i think i love the idea of panera, but i just cant handle the inconsistency. i've gone to this place since it opened and will continue to keep going from time to time when i get tired of some of my other favorites, but they just seem to go back and forth between great service and someone totally messing up an order. the quality of the produce they use is as inconsistent. there are a few items that are always spot on. soups have never let me down, and the bakery items are always great. the sandwiches and salads are hit and miss though. i also have a problem that they try to pass themselves off as a healthier option bc a lot of what you might think is healthy there is loaded with calories and sodium. overall the facilities are clean and the atmosphere is great. they do a good business so i may be one of the few out there that has a not so stunning opinion of the place. would encourage folks that live in town to give it a shot. if you are just passing through though, i would hope you'd conseder one of our many locally owned and operated places.
(2)
Logan A.
I love the Mac and cheese here more than a normal person should. It never disappoints. I like the atmosphere at this one because they keep the lights dim and I love the free wifi. The people are friendly and even though it is always packed they keep it moving at a really nice pace. I am a huge fan.
(5)
April C.
Panera bread bagels straight up rock! I haven't tasted bagels that are better yet. I like to buy a bakers dozen which is thirteen of your choice of bagels with 2 containers of your choice of cream cheese. The price ranges around $15. You need to request that they cut the bagels though, which is extremely helpful when you want to pop them in the toaster later. My favs include the cinnamon crunch, asiago cheese, and the everything bagel. If you haven't tried the cinnamon crunch yet then you haven't lived. Of course they also have amazing sandwiches, salads and soups. I love their broccoli and cheese bread bowl and French onion soup. I recently tried the quinoa broth bowl with egg and it was pretty addicting. All around good yums here. It's a great lunch place with incredible coffee to boot!!
(4)
Artemis G.
I usually have pretty good luck with other Panera locations, but this one was terrible in terms of dishes missing multiple ingredients. I was in a good hour-plus before they closed, and they were not busy. Ordered a Thai Chicken Salad, which is supposed to have "Thai cashews, fire-roasted edamame, red peppers, carrots, fresh cilantro and crispy wonton strips tossed in our low-fat Thai chili vinaigrette and drizzled with peanut sauce," in addition to chicken and romaine. Mine came out with the lettuce, chicken, peanut sauce, and wonton strips. That was it. Took it back to the counter, and listed off the items to the cashier that were missing. She told me they'd re-make it, but that they were out of edamame. Offered a couple of things instead, of which I chose quinoa. So the second salad I got had lettuce, chicken, sauce, wonton strips, and quonia. No cashews, red peppers, carrots, or cilantro. Bread wasn't that good either - didn't taste like anything. Panera used to have these great sourdough or at least fresh-tasting baguettes.
(1)
Ashley W.
I was really excited to write a dazzling review for this place after I felt like I won the lottery after receiving a hot & fresh French baguette with my to-go order; however when I got home, I definitely was disappointed. My order was simple, a you-pick-two with a Mediterranean veggie sandwich & a side Greek salad, extra dressing. (They forgot the dressing)The service through the drive-through was fantastic compared to other visits. When I got home, I started eating my Greek salad and when about 75% into the salad, I look down & see A DEAD FLY just hanging out in there. I was Mortified to say the least, so I immediately called Panera & asked to speak to the manager. A man named John answered the phone & I let him know what happened & asked him that he pull the lettuce so nobody else has an experience like mine. He didn't seem too entirely concerned about & gave me an automatic response of "oh, we'll check that out" I wasn't calling to poach a free meal out of my situation, but rather to prevent someone else from potentially getting sick from ingesting dead insects. Definitely won't be ordering any food from here again.
(1)
Amanda C.
This Panera is much like all the others I've been to, however, a lot busier. This may be good for the business but it makes for an below average location to study. There's even a 30 minute limit on the free wifi between 11am and 2pm! There is a distinct lack of available outlets. One table of physics college kids kept trying desperately to get their laptop cords to reach the outlet by my table. Go early to stake your claim on a table close to an outlet. Pros of this location is that there is plenty of parking and that there is a drive through. The service is great. The workers keep coming by to help clear the tables and ask if I need anything. Food: 8/10 Atmosphere: 6/10 Service: 10/10
(3)
Mandy M.
