This is the first of several upcoming blogs providing reviews of area bars and restaurants.
As many of you know, I eat out a lot....like a REAL lot! Normally I would review only 1 restaurant at a time, but I recently had great experiences at 2 places that are similar. Perhaps you have tried them or maybe thought about - here is my take!
Panera - Oneida Street in Ashwaubenon:
First, it is almost always busy - especially lunch time. That is good! The place is very clean and somewhat trendy. Well lit and quality furniture. The order counter is staffed with friendly people who do a great job of greeting you and will offer suggestions on soups and sandwiches. After placing your order, they ask for your name and you make your drink and find a table. Your name is called over a P.A. when it is ready.
Being provided real silverwear and having your soup in a glass bowl is a nice touch. Every soup experience has been great! You can order a full or 1/2 sandwich (awesome) and the sandwiches are not small. Free refills on beverages, fresh lemons for your iced tea and additional silverwear at the beverage stand makes the experience terrific.
There is an outside patio area - just a few tables. It is right at the main entrance, which isn't attractive to me.
Overall, it is a great place and the food is fresh and tasty with several healthy options. The prices are good. 1/2 sandwich and soup is about $7.00.
Atlanta Bread Company - West Mason Street in Green Bay:
There are many similarities to Panera - same basic food concept. There are some key differences. One is the atmosphere of the restaurant. It is more inviting and cozy than Panera. There is a sitting area with big leather couches and chairs and the booths are large with high backs and comfortable padding. The order process is the same, but someone actually brings your food to you. Nice touch! The beverage area is much larger and in a better location than Panera's choice to put it back in a corner with high traffic behind the pick-up area. There are several condiments and more beverage choices. Being an iced tea fan, I was thrilled at 3 flavor choices of fresh brewed tea! The condiments were all individually displayed - not all crammed together on a little table.
The one thing that was rather unimpressive was when I went to the restroom and a door to the back room was open. I really didn't need to see that area of boxes, mop buckets and supplies. Also, at the entry area to the restrooms, I nearly tripped over a broom and other items - should have been properly stowed out of site, in my opinion.
Pricing was slightly more than Panera, but the overall quality of food and dishware was better. The staff was very friendly and took our dishes when we were done - little step up from bussing the table, myself, as with Panera. Overall, it was a great experience and I will go again.
Thanks for reading I look forward to your comments - either here or on Facebook!
Cheers!
Robb
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