Panera Bread is a popular choice for those seeking fresh, healthy, and delicious meals. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely dinner, understanding their dinner hours and menu options is essential. This article will explain everything you need to know about Panera Bread dinner hours and menu, including when you can grab dinner, what’s on the menu, and some insider tips to make your visit even better. Let’s dive in and explore what you can expect from Panera Bread’s dinner offerings.
Panera Bread Dinner Hours
| Day of the Week | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Thursday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Friday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 4:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
When it comes to Panera Bread dinner hours, it’s important to know that these can vary depending on location. While some Panera Bread cafes may start serving dinner at 3 p.m., most locations typically transition to their dinner menu around 4 p.m. This is when you can expect to see a shift from the usual lunch offerings to more hearty, dinner-style options. The dinner menu at Panera Bread is designed to be filling and satisfying, offering a variety of soups, sandwiches, salads, and warm entrees. If you’re looking for a wholesome dinner after a busy day, this is the perfect time to stop by.
Additionally, the Panera Bread dinner hours are typically consistent throughout the week, but it’s always a good idea to double-check with your local store, especially if you’re planning to dine later in the evening. Most locations close around 9 p.m., but the specific time can vary depending on your location. Knowing the exact hours will help you avoid disappointment, ensuring you get to enjoy your meal without the rush.
What Time Does Panera Bread Serve Dinner?
Panera Bread starts serving its dinner menu typically between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., depending on the location. This is when the regular lunch menu transitions into more hearty and comforting dinner items. Although the specific time might vary, many locations aim to have the dinner menu ready to go by 4 p.m. to cater to those looking for a satisfying end to their day.
It’s also important to keep in mind that some locations might have slightly extended dinner hours, particularly in busier or more populated areas. Therefore, if you’re craving a bowl of warm soup, a fresh salad, or one of Panera’s signature sandwiches, the dinner menu will likely be available once the clock strikes 4. Make sure to check the Panera Bread dinner hours and menu of your specific location to ensure the menu offerings are available when you arrive.
Does Panera Bread Serve Dinner All Day?
While Panera Bread does offer a wide range of menu items throughout the day, their dinner menu isn’t served all day. The Panera Bread dinner hours and menu typically begin at around 4 p.m., but after the transition to dinner, lunch items are no longer available. This means that if you’re visiting during lunch hours (before 4 p.m.), you will only find the lighter menu options like sandwiches, salads, and soups that are more suited for midday meals.
However, it’s worth noting that many of the Panera Bread dinner hours and menu items are available all evening until the café closes, giving you ample time to enjoy your meal. Be sure to check your local Panera Bread’s exact hours to see when the dinner menu shifts, as they may slightly vary by location.
Best Time to Visit Panera Bread for Dinner
If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Panera Bread during dinner hours, it’s always best to plan ahead. The Panera Bread dinner hours and menu are busiest from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., especially in urban areas or locations near busy neighborhoods. To avoid long waits and large crowds, consider arriving earlier, right around 4:00 p.m. or a bit later, around 8:00 p.m. Most locations tend to quiet down after 7:30 p.m., offering a more peaceful dining experience for those who prefer a slower pace.
For the best experience, visiting after peak dinner hours also means the staff will be able to focus more on your meal, ensuring it arrives hot and fresh. Plus, Panera Bread often offers evening promotions and discounts, so you might find some great deals if you time it right.
Panera Bread Dinner Hours on Holidays
Like many restaurants, Panera Bread adjusts its dinner hours on holidays. Most locations will operate with reduced hours on holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving, and their Panera Bread dinner hours and menu may not be available at all times. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the Panera Bread website for holiday-specific hours.
For example, on major holidays, you may find that Panera closes earlier in the evening or only offers a limited menu, which may exclude some of the more popular dinner options. By checking ahead, you can make sure you’re not disappointed and can plan your visit accordingly.
