just like every Panera you'd go to. Very busy around lunchtime due to the number of professional buildings around the mall. I call in large orders often to pick up for business meetings and I can say that they've never messed up an order. They are always friendly and polite, even when things get hectic. You can hear the team working hard to keep their wait times down and work as a team to get the orders out ASAP. A great place to grab a bite... just be sure to give yourself a solid half hour plus eating time, and
(4)
Denise P.
Delicious black bean soup! This place is always crowded but the staff is friendly, courteous and the line move very fast!
(5)
Ms B.
I was here yesterday to enjoy something yummy and low in fat/calorie intake since I just started my eat healthy plan. I had the fuji chicken salad which was delicious. The line moved quickly. I love this place for the freshness, price and quality. My only issue is the seating problem. Even though WiFi is offered, it is rude for people to sit in a booth for hours surfing the internet when others want to sit and eat. I had 4 hours of business calls to do yesterday but I chose to take my salad to go. I can not be rude to others and sit at a table making business calls for hours when it took me less than an hour to finish my food. During busy times, there needs to be a limit to the amount of time a person can WiFi or chill in a seat. Other than this, I love going here by myself, with friends or my daughter.
(4)
Kelly G.
This Panera gets my money for coffee everyday since I work in the mall. There are many options for coffee in our mall but the smile that I get with it makes me come back every day. I know this is extra but Miss Kathy is kind, nice and makes my day day. The food is great but I have never had bad food or a bad experience at any Panera Bread. The only thing that would change this place to a Woohoo would be if they opened 15 minutes before the mall opens and not 5 minutes. There have been several mornings that I had to leave the line to get to work.
If you've ever read my other Panera reviews you'd know that I have a dislike for their pastries; however, for some reason everything went right today. I ordered a Cinnamon Crunch Scone. It was fantastic. I'm sure they couldn't call it Cinnamon Toast Crunch scone for trademark reasons but that didn't stop Panera from borrowing the recipe. It was fantastic. It reminded me of a time in my life when a fat kid, like me, can eat a gigantic bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and not care about the consequences. Everything about this scone was right. My favorite part was how it didn't come in a gigantic box with hundreds of his friends sitting atop my refrigerator for future binges. Herb, my crack dealer, happened to be a distinguished gentleman with an apron. As you can probably tell by my writing I like to run my mouth. While we were exchanging pleasantries, and I could tell he was very sincere, in his enthusiasm. We've all had "small talk" with an employee where the employee would be nodding their head and smiling but at the same time secretly praying to a deity that someone would punch them in the face. Herb didn't give me such signals. All in all, I would say, I had a great experience.
(5)
Ericka G.
The food and service, although standard, this location appears to be coming undone. The hot drink station is oddly positioned, the hot tea is oddly placed. All the drink accompaniments are behind you and the cup holder preventing you from burning yourself as well as the lids are behind you and across the front. This is a safety issue and can lead to someone getting burned. The carpeted floors needed vacuuming, tables needed to wiped down with a soapy towel and the floors in the back needed to be sweated and mopped thoroughly. I'm more inclined to go to the store at Dobbin than this location although this one is closet. It just appears that no one is ensuring its clean. Nothing is worse than eating at an establishment that's dirty with their employees standing around talking.
(2)
Angela L.
This rating is for the chicken soba noodle only, not Panera Bread in general. As asian, I feel the chicken soba noodle is a rip off, taste so bad. I love a lot of their sandwich though.
(1)
Ann P.
What can anyone say negative about panera? I love panera in general. However, I know many people dislike panera. But I could literally eat their bread as my sole bread source for the rest of my life and be truly happy. I'm a panera fan for life, no matter what people say about the sandwich shop. This panera in particular is located on the top floor right next to the Nordstrom mall entrance.
(4)
EmilyGrace D.
Came here for lunch since it's close to my job and was unimpressed. I ordered a Asiago steak panini and a smoothie. The panini was COVERED in onions and horseradish which is not mentioned on the menu. It was so spicy I had to throw it away and buy a cheddar broccoli soup instead. The staff consists primarily of a lot of teenagers with bad attitudes that give you dirty looks and laugh with their friends while there's a line of people waiting. The place is kept moderately clean in the dining area but the bathrooms are gross! The walls need to be painted (since there's drywall spots everywhere) and the floors need to be swept. The Panera in Dobbin Center is much nicer.
(2)
Jimmy D.
