If you want the best tasting french bread in the Peninsula . .I'd even go the stretch to say the whole Bay Area, at least, in my opinion, and, I'm a quarter Italian - having an appreciation for that, delicious, down-to-earth, good old-fashion tasting sour-dough french bread, I would pick 'Panera Bread.' If some of you are not familiar, well, you can find them (the restaurants), just about everywhere. And I would rate them as just about the friendliest chain as well. If I was going to select an eating place, as a mainstay of patrionizing, I would pick Panera. Reasons? They have a fairly varied food selection, to start with. If you started with say, a breakfast apetizer, they have a rather large choice of pastries. They even have their . . par excellance . . 11" x 11" box of assorted cherry and cream cheese pastries, which, I swear, just to look at, starts up those salivary glands, frightfully fast. You look at it and say, gee, I bet the office would love to dig into a nice box of pastries for the morning, eveyone is so busy, and on the run, I bet they would just love to grab a quick morsal of nourishing enjoyment, that would have to put a smile on just any - down-in-the dumpster's attitude , no matter how bad their day was going. And, you don't want to ponder this for too long, because the whole territorial mindset just might settle in, and you start thinking, gee (again), I could easily polish off one of these boxes just by myself. I mean, they really look just down right deluctable. The price? Just $11.99. The restarant, you could say, really specializes in lunches for the afternoon crowd - though they're open till 9 pm., and, there's a nice selection of hot soups - such as, basal, cream tomato, and, the broccoli/chedder - always been a favorite of mine. And, accompanied with a nice tall cup of strawberry-lemonade. Sound tatalizing? Trust me, it is! I just recently bought the bowl (and was big too), for just $7½ (with my dollar off as a member). It came with choice of chips, or bread. And, if you've never tried their broccoli/chedder . . I swear . . it's to die for! Incidentaly, I mentioned earlier, about 'hot.' Now, seriously though, where can you find a restaurant that will serve you a piping hot bowl of soup? I remember back when I was a toddler . .hey! it wasn't that long ago! My aunt - whenever I asked her if she likes her coffee hot! Would, without exception, would sit there on her chair giving me a look, as if to say, now, what kind of question is that? And then staunchly exclaim, "I like my coffee . . scaaaalding hot!" Well, at Panera, you can actually make that happen, because every Panera has a microwave. How bout that! Panera, is generally always very clean, as well as their restroom, but, they do have a high turnover, so, don't be too hard on them, they actually do moniter things pretty closely. Seating is no problem, they have lots of cushiony booths, and, tables, and, in fact, the Panera at the corner of El Monte & El Camino, have a rather large outdoor pateo, with eating that is very nicely spaced apart, for those of you that might have a bit more of a secluded bent in mine. If you go to the 'Plant,' (at the corner of Tully, and Monterey Rd.), there will be a Panera right there. The Plant, has a number of places to visit - 'Target,' 'Home Depot,' 'Best Buy,' 'T-Mobil,' 'Chase Bank,' 'Jamba Juice,' 'Starbucks,' 'Krespie Kreames,' 'Ross,' 'Apple Bee's,' 'Famous Dave's,' and, more. Oh! Don't let me forget, but, if you sign up as a Panera member, rewards in food items will come your way. I've been a member for years, and on one occasion, my reward was a free bagel, every day, for a month . . not bad, huh! Annnd, if you sign up online, you can have a free coffee every day. Now, where are you going to get a better deal than that?? Panera is more specifically at: 2199 Monterey Rd. The cross street, is Tully/Curtner. As I mentioned earlier, Panera is part of 'The Plant.'

My cashier was Monica and she was SLOW AS MOLASSES! I was standing in the store for 10 minutes before she even finished taking ONE order for ONE guy who was only getting soup and a sandwich, when we got up finally after a DIFFERENT cashier acknowledged us Monica didn’t even know what she was doing. Was trying to use my member card and she kept asking if it was credit or debit, when it was my POINTS card so they know what name to call when they call my order, and THEN when I swiped my card it said declined because she didn’t do something right the first time. Because the second time my card worked just fine. She can move JUST A LITTLE bit quicker, when it comes to things. I’m a cashier myself and it is absolutely unacceptable at my job to type things into the computer with my knuckles because I can’t even use m fingers because my fake nails are too long. Her 5 inch nails may have been the problem, couldn’t even type. Never coming here again. Or unless Miss Monica gets some proper cashier training. She didn’t smile, she didn’t look up at me, she was annoyed because the customer before me took too long.

