El Panini Bread and Grill — Restaurant in Phoenix

Disclaimer - this is obviously a sandwich spot, and I didn’t get a sandwich, so you may need to take this review with a grain of salt.

I ordered the bruschetta as my meal, and the menu quotes the toppings as: “olive oil, pesto, fresh basil, tomato slices, whole mozzarella, French baguette.” Came with those items, but an additional surprise of chopped canned black olives, feta cheese, and what I THINK was over cooked Parmesan slivers (which I’m trying to figure out how, since it is a cold menu item, and was cold as it should be...), and 3 rogue chunks of fresh jalapeño. I appreciate the exuberant approach to bruschetta, but I was looking for what was on the menu...not the interpretation of what should be on the menu. Bread seemed like the day old bread they likely sell across the street at Safeway. Hard pass in the future...

Wife ordered loaded nachos...which she seemed to be ok with, but when I stole a bite I realized that the chips that they use are the exact ones they use at high school football games - bright yellow tortilla rounds that are hard and always taste stale - no matter how fresh they truly are. Hard pass in the future on this as well...

Kids got chicken nuggets...they seemed fine...they were frozen Tyson style nuggets, but that’s the kind of stuff they love, so who am I to judge?

We were one of 3 customers, staff was hanging out calmly, despite bathroom and main trash cans overflowing and some other small messes in common areas. Lemon slices at the drink station were floating in melted ice water from who knows how long ago. Strobe light effect in the men’s bathroom for all your rave and party needs. Main reason I threw a second star is that despite the train wreck of everything else, it is true as other reviews state that the staff is friendly and accommodating.

I’ll be avoiding this opportunity in the...

My first time stopping in for sandwiches will bring me back again!!! I was on my way to another local spot, but they were closed for the holiday weekend. I've driven by Panini several times, but never ate there.

I didn't know they were only open until 3pm on Saturday, and I walked up to the door and noticed the time. I checked my phone and it was 2:58. I threw my hands up in an exasperated way, not knowing anyone was inside. The owner saw me and had another customer tell me to come on in. The owner wasn't about to let me leave looking that rejected.

I was thrilled walking up to the counter and let him know that he made my day because our ac died yesterday and I needed to feed people. We were changing it out ourselves.

The other customer who drove all the way from Tempe recommended that I try the Chipotle Chicken sandwich. I ordered that, along with a Buffalo chicken sandwich and an avocado chicken sandwich. I also ordered their homemade chips, and they didn't disappoint.

I'm definitely going back for a taste of the rest of the menu, this was absolutely delicious and the friendliness was very much appreciated!!!!

Thank you so much, New...

So, maybe this company has changed hands, management, or operations control, but I'm telling you right now, the change if there was one, has turned this place into a must-go for EVERYONE. They recently added wings and burgers to their menu; and I've travelled across the country tasting many, many burgers and THIS is the best made and creative hamburger menu in the country. It also tastes CRAZY good. I've been to tiny irrelevant towns for their best burgers and major metropolitan hubs (thumbs down on Gordon Ramsay and Bobby Flay burgers), and there is no competition out there with Panini. I'm a serious foodie but by no means the guys that knows everything about what people like about hamburgers. I will say, If you don't go and try it, you've missed the opportunity to have one of the best burgers anywhere. By the way, the rest of the menu is outstanding as well. I hope Panini is able to maintain the quality, consistency, and process that make their food what it is. It is delicious. Shame on someone who says Panini accidentally put jalapeños on the burger and gives them 1 star. 5...