Finally, a non-boring brunch spot in Columbus with a short wait! I've only been to First Watch on weekends, but even so, the longest wait I've had was 20 minutes. Their waiting area offers (tiny) cups of coffee, but at least they've got a few varieties of creamer going on. They have a main dining area and a smaller dining room, both of which are reasonably comfortable. What I really love about First Watch is the variety on their menu. They have an entire section devoted to healthier choices, and virtually all of their egg dishes allow for egg white or egg beater substitutions. I have to recommend the Trifecta: eggs any style, breakfast meat, and a belgian waffle or enormous multigrain pancake. The multigrain pancakes come in a variety of flavors (try carrot cake). This place seems to be a hit with kids, too. First Watch is especially good for a group of people including picky eaters; you won't have to sacrifice your own breakfast options, but they'll have some selections, too. read more

Unfortunately a bummer! This place advertises "freshness, great ingredients, etc." but really, it's over-priced and boring. First of all - the menu offers nothing but their own concoctions - i.e. breakfast burrito, omelets w/billions of ingredients, blah, blah, blah - but nothing simple like eggs and toast or just bacon on the side or heaven forbid, eggs/meat/hash browns. I'd much rather go to a greasy spoon or to my own kitchen. Oh, and the coffee is bad. Not a great place for breakfast. You'll always experience lines on weekends for sub-par food and actually overly-perky service. Not worth your time. read more

I went to First Watch for a birthday brunch a few weekends ago. Service was ok, we had 7 people and they got us a table within 20 minutes. Our food came out incredibly quick, buuuut it was not worth it. I ordered the mushrooms with cheese, over easy eggs, and toast. The cheese on the mushrooms was congealed, like it had been sitting out for a long time. Toast is toast, my eggs were cold. My boyfriend has a sandwich and he said it was good. It was underwhelming and I ended up feeling very sick later. It may have just been a fluke and I got them on a bad food day, but the experience will probably keep me away for good. read more

Love their seasonal menu and how "on trend" they stay. Darcy is also my favorite waitress! Always so kind and accommodating

Yep, I am a fan of First Watch. Others can say what they want, but I've never had a bag experience at FW. Mom and I were in the neighborhood to see one of her doctors. Since it was just before lunchtime, we decided to stop in and get something to eat at this FW. We were quickly seated and we both had coffee. The waitress gave us a few minutes and we both ordered the Bacado Omelet with potatoes and an english muffin. The food came out quickly as we were both hungry when we got there. The only thing was that they offered only blueberry and strawberry jellies at the table. I asked for some grape jelly and our waitress brought it to us within no time. The place overall was clean and very comfy. The restrooms were clean too. read more

First Watch is now one of my favorite spots for a tasty breakfast in Columbus. I love breakfast. Not only is it the most important meal of day, but it has the potential of being the most delicious meal of the day if it's done right. I must say that First Watch exceeded my expectations. Today I had Red Medicine, one carrot cake multigrain pancake and the chicken chorizo tacos. The syrup came out hot which is always a bonus! My partner had the million dollar bacon, which is outta this world. I love the healthier options qnd the farmhouse decor, the servers are nice, and the service is prompt. Go here- you won't regret it. read more

First Watch rox. No lie. The Vera Cruz burrito with extra Vera Cruz sauce is to die for. It's gigantic. And if you're looking for something that won't stop your heart within twenty minutes of eating it, they have wonderful, healthy options as well. Furthermore, their wait staff is wonderful. Over the years I've taken my two grandmothers (both with walkers) to this place several times and the staff has always been accomodating and sweet about the incredibly slow movement and two bulky walkers. Do this place for breakfast. You won't be disappointed. read more

This is one of my favorite breakfast places. The food is great, fresh, clean (I know that's a weird way to describe food - but think of some other breakfast joints and you'll understand). The interior is a bit bland (everyone else keeps commenting on how it's "not hip") but I enjoy that, the last thing I want with my breakfast is a loud obnoxious kitchen and a restaurant bustling with loud people. I'll be honest here... usually I'm out for breakfast to fight a hangover. Even better, I show up on a Sunday morning in my ratty pajamas and the waiters are still attentive to me, despite the rest of the room full of people in their Sunday Best. The food here does seem healthier than other places, one of my favorites is Not Guilty Your Honor, but they still have the syrupy, carby delicious goods for those of you who go all out for breakfast. read more

