Panera is always a go to spot for me. Their coffee is great for a nice wakeup or boost mid-day. Lunch and a light dinner are perfect with such a wide selection of sandwiches, soup, pasta and sweets. For quick pick up you can do call ahead ordering and as of December 2014 there is now a drive-through window! Just one more easy way to grab some Panera. I would highly recommend this for a casual business meeting, grabbing a quick bite to eat, coffee, for an amazing sweet bakery treat.
(5)
Nick B.
Terrible and frustrating experience with rapid pick up ordering... First time they missed my bacon that I had added and paid extra for. It was not even on there receipt! So after the remade it, not only did they forgot to put the onions on it, they burnt it as well... At this point I told them to just add the onions so I could leave!
(2)
Becky H.
My husband and I frequent this place at least, every Saturday morning. We love the atmosphere here and have gotten to know the other frequent visitors. The atmosphere is very family-friendly and you begin to build relationships with other customers. The staff here has always been very pleasant with us including the managers.
(4)
Laura H.
I stopped to get a kids meal for my son. For $4.50 I got half a grilled cheese which wasn't grilled and a small tube of yogurt. No fruit, no drink, no pickle, nothing else. Two pieces of bread with a piece of cheese and yogurt. I will not be returning to Panera when I move back to Michigan in a few weeks. They are very over priced for what they are. I currently live in CA and at Corner Bakery for a kids meal you get a grilled cheese, pickle, drink, cookie or fruit, and chips for $4.59. I was really disappointed in Panera and won't be returning.
(2)
Brad M.
You gotta know I love the Spinach Power boys and girls! This was a nice place... packed... quick... and great! I also love the breakfast sandwich they are running on the TV all the time right now, too!
(4)
Marin C.
On a rainy day there is (almost) nothing to make me happier than a yummy breakfast sandwich and a warm beverage. The hot chai and hot cocoa bevs at Panera are really good, as for the coffee I have not tried it but I'm sure it could not be bad. You've got to figure the breads are the star here since the word bread is in the name of the restaurant, but they also have good salads/soups/sandwiches good for breakfast and lunch. The selection of muffins, croissants, danish, donuts is decent as well. This is definitely a favorite place to stop in GD Rapids as we lack a Panera in TC. Someday perhaps?
(4)
Jodi W.
I'm not sure why I'm reviewing a chain/fast food restaurant, but this one is pretty good as chains go. At least there are many healthy options on the menu, and it's nearby the movie theater, so you can pop in and grab something not drenched in fat and oil before you eat milk duds and popcorn next door. Sandwiches made on their bread are good if you keep it simple, the turkey is nice, and the salads have suprisingly fresh incredients. Oh, and they bring it to your table.
(3)
Catherine P.
I went here last weekend after some shopping with my cousin. First off, the place was a madhouse. Probably the reason I do not frequent places like this, it's just overwhelming with all the people and kids and 'chaotic-ness' of all the activity. I ordered my standard Bacon Turkey Bravo with Cheddar Cheese and cup of Chicken noodle soup. The sandwich was exactly the same as every other Panera I have eaten at. Unfortunately, the soup was kinda a let down. They have changed their noodles. They are like short fetticuni noodles now and not the thick egg noodles they use to be. I was so sad. But the taste of the soup was the same. My cousin opted for a Sierra Turkey sandwich which she asked what was on it. Because it was so loud in this place and the girl taking our order had a very soft voice, she wasn't able to hear that it had raw onions on it. She did catch that it had mayo, so she was able to say no mayo. She thoroughly enjoyed her Broccoli Cheddar soup. We ordered a chicken salad sandwich to go and that was a task....trying to explain that all we wanted on the bread was chicken salad. We got the response "so chicken salad, lettuce and tomato?" No, just the chicken salad. No lettuce, no tomato, was apparently too difficult for the young lady to comprehend. They did get it right after practically spelling it out. It was quite entertaining. You order at the counter and pick up at the end of the line near the soda machine. They are a seat yourself place, so when it's crazy busy, grab that table right when you walk in. They have a special offer right now if you order a sandwich and drink, you can add a bakery treat for $.99. The double chocolate brownie we got to go for my sister looked delish!
(3)
Candis H.
