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 Downers Grove is here with warmth and welcome. Panera Bread. Food as it should be.
While some customers enjoyed the food, many reported issues with portion sizes, food freshness, and incorrect orders.
Service Issues
Numerous reviews highlighted poor customer service, including unresponsive staff, rude behavior, and frequent order mistakes.
Cleanliness
Several customers noted that the restaurant was not clean, with dirty tables and unsanitary conditions reported.
Atmosphere
The ambiance received mixed reviews, with some enjoying the cozy environment while others found it unwelcoming and in need of upgrades.
Pricing Concerns
Many customers expressed dissatisfaction with high prices relative to portion sizes and food quality.
GG
Gaby Gonzalez
Jan 3, 2026
5.0
I love the food at this place, wow the chicken and rice soup is super delicious!
DS
Deepti Suri
Dec 22, 2025
1.0
Panera has lost it! It used to be a place where I felt good sitting down with friends, business associates or weekends breakfast with my family.
I visited this place again after 8 years and I found it to be a cold, unwelcomeing and beat up place badly in need for upgrade.
Portion sizes are small and prices have doubled. They do not care to serve vegan or vegetarian population as they have just one boring soup on the menu.
They mixed up my orders and now no one comes around to check on your table for anything, not even to clean in between patrons.
Gone are the well dressed people now there are people unshaven unkept guys trying to work or looking to find work. Fireplace that was such a charm wasn't working and carpet needed deep shampooing.
Manager might not be on duty as I didn't feel the presence. Toilets were dirty and latch was broken. It also needed a deep clean.
This location felt so beat up, staff so unapproachable that it felt the place has given up.
Corporate has pulled back on portions and increased the prices, staff has pulled back on their warmth and service.
MS
Maria Saylor
Nov 20, 2025
1.0
Just got home and I bought the sour dough bowl along with an aciago bagel both were dry and hard thru both in garbage. If wasn't already home would have taken back. Really disappointed cant believe they actually gave me that to me. Will be calling to let them know but just wanted to put it out there. If taking food to go make sure to check it before leaving
NQ
Nadia Qaddomi
Nov 7, 2025
5.0
Best broccoli soup ever 😋
EE
Erik
Nov 7, 2025
1.0
Ordered a lemonade with my food order , smelled highly like chemicals or something foul , made me very sick ! I tried to call to tell them something was wrong to stop other patrons from falling ill as well but they do not answer the phone ! Beware do not eat here as you may become sick & they do not care about the food & drinks they are serving up to unsuspecting customers