Fantastic dinner w/my three kids. Food was delish & portions = perfecto! Not sure why the negative reviews, our service was A+. Will be back for sure! Thx Panera for helping me cure my wicked head cold with such awesome soup! Our order: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich & chicken wild rice soup bread bowl broccoli & cheese soup 1/2 chicken tortellini & 1/2 chicken garden salad kids meal soup 4 drinks very filling, we took home boxes Total: $34
(5)
Laura M.
My mom and I ended up here tonight because we were going to go to Melt Down Grilled Cheese across the street, but they close at 8pm, and it was five after 8. I normally don't review chains, but I have to say, the quality of the food here was sub-par. I ordered the you pick two with the broccoli cheddar soup and the tomato mozzarella panini, and my mom ordered the strawberry poppyseed salad. We both had the side baguette with our meals. While the soup was fine, the panini was clearly overcooked--the mozzarella was too runny and the tomatoes oozed out slimily as I was eating it. I've had this panini at other Panera locations and it's not supposed to be this way. My mom's salad didn't have enough dressing on it, and this is an item she's had at other Panera locations, as well. She also commented that the side of bread was smaller than she'd had at other locations, and I agreed. Bottom line: We were unimpressed with the quality of food here compared to other Panera locations in the area. If you're a UD student, this is the most convenient Panera location. However, if you live in the area and have a car, I recommend heading over to the Kirkwood Hwy location.
(2)
Tanya C.
Wow, I came here when the school was still off for summer break and it was not well run. There was a line, a short one but still a line. When the cashier got one person's order they would just disappear and leave the line waiting. Then a new register would open out and the same thing would happen. After moving back and forth from register to register I put in my order. I had a bagel toasted and cream cheese. I was debating on getting a chocolate pastry instead but ended up with the bagel. Sigh... my bagel was burned when I got it. I should have gotten the pastry instead. The one plus about the place was it was pretty clean and there were plenty of plugs to charge my phone. Other than that it was the worst panera I have been to in terms of customer service.
(2)
Tara W.
Always consistent, always delicious. I get the french onion soup in a bread bowl every time, and it is my go to for comfort food, celebrations, etc.
It is a Panera chain and meets the chain standards. The space is good and the facilities clean and brightly lit. I was there for take out and did not bother to test the wifi speed or ease of use. The parking can be painful at times due to mainstreet; all depends on what else is going on. I did note that the clients are a little younger on average at this one then the one on Kirkwood, likley due to U of De. So if you are there to hang out that may matter. Staff was friendly and average on speed.
(3)
Jay K.
I had the most horrible Tuna fish sandwich at Panera Bread in Newark. They put pickles or something terrible in with the tuna salad. It was truly gross. The other thing that upset me was that the person making the sandwich seemed to be ill and was sneezing around the food. I have never been so disgusted with a restaurant. I will never come back to this dump again.
(1)
Marc M.
Ordered the smoked turkey panini.. .was not toasted properly and neither was my wife's grilled cheese. So maybe a training issue with the employees? The meat was not spread out on the bread before being pressed so it was pretty bad. The staff there was pretty unconcerned with the issue I had.
(1)
Aaliyah P.
I really don't get the low stars at this place. It's a franchise cafe. This location is clean efficient and everyone that I talked to was friendly. They do offer free wifi if you chose (or are a student) and to my understanding they accept ocomp. I came in for a very late lunch Having ran errands all morning I was famished. I ordered the Fiji apple salad sans pollo. It was how it always is filling and pretty healthy at 520 cal for a full salad (I wish they posted it w/ the animal) My biggest issue is that they charge the same price for things like a salad that comes with chicken is the same price w/o the bird. I get majority of people eat meat but it would be nice to not have to pay for a personal choice. My food baby wishes to thank you
(4)
Eleonora B.
They have pretty much OK bread, and I am speaking as a French person. The service is fast but you get to feel as if you were in a College Library. So many people studying and on laptops. I personally don't really mind.
(3)
Kara T.
