Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    First Watch

    4.1 (65 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

    Order First Watch Takeout or Delivery

    First Watch Photos

    Business Info

    FIRST WATCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - First Watch

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Sunny Seoul Hash
    Keenan T.

    First Watch took over The Melting Pot. This one's closer to where I live in South Durham and easier to get to. My doctor's office is upstairs. Breaking my lab work fasts is more fun thanks to First Watch. I often meet friends from church here too. Expect a similar menu to other locations but a smaller, more cozy dining space. Opt for the dining room with a view to the kitchen or for the brightly lit bar. I enjoy their high-tops when the natural light is bright. I can drink my Morning Meditation and enjoy a good breakfast. Notable dishes I had here are their Korean style skillet hash special and their Trifecta with a large pancake.

    Table token
    Kayla P.

    Always a good meal. I had my born, the chicken pesto quinoa bowl and it was tasty. I love how fresh everything is (even the orders I spy in passing). My guy had the blueberry pancake and feels the chocolate chip is better. My Kale Tonic was refreshing. Service was busy. The place was bustling and filled with brunchers. It's close-ish seating but not impassable. Friendly and open.

    Breakfast skillet
    Tony F.

    First time we came here with the family, and this place was buzzing with energy from the moment you opened the door. I had the breakfast skillet that you could have two people easily share, but everything was delicious. Our waiter found out we were from Wisconsin and was very personable with us, and did an amazing job serving our table, A+! The food was amazingly fresh, delicious, and generous portions. You WILL NOT leave hungry. Everything from the coffee, to the fruit, to the bread was absolutely amazing. I would recommend to call ahead to get a seat as this place was very just and always had people waiting, but they did a great job continuously seating people . We will definitely come back next year when we are back in town, great job to the buisness and staff!!

    Menu
    Dan B.

    It was going to be a 15 minute wait, but we were offered the choice of immediate seating at the bar which we chose. This is the first First Watch I've been to that has a bar - half of which is inside and half of which is outside. Terry, our server, was friendly, accommodating, and efficient. He had our drinks within minutes. Their coffee is very good and I love that they bring you your own personal pot (the delight of true coffee drinkers everywhere, ha). I ordered their "Bacado" which consists of bacon, avocado, Monterey Jack, topped with all natural sour cream, and served with a side of house made pico de gallo. It was excellent!! Excellent healthy food choices, exemplary service, and reasonable prices will be a major reason why I continue to support and recommend First Watch. If you haven't experienced this place yet, give them a try.

    BLT Benedict!
    Smythe R.

    I was just wanting coffee and a small breakfast, but it's New Year's Eve and places are closed. But I always love the BLT Benne here, so rode a little further. Sat on the patio until it started getting chilly. Megan kept checking on me, made me feel very welcome. One of the managers also came by at some point. Great coffee, great food, great service, great WiFi. What's not to love?

    Eggs Benedict
    Jessica G.

    Came here because I really wanted an eggs Benedict. It looked pretty nice, and the eggs were poached well but the hollandaise sauce was a little bland. Service was good, pretty standard. It was also darker than I expected inside, but we were seated by the window which made it brighter. Overall not a bad brunch spot.

    Barbara scrambled eggs, black beans, and creama
    Chandra J.

    Haven't been to First Watch in a while, but I am so glad that I was able to check them out on Sunday with a friend. I received my birthday reward earlier than I thought and was blessed to do a BOGO! I decided to try their Barbacoa chlaquies bowl, and my friend got their own view on a trifecta. And wow, the Barbados bowl was thick, full, and amazing--literally. It felt like an enchilada with a splash of eggs and black beans exploded in my bowl. It was so full of flavor! Wow! This was not was I was expexting from First Watch. Even my friend mentioned that he wished that he would have ordered what I did as it looked amazing and was so full! I literally have made three meals out of this!! Minus one star for the lackluster service. A lot of other people OTHER than our server served us, which is sad as she was clearly helping others. I would get the same entree, but not with the same server.

    pumpkin pancake
    Tom H.

