Panera Bread — Restaurant in Bellingham

I'm not someone that usually leaves reviews, but I am quite surprised to see this place only has 3 stars. I work down the road from this panera so I go there occasionally for lunch (between 12-3pm) and some other days on my way home (between 4pm-6pm). It is the tastiest, healthiest, yet fairly fast food around all of sunset by far. My work days have legitimately become better now that I can occasionally treat myself to panera during/after a rough shift. And I work healthcare so you know I go here weekly 😂

I consider this panera bread quick for a company that isnt necessarily associated with fast food. The workers inside are always hustling, and yet are extremely considerate to me and eachother. The food always tastes fresh and made nicely. They serve a variety of food besides sandwiches including soups, salads, and pizzas! Plenty of baked treats and drinks to choose from. My coworkers occasionally bring in a dozen or two bagels and some cream cheese spreads (the hazel spread is unreal with how good it is) from panera which i also reccomend to brighten your coworkers day lol. Breakfast items are also healthy and decent.

So... of course it sometimes takes a moment to get your food. No shade but this isnt Mcdonalds! I'm a bit surprised to see poople complain about how long it takes and makes me think how Americans are a bit entitled when it comes to fast food service. Our Panera being a drive through is still an uncommon thing from what i've personally encountered, most are still walk in cafes. I can sympathize that things happen and someone may be waiting a while, but in my personal experiance i've only had to wait "a long time" only a few times. It can take maybe 5-10 minutues when theres a line (you can order ahead and go around to skip most of it, or walk in to get your order) but most of the time its fairly quick (5 mins), even during rush hours. There often isn't much of a line. The Taco Bell next door always has a much longer line and it definitely takes longer, from past personal experiance too lol.

Personally, I have never had my order wrong, even with me always asking for no tomato. Today the considerate cashier, Brooke, even let me know the bread I was ordering had sun dried tomatoes in it and wanted to ensure my indifference to tomatoes was not an allergy. I know my review might not change lives, but I want to give all the workers the praise they deserve for their hard work and...

Oh My Goodness, This Little Spot is a Treasure! (Panera Bread - You HAVE to Try It!)

I stumbled upon this place a few weeks ago, and honestly, I almost want to keep it a secret! Tucked away off of Sunset Drive, this little bakery and cafe is an absolute gem. I can't believe I've lived here for so long and never noticed it before!

From the moment you walk in, you're hit with the most incredible aroma of freshly baked bread. It's like a warm hug! And the atmosphere? So cozy and inviting. It feels like a real community spot, you know? Everyone seems to know each other, and the staff are just the friendliest people you could ever meet. They make you feel like you're part of their little family.

I've tried a few things on their menu now, and everything has been absolutely delicious. Their Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich on their amazing sourdough is out of this world!

The bread is so fresh and perfectly crusty, and the filling is just the right amount of creamy and flavorful. Their broccoli cheddar soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially on a chilly day. And don't even get me started on their pastries!

The chocolate croissants are flaky and buttery, the perfect treat with a cup of their coffee. What I really appreciate about this place is the quality of the ingredients. You can tell they use fresh, local ingredients, and everything tastes so much better because of it. It's not just your average quick bite; it's a real experience.

Honestly, I'm so glad I found this little spot. It's become my go-to place for a quick lunch, a relaxed coffee break, or even just to grab a loaf of their amazing bread to take home. It's a true hidden gem, and I highly, highly recommend you check it out before everyone else finds out about it! You won't be disappointed. It's a little slice of heaven right here in Bellingham. Go support this wonderful local business! You won't regret it!

If I ever got the honor to meet Panera I would love to congratulate them on the amazing bakery/Cafe they...

OUTSTANDING! I frequent Panera as a graduate college student. Neh, I live in Paneras. I also travel full time, so its safe to say I have been to a Panera in every state they are located and this location and today, was the best visit I have had (first time to this location). I was here 7/19 from about 10am-6pm (I know right). The place was clean and appears either newer or refurbished. I particularly liked the "vault" although it was VERY cold. I wish there was a Quiet sign or for laptop users only. That would have been cherry! I come to Paneras for the free refills, but I can easily order frequent tidbits to go with them too. The Orange score was the best I've had in a while. I LOVED the large orange pieces in the glaze, most of the time there is only one or two small pieces. Sadly, the Iced Coffee was not kept stocked and although the manager took my cup to the back and topped me off, the shift change kept giving me new cups (such a waste, why not restock?). Restocking, or properly stocking is an ongoing issue at EVERY Panera anymore. Most of the time they run out of items before lunch. This location was out of white meat chicken (offered to substitute dark meat) at 1030am, so I didn't order as much as usual. My new challenge for businesses, with the increasing costs, your service and provisions need to be kempt and something I can't do at home. When something I want is not available, I will not take a substitution, I simply will go without and not give you the business. I'm a tough critic, but weighing this visit against all other Panera visits, I'd give this location the highest rating and therefore full stars, despite the issues shared above. Good Job...