First Watch

3.8 (216 reviews)

ModerateBreakfast & Brunch, Cafes, American

Open • 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

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First Watch - Farm tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

First Watch - Belgian waffle - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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First Watch - a plate of food with pancakes and eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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FIRST WATCH ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Moderate noise

Dogs allowed

Good for groups

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Vanessa T.

In my past visits to Columbus, I loved making a stop to First Watch. I'd even visited one of the chain's locations in Tucson when I got the chance. But my most recent visit was just subpar. This location is in a nice area, between German Village and the Brewery District. It's surrounded by one-way streets and we fought for a parking spot in the lot next door. It gets pretty busy on the weekends, but I don't think that calls for the service we received. The hostess didn't ask for our table preference (table or booth). No biggie, but we asked our waitress to move into one of the empty booths. We sat by the kitchen, where you'd think we'd be served regularly and quickly. Our waitress quickly took our drink orders, so quickly that I had to wait for her to come back to ask for half & half. Until most of our meals came out, we weren't served the chocolate milk we'd asked for. Even worse, we had to ask another waitress who was passing by. The eggs benedict did not do it for me. The tomato felt unnecessary. It was very difficult to cut into. The hollandaise had so much lemon that the whole mean tasted sour. The service really did me in though. Not sure that I'd come back to this location on one of my few trips to Ohio. It felt like a waste of time and I was disappointed.

Holey Donuts, The Traditional, Mimosas and Sausage and Gravy

Abby K.

‼ Great (and no extra charge) gluten free options ‼ AMAZING AS ALWAYS! We love First Watch so much - food is always fresh and delicious, warm, welcoming and fun environment, and the staff is always so nice! We got mimosas (OJ is the only juice option), Holey Donuts as an app, then the traditional breakfast and the sausage and gravy. Love this place!!

Smoked Salmon & Roasted Vegetable Frittata

Jessica A.

Had a good experience at this location. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Seems smaller than the other location I'm used to.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Parking in their lot has a 2 hr limit. Service was good. Food was great! I tried something new and it did not disappoint. The bread with the Smoked Salmon & Roasted Vegetable Frittata was nice and soft, slightly crispy, & buttery. I didn't expect it to be that good.

Britnee C.

I LOVED this place. It is a really cute spot in the German village and our server was so nice. He was very attentive and didn't bat an eye when I did the most obnoxious thing and told him to pick what I ate. He brought me the lemon ricotta pancakes and they were phenomenal. I ordered the smoked salmon Benedict for myself as well and WOW yeah so good. My friend got some sort of breakfast platter that had the most delicious bread on it that had this seasoning and butter that was absolutely chefs kiss. The lavender lemonade type drink too was delicious. Please check this place out if you're in the area

Teretha L.

The downtown location on south high was amazing! The place was busy but the flow of everything moved so well. There was lots of seating and different varieties too. I love that they have a summer menu with "summer inspired drinks and food." I had the regular mimosa which was good. The waffle was good too! I had a side of million dollar bacon which is the best I've had. Other restaurants have their own take but First Watch has the best so far! Our service was great! Our waiter was on top of it. Food came fast, our drinks were never empty. As soon as you place a plate down someone is walking by to pick it up . They were on top of it. This is a location I will continue to visit!

Cynthia N.

We haven't been here in a while but we weren't disappointed. The meals we had were good and cooked to our request. Our server was good!

Christina D.

They say the early bird catches the worm. Well, we aren't birds, and we were in search of something better than worms. The couple in front of us struggled with the door, and I sent a quick prayer that it opened, because this birdy was hungry. It opened to a sweet scent strong enough to smell through the mandated mask. We were seated at a table and asked about coffee. I opted for water, but my mate triple creamed his coffee with the seasonal pumpkin spice creamer. They had brought an entire carafe, and only one cup of water, which was remedied at request for a second. The menus have calorie counts, and if you log in with their free wifi, you can customize your order to get detailed factoids. I made use of this as my mate ran to the bathroom, as I had chosen to remove the turkey from my power wrap. When the waiter returned, he looked at the tray in his hand with the wrong order, but noticed his mistake and ran off to fix it, appeasing me with complimentary toast. It was your basic multi grain, an extra thick boy sized slice. There was a cup of preserves alongside it that appeared to have the texture of apple butter. It had a mystery berry flavor instead, a satisfying combo. He brought me my wrap with apologies. I went for the fruit dish first. Heavy on underripe honeydew with limp grapes, the pineapple the best of it all. I went for the pico to cleanse my pallette, getting hit with a small kick and bit of cilantro. The belated star of the show was slippery. I wish they'd brought napkins out, but I managed to hang onto it to take a bite. It had a nice flavor, though I added table salt to the second half. The shrooms had a bounce to them, and while it wasn't overly full of ingredients, looking at you mozz, with your lack of cheese pull, it was filling. My mate went for the smoked salmon Benedict. The eggs were properly poached and seasoned, a runny liquid gold waterfall. There was a fair amount of salmon on a slice of tomato. Nice touch, chef. They upgrade your average English muffin to ciabatta, which was a welcome change of pace. He was indifferent about the sauce, saying it was a bit too lemony for his taste, praising the thickness for being on gravy levels. The potatoes were very well seasoned, better without ketchup. You know a tater is good when it can stand on its own, flaunting how it held pretty firmly without being tough. Hiccups aside, if you're in the neighborhood, worth a stop in.

Maria S.

