Came to Panera today for the 2nd time ever. It reminded me as to why I never go to Panera. Over-priced, hard bread, and just plain gross. I ordered a 4 cheese grilled cheese and see attached picture. It was more like a shredded cheese sandwich and only one side of the bread was toasted. Gross! Sloppy made! read more

Panera Bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Very dirty dine in area. Needs a remodel. Filthy carpet. Food and employees are good. It's the uncleanliness that makes it a bad experience.

Your standard Panera Bread menu and set up, but the staff is always friendly. They great you as you walk in the door, and bring your food to your table. Due to the location it is really busy during peak hours so expect to wait a little, but overall great Panera location. Edit: I have ordered via the rapid pick up twice. Both time they forgot part of my order and I had to go back. I still like this location, but check your order before you leave. read more

Panera Bread? More like Panera since every time we come they are out of bread. When we ordered our food, the cashier said they were out of all sides but apples because they're "oven had problems yesterday" Um, last time I checked, potato chips come in a bag. Also, does that mean we are eating day-old bread bowls from a fresh bakery restaurant? Anyways, every time we come here Panera doesn't fail to disappoint. You can always count on horrible service, dirty tables, and no silverware. I guess Panera never got the memo that we are moving away from cavemen eating. Thankfully, I ordered a salad so that didn't effect my food sitting on the counter for 10 minutes before I got to eat it. read more

Been here three times in the last two weeks (twice I hit the morning rush....not a fun time although I could see the employees were doing there best to feed their hungery guests). During my two morning visits, my latte was forgotten and then quickly made. I say go for lunch! I enjoyed the "pick two" option and as usual it was a full cafe. I have no issue with the food--in fact, it reminded me it is closer to me than other options. Also, if going for breakfast opt for a cup of regular coffee rather than the latte as many guests do! That's what I will try next time. read more

Breakfast was such a disappointment. I ordered the Egg White Mediterranean wrap and a small coffee. Prior to ordering the wrap I asked the cashier if it was a good size wrap, to which he responded that customers who order it usually comment that it's a big wrap. I'm guessing those customers are kids. I paid $8 and some change and got a wrap that barely had anything in it. A burrito from Taco Bell is bigger. I should have just stuck with a simple bagel. I will admit that the wrap tasted good, but for the price I paid I think the wrap should have been bigger or at least put enough in it to fill it up. read more

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Ordered to go. Nobody bothered to call the name on the order and it pretty much sat there for 15 min without my knowledge. Opened the bag and lid on the soup wasn't shut all the way so of course it spilled. The bread in the order wasn't covered with any sort of wrap (gross) and so the spilled soup got on it as well. My order wasn't difficult by any means. I won't be coming back here. Their 3 stars makes total sense. read more

Horrible sandwich with the wrong bread! Yelp wants me to write more, but in the middle of having to look for another place to order from. read more

Panera Bread - This is supposed to be a turkey sandwich on white bread... garbage - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Maria, California

We eat at panera for lunch quite a bit being they have a "pick two" special for $6.99! I also like the online feature of ordering online, paying online and it's all on a rack waiting for you to just grab and walk out with! I tend to order the same couple of items. I like the Italian sandwich with extra spread, (if your sandwich isn't messy it isn't good in my book) I love the Greek chicken quinoa salad. I love anything that's high in protein. The Fireman loved the broccoli cheddar soup! He loves all of their salads. We love salads. Service can be slow at the counter. read more

The only reason I went to Panera was for their egg souffles. They were having trouble with stock consistency. They had numerous excuses, like they had to send some to A.G. store or just didn't make any that day. Then, it was They lost their baker. Apparently, the new baker hasn't been taught to make the souffles. The egg seemed to have leaked through the bottom, making the crust hard. The fluffy egg was almost totally missing. I am verry disappointed in the quality of the souffles. I will no longer be wasting my time making the drive out of my way any longer. read more

Can't beat panera broccoli cheddar soup! A favorite of my whole family. This location is typical of other Panera Bread restaurants if you have ever been to one. Seating is sometimes hard to get, especially for groups during rush hour times. Bakery treats are always delicious as well. read more

My daughter and my favorite restaurant. Great food. I love the Mediterranean Veggie sandwich and my daughter loves the soup in a bread bowl. read more

The service is great and mangement are very helpful will be returning soon. The food was delicious and good portion.

