Panera Bread

Panera Bread opened on August 31, 2012, filling half of the location previously home to Blockbuster.

Panera Bread features a vast menu of various items ranging from sandwiches to salads. They also have a wide variety of bakery items.

You order at the counter and you are given a number to display at your table or a paging device. Your food is delivered to your table, or is given to you when you present the lit and buzzing device.

This Panera location features free 802.11g WiFi. This is much slower than modern 802.11 WiFi, and is unencrypted.

2012-08-30 14:27:43   I heard they may give a free crouton to the first three people that walk in the door on their opening day. —SteveDavison

2012-09-02 16:33:36   I had their signature turkey artichoke panini. It cost $9.00 and came with a bag of chips. It was just ok. I can go to togo's. who has very fresh tasty bread and get a half sandwich and salad, or $6.75, and it's a meat salad. Not so impressed with Panera that it's going to divert me from other places where i can actually PARK. —DavisLurker

• Or, one could go across the street to non-chain Zia's Delicatessen and get a yummy Roma sandwich (turkey, provolone, artichoke) for less money... (about $6 iirc). —CovertProfessor

2012-09-03 15:02:31   I stopped in and tried one of their sandwiches. The food was good, although very expensive for what you get, and as others have mentioned, Zia's is a great alternative. It is comfortable though, has a nice atmosphere, and slow, free WiFi. —IDoNotExist

2012-09-10 14:17:31   It has over priced processed food. Their soups come from a can. The sandwiches are all bread. Zia's is cheaper and way better! —ashleyinthemist

2012-09-10 15:25:01   I guess it's nice that a business is finally filling in the old Blockbuster spot, but it's not exactly a stellar addition to the Davis scene, especially when, as others mentioned, Zia's is so close and generally superior. —ScottMeehleib

2012-09-17 11:16:49   I for one am happy that a Panera was added to Davis. It is one of my favorite places to go for lunch, so I appreciate having it nearby. I don't go for sandwiches so I'm not sure about their quality, but I do very much enjoy their mac and cheese dish. It is to die for, great taste and portion sizes. The new chicken stew is also very good, especially in a breadbowl. Any of their soup is great in a breadbowl really. The service was pretty quick for such a busy time (there was a line almost out the door), and I enjoy the outdoor seating that's available. I definitely see myself coming here for lunch from time to time. —IndigoShell

2012-09-17 15:51:34   I for two am pleased with the addition of Panera to our City. While I totally enjoy Zia's and will continue to go there, I also enjoy variety and Panera's sandwiches and salads have always been pleasing. I have utlized the free wifi while I was there, and while a bit slow, was completely serviceable. Davis has grown a lot in the 22 years I have lived here and while small businesses are fully appreciated and give our City character, having something well known and comfortable is positive as well. I'm happy the space was revitalized so well and I'm hoping Panera can provide jobs and tax revenue to the city for years to come. —loneshark

2012-10-07 18:45:52   Disappointed in Panera. Food quality was very mediocre, and it was very expensive for the food portion and quality. $9 for a sandwich and chips — I can go to Subway and get a better-tasting sandwich and chips for 1/2 that price. :(

—TillSey

2012-10-12 08:16:48   Sandwiches are tasty, but rather pricey. Between that and being across the street from Zia's, most people (esp. Davis people) are going to support the non-chain restaurant. —DavidBarnum

2012-10-22 11:17:00   Nice atmosphere, way too crowded all the time. Got the creamy tomato soup, as good as I remembered. Workers are all really professional and friendly. internet is a bit slow, but okay for doing work as opposed to browsing. Overall nice place to study, though I wonder if that'll be inconvenient for Davisites just looking to get some food? —HannahToru

2012-11-28 08:59:35   Loved Panera when I went for the first time when I lived in SoCal a couple years ago. Every time I come now, specifically to the Davis location, the food and service seems to get more corporate and fast-foody. Very pricey as well. I'll be taking my business to a nice sit down small business in Davis for the same price from now on. —Christinah

2012-12-04 10:51:55   Seems like most commentors here prefer to support local businesses over a chain like Panera Bread. Which is fine, but just because it's a chain brand doesn't mean they won't provide you with an enjoyable lunch. The workers here act professional but they're certainly not corporate drones- they are as human and friendly as the best of Davis natives (pretty sure most of them are working students). I eat here less than once a week, but at least two cashiers have memorized my name and would greet me warmly when I come.

They probably are a bit pricey, but so far my visits have been very pleasant, and I haven't felt like I'd rather have gone to a different place for lunch. —RedPyramid

2012-12-11 14:01:59   I'd never been to a Panera Bread before this one, and I must say I'm not very impressed. Though I love what they've done with the interior since Blockbuster was there, the food left much to be desired. I had the "Signature" (read: more expensive) grilled cheese sandwich sans bacon and a cup of the tomato soup. The sandwich was disappointing because it was grilled two different ways: on one side of the sandwich, it seemed to have been buttered and grilled on a flat-top, but the other side seemed to have been put down on a traditional grate grill. Maybe this is how they do things, but to me it seemed sloppy and unorganized. The soup at least was tasty, if a bit on the salty side. Bottom line, the food seems somewhat overpriced for the money. If it were tastier and more in line with the prices I can get at other places in town, I would eat here. For me, it's not about the chain-status of it but rather the quality of the product. —Michi

2013-02-13 16:31:31   I had lunch here this past Sunday. Very good food, decently priced (a little high compared to some Davis lunch specials, reasonable by any other measures), and friendly service.

They REALLY need to do something about studying students taking up 75% of the tables, though. There were numerous 4-seat tables (I was with a party of four) with a single student, laptop out, studying or Interwebsing away, taking up the whole table. The only free tables inside were 2-seaters (not near each other), so we were forced to move outside. Not the end of the world, but we were pretty cold by the time we were done eating. And the same tables were still occupied by the same students - most of whom weren't even eating or drinking anything.

Even though I liked the food a lot, I kinda doubt I'll be coming back unless they fix the seating situation. —TomGarberson

2013-03-18 13:32:03   I agree that they need to do something about the studying students. I have been there for lunch and dinner and it is difficult to find a place to sit. Many of the tables are taken by one student that looks like they have only purchased a drink. If they could create a section for diners only maybe that would solve some of the problem. —LokiAbbi

2015-03-11 15:18:17   TERRIBLE. I just came from there. I ordered 2 soup and salads and one bowl of soup. They charged me $25 and did not give me the salads. This is the 3rd time they have messed up my order now. The food is not made from fresh ingredients and doesn't taste good... not sure what i was thinking but i finally got the message. I will NEVER come back. I hope this place goes out of business soon although its unlikely considering the obliviousness of most people - myself included. —biggity_blake