I used to love the Newark Panera. But their quality of service continues to go downhill. I like the breakfast sandwiches. They used to be beautifully made, toasty and crunchy outside, with sharp cheese, smooth egg, flavorful meat. I recommended them to everyone. But my last few times they have been slapped together, egg squishing out the side and hurriedly flung onto a plate. My last visit was Tuesday around 8:30 in the morning and the power breakfast sandwich was grilled on one side and not on the other. It was soggy and gross. I asked them to make me another, and they did the same thing --toasted on one side and soft and drippy on the other. I ate it anyway as I was starving. I went to get my usually 1/2 decaf and 1/2 dark roast coffee. Despite almost no customers, they decaf was too empty to fill half a cup. No sign that any staff were taking their time out to check on it. Then on my pit stop in the ladies room before leaving, there was no toilet paper in the stall. At 8:30 am on a Tuesday morning during UD's winter session so not a huge rush. And there was a staff member in the other stall (assumedly with toilet paper) who I informed of this but didn't seem aware. Panera staff/managers -- please fully stock and clean the restrooms each morning before you open and check on it during the day. When your employees use the facilities, ask them to check on supplies on their way out. Please make sure your breakfast sandwich toaster is working properly or train the staff on toasting both sides. I was really disappointed. I'll be trying Cosi or Starbucks across the street next time!
(1)
Alex Z.
I had been a regular at this location when I lived in my old apartment; more recently I haven't been there as often. I had a very bad experience that would make me not only not go back to this location, but to ANY Panera location. I came here after church (I am a sinner, please don't assume I'm a good person because I was coming from church) thinking I would be able to get lunch and then work here on my laptop for part of the afternoon. I ordered $8 worth of food and drink and sat down eating and working on my laptop. After 30 minutes, I was kicked off the wireless by their automated system, because it was during "peak hours". But this is during the University's winter session, and looking around, the cafe already had over half the tables empty. I understand the need coffee shops and restaurants have to push customers on their way if they are taking up space, not making any additional purchases. I'm very generous with my money when in places like this because I understand that their space is valuable. If I stay for a long time, I always make additional purchases, and I keep buying things until I leave, except in the off chance that the cafe is almost empty. Today I was planning on buying a loaf of bread when I left, in addition to whatever more I would have bought while working there (maybe a cookie and another cup of tea?). So I was upset when this happened and I went to talk to a cashier, who got the manager. The manager was apologetic but unyielding, saying that he had no control over the matter. He offered a verbal apology but did not offer any actions (offer of rebate, offer to fix the problem, offer to give me a coupon for a future free drink or something) that would show me that he really cared (or that the corporate policy would give him the flexibility or freedom to show that he cared). I'm not proud of this but I lost my temper and used some profanity, directed not at any particular people but the corporation and its policies. I told the manager repeatedly that it wasn't anything against him personally, and that I was angry at the situation and the store's policies. He then asked me to leave and I did. I hope he understands that I don't have anything against him personally. I just hate how corporations don't give their staff the autonomy to actually DO anything to correct a problem...it's so alienating. I just can't support a corporation that treats its customers so disrespectfully. I know I wasn't exactly very respectful in the situation either and I'm not proud of that. But the bottom line, I feel cheated and unappreciated as a customer, and the corporate chain would need to take matters to rectify / undo the damage done before I could in good conscience spend any money at a Panera again.
(1)
Debbie E.
Typical Panera Bread food. I was actually surprised how big this location was on the inside. Service was prompt. It wasn't busy on the Sunday I went in. I was surprised at how 'dirty' the beverage station was (used cups, straw wrappers lying around, etc.) since they were not busy at all.
(3)
Alicia K.
LOVE panera. Staff at this location aren't very personable though and quite stingy with baguettes etc
(4)
Christopher M.
I went here with my cousin for breakfast and everything was great. I ordered the Breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, and cheese and it was truly delicious. I walked up and placed my order and the sandwich was prepared fresh and quickly, it definitely makes me want to consider visiting their stores at home more often.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Caters : Yes
Colleen H.