Panera Bread Dinner Menu
Soups
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup | $6.99 (Cup), $8.99 (Bread Bowl) |
| Chicken Tortilla Soup | $6.99 (Cup), $8.99 (Bread Bowl) |
| Tomato Basil Soup | $6.99 (Cup), $8.99 (Bread Bowl) |
| Creamy Mushroom Soup | $6.99 (Cup), $8.99 (Bread Bowl) |
| Vegetable Soup | $6.99 (Cup), $8.99 (Bread Bowl) |
| Baked Potato Soup | $6.99 (Cup), $8.99 (Bread Bowl) |
Panera Bread offers a variety of delicious and hearty soups that are perfect for dinner. The Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a fan favorite, with its creamy texture and the savory combination of broccoli and sharp cheddar cheese, often served in a fresh, warm bread bowl.
For a little kick, the Chicken Tortilla Soup features tender pieces of chicken, vegetables, and crispy tortilla strips, with just the right amount of spice. The Tomato Basil Soup is another classic, offering a smooth, creamy base with the fresh flavor of tomatoes and a hint of basil—ideal for dipping with a sandwich. For a seasonal treat, try the Creamy Mushroom Soup, which combines earthy mushrooms in a smooth, velvety broth.
If you prefer a lighter option, the Vegetable Soup provides a fresh, light broth packed with colorful vegetables, while the Baked Potato Soup offers a rich, creamy base with chunks of tender potatoes, bacon, and cheese for a comforting meal, especially during colder months.
Sandwiches
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bacon Turkey Bravo | $9.99 |
| Chipotle Chicken, Egg Avocado Wrap | $8.49 |
| Mediterranean Veggie | $8.49 |
| Tuna Salad Sandwich | $7.99 |
| Classic Grilled Cheese | $6.99 |
| Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwich | $8.99 |
Sandwiches are served on freshly baked bread, making them a satisfying dinner option. The Bacon Turkey Bravo is a delicious choice, with a combination of tender turkey, crispy bacon, gouda cheese, and a tangy dressing on soft Tomato Basil Bread.
For a wrap option, try the Chipotle Chicken, Egg Avocado Wrap, which combines grilled chicken, eggs, avocado, and a smoky chipotle aioli wrapped in a tortilla for a filling and flavorful meal. The Mediterranean Veggie sandwich is ideal for vegetarians, featuring hummus, cucumbers, olives, and feta on Mediterranean-style bread. The Tuna Salad Sandwich is made with fresh tuna salad, mayo, and crisp veggies on whole-grain bread.
For a classic choice, the Classic Grilled Cheese is a comforting sandwich with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses between two slices of toasted sourdough. The Roast Beef & Cheddar Sandwich brings together thinly sliced roast beef, cheddar cheese, and horseradish sauce for a savory and satisfying meal.
Salads
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Cobb Salad | $10.99 |
| Asian Sesame Chicken Salad | $10.99 |
| BBQ Chicken Salad | $10.99 |
| Mediterranean Salad | $9.99 |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad | $11.49 |
| Caesar Salad | $8.99 |
Salads are fresh, healthy, and packed with flavor, making them an excellent dinner option. The Cobb Salad is a hearty choice, featuring chicken, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and hard-boiled eggs on a bed of mixed greens.
If you love a bit of crunch, the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad is for you, combining grilled chicken with mixed greens, a tangy sesame vinaigrette, and a crunchy topping. For a sweet and savory balance, try the BBQ Chicken Salad, with grilled chicken, sweet corn, black beans, avocado, and a smoky BBQ dressing.
The Mediterranean Salad offers a light and refreshing mix of cucumbers, olives, and feta with a lemon vinaigrette. The Green Goddess Cobb Salad offers a creamy, tangy dressing paired with a traditional Cobb mix for an extra touch of flavor. If you’re in the mood for a classic, the Caesar Salad combines crispy romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing.
