Panera Bread050

Families stop in for a quick breakfast, moms' groups get together for a casual lunch where no one cares about a few kids making noise, and professionals occupy the corner booths typing away at the new neighborhood meeting place, Panera Bread.

The smell of freshly baked bread and bagels greet diners, and additional bakery items like muffins, chocolate pastries, cinnamon rolls, and souffles are popular breakfast items. Mornings are usually busy at most locations, but lines move quickly when multiple registers are open.

Stop in before noon or after 1:30pm if possible to bypass the lunch rush of local business professionals. Menu selections are extensive, from warm and cold Panini sandwiches to soups and salads (the Strawberry Poppyseed and Chicken is excellent). Try the Pick Two option for a nice variety of tastes.

Specialty drinks are also popular, including hot chocolate, cappuccino, Jones Soda (a favorite of teens), and blended ice and coffee beverages like the IC Caramel. A separate pick-up location for these drinks is usually away from the registers, and if there is a line, you may find a table and pick up food before the drink is ready.

There are a few children's menu items, including Peanut Butter and Jelly and Grilled Cheese. Milk and apple juice are also available.

Classical music plays overhead, though it's frequently drowned out when it gets busy - or when there are lots of kids in the restaurant - and most locations offer outdoor seating. Panera also caters; ask to speak to a manager to arrange a menu.

High chairs are available, and most locations have changing tables in the restroom. Free WiFi is available at most locations.

Panera has dozens of locations in the Central Florida area (including near most major malls), check the website for your nearest location.