I will say our food and drinks were good, but the experience there was a hot mess. Went there for a late lunch with co-workers. Walked into a restaurant full of dirty tables. Clearly understaffed because the couple staffed members I did see were doing multiple jobs. Waited about 5 minutes for a table which was no trouble. Was sat in a corner booth and then waited another 10 minutes before my co-worker got up to let someone know no one had greeted us. Which was extra annoying since there was a table across from us that had a server stop by several times, but continue to ignore us. I guess we weren't their problem. The server apologize and rushed our food, but again the damage was done. Too understaffed to try this place for a quick lunch.

Mary R.

We had breakfast here while we were visiting Columbus. I didn't realize it was a chain, so maybe I'll try another location. It's a cute, trendy place with good food. We were there early, so we lucked out and were able to walk right in on a Sunday. Another half hour and there was a wait. The service was great and so was the food. I had the breakfast tacos. Others at the table had the Belgian waffle and lemon ricotta pancakes which both looked and smelled delicious. After seeing some other tables food come out, I may try the heaping avocado toast if I return. They had classic breakfast options and also plenty of healthier choices.

Carl D.

If I'd realized First Watch was a chain, I'd probably have eaten somewhere else. Which would have been too bad; they make an excellent breakfast! As a self-confessed breakfast snob, I'm hard to please but the Tri-Athlete omelet hit it out of the park. Egg whites with house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and green chillies. Served with housemade pico de gallo, whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves and fresh fruit. Delicious! I was there early so there was no wait to be seated or to get my coffee, and the kitchen turned my breakfast out quickly. Servers were friendly enough and well-informed, so any questions I had were quickly answered. Except one. How do restaurants get away with charging $2.95 for a cup of absolutely average coffee? A tall at Starbucks isn't that much, and few restaurants have coffee that comes anywhere close to SBUX. But if you're a breakfast lover, don't let that deter you. There's plenty to tickle your tastebuds here. I'll definitely be going back.

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Review Insights

Adrienne B.

Elite 23

1017

607

1849

13 years ago

This place was a "go to" place for lunch when I was working in Columbus and also where we had my "going away" breakfast. Needless to say I really like the place. One of my favorite things about First Watch is that they have rotating specials so even though their menu is pretty diverse, there's always something new to try as well when you come in the door. Unfortunately for me I have some food allergies but during the fall months they had a pumpkin pancake on the menu that smelled and looked incredible that my lunch companions both tried and raved about. During the multiple times I've dined here I've never had a bad meal, but my favorite thing on the menu would have to be the Chickichanga. Its just delicious. I've also had the Chicken Palermo on multiple occasions and enjoyed that as well. For my going away breakfast (I hardly ever eat breakfast) I got to try the Floridian French Toast which I think could honestly feed a family of four. The fruit was super fresh and I didn't think the french toast even needed any syrup. I also like how they put the water on the table for you so that you're not constantly hoping someone will replenish your glass. read more

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Customer Service M.

Adrienne B. - We are thrilled we were your go to place when you…

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nicole h.

Elite 11

248

16 years ago

We needed breakfast. BAD. Bad in a way that only 4 girls (2 of whom were pregnant) could need breakfast late on a Saturday morning. First Watch seemed to be the only thing around...but it was perfect :) Something for everyone. At reasonable prices. I tossed away all concern for calorie counting when I ordered the grilled cheese and tomato soup--and my meal stole the show. This grilled cheese...oh my God. There are no words. We actually discussed asking how they make it (but I couldn't step up to the plate--it's a freaking grilled cheese). There's a layer of that beautiful, perfect, crispy-near-burned cheese on all surface areas. Then inside it's a smash of magical ooey gooey goodness. Go. Get the grilled cheese. read more

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L C.

141

5 years ago

Always recommend First Watch for brekky. Amazing omelets and overnight oats. Great breakfast destination!!

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Hanna F.

Thank you for visiting First Watch German Village! We are thrilled to…

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James F.

18 years ago

First Watch is a Columbus institution. I had previously written it off as just another diner type place, but their friendly service and food with a tad of difference to it makes it special. The restaurant itself is clean, cheery, and bright. There is plenty of seating for those waiting to get in, and the service is quick. They pay extra attention to diners with children to make sure the kids are happy, and that attention is appreciated. The menu is atypical breakfast and lunch food. Omelets, wraps, creative sandwiches, and of course the stand-by foods as well make up the menu. I especially enjoy their corn chowder. Spicy food is tasty without being too overly hot, and portions are the perfect size. There's a reason there are lots of these all over the city: they're an excellent value and very pleasant. read more

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Maria M.

8 years ago

Really enjoyed our delicious breakfast. The Million Dollar Bacon is so good and very unique. It was very clean.Staff was exceptional. Our waitress Sierra was great. Our first time in Columbus, Ohio and will certainly be back. read more

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Emily H.

Elite 8

192

18 years ago

Visited for brunch on Saturday, and the entryway lined with people nearly turned us away, but the hostess promised 10-15 minutes and she was right. The staff was friendly and FAST. I had a hard time picking from so many options but chose the fresh fruit crepes. The fruit and strawberry yogurt topping were good, as was the muffin on the side. The crepes themselves seemed a little chewy and bland, but I had picked something from the healthy section of the menu so maybe that's why. Boyfriend had the Vera Cruz burrito, which too was just okay. We can say that the potatoes are pretty darned good. And the best part was that it was pretty cheap - $18 before tip. (That included 2 drinks at over $2.25 each. My biggest gripe with brunch is how they can charge $2.50 for a little glass of orange juice.) We may be back but it's not very high on the list. But it would definitely be a safe place to bring out-of-town guests with its extensive menu and friendly and fast service. read more

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Steve S.

