food served hot, it's best that you go inside to order. On a recent visit, I went through the drive-thru, thinking that it would be quick since I was only ordering a coffee, and ended up being in line over 20 minutes. That really sucked!
(3)
Witni S.
You know what you're going to get with Panera. A nice quiet atmosphere, classical music, and relatively good food. This Newport location, however, has tried something new. Seems like a good idea in theory. But it's not. I don't know if it's a combination of slow service or just the fact that it takes a longer time to create most Panera orders, but going through the drive-through is like pulling teeth. It takes forever! Again, if you want a nice salad or a Panini or a bowl of soup or nice sourdough bread bowl, then this Panera is just as good as any other one. But if you're stopping in for a quick bite at lunch, don't go to the drive through. It'll end up costing you way too much time and you'll be late to your next appointment. Kudos to Panera for trying out a drive-through. But two stars for execution.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No 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
Cincy F.
My visits here never go as smoothly as they do at other Panera locations. The workers always seem confused (probably because they haven't been properly trained), there's always a mix up with my food (I'm missing something, or received something I didn't order), etc., etc.... This location could also use a DEEP CLEAN. If you look closely, it's dusty on the light fixtures and there are crumbs everywhere on the counters they place your trays. Wouldn't recommend this location.
(2)Geri L.
Love coming to Panera. Usually the staff is quite & can't hear what is going on in kitchen area. But tonight boy were they very LOUD! Not sure I will come back. Manger the loudest one of bunch. Very disappointing to be here
(3)Dawn B.
This location has a drive thru. Which at certain times of the day isn't any more helpful than getting out of your car and going inside. I like Panera's options for lunches. Somewhat healthier than other fast food places. The food is consistent and good.
(3)Win K.
The location in the plaza had Noelle as our hostess who went out of their way to find out which items on the menu were vegan. Panera's always been great at making custom paninis for me, but this time they made a great avocado-spread based tomato panini, which was amazing! I've been to this location before, so not all employees will treat you nicely always, but I was so impressed with Noelle and the store manager's willingness to help find the ingredients during our last visit that I had to leave an awesome positive review! Thank you a million times! I also love that you can order using the phone app these days!
(5)Michelle W.
Worst visit ever at Panera bread in Newport :( Cashier was very rude,managers not helpful :( Very annoyed with the whole experience there :(
(1)Carrie H.
It's the typical Panera chain. The staff is friendly, the soup is delicious and there's classical music in the background. This location is new and has a drive thru which makes this location superior compared to the others. Don't get me wrong I love the atmosphere but some days you just need the option of having a drive thru!
(4)F H.
Food was as expected. The "grilled cheese" was actually microwaved in a similar style to how they toast subs at Subway. We were there at 5 PM and I was surprised at how few bagel options they had remaining. Only two options. Either Panera stores have had many many more options. When they have it, cinnamon crunch bagel cannot be beat with cream cheese.
(3)Amanda J.
I was excited for this Panera to open because it is so easily accessible from my work AND it had a drive thru. While the food and coffee are pretty tasty, the staff is not very friendly and the drive-thru is painstakingly slow. I wouldn't recommend the drive-thru if you're on any sort of time constraint (I went one morning and waited 14 minutes at the speaker and no one even took my order... and that was with only one other car in line). Also, you never know what you're going to get. With their breakfast sandwiches, I guess it depends on how generous they feel that day. Sometimes it's a good size and worth the money, and other times it's a half size smaller. If there were a Starbucks that offered breakfast sandwiches in this plaza, I would 100% go there instead.
(2)Stephen G.
I was one of many invited to a 'practice opening' the day before this location was due to open properly. As has been my experience many times before at Panera, the quality of the food and the attention of the staff was exemplary. Panera really get this right and I can't fault them at all in these departments. (I'd never had their hot chocolate before this morning and can't declare it anything short of 100% YUMM!) However, here's where my positive review ends. And my negative issues are not all Panera's fault. The physical location of this store is designed for drivers only. Much like the rest of the Newport Pavilion development no consideration whatsoever has been given to potential customers who would prefer to walk rather than drive here. I was forced to cross the busy Parkway itself and then double back on myself to get to the front door of the building. There are no crosswalks anywhere so you are at the mercy of drivers in a hurry and often with no patience for us 'mere pedestrians'. Walking back, one of the the exit doors throws you out straight into the drive-thru road (which seems a little careless on the part of the architects) and, to avoid having to again run across the Parkway, I wandered down to a 4-way stop and traversed the road there, which then necessitated me having to walk completely across Target's parking lot before reaching a proper sidewalk. There is NO sidewalk that runs the length of the Parkway - like there should be if this was a thoughtful development - and as a result I suspect our visits to this location will be limited, despite living just a mile & a half away. It's, frankly, just too much effort, even as yummy as the offerings inside might be. So 5-stars for the food & drinks, minus two stars for the horrible thoughtless location.
(3)Keith C.