I walked here for lunch (work across the street), and I got the turkey avocado BLT on sourdough to-go. When I got back to my office, the sandwich was a soggy mess. Whoever made the sandwich did not drain the lettuce and squished the tomatoes when slicing, also there was mayo everywhere. It was so soggy and wet I just threw it away. For paying almost $9 dollars for a sandwich I would expect it to be edible. Should have went to Subway - better value and more consistent.
(1)
Caroline N.
This is your typical Panera. It's honestly a great "healthy" choice compared to the fast food found in the food court of the same mall. It's ALWAYS crowded here, especially at lunch time... so expect a short wait in line, and also for a seat... Overall, a great place to eat some healthy choices!! Great baked goods too. Parking at Nordstrom is best, and it's right next to Nordstrom on the 2nd level. If you want better coffee (I'm not in love with Panera's coffee)... just head downstairs to the cafe outside of Nordstrom... =)
(4)
Jill E.
One night this week, I ordered two sandwiches to go. When I got home, I realized there were several mistakes with my sandwiches. I called the store and spoke to the manager, Bill. He was apologetic and told me I could come in and get two complimentary sandwiches. Last night, my husband and I went to have the sandwiches for dinner. Gus, another manager, was at the store. I told him what happened and he immediately took our order for the sandwiches, also including our beverages. This Panera will be the only one I go to in the future. This is an example of truly caring about your customers!!!!
(5)
Jody Z.
I like Panera, but I'm honestly not crazy about it. The soups and salads are great as well as the sweet items. But the sandwiches are too much bread and not enough filling for me and I just don't think they're anything special. This location ALWAYS seems to be packed and there often isn't enough seating. What's worse is that people tend to hang out here drinking coffee or using their computers and then you can't get a seat! It's definitely better than many of the food court options though.
(3)
Taheerah B.
It was ok. It is located outside of Nordstrom, and there wasn't a wait although the cafe was crowded. I ordered a mozzerella panini with tomato and a tomato soup. I had a gift card so it helped, but I will not return. It's simply wasn't worth it.
(2)
Deborah N.
I mean its better than McDonalds but certainly not my first choice. If Nordstrom Cafe had a better menu I would never eat at this Panera (which is located outside Nordstrom's door, upper level, Columbia Mall, U.S.A. the Earth (extra description location a tribute reference to movie: "About a Boy" con el senor muy guapo, Hugh Grant).
(2)
Momo N.
I think they should drop "bread" off their name, their bread is really not that great. If you want a light lunch, this is a perfect place to go. Not cheap, but you do get a rather healthy meal. I don't think its value is great, since food is so-so, and it is over-priced, to my opinion. You can spend a few bucks more at a restaurant and get a full sized salad, and a cup of soup. Oh, and their chocolate croissant was a joke. It was the worst i've ever had. I would not go there if I had other option. Customer service isn't that great either. I really didn't appreciate the manager's attitude.
(2)
Christopher D.
If you're trying to watch your weight this is a fantastic place to go. I get lunches and dinners here easily under five hundred calories that are still delicious. The Greek and Caesar salads are excellent additions to the chicken noodle or French onion soup. Substitute a pickle on the side to save an extra 100+ calories. On cheat days I love getting sour dough bread bowls for them and filling them with chowder when it's cold out. Spectacularly comforting. They also have a good selection of hot teas available that should satisfy anyone's preference. This place is just as fast as fast food but miles away healthier. Definitely my preferred place to go if I don't feel like making something myself.
(5)
Donna Y.
Located right outside of Nordstrom and always has a line right out the door. Good luck finding a spot to sit especially around lunch time 11-2 :(
(3)
Samuel C.
I love this place a lot. They got good fresh sandwiches and soup. This place is always crowed. The staff are really nice and friendly.
(5)
Tiffani N.
Always crowded, even at random times because this is a pretty small Panera. Mall employees, SAHM with their little ones or retirees perusing the mall apparently love this place as much as I do. They are always there. Panera's staff does a fantastic job of moving the line and getting folks in and out. Good luck finding a table at peak hours, though. When I stop in, I usually grab some coffee and one of the Pecan Braids. They are delicious and easy to snack on from the bag without falling all over everything. If I have to eat lunch or dinner, I go late afternoon or evening and get a Chipotle Chicken sandwich or the Fuji Apple Chicken salad. Those menu items usually taste the same at all the locations. Though I've had to ask them at this location to grill my sandwich again because the cheese wasn't melted. Hey, I'm kind of picky-- I have no problem admitting it.