I did the you pick two with the italian combo and broccoli cheese soup. I also ordered a flower cookie. The sandwich had very little sauce on it. They put a whole pepperoncini on it which made the sandwich taste strange. The soup was the worse I have had at any panera bread. It was extremely mushy. The only positive thing about it was the cookie tasted good.
(2)
JetSetFiend S.
My coworkers and I stopped here for lunch on Monday and it was very busy. However, we had no problem finding a seat. The wait to order was much longer than it took to actually get our food. The food was fresh and warm. I ordered the chicken noodle soup, half Sierra Turkey sandwich and an apple. The soup and sandwich were great, but the apple was kind of mushy. It was Halloween so they had some neat pumpkin cookies available for purchase.
(4)
Kyle L.
Salads are really fresh and the breakfast power sandwich is the best on the menu. Too bad it's only available before 10:30 on the weekdays and 11:30 on weekends.
(4)
Steve D.
Why does everyone like this place?! Food is boring and just all around last place I would want to hangout and eat.
(1)
Jessica A.
Amazing just wish it was alittle cheaper The service was amazing. There are a lot of choices to choice from. It's a little pricey but the food was terrific.
What? They have a drive thru now?? YES!! Haven't been here in ages. Had to get a crown and my dentist is nearby so I figured why not eat soup? Slurp, slurp no chewing! :) I forgot how much I like their broccoli cheddar soup. They do a good job. Being able to get it without having to get out of my car & waiting in a line during peak lunch hour when I have to get back to work was awesome.
(4)
Heather K.
Amazing soups, salads and sandwiches! Don't forget to save room for a fruit pastry or a chocolate brownie! They have lots of locations in the Grand Rapids area.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Katie C.
Panera is always a go to spot for me. Their coffee is great for a nice wakeup or boost mid-day. Lunch and a light dinner are perfect with such a wide selection of sandwiches, soup, pasta and sweets. For quick pick up you can do call ahead ordering and as of December 2014 there is now a drive-through window! Just one more easy way to grab some Panera. I would highly recommend this for a casual business meeting, grabbing a quick bite to eat, coffee, for an amazing sweet bakery treat.
(5)Nick B.
Terrible and frustrating experience with rapid pick up ordering... First time they missed my bacon that I had added and paid extra for. It was not even on there receipt! So after the remade it, not only did they forgot to put the onions on it, they burnt it as well... At this point I told them to just add the onions so I could leave!
(2)Becky H.
My husband and I frequent this place at least, every Saturday morning. We love the atmosphere here and have gotten to know the other frequent visitors. The atmosphere is very family-friendly and you begin to build relationships with other customers. The staff here has always been very pleasant with us including the managers.
(4)Laura H.
I stopped to get a kids meal for my son. For $4.50 I got half a grilled cheese which wasn't grilled and a small tube of yogurt. No fruit, no drink, no pickle, nothing else. Two pieces of bread with a piece of cheese and yogurt. I will not be returning to Panera when I move back to Michigan in a few weeks. They are very over priced for what they are. I currently live in CA and at Corner Bakery for a kids meal you get a grilled cheese, pickle, drink, cookie or fruit, and chips for $4.59. I was really disappointed in Panera and won't be returning.
(2)Brad M.
You gotta know I love the Spinach Power boys and girls! This was a nice place... packed... quick... and great! I also love the breakfast sandwich they are running on the TV all the time right now, too!
(4)Marin C.
On a rainy day there is (almost) nothing to make me happier than a yummy breakfast sandwich and a warm beverage. The hot chai and hot cocoa bevs at Panera are really good, as for the coffee I have not tried it but I'm sure it could not be bad. You've got to figure the breads are the star here since the word bread is in the name of the restaurant, but they also have good salads/soups/sandwiches good for breakfast and lunch. The selection of muffins, croissants, danish, donuts is decent as well. This is definitely a favorite place to stop in GD Rapids as we lack a Panera in TC. Someday perhaps?
(4)Jodi W.
I'm not sure why I'm reviewing a chain/fast food restaurant, but this one is pretty good as chains go. At least there are many healthy options on the menu, and it's nearby the movie theater, so you can pop in and grab something not drenched in fat and oil before you eat milk duds and popcorn next door. Sandwiches made on their bread are good if you keep it simple, the turkey is nice, and the salads have suprisingly fresh incredients. Oh, and they bring it to your table.
(3)Catherine P.
