This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Bites Nearby: Panera Bread

Sooner or later, everyone comes through the door. Chain of bakery-cafes makes itself a focal point.

A handful of years ago, Panera Bread was virtually unknown in the Lehigh Valley—and no one had an iPhone, either. My, how times have changed.

Panera Bread, which operates 1,500 bakery-cafes in the United States and Canada, has burst upon with scene with an effective formula of fresh-baked artisan breads, quick service food with a hearty, wholesome attitude, and cozy seating that invites guests to relax and take their time. Panera Bread is at once a convenient, bustling meeting place (for friends, coworkers, shoppers, club members), and also a retreat where a person can spend time alone and uninterrupted. Wi-fi is free. Yes, it does sometimes seem like everyone there is staring at a laptop.

But what about the food? Panera Bread isn’t just a comfy place to check e-mail. The huge menu board behind the counter takes some time to absorb. It helps to divide and conquer. There are the breakfast offerings, food suited for lunch, dinner or snacks, an array of beverages, and don’t forget the bread.

Find out what's happening in South Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Artisan breads, including focaccia, ciabatta, sesame semolina, sourdough, asiago cheese and cinnamon raisin, are made fresh on premises. The sole purpose of a visit could be to take a warm loaf home, or perhaps some bagels. For food service, Panera Bread customers make the tough decisions at the counter, then wait just a few minutes for the made-to-order menu items to be ready on a tray at the other end of the line. Fountain beverages are self-service.

For breakfast, in addition to a case full of bagels, scones, muffins, cookies and pastries, the staff will create hot breakfast sandwiches with the customer’s desired combination of eggs, meat and cheese on choice of breads. For lunch and beyond, Panera’s menu presents a-cut-above-the-ordinary sandwiches and hot panini, salads and soups, which can be served in a sourdough bread bowl. A feature that may or may not help the decision-making process is the “You Pick Two” offer, allowing a mix and match combo of any cup of soup, half sandwich or half salad. Panera’s beverages include a broad selection of coffees, teas, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies, frozen drinks and flavorful versions of hot or iced espresso.

Find out what's happening in South Whitehallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3100 W. Tilghman St., Allentown, PA  18104.  610-432-3221.

6379 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown, PA  18106. 610 398-0565.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from South Whitehall