Not a fan. Pros: slightly healthier than most breakfast places, close to where I live, and not terribly expensive. Cons: food is bland and almost warm, crowded with slow workers read more

This location is challenging for me. The four stars are for the food and service. It was delicious and service was great. However, we came at a really busy time of day: Sunday brunch. They told us, a party of 3, that we had a 15 to 20 minute wait. No big deal. However, that 20 minutes turned into 45 minutes. We continually watched parties of multiple sizes get seated before us. My wife questioned the hostess and got little information. Eventually, we got seated. The service was fine; no complaints! But the waitlist was poorly managed and the employees seemed overwhelmed and clueless. read more

Crappy service mediocre food, you can get better breakfast at grandday Cafe in Grandview. One of the worst first watch locations in the city. read more

Seriously? How can one not give this place six stars. Food was fantastic. Menu had amazing choices; and all fresh ingredients. Service was equally impressive. Cannot wait to go back and back! read more

Went here for brunch with a couple friends who raved about it, but I wasn't particularly blown away. It's a nice location, the wait staff is friendly, the wait wasn't bad (free coffee while you wait) and the food was fine. But for such standard fare brunch food, you might as well just go to a Bob Evans or IHOP, and have a much wider menu selection. I had the Trifecta with a pancake instead of Belgian Waffle. I'm a HUGE pancake lover, and while theirs was as gi-normous as claimed, it was just "OK". I might go again and have something else and see if i feel differently, but for now I'm lukewarm. read more

First Watch is everything I want on a relaxing morning. You have an entire pot of coffee to yourself as well as a pitcher of water if you are so inclined. The food can be healthy or greasy as hell depending on what you want. It's great for groups of friends or on your own with a good podcast and a book. I've always had friendly quick service when I'm there. The manager is a bit quirky but hilarious. It has clean bathrooms and a large parking lot thanks to the Macy's next door. The exterior has been under construction for some time now so if you've never been there, keep a sharp eye out. I swear it's there. Favorite menu items are the Caps Etc and the Joaquin Yahoo. They also have tasty bacon. If I ever don't show up to work, First Watch would be the first place I'd look for me. read more

First Watch is everything you need it to be. Fast, friendly service, varied menu (but not too large), clean and bright dining rooms. As another Yelper mentioned, it's not as "hip" as some breakfast places around Columbus, but it is reliable, efficient, and tasty. When there is a long wait, they even put out coffee for patrons. My mom and I went there today after doing some intensive manual labor this morning. I dunno if I was just crazy hungry, tired, or both, but the food was delicious. DEELISHUS. I usually get the Turkey Dill (used to be called Fowl Play but I understand changing the name), or the Caps, Etc. Today I had the Killer Cajun, and it was tops! Especially for a later breakfast-almost-lunch (I guess that's what the word 'brunch' is for). Keep a lookout for creative daily specials, too! I love their English muffins! read more

First watch summed up is the healthy alternative to going to IHOP. This location is pretty big but there's always a wait, but never too long. Great vibe, plenty of families around, really cheerful atmosphere. The employees are great, some know their menu better than others. The usually have some kind of special going on so hopefully you get an employee that can explain the dish well. The food, the food, let's talk about the food! I got the multigrain blueberry pancakes with eggs and turkey sausage. The eggs tasted a bit bland, the turkey sausage was quite savory and juicy. The pancakes were delicious. Last thing about our experience here, I've been here before and had a similar problem the previous time. Sometimes the waitress gets a bit overwhelmed and may mess up your order so just check to see that everything is correct on your receipt. Don't worry, they are quick to correct any errors but outside of that I had a great time, hope you do too!! read more

First Watch exhibits a level of consummate professionalism rarely seen in chain establishments. (In N Out is the only other one I can think to compare it to, though they're completely different.) It's not uncommon to see glowing reviews of a breakfast place based on frequent coffee refills. First Watch leaves a pot at your table. If you order water, they leave a pitcher. Service is attentive and helpful even when they are crowded. Food is correct and arrives quickly. An aura of cleanliness and order pervades. They have a wide array of options, from the usual suspects to unique creations. Lots of Ryan Seacrest choices (egg whites with tomato and avocado), but they also have bacon and french toast covered. I think it's hilarious that the menu is broken down into brekafast, brunch, and lunch, as though there is a meaningful category for items only associated with brunch. First Watch is completely serious about serving three meals ending at lunch: they close at 2 p.m. read more

