Panera Bread
“So excited about the Panera Bread on the Upper East Side & 86th & Lex.”
“Love that there's a Panera hiding on the UES, it won't be inundated by tourists!”
“If you're stopping in try the Sierra Turkey with a side of chicken noodle soup, or the Roasted Turkey BLT.”
Panera Bread
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
8 reviews
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Sunday morning I went to the Met for a college assignment. Yes, I have class every Sunday ( Baruch Requirements). So I decided to have breakfast at Panera Bread, since the food at the Met is probably cost more than my monthly MetroCard. I ordered Asiago Bacon & Egg on a Toast, with Orange Juice. It was $7.71 and I was shocked. This sandwich better change my life and the orange juice has to taste like God squeezed it. Long story short, the sandwich was meh. I've had better sandwiches driving to the hood for $2.50 Bacon Egg, and Cheese with Sauteed Onions. As I ate the sandwich the only thing came to mind "$7.71 at another place would of gave me a sandwich,home fries, orange juice , and a man." Would I go there again?
My macaroni and cheese was delicious. It was overpriced. $6 for a small. It took awhile to receive. They looked like they could improve there system over there. It took 10 minutes to receive my order but I wanted a quick grab and go. Maybe they can have some preset off to the side.
I've always had good experiences here, so I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews. I've also been here many, many times (this should probably be considered my 'home' Panera Bread), and it's by far my favorite. The employees here pretty much know me and recognize me, but even when I don't know a staff member, they're always so attentive and kind. I've never gotten anyone with a bad attitude or just bad customer service.
Let me start off by saying that this is one of the bigger Panera Bread's in NYC. This might even be the biggest. It has two floors – street level and basement – and both are pretty roomy. They keep this PB pretty clean, and the bathrooms are usually well-kept as well.
All of my food has always been served hot and the way I asked, and it never takes more than 5 minutes or so to get it (they give you a beeper/locator and then bring it to you). A plus side? They have now added little 'self-service' kiosks, where you can place your own order and get your own beeper/cup, so you don't have to wait in line.
I once had a semi-bad experience here, but I wouldn't even call it that. I'm sure some more dramatic human beings may react differently, but I'm pretty laid back and chill. Anyway, one day I came here with a friend. I ordered the cranberry turkey flatbread with a side of butternut squash soup. When I received it, there was a piece of plastic in the flatbread. I simply took it back to the counter (where they hand out the food to those taking to go), and I explained what the problem was and the preparers apologized profusely. They seemed more horrified than I did! Not only did they double the portion, but they gave me AND my friend desserts. Now, if I would have gone over with steam coming out of my head it may have been a different story, but seriously. These people are making hundreds of orders an hour. I highly doubt they wanted to purposefully put something in your food… Unless maybe you had a Donald Trump pin?
Anyway, they more than made up for the mistake and their reaction was true and honest. Things happen. What makes a good restaurant and customer service? Responding the way they did.
Also, they have free Wi-Fi, and it works pretty well! Also, the crowds are never too loud and of all the times I have been there it has never been crazy crowded.
So, this is definitely a good place to stop by and eat if you're shopping/living/visiting in the area. Sure, PB is everywhere now, but it's inexpensive and it's good.
Another Panera chain in New York City serving as a great place to eat a cheap lunch in a relaxed atmosphere. You may wait far too long to order, but sandwiches and soups are up to par with their brand.
Unlike the Panera location at Union Square, this restaurant is significantly cleaner, and more organized. Even though the service here is slower than rush hour traffic, at least the food is fresh and well monitored. They have a nice buzzer system that allows the employees to find you and drop off your food. It's two levels, with public restrooms and free WiFi. If you're stopping in try the Sierra Turkey with a side of chicken noodle soup, or the Roasted Turkey BLT. If you want to eat something delicious that will make you feel like you're 1200lbs/give you til' infinity and beyond get the broccoli and cheddar soup in a bread bowl.
All-in-all considering the lack easy take-out places on the Upper East Side, Panera is great chain to have in the area.
This is my favorite Panera. Christina is behind the counter in the AM. She is so kind and patient.
Panera is very good to their club members. They put free coffee on my card good for a cup every day during the month of August. They also give you a free pastry on your birthday. Their emails are informative about new menu items.
This location is always clean even as busy as it gets. The bathroom is accessible. The music is relaxing. They don't mind people getting together to meet. They have free WiFi if used reasonably during peek times.
Everyone should sign up for Panera rewards. You will not be disappointed.
Good food
I just love that you can sit down and have your food brought to you when it is ready. It becomes a proper meal instead of fast food, yet it is still fast. The food quality is high and it is fresh. Just had the broccoli cheddar soup again after a couple years and it seems to have gotten even better (larger pieces of broccoli and more chunks).
Try a pumpkin muffie. Yummy. Chocolate chip ones are good too. Orange scone. Pecan twirl. Shortbread. Add a baked good for 99 cents with a meal and drink.
Get a "you pick 2", which is half of 2 things. I also noticed that they now sell pasta, which seemed to be a hit because everyone in line was ordering it.
I was definitely excited when this place moved into the neighborhood. I come here mostly for take-out, but every once in awhile I dine in. Usually the wait for food is 10 to 15 minutes, but today, I got my food in under 5 minutes. Score! I was really hungry today so the half sandwich and soup would not cut it. I got a whole sandwich ( the fontina grilled cheese) and a cup of tomato soup. The fontina grilled cheese is adequate, very cheesy and the bread was decent and not soggy at all. Stay away from their regular grilled cheese, trust me, the fontina is much better. Dip it in the tomato soup and your golden.
*Don't forget to sign up for their rewards card. They put $2 off deals and free stuff on your card all the time.