I got the green power smoothie and it was really good. It was a little tart but I am thrilled to find a smoothie on this side of town that isn't full of dairy as I am intolerant. The cashier was friendly and helpful. She explained that I could ask for any of their smoothies without the yogurt. It was a comfortable atmosphere, the tables were clean and the line to order moved fairly quickly.
(4)
David K.
Worst Panera I've been to, last time I'm going to this one, the panini was somehow cold in the 3 minutes I drove home and it had two slices of old shriveled up tomatoes, two tiny unmelted mozzarella squares and some tomato paste rubbed in the corner. Truly though someone was messing with us. Not going back.
(2)
Nicole P.
I'll usually try to choose local when going out to eat, but I have to admit, I really like Panera Bread. This Panera in Norman has a drive-thru, that moves surprisingly quickly, so you can swing by even when you're in a hurry. The employees are always friendly and helpful. One of my big pregnancy cravings has been toasted bagels with cream cheese and no other bakeries near me quite satisfy like Panera. I love the cinnamon raisin, cinnamon crunch, and the asiago cheese bagels. Another great thing about Panera is they have reduced fat cream cheese, and it tastes just as wonderful as the full fat option. The coffee is good too. The bread bowls are also fabulous! For lunch I'll usually order the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich and some kind of soup in a bread bowl. They have a few healthy soup options, and they are all good, but the broccoli cheddar might be my favorite.
(4)
Joy M.
They have a drive thru window! Avoid Sunday morning-mid afternoons if you want a quick bite to eat. The after Church crowd seems to flock to this place. But then again... My bread tasted abnormally good that day, so I'm stuck in the middle. Wait a little longer for yummier food or go on a slow day where I could risk the chance of getting not so great stuff? What a predicament. I normally get a sandwich and half salad here. Went with a wild card and ordered a half Tuna Fish. No bueno. The globes of mayo made my bread soggy. I would have preferred they put the tuna in their signature style bread despite the fact that the crust can sometimes be rock hard. I don't remember the Caesar dressing tasking sweet so maybe it's just me. I was starving after all.
(3)
Jeff F.
Oh, the Panera effect. I roughly define this as "holy crap that baked item looks great, I'm going to get it"...well, that was just OK. Panera clearly knows how to market their baked goods better than making them. As such, I normally avoid the baked goods. But, the food is slightly more fulfilling. I enjoy the pick two with the Greek salad and Bacon Turkey Bravo or Cuban Panini. The veggies on the Greek salad are always fresh, tasty, and colorful. The sandwiches are good, but I'd ask for the sauces on the side as they tend to give either a few drops or huge globs. The calories are posted by each item which makes it easy to choose things that fit within my diet. That also has the side-effect of eliminating half the menu.
(4)
Stefanie I.
Panera is one of my favorite sandwich shops. When I saw this was so close to my house I was extremely ecstatic. I went there for dinner a couple nights ago and it was probably the worst food I have ever received from a Panera. My sandwich was soggy and the bread tasted old, my mac n cheese was also cold. My side of bread was hard as a rock. The guy at the register was super nice, but it doesn't make up for the horrible food preparation. I was so hungry from missing lunch I didn't care and shoveled it in. But I really hope my next visit they are a little better, so I can write them a better review.
(2)
Tom V.
I am from California, and love the Panera sandwiches. When we ate here, two of our sandwhiches had partially frozen bread. The part that was not frozen was soggy. Very disappointing.
(1)
Daniel H.
