CafeSalad ShopSandwich RestaurantBreakfast RestaurantSoup RestaurantTake Out RestaurantCoffee ShopBakeryRestaurant Delivery ServiceCatererPanera
From focusing on quality ingredients to serving our food to you in a warm and welcoming environment, Panera Bread is committed to being an ally to our guests. That means crafting a menu of soups, salads and sandwiches that we are proud to feed our families. You don’t have to compromise to eat well. Whether you want to come in and enjoy a coffee and our complimentary Wi-Fi, or order online using Rapid Pick-Up so you can grab something quickly, Panera Bread El Cajon is here with warmth and welcome. Panera Bread. Food as it should be.
Numerous customers reported poor service, including rude staff, long wait times, and incorrect orders.
Cleanliness
Several reviews highlighted unsanitary conditions, particularly in the restrooms and dining area.
Food Quality
Customers expressed disappointment with food quality, citing issues like incorrect orders, cold food, and unsatisfactory portion sizes.
Staff Friendliness
While many reviews noted friendly staff, there were significant complaints about specific employees being rude or unhelpful.
Pricing Concerns
Many customers felt the prices were too high for the quality and portion sizes of the food.
GN
Giovanni Napoli
6 days ago
2.0
A quarter of a sandwich, a cup of soup, generic bag of chips, and Pepsi (not Coca-Cola) combo almost $30!
Food was clean but never going back to another Panera again!
Advertising $4.99 for same sandwich but it's not true!
AO
Anna Speaks Out
Feb 19, 2026
1.0
Was waiting to pick up an Uber Eats order for my customer and saw that there was a screen in the store saying which customers were completed or not. As soon as I saw the name of my customer, but did not see their bag of food on the counter, I asked the older man, probably in his 60s or 70s, with white hair, behind the counter about it , and he said to "check in" next time. When I said that that was what I was doing , he just kept repeating himself. It was completely off putting and rude.
MN
MariaLuisa Nunez
Feb 7, 2026
5.0
We love Panera and this was a great one.
MP
Maddie Protine
Jan 26, 2026
1.0
I seriously don’t get how this place is still open. With the exception of the older guy that runs the register during the night shift the staff is terrible. Kitchen staff never wears gloves. Touches food and then touches their phones. No one’s hair is pulled back like it’s supposed to be. They never greet anyone and they don’t even put the food out when it’s done. I went in last night with my husband and we made eye contact with one of the girls in the back a few times. Finally she asked really rude and almost yelling if we had an order and what the name was then looked at us stupid when we told her the name 4 different times. Then she got mad at my husband for saying it’s stupid to have the boxes out front where it says PICK UP ORDERS if you’re just going to make people wait longer and then act stupid when you see we have been waiting. She even said “Haha it’s been ready you need to come to us”. Then why is there a “pickup” area??? Then to make it worse she went and told one of the guys in the back who then came out to look for us because she wanted to play victim. That’s the last time I drive there for a pregnancy craving. I’ll go to another location. You guys suck. Again, with the exception of the older guy that runs the register. Almost $80 worth of food and that’s how we get treated?? CRAZY.
KS
Kemper Strouse
Jan 21, 2026
1.0
Ordered a 60$ meal 1 soup choice and 4 sandwiches… they didn’t haven the soup I wanted and no sandwich bread apparently so basically ask for every single thing before you order because even the manager who took your order is not gonna tell you there out of stuff until after you swipe your card. Also proceeded to give me the wrong sandwiches when there on the receipt
Does Panera Bread in El Cajon accept reservations?
No, Panera Bread in El Cajon does not accept reservations.
What are the operating hours of Panera Bread El Cajon?
Panera Bread El Cajon is open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and on Sunday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Can I order food online for delivery or rapid pick-up from this Panera Bread?
Yes, you can order online for delivery or rapid pick-up from Panera Bread El Cajon via their website or app.
What meals are served at Panera Bread El Cajon?
Panera Bread El Cajon serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Does Panera Bread El Cajon offer catering services?
Yes, Panera Bread El Cajon provides catering services.
What payment methods are accepted at Panera Bread El Cajon?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa payments.
Is there a drive-thru available at Panera Bread El Cajon?
Yes, Panera Bread El Cajon features a drive-thru service.
What are some nearby places of interest around Panera Bread El Cajon?
Nearby places include Spirit Halloween Store, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Navy Federal Credit Union, KFC, and Chase Bank among others.
How can nearby Spirit Halloween Store enhance my visit to Panera Bread?
You can enjoy a meal at Panera Bread before or after shopping for costumes and accessories at the nearby Spirit Halloween Store, making your visit convenient and fun.
What facilities near Panera Bread El Cajon can be useful for banking needs?
Nearby, you can find Navy Federal Credit Union, Chase Bank, Chase ATM, and Banner Bank for various banking and ATM services.
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