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    Panera Bread

    3.0 (363 reviews)
    ModerateSandwiches, Salad, Soup
    Open 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Panera Bread Photos

    Business Info

    From this Business

    PANERA BREAD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Panera Bread

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    Reviews With Photos

    Coffee bar options
    Linda C.

    I hope this review helps someone looking for a study spot or place to get some work done because this Panera is a solid pick. The internet is fast (see photo for speed), and there are a few seats with outlets I counted 1 booth with a charging outlet (see my photo) and 3 small tables along the wall/window that have outlets too. Parking can be hit or miss depending on when you come. Since this location has a drive thru, the lot seems to get congested when the drive thru line backs up. Food and service are great. The staff run a well-oiled machine....i overheard them handling several large orders (ex. 40+ sandwiches and 35 soups) while keeping drive-thru and dine-in customers moving smoothly. Another big plus: refillable coffee and drinks. Perfect for long study or work sessions without feeling like you have to rush out after 1 cup. The only negative I noticed is that the place could really use a good vacuuming, especially under the tables. And Panera's reward system actually pays off. I feel like I earn free items faster than most places. Overall, this location is a reliable spot for good food, steady WiFi, and a productive environment.

    Drive thru.
    Ray N.

    The employees are the most important asset in a business. This rings true here at Panera Bread in Lake Forest, California. Hats off to the absolutely stellar, professional, kind, very observant, alert and solid worker Eva. I have never seen any Panera employee greet customers as they entered and also when they left. Never! Genuine, smiling and spreading the love. I got to have a wonderful conversation with this enterprising and super intelligent lady whose photo and info should be next to " The Sky is the Limit" section in Panera's Corporate handbook and any dictionary/ thesaurus/ guide/encyclopedia/ employee orientation manual anywhere. I also got to meet the awesome Dennis who was just a happy person. Same for the very nice Bailey who went the extra mile to make a very picky customer happy. I was also blessed to meet their hiring Manager Ty who mentioned the word" family". He offered me a free birthday pastry for my upcoming 68th in 4 days but I shared my recent Gavone adventures with him. Very sweet of him! Their combined impact is felt in all customer interactions and in the food prep and serving. The resultant vibe in this restaurant is also loving and chill. Yes Panera has the standard hot and cold sandwiches, the salads, the soups, the Mac, the hot and cold drinks & smoothies, the unlimited Sip Club. The team here really cares. Seen them bring out hot water in individual cups, redo iced coffees for customers, take care of everything with class and grace. Rare today! This Panera location separates itself from all the Paneras I have been to in NY, Va, Oh, Mo, Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico - all these visited in the last 10 days as I drove west. Separate and leagues above. Thank you Excellent Eva, Brilliant Bailey, Dynamite Dennis, Jovial Josh and Terrific Ty. Very grateful!

    Cheddar broccoli soup and avocado chipotle sandwich
    Marisol R.

    Yummy broccoli cheese soup! Great place for a quick sit down. Food is okay, just your typical sandwich, wraps and soups place. I think the convenience is great! Good customer service as well.

    Leonard W.

    Best Panera Bread in California Super service friendly fun employees It's my first stop when I get o off of the interstate 5 great food , sparkling clean, fun place, pickup or dine in

    Turkey and cheddar sandwich
    Melissa E.

    This specific location is very good and everyone who works there is so nice and accommodating. I don't find that in the one in mission Viejo. I love their French onion soup and their broccoli cheddar soup. I also love their turkey and cheddar sandwich. Their coconut macaroons are so god to. I'm also part of their sip program and it is well worth it.

    False advertising

    Did the half and half combo, got a turkey bacon (asked for no cheese and got no bacon) and a soup, the deal says for 9.99 yet I was charged 17 and some change. I called to ask what happened (wasnt going to say anything untill they didnt give me the bacon I over paid for) the cashier had no idea what was going on and pretty much said your out of luck. Paid 17.51 for a sandwich that looks like youde get a 711 and a cold soup, see pic for details. If I was at an airport or Disneyland land I could understand this but were not

    Wild rice soup
    Kelly C.

    The lunch special is a really good deal. You get to pick two half portions for $8.99. You can't get lunch anywhere for that price. The food tastes fresh, but nothing is special about the food. Nothing is special about the service either. Like a fast food restaurant that you order at the counter. This panera has a big dining area. It is quite busy during lunchtime. HAPPY SANDWICHING!!

    Outside
    Chris W.

    This is my local Panera Bread. I've been coming to this one for awhile and more so now with their sip club subscription. Parking can get pretty rough at times so I normally park in the center of the shopping plaza and walk a few steps to the restaurant. This one is pretty clean compared to other Panera Breads I've been to and they always seem to have a full staff that is friendly and helpful with top notch service. Most of the time the pickup orders are ready in the cubbies along the wall ready to be picked up without the need to ask the kitchen when the order will be ready compared to others where you need to let the staff know you're there to pack the order.