Matt the manager is amazing. Was calm, cool, and collected with a line to the door. He was hustling and cooking and very profession to his employees. read more

Busy, overpriced food for the portion and not fresh. Placed an online order at 9am, and when I arrived my food was just left out in the lobby for anyone to grab or go through. Tried to use their app with a $3 off coupon which the app honored but apparently the store did not as my credit card was charged full price. When I called to ask why they charged full price when I gave a valid coupon in app I was told they had no control over the issue. Not sure how that could be.. Unimpressive first visit, probably won't be back. Should have gone to a mom and pops but it was early and not much was open. read more

Love Panera but not this one. Food is fine, when they have it. I have a real issue with bakeries without bread or coffee shops without coffee. I just don't' get it, figure out how to ALWAYS be able to serve your customer. If you are running low on bread get one of the ten people behind the counter talking to each other while your customers stand in line, un-greeted, to put some of those pre-made chunks of dough in the oven and bake them off. Coffee - it's 9 AM you might consider that the coffee urns need to remain full. It should not be a surprise that people want coffee, flip the switch before you need it so that you can SERVE your customers. Get a break room! Your employees and manager take up far too much space in the section to the left of the door when you enter. Cinnamon sugar should not be on your everything bagels, EVER. I should NEVER here we are out of cream cheese when I order a bagel! I should NEVER receive an expired packet of cream cheese! Cook should not pick nose once he has left the building. I realize it is his break time but in my opinion, everything he does is a reflection on you, on and off the clock. GROSS! I really want to be nice, so I will stop here but my list about this location goes on and on. Management change might do it. read more

I was excited to try Panera bread for the first time. I got the steak and white cheddar sandwich with Mac and cheese. At first glance the sandwich didn't seem to have anything inside of it. Just bread. I opened it up and it had about 2 small slices of steak and a little bit of cheese. Needless to say I was extremely disappointed. The sandwich cost $10.. The Mac and cheese is a microwaveable bag and was not very good. The only reason for the two stars is my fiancé likes their lemonade and the salad wasn't bad. I don't recommend this place. read more

I was home with a horrible cold. My favorite thing about this place (other than the food) is that I can order online and get someone to pick it up. It was perfect since I wasn't able to leave the house. I ordered the tuna salad sandwich, a frontega chicken panini, the broccoli cheese group soup and a vegetarian creamy tomato soup for me. My husband went to go pick it up he said it was ready when he got there so he was in and out quickly. We all enjoyed our food. The soup definitely hit the spot, with my cold. The tuna sandwich was so fresh and I loved that it had red onions. My husband enjoyed the chicken panini , he always orders it. Another good thing is that they have rewards. I got a free pastry and of course I chose the brownie. So rich and so much chocolate!!! Love it. I will definitely continue to order out and dine in also. read more

I come here every Sat morning (well it feels like Sat morning to me but I guess its usually between noon and one [weekend warrior]). I have to carb load to help with the hangover and my go-to is a "you pick two" with a bread bowl and a half sandwich. I suggest changing the piece of sourdough with a piece of the wheat bread - it looks and tastes healthier... although I don't know if it IS healthier. I usually get a medium coffee in a paper cup, so I can refill it one more time before I leave :) The reason for the 3 star is because without fail, at least two of the coffee containers are empty. The price for my massive meal is ~$12. It's enough to fill me up and I'm about the size of the 8th grade bully you remember so vividly... The line is usually pretty long but the staff recognizes that and adapts by opening up multiple registers SO don't let the long line perturb you. #carbloadsaturdays read more

One sandwich took forever and waited for a long time for It. Came In super early. No wait. Not busy and yet the egg white itself took the longest to make out of a egg white , spinach sandwich. That's mind blowing. After I got it, it didn't even taste as good as waiting for it. Starbucks pre made sandwiches taste even better! Just sayin! read more

We came with a group of 15 and asked them to get us 15 orders ready prior to our arrival and it was ready when we arrived. Great customer service. All the employees are helpful and kind. read more

While I've never been to a Panera before, I've seen them in my hometown in New Jersey. My cousins rave about Panera since they can set up shop and loiter their tables doing schoolwork while munching on pastries and sandwiches. After a lovely stroll across Oso Flaco Lake out through to the sand dunes and the shore with the dr.'s mother, we ended up at Panera to warm up with some soup. There aren't very many vegan options, but the dr. and I managed with the black bean soup & 1/2 a Mediterranean Veggie sandwich (sans feta). The soup was ok. The sandwich was better. The tomato basil bread the sandwich came on was soft and had a nice flavor. The staff was nice and patient but with such a limited menu for the vegan diet I can't say I'd be seeking out Panera anytime soon. read more

