Panera Bread is a longtime favorite of mine – I’ve been there many times to meet someone for lunch (the cafe vibes are great) or to just grab a salad or sandwich on the go.
(And for a place with “bread” in the title, they actually have a lot of great gluten-free options…)
That said – the sandwich wars are certainly in full swing, and there are loads of great sandwiches out there.
Including several whose fans would claim they’re better than Panera…
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
Of course, the big question is:
Are they right?
Or is Panera still #1?
We’ll hop right in, starting with…
Shutterstock
Au Bon Pain (or “ABP”, as it’s often called) might be the closest “vibe” to Panera, and you can see it from its sandwiches – chipotle turkey & avocado, caprese with chicken, turkey club, etc. – and lovely combination of salads and baked items.
ABP’s bread is, in my opinion, not quite as good as Panera’s, but they make up for it with delicious, fresh ingredients and great recipes.
Shutterstock
Bagels elevate any sandwich – and Einstein Bros has got the bagels!
Their traditional lunch options are just “ok” – the really good stuff is all in their all-day breakfast options.
Try their Texas brisket egg sandwich or their farmhouse egg sandwich for a good first taste.
Shutterstock
I know Firehouse doesn’t have the same “cafe” vibe that Panera, Einstein Bros, and ABP all cultivate…but man, their sandwiches are excellent.
The options are mostly pretty standard – pastrami, roast beef, turkey bacon ranch, Italian, meatball, etc. – but they use great ingredients, especially for their hot subs.
Add their hero sauce to anything to give it an extra kick!
Shutterstock
La Madeleine’s croque monsieur will prove to you all over again that French food is just better than everyone else’s.
(As if you needed a reminder.)
Try their French dip if you need more proof!
Shutterstock
Ok, I know most people wouldn’t classify Panera and Jersey Mike’s as in the same general “class” – but this is another instance of a well-executed sandwich making up the difference.
I highly recommend their cancro special (top round, provolone, pepperoni) and “the number four” (provolone, prosciuttini, and cappacuolo) as genuinely two of the best sub sandwiches you can get.
Shutterstock
I have gotta say – Starbucks may have the best “reheated” food I’ve ever tasted.
Their tomato and mozzarella on focaccia is genuinely fantastic – which is incredible, since it’s not even fresh-made!
And of course, the coffee’s good too.
Follow The Coconut Mama
• For fun lists, healthy living tips, and bar conversation topics, make sure to follow The Coconut Mama. Click here to access The Coconut Mama’s profile page and be sure to hit the Follow button here or at the top of this article!
• Have feedback? Add a comment below!
Shutterstock
Potbelly’s traditional hot sandwiches are fantastic, but lately I’ve been really loving their new stuff, like the sweet heat pork bbq.
(And their Cubano, but I’ve gotta admit I take the pickles off – pickles have never been my thing.)
Oh, and grab a milkshake with your meal (you’ll thank me later).
Shutterstock
I genuinely could not leave without giving Panera its due. After all, there’s a reason it’s the yardstick!
The bread is great, the toppings are delicious, and personally I’ve always loved the baguette as a side – I’d like more bread with my bread, please!
Shutterstock
So there you have it – seven chains whose fans would certainly argue they’ve got better sandwiches than Panera.
And of course, each has a strong argument to make.
But the big question is…
Shutterstock
What do YOU think?
Is Panera the best?
One of these others?
Someone I forgot to include?
Let us know in the comments!
Shutterstock
Leave a Comment