2nd time my rapid pickup order was stolen/taken by random loser. No apologies by staff member.

This Panera is located in the beautifully renovated and reimagined center on the corner of Rockfield and Lake Forest right off the 5/405 fwy. The kid loves the broccoli and cheddar soup in a bread bowl from Panera, so we had the perfect excuse to swing in for a quick bite. This place is practically brand new so of course everything was shinny and clean. Also there's a drive through! I didn't try it out, others said the wait was long, but I think the drive through generally isn't faster than going inside, it's just more "convenient" when you don't want to change out of your pajamas. The area for ordering is bright and open, there wasn't a line when we arrived so no waiting for us. The kid got his soup, which he inhaled, a great deal for $5.99 comes with a small side, the kid ordered a baguette I just got coffee but when we checked out the cashier asked if I had a panera's rewards and I remembered I got a free pastry for signing up on line! Score free chocolate croissant for the kid! Ok I ate half, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds and heaven! The service was fantastic! The food came out really quickly. Also, if your order isn't right you just have to tell them and they'll fix it for you ASAP. So I gave them 5 stars when comparing them to like restaurants or other Panera places, not high end places. I'm super happy that they're in the neighborhood! read more

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Love the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad dressing. Service is excellent, and pre order is easy. They have a hard time with tossing the salad AND adding extra salad dressing. Just for it and be specific and they are very accommodating. Totally recommend for anyone who is a picky eater like I am read more

I go to this location cu service the best specially the manager is the best an friendly I give the 10 star I will recommend all my friends and family to go to this location love the food read more

There soufflés are off the chart! They are so fresh, flaky, so much creamy decadent flavors. Hands down one of the best spinach artichoke soufflés ever! Don't think twice. And they run out quick because they are so hot and delicious! So incredible! I can't say enough. And the drive through lady was super sweet as well. read more

Awesome service! This is my go to location when I am traveling. They take care of my large office orders as well provide excellent service and fresh food when I drive through for a quick lunch. read more

Since our company returned to the office, we have been placing Catering orders filled by this location - breakfast pastries once and multiple boxed lunches for lunch. They rock. Online ordering is fairly easy. Deliveries have been on time, they filled a rush order and the only time they ran behind, they called to let me know. Excellent service. read more

Every single day I go there, their coffee machine is down. There is not even a sign to say. So pissed after a month keep going there and not getting any coffee. I was their daily customer but today was my last day!!! read more

I ordered for delivery and did not get my chips for the 2 sandwiches I ordered. Called the place up to let them know what happened. Guy said he'll send the driver back..took an hour but I got my 2 potato chips plus one extra chips AND a cookie! read more

I made a "rapid pickup" order online and for whatever reason it said it was going to take AN HOUR to be ready. Thinking there's no way that's true I headed over to pick up my food. Drive through was moderately busy, but not crazy and there were maybe 5 groups of people sitting at tables outside. My food order hadn't even been sent to the restaurant yet! The manager informed me they don't get the orders until 7 minutes before the scheduled time. There was literally nothing going on and the restaurant wasn't even busy. I would have got my food faster sitting in the drive through or ordering at the register. Nothing "rapid" about that read more

So I rely on Panera for my daily caffeine rush. The multiple locations and ability to order online makes it convenient to pickup up my order from any location. Amidst covid, it's also safer. Traveling led me to this location. It's located right as you enter the shopping center, so super convenient. The drink stations are all self service, including the iced coffee. They also have a drive thru, if that's your choice. Overall, quick and efficient location. In and out! read more

I ordered a steak and cheese sandwich. It looks ABSOLUTELY NOTHING like it does on the menu. Two skinny, sad pieces of meat on slimey bread. Will not go read more

Panera Bread - Steak and white cheddar sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

The food was good and have been many times in the past. What was interesting about this visit was the manager, berating an employee in the middle of the dining room. Not sure if this is how the store managment always gives employees feedback but, it seemed very inappropriate and was uncomfortable to watch and hear. The employee was actually very helpful and polite when he served us ; it was the manager who seems to need addditional training. I feel bad for the employees and certainly won't be back. read more

