Was my first time stopping by so I stop in to grab breakfast annd a cup of coffee. Enjoy french toast, and their million dollar bacon. Was very delicious came out in timely matter. My only issue I had dining this morning was with service the server we had you could smell alcohol on her. I just assumed because they sell alcoholic beverages maybe some was spilled on her. Asked for a manager just to inform them about the smell. But I guess the manager was never told but I was in rush since I was heading into work, guess I'll try and come back a different day. read more

Food was great! Really like the waffles and million dollar bacon. I definitely recommend this place for brunch.

So happy to there is a First Watch on Harbison!! Love this place!! You have to try it! Yummy food and atmosphere!!

This was going to be a negative review. However, Jasmine changed the experience. No one acknowledged me, or took my order. After seeing someone being seated, about 10 or 15 minutes after me, and having their order taken. I went to the to express my concerns. This young lady jumped in and said I will take care of you. Jasmine delivered great service! At one point I thought she was a manager she was helping where ever it seemed help was needed! I had to add a little salt and pepper but overall good! read more

First Watch - Shrimp &Grits - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I've been here 4 times and the first three were great which is why I had been back multiple times. On labor day I brought my husband and son here for my son's birthday breakfast and was telling them how good it was. Well, it was a major disappointment this time. They were clearly understaffed. When we went in the hostess didn't take our name and just told us to wait to the side. She kept running off to do other things away from the crowded hostess stand and finally another man (I'm guessing the manager) came up and took over. He seated a few people who came in and I stepped over to ask him if we had been skipped and he asked our name. I told him the hostess never took our name and he found us a seat right away. So that was ok. Our food took forever to come out and when it did we were missing the Million Dollar Bacon, my pancake was burnt (like crispy and black on the bottom), the eggs were overcooked (ordered over easy but they were hard) and everything was cold. We had to flag down a different person to let them know our bacon was missing and he sent our server over and she was completely oblivious. The bacon was the thing I had bragged about and when we did finally get it, it disappointing and not worth the price. Normally it's so good that it should be illegal but this time it was just regular bacon with a little syrup and seasoning on top. The fall menu was also incredibly disappointing since the spring and summer ones were so creative but the only "fall" thing on the fall menu is a plain pumpkin pancake that doesn't even taste like pumpkin with no toppings. There are a plethora of fall flavors to pull from but that's all the came up with? Because our server was so MIA the entire time and we had been sitting with our dirty empty plates in front of us for 20 minutes my husband finally had to get up to let the host (manager?) know that we needed our check. If this had been my first time here I would never return but I'll give them one more time in the future to determine if it's a fluke or if their quality has actually dropped so dramatically. I'll update when/if I go back. read more

Their iced coffee is so good you'd swear it had baileys liquor in it! Place is also hopping so call ahead for seating otherwise you will be waiting. Recommend Small parties grab a seat at the bar read more

It started with a long wait. That's on us because we were unaware of the app where you can get on a wait list. Good to know because every time a wait list person shows up they go ahead of you and your wait gets longer. Finally got seated. The waitress was a hot mess. I felt bad for her because she appeared inexperienced. She was flustered, disorganized and kept going back and forth to do one thing instead of multitasking. We were there for 20 minutes before she asked what we wanted to drink. We asked could we just give her the whole order but no so we waited and 15 minutes for drinks to show up. We thought she would take our order then but nope she was gonna be right back. She was not right back but we were finally able to order. The food arrived in a reasonable time and was mediocre. Not bad, not great. We needed boxes and the check that was another 15 minutes. Couldn't figure out what all the delays were about. Finally paid and the best part of the whole experience was a 20% first responder discount. Very generous. Not sure that we would be back. We have been to other locations in other states and it was much better. First time here though. My husband left a decent tip after all that, not sure why. Maybe worth another shot? read more

