Au Bon Pain

Good probability that management is involved in pick pocketing customers. When our stuff got stolen and we complained, the manager said that this happens often at this store. Police did not help either but the way our stuff got stolen there is a high probability that this was an inside job. If you go here keep a good eye on your stuff!

This location calls the cops all the time on the wacker drive food trucks. Maybe you should make better food and not play dirty when trying to obtain more business! Will never eat here because of this.

I get my lunch here most days and it’s pretty solid. It’s definitely a little overpriced, but I suppose that’s the case with most food in the Loop.
The staff is really nice, although they do make mistakes with orders sometimes. I get a ‘make-​your-​own-​salad’, and the options are pretty varied.

I love the tomato florentine and the ham and swiss. Love their food and love how clean the place is.

Great food, love their breakfast. They could use a little more flavor or seasoning. I am from Louisiana so maybe I am spoiled. My only complaint is that they used to have plenty of grab and go hot breakfast sandwiches in the morning and lately they have none. This is important to me because I am usually in a hurry to get to work but have to have my breakfast. I would hate to have to resort to Mcdonalds lol!

January 2016: I don’t know what’s going on at this ABP, but it’s once again gone downhill after seeming to improve: I came in today at 11:20AM for an early lunch. Several employees were milling about, one chatting/​yelling with someone behind the counter whilst she was setting up the soup, with only four of the eight soups set up. As I decided to order a salad, I stood in line with no one ahead of me. One of the employees was busy making catering orders, looked me in the eye and went right back to assembling those salads without a word of welcome, «how can I help you?», etc. I stood there for another minute with a smile on my face just sort of waiting to see what might transpire. Still no «Hello». No nothing. I don’t know who’s in charge here, but if you are going to ignore your customers when they are standing right in front of you, you’re done.
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I used to give this location 5 stars on their company surveys because the service was really personal and efficient and the food plentiful and delicious. The managers and staff were consistent for the first 2.5 years since I have been working next door, but lately all of them are gone and what’s left is a consistently unpleasant experience. Today I went next door for a cup of soup at 12:30PM. The soup containers were down to the last inch and what was left was broth and burnt dregs. The manager was complaining at the register and kicking things like dropped bagel wrappers off the floor. No greeting. No noting that we were standing around going from soup-​to-​soup, coming up with empty ladles and she ignored us. The shelves were nearly empty and unkempt. Yes, I know it’s the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. But can I get a «Hello»? Can I at least get some fresh chicken noodle soup? Not sure what is going on at this particular location, but it has gone down enormously in service and products since the new manager was installed. It’s almost as if the owner of the company has given up on this particular location.

Seriously? Calling the cops because food trucks are parked outside? I wouldn’t have gone here anyway, but now am definitely boycotting this and other locations until they stop impeding small businesses from having an opportunity to serve customers. I have been here once and that was one time too many. I would rather dumpster dive than eat their bland knock off Corner Bakery fare. If they served better food maybe they wouldn’t be so afraid of a little competition.

Great food, horrible setup and environment.
Went for lunch on a Friday, very crowded as expected. Self-​service area is too tight for the crowds you get in a downtown Chicago location. Can’t move, people bumping into you the entire time. The self-​service items also don’t go in any type of logical order, so you go back and forth trying to find everything.
I wanted the Beef Barley soup and the container was empty. So I asked the manager and he said they didn’t have any more. So I chose another soup. As I was paying, he brought out a new steaming hot container of Beef Barley soup. So much for being out for the day.
The seating is hidden behind a wall, but there is adequate seating considering they are primarily setup for carry-​out. They have a double door near the seating, but you’d never know it because it doesn’t work. Granted it is 0 degrees Fahrenheit outside, but every time the door was opened, the dining room got as cold as a freezer. It was cold enough to chill my hot soup in only a couple minutes.
The soup and sides are what you would expect from Au Bön Pain. Very high quality and the pricing is in line with their competition in downtown Chicago.
With some changes in the setup and service, this could be an excellent restaurant.

