Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comfortable spot to study, Panera Bread is the place to go. Located in the Bay State Commons Plaza in Westborough (and many other locations around the country), Panera Bread is an exceptional, fast and casual restaurant known for its fresh meal options and aromatic bread. 

Panera has a plethora of food options, from salads to sandwiches and delectable baked pastries. Additionally, both the interior and exterior offer enjoyable seating options which make for the perfect spot to accommodate long study sessions. 

When arriving at Panera, you’ll notice the building is surrounded by a tranquil environment with a spacious parking lot and other restaurants. Outdoor seating is offered near the entrance, as well as umbrellas to keep the area shady, perfect for the hot and sunny summer months. When I went in the afternoon, the area restaurant wasn’t busy or crowded at all, however the dining area and service is usually fairly busy around lunch or dinner times. 

Stuck between the variety of food and drink options, I decided to go for the “you pick two” deal and ordered the newly released Croque Monsieur Croissant Toast and the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad along with the seasonal Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. The total cost was $24.47, which leans towards the expensive side for fast food, but is definitely worth it compared to other fast food chains for the quantity and quality. I ordered my meal through the convenient Panera app, and the food was ready about seven minutes later. 

The Croque Monsieur Croissant Toast was a delicious experience. The light and crispy croissant toast, along with the ham and cheese, made every bite rich and flavorsome. The Strawberry Poppyseed Salad was one of a kind, with every bite bursting with crunch and fruity flavors. The dish consisted of fresh romaine lettuce, chicken, pecans and a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, mandarin oranges and pineapple. However, a few pieces of the fruit seem to have started going bad, making the eating experience less enjoyable. The Frozen Strawberry Lemonade was also unbelievably smooth, unveiling its sweet and tart flavor with every sip. 

I was particularly pleased with the seating arrangement and coziness of the interior. The tables were scattered and diverse from each other, there were windows near the front and there was even a fireplace to create a calming ambience, making customers feel at home. In addition, there was fast, free WiFi and lamps installed in dimmer areas, making it the perfect place for productive study sessions. However, due to the lack of charging outlets, I would recommend fully charging your devices beforehand.

Panera Bread offers convenient, yet healthy food options as well as a tidy interior, a perfect addition for your day-to-day life. Whether you’re just seeking a quick snack or a mid-day meal, Panera is a great place for everyone.