I was a server for 5 years and have never experienced a service like this. We waited for over an hour and half for our food to be told when we asked "the manager is now working on it." Why did it take us asking for management to get involved? The guy next to us got his food late too (although he sat down after us he got his food before we did) and his food was burnt and cold. Overall terrible. The front of the house was disorganized as well as the kitchen. You could tell all the servers were agitated with the way things were being handled. I understand it was extremely busy but it was a very unpleasant and unprofessional environment. read more

I really like this brand and apparently so do many others. The wait to get in is incredibly long at times. Even if you do an online checkin be prepared to wait. Most recently I used their online ordering system which was easy enough. It estimated that the food would be prepared in about 20 minutes. It actually took closer to 40 minutes. When I did get it, the food was delicious. I had 2 eggs over medium topping a spread of hash browns with mixed veggies. My only complaint about the meal would be that the white was still runny in the eggs. Otherwise it was quite tasty. There are so many options from the traditional 2 egg breakfast to more unique offerings (see their drink menu). The location is super easy to locate though you'll often need to park around the corner since they fill their spots quickly. When the other restaurant finishes next door the parking situation may become nightmarish. Still this restaurant has so many offerings that are sure to please even the pickiest person in your party. As a newly opened restaurant I would give them some time to work out the kinks because it has the makings of something very good for the Harbison area. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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This was really good! The waffle was good, and the berry compote that came with it was fresh and out of this world! All of the staff were super nice and fast. read more

First Watch - Belgian Waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The kitchen is backed up on weekends. We waited for 35 minutes after our order was taken and when our server checked on the status he told us it would be another 10 to 15 minutes. We walked out and drove to a Waffle House. This is our second bad experience at this location. Avoid it read more

Waited 15 minutes to get seated after being in line online. Out of silverware but got sme after 10 minutes. Finally left after 45 minutes of waiting for food and still not able to predict when it would be delivered. Kitchen is very backed up. A very big disappointment since we are a fan of First Watch. read more

I don't stop by First Watch often, and its pretty good most of the time. But this time it was better than average on all fronts! The decor was rustic and all sheet metal-ly. And the service was amazing, even with my 6 member party, the service was smooth with no issues. But enough about that, the food is what most people care about! I ordered the Belgian waffles a side of bacon and the coveted Purple Haze drink. Starting with that, the Purple Haze was a wonderful lemony lavender tea chilled to perfection and super refreshing, carrying the entire meal. Because unfortunately my enjoyment dwindles from here. The Belgian Waffles were fluffy and sweet, with the butter and syrup making it perfect! But that blueberry drizzle was kinda bad. I'm a fan of blueberry to an extent but this was overly bitter, messing with the balance of the waffles. On the other hand, the bacon was really crispy and crunchy. Though I'm more of a chewy bacon guy, so this was more of personal thought note than an actual issue. In conclusion, First Watch is a spot that you shouldn't skip, but there are some things that are better skipped. read more

First Watch - Belgian Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I went there yesterday for a late lunch and had a delicious salad with organic lettuce, pecans, chicken, and a honey Dijon type dressing. AJ was my server, and she was fabulous. The restaurant has a lot of natural light and is beautifully decorated. Plenty of parking. I went at 2 pm and it was still pretty full in the restaurant, so you should anticipate waiting for seating. The menu is large with plenty of breakfast and lunch choices for everyone, especially those who are trying to be more careful about why they eat. read more

I was really excited to see a First Watch here since we frequent this restaurant in Orlando. Sadly, this is not the same. This location was crazier and louder than a middle school lunch room. The food was 50-50. Hopefully they do something about the acoustics and make this place the relaxing environment it's modeled to be. read more

Eaten brunch here a few times. It was good, great staff and service! Coffee was pretty good as well!