Elite 19

296

10 years ago

We were back in Columbus to visit family and decided to hit up First Watch for breakfast instead of the hotel breakfast. Wish we had stayed with the hotel breakfast. Not sure what happened with First Watch. It used to be good but it appears they've gone downhill fast. Food was simply not good. Coffee was horrible and the breakfast potatoes mushy. The avocado in my omelette was brown & mushy. And to top it off, the place is dirty. Dead bugs on the wall. Furniture covered in dust. There are much better breakfast/brunch options in Columbus now. read more

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Eleni K.

Thanks very much for coming in while you were in town, Steve. It's…

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Chelsea W.

13 years ago

First Watch is always a solid choice for a breakfast, brunch or lunch. I love the variety on the menu--there really is something for everyone. I also like how the menu is grouped into breakfast, brunch and lunch with a designated section for healthy options. First Watch is especially accommodating with substitutions. On this particular visit, the line was out the door but we still got our table in under 20 minutes, as promised. I strayed away from my usual eggs benedict or breakfast scramble and tried the Keywest Crepegg and I loved it! Tons of fresh avocado, turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and monterrey jack cheese stuffed inside a crepe/egg combo, topped with sour cream and salsa! The coffee at First Watch comes to your table in a thermos, so refills are at your fingertips! The downside of FW--juice servings are very small...the small size is practically a dixie cup. Just beware. read more

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Amy S.

231

780

375

16 years ago

Still not the amazingness that others lead me to believe. Meh. This time CK and I headed here after walking a 5k (Her 1st ever! Go CK!) to feed the post-race hungries. We got a seat right away which was a 1st for any of my trips to First Watch. I ordered a Florentine Eggs Benedict and CK ordered a plain omelet. It was OK. The coffee was a bit weak but I still drank the whole pot. Our waitress was friendly and attentive...until she brought us our food. With the check. And then we never saw her again. I know that turnover is the name of the game here but we really felt like we were being rushed out of here. CK couldn't finish all her food and trying to flag down someone to get a box took more than a little work. Its not a horrible experience, just not someplace that I would choose to come on my own. When a friend suggests it, that's just fine, but I'm over it. read more

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Joel Z.

15 years ago

2 years ago, I would have given First Watch at any location 5 stars. However, the food has gotten very far away from what used to be a good "fresh" breakfast place. Gone are the days of breakfast that seemed to be prepared by someone who cared. The breakfast potatoes recently turned into a mushy fried messed, and they used to be so good and crispy and I believe baked. The bacon now comes out dry and brittle and should be avoided. I tend to get items with Tortillas (where my date tends to get classic american) and they are always dry and stale these days, just very disappointing. The quality of the avocados has dropped as well, what used to be big bright green chunks now seem to be over ripened and graying. Now its just Bob Evan quality quick breakfast food. The feel of better, fresher, higher quality food has gone. Perhaps they decided to focus on expanding and remodeling instead of keeping food quality up. What ever they did they should stop, quality has just taken a dive over the last 2 years and I have brought this up with many other people who eat here and just about all of them felt the food quality has decreased considerably. Even the service has dropped. Last time they forgot the pancakes, time before that I was only given 1 cup of coffee, this time the forgot my eggs... This last weekend was the last chance for us, that made 4 less then stellar visits to a place that used to be consistently excellent. We will no longer go here for breakfast. read more

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Joe B.

5 years ago

First time visiting First Watch in German Village. We ordered a take out meal for 4 and don't anticipate ever visiting them again. Ordered items were skipped and not packed and 2 waters were ordered but entered as 'No Beverage'. Attention to detail isn't a strong point. Good Luck if you go there - I hope your experience is better than ours. read more

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Daniel H.

12 years ago

Yelp gave us great recommendations with the Floridian French toast and the eggs Benedict with turkey and avocado Busy but fast friendly service! Good quality read more

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Customer Service M.

Daniel H. - Thank you for coming in! Those are two great breakfast…

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Steven B.

5 years ago

Good food - attentive staff. Looks small, cramped from the outside but roomy inside. Curbside view with giant windows was very appealing.

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Matt G.

Elite 21

172

282

107

12 years ago

I really enjoyed First Watch! I had a very bad experience at the one over in Hilliard and the menu wasn't that impressive. So, I never decided to venture back until last weekend. I was glad we did! The downtown/German Village one is much better! Even though it was crowded on a Saturday morning, we had a seat for two in about 5-10 mins. They were quick to greet and very attentive throughout the meal. The prices are average $7-12/plate and they do have healthier options. I ordered their egg-white turkey/spinach/feta omelet and was very happy with my choice. I'll definitely be back to try other things on the menu (since they have so much to choose from) and I enjoyed the service. Plus an added bonus...they have little chocolate-style peppermints (black/green versions of the red/white pinstripe) that taste like peppermint patties... It's the little things people...come on! read more

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Customer Service M.

Thank you for giving us another try! The amazing food, service and…

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Robert V.

5 years ago

This restaurant has all the aesthetics and atmosphere but falls short on food that actually sets it apart from any other breakfast/brunch. It's just okay and at that price point I'd expect more. read more

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Kristin C.

Elite 17

597

8 years ago

I have always loved First Watch. Portions are tiny, but it is flavorful with lots of healthy options.

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Paige E.