This review is receiving 1 star for the lack of managerial logic this location has. I feel bad to write this review but I'm doing this for the cashier worker. I was shocked at the managers actions that worked 08/13/21 at 8 am. The cashier was superb has a very amazing personality and the manager blankly told her that she talked too much and was making too many jokes. Um sir? She is the reason customers are coming back so many people greeted her excitedly and your telling her she's not doing an amazing job? She's Superb!!! Better than you honestly! And then I overheard him telling her that she wasn't talking enough when she stopped talking. (I was sitting by the register and kitchen and heard the first comment so was listening for more because I felt it was disrespectful). I just don't understand his logic, he should be talked to about customer service because he is misled and confused. He could learn a thing or two from the cashier. QUIT THAT JOB CASHIER IF YOU SEE THIS!! YOU DESERVE BETTER!! read more

Bad business. Menu is misleading (not clear) Parking during lunch specially SUCKS The service is slow. Food is pre-made. (No customization) has of the pickles-not here Just okay overall staff very robotic/corporate read more

Went here this morning because I needed to grocery shop but was hungry first. Please be aware that no one inside who was handling food and money was wearing gloves or masks. The girl who was at the drive thru touched her face, scratched her nose, and then touched my food. Normally I probably wouldn't think twice but right now that's not acceptable to me. When I came a few weeks ago everyone had protective measures, this time the 3 people I saw working had none. Hard pass for me, feels like they just don't care. read more

I went through drive through yesterday and ordered the Sierra turkey. Within hours i suddenly felt ill. Got home and got sick 15+ times. Back in May 2019, the same thing happened to me from eating Panera at this location. Pretty sad for them since I go there often. Feeling thiis way is awful. I just can't trust eating their food any longer. read more

I went through the drive-thru this morning on my way to work and I got to work and realized I got the wrong sandwich. I ordered several different things but that was the only thing wrong. Normally I would've just picked off what I didn't want and ate the sandwich I got but there was bacon on it and that's a no go for me! I called over to the store to let them know about the mistake. Damion the manager was so incredibly sweet. Not only did he refund my entire order he then had Nick walk the correct order over to me (I work in the same complex) on top of that he sent over a little bag of cookies. Customer service like this is very far and few between so I just needed to let him know what an amazing job. They were both so sweet and I'm glad I'm giving my money to a company like this!!! read more

This establishment lacks integrity. On July 4th we went thru the drive-thru to get two free bagels as we had previously been vaccinated with the Covid vaccine. The attendant said they were not giving out any bagel despite the fact they had lots in stock. No real reason given other that they were not giving out free bagels, yet the day before our daughter had no problem getting her free bagel. I do not patronize businesses that lack integrity. The Panera website clearly states a free bagel for a three day period for those who have been vaccinated. I would give this place a 1-star but then Yelp would hide it where it would not be easily noticed. So I'll give it 1-star here. I only patronize honest businesses, not flakey ones, you should too. read more

Not worth the money! For the food nor service. Went to Panera with my kids tonight. The guy never said hello (no greeting), stood at the register and stared off. Then the manager came to another register to help us, and the same, he just stood there with a blank face staring at us as if we were interrupting something. I even tried to prompt a smile from him with myself smiling. (Ugh) After my son ordered he asked "ok, is that it?", my daughter & I didn't even get a chance to order. I then ordered for my daughter, but I was so put off by his attitude that I didn't order for myself. Customer service -even just a basic hello & smile- is so important. You need to show the customers you appreciate them choosing you over anyone else. Well, I won't go there anymore. There's so many other places that would HAPPILY take my money. read more

Panera Bread - $17. for my 2 kids. Overpriced & bad customer service. No greeting or appreciation. Didn't order for myself cause I was put off. - Sandwiches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

My family and I went here for the first time since the pandemic and had a great experience. Crystal helped walk us through the menu and we were very satisfied with our lunch (chicken salad sandwich and cream of broccoli soup!). What made our experience so great was Crystals kindness! That goes a long way these days and we will for sure be back because of it :) read more

Great service, clean and comfortable, and consistent quality. Pick two option is great. Bread is soft and fresh. Ten vegetable and Almond Chicken Salad combo was great. read more

Great, personable service from Crystal this morning. Her sunny attitude was just what I needed today along with a nice cup of coffee and Asiago bagel. read more

They have a great location! And a drive through!!! I stopped in for a larger order of pastries and they had the bakery fully stocked making it simple for me! The guy helping me as friendly and attentive; it was clean and fresh inside. I would definitely come back here again when in the area! You can access them easily off the highway and they have tons of parking and way less of a wait than the Starbucks across the street! read more

I wish I had read more recent reviews of the unsanitary conditions inside this Panera, since I always use the drive-thru. I got SICK for 3 hours straight yesterday after having the Asian Sesame Salad. Mind you, I was fine before eating it and no one else I've come in contact with the past few days was sick. Never going here again. read more

I've got to stop coming here. Order is often wrong in some way, especially during breakfast hours. Today both items I ordered were wrong. Ask for a bagel toasted, and you're lucky if it's barely warmed. Again - this isn't something that's happened once. It's consistently bad. They used to at least have friendly employees, but the new employees don't even try to be friendly. The only reason they are getting two stars is because they've never been outright rude. But seriously, I kick myself every time I spend money here. It's just not worth it. read more

Ordered a flatbread sandwich and raspberry salad. Both were a congealed mess. Salad swimming in juice...