On my visit (6/16/22) I had a disappointing experience. I ordered the Caesar Salad w/chicken. The listed price on the overhead menu displayed $8.99. The cashier ran me up and told me $10.99. I was confused and questioned about the total price. She told me the salad was $10.99. I pointed to the menu price (above her head) and she said the cash register has $10.99. The manager intervened and explained the correct price is $10.99. Although he recognized the menu board listed $8.99, he explained their wasn't any way for him to adjust the price. Of course I could have paid the $2 difference but simply I was disappointed with the managers attitude. I was frustrated and I walked out. ******* Someday I will try this Panera Bread location again. Hopefully by then they have updated and corrected their pricing. rg-
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

I stopped here on the way to work for a simple cup of hot coffee at 7 pm. going through the drive-through. no cars in front or behind. I could see inside. There were only 2 people inside. after ordering, I drove to the pickup window. My coffee had just been set on the counter, but instead of giving the coffee to me, she walked away. another woman comes and starts mixing some chocolate and apparently is having a very good conversation with someone out of my sight. It's so good that she pays no attention to me waving and honking the horn. After about 4 minutes, she finally sees me, giving me my coffee and I pay . Then, as I took a drink of coffee, I discovered it was hardly even warm .
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

Great staff , good food. The problem this is a homeless hangout. The restaurant has blocked all but 3 wall outlets & people that have not purchased any food , basically hang out and are sleeping at the tables . Lunch for two came to $52.76, for that cost the place should be clean and free of freeloaders. We used to have weekly company meetings here but not any more $$ going somewhere else. * willing to pay more for clean environment and security. Will not be back.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1
Recommended dishes
French Baguette, Bear Claw
Parking space
Plenty of parking

Monica is a gracious and informative hostess as well as friendly and exudes such a happy spirit as she assisted me with a small tour around the area for this being my First time. She showed me what drinks were allowed and how often on my Sip Club Card and graciously redeemed my items for me. Can I just say, WOW!! Monica, you have the whole customer service package and thank you so very much for making my day brighter! YOU ROCK! ****** UPDATE ********* The Charged lemonades are not filled as often as they should be, especially a Panera "favorite" The Passion Papaya Iced Green Tea. The last few times the containers sat empty.

Food is great, but my issue is that 4/4 times I’ve been here I’ve had items missing. The recent two are what left me the saltiest though, one was on my lunch break and went for broccoli soup and bread. I ordered EXTRA bread. I get to work and open my food with 7 minutes left to eat… no bread. The second time was a few days after. I ordered broccoli soup and half a sandwich through door dash. No broccoli soup. All I wanted was some broccoli soup and bread you guys I love Panera but they do me wrong EVERY TIME. This location seems to be keeping tradition. I swear it’s like an abusive relationship with this place.

The morning manager was so rude and ignorant, I called corporate. I ordered a coffee *from the kiosk* and she wouldn’t give me a cup bc she said she didn’t see the order in her screen (even tho she stood next to me as I ordered). She said “im just doing my job.” I had to log in to my email and show her the receipt to prove that I ordered a coffee. As I’m on the phone with corporate, I see the manager at the door arguing with a different customer, throwing her hands in the customer’s face (which was not reciprocated by the customer) as if they were about to start fighting. Yikes.

Panera seems to have increased their vegetarian choices, though they still have a very limited choice of both soups and sandwiches. They are also very expensive for what they are.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
Summer Corn Chowder
Recommendation for vegetarians
Somewhat recommend
Vegetarian offerings
Clearly labeled vegetarian dishes
Vegetarian options
They could easily increase their vegetarian soup options.