    Soup and Half Sandwich Combo. Toasted Italiano and Mexican Corn Chowder.

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Drive thru in the mornings is absolutely horrible. Sat in drive thru a total of 20 mins just for a breakfast sandwich. Never going back.

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    7 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

    This panera bread sucks. They never get your order correct. If you get food here to go make sure to check your order before leaving.

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    12 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

    Went on a Thursday evening - it was practically empty which surprised us! Had the Turkey Chili which was delicious! Will be back.

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    10 years ago

    Their broccoli soup is so delicious with the bread. One time I dipped a cookie in side so delicious. I know it's weird!

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    15 years ago

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    Page 8 of 10

    Panera Bread Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Panera Bread

    Sunny Dumpling House - XLB

    Sunny Dumpling House

    4.2(874 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    Came in on May 13, 2026 around 7 pm. I just had a random…read moresevere cravings for dumplings, so I just looked for a highly rated one on Yelp since I am not from the area. I had the most amazing time at this restaurant! The restaurant was pretty packed but got seated immediately. I was craving dumplings and their dumplings were amazing and juicy but the stand out for me was the beef noodle soup! It had the best textured noodles that I've had for some time and really tender beef slices. It was perfect with the chili oil that they had on the table. I loved that they have frozen dumplings that you can take home and I will definitely plan for that next time.

    Ok for small orders of dumplings. I recommend going for the pan-fried dumplings…read more Because they used the same seasoned meat filling across most of their popular dishes (XLB, pan-fried gyoza, wonton, shumai)...the variation between these dishes is minimal and your palate will be numbed by the copy-and-paste flavors. They all start to taste the same. Quite disappointed at the dumpling wrapper / skin... which is as important as the filling. They over steamed / cooked the shumai, XLB, and wonton so the dumpling skins were too soft, almost mushy. Maybe some people prefer this texture? Smashed cucumber has large portion, flavor is quite light compared to Din Tai Fung and Paradise Dynasty versions. Din Tai Fung and Paradise Dynasty are more expensive, but their quality and flavor are better so I would still go there for my dimpling cravings. Staff is friendly. Maybe try other dishes besides dumplings...

    Photos
    Sunny Dumpling House - Dining area.

    Dining area.

    Sunny Dumpling House - Dumplings

    Dumplings

    Sunny Dumpling House - Beef noodle

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    Beef noodle

    Simply Pho - Shrimp spring rolls

    Simply Pho

    4.3(999 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I'm from LA, and I can honestly say this spot is unmatched! Finding a place that balances quality,…read moreportion size, and price this well is rare. I ordered the XL Pho, and it did not disappoint. Packed with plenty of protein, and the broth was super flavorful--everything ties together perfectly. For the amount of food you get and the quality of the ingredients, the price is unbeatable. The staff is super nice but some are not that attentive. but i really appreciated that they let us sit exactly where we preferred. It's a pretty calm and peaceful environment too for a smaller space, It wasn't noisy, which made for a really enjoyable, relaxing meal. If you're in Lake Forest, i suggest you to check this place out! Highly recommend for anyone looking for authentic, top-tier pho.

    I came here with my in-laws for a late night dinner as they're always on the hunt for a great, non…read morehomemade pho option. They're definitely tougher critics than I am (as I don't have grandparents/family recipes to compare them to) but I'm always happy to tag along with them. The interior of the restaurant is small and I could see that it could be a bit tough to move around if they're busy. They also have little to no waiting area inside so if you aren't seated right away, chances are you'll be hanging outside in the parking lot. But we were there when the restaurant was maybe 1/3 full and we could move around easily & not feel like we were talking over other guests. The wait staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, but not so much so that it felt like they were trying to move us along with everything. I appreciated that. The menu is quite extensive. Yes, Pho is in the name but there are plenty of other Vietnamese options. I opted for the shaken beef plate. I wanted to get the version with fries, but my wife accidentally told the woman in Vietnamese that I wanted just the regular version. I guess I'll have to come back another time to see how it compares to one of my favorite dishes: Peruvian lomo saltado. However, I will say the standard plate I was served was delicious. Everything was well seasoned & cooked perfectly. Definitely one of the best bò lúc lắc dishes I've had in a restaurant in awhile. We had a good meal. My in-laws said the pho was fine. I think it tasted good. Our 3 kids slurped their bowls all up so that's a great sign. In all, if we're in the El Toro area & want some Vietnamese food, we'll absolutely be back.

    Photos
    Simply Pho
    Simply Pho - Beef and rice

    Beef and rice

    Simply Pho

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    Panera Bread - sandwiches - Updated June 2026

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