(3)
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Address :10300 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD, 21044
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Nikkie C.
just like every Panera you'd go to. Very busy around lunchtime due to the number of professional buildings around the mall. I call in large orders often to pick up for business meetings and I can say that they've never messed up an order. They are always friendly and polite, even when things get hectic. You can hear the team working hard to keep their wait times down and work as a team to get the orders out ASAP. A great place to grab a bite... just be sure to give yourself a solid half hour plus eating time, and
(4)Denise P.
Delicious black bean soup! This place is always crowded but the staff is friendly, courteous and the line move very fast!
(5)Ms B.
I was here yesterday to enjoy something yummy and low in fat/calorie intake since I just started my eat healthy plan. I had the fuji chicken salad which was delicious. The line moved quickly. I love this place for the freshness, price and quality. My only issue is the seating problem. Even though WiFi is offered, it is rude for people to sit in a booth for hours surfing the internet when others want to sit and eat. I had 4 hours of business calls to do yesterday but I chose to take my salad to go. I can not be rude to others and sit at a table making business calls for hours when it took me less than an hour to finish my food. During busy times, there needs to be a limit to the amount of time a person can WiFi or chill in a seat. Other than this, I love going here by myself, with friends or my daughter.
(4)Kelly G.
This Panera gets my money for coffee everyday since I work in the mall. There are many options for coffee in our mall but the smile that I get with it makes me come back every day. I know this is extra but Miss Kathy is kind, nice and makes my day day. The food is great but I have never had bad food or a bad experience at any Panera Bread. The only thing that would change this place to a Woohoo would be if they opened 15 minutes before the mall opens and not 5 minutes. There have been several mornings that I had to leave the line to get to work.
(4)Jen S.
Great place for breakfast at the Columbia Mall. Even opens a bit earlier than the rest of the mall on Sunday mornings, when we usually go. The staff is always very courteous and quick. Love the bear claws and the spinach & artichoke soufflé is just fantastic.
(4)Dennis M.
If you've ever read my other Panera reviews you'd know that I have a dislike for their pastries; however, for some reason everything went right today. I ordered a Cinnamon Crunch Scone. It was fantastic. I'm sure they couldn't call it Cinnamon Toast Crunch scone for trademark reasons but that didn't stop Panera from borrowing the recipe. It was fantastic. It reminded me of a time in my life when a fat kid, like me, can eat a gigantic bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and not care about the consequences. Everything about this scone was right. My favorite part was how it didn't come in a gigantic box with hundreds of his friends sitting atop my refrigerator for future binges. Herb, my crack dealer, happened to be a distinguished gentleman with an apron. As you can probably tell by my writing I like to run my mouth. While we were exchanging pleasantries, and I could tell he was very sincere, in his enthusiasm. We've all had "small talk" with an employee where the employee would be nodding their head and smiling but at the same time secretly praying to a deity that someone would punch them in the face. Herb didn't give me such signals. All in all, I would say, I had a great experience.
(5)Ericka G.
The food and service, although standard, this location appears to be coming undone. The hot drink station is oddly positioned, the hot tea is oddly placed. All the drink accompaniments are behind you and the cup holder preventing you from burning yourself as well as the lids are behind you and across the front. This is a safety issue and can lead to someone getting burned. The carpeted floors needed vacuuming, tables needed to wiped down with a soapy towel and the floors in the back needed to be sweated and mopped thoroughly. I'm more inclined to go to the store at Dobbin than this location although this one is closet. It just appears that no one is ensuring its clean. Nothing is worse than eating at an establishment that's dirty with their employees standing around talking.
(2)Angela L.
This rating is for the chicken soba noodle only, not Panera Bread in general. As asian, I feel the chicken soba noodle is a rip off, taste so bad. I love a lot of their sandwich though.
(1)Ann P.
What can anyone say negative about panera? I love panera in general. However, I know many people dislike panera. But I could literally eat their bread as my sole bread source for the rest of my life and be truly happy. I'm a panera fan for life, no matter what people say about the sandwich shop. This panera in particular is located on the top floor right next to the Nordstrom mall entrance.
(4)EmilyGrace D.
Came here for lunch since it's close to my job and was unimpressed. I ordered a Asiago steak panini and a smoothie. The panini was COVERED in onions and horseradish which is not mentioned on the menu. It was so spicy I had to throw it away and buy a cheddar broccoli soup instead. The staff consists primarily of a lot of teenagers with bad attitudes that give you dirty looks and laugh with their friends while there's a line of people waiting. The place is kept moderately clean in the dining area but the bathrooms are gross! The walls need to be painted (since there's drywall spots everywhere) and the floors need to be swept. The Panera in Dobbin Center is much nicer.