Their Food is good but their policy taste like garbage.... I needed to meet someone today and my phone was dying, so I went in to a paneras and plugged in my phone and called my friend. I needed to wait for an attachment from them before I could go and not care if my phone died. And right before I was about to go the manager comes to me and tells me if I don't buy anything I need to leave... im like ok courtesy cup I get it but whatever happened to circumstance.... suffice it to say I didn't get the courtesy cup..

I like Panera bread because they're one of the few places offering a more healthy menu. I ordered the vegetable soup. I also treated myself to a four cheese pizza. Both dishes were savory and hot. The clerk suggested a lemon drop cookie so I also tried that. It was yummy. I like their breakfast pastry choices though they could not make it to my daily menu. Servers were very polite. Go eat at Panera. You won't be disappointed.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

I am a rewards card member and a frequent customer, however I will NEVER return to this location. So surprised that Monica has gotten such great reviews....a month ago. her service was atrocious, she was rude made no eye contact, didn't know what my rewards card was. Took her 15 min to type up a flat bread pizza with her knuckles cause her nails were much to long. Gross....Los Gatos is gonna be my new Panara.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20

The worst Panera around!! I have been twice now in a month and both times disappointed. The first time the place was dirty, and my food was blah. But hey, could have been a busy day. The second time it was a bit cleaner inside, but the energy was very grey. The service was mediocre and the kicker- The Asian Sesame salad made me incredibly sick. In all the ways that “sick” means. I will not return to this Panera ever. Food poisoning and low attention to detail and service.

My first time here was very very pleasant. The cashier lady patiently explained to me the difference between bowl and bread bowl. She didn't rush me to order. Most important, when I picked up my order, another one asked me "Is there anything else I can help you with?" with a smiling face. The food itself is ok but their service makes it even more better.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20

Filthiest Panera bread I have ever seen. Food caked everywhere even windows and doors floors filthy and the garbage is overflowing and hasn’t been wiped down in decades. Even the front door had a pile of garbage to wade through. The staff were all working hard so this is an owner issue. No pride in ownership. Hire more staff or give them some cleaning supplies.
Food: 1
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1

Good Panera. The food is good and the wifi is also reliable. My phone picked up an NFC tag in the table, at first i though it was an ad. But, i think the coasters have NFC readers to inform the staff your location so they can deliver your food. Low key high tech, i like that! A word of caution, don't eat the kitchen sink cookie by yourself, you will get sick! Its good, but way overkill for one person.

I have to leave this review, because Monica is just always so awesome, helpful and amazing every time my son and I come into this store - my kid is a teenager & even he said wow she’s super nice after we left, so I gotta leave a good review for her Keep up the great work and positive attitude, Monica!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The service was good. The people were very pleasant seemed happy. The place was clean. The food was good. I do like my broccoli cheddar to be thicker than what they typically do. But everything was flavorable and I was very pleased with my experience.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

I came here for a quick weekday lunch. There's nothing to rave about Panera Bread. The food and price is decent but I've found that the portions have shrunk tremendously. I paid for a full size salad and the portion was comparable to the half size from years ago.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

The food is always good. I ordered a Mediterranean chicken salad
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Creamy Tomato Soup, Classic Grilled Cheese
Wheelchair accessibility
The place is fully ada compliant.

Great! Variety of soups, bread and pastries for the sweet tooth. Several healthy drinks to choose from, aside from the fountain drinks. We were provided excellent service and weren't stuck waiting around in a line, as most of the other side of the plant has long lines. I guess it's nice if you have the extra free time to do so.

Good food and a clean place. Ordering online was easy, convenient and pick up was awesome. walk in, find your food bag with your name on the shelf, grab and go. That makes it pretty easy for just anyone to waltz in and grab a food bag and leave. Oh Well! I will stress for anyone not to be fooled by the pictures on the menu.

My go-to Panera. The woman with the purple hair and glasses (Monica?) is an absolute master of the skill of customer service. Their in-house sourdough is always delicious and available. I just wish their baked goods weren't so sweet (which I know isn't up to this branch)
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Typical Panera. It's what you'd expect from this chain cafe. They're quick and the food is pretty decent. The choices can be healthy depending on what you order, but be careful, it's still a bakery. They do offer fresh bread too, which sometimes I'll get to bring to a party and it's always a big hit with some yummy cheese.