Elite 18

8 years ago

Always good food here! The service is typically great and the servers/cooks accommodate my food allergy. They have a variety of breakfast and lunch options as well as breakfast drinks. No judgment if you order items a la carte either or request the gluten free menu. Oh, and skip the "chocolate mints" at the checkout. read more

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Lisa G.

Elite 26

566

2408

2101

15 years ago

I had never heard of First Watch, so I didn't know it was a franchise. We arrived for brunch and the place was bustling with energy! The food and service were great, and I'd go back again. If the decor was better (definitely felt chain-y -- cheap plastic, metal, 80s color schemes), I'd like it much more. read more

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Tina G.

Elite 26

140

339

301

14 years ago

I've been here twice and still think it's OK. The first time with my sister from Virginia. The second time with my significant other and a business colleague of his. Forgot what I ordered each time. I guess that means it was a forgettable experience, palate-wise! read more

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Erica R.

Elite 26

594

784

1332

13 years ago

First Watch has really healthy meals and the food is good and reasonably priced. They have excellent coffee and hot tea. The establishment also provides free wifi. My only complaint is that there is often a long wait on weekends. read more

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Customer Service M.

Erica R. - Thank you for all of your visits! We apologize for the…

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Catherine V.

8 years ago

Huge selection & variety, lots of great choices. Large seating capacity and quick service. Reasonable prices, we had seveeal breakfast dishes, all were very good. read more

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Brian W.

Elite 17

294

15 years ago

This is our regular hangout on Sunday mornings. The food is very good for casual food. If you get seated near the open kitchen and they are busy (like they are every Sunday), it's going to be noisy. All the omelets I've tried are good and my wife has enjoyed the wraps. The interior rehab is nearing completion and added a raised table area. Kind-of a two-sided communal counter. Actually works pretty well. read more

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Will P.

Elite 18

165

372

13 years ago

good breakfast location Very hip, very busy, first watch does breakfast right. I always get pancakes and fruit. It is always good. I guess they use healthier than usual cooking methods and ingredients. Cant say I can tell the difference. Have been a number of times, will go again when I can make it during their hours read more

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Daniel S.

3 years ago

the woman at the front was rude and would not tell us how long the wait was. all she said was "18th in line" and then repeated herself when we asked her how long that means, "18th in line." that sounds like a long wait so we left and decided to go to another restaurant instead with an actual wait time. 5 mins later we get a text from first watch saying our table was ready now, but we already were at the other place. Hm. Interesting. read more

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Jennifer G.

Daniel, thank you for your recent visit and for the feedback. We are…

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Moshe S.

5 years ago

Definitely a great place to have breakfast or brunch. I highly recommend! Plus they don't allow dogs which is great!

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Michael U.

Elite 24

370

446

107

13 years ago

Have driven by this place a ton of times but never went in. When I first moved here it reminded me of one of the places that serves homeless people meals in a nice, restaurant type atmosphere and that's really what I thought it was. It's not. I was pleased walking in how inviting it was. And that they had newspapers for people to read. Paul, who could serve me breakfast every day with those beautiful eyes, greeted me immediately and took my order. I ordered a chicken chimichanga type thing...and it was delicious. I will absolutely try it for lunch one day and will be back for breakfast. read more

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Customer Service M.

Michael U. - After driving by so many times, we are so happy you…

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Eric L.

113

10 years ago

Everything was great. My monte cristo was great and not totally deep fried so it was slightly healthier than most. read more

First Watch - Homemade monte cristo was so great and not as fattening as chain restaurants deep fried versions! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Eleni K.

Thanks so much, Eric. We're so glad that you enjoyed that fresh Monte…

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Shannon S.

258

8 years ago

This place is truly a gem. I'm New to Columbus and this is my second time eating here. Both times the food was excellent and Ciara, our server, was absolutely amazing (ask for her) both times we had her and I won't ever eat there without her being my server (lol) they are environmentally friendly and have something for everyone with the most specific of diet restrictions. Unlimited glass bottled water and pots of coffee are also a huge plus read more

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Patrick P.

11 years ago

Friendly staff, great food, unique offerings. Especially liked the community bar. It was cozy (as long as you like sitting next to people you don't know) and enabled us to avoid a 30 minute wait. I highly recommend any of their varieties of hash! read more

First Watch - Day Glow Juice! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Customer Service M.

Love to hear you had an all-around fantastic experience with great…

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Rick L.

11 years ago

I decided to try this for breakfast as it is close to my hotel (The Westin) and seemed to have a healthy menu. The place was busy but there was no wait and I was seated right away at a booth, even though I was dining solo. I would define the staff as eager. The hostess asked me about coffee, and then immediately after a waitress asked me. No big deal. My only problem with the whole experience was it seemed as if I was being rushed. As soon as I was seated I was asked what I would like. I said that I would like to look at the menu. It seemed like it was at most a minute later when I was asked if I had decided yet. I made my choices and placed my order. The food arrived very quickly and was filling. I tried the French Toast which was good and not too eggy. The bacon was crisp and a large juice is LARGE. As I was eating they dropped the check off at my table. I was not finished so again it felt like I was being rushed. Overall the breakfast food was good, and the service was fast and friendly. I would go back again. read more

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Eleni K.

Thanks so much for giving us a try while you were in town. We're glad…

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sneha r.

5 years ago

It's bit costly because just the name's are different. But basic omelette, bread that's it. And they offer you a coffee (we think) like a complimentary one but they charge for the coffee even for the extra creamer. read more

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Paige T.

