This is my favorite Vermont panera! The staff is great, and the place is clean. Even with how busy it gets, the staff is prompt and never gets my order wrong. My silverware is always clean (unlike the one in Williston).
(5)
Isis N.
I'm not a Panera fan, but I was so happy with the veggie sandwich I had at this location, that my opinion of this seudo healthy chain, have changed exponentially. They were very accommodating with my vegan requests. Instead of mayo, they added an avocado spread that was delicious. And suggested an apple instead of chips. I was a truly happy camper!
(5)
Josh W.
Stopped in here for lunch after walking around down town, I didn't receive my beverage at first and had to talk to the counter again for a cup. Later, my partner received their food and the waitress took the tracker away. I went up to grab the tracker back, only to get major attitude from the staff and waitress, who completely denied taking the tracker away. Personally, I felt like I was arguing with an infant instead of receiving good service and my meal. I ended up having to grab my partners food myself from the counter, a totally unprofessional and an untrained staff.
(1)
Wendy P.
Didn't give me enough smoothie!!! There was one employee seemed give me an attitude. She gave the next customer whipped cream on top of the smoothie and it was full. I hope Panera could hire some good employees or do the training better.
(2)
Patricia G.
Slowest service at Panera Bread I've ever experienced. They had just one guy at the cashier with a big line. This seems to be a busy location and during lunch on a Friday they should have more associate at the registers. After what seemed like forever one of the managers came up and started taking orders. After we sat down and our food came out we had to wait longer for a lemonade which should've been brought out with the meal. Food was good as usual but they really need to step up their game on faster service.
(3)
Brian H.
Well kept place and very inviting layout. Well lit, clean, plenty of seating and some of it fairly private (it's not organized like some prison cafeteria). Although the layout is a bit confusing when it comes to ordering at the counter as you have to wander fairly far into the place to hit the counter queue. As for waiting, yes the staff seems a bit slow for an order/pickup kind of place. There seems to be an awful lot of employees here but they only throw one at the counter taking orders. That didn't make a lot of sense to me. Food is fresh and the coffee/beverage variety is great. I'd just like to see better organization around staff and orders.
(4)
Ashraf M.
Brown sugar short still. 2% milke is missing most of the weekend. This branch is really different of what we have seen in another state.
(2)
Nick S.
Always a good place for a soup and sandwich combo. I was enticed by the turkey and cranberry panini and the chicken stew being advertised outside. (spoiler: they were both pretty good) Only downside is the combo pricing can be a bit misleading. It starts at $6.79 for regular menu items, but ordering "premium" items kicks that upwards. My aforementioned combo ran $9.34 before tax and well above $10 afterwards.
(4)
Tom H.
They have a great spot on Church street, which is the only reason I go. Plenty of seating to people watch, meet a friend, or do some last minute paperwork. I've been to a few Panera Breads and don't like the layout at all. The food is average at best. I don't find any of it appetizing... maybe it's just all that bread, but it overwhelms the sandwiches. Cost is high for lunch and average food. I've always felt like there is no service... you just walk in and figure out what to do. It's an odd ambiance for sure.
(2)
Marlana Y.
I agree with Coco about how there are many places around VT that really lack in the customer service department. If this was NY or LA, many places would go out of business due to that. I love Panera back home and I was ecstatic about them finally making a home in Downtown Burlington. If you never tried it, please come in and do! Its a very casual laid back sandwich cafe and there is plenty of room to sit and relax. I use to study at the Panera back home all the time. Everything is just the same which I love. The staff is very helpful and kind. Even though there was a long line behind me, they were able to take the time and answer all the questions I had about the type of broths they use for the soups. I always get the half soup and sandwich deal. Tuna on Ciabatta bread with Broccoli cheddar soup. SO delish! The one thing that they don't have back home is that they have a GPS tracker type machine. Usually if you are eating in, they give you a machine that alerts you to pick up your food. Here- if you find a table, just sit down with the tracker and the food will come to you. Super cool. Cons are since it is new, the wifi doesn't work as well. But they do have many outlets along the walls.
(4)
Amy W.
Worst panera anywhere. It's always dirty. Staff is not trained. Manager doesn't seem to have any cares about customer experience.