Staff was friendly. They took their time. Place is pretty clean. They have lots of options and the menu is easy to read. They have vegan options marked, and notes on which items contain nuts, but they don't identify gluten free options. I had to ask the cashier and she wasn't very knowledgeable and had to ask for help.

Healthy and tasty food; clean; relaxed atmosphere; often noisy. you order at the counter and they bring the food to your table. Variety of sandwiches soups, salads, drinks and pastries. Food portions are good. When I leave I am not stuffed, hungry or carrying a takeout container.

This location has gone downhill. Inaccurate orders, cold soup, microwave fried mac & cheese. I'll avoid this location and visit others. I do love Panera and assume this location will step it's game back up. Their corporate interaction is strong, which keeps locations accountable.

Standard Panera Restaurant. Decent good food, decent good service. Friendly staff. If I'm going to eat fast food Panera is the way to go.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Irresistible pastry to top your busy day hunger with some yummy sweet tea. Don't pass it up if you have never tried it. It is perfect for an office brunch or morning snack. Excellent, consistent customer service quality that makes a memorable experience to remember!!!

I had come here to get some work done but noticed they had blocked all their wall outlets, so I ended up leaving and going to another Panera location. This particular location won't be getting my business.
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1

Great place to grab some quick bites and beverages, ample amount of parking space,service is good, ambiance is superb.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This Panera is just like all the others, as you'd expect from a chain. The food items are the usually cafe items like soups, salads, and sandwiches, but I opted instead for tea and a pastry. I do like how they bring everything to your table

Grilled cheese was not good. When brought to there attention they said it was because they were out of olive oil and white bread. Failed to tell us this after waiting 30 minutes for our food. Asked if we wanted apples cut for the kids but

Had to wait an hour in order to get our 2 half-sandwhich with chips, which the sandwhich was cold itself, and the white sauce, supposedly melted "white cheddar", burned my throat and attacked my nostrils with a volatile smell. Only added

The place is nice. I like going here. Quick, nice servers, and good food. Order online or download the app. They have the food ready to be picked up in one wooden stand. Signed up for free cookies or other amenities. Anyway, good stuff.

Awesome staff and customer service, they are also very friendly and positively inspired. The environment is always clean and the music selection is pleasant. The food they offer is also fresh and healthy. Very good people here.

We ordered a vegetarian Mediterranean bowl and it was unedible. The rice was uncooked and I had to throw the bowl. No refunds offered as well.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Panera is the best cafe restaurant to me! Just love it's food! While plant plaza is not so good/clean/safe, service in this Panera location is typically good (someone's they mess up deliveries though).

12.99 month long drinks. Highly suggest if you live nearby to a Panera bread. This location has amazing customer service!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–10

I was there for a late afternoon mtg. The place is always clean and the staff welcoming. I reported to the manager, the women's restroom was out of paper towels and he replaced them immediately.

The bowl was so small and to make matters worse, the bowl was only 40% full. Will not be eating at any Panera now, ruined my experience.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20

Seems like each time we go in there. Our order is taken. Only to find out they can't actually fulfill the order. Then I have to reorder. Maybe I should find another place to eat. Thoughts?

Overpriced hipster restaurant. The food was expensive, very salty and came with too much single use garbage. 1 huge bag for every item ordered. Trash!
Price per person
$20–30

Panera Bread is a Fabulous Place. Amazing Food. Highly Recommend. Don't know why you need my review today haven't been in 6 MONTHS or longer. Definitely ready for a lunch date.

Love the Carmel latte. The brocoli soup is perfect, the chipotle sandwich is crazy good. Although on the weekends its crazy loud. "Teens to chat" …

2/11/23. Unlimited coffee. No coffee mug. Arrive early for various pastries. Afternoon have less pastry choices. Not crowded. More

Enjoyed this cafe experience, great food and friendly people
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fast service, very hot food, good cold caramel beverage, healthy and they come at your table once ready.

Favorite spot to eat and get some work done on laptop! Staff is totally courteous and polite!

Don't eat here !!!! Bad food, bad service, bad quality..... Everything