Panera Bread

Reviews

• RD

  Roberto Delgado

  5 days ago
  4.0
  I stopped by Panera Bread in Ithaca (located at 748 South Meadow Street, right near the bustling downtown area) for a quick to-go lunch on a chilly February afternoon. As a local Cornell student always on the run between classes, I appreciate their efficient drive-thru and online ordering system via the app—super handy for avoiding lines. I opted for the Rustic Potato Soup and a salad with grilled chicken and banana peppers, both customized for takeout. The Rustic Potato Soup arrived piping hot in a sturdy container, sealed to prevent spills during my short drive back to campus. It had that comforting, hearty texture with chunks of tender potatoes, smoky bacon bits, and a creamy base infused with subtle herbs—definitely rustic in the best way, evoking homemade vibes without being overly heavy. Portion size was generous for the price (around $6), and it paired perfectly with the complimentary baguette slice they tossed in. No sogginess issues, even after 10 minutes in the car. The salad was fresh and vibrant, loaded with crisp romaine, grilled chicken, banana peppers, feta crumbles, kalamata olives, and red onions, all tossed in a tangy dressing. The banana peppers added a mild, tangy kick that balanced the savory chicken nicely, making it a satisfying meal under $10. Veggies were crunchy, not wilted, and the to-go packaging kept everything separate to avoid dressing overload. Overall, service was friendly and fast—my order was ready in under 5 minutes despite a moderate crowd. Panera's consistency shines here; it's not gourmet, but reliable for healthy-ish fast casual eats. Minor nitpick: wish they had more eco-friendly packaging options. Would recommend for anyone needing a quick, warm bite in Ithaca's unpredictable weather. 4/5 stars—I'll be back for soup season!
• AH

  Anita Hanford

  Feb 8, 2026
  3.0
  The price I was charged was almost double what it showed on the menu. $13+ for soup and 1/2 a sandwich is pretty steep. The food was good, however. It took a long time to get my food ready.
• CM

  Colin McKay

  Jan 19, 2026
  1.0
  I eat here often and quite enjoy the food, but I've decided to start leaving a 1-star review every time there is any chicken in my salad. I'm a vegetarian and regularly order a salad without chicken. If there's chicken, I can't eat the food, and have essentially wasted some or all of the $10 paid for the salad. This has happened multiple times now. Hope this improves.
• EC

  Emily Courson

  Jan 12, 2026
  1.0
  Waited at register about 10 min without any acknowledgment by staff. No ability to place order in person ended up moving to kiosk ordering. 2/3 of the dining room was closed and was unable to sit where I wanted. When I attempted, the staff acknowledged me for the first time to scold me for trying to sit told that area is closed. Very negative experience. When I asked to sit there anywhere was told dont you know what closed means. Will not be returning.
• ME

  Mike Edwards

  Dec 16, 2025
  5.0
  Manager and staff are spot on in this restaurant. Manager was on the floor and really on the go preparing delivery meals and taking meals to the customers at the tables. They where a well run machine!!

Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Bread