Panera Bread is one part bakery, one part sandwich shoppe with a coffee house thrown in the middle for good measure. The eatery is always packed at lunchtime and is a social centerpointe for meeting people for lunch or running into someone you know. A number of unique and delicious sandwiches ensures that people who enjoy variety can eat something different every time and creatures of habit (like myself) will find a trademark favorite to order over and over again. The employees at this location are curt but professional, probably due to the onslaught of customers that prey upon this location at lunchtime.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Very Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Jonathan F.
i think i love the idea of panera, but i just cant handle the inconsistency. i've gone to this place since it opened and will continue to keep going from time to time when i get tired of some of my other favorites, but they just seem to go back and forth between great service and someone totally messing up an order. the quality of the produce they use is as inconsistent. there are a few items that are always spot on. soups have never let me down, and the bakery items are always great. the sandwiches and salads are hit and miss though. i also have a problem that they try to pass themselves off as a healthier option bc a lot of what you might think is healthy there is loaded with calories and sodium. overall the facilities are clean and the atmosphere is great. they do a good business so i may be one of the few out there that has a not so stunning opinion of the place. would encourage folks that live in town to give it a shot. if you are just passing through though, i would hope you'd conseder one of our many locally owned and operated places.
(2)Logan A.
I love the Mac and cheese here more than a normal person should. It never disappoints. I like the atmosphere at this one because they keep the lights dim and I love the free wifi. The people are friendly and even though it is always packed they keep it moving at a really nice pace. I am a huge fan.
(5)April C.
Panera bread bagels straight up rock! I haven't tasted bagels that are better yet. I like to buy a bakers dozen which is thirteen of your choice of bagels with 2 containers of your choice of cream cheese. The price ranges around $15. You need to request that they cut the bagels though, which is extremely helpful when you want to pop them in the toaster later. My favs include the cinnamon crunch, asiago cheese, and the everything bagel. If you haven't tried the cinnamon crunch yet then you haven't lived. Of course they also have amazing sandwiches, salads and soups. I love their broccoli and cheese bread bowl and French onion soup. I recently tried the quinoa broth bowl with egg and it was pretty addicting. All around good yums here. It's a great lunch place with incredible coffee to boot!!
(4)Artemis G.
I usually have pretty good luck with other Panera locations, but this one was terrible in terms of dishes missing multiple ingredients. I was in a good hour-plus before they closed, and they were not busy. Ordered a Thai Chicken Salad, which is supposed to have "Thai cashews, fire-roasted edamame, red peppers, carrots, fresh cilantro and crispy wonton strips tossed in our low-fat Thai chili vinaigrette and drizzled with peanut sauce," in addition to chicken and romaine. Mine came out with the lettuce, chicken, peanut sauce, and wonton strips. That was it. Took it back to the counter, and listed off the items to the cashier that were missing. She told me they'd re-make it, but that they were out of edamame. Offered a couple of things instead, of which I chose quinoa. So the second salad I got had lettuce, chicken, sauce, wonton strips, and quonia. No cashews, red peppers, carrots, or cilantro. Bread wasn't that good either - didn't taste like anything. Panera used to have these great sourdough or at least fresh-tasting baguettes.
(1)Ashley W.
I was really excited to write a dazzling review for this place after I felt like I won the lottery after receiving a hot & fresh French baguette with my to-go order; however when I got home, I definitely was disappointed. My order was simple, a you-pick-two with a Mediterranean veggie sandwich & a side Greek salad, extra dressing. (They forgot the dressing)The service through the drive-through was fantastic compared to other visits. When I got home, I started eating my Greek salad and when about 75% into the salad, I look down & see A DEAD FLY just hanging out in there. I was Mortified to say the least, so I immediately called Panera & asked to speak to the manager. A man named John answered the phone & I let him know what happened & asked him that he pull the lettuce so nobody else has an experience like mine. He didn't seem too entirely concerned about & gave me an automatic response of "oh, we'll check that out" I wasn't calling to poach a free meal out of my situation, but rather to prevent someone else from potentially getting sick from ingesting dead insects. Definitely won't be ordering any food from here again.
(1)Amanda C.
This Panera is much like all the others I've been to, however, a lot busier. This may be good for the business but it makes for an below average location to study. There's even a 30 minute limit on the free wifi between 11am and 2pm! There is a distinct lack of available outlets. One table of physics college kids kept trying desperately to get their laptop cords to reach the outlet by my table. Go early to stake your claim on a table close to an outlet. Pros of this location is that there is plenty of parking and that there is a drive through. The service is great. The workers keep coming by to help clear the tables and ask if I need anything. Food: 8/10 Atmosphere: 6/10 Service: 10/10
(3)Mandy M.