I went here last weekend after some shopping with my cousin. First off, the place was a madhouse. Probably the reason I do not frequent places like this, it's just overwhelming with all the people and kids and 'chaotic-ness' of all the activity. I ordered my standard Bacon Turkey Bravo with Cheddar Cheese and cup of Chicken noodle soup. The sandwich was exactly the same as every other Panera I have eaten at. Unfortunately, the soup was kinda a let down. They have changed their noodles. They are like short fetticuni noodles now and not the thick egg noodles they use to be. I was so sad. But the taste of the soup was the same. My cousin opted for a Sierra Turkey sandwich which she asked what was on it. Because it was so loud in this place and the girl taking our order had a very soft voice, she wasn't able to hear that it had raw onions on it. She did catch that it had mayo, so she was able to say no mayo. She thoroughly enjoyed her Broccoli Cheddar soup. We ordered a chicken salad sandwich to go and that was a task....trying to explain that all we wanted on the bread was chicken salad. We got the response "so chicken salad, lettuce and tomato?" No, just the chicken salad. No lettuce, no tomato, was apparently too difficult for the young lady to comprehend. They did get it right after practically spelling it out. It was quite entertaining. You order at the counter and pick up at the end of the line near the soda machine. They are a seat yourself place, so when it's crazy busy, grab that table right when you walk in. They have a special offer right now if you order a sandwich and drink, you can add a bakery treat for $.99. The double chocolate brownie we got to go for my sister looked delish!
(3)Candis H.
I did the you pick two with the italian combo and broccoli cheese soup. I also ordered a flower cookie. The sandwich had very little sauce on it. They put a whole pepperoncini on it which made the sandwich taste strange. The soup was the worse I have had at any panera bread. It was extremely mushy. The only positive thing about it was the cookie tasted good.
(2)JetSetFiend S.
My coworkers and I stopped here for lunch on Monday and it was very busy. However, we had no problem finding a seat. The wait to order was much longer than it took to actually get our food. The food was fresh and warm. I ordered the chicken noodle soup, half Sierra Turkey sandwich and an apple. The soup and sandwich were great, but the apple was kind of mushy. It was Halloween so they had some neat pumpkin cookies available for purchase.
(4)Kyle L.
Salads are really fresh and the breakfast power sandwich is the best on the menu. Too bad it's only available before 10:30 on the weekdays and 11:30 on weekends.
(4)Steve D.
Why does everyone like this place?! Food is boring and just all around last place I would want to hangout and eat.
(1)Jessica A.
Amazing just wish it was alittle cheaper The service was amazing. There are a lot of choices to choice from. It's a little pricey but the food was terrific.
(5)Valerie L.
I love Panera, although I'm a bit biased because I worked there years ago. They've changed a lot since then, now serving noodle bowls, pasta, and a larger variety of salads. I still think that their breads are amazing! I love the French onion or broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl! I recently tried the soba noodle bowl with chicken....it was just ok. The noodles didn't have much flavor; there was a good amount of chicken; and the broth got better as I ate it. The broth was a citrusy beef broth that was warm and tasty. I love their hazelnut coffee, plus you can get all the refills that you want! The pastries are great as are the egg soufflés!! Tuesdays are $6.99/bakers dozen for bagels, and if you have the MyPanera card, you can accumulate lots of deals! I watched 6 short videos online to get $5 off my noodle bowl. I would have never paid $8 for it!! Which is my main complaint about Panera--- their prices have risen every year, so you can easily spend over $10 just on a half of sandwich and soup and drink. (minus one star). Another annoying point is that you can only be on the internet for 30 minutes during the lunch rush (11:30am-1pm). But, I will continue to frequent this store especially....they have a drive thru and the restaurant is large! FYI: It can get very busy on the weekends, and the tables are not cleaned off fast enough. (Back in the day, you had to clear your own table at Panera.)
(4)Amy M.
What? They have a drive thru now?? YES!! Haven't been here in ages. Had to get a crown and my dentist is nearby so I figured why not eat soup? Slurp, slurp no chewing! :) I forgot how much I like their broccoli cheddar soup. They do a good job. Being able to get it without having to get out of my car & waiting in a line during peak lunch hour when I have to get back to work was awesome.
(4)Heather K.
Amazing soups, salads and sandwiches! Don't forget to save room for a fruit pastry or a chocolate brownie! They have lots of locations in the Grand Rapids area.
(5)