Panera Bread
A distinguished Cambridge establishment
Fast Casual That Cambridge Relies On
Who Runs It
Panera Bread is the national bakery-cafe chain, with this location in Porter Square Shopping Center.
The Origin
Panera filled a gap in the Cambridge casual dining landscape—healthier-feeling options, all-day coffee, and reliable WiFi. It became the default meeting spot for everything from study sessions to casual job interviews.
What Makes It Special
Consistency and WiFi. You know what you're getting, and you can work there for hours without judgment. The bakery-cafe hybrid offers breakfast through dinner.
The neutral meeting ground of Cambridge—student study sessions, parent coffees, remote work base.
What People Love
Reliable food, all-day availability, WiFi, and the ability to linger.
What To Know
Chain experience—not remarkable, but dependable. Peak hours get crowded and tables are scarce.
Fast-casual pricing—$10-15 for a meal.
Rating Breakdown
What Customers Say
“My go-to for remote work days—WiFi is reliable and they don't rush you.”
Insider Tips
Early morning or mid-afternoon for seating. Avoid lunch rush.
Porter Square Shopping Center parking. Near Porter Red Line.
Known For
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
Reddit Mentions
Nearby in North Cambridge
Contact & Visit
Every establishment has a story involving a Nobel laureate.
“I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then do it for the rest of your life.”
— Max Fischer, on entrepreneurship