I love the pick 2, it's a little expensive for soup and salad. The butternut squash soup, green goddess salad and the Napa almond chicken sandwich are all delicious. My husband loves the Broccoli and cheddar cheese soup. read more

Arrived at 8:30pm and there was no one at the register. The lady in front of us had to go to the back and ask for someone up front. The cashier was friendly and answered my questions, though. It was also freezing cold inside. The strawberry poppy seed salad is refreshing and has different fruits in it, as well as chicken. I did the "pick two" and also ordered the chicken salad sandwich. It was yummy and not to mayo"ey" which I like. But the bread was soggy. Plenty of parking and seating. The soda fountain is tucked away and there's a bunch of space before the seating. The food does come out quickly! read more

This is the dirtiest Panera I've ever been to. All the tables were full of empty dishes, trash all over the floor and the bathroom hadn't been cleaned in days. Not something you expect when you pay $40 for lunch! Can't imagine what the kitchen looks like. Skip this location! read more

Just came through the drive thru and I ordered a bacon, cheese, scrambled egg on a asiago bagel and I got a bagel with a fried egg. I foolishly said I didn't need a receipt so now I can't go back and get it fixed. Check your food before driving off! read more

Panera Bread - Sandwiches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Im really sorry to write negative review because I like their food in general. I went there today around 8 pm and ordered Mediterranean grain bowl. Before I left I checked order super quick in my car - everything looked fine. When I opened the bowl at home and start mixing ingredients I found out there is a chicken at the bottom. I'm vegetarian so I can't really eat it. Its too late to go back because they are closed now. And I'm extremely hungry. Money thrown down the drain. I'm very disappointed. read more

What an awesome place to spend your Friday lunch break!! This was my second visit to Panera Bread....my first visit was about 3 years ago and I don't remember too much about the visit, but I just remembered it was good. This location is about a mile from my work and every time I drive by it, I think I should give them a try again. I finally remembered them today, and stopped on in at about 12:45pm....they were sure busy (darn lunch rush), but they were prompt!! I had heard how awesome their Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl is....so I decided to give it a try. I'm normally not a broccoli person, but this soup was SO good!! Delish. I'm sitting here drooling just thinking of the soup. The fact that it came in a bread bowl was even more amazing!! Loved, loved, loved it! With your order, you can also get a fries, chips or an apple. I picked an apple because I'm trying to go more healthy here. Apple was tiny, but it was still tasty as well. Restaurant itself was very clean and the staff was friendly. The only downside I did happen to notice is the fact that at around 1pm they got a major lunch rush and the line was out the door to order. They seemed to have enough staff to handle the rush, but if you're in a hurry at lunch due to work, it may not be the best option for grub during the week. Panera Bread is a must try!! Can't wait to go back and try more testiness!!! read more

This location needs serious attitude adjustment. And customer service training. Poorly trained staff. Always always always always out of soufflé They basically lecture you about their terrible challengers and rough business model if you complain. read more

This location is meh. I'm a regular of Panera themselves(no specific location). My job is between 3 separate locations that I've never been too. Well before ordering I looked through each locations reviews to see what they were like and this Lake Forrest Panera was the best out of 3. I ordered through rapid pick up for 11:30 to try and avoid the lunch rush on a Friday. I arrived around 1120 and my order was in the works. There was two ladies at the food counter. One of the ladies at the rapid checkout counter was super friendly and quick to make sure each order was packed correctly and placed on time. She gave me my order within 5 minutes and so sweet to mention everything I ordered. Well I went to get my drink and the counter there was disgusting. Coffee spilt, trash everywhere, and sticky counters. I didn't want to put my to-go bag on the counter to get my drink so I struggled to hold it. Now normally if they were busy I could understand and wouldn't even complain. But I arrived way prior to the lunch rush and seeing how there was two women working in the same area... why not make rounds cleaning and prepping for lunch? Another note on their drinks stand is the lack of their teas. At every other Panera I've EVER been to, they have their green teas in containers. Multiple flavors. But the only one available was unsweetend iced tea. This place has its perk of a drive thru.. but other than that nothing special and I'd probably want to take my chances at another location. read more