I will start by saying I love First Watch, but after today's experience, I am very unsure that I will ever return. I doubt I will be returning to the Kingsdale location for sure. I was promptly greeted as I walked in the door and then seated. The server came quickly and took my order. The food came quickly, BUT I was missing my toast. My server did not return to ask how I was doing until I was finished with nearly all my food. I asked for my toast and when he came back with it, it was already cold along with my eggs that I was waiting to eat with my toast. I watched as he returned to his other tables multiple times but he barely came to my table after I received my food. I may be a young college student and I know there are many stereotypes that we are broke and don't tip well. I am one to tip very well if you have outstanding service but today was not one of those days. Very disappointed! read more

We visited the Kingsdale First Watch Sunday 08/14 after church. We (group of five) had to wait around 30 minutes before getting a table...this is pretty normal for a Sunday there. When we did get seated we were greeted quickly by our server. I got coffee and spilt the brisket hash with my wife. I also ordered the banana nut granola pancake for the table to share. My coffee cup head a hair in it which was corrected by providing me a new coffee cup. When our breakfast came, I requested an extra plate as my wife and I were splitting the meal. The extra plate she brought me had dried food on it...she brought me a new plate. Overall the experience was ok. Hair in the coffee mug and dirty plates happen...usually not on the same visit (and thus the two star rating). My other friends got what they requested without incident so due to that and my previous experience with First Watch in other locations, I will return - I may just skip the Kingsdale location on a bust Sunday morning. read more

When I think of good food at competitive prices, First Watch definitely comes to mind. The food has always been top notch. The service has gone past my wildest expectations! One time I went there and had a pizza omelet but usually I get either the sausage and cheese omelet or the Chickichanga. I wouldn't going for the salads, seems lettuce is their weak staple. The problem might be the location. Glendale's a graveyard of strip malls but I hear that will change. The only problem is in the transition FW might get the bullet :( read more

I LOVE FW. I could end the review there, but I won't. My sister and I have lived in Columbus for the past few years, and try to eat breakfast/brunch/lunch there every Sunday. We must be successful because some of the front staff and service staff recognize us or asks us why we missed last week, etc. I've never had a bad meal at this location and I really enjoy most of the servers (especially Robin). There is one male server who we sometimes get that we are not a fan of as he blatantly tries to hurry us along with our meals so he can turn his table over faster, but that just usually makes us linger with our coffees ;) Some of my favorites are the fresh fruit crepes, the tri-athelete omlete, eggs benedict (when I don't care about my calories lol) and my new favorite, the Power Wrap. Downside is, since this restuarant/location is so popular the wait can be very long, especially on the weekends. If you get there after 9am on a Sunday, be prepared to wait 30-45+ minutes, easy. read more

First things first: If you have family visiting or a breakfast meeting of some sort, taking people here is a safe bet. It's a nice place to meet people and talk, the teas are nice, and the food won't kill you. The atmosphere is civilized and pleasant. If you're simply hungry for breakfast, however, you'll find something tastier at McDonald's. Every few months I forget this, and venture to First Watch after being enticed by one of their menu items. On my last trip there, I was served a rather cold and bland omelet paired with similarly bland sides - which was odd, as I was one of maybe five people in the entire place. The food wasn't health-hazard bad, it just wasn't any kind of good. But as I said before, if you have people to entertain this is a safe bet. Generally speaking, I've had better luck with their sweet dishes than with their savory ones. read more

I love First Watch! The healthy choices for everyone makes it perfect for families. I come here with my family almost every week. The service is always great. I love the veggie burger and the tomato basil soup. I think the tomato basil soup is great even for someone that doesn't really tomato soup. I definitely recommend eating here for brunch. read more

First Watch - The veggie burger and my all time favorite tomato basil soup. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Upper Arlington, Ohio

Food slaps I got the trifecta with the Belgian waffle and bacon and eggs and a large milk definitely a place to come fo breakfast the waiters and waitresses are very kind and friendly read more