(2)Jimmy D.
I walked here for lunch (work across the street), and I got the turkey avocado BLT on sourdough to-go. When I got back to my office, the sandwich was a soggy mess. Whoever made the sandwich did not drain the lettuce and squished the tomatoes when slicing, also there was mayo everywhere. It was so soggy and wet I just threw it away. For paying almost $9 dollars for a sandwich I would expect it to be edible. Should have went to Subway - better value and more consistent.
(1)Caroline N.
This is your typical Panera. It's honestly a great "healthy" choice compared to the fast food found in the food court of the same mall. It's ALWAYS crowded here, especially at lunch time... so expect a short wait in line, and also for a seat... Overall, a great place to eat some healthy choices!! Great baked goods too. Parking at Nordstrom is best, and it's right next to Nordstrom on the 2nd level. If you want better coffee (I'm not in love with Panera's coffee)... just head downstairs to the cafe outside of Nordstrom... =)
(4)Jill E.
One night this week, I ordered two sandwiches to go. When I got home, I realized there were several mistakes with my sandwiches. I called the store and spoke to the manager, Bill. He was apologetic and told me I could come in and get two complimentary sandwiches. Last night, my husband and I went to have the sandwiches for dinner. Gus, another manager, was at the store. I told him what happened and he immediately took our order for the sandwiches, also including our beverages. This Panera will be the only one I go to in the future. This is an example of truly caring about your customers!!!!
(5)Jody Z.
I like Panera, but I'm honestly not crazy about it. The soups and salads are great as well as the sweet items. But the sandwiches are too much bread and not enough filling for me and I just don't think they're anything special. This location ALWAYS seems to be packed and there often isn't enough seating. What's worse is that people tend to hang out here drinking coffee or using their computers and then you can't get a seat! It's definitely better than many of the food court options though.
(3)Taheerah B.
It was ok. It is located outside of Nordstrom, and there wasn't a wait although the cafe was crowded. I ordered a mozzerella panini with tomato and a tomato soup. I had a gift card so it helped, but I will not return. It's simply wasn't worth it.
(2)Deborah N.
I mean its better than McDonalds but certainly not my first choice. If Nordstrom Cafe had a better menu I would never eat at this Panera (which is located outside Nordstrom's door, upper level, Columbia Mall, U.S.A. the Earth (extra description location a tribute reference to movie: "About a Boy" con el senor muy guapo, Hugh Grant).
(2)Momo N.
I think they should drop "bread" off their name, their bread is really not that great. If you want a light lunch, this is a perfect place to go. Not cheap, but you do get a rather healthy meal. I don't think its value is great, since food is so-so, and it is over-priced, to my opinion. You can spend a few bucks more at a restaurant and get a full sized salad, and a cup of soup. Oh, and their chocolate croissant was a joke. It was the worst i've ever had. I would not go there if I had other option. Customer service isn't that great either. I really didn't appreciate the manager's attitude.
(2)Christopher D.
If you're trying to watch your weight this is a fantastic place to go. I get lunches and dinners here easily under five hundred calories that are still delicious. The Greek and Caesar salads are excellent additions to the chicken noodle or French onion soup. Substitute a pickle on the side to save an extra 100+ calories. On cheat days I love getting sour dough bread bowls for them and filling them with chowder when it's cold out. Spectacularly comforting. They also have a good selection of hot teas available that should satisfy anyone's preference. This place is just as fast as fast food but miles away healthier. Definitely my preferred place to go if I don't feel like making something myself.
(5)Donna Y.
Located right outside of Nordstrom and always has a line right out the door. Good luck finding a spot to sit especially around lunch time 11-2 :(
(3)Samuel C.
I love this place a lot. They got good fresh sandwiches and soup. This place is always crowed. The staff are really nice and friendly.
(5)Tiffani N.
Always crowded, even at random times because this is a pretty small Panera. Mall employees, SAHM with their little ones or retirees perusing the mall apparently love this place as much as I do. They are always there. Panera's staff does a fantastic job of moving the line and getting folks in and out. Good luck finding a table at peak hours, though. When I stop in, I usually grab some coffee and one of the Pecan Braids. They are delicious and easy to snack on from the bag without falling all over everything. If I have to eat lunch or dinner, I go late afternoon or evening and get a Chipotle Chicken sandwich or the Fuji Apple Chicken salad. Those menu items usually taste the same at all the locations. Though I've had to ask them at this location to grill my sandwich again because the cheese wasn't melted. Hey, I'm kind of picky-- I have no problem admitting it.
(3)