Sneha, thank you for dining with us. We greatly appreciate your…

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Ben T.

Elite 21

353

225

8 years ago

This is a first watch. Nothing more, nothing less. I could copy and paste my other first watch reviews and it would be about the same. Maybe a bit off for parking that can suck when it's busy around here but the food is awesome and coffee is good. read more

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Greg D.

9 years ago

A reasonably-priced breakfast-brunch restaurant. Service has been good and the menu is extensive. Specials are always interesting. If you plan to go on Sundays, suggest using the Nowait app as lines can get long and waits can be 30-60 minutes. read more

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Laurie M.

15 years ago

We went for breakfast on Sunday. It was not good. I got the Fresh fruit crepes. The fruit was fine, but the crepes were bland and soggy. I stopped eating them and I was hungry. The muffin was OK, but I wouldn't want to eat again. Basically I paid $8 for a couple of strawberries and a cut up banana! My husband got the Chickichanga - and the chorizo sausage was gray. It was gross. We won't go back. Look I don't want to give a harsh review. I'm sure they all work hard to make a living. I'm just saying - I do too and I don't like spending $8 on soggy, tasteless crepes. read more

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Kj F.

165

11 years ago

Great experience... Friendly staff!! My wait time to be seated was maybe 2mins. I order the meat omelet with banana crunch pancakes.. The food came out less then 10 mins.. I would have gave it 5 stars if there wasn't food underneath our table. read more

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Customer Service M.

Thank you, Kj! We're happy to hear how much you enjoyed your omelet…

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Yuliya M.

10 years ago

Great service and experience! Has parking available on nearby streets with meter payment. The server was nice and friendly. Seemed interested in how we were doing (I went for a weekday lunch with friends). It was not super busy at the time and food came out at a timely manner. I had my baby and they were nice and accommodating about me having a car seat. I got the Key West Crepegg because I wanted savory and sweet. The crepe was nice and plumper, and the stuff in it was really good. The English muffin came with jam and that was a sweet surprise. The coffee was good with cream and sugar. read more

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Eleni K.

Thanks so much for your visit, Yuliya! We're so glad you and your…

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John K.

9 years ago

The place is called first watch and specializes in breakfast but doesn't open until 7....... I've eaten here before, and the food is average. read more

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Rebecca L.

Thank you for your visit, John. It is upsetting to hear you are…

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Locksmith D.

6 years ago

The staff is not very friendly. Got my coffee after I got my food. Freshly squeezed orange juice tasted like it was half mixed with water. Food was okay but not great as usual. Definitely the worst First Watch I've been to in terms of customer service and quality. Do not recommend. read more

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Jennifer G.

Locksmith, we are truly saddened that your experience was not up to…

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Alex P.

8 years ago

We are from out of town and visit Columbus on a regular basis since we are such big OSU fans. We went to First Watch for the first time and it was amazing!! The food was so fresh! Coffee was great and the staff was super quick and pleasant. Definitely coming back every time we visit! read more

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Sir B.

16 years ago

Wow! What an experience! After reading the reviews on Yelp I decided to check it out. After church I took my family there for breakfast. At 10:45, the place was packed! We were told the wait was 10-15min. It actually only took 5min. Our waitress, Abby, was fabulous! She was quite surprised we had never been there before, asking if we were just visiting Columbus. She thanked us for coming and welcomed us to a "long and beautiful relationship." Her smile and upbeat personality was SO refreshing. She made sure we never saw the bottom of our coffee cups and served our food fast! And the food - oh the food - was awesome! That chickichunga (sp?) was the bomb! The serving size was nice and very filling. I must say - this experience was MUCH better than Salvi's off of Hilliard/Rome Rd and The Polaris Grille. This is my new brunch spot! read more

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Page 4 of 6

496 South High St
Columbus, OH 43215
Brewery District
Directions
(614) 228-7554
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.firstwatch.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does First Watch open?

First Watch opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does First Watch close?

First Watch closes at 2:30 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Payment methods

Does First Watch take credit cards?

Yes, First Watch takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does First Watch have catering options?

No, First Watch does not have catering options.

Does First Watch have a drive thru?

No, First Watch does not have a drive thru.

Does First Watch serve alcohol?

No, First Watch does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does First Watch allow dogs?

Yes, First Watch allows dogs.

Does First Watch have TVs?

Yes, First Watch has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does First Watch have bike parking?

Yes, First Watch has bike parking.

Does First Watch have outdoor seating?

No, First Watch does not have outdoor seating options.

Does First Watch have parking?

Yes, First Watch has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is First Watch wheelchair accessible?

Yes, First Watch is wheelchair accessible.

Does First Watch have free WiFi?

Yes, First Watch has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

First Watch is an award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, serving a chef-driven menu of elevated classics and seasonal specialties, always made to order using the freshest ingredients. We greet the sunrise by slicing and juicing fresh fruits and vegetables, whipping French toast batter from scratch and brewing pots of our single-origin Project Sunrise coffee. Freshness is never comprised, which is why we welcome each season into our menu with ingredients and flavors inspired by the position of the sun. All year long, you can enjoy craveable favorites like Avocado Toast for breakfast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict for brunch and Lemon Ricotta Pancakes for lunch. Whether you start at the crack of dawn or not, we'll leave that up to you!