Warm Bowls & Entrées
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese | $10.49 |
| Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap | $9.49 |
| Chicken, Bacon, Avocado Wrap | $9.49 |
| Pasta Primavera | $9.99 |
| Turkey & Avocado Toastie | $8.99 |
| Tuna Melt Toastie | $8.99 |
For a more filling dinner, Panera offers warm bowls and entrees. The Mac & Cheese is a comforting option, made with elbow macaroni and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The Crispy Chicken Caesar Wrap combines crispy chicken with romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
If you prefer a more indulgent wrap, the Chicken, Bacon, Avocado Wrap includes grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and avocado for a hearty and satisfying meal. The Pasta Primavera offers a light yet filling option, with pasta and seasonal vegetables tossed in a creamy sauce.
For a twist on traditional sandwiches, Panera’s Toasties (grilled paninis) offer options like the Turkey & Avocado Toastie or the Tuna Melt Toastie, served warm and pressed for a crispy, satisfying crunch.
Bread Bowls
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup Bread Bowl | $8.99 |
| Tomato Basil Soup Bread Bowl | $8.99 |
| Chicken Tortilla Soup Bread Bowl | $8.99 |
Bread bowls are iconic and make a perfect vessel for enjoying your favorite soups. Choose from a variety of soups like Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, or Chicken Tortilla Soup—all served in a freshly baked bread bowl that soaks up the delicious soup, adding an extra element of flavor.
These bread bowls are ideal for those looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that combines both a satisfying soup and a warm, edible bowl.
Kids’ Menu
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mac & Cheese Kids Meal | $5.99 |
| Grilled Cheese Kids Meal | $5.99 |
| Chicken Noodle Soup Kids Meal | $5.49 |
| Cheese Flatbread Kids Meal | $5.49 |
| Ham & Cheese Sandwich Kids Meal | $5.99 |
Panera Bread’s Kids’ Menu is designed to offer smaller portions of their most popular dishes, with options that are both delicious and kid-friendly. The Mac & Cheese Kids Meal features creamy, cheesy pasta that’s always a hit with little ones, while the Grilled Cheese Kids Meal provides a simple, comforting option.
For something lighter, the Chicken Noodle Soup Kids Meal offers a mild, tasty soup. The Cheese Flatbread Kids Meal is a great choice for picky eaters, offering a tasty, simple flatbread topped with cheese. Lastly, the Ham & Cheese Sandwich Kids Meal combines savory ham with melted cheese on soft bread, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Beverages
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Iced Teas (Peach, Blackberry, Lemonade) | $2.49 |
| Lemonade | $2.99 |
| Hot Teas (Green Tea, Chamomile) | $2.49 |
| Coffee & Specialty Drinks | $2.49–$4.99 |
Their Iced Teas come in various flavors, including Peach, Blackberry, and Lemonade Iced Tea, providing a refreshing balance to your meal. If you prefer something sweet, the Lemonade options include flavors like Wildberry and Peach for a tangy and fruity drink.
For those who prefer something hot, Panera’s Hot Teas include options like Green Tea, Chamomile, and Black Tea, providing a soothing finish to your meal. For a caffeine boost, Panera offers freshly brewed Coffee & Specialty Drinks such as Caramel Lattes, Hazelnut Mochas, and more. Bottled beverages like water, juices, and iced tea are also available for those on the go.
Desserts
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Chipper Cookies | $1.79 |
| Cinnamon Crunch Bagels | $2.19 |
| Scones | $2.49 |
| Cinnamon Rolls | $3.29 |
| Layer Cakes | $3.99 |
To wrap up your dinner on a sweet note, Panera Bread offers a variety of indulgent desserts. Their Chocolate Chipper Cookies are a classic treat, with a chewy texture and loads of chocolate chips. The Cinnamon Crunch Bagels offer a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating, perfect for an after-dinner treat or to pair with a hot beverage.