I occasionally grab my morning coffee and pastry from here on the way to work, especially when it’s cold outside, they’re a much more convenient location than my usual favorite.
Their espresso is decent, but their espresso drinks just have too much sugar. The vanilla latte has 4 pumps of syrup! I usually just sweeten my coffee with a little honey, so that was a lot for me.
The service is just okay. I’d be willing to come back and try other items.

Grilled cheese? I work across street and yet that had nothing to do with my cheese not being cheesy melted, plus the sandwich had something indiscernible «hot» (flavored) on it.
The stand out here is the butternut squash apple soup. YUM. I tried a chocolate croissant but frankly I prefer the flavor and texture of the ones at Mariano’s at half the price.

Love this location. It’s really great to walk in, grab your bagel and cream cheese, or your raspberry cheese Danish .or your muffin, or orange juice. etc pay and go. It’s self serve in the front, full service in the back at the counter. It’s on my walk to work so I’ve been known to stop and grab a treat. Everything so far has been delicious.

I liked the food but the logistics of getting your food were terrible. The bakery and soups were very delicious.

I love Au Bön Pain, but these prices kill me! I bought a large soup and a pop and somehow walk out spending $ 10 (at least). I can’t deny how good the soups are though. I like going to this location because it’s usually really quiet. Good food, good service, and a quiet lunch spot. When I am willing to spend some extra money, I get some of the pastries and desserts. They have awesome cupcakes. Overall, I recommend ABP as a good spot for a quick bite.

The most awesome staff ever! The good is also superb and fresh! :)

A good friend took me out to lunch here last week.
The place is clean, there’s a LOT of seating both indoor and outdoor, the staff are quick and polite. The food is good and there are vegetarian options. They have several soups to choose from.
I had a salad with brie, chicken, green apples and cranberries with a maple vinagrette. I liked it. The prices are pretty standard for any café in Chicago, as far as I can tell. A bit high for every day, but reasonable for once a week, in my opinion.
I noticed the coffees have the time they were brewed written on them, but have not yet tried it.
I’ve gone in on a morning just to chill out and read a book before work, and no one gave me a hard time. Their danishes and pastries are very good too.
I liked them.

A little confusing for first-​timers to know what the process is for getting coffee, toasted bagels, etc. and their coffee isn’t Starbucks/​Peets quality. Nevertheless, it’s a worthwhile breakfast spot and my go-​to place for a 2pm pick-​me-​up. Great customer service — super friendly employees who proactively ask if you need help and make me feel welcomed every time. Well staffed and never waited for more than 2 minutes in line.

This is a good lunch spot. They have good variety (soups, salads, sandwiches). I really like their soups and mac and cheese.
Lots of bakery items as well. The cupcakes are some of the best I have ever had. I have also heard the baked goods are half off after two but I haven’t been there myself yet during this time.
It is a little pricey but good food. This location also usually has plenty of seating as it is a little more hidden compared to some other lunch places in the area. Never gets too packed.

Love the cashiers and the managers they really make the 1.15 per bagel worth every bite.
They have the best Asiago Cheese bagels EVERRRR! I love how speedy they are during lunch and they seem to really like to work there love it.

I love the location of this Au Bön Pain — it’s in the same building I work in. But, what’s even better is the high level of service and quest to satisfy the customer that I’ve experienced when I’ve visited their bakery.
And — their ½ price special after 5 keeps me coming back for more!

I love Au Bön Pain! I usually bring my lunch, but on the several occasions I feel like stepping it up I stop in at Au Bön Pain! I love their made to order salads and I usually try and switch it up each time I go. Last week I had the Tuna Salad and it was delicious. They never skimp on the protein, veggies or dressing! They also have delicious desserts, and tasty sides to go along with your sandwich or salads. It is a bit pricey, but if you dont eat out everyday I think its definitely worth it!