Fantastic dinner w/my three kids. Food was delish & portions = perfecto! Not sure why the negative reviews, our service was A+. Will be back for sure! Thx Panera for helping me cure my wicked head cold with such awesome soup! Our order: 1/2 chicken salad sandwich & chicken wild rice soup bread bowl broccoli & cheese soup 1/2 chicken tortellini & 1/2 chicken garden salad kids meal soup 4 drinks very filling, we took home boxes Total: $34
(5)Laura M.
My mom and I ended up here tonight because we were going to go to Melt Down Grilled Cheese across the street, but they close at 8pm, and it was five after 8. I normally don't review chains, but I have to say, the quality of the food here was sub-par. I ordered the you pick two with the broccoli cheddar soup and the tomato mozzarella panini, and my mom ordered the strawberry poppyseed salad. We both had the side baguette with our meals. While the soup was fine, the panini was clearly overcooked--the mozzarella was too runny and the tomatoes oozed out slimily as I was eating it. I've had this panini at other Panera locations and it's not supposed to be this way. My mom's salad didn't have enough dressing on it, and this is an item she's had at other Panera locations, as well. She also commented that the side of bread was smaller than she'd had at other locations, and I agreed. Bottom line: We were unimpressed with the quality of food here compared to other Panera locations in the area. If you're a UD student, this is the most convenient Panera location. However, if you live in the area and have a car, I recommend heading over to the Kirkwood Hwy location.
(2)Tanya C.
Wow, I came here when the school was still off for summer break and it was not well run. There was a line, a short one but still a line. When the cashier got one person's order they would just disappear and leave the line waiting. Then a new register would open out and the same thing would happen. After moving back and forth from register to register I put in my order. I had a bagel toasted and cream cheese. I was debating on getting a chocolate pastry instead but ended up with the bagel. Sigh... my bagel was burned when I got it. I should have gotten the pastry instead. The one plus about the place was it was pretty clean and there were plenty of plugs to charge my phone. Other than that it was the worst panera I have been to in terms of customer service.
(2)Tara W.
Always consistent, always delicious. I get the french onion soup in a bread bowl every time, and it is my go to for comfort food, celebrations, etc.
(5)Sam F.
Panera Bread is great. I come here frequently for breakfast; my choice is the Four Cheese Soufflé. Panera Bread is also excellent for lunch and dinner. The atmosphere is nice and inviting, the people who work there are friendly. There is free Wi-Fi.
(5)Jason N.
It is a Panera chain and meets the chain standards. The space is good and the facilities clean and brightly lit. I was there for take out and did not bother to test the wifi speed or ease of use. The parking can be painful at times due to mainstreet; all depends on what else is going on. I did note that the clients are a little younger on average at this one then the one on Kirkwood, likley due to U of De. So if you are there to hang out that may matter. Staff was friendly and average on speed.
(3)Jay K.
I had the most horrible Tuna fish sandwich at Panera Bread in Newark. They put pickles or something terrible in with the tuna salad. It was truly gross. The other thing that upset me was that the person making the sandwich seemed to be ill and was sneezing around the food. I have never been so disgusted with a restaurant. I will never come back to this dump again.
(1)Marc M.
Ordered the smoked turkey panini.. .was not toasted properly and neither was my wife's grilled cheese. So maybe a training issue with the employees? The meat was not spread out on the bread before being pressed so it was pretty bad. The staff there was pretty unconcerned with the issue I had.
(1)Aaliyah P.
I really don't get the low stars at this place. It's a franchise cafe. This location is clean efficient and everyone that I talked to was friendly. They do offer free wifi if you chose (or are a student) and to my understanding they accept ocomp. I came in for a very late lunch Having ran errands all morning I was famished. I ordered the Fiji apple salad sans pollo. It was how it always is filling and pretty healthy at 520 cal for a full salad (I wish they posted it w/ the animal) My biggest issue is that they charge the same price for things like a salad that comes with chicken is the same price w/o the bird. I get majority of people eat meat but it would be nice to not have to pay for a personal choice. My food baby wishes to thank you
(4)Eleonora B.
They have pretty much OK bread, and I am speaking as a French person. The service is fast but you get to feel as if you were in a College Library. So many people studying and on laptops. I personally don't really mind.