(1)
Alissa M.
Twice I ordered a sandwich which was gross, the bread was bad. I stopped going for a month, went back ordered a sandwhich in advance and paid to pick up a tuna sandwich with no onions at 1:45, they said it was fine, the manager put the order through, and yet.... At 1:45 there was no sandwhich, no one was told about it, though the manager was standing right there. I waited though I had no time, which is why I ordered it earlier. The employee was nice it was not his fault, he made me a sandwich WITH onions and put it on a plate, then I had to request it to go. This is the third time in a row I spent $7.00 for a sandwich and had to throw it out. I am never going to this panera again.
(1)
M K.
Not a good experience. Turkey and Avocado BLT was not up to usual Panera standards. Bacon appeared almost uncooked (which they fixed upon request) and the avocado was not even close to ripe. Service was slow and not particularly friendly either which is unusual in my experience at other Paneras.
(2)
CJ G.
I love Panera bread! Its on top of one of my favorite chains out there! I'm glad to see it finally come to Vermont...After loving it in Boston! So after work and a dance class with the girlfriend on a Thursday night we wanted some dinner! At this point Panera had been open for a long while now. So we tried it out! The location of Panera isn't to bad. Right in the middle of down town Burlington VT! Church ST. So it has pretty easy access VIA the bus line and commuters coming in alike! Park in the malls garage! Its free for the first 2 hours and its always open. The inside is also very clean! Comfy seats and free WiFi! Hint hint...Great place to write a paper for the college kids! Also please note we had gone an hour before their closing time and it was still pretty clean! The service here is also pretty good. You get to order first before sitting down. They seemed very happy and even asked if we had been to one before. After stating yes she then took our order! Easy as that. They then give you a number and they brought us our food to our table. The price is what we expected! For 2 sandwiches, 2 drinks, and 2 cookies it ran us about $22.00. Portions are pretty good (medium portions) and they are filling! The food also came out nice and hot and right on time! My only complaint here is for some odd reason Vermont Panera does not have the bagel chips. I love their bagel chips and got them all of the time in Boston! So it would be awesome if they add them to their menu! Not a huge thing but it is a difference. Not a deal maker by any means for us though. Its just on the wish list. Great 4/5! It lived up to our visits from Boston! I see us being here for lunch or a quick light dinner in the future! Go get your Panera on Vermont! Enjoy the fact that we finally got one!
(4)
Ashraf M.
Internet is down most of the time in this place. My call to the manager to fix it didn't help. Worst WIFI service.
(1)
Michael C.
Line was long and a little slow moving on my visit. The sandwich was awesome! As a rule I'm not a fan of chains. I went to a Panera in Boston that was mediocre at best. My son and I were shopping prior to a UVM Hockey game one night when we decided we should eat before the game and presumably spend less to get more. We did not enough time to hit a real restaurant for a relaxed meal. We had pizza the day before so we wanted to skip that. This did not leave many options and then we recalled Panera had recently opened. I would compare this to a Subway or Quiznos more so than most other Church Street options. Having said that, I really liked it. Will definitely be back. Also has free WiFi, by the way.
(5)
Stavros M.
Tried a bagel, Brueggers down the street is 10x better and they don't force you to make it yourself. Skip this place.
(1)
Tony M.
It really is good! I generally dislike cookie cutter premade chain restuarant food, Panera is my exception. Great comfort food, great price and consistently the best customer service I have had in a food establishment on either coast. I find myself carrying a panera card and looking forward to their 1/2 sandwich soup deal (mediterranean sandwich and creamy vegetarian tomato) deal. Forgetting about some of the processed ingredients, it is more comforting then Twisted Comfort in winooski.
(4)
Katie E.
My love affair with Panera Bread began at this location. Nothing better then a sandwich and soup, plus some mac and cheese just because. The ice teas are great, I always go back for a refill. This area is easy to find for out of towners like myself, seems like a good place to sit and people watch. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Burlington, and anxiously await the day Panera makes it to AZ.
(5)
Ben L.
Went well for their first day open. Food was exactly like Panera I've had elsewhere. Service was very friendly. I expect the store to be a nice addition to downtown (and I suspect it will only improve on the operations side as things get less new.) Seems like they pulled together a great team.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Isabella L.