    The staff at this location has been great! Very friendly and makes an effort. The menu has a wide array of brunch and breakfast staples not especially unique but there should be something for everyone in your party. Some of the menu items such as the "Million Dollar Harvest Hash" use a few ingredients you may not have at home like Mikes hot honey (honey infused with chili peppers for kick) but generally you're not getting surprised here. They do try to create a seasonal menu based on what veggies are typically in season, I say try because being a wide reaching chain it's not possible to develop a menu for every region but they hit some of the main ones such as corn, asparagus etc. During the fall they grab onto the pumpkin spice trend which I took a picture of my pumpkin spice pancake that I would rate as good (yes you get just one per order). Ambiance is warm and inviting for the most part, maybe a bit boring but for a primarily breakfast/brunch location that can be a good thing as it gives a more toned down comforting vibe. I don't review a lot of chains but there's enough locations around the triangle now that some people are trying them for the first time. You won't get "wowed" most likely but it's also not going to ruin your day and you'll get a decent meal. I will say also that their website is amazing for being able to determine the nutrition information about your specific meal. Each ingredient is itemized and given it's own nutrition info and you can see exactly what ingredients are being used to create your dish. I wish every place did this!

    French toast
    Diana G.

    First Watch is a gem of a find! The decor is clean and classy - absolutely love the dropped tin ceiling panel! The staff is so friendly and efficient. The menu is diverse and delicious. I tried the French toast and lemon pancake. The pancake was so very amazing! Even the hot cocoa was above the rest. If ever in the area again, I will not miss the chance to go back. Highly recommended spot!

    French Toast Side Two Eggs Million Dollar Bacon Million Dollar Potatoes

    Top tier service, top tier food, top tier all around. First watch is a lovely place with open seating and even outdoor. Their breakfast selection is unique and I highly recommend the million dollar menu if you're feeling a little indecisive. They have some of the best French toast in the area.

    See all

    3 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of First Watch Daytime Cafe

    First Watch Daytime Cafe

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Good breakfast food with several interesting twists. Service was great esp sitting outside on this mid-summer morning.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dan B.
    114
    391
    2474

    2 years ago

    Helpful 39
    Thanks 14
    Love this 34
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Hanna F.

    Hanna F.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Mom and I love getting takeout here. I always add on one of their delicious drinks. The bacon is *chefs kiss*. They do takeout really well.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer C.

    Jennifer C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L A.
    0
    4
    18

    9 months ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of First Watch Daytime Cafe

    First Watch Daytime Cafe

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jamie Z.
    10
    36
    34

    3 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer C.

    Jennifer C.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jennifer G.

    Jennifer G.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynerd T.
    11
    11
    36

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Great service by Taylor. Good food and didn't have to wait long either. Will definitely come back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    They have great food and amazing service. Our waitress Taylor was very nice, absolutely loved her personality!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jacqui F.
    135
    11
    2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa S.
    13
    93
    211

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - First Watch

    You might also consider

    PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails

    PRESS Coffee Crêpes Cocktails

    4.4
    (410 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$

    What can I say. Like many others the place beautiful and the crepes were to die for. I had the…read moreFrench toast crepe which had cheesecake filling. So decadent. Lots of good with only one bad. The only bad was no drip decaf but I could get a decaf Americano. So even that compensated for the bad. Would love one of these in Maryland.

    Ordered breakfast to-go because the reviews had me bracing for a 45-minute-plus wait to sit. Turned…read moreout that wasn't necessary, as there were plenty of open tables at 9am on a Sunday. The reviews were glowing, and repeatedly warned about the wait, that my expectations were probably set too high going in. I got the steak and eggs crepe and added avocado, extra steak, and kale. The eggs sit on top, and mine came closer to over-hard than the over-medium I asked for -possibly from sitting in the to-go box for 15 minutes, so I'll give some benefit of the doubt there. The crepe itself was tasty, and honestly I'd come back to try something off the sweets menu. But the fillings didn't land. The steak was a little chewy, and the mushrooms were cut too thick for a crepe -- they made it hard to cut cleanly and felt out of place. The add-ons I'll leave alone since those were my call. Overall the dish felt fairly run-of-the-mill against the hype. One note: this might be a dish better served by not allowing customizations, to keep it consistent to its intent. What threw me is that "steak and eggs" is the menu item, yet they also offer a carne asada crepe with no eggs ...so the only real difference is eggs placed on top, which doesn't change the crepe itself. Felt clear as mud after unboxing my meal. The latte I got was standard. Nothing wrong with it, nothing memorable. TL:DR this read as a solid fallback breakfast more than the must-try the reviews promised. The dogs I saw at the outside tables kept this closer to a 3.5 than falling on the other side of 3.