(3)Kara T.
I used to love the Newark Panera. But their quality of service continues to go downhill. I like the breakfast sandwiches. They used to be beautifully made, toasty and crunchy outside, with sharp cheese, smooth egg, flavorful meat. I recommended them to everyone. But my last few times they have been slapped together, egg squishing out the side and hurriedly flung onto a plate. My last visit was Tuesday around 8:30 in the morning and the power breakfast sandwich was grilled on one side and not on the other. It was soggy and gross. I asked them to make me another, and they did the same thing --toasted on one side and soft and drippy on the other. I ate it anyway as I was starving. I went to get my usually 1/2 decaf and 1/2 dark roast coffee. Despite almost no customers, they decaf was too empty to fill half a cup. No sign that any staff were taking their time out to check on it. Then on my pit stop in the ladies room before leaving, there was no toilet paper in the stall. At 8:30 am on a Tuesday morning during UD's winter session so not a huge rush. And there was a staff member in the other stall (assumedly with toilet paper) who I informed of this but didn't seem aware. Panera staff/managers -- please fully stock and clean the restrooms each morning before you open and check on it during the day. When your employees use the facilities, ask them to check on supplies on their way out. Please make sure your breakfast sandwich toaster is working properly or train the staff on toasting both sides. I was really disappointed. I'll be trying Cosi or Starbucks across the street next time!
(1)Alex Z.
I had been a regular at this location when I lived in my old apartment; more recently I haven't been there as often. I had a very bad experience that would make me not only not go back to this location, but to ANY Panera location. I came here after church (I am a sinner, please don't assume I'm a good person because I was coming from church) thinking I would be able to get lunch and then work here on my laptop for part of the afternoon. I ordered $8 worth of food and drink and sat down eating and working on my laptop. After 30 minutes, I was kicked off the wireless by their automated system, because it was during "peak hours". But this is during the University's winter session, and looking around, the cafe already had over half the tables empty. I understand the need coffee shops and restaurants have to push customers on their way if they are taking up space, not making any additional purchases. I'm very generous with my money when in places like this because I understand that their space is valuable. If I stay for a long time, I always make additional purchases, and I keep buying things until I leave, except in the off chance that the cafe is almost empty. Today I was planning on buying a loaf of bread when I left, in addition to whatever more I would have bought while working there (maybe a cookie and another cup of tea?). So I was upset when this happened and I went to talk to a cashier, who got the manager. The manager was apologetic but unyielding, saying that he had no control over the matter. He offered a verbal apology but did not offer any actions (offer of rebate, offer to fix the problem, offer to give me a coupon for a future free drink or something) that would show me that he really cared (or that the corporate policy would give him the flexibility or freedom to show that he cared). I'm not proud of this but I lost my temper and used some profanity, directed not at any particular people but the corporation and its policies. I told the manager repeatedly that it wasn't anything against him personally, and that I was angry at the situation and the store's policies. He then asked me to leave and I did. I hope he understands that I don't have anything against him personally. I just hate how corporations don't give their staff the autonomy to actually DO anything to correct a problem...it's so alienating. I just can't support a corporation that treats its customers so disrespectfully. I know I wasn't exactly very respectful in the situation either and I'm not proud of that. But the bottom line, I feel cheated and unappreciated as a customer, and the corporate chain would need to take matters to rectify / undo the damage done before I could in good conscience spend any money at a Panera again.
(1)Debbie E.
Typical Panera Bread food. I was actually surprised how big this location was on the inside. Service was prompt. It wasn't busy on the Sunday I went in. I was surprised at how 'dirty' the beverage station was (used cups, straw wrappers lying around, etc.) since they were not busy at all.
(3)Alicia K.
LOVE panera. Staff at this location aren't very personable though and quite stingy with baguettes etc
(4)Christopher M.
I went here with my cousin for breakfast and everything was great. I ordered the Breakfast sandwich with sausage, egg, and cheese and it was truly delicious. I walked up and placed my order and the sandwich was prepared fresh and quickly, it definitely makes me want to consider visiting their stores at home more often.
(3)