This is my favorite Vermont panera! The staff is great, and the place is clean. Even with how busy it gets, the staff is prompt and never gets my order wrong. My silverware is always clean (unlike the one in Williston).
(5)Isis N.
I'm not a Panera fan, but I was so happy with the veggie sandwich I had at this location, that my opinion of this seudo healthy chain, have changed exponentially. They were very accommodating with my vegan requests. Instead of mayo, they added an avocado spread that was delicious. And suggested an apple instead of chips. I was a truly happy camper!
(5)Josh W.
Stopped in here for lunch after walking around down town, I didn't receive my beverage at first and had to talk to the counter again for a cup. Later, my partner received their food and the waitress took the tracker away. I went up to grab the tracker back, only to get major attitude from the staff and waitress, who completely denied taking the tracker away. Personally, I felt like I was arguing with an infant instead of receiving good service and my meal. I ended up having to grab my partners food myself from the counter, a totally unprofessional and an untrained staff.
(1)Wendy P.
Didn't give me enough smoothie!!! There was one employee seemed give me an attitude. She gave the next customer whipped cream on top of the smoothie and it was full. I hope Panera could hire some good employees or do the training better.
(2)Patricia G.
Slowest service at Panera Bread I've ever experienced. They had just one guy at the cashier with a big line. This seems to be a busy location and during lunch on a Friday they should have more associate at the registers. After what seemed like forever one of the managers came up and started taking orders. After we sat down and our food came out we had to wait longer for a lemonade which should've been brought out with the meal. Food was good as usual but they really need to step up their game on faster service.
(3)Brian H.
Well kept place and very inviting layout. Well lit, clean, plenty of seating and some of it fairly private (it's not organized like some prison cafeteria). Although the layout is a bit confusing when it comes to ordering at the counter as you have to wander fairly far into the place to hit the counter queue. As for waiting, yes the staff seems a bit slow for an order/pickup kind of place. There seems to be an awful lot of employees here but they only throw one at the counter taking orders. That didn't make a lot of sense to me. Food is fresh and the coffee/beverage variety is great. I'd just like to see better organization around staff and orders.
(4)Ashraf M.
Brown sugar short still. 2% milke is missing most of the weekend. This branch is really different of what we have seen in another state.
(2)Nick S.
Always a good place for a soup and sandwich combo. I was enticed by the turkey and cranberry panini and the chicken stew being advertised outside. (spoiler: they were both pretty good) Only downside is the combo pricing can be a bit misleading. It starts at $6.79 for regular menu items, but ordering "premium" items kicks that upwards. My aforementioned combo ran $9.34 before tax and well above $10 afterwards.
(4)Tom H.
They have a great spot on Church street, which is the only reason I go. Plenty of seating to people watch, meet a friend, or do some last minute paperwork. I've been to a few Panera Breads and don't like the layout at all. The food is average at best. I don't find any of it appetizing... maybe it's just all that bread, but it overwhelms the sandwiches. Cost is high for lunch and average food. I've always felt like there is no service... you just walk in and figure out what to do. It's an odd ambiance for sure.
(2)Marlana Y.
I agree with Coco about how there are many places around VT that really lack in the customer service department. If this was NY or LA, many places would go out of business due to that. I love Panera back home and I was ecstatic about them finally making a home in Downtown Burlington. If you never tried it, please come in and do! Its a very casual laid back sandwich cafe and there is plenty of room to sit and relax. I use to study at the Panera back home all the time. Everything is just the same which I love. The staff is very helpful and kind. Even though there was a long line behind me, they were able to take the time and answer all the questions I had about the type of broths they use for the soups. I always get the half soup and sandwich deal. Tuna on Ciabatta bread with Broccoli cheddar soup. SO delish! The one thing that they don't have back home is that they have a GPS tracker type machine. Usually if you are eating in, they give you a machine that alerts you to pick up your food. Here- if you find a table, just sit down with the tracker and the food will come to you. Super cool. Cons are since it is new, the wifi doesn't work as well. But they do have many outlets along the walls.
(4)Amy W.
Worst panera anywhere. It's always dirty. Staff is not trained. Manager doesn't seem to have any cares about customer experience.