Our waitress was amazing she was the hostess when we got seated and she became our waitress such a great personality I wish I could remember her name all our food was amazing so glad to finally have a first watch in our area read more

First Watch - This is the purple haze - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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The food was first rate but a little expensive. The service was very good and the ambiance was great. It's good but not worth the added cost - I'd rather go to another breakfast place for "breakfast and a show". Waffle House read more

I reviewed this place earlier this year and gave it a poor rating. I was determined not to give it another try, but was the choice of a family member. I am glad I came back. I was seated in a timely manner and the waitress was introducing herself and taking my drink order within 5 minutes. The food arrived fresh and hot. The waffle was light and airy with a nice crisp on the edges. The eggs were scrambled perfectly medium. Service was good, the food good. Hopefully the issues they had earlier this year are done. I really enjoyed the experience and will return. read more

We were seated promptly (no wait); the staff were pleasant and eager to please. The food - we ate the farmhouse hash and it was so delicious; with fresh ingredients. We have been back several times since our original visit. read more

Really fresh, good food & great service. No wait on a holiday late morning for breakfast. Seating & drinks were immediate. Great menu with classic and specialty dishes. Bit of a delay getting the food, but that was because it was dropped in the kitchen. Both our server and the manager let us know right away & it was not much of a wait after that. Friendly, warm atmosphere and good people. We'll be back. read more

Great breakfast place in Harbison. Nice variety of food. Great service! Love coming Sundays for brunch. read more

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This place is getting so much better my wife got the chile chorizo and I got the brisket hash by far phenomenal !! Definitely will be back read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Food was great.. coffee no.. service this one felt like she needs MORE TRAINING! She made a couple of mistakes and it just really sort of ruined it for us. Ambiance reallly nice. We'll try one more time read more

Unbelievable place to eat it's so nice inside and clean . Staff is very professional and friendly . I've been to other locations but this one in Columbia is top notch . Foods delicious and I loved the Watermelon drink they have on the menu . I highly recommend you try them . read more

Two hour wait and we still don't have food. Lots of people working and pleasant server but I'm over it and am about to leave without eating. Got here at 11:45; it's now 1:55. They close at 2:30. No explanation given except "backed up." read more

Great iced coffee. We had a rather large group and our food came out in a very timely manner and my family raved about the huge pancake!

I love First watch! I tired them several times when they opened in Palm Beach, Florida. The food was always fresh and I never had any issues. It's been years since I went until last year for my birthday. I visited the one in Augusta. It was excellent! This location was much closer to home so I was so excited. The location is easy to see from the road. They need to work on their parking lot set up. It was busy when we got there, about 9:30am. We were seated immediately. It was busy for a Wednesday but it was Valentine's Day. The atmosphere seemed a little chaotic for the staff but it's was morning and a holiday. I always order the same thing lol but it's so good. This time it was not. Our wait was nice and took care good care of us but the food was subpar. I ordered the chorizo omelet and potatoes with coffee. This location doesn't have the bar( disappointing). The omelet barely had chorizo in it. It was complete when they brought it out. It was missing items. The potatoes were not seasoned well and were still a bit hard. Now I will give them the credit of the pancakes being huge. You'll only need one. The million dollar bacon is good and they have stevia sweetener which I lov. I know they just opened but they need to work on consistent service and work out food consistency and other kinks. I'll come back but not while they're still so new. read more

Put our selfs on the wait list at 10:40, at 11:20 we got to the restaurant and my wife checked us in and she told them we are on the wait list and they said another 30 minute wait but we already waited 30 minutes on the online wait list so we waited over 30 minutes more to get told to come inside, in the rudest fashion possible by the host knocking on the window giving us the "come here" gesture. I'm not a dog or child I am a customer so I expect to be treated as such. We get seated the hostess takes our drinks and food order. We waited over 40 mins to get our food. Nothing special, there is better places to eat in Columbia. I will not be coming back. read more

Well that was disappointing... we have been wanting to stop and try this place for a while and decided to try lunch today. Not busy for a lunch on a Monday, but we had to wait 5+ minutes to be greeted, then another 15+ minutes for a waitress, then another 20+ to get our food. When we got our food we didn't get our side of toast we paid for, and never got a refill on the $3.89 sweet tea because the waitress never came back. Then had to wait another 10 minutes in line to check out- where the minimum tip was 20%. Omelette was overcooked, 1/2 sandwich was mediocre at best. Not worth $40+ for 2 to eat with bad service and an hour of your life wasted. read more