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Health Score

First Watch Reviews in Other Languages

Portuguese
1 Review

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Skillet

Located in German Village, Skillet is a must visit for anyone that wants to go to the best…read morebreakfast/brunch spots around Columbus. With their changing seasonal menus and local ingredients based dishes, you're guaranteed to have something new that tastes awesome! The egg sando was HUGE and tasted unreal with the focaccia bread; and the griddled biscuits were delicious! On top of that, they have some amazing breakfast cocktails and tasty coffees!

It's funny how some restaurants really embody their name? Well, that's skillet! Their food was…read morereally delicious and you can tell they really put a lot of time and effort into their craft. Even on a regular weekday there was about a 45 min wait. It was worth it. The shrimp and grits were phenomenal and the cinnamon bun was perfect. Would definitely go back.

Photos

Fingerling potatoes with rosemary and burnt ends.

Pumpkin-black bean soup with pepitas and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Rustic Traditional Breakfast

The Woodbury

This is the greatest restaurant experience of my entire life. My friends and I were in town for the…read moreArnold. After eating slop for 3 days, this was the light at the end of the tunnel. I had Ravioli Lasagna, it was spectacular. We had the beignets, Bulgogi, Cajun chicken and pasta. We came back for breakfast that was amazing. The greatest overall food I've ever had. Amazing service. I don't even remember the decor because the food was so good.

My wife and I went here for brunch the Saturday before Mother's Day. Despite being extremely busy…read morethat day, the host staff and wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. Our waiter was pleasant, and since we had not been here before, offered some good suggestions. Our food arrived promptly after ordering. It was made with fresh ingredients and was delicious. Great ambiance as well.

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Goood Friends

4.5

(44 reviews)

1.0 mi

The food here is delicious and portion sizes are so generous. We ordered the burrito and the…read morequesdilla. Both were so so yummy. Wonderful place to grab food while enjoying the patio at Jackie Os

Located inside Jackie O's on 4th, you order food through a QR code posted at the GF pickup window…read moreoutside or at the Jackie O's bar. I ordered from my phone then headed to the pickup window when my number was called. Service was efficient. Got the sausage sandwich with no chili crunch, which was quite large in size with a double patty of savory breakfast sausage, hashbrown, egg, and sauce stuffed between a soft bun. Every part of this sandwich was delish! The place was clean and inviting, and I loved the vibe even during their opening hour of business. Multiple levels of indoor and outdoor seating including swings, lots of plants and greenery and lovely artwork decorating the entire patio area, as well as several large screen TVs, with great music playing through the speakers on a Saturday morning near lunch time. Also, the place offered a separate cornhole room inside. Cool and unique spot, I would definitely return if I were ever in the area again.

Photos

Outdoor seating options

McGooodGriddle

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Smashed Spuds with Sauce Flight (All of 'em)

Katalina's

What a cool vibe this former gas station puts off. Great people, good atmosphere. But even more…read moreimportantly is the insanely good food that comes out of it. Let's start with the pancake balls. The signature dish is absolutely out of this world. You can get them filled with Nutella, dulce de leche or Apple/Pumpkin butter. These little morsels of goodness are worth the trip alone. We also had the Pueblo BLT Sammy with the sweet and spicy bacon (that's right this is a thing that must be tried to be believed). This sandwich was so good and don't sleep on the homemade citrus aioli - outstanding. Our table also had the hens in a basket. Eggs cooked perfectly and the bread had a sweetness to it that made it just right. OUTSTANDING FOOD! And we will be back

With so many rave reviews, we were really excited to try Katalina's. Maybe we came in an off day…read morebut it was just a-okay! The vibe is great and the staff are all very cool. We ordered a cold brew, which was very good and potent, which I like. The much hyped pancake balls are in fact quite tasty. Dense, chewy, and sweet. A serving of 6 is a heavy way to start the day -- better to share with friends! The breakfast tacos were just fine. The eggs were overbeaten and a tad bland. The side of potatoes was cold and soggy, they didn't get eaten. We had a nice time but it wasn't a rave.

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Merch wall

Pancake balls- Dulce de Leche & Nutella.

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Coffee

Northstar Café

Cloud Nine Pancakes $16.00…read moreThree ricotta pancakes served with real Ohio maple syrup and bananas Scrambled Eggs with Cheese 8 Choose smoked gouda, chèvre, gruyère or cheddar Mushroom Frittata $18.00 Three Green Field Farm eggs, hearth-baked with roasted mushrooms, sweet onions and gruyère. Served with breakfast PEANUT BRITTLE $5

Visited Northstar Cafe on a Saturday afternoon. Immediately upon stepping in I was excited. The…read morerestaurant is clean and beautiful perfect for any occasion. You order before you find a seat, and the host who took our order was so kind and down to earth. He gave us recommendations and affirmed our choices. I can't remember his name but, he was wearing a cast/sling so I hope he gets the appreciation he deserves. I ordered the Everyday Egg sandwich with bacon and substituted a biscuit in place of the brioche bun. I'm going to tell you right now - this was the best decision ever! I also ordered a single ricotta pancake, the breakfast potatoes the Country breakfast, and the iced strawberry matcha latte. The country breakfast and the everyday egg sandwich have the exact same presentation, I wish the country breakfast was presented with each item separately rather than stacked as a sandwich but it was still delicious. Just like on the Egg sandwich the eggs are the star, fluffy, cooked to perfection. The biscuits was golden brown and flaky and had a nice bite. It paired very nicely with the strawberry preserves. The ricotta pancake was a standout, fluffy and beautifully soft and lightly crispy on the edges. It is paired with fresh cut bananas. Everything was delicious. The only issues arose because the kitchen ran into an issue with their fryer preventing them from preparing the breakfast potatoes. It also caused a delay in them bringing out part of my meal. They jumped into action to apologize and they treated me to a chocolate chip cookie (delicious, warm and huge!) and a complimentary meal at my next visit. As I live out of town I chose to redeem this by ordering the simple salad to take home to which I added avocado. The salad was delicious, I loved the croutons and the light vinaigrette - the avocado added an enjoyable creaminess. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Columbus!