I love Panera bread and I was thrilled when Panera bread opened up in our town. I love their menu and it is a excellent place for meeting. However, I am a bit skeptical of their cleanliness. Our family walk in on a busy day and waited until people left to grab a table. When an employee came to clean our table, my son asked her if she can clean the seat as well. She replied "No" without explaining why not. So I went to the manager to tell him about what happened, his response was that they DO NOT clean the seats because they can't use the same rags for tables and seats. He told me that we should use napkins to brush off whatever was on the seat. What??? Sure! I don't want same rag that wiped the table to wipe seat and vice versa. Why not use two different rags then?? Do they EVER clean their seats?? Their restroom is starting to look little rough too. I once went in around 9AM and the hand soap was almost down to the bottom. On my last visit around 9AM, their regular coffee was all gone and only decaf left. I notified the worker and after little bit I returned and still no coffee. I don't know how long it takes to brew coffee but I don't have all morning to sit there and wait for some coffee. I left with decaf coffee and not happy. I expect little higher standards at Panera Bread. Very disappointed in management. Went in on Saturday morning to get a dozen of bagels. Paid for everything and waited for a LONG time while bunch of other eat in orders get filled. At first, bagel machine was being used for another bagel order but I saw the slice machine was free and the manager put in bunch of bagels to help the eat in orders. My bagel order could have been filled within 2 minutes but instead I waited close to 30 minutes. I think I am DONE with this place! read more

Nadiea helped my daughter & I when ordering, she was very informative of the menu and super polite. Great customer service.

How can they not have the soup that is advertised on the website. This happened to me a couple of times now. I look on the website see the soup of the day. Go there and they didn't make it. What??? Done with this place. Take the soup off the website then. No more Chicken and Wild Rice soup I was told. They stopped making it.... Panera Bread get your act together. read more

I haven't tried out their cafe menu yet, but I did buy some bread here to take home. There is lots of seating and the interior is modern and clean (akin to something that you seen inside an upscalish-type bakery in the L.A. or San Francisco Bay Area). I was also amazed by the slicing machines that they used for the loaves of bread (you can get either a thick or thin cut) as well as for the bagels (the employees toss them one at a time into the "vent," and you can hear the bagel being sawed in half!). As for what I've bought here, I got the sourdough rolls, a three cheese "miche" (i.e. a large loaf), asiago cheese bagels and "everything" bagels. The sourdough rolls tasted great, and the three cheese bread had some cheese on the inside (and tastes OK too), but the bagels were otherwise plain on the inside. Cream cheese should come with every bagel, but here they charge extra. Oh well, at least Panera bread is a step up from a bakery in a typical supermarket. Thus, if you have to feed the carb monster within you, and you have a (not so twisted) fascination with bread slicing machines with slicing bread and bagels, check out Panera. I'll have to check the cafe out on future visits. read more

Love the tomato pesto soup. Although they only have it on Monday Wedensday and Friday. But the chicken and rice served on the other days is very good also. The bagels are wonderful. They have great smoothies. I also love the rewards program. read more

Clean restaurant and restrooms Friendly employees Vegetarian friendly Excellent sandwiches, coffee, baked goods! Perfect for breakfast, lunch, light dinner Free wi-fi Plenty of parking read more

Not a bad place to get a quick bite to eat. There are better places to eat at here at the central coast. The broccoli cheddar soup bread bowl not bad. But I would choose another place before eating here again. Really expensive too. It's like fast food restaurant you go in order comes fast you eat and then leave. read more

I've always had an a Great Experience with Panera Bread, I don't understand all of the negative reviews the food always comes out consistently the same as I ordered before and I've never been there when my order took a long time to get to me. It gets a little backed up during peak hours but that's understandable with no drive through, I've also never seen the place dirty maybe a couple of tables needed clearing off that's all. I highly recommend them. read more

This panera does not play around! we've been to about 10 locations throughout CA which makes us unofficial/unnecessary experts, and this one makes consistently great sandwiches and salads. I recommend the avocado Cobb salad and any of the paninis. read more

