If I'm eating carbs , this is my mecca. OK yeah they do have a few healthy options here but like most "healthy" things they do taste terrible. I've tried to dine here while dieting and always end up cranky with how bland and boring my food is. That being said, when I'm throwing calories and caution to the wind - this is a great spot to get your food on.
I have a special fondness for the egg souffles they serve at breakfast time. They are incredible and one of my favorite indulgences. The one closer to my house in the District always seems to either be out of these or I've even had times where they forgot to put them in to bake in the morning (WTF). This panera always seems to be well stocked.
For dinner the salads are good, the new mac and cheese is BOMB, and I love most of the sandwiches. The bummer on the sandwiches is most of the healthly sounding ones (tomato basil panini, or sierra turkey) are absolutely terrible in the calorie/fat/carb department and honestly not worth it most of the time. The egg souffle on the other hand I will forsake any diet for any day ! I do love that they've put all their calorie counts up on the board for all to see - yay it's like NY or California !
I love the pick 2 combo (2 mini items is so much more fun than 1 big one, right?), and I love the variety. My only request for you Panera (because I'm sure you're reading this!) is why the hell can't you have lobster bisque?? You tease me with Panera branded lobster bisque sold at Target and then you won't carry it in your own store? As a devoted lover of lobster bisque this makes me sad.