I got the green power smoothie and it was really good. It was a little tart but I am thrilled to find a smoothie on this side of town that isn't full of dairy as I am intolerant. The cashier was friendly and helpful. She explained that I could ask for any of their smoothies without the yogurt. It was a comfortable atmosphere, the tables were clean and the line to order moved fairly quickly.
(4)David K.
Worst Panera I've been to, last time I'm going to this one, the panini was somehow cold in the 3 minutes I drove home and it had two slices of old shriveled up tomatoes, two tiny unmelted mozzarella squares and some tomato paste rubbed in the corner. Truly though someone was messing with us. Not going back.
(2)Nicole P.
I'll usually try to choose local when going out to eat, but I have to admit, I really like Panera Bread. This Panera in Norman has a drive-thru, that moves surprisingly quickly, so you can swing by even when you're in a hurry. The employees are always friendly and helpful. One of my big pregnancy cravings has been toasted bagels with cream cheese and no other bakeries near me quite satisfy like Panera. I love the cinnamon raisin, cinnamon crunch, and the asiago cheese bagels. Another great thing about Panera is they have reduced fat cream cheese, and it tastes just as wonderful as the full fat option. The coffee is good too. The bread bowls are also fabulous! For lunch I'll usually order the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich and some kind of soup in a bread bowl. They have a few healthy soup options, and they are all good, but the broccoli cheddar might be my favorite.
(4)Joy M.
They have a drive thru window! Avoid Sunday morning-mid afternoons if you want a quick bite to eat. The after Church crowd seems to flock to this place. But then again... My bread tasted abnormally good that day, so I'm stuck in the middle. Wait a little longer for yummier food or go on a slow day where I could risk the chance of getting not so great stuff? What a predicament. I normally get a sandwich and half salad here. Went with a wild card and ordered a half Tuna Fish. No bueno. The globes of mayo made my bread soggy. I would have preferred they put the tuna in their signature style bread despite the fact that the crust can sometimes be rock hard. I don't remember the Caesar dressing tasking sweet so maybe it's just me. I was starving after all.
(3)Jeff F.
Oh, the Panera effect. I roughly define this as "holy crap that baked item looks great, I'm going to get it"...well, that was just OK. Panera clearly knows how to market their baked goods better than making them. As such, I normally avoid the baked goods. But, the food is slightly more fulfilling. I enjoy the pick two with the Greek salad and Bacon Turkey Bravo or Cuban Panini. The veggies on the Greek salad are always fresh, tasty, and colorful. The sandwiches are good, but I'd ask for the sauces on the side as they tend to give either a few drops or huge globs. The calories are posted by each item which makes it easy to choose things that fit within my diet. That also has the side-effect of eliminating half the menu.
(4)Stefanie I.
Panera is one of my favorite sandwich shops. When I saw this was so close to my house I was extremely ecstatic. I went there for dinner a couple nights ago and it was probably the worst food I have ever received from a Panera. My sandwich was soggy and the bread tasted old, my mac n cheese was also cold. My side of bread was hard as a rock. The guy at the register was super nice, but it doesn't make up for the horrible food preparation. I was so hungry from missing lunch I didn't care and shoveled it in. But I really hope my next visit they are a little better, so I can write them a better review.
(2)Tom V.
I am from California, and love the Panera sandwiches. When we ate here, two of our sandwhiches had partially frozen bread. The part that was not frozen was soggy. Very disappointing.
(1)Daniel H.
Panera Bread is one part bakery, one part sandwich shoppe with a coffee house thrown in the middle for good measure. The eatery is always packed at lunchtime and is a social centerpointe for meeting people for lunch or running into someone you know. A number of unique and delicious sandwiches ensures that people who enjoy variety can eat something different every time and creatures of habit (like myself) will find a trademark favorite to order over and over again. The employees at this location are curt but professional, probably due to the onslaught of customers that prey upon this location at lunchtime.
(5)