Having had so-so experiences the last few times I stepped inside (any) First Watch, I was a bit hesitant to check it out once more but since it was my friend's turn to pick, I was left with no other choice but to suck it up. Worse comes to worse, he'll be finishing up my dish anyway. Apparently he only orders the Chickichanga whenever he goes to First Watch. The caloric content is comparable to that of a Chipotle burrito, but the cholesterol content of the burrito pales in comparison. He cringed upon hearing me order the Power Wrap. Made with egg whites and smoked turkey, the wrap was probably the healthiest thing on the menu. Both of our dishes looked delicious, but I have to admit the Chickichanga was much tastier than my cardboard tasting flavorless wrap. Had I not been so hungry, I probably would not have finished the entire wrap. The only good thing about the wrap was that the amount of protein kept me full till my workout three hours later. Other items I've tried at First Watch include the Fresh Fruit Crepes, Not Guilty Your Honor, and the Won's Oriental Salad. Everything was mediocre, imo. Service is great as usual; waiters make sure you never run out of coffee. You can expect a line on weekends for a table though depending on how backed-up they are. For the health-conscious eaters out there, First Watch offers nutrition facts on their website so if you're trying to watch your calorie, fat, carb, whatever intake, it would be wise to take a look at the site first. read more

Love First Watch! My husband and I go at least once a week. The staff is wonderful and attentive. The menu has a variety of choices from healthy to traditional. I like that they have a seasonal menu, because I tend to try at least one of the items on the menu. Never disappointed! Side note... I read reviews that people were unhappy with food or the wait time. First if you are unhappy with your food please notify staff, this is the only way they can fix or replace an item, they can't read your minds. One comment said, "unhappy about waiting while other groups were being seated," well First Watch does have an app that you can download and check average seating time before arriving and you are able to put yourself on the waiting list, so when you arrive you don't have to wait so long. read more

First time eating at First Watch and it was amazing ! The smoked salmon eggs Benedict was delicious. Great customer service as well. They also make a good iced vanilla coffee by request ! read more

the pancakes really are HUMONGOUS. I should have only had one. Carrot cake flavored pancakes are awesome. Will be back to try the other flavors. read more

Plenty serviceable enough, but they could stand to use an in-service from the location near the campus of University of South Florida. That one puts this one to shame. I would come here more often except it reminds me of what I'm not getting by comparison. Had I never gone to the one in Tampa, I'd think this place would be an excellent choice for breakfast. read more

The absolute worst, most bland, breakfast i have ever been served in a restaurant, bar none!!! Even the fruit was flavorless! How did they manage that? I honestly can't think of a single positive thing to say about my experience. read more

First watch has really stepped up their food options and quality! I would highly recommend this for anyone looking to please a wide range of people as they have everything from an açaí bowl to a giant stack of pancakes. Great for people looking to eat healthy as they offer many different accommodations such as salads instead of potatoes and egg whites instead of eggs. They also have gluten free bread! read more

Looks like a nice local and clean cafe. The staff was polite. Quick service and healthy food options.

This place is solid, consistent. You know what you are getting. It is very friendly for dieters, as their nutrition information is posted and they have several healthy options. Service is quick and efficient. Food comes out hot and fast. I do not understand standing in line for hours for this place on Saturday mornings, but am very happy to stop in for lunch on occasion. I am a particular fan of the UA location. read more

It's average breakfast food to me. I guess I might not be a huge fan of breakfast food in general, or I've had a lot better breakfast food in bigger cities or even Pittsburgh. I tend to like more interesting types and twists instead of your typical items, but if you're looking for standard breakfast fare, this is the place for you! I had an omelet, and I mean, it was just really an omelet to me, nothing spectacular. Ingredients you can all find at the grocery store and make yourself fairly easy. read more

Always a brunch standby. Great breakfast and sandwiches/salads. However, be warned...everyone else knows that this is a great place too. So be prepared for a long wait Saturday and Sunday mornings. read more

This place isn't that great. I guess it's an easy go too for all of the families after church on the weekends but it doesn't make up for the fact that the home fries suck, and the rest of the menu is very blasé. read more

I'd describe this place as a healthier version of IHOP. The food that I had was good--scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and a banana granola crunch pancake which I've never seen at any other place and was delicious. It does get a little crowded on the weekend and we waited probably around 15 minutes for a table for two. The staff was friendly, the prices were reasonable, and our food did come pretty quickly, so overall it was a pleasant experience. read more

I like the focus on whole food quality ingredients. I feel comfortable taking my kid here for a quality breakfast.

My fiancé and I have gone to this First Watch for years. They have consistently tasty food, the staff is friendly, and management must be good because it seems like at least half the staff has been there most of the 8 years we've been going there. Their new lemon ricotta pancakes are to die for, give them a try! read more

Best breakfast in the city. Friendly service, delicious fresh food that isn't too greasy and fun menu options like the "Caps" dish with mushrooms, cheese and eggs. Check it out! read more