Photos

Vibe

Lemons

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Bar area... only the counter (non booth area) is considered bar.

Morning Ritual

4.2

(18 reviews)

0.4 mi

Great ambience and decor. Love the open space and large windows. Service was friendly but strangely…read moreabsent at times. Food is very mediocre. For the price and what this place has the potential to be, disappointing. My classic breakfast came with mushed hash browns and stale toast, very uninspiring.

Stopped in for a quick Matcha fix ...great customer service very friendly and helpful matcha is…read moreremarkable!!! Fresh flavor

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Pat and Gracie's

Thanks Greg for taking good care of us. Stopped in for a date night with friends. Got seated…read moreright away and waters were offered while we looked over the menu. Lots of good beers and cocktails to choose from. Waters, then cocktails, then appetizer, then dinner. All at a good pace. Never rushed or left us waiting. That takes experience. All the food was delicious. We had a hard time choosing so we need to go back. Thanks again Greg!

Pros: Loved the location and beautiful decor…read moreGreat parking Fast, friendly service Loved their hamburgers and house made tater tots They have a bar Cons: A bit on the pricey side for the portion size you get Not a ton of seating inside Pro tip: Great for lunch if you are doing some shopping in the area. High top seating may be your best bet.

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Valters at the Maennerchor

Great place! We've been here a few times - both for breakfast and for dinner - and both are great!…read more Reuben was classic and solid. French onion soup had an amazing flavor. The Kasespatle was Mac and cheese for adults! This restaurant has a great vibe since it has the unique look of being an old house. Great outdoor patio and great service!

I think people sleep on Valters because it is tucked away and has been there forever…read more The food is delicious and well prepared. Kira our server was outstanding. She managed to deal with our crazy group of 8 quite well and kept the food and drinks coming. The restaurant is cozy and friendly and an overall great experience.

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Red sangria

TownHall

Amazing food, fantastic service, and wonderful ambience; I will definitely return the next time I'm…read morein town!

Disappointing. I came here on a Friday morning for a simple breakfast -- eggs and bacon and toast,…read moreand some coffee. It's the exact same thing I did twice before earlier this year, at the same time. For some reason this morning the server told me they can't do breakfast. I said I had done it right here (same TownHall) on a Friday morning not long ago. They didn't seem to care, or "let me check with a manager" or anything, just 'nah.' I ended up getting something I didn't want (hamburger), which was like "oh well." At this point I'm just trying to have a good time, enjoy the coffee at least, have a sunny day .. I tried to ask about the breakfast thing once more on the way out, but they weren't helpful. Just, "Saturdays and Sundays." Oh, and a fun bonus, somehow it all cost ten dollars more than the breakfasts I had been enjoying (about $30 vs $20).

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4th & State

one of the best experiences i've ever had! i was on a business trip and this place was right by my…read morehotel! they were super allergen friendly (gluten and dairy!) and super knowledgeable. they were able to make my cobb salad gluten free by making the tempeh bacon on a clean griddle. the fries were also incredibly fresh and not too oily. the milkshakes (strawberry and vanilla) were amazing ! vanilla was my favorite. i will definitely be back when im in town.

Amazing food. My father loves this place by his work and can eat anything due to being kosher-ish…read more I ordered it for me and my dad to share. We got a collection of the various pancake bites and brunch wraps and burgers that we enjoyed all day long until dinner time.

Photos

Dining room/front counter

My BLT Sandwich + Chicken Patty 10/10

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Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Kitchen Social

Best place we went while visiting Ohio! Absolutely loved the vibes, decor - modern /upscale, but…read morestill casual, phenomenal service by Preston, even while busy, and the food was AMAZING! We had the mule of the week (cherry limeade) and blackberry drink, chicken schezuan, street corn nachos, cheddar biscuits, and pimento cheese burger. Y'all I wish I would've taken more photos because this place was the best! If we come back to Ohio, we are coming back to kitchen social! If you're thinking of going, make a reservation, and go!!! - A foodie from HTX

Yeahhhh ngl, this was extremely fire. The flavors were melting on my tongue…read more I definitely asked for the sauce on the side but I'm glad my server forgot / didn't listen to me bc this was tewwww good. The steak could've been more on the rare side but tbh i still ate the entire thing... & the veggies in this dish were divine. I could kill a whole tub of the carrots and cauliflower. 10/10 The place itself is so insanely busy so def make a reservation ahead of time & try to avoid Sunday brunch / lunch or you'll hit the church crowd. Service was great as well. Parking can be a bit annoying and tight but nothing too bad that will make u want to choose another restaurant.

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Bathroom

Veggie bowl

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CRÈME BRULEE FRENCH TOAST Brioche, Vermont syrup, almond brittle, seasonal berries, mascarpone cream.

Osaka Ton Katsu

4.7

(45 reviews)

0.4 mi

Definitely the standout meal from my trip to Columbus! We came in for dinner on a Cridat night and…read morewere able to snag a counter seat in the small, tidy dining area. We ordered a #1 (chicken katsu with rice, sauce, miso soup, and pickles) and a #7 (pork katsu with rice and curry sauce). OH MY, were we delighted! Everything was absolutely scrumptious. Served fresh with a charming presentation. Flavorful, satisfying. We were raving about the meal all night long! Must go.

