CafeSalad ShopSandwich RestaurantBreakfast RestaurantSoup RestaurantTake Out RestaurantCoffee ShopBakeryRestaurant Delivery ServiceCaterer
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 Lincoln is here with warmth and welcome. Panera Bread. Food as it should be.
Customers frequently reported long wait times, especially in the drive-thru, with some waiting over 40 minutes for their orders.
Food Quality
Several reviews mentioned issues with food quality, including incorrect orders, stale items, and poorly prepared dishes.
Staff Behavior
Mixed feedback on staff behavior, with some customers praising friendly service while others reported rudeness and lack of professionalism.
Cleanliness
The restaurant was noted for being clean and organized by some customers, but there were also complaints about unkempt staff and unsanitary practices.
Pricing Concerns
Many customers felt the food was overpriced for the quality and portion sizes received.
MA
Mohamad ali
Nov 1, 2025
1.0
They’re always out of bread bowls. They’re always out of chili so I don’t understand why we’re open from 7 to 8 if we’re always out of chili and bread, bowls and almost all the soups by 7:30 then the employees laugh when I tell them are you really out of all the soups? Clowns never goin back!
CS
Cece Serna
Oct 26, 2025
1.0
Went to get a quick bite before work, mind you I went with plenty of time but ended up locked in the drive thru for over forty minutes which made me late. And I did not even get what I ordered
BH
Benjamin Hoffmann
Oct 19, 2025
3.0
Expensive for what you get, so not an all the time place!
BM
Beverly Marcello
Oct 17, 2025
1.0
I went in and ordered half of chicken pesto dip sandwich and a small side (cup) of mac and cheese, but the person who took my order (Victor) rang those items separately instead of a YP2 combo without giving me the discount, therefore overcharging me by $2.40. While it's true that he asked me if I wanted a you pick two items combo, I told him I was new to Panera and didn't know what that meant, but he kept quiet and went ahead and rang my order separately without giving me the discount. I felt like he took advantage of my gullability and overcharged me $2.4 more without giving me the discount I was entitled to. And when I went back to the store he only gave me $1.30 instead of $2.40. I asked this gentleman what his name was and he said Victor and advised me he was the general manager.
I should also mention that this gentleman was sitting at a computer in the back of the store when I first got to the register, and after a few minutes passed I cleared my throat loudly for him to hear me and that drew his attention. He started playing with his hair as if arranging it into a ponytail, then put a hat on and eventually headed to the register to take my order, but when he got to the register, he didn't even greet me or say sorry for the wait. I couldn't help but think that he needed some grooming, especially for working in food service. His general appearance was unkept, with a beard that looked of uneven length featuring sticking out beard hairs and gaps in the beard. You'd think that a more upscale casual fast food place like Panera Bread would hold employees at stricter standards of grooming and hygiene, but apparently not, at least not at this store.
Victor then proceeded to handle my cash transaction and then headed to the kitchen area where he poored some soup in a cup and laid it on the counter without washing his hands. I was shocked that he didn't wash his hands after running his fingers through his hair and handling cash before proceeding to poor soup into a bowl. Also when he handed me the change, I caught a whiff of body odor coming from his direction which totally killed my appetite. Aren't food service employees supposed to shower?
After about 20 minutes of waiting for my order, a lady employee wearing glasses emerged from the kitchen in a rush, dropped an order on the counter without making eye contact or saying a word to me, then turned around and rushed back to the kitchen. I checked the order and indeed it was mine.
In those approx. 20 minutes as I was waiting for my order, I noticed that none of the employees working in the kitchen were wearing hats. There was a white/caucasian gentleman right behind the counter where the food is placed when it's ready, his hair was disheveled and messy and he also was not wearing a hat or hair net. His hair and general appearance looked like he had just rolled out of bed even though it was 5pm, and displayed an attitude that he did not want to be there. He was walking around fiddling with his hair while looking up at the screens and then going back to assembling orders and handling sandwiches.
When I got home I looked up what you pick two items combo meant and realized I was overcharged $2.40 by ringing my order separately instead of into a combo so I didn't get the benefit of the discount. I went back to the store and asked for a you pick two discount but instead of giving me $2.40, Victor only gave me $1.30. He did not even give me the receipt back. The only reason I have the receipt uploaded here is because I took a photo of it.
I felt shortchanged, mistreated, and ripped off and called customer service but they couldn't help me since this was a cash transaction so I had to return to the store.
After this terrible experience, I'm determined that Panera will never get my business.
ES
Evan Strom
Oct 6, 2025
2.0
Food is usually good but i generally do not understand what takes this place so long. “Rapid pickup” takes 30 minutes
What are the operating hours of Panera Bread in Lincoln?
Panera Bread in Lincoln is open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Is delivery available at Panera Bread Lincoln?
Yes, Panera Bread Lincoln offers delivery service daily during its operating hours.
What types of meals does Panera Bread serve?
Panera Bread serves breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner meals.
Can I order Panera Bread online or through an app?
Yes, you can order online through their website or use the Panera Bread app available on the Apple App Store for a convenient ordering experience.
Does Panera Bread offer drive-thru service?
Yes, this location has a drive-thru service available for your convenience.
What types of payment does Panera Bread accept?
Panera Bread accepts American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
What is the dress code at Panera Bread Lincoln?
The dress code at Panera Bread Lincoln is casual.
What nearby hotels can guests visit when coming to Panera Bread?
Guests visiting Panera Bread can stay or visit the nearby La Quinta Inn Lincoln or La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Lincoln, both convenient hotel options located close to the café.
Are there any nearby places for health-conscious customers near Panera Bread?
Yes, Superior Nutrition, a health food store and smoothie juice bar, is located nearby for customers interested in nutrition and healthy food options.
What nearby dining options are available around Panera Bread?
Nearby dining options include Chipotle Mexican Grill for fast casual Mexican food, Blessing Thai Restaurant for Asian cuisine, and Jimmy John's for fast food sandwiches.