Panera Bread

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  I want to like Panera.  Really, I do.  It's a stone's throw from my house and it has healthy(ish) alternatives to fast food when we are completely pinched for time (or I neglected to make anything for dinner :).  
  
  The biggest problem I have with this Panera location?  Getting in.  Seriously.  The parking lot is rather small for the volume of business that this store seems to do.  And the small amount of parking in the neighboring strip mall fills up quickly with patrons from those businesses.  I have to be honest, if I circle the parking lot a few times without finding a spot, I am more than happy to bail on the idea of Panera.  Yes, yes.  I *know* they have a drive thru.  Unfortunately, our few d/t experiences have been...lackluster.  Items always seem to be charged wrong and my soup always seems to make it into the bag without a well secured lid.  Perhaps this is to make sure the missing bread bowl doesn't seem like such a big deal.  I mean once your soup spills out across the bottom of the bag, what does it matter if they forgot the bread bowl?  I know that this problem could be remedied by checking before I leave the drive thru.  But when there are a line of cars behind me and I've already been waiting 10 minutes, all I want to do is GTFO, you know?  Also?  I shouldn't have to check.  It's called quality control.  
  
  On the off chance we are lucky enough to snag a spot (and be careful parking here, I've seen a number of scrape/bump and runs in this parking lot) our cafe experience tends to be moderately better.  Obviously, the food is over-priced for what it is, but at least I am assured soup and bread when I order a bread bowl.  I'd be more willing to try other items if Panera would stop removing their few vegetarian menu options in favor of more protein laden items.  
  
  All in all, Panera has a great concept which simply comes up short in its execution.  Until it gets its act together...it really isn't worth the hassle.

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  Posted on 10.13.12 Karyn R.

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  We have since returned to this Panera location and had a satisfying experience. Apparently, our first trip was during a "working out the bugs" opening period, and the restaurant is now operating as it should.

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  Posted on 06.22.12 Andrew B.

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  Here's the real deal.... This place is new in Munster, and the people in this town eat up anything trendy.   They sometimes think they are like the Beverly Hills of Northwest Indiana.   Lunchtime is always crowded.  The parking lot is too small and nearly impossible to navigate.   It is Panera though, so you can always find good salads, soups, and sandwiches...   I think they should have people who bus the tables here on a regular basis...  Many times the tables have been dirty, and for what you pay, I'm sure they can afford it.

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  Posted on 04.16.12 Adella P.

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  Yes, we finally got another restaurant in Munster. I always thought our area was so sad when I would see the long lines at the Panera in Schererville. So, we have one in Munster. Along, with Subway, Jersey subs, potbellies, and jimmy johns-this part of the region is all about sandwiches. Anyway,  Panera is consistent. I just hate when you walk in and look up at the menu-you will be asked 4X what can I get you? If I knew, I would be ordering already. My Thai chicken salad is always the same. BUT, if you ask for anything special ( no onions, extra sauce) they will screw it up. Also, the drive in automatically gives you the bread-I like the apple. And the drive thru never asks for your Panera card. I've called and got the "that's a great idea to ask in the drive thru" from the manager. Great go to place.

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  Posted on 03.15.12 Lori J.

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  As one who loves going to Panera Bread, I was very happy to find out they opened one a bit closer to me in Indiana.    Any of their stores I go into, I find it to be a very relaxed experience.  Tonight was no exception.
  
  I decided to go here tonight as I had a taste for a panini and a bowl of soup.  Spent a bit more than I would have liked, but decided on their half and half (soup and sandwich in my case) with their turkey chili and cuban panini...this is my first experience with the chili and love to say it was very good.
  
  Actually any of their sandwich and soup combinations rock...when I first went to Panera, I would go on a Friday night and enjoy their Clam Chowder...nowadays I go for their Cream of Chicken Rice soup which is also a winner.  
  
  Of course they are also known for their bakery.  I've not been at this location for breakfast yet (they've only been open since May) but would love to go here one day to see how their breakfast entrees are compared to other Paneras I've been to.

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  Posted on 09.22.11 Mike P.

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