Second time here, same problems as the first time. I know this is a breakfast restaurant, however their cooks are sloppy at best. My wife ordered GF French toast and got French Toast and seasoned potatoes cooked together. So instead of having a sweet flavor, all she got was onion flavor. My omelette was made wrong and had to be redone but it was not exp. In the kitchen so she finished her meal and had to wait for mine to come out. The waitress did her best but the kitchen just made both trips unbearable. Looks like we are going back to Broken Egg. If you go here I hope they do something to fix the issue, but I doubt they will. read more

Food was good. Service was horrible. Got drinks & placed our order quickly. But waited for our food for over 45 minutes. Once we got our food our server placed a to go order for us & told us it would be a 15 minutes and then disappeared for 20 minutes. Another server gave us our to go order & told us "it was just sitting on the counter". Our server named Ty was still nowhere to be found. The other server had to go find her & from there it still took another 10 minutes to get our checks. We all have worked as servers so we understand things happen but she didn't acknowledge us once or check on us. We were never rude to her or anything. Overall our food was good & the restaurant environment is good. But our server did not make our experience enjoyable. read more

Long wait for food. Dirty silverware. Had to get up to get napkins ourselves. Food was okay. I feel like this place hasn't gotten into its groove just yet. read more

Food is excellent. We loved everything we tried. The wait is always long though. Kitchen was slow one of the times but quick the first time. read more

My husband and I dined on a Friday morning around 9 we were able to walk right in and be seated. The atmosphere and ambiance is very nice and the menu selection is well rounded and healthy (as someone with diabetes it was hard for me to pick out a diet friendly option since there were so many to choose from!). Our service did feel pretty rushed although the place wasn't very busy with multiple other tables still available. We had only just gotten and taken a few bites of our food before our server was bringing the bill over. I had to ask her twice for a refill on my Coke Zero when she obviously noticed my glass was empty (especially when soft drinks are $3.89 I believe that is unacceptable) and she seemed quite bothered that I asked for one to-go as well. She did take our order correctly and our food came out as ordered and in a timely fashion. Everything tasted great... the buttered grits are very bland and unseasoned but salt and pepper did the trick. The food and portion size is priced pretty fairly considering the awful inflation. (I ordered the power wrap and substituted fresh fruit for grits and left off the pico de gallo. menu price $11.89-see picture) I'm hoping the kinks in service will be worked out as time goes on and employees become more comfortable and experienced. We will be returning in the future and recommending to others! read more

First Watch - Power Wrap with buttered grits- $11.89 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Great concept Spectacular menu Food was cold Kitchen is slow They need more help !!!! read more

I normally order from this location every sunday and have good service. Today they have been over two hours late and immediately were very rude and hung up on me when I was complaining regarding the delay and what was going on with the delivery. This management team does not know how to deal with situations and service to loyal customers. This needs to be addressed immediately. read more

Ann Marie did a wonderful job. She helped decide what to order from the menu. She has a great personality and provided great service!!!

Had breakfast this morning, it was delicious. Belgian waffle was light a fluffy.Server was very friendly.

We read the reviews and were looking forward to our first meal at First Watch. We were greeted by a cheerful waitress and seated. We needed time to look at the menu so she brought coffee and left us. it took awhile for her return but that was fine. We ordered and I asked for water and a cup of ice. we waited quite awhile and the server brought my eggs and grits and said my husband's food was on the way. I waited but my husband told me to eat while mine was warm. The greeter/waitress that took our order noticed about 10 minutes later that we were still waiting on his food. we waited 10 more minutes before they brought my husbands eggs and waffle. She sais our order disappeared on the screen!!!!! Finally brought water- after asking a few times- when we were finished. The grits and eggs were not salted and our meal was over priced! we are sorry but won't return! read more