Love this place! My husband and I always find ourselves at this place. We try to go with the family here at least a few times a month. My all time favorite thing on their menu is the broccoli cheddar soup. I have yet to find a restaurant that makes it as good as they do. All their pannini's are a good choice as well. I must say, when I order any type of salad though they always seem to forget to add something it is supposed to include.. like strawberries, walnuts, etc. If you go back up to the front they have no problem helping you out. Not sure about any of their drinks, I usually always end up getting water. There is a lot of space as well, although there is a lot of people that just use the place for Wifi, please go outside or at least order something! read more

It is unfortunate that we are forced to use the drive-through only now at this location, without exaggeration, every time I've been through the drive-through they have shorted me or had my order wrong. Pre-all this pandemic protocol, I would opt to go inside to place an order so I could make sure it was correct. It isn't until I get home with my order after going through the drive-through that I have to call the restaurant to complain, and their only option is if you return we will make it right, that's not good Business practice. read more

We went to the Panera Bread in Santa Maria, CA and were very disappointed. The tables were not clean and the seat cover was split and also the chair back covers were falling apart. Floors were not clean either. We ordered the wraps, one Mediterranean and the other Chipotle. They were okay. Also, my friend had to wait for the coffee and then had to ask where it was. Finally the kid came and gave her the coffee. We will not be back. read more

I love Panera Bread's Fuji Apple Chicken salad. It's delicious! I feel like I could eat one everyday! Also the rapid pick up is so convenient. It's always busy during lunch time so it's nice to not have to wait in line to pick up my lunch. read more

Panera Bread - Mango smoothie and Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. Both are delicious!! - Sandwiches Near Me - Santa Maria, California

I keep going back to Panera bread because I'm hardwired to go back to chain restaurants out of convenience or something. Every time I go I think to myself that it's just not worth it. Hopefully this review will knock some sense into my brain, because even in Santa Maria there are better places to get a sandwich or some salad than Panera. The bread is always slightly stale, the soup (especially the broccoli cheddar) tastes and looks like it's right out of a can, and the salads are underwhelming and limp. And all of this, for $10? Nah, just not worth it. Too many local businesses I would rather support, with much tastier options. read more

Came in for a work lunch today and got the pic to as usual I love being able to pick two choices I got a broccoli cheddar soup along with a chipotle chicken Panini the soups are larger now in portion size I'm very happy with the balls lately there is a lot of soup also added on a cookie for a buck 29 who can beat that I'll pay 129 for freshly baked cookies any day they also have some new drinks available some fresh squeeze juices that are next to the soda machine that look really good read more

Its a chain bakery so there isn't much to say in particular. I enjoy purchasing the bagel "grab bag" they offer which has the mixed dozen of their bagels. Only downside to this is I have found myself short a bagel before and once in a while up a bagel. Consistency is off lol. Personal favorites include the chocolate brownie. This thing is border-lining on obscene when heated up for a few seconds in the micro. Just decadent. read more

Hit and miss. Food doesn't change much but I'm okay with that. Love their order online or phone service so your food is ready when you want it. Love the cheddar broccoli soup, Thai chicken salad (+avocado), or steak and white cheddar panini. Don't love when the order is wrong and I either have to forget or correct it (I'm talking about you, missing candy cookie). Don't love when they're out of the basics like bread rolls, and don't mention it thinking you won't notice. If you have time, they'll fix it, but I'm usually on a half hour lunch so I don't have time to make sure it's right. read more

My visit at Panera Bread was my first, ever! We stopped here on our way back to the Bay from a wonderful weekend getaway in L.A. My Aunt wanted was a bread bowl of broccoli cheese soup. Being that it was my first time, I wanted something familiar, and that was a bowl of tomato pesto soup. Her bread bowl and soup were yummy, better than my tomato soup which I found to be a little watery and almost all that. Perhaps I'm a tomato soup snob because I LOVE it so much, my bowl was satisfying but not something I'd care to get again. I'm down for some broccoli cheese soup and maybe I'll try another soup the next time I visit a Panera Bread. Counter help at this location was super, very friendly and helpful. He was patient with all my questions and answered with a smile, always. The dining area was very clean, also! Oooh, and an observation from my Aunt, she usually gets a bread bowl and ups her side to a fruit cup for less than $1 in Mountain View but here in Santa Maria to do the same it was at or around $1.50 to do the job. So prices vary according to location, apparently, lol. read more