I live super close to this Panera - like walking close - and had eaten at many Panera Breads before. I think if you can have the sense of mind to guide your expectations before going, Panera is a fine choice to stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Panera always impresses me with their ability to go "mass scale" with their creative concepts and somehow make them taste reasonably fresh. NOTHING is going to beat Mrs. ____ ____ sandwich up the street, but hopefully nobody comes into Panera seeking that level of quality, or for that matter, service. Its fast casual restaurant that employs folks commensurate to those that also seek jobs at fast food places, so you are generally going to get a similar experience to what you would get at any other "turn and burn" fast food place - the food is just going to taste slightly better because the ingredients happen to be more expensive / fresher. I love the drive-through addition; I know it's a new concept in its entirety to Panera, but for those that are patient enough to sit in a fast casual restaurant type of line (e.g. NOT fast food type of line / not as quick), it's great. I've seen some get blistering mad thinking it should move like a McDonalds - not for you / in the wrong place for drive through.
(4)Melanie I.
They have great black bean soup and the tomato soup is great too. I also like the bacon turkey bravo sandwich as well. The restaurant is clean and is well maintained by the staff. I come here with my parents and my husband for meals on Sunday evenings, when it's not as busy.
(5)T P.
I was pleasantly surprised by the new Newport Panera. Everything appeared on the up-and-up, place was clean, staff was friendly, service was good, food was standard.
(4)Cindy G.
UM - When did Panera become delicious? Or has it always been and I have just never been to one before? This might come as a shock to you, but I have never been to a Panera before this. As my job and my conscious usually keep me spending my money locally, I have to admit that after my first trip here I have been back several times since. Why? Because eating healthy is hard! I have been trying to make my meals for the week ahead of time, but this time I was out running errands and I was in one of those "omg I need to smash something in my face before I pass out" shopping modes (you know the one) so I saw this Panera in the distance and went for it. This location is brand new and very clean. I LOVE the outdoor patio. Order at the counter and then wait for your name to be called. I ordered the Turkey BLT with avocado. Now I consider myself to be a (this is going to sound dirty when I write it) but a meat expert. As in, growing up my parents were both chefs and caterers and we did our fair share of cooking. Whether it was smoking whole hogs, roasting chickens, or deep frying turkeys, or making our own sausage we did it all. Why am I telling you this? Because the turkey on this freaking sandwich tasted EXACTLY like the thick, juicy, succulent turkey I grew up cooking with my family. None of that subway bullshit, or thinly sliced deli mystery meat they try to pass off as turkey. My point being -- this sandwich not only pulled me out of my "hanger" state, but also blew my socks off with freshness and flavor. Since, then my boyfriend and I have been back after a busy day running errands and this is the perfect place to grab a bite without ruining your diet.
(4)Katie M.
Don't get me wrong, I love Panera and frequent locations throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky, but the service and accuracy here is below par. The cashiers are rarely friendly and my order has been inaccurate five out of six times. The drive thru moved very slowly and inside the sense of urgency is no higher. If you have the time to wait and don't mind double checking everything about your order this is not a bad place to stop. Food quality is consistently good and the atmosphere is relaxing.
(3)Liz S.
They need to change the lemon orzo soup description. I came in for a cup of iced coffee and ordered lunch because I thought I was getting avgolemono. Nope. Nope. Nope. Noelle was so sweet; I freaked out that I'd upset them when I was adamant that I would not be able to stomach the carroty broth I saw. She was all, it's okay, no, don't be upset. I have half a sandwich, a cup of clam chowder, a cookie and a frozen lemonade, and a ton of contentment. I'm worrying all the time that I'll hate being an RN and school is just around the corner. This is a great Panera with tons of light and friendly, very sweet employees capable of stopping a stress-out freak-out. I'm sold.
(4)Liz B.
First time at this panera and its SO great. I got the lemon chicken orzo soup and new power kale salad and they are amazing. I'm halfway through both and already stuffed. There's a quaint outdoor patio that is really nice (aside the high traffic area, but I can tune that out) and on nice days like today, it's near perfect. Panera is easily becoming my favorite place to get a quick bite. Love how healthy the menu is. Definitely the only place I get something different every time and have yet to be disappointed.
(5)Tiera A.
This is a standard Panera Bread. The food is the same and the service is just fine. The only difference is that this location has a drive-thru. Unfortunately, the drive-thru service is not that great. It's rather slow. If you want your food served hot, it's best that you go inside to order. On a recent visit, I went through the drive-thru, thinking that it would be quick since I was only ordering a coffee, and ended up being in line over 20 minutes. That really sucked!
(3)Witni S.
You know what you're going to get with Panera. A nice quiet atmosphere, classical music, and relatively good food. This Newport location, however, has tried something new. Seems like a good idea in theory. But it's not. I don't know if it's a combination of slow service or just the fact that it takes a longer time to create most Panera orders, but going through the drive-through is like pulling teeth. It takes forever! Again, if you want a nice salad or a Panini or a bowl of soup or nice sourdough bread bowl, then this Panera is just as good as any other one. But if you're stopping in for a quick bite at lunch, don't go to the drive through. It'll end up costing you way too much time and you'll be late to your next appointment. Kudos to Panera for trying out a drive-through. But two stars for execution.
(2)