Panera Bread — Restaurant in Piscataway Township

The Panera Bread located at 1333 Centennial Ave in Piscataway, NJ, has garnered a mix of reviews, reflecting both positive experiences and areas for improvement. The location is very convenient and close to high way 287

My Feedback

Positive Aspects: • Efficient Service: Many times we found it quick and friendly service. One time we ordered soup, order was taken promptly and accurately, with food served within 3 to 5 minutes.  • Quality Food: we always have praised the taste and freshness of the food, highlighting items like the flatbread with chicken and macchiato. • Clean Environment: The café is always seemed as clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

Areas for Improvement: • Inconsistent Food Quality: Some times we seen issues with food quality, such as missing one item out of pick up order.  • Customer Service Concerns: A few times we see many types of Bagels (Asiago cheese) are out of stock during breakfast hours reviews and worth to mention slow service during lunch hours and occasional issues with order accuracy. 

Location & Hours • Address: 1333 Centennial Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854 • Hours: • Monday–Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM • Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

Overall Rating

The café holds a very positive with room for improvement. 

Menu Highlights

Recent menu additions include the Asiago Bagel Stack sandwiches, featuring options like Chicken Roma, Spicy Steak, and Zesty Tuscan. These sandwiches are crafted around Panera’s popular Asiago bagel and are part of a broader menu revamp focusing on enhanced portions and updated items to meet changing customer tastes. 

If you’re in the area and seeking a quick meal in a clean environment, this Panera Bread location offers a solid option. However, it’s advisable to manage expectations regarding consistency in food quality...

My most recent visit to this Panera Bread location was deeply disappointing and has ensured I will not be returning. The overall cleanliness of the establishment was severely lacking, creating an environment that felt anything but welcoming. The most glaring issue was the state of the restroom, which was unclean and poorly maintained. Furthermore, I witnessed a practice with the coffee that was outright unhygienic; instead of properly cleaning the coffee pots, staff were simply pouring water into them to refill. This is a nasty shortcut that completely compromises the quality and safety of their beverages. I strongly advise anyone visiting to avoid the coffee entirely.

Beyond the clear sanitation issues, the unprofessional conduct of a specific manager, an Indian woman with notable red lipstick, created an uncomfortable and frankly discriminatory atmosphere. Her behavior was shocking, as she openly displayed favoritism towards customers of her own ethnicity. She would engage in lengthy, friendly conversations in a different language with them while providing curt, impersonal service to everyone else. This created a clear "in-group" and "out-group" dynamic that is completely unacceptable for a business that serves the public.

The combination of the filthy environment and the manager's blatant favoritism and unprofessionalism makes this Panera Bread a place to avoid. The experience felt disrespectful on multiple levels. My final advice is to seriously consider going elsewhere. If you must go, get your food and get out as quickly as possible. Do not linger, and under no circumstances should you order any coffee, as the practices behind the counter are not what you would expect from a reputable chain. This location has serious issues that management seems...

Been here about five times... Four out of the five orders that I placed.., there was something wrong with them. I ordered an asiago bagel she burned it and I purchased it already so I ended up with that.. I just didn't feel like making my day more extra then it should have been. ordered a chicken Baja Bowl and didn't get the chicken. ordered another sandwich that was supposed to come with chips and an apple didn't get that, that was a to go meal, so i could say anything to a point already left didn't want them to think i removed it to come back and ask for extra.. the atmosphere is okay kind of like a Starbucks you can go in there and eat and use the Wi-Fi. the coffee seems to be okay of course it's self-serve so you get to make it the way you want it. From my knowledge, what I found out later on was if they mess up your meal you're entitled to get I think it is a free dessert so I think they owe me about three desserts! but we're not counting now are we! considering that's the only Panera in the perimeter they should want to stand out more cuz some Panera's are hard to find not like Dunkin' Donuts they're everywhere. It would definitely not be my go-to if I want...