Au Bon Pain

I normally love Au Bon Pain and their sandwiches, but this past weekend was such a disappointment! I don't know if I'll ever go back. I went to the mall specifically to get something to eat and ordered a sandwich to go. I was starving and couldn't wait to have my sandwich. I got to my friend's place and was surprised to find out I was given the wrong sandwich. I was livid and it was so frustrating to have to go back to the mall to get a refund because I was just very irritated.

On top of that I think the service was unacceptable because one of the girls that work there was giving me an attitude! Just the worst.

I was looking for something sweet after dinner so I hit this place up for a chocolate chip cookie. It was very fresh tasting and delicious. The service was good and I enjoyed what I bought. It was late in the day so they didn't have everything that they usually have available but luckily I was able to find what I came for.

I have ate here twice because ABP offer fast cheap breakfast and lunch options and they are conveniently close to the Westin Copley hotel. After checking out the unappealing breakfast bar I purchased a bagel with cream cheese and a plate of fruit and cottage cheese. My co-worker braved it out and got the breakfast buffet and I cannot say he was too happy. The scrambled eggs were fine, but the french toast sticks were hard as a brick. I felt bad and almost offered him half of my bagel... almost.

One thing I have noticed on both of my visits is that the orange juice is incredible and it's not overpriced like most restaurants. I highly recommend the baked goodies at Au Bon Pain, but I would be weary of the selection on the buffet.

Yes, this location occupies a tiny little corner of the food court that is impossible to navigate during lunch hours. Yes, I agree that the little balls of decorated dough on that tray probably cost $0.02 to make and yet they're charging $2.49 for it. And yes, their "corn bread" is not the real thing. But, when i glance between this and the Taco Bell in the opposite corner, is it really even a choice?

Anyone that lives in Boston knows ABP, so I won't even go into the quality of food. What sets this location apart, though, is the service. The manager is out there literally every day, taking orders, helping customers, even assisting with food prep if it's insanely busy. If it weren't for her, this place would be a mess, so be sure to thank her next time you order that sandwich.

Warm up with a delicious, freshly made, bowl of soup - 12 veggie, chicken noodle, chicken lorraine, broccoli cheddar, or chili.
The 12 veggie soup is a zesty tomato based soup with vegetables (corn, celery, carrots, tomatoes, peas, etc).

Bon Pain.

Cute fluffy, rounds of puffed starchy delights offering blanketed versions of soothing evening fantasies.

My last night in Boston kept me driving around and I ended up walking around and enjoying the brisk cold wind whipping around my face. It sucked the moisture, leaving my skin feeling like weathered glass.

Au Bon Pain called me out since I was craving tea. Not starch.

My litt bun. That's right, I ended up purchasing a bun with my hot black tea. Okay, fine. I have an obsession with the term "hot bun" since I was reciting "hot cross buns" from childhood nursery rhymes. It was a Pecan Roll.

In addition to breakfast items, they have a great menu that might be indicative of La Bou in California, although a better variety of items. Soups, sandwiches......

Now I wish there were some of these in SF.

It is what it is.

You want a fast sandwich/cookie/cup of soup/bottled drink? ABP has that.

It's pricy (I paid $8 for a half sandwich and smallest cup of soup available today), but it took me about 30 seconds to serve myself and get to the cashier.

If you want something quick and easy, check out ABP. It's not a bad meeting spot either. I just wish it was a couple bucks cheaper.

EDIT: (July 13th) I wrote the original review below yesterday and this morning I received a call from corporate and a call from the store apologising and the correct sandwich along with a $10 gift card was brought to my office at lunch.

Apparently this Au Bon Pain is the testing ground for the new ordering system. And they are still working out the kinks as well as training employees from other stores.

Though this doesn't change my previous experience, I will be willing to give this Au Bon Pain store another chance in a couple weeks when they work out the kinks in their new ordering system.

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(ORIGINAL 2 Star Review)

The food here has always been decent but since they've switched to using an iPad to take sandwich orders instead of the paper menus it's become a downright hassle to get food here.

The two times I've tried to order via the employee holding the iPad they've gotten my orders completely wrong. A process that would normally take 20 seconds now takes 2 minutes and involves standing really close to someone i don't know. Definitely not visiting au bon pain unless I'm told the paper ordering method has returned.

Galleria Mall location. Second time this guy Aziz has ruined my day.

I am the only customer waiting to be serviced. I politely ask him if the store is open because clearly the barrier is not up and the ovens are running. He says yes everything but the sandwich bar is open. I ask him if he can make me a sandwich and his reply is he is busy. Excuse me? The place you work. The place where people pay you for your service and you're busy? This guy needs to be trained on customer service or be fired. Straight up. Wtf

ABP, yeah you know me! Yes, it is a chain. Yes, I go there out of convenience. Yes, I LOVE me some ABP. Good, healthy options, fresh coffee and open at 6AM. Plus, they are always friendly and it doesn't seem forced.

Added bonus: Free Wi-fi! What, what!

I've been in several times, for either something quick , or a full lunch. Every time, I'm not impressed. Dirty, not very happy staff, not very happy customers, and a menu that for me is bleh most of the time.

I think some serious sprucing up, great staff engagement training, and an occasional shuffle of the menu to give it a Cambridge/storefront feel would really help. Until then, it's just another franchise.