I stumbled across this spot when trying to find a Japanese restaurant in the area. Although the…read morerestaurant was small, it gave a cozy vibe that I enjoyed. I took my friend here to try their katsu and I was not disappointed. I decided to get their Ton Katsu Teishoku Set so I could try everything they had. This meal took me back to my trip to Japan. I like how they gave you sesame seeds to grind for your sauce. The pork katsu was crispy and juicy. I also thought the rice was perfectly cooked. When I came here, the server accidentally spilled some of the soup on me and was very apologetic. They offered me complimentary soup to make up for the accdient. Overall, I would definitely come back to try their other items like the curry!

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Interior

TONKATSU TEISHOKU

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Ton Katsu Teishoku Set

Valters at the Maennerchor

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Cento

4.5

(175 reviews)

0.2 mi

Firstly, this was mine and my new fiancé's first time ever coming here, and I can say that the…read moreoverall experience was nothing but incredible. Our server, Alex, was incredibly kind and helpful, but was also so incredibly down to earth. That alone made us feel so much more comfortable, and I truly appreciate that. Moving to the food, the peach burrata was exceptional! And the carbonara and bolognese were beyond tasty. Overall, this was one of the best meal experiences that u have ever had and I am so incredibly happy that we were able to celebrate our anniversary here (I proposed to her after dinner!) Thank you for the amazing experience, and I cannot wait for the next time we come back! We'll ask for Alex again lol

We had a wonderful experience! Our server, Allie, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about…read morethe menu. Her recommendations were spot on, and everything we ordered was delicious. We were celebrating a birthday, and she even offered to take pictures for us, which was such a thoughtful touch and made the occasion feel extra special. Ethan, our server assistant, was equally fantastic. He made sure our drinks were always full and kept the table cleared promptly, helping everything run smoothly throughout our meal. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the outstanding service from both Allie and Ethan truly made our visit memorable. We can't wait to come back!

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The Garden Terrazzo, heated in winter

Lemon Tart with whipped cream and raspberries

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Burrata with roasted tomatoes, pesto and extra virgin olive oil

The Brown Bag Deli

Found this place on Yelp while in German Village. Wanted a good deli sandwich to pack a lunch for…read moreexploring Greenlawn Cemetery. Busy little spot. Decent menu but not overwhelming. The wait was great for as busy as they were. Decent seating inside and out but a lot were to go orders I ordered the #7 The Village Addiction $13.00 smoked turkey, havarti, cranberry mayonnaise served grilled on sour dough. The cranberry mayo was a great addition to the sandwich tangy and refreshing. They have plenty of salads as well but I opted for the Curry Cauliflower. Well spiced, slight heat, but delicious Service was friendly and welcoming. Good value and a refreshing change from fast food restaurants

This is such an adorable small business, where the atmosphere is always full of warm energy. I love…read moregrabbing a quick and easy lunch pickup order and enjoying a delicious and generously sized sandwich! I specifically love the club sandwich and the chicken salad! This is in a great location for downtown and German Village workers, and I absolutely recommend stopping in to pickup a nice meal as a middle of the week reward!

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Exterior seating area

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Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

20 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ray J.

5 years ago

I have to say after reading other reviews this place is homophobic. I was in on Sunday and the host accused my husband and I of lying how much time we waited outside for a server. I pointed at her said you calling us a lier and she said yes. I asked for her manager and she said she was manager of the host and to get out because I have a attitude and told my husband to walk his gay blank out the door. So bad service how can you just do this to customers we come there every Sunday morning. Why would anyone want to eat at an place who is homophobic and racist. read more

Caroline J.

17 years ago

There really isn't more to say than, it's a chain breakast joint. No more, no less than Shoney's, Denny's, IHOP, Waffle House, etc. You get the point......not to mention REALLY REALLY SLOW SERVICE FROM SERVERS THAT EXPECT TO BE TIPPED 20%...for really slow service.. Honestly, eggs are eggs, bacon is bacon, toast is toast, etc......you get the point. read more

David M.

220

7 years ago

Great selection of healthy breakfast and lunch menu items. Visually appealing interior and lots of seating. Was very cold inside today however. Be prepared to get the typical frustration trying to find parking in this area. Portions can be a bit on the small side for the price point but the flavor makes up for it. Service is great! read more

Alexander Z.

2 years ago

Excellent First Watch - seated with a short time on the wait list. It was as extremely busy on this 4th of July Hioliday but service was top notch . Food was made to order with additional requests and food came out perfect. The restaurant was clean and inviting. read more

Jessica A.

13 years ago

Always come here with a group of friends in the mornings and it is so good!! We always get seated fast and the service is great! Food is super fresh and can't complain about anything. Workers there are really friendly and I always leave with a smile. read more

lily k.

4 years ago

Not too shabby ................................................................................................................................................................................................... read more

Tina F.

13 years ago

Really good place to bring your family and have a nice breakfast. Super healthy food and great service. Everyone is always friendly and really nice and it starts you off with a great morning! read more

Amanda S.

12 years ago

Never have to wait to be seated here, a rarity for breakfast in the German Village area. The staff is always extremely friendly and the food is delicious. Plus the prices are reasonable. read more

Madison B.

11 years ago

The staff is so friendly at this location! Always fast service. Prices are reasonable for the quality of food you're getting. Highly recommended ! read more

Joe M.