    Photos
    Inside/bar, Nov 2024.
    Inside/bar, Nov 2024.
    Lavender latte
    Lavender latte
    Salted Pistachio Mocha

    See all

    Salted Pistachio Mocha
    It's a Southern thing: Kitchen and Bar

    It's a Southern thing: Kitchen and Bar

    4.0
    (724 reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    I love this place for consistently tasty food and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Every visit feels…read morerelaxed and welcoming, and the service is always on point. It's one of those spots where you can walk in anytime and know you're going to have a good experience. If you're looking for recommendations, the wings are a must‑try, and pairing them with a Bloody Mary never disappoints.

    So I asked yelp to recommend a place for a birthday dinner. This was the first on the list. So…read moresince I couldn't get a reservation on my birthday to the place I originally wanted to go, we decided to come here. There is plenty of parking on the backside of the building, paid parking out front, and be careful not to park in the apartment spaces on the side...they sounded pretty serious about towing. I had made a reservation but it was probably unnecessary as it was pretty empty when we arrived (it was about 5pm on a Saturday.) The waitress brought a bottle of water to the table and took our drink order. And I know that this place is literally call it's a Southern thing but can I mention how much I dislike drinking out of mason jars? I ordered the chicken n biscuits, my husband got the country hamburger steak plate, my BiL got wings, and my SiL got the crabcakes. We also orders charred jalapeno & sweet corn hushpuppies and frickles as an appetizer. I was VERY excited about my food. Y'all...the only thing that impressed me were the Frickles. Everything else was distinctly underwhelming. I also ordered Blackberry Betta Have My Money which was not that great. My SiL ordered a espresso martini that they said didn't come from a mix but she said it tasted like it was. The bathrooms were very clean. The decor and the vibe were great. Cute even. I really enjoyed that part of it. After dropping off our food, we never saw our waitress again unless we flagged her down for drink refills. It was especially frustrating since there was automatic gratuity added. And since the place wasn't that busy, it felt like she didn't feel the need to earn her automatic tip. Overall I was disappointed in my birthday dinner. I won't be coming back here.

    Photos
    It's a Southern thing: Kitchen and Bar
    Fried Green Tomatoes
    Fried Green Tomatoes
    Dinner menu

    See all

    Dinner menu
    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    4.4
    (169 reviews)
    6.6 mi
    $$

    amazing! I love this location, food is always good and coffee is always great! the service is…read moreamazing too!

    If I could give this place 100 stars, I would! From the…read moreoutside, you would never guess what awaits inside. It looks like a small neighborhood spot, but the moment you walk through the doors, you're immediately welcomed by a charming bakery counter filled with fresh pastries, coffee, and sandwiches. Then, as you make your way to the restaurant in the back, the entire experience transforms into something truly special. The ambiance is absolutely stunning--warm, inviting, and thoughtfully designed. I honestly spent half the meal just taking it all in because every detail was beautiful. Now, let's talk about the food... phenomenal doesn't even begin to describe it. Everything was incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Our brunch came out surprisingly fast without sacrificing quality, and every bite was bursting with flavor. The service was equally impressive. Everyone was welcoming, attentive, and genuinely seemed to enjoy making sure guests had a great experience. You could tell there was pride in both the food and the hospitality. If you're anywhere near Durham, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. Whether you're stopping in for coffee and a pastry, grabbing a sandwich, or sitting down for brunch, you won't be disappointed. I'll definitely be back, and this has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in the area. Five stars isn't enough--this place deserves 100.

    Photos
    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Jerk chicken