I love Panera bread but this location is BIG NO. I order two Frontega chicken Panini and they gave me two Panini with cheese and spread on regular slice bread than focaccia bread and only one chips. I called store and employee Marcus transfer me to manger. For few minutes manager kept telling me my phone line is breaking up (don't want to hear complaint). Finally he could hear me. He checked receipt number and told me I order without chicken. Someone wants to order chicken Panini without chicken, pretty funny. He was willing to refund me for one Panini even tough in receipt clearly stated both Panini without meet. Manger told me they don't make mistake and mess up order. Not to forget to mention you have to wait in line to pick up your order longer than walk ins. read more

Panera Bread - Please check horrible Fronetega Chicken Panini without chicken photo from Panera Lake Forest, who never make mistake while makin - Sandwiches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Awful experience. A bakery is out of bread and pastries ?? That just about says it all... except for the lousy service and the fact that they can't get the order right. I love Panera but this location is absolutely the worst. If I wanted bad service and lousy food I would go to jack in the box. Sadly they just don't care. read more

One word: inconsistent. I love the concept of ordering online and not having to deal with a single person when I go to pick up my order. Get in, get out, done. My reason for the three stars is based on inconsistency alone. 7/10 times, they get the order wrong by not following whatever "customizations" you've made. 4/10 times your order will not be on the rapid pick up shelf when you get there because they get side tracked with a catering order. While the concept of the "rapid pick up" order is fantastic, the execution is lacking in some areas. ...of course, I'll still go there about three times a week. It's around the corner from my office and I like their salads. read more

I've found myself frequenting the Panera Bread franchise all over south Orange County (in particular Orange, Irvine, and Lake Forest) but I felt compelled to go ahead and Yelp on my favorite location :) There is something about Panera that I just can't put my finger on that I ultimately blame for preferring it over Corner Bakery. Their sandwiches and soups are incredibly hearty, and are perfectly tasty -- an important and seemingly obvious quality that exudes more for me since I'm used to such bold, quenching tastes from my family's own home cooking. I especially appreciate the high quality of Panera's numerous soups, particularly the French Onion and Broccoli Cheddar. They unabashedly display a tantalizing array of baked goods also -- if you're a morning person, you MUST try one of their delicious breakfast quiches. To DIE for. The Lake Forest location I have found to have an especially more patient and kind-hearted staff, for some reason. Whenever I go to the Panera at the Mall of Orange, I feel that I am imposing on especially the counter employees. Then whenever I go to the Irvine location, I feel that the staff members want nothing more than for me to leave after I finish eating. The Lake Forest Panera seems perfectly structured for lounging and hanging out, surfing the net on free wi-fi while refilling your tea about 5-6 times before finally leaving. The atmosphere is just so embracing and warm. The only downsides to Panera would be (a) their beverages are slightly on the overpriced end, and (b) on occasion their Signature Paninis (which are all VERY delicious, btw) can be over-toasted or unevenly cooked, which leads to one piece of bread being hard and/or the other piece being somewhat steam-drippy. However, overall I enjoy their menu offerings much more than Corner Bakery's -- although I do admit that Corner Bakery's salads can definitely give Panera's a run for the money. read more

Frustrating but oh so yummy! So let me say that I have discovered that free WiFi in Lake Forest sucks! Also so do coffee houses. All coffee houses out here are mega chains and the one that isn't just blows hard! So my internet took a big 'ol crap last night and I remembered seeing that Panera has free WiFi! WooHoo! I headed over there about 8:30 on a Monday night. The staff were all really nice and friendly. I don't think that is easy to do at the end of your night. I know I was cranky and hungry by this time and I hadn't been dealing with customers for hours on end. The food was amazing and everything was still fresh tasting (again at the end of the night!) But the best part of Panera is that they have the BEST coffee in all of Lake Forest. Their Breakfast blend is so good. They have all the sugar and sugar substitue options to choose from not to mention two different kinds of milk, Non-Dairy creamer, Half n' Half and soy milk. Seriously, this place rocks in the Java dept. Now the WiFi was very difficult to hook up to with several steps and it never did work right. Luckily when I got home with my fresh loaf of multi-grain bread my internet was fixed. So now I can yelp about you Panera. Thanks for the yummy eats now fix your damn WiFi! (But no matter what I will be back for the coffee.) read more