Scones and Cinnamon Rolls provide a light, flakey option with a rich, sweet flavor. Occasionally, Layer Cakes like Chocolate Cake or Carrot Cake are available, offering a rich and decadent dessert to complete your meal.
Popular Dinner Options
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic Salad with Chicken | $10.99 |
| Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich | $9.99 |
| Mac & Cheese | $6.99 |
| Seasonal Soups | $5.49 |
One of the top choices is the Classic Salad with Chicken, which features a fresh and crisp salad topped with perfectly grilled chicken. This dish offers a healthy and satisfying option for those looking for something light yet filling.
Another favorite is the Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich, which combines savory turkey, crispy bacon, and a tangy tomato basil sauce. This sandwich is a fan favorite for its delicious flavor profile and hearty ingredients.
For comfort food lovers, Mac & Cheese is a must-try. Panera’s version is creamy, rich, and indulgent, making it a perfect standalone meal or a side dish to complement a sandwich or salad. If you’re looking to enjoy something seasonal, Panera offers a variety of Seasonal Soups that rotate throughout the year.
Whether it’s a comforting autumn squash soup in the fall or a refreshing summer tomato basil, these soups add variety and warmth to the dinner menu. Each of these popular options reflects Panera’s commitment to providing a range of delicious, satisfying meals, making their dinner menu a go-to for anyone craving something fresh, flavorful, and filling.
Panera Bread’s Social Media Links
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Panera Bread on Facebook | |
| Panera Bread on Twitter | |
| Panera Bread on Instagram | |
| YouTube | Panera Bread on YouTube |
Conclusion
With its fresh, wholesome ingredients and variety of satisfying options, Panera Bread dinner hours and menu offer something for everyone. From hearty soups to delicious sandwiches and pasta dishes, you’re sure to find a meal that fits your taste and nutritional needs. Whether you’re visiting with family, grabbing a quick bite after work, or planning a relaxing evening meal, Panera Bread’s dinner menu has you covered. Be sure to plan your visit according to the dinner hours, and make the most of what Panera has to offer!
FAQs
1. Does Panera Bread offer vegetarian or vegan options for dinner?
Yes, Panera Bread offers several vegetarian and vegan options. For vegetarians, options like the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, Tomato Basil Soup, and the Garden Salad are great choices. Vegan diners can enjoy items such as the Mediterranean Grain Bowl, Hummus with Veggies, and various salads without cheese or dressing. Panera Bread is known for offering flexible options to accommodate dietary preferences.
2. Can I customize my order during dinner?
Yes, Panera Bread is known for offering a customizable menu. You can adjust most menu items to fit your tastes, including adding or removing ingredients in sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls. For example, you can request to have your salad dressing on the side or substitute a different bread with your sandwich. Panera also offers gluten-free bread and other alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
3. Can I order Panera Bread dinner items online?
Yes, you can order Panera Bread dinner items online through the Panera Bread website or mobile app. This allows you to customize your order, choose your preferred pickup or delivery time, and take advantage of Panera’s loyalty rewards program. You can also view their full menu and explore seasonal and limited-time offerings when placing your order online.
4. What are Panera Bread’s healthiest dinner options?
Panera Bread offers many healthy dinner options that cater to a variety of dietary needs. Some of the healthiest choices include:
- Mediterranean Grain Bowl, packed with grains, vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
- Classic Salad with Chicken, offering lean protein and fresh veggies.
- Tomato Basil Soup, which is light yet flavorful.
- Hummus with Veggies, a nutritious and satisfying option.
These dishes provide balanced nutrition without compromising on taste.
5. Are there gluten-free options available for dinner?
Yes, Panera Bread offers a selection of gluten-free items for dinner. For example, you can opt for a gluten-free sandwich bread or enjoy a gluten-free salad. Many of their soups and grain bowls can also be made gluten-free upon request. Panera is committed to providing alternatives for customers with dietary restrictions, so you can customize your meal to suit your needs.