(1)Alissa M.
Twice I ordered a sandwich which was gross, the bread was bad. I stopped going for a month, went back ordered a sandwhich in advance and paid to pick up a tuna sandwich with no onions at 1:45, they said it was fine, the manager put the order through, and yet.... At 1:45 there was no sandwhich, no one was told about it, though the manager was standing right there. I waited though I had no time, which is why I ordered it earlier. The employee was nice it was not his fault, he made me a sandwich WITH onions and put it on a plate, then I had to request it to go. This is the third time in a row I spent $7.00 for a sandwich and had to throw it out. I am never going to this panera again.
(1)M K.
Not a good experience. Turkey and Avocado BLT was not up to usual Panera standards. Bacon appeared almost uncooked (which they fixed upon request) and the avocado was not even close to ripe. Service was slow and not particularly friendly either which is unusual in my experience at other Paneras.
(2)CJ G.
I love Panera bread! Its on top of one of my favorite chains out there! I'm glad to see it finally come to Vermont...After loving it in Boston! So after work and a dance class with the girlfriend on a Thursday night we wanted some dinner! At this point Panera had been open for a long while now. So we tried it out! The location of Panera isn't to bad. Right in the middle of down town Burlington VT! Church ST. So it has pretty easy access VIA the bus line and commuters coming in alike! Park in the malls garage! Its free for the first 2 hours and its always open. The inside is also very clean! Comfy seats and free WiFi! Hint hint...Great place to write a paper for the college kids! Also please note we had gone an hour before their closing time and it was still pretty clean! The service here is also pretty good. You get to order first before sitting down. They seemed very happy and even asked if we had been to one before. After stating yes she then took our order! Easy as that. They then give you a number and they brought us our food to our table. The price is what we expected! For 2 sandwiches, 2 drinks, and 2 cookies it ran us about $22.00. Portions are pretty good (medium portions) and they are filling! The food also came out nice and hot and right on time! My only complaint here is for some odd reason Vermont Panera does not have the bagel chips. I love their bagel chips and got them all of the time in Boston! So it would be awesome if they add them to their menu! Not a huge thing but it is a difference. Not a deal maker by any means for us though. Its just on the wish list. Great 4/5! It lived up to our visits from Boston! I see us being here for lunch or a quick light dinner in the future! Go get your Panera on Vermont! Enjoy the fact that we finally got one!
(4)Ashraf M.
Internet is down most of the time in this place. My call to the manager to fix it didn't help. Worst WIFI service.
(1)Michael C.
Line was long and a little slow moving on my visit. The sandwich was awesome! As a rule I'm not a fan of chains. I went to a Panera in Boston that was mediocre at best. My son and I were shopping prior to a UVM Hockey game one night when we decided we should eat before the game and presumably spend less to get more. We did not enough time to hit a real restaurant for a relaxed meal. We had pizza the day before so we wanted to skip that. This did not leave many options and then we recalled Panera had recently opened. I would compare this to a Subway or Quiznos more so than most other Church Street options. Having said that, I really liked it. Will definitely be back. Also has free WiFi, by the way.
(5)Stavros M.
Tried a bagel, Brueggers down the street is 10x better and they don't force you to make it yourself. Skip this place.
(1)Tony M.
It really is good! I generally dislike cookie cutter premade chain restuarant food, Panera is my exception. Great comfort food, great price and consistently the best customer service I have had in a food establishment on either coast. I find myself carrying a panera card and looking forward to their 1/2 sandwich soup deal (mediterranean sandwich and creamy vegetarian tomato) deal. Forgetting about some of the processed ingredients, it is more comforting then Twisted Comfort in winooski.
(4)Katie E.
My love affair with Panera Bread began at this location. Nothing better then a sandwich and soup, plus some mac and cheese just because. The ice teas are great, I always go back for a refill. This area is easy to find for out of towners like myself, seems like a good place to sit and people watch. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Burlington, and anxiously await the day Panera makes it to AZ.
(5)Ben L.
Went well for their first day open. Food was exactly like Panera I've had elsewhere. Service was very friendly. I expect the store to be a nice addition to downtown (and I suspect it will only improve on the operations side as things get less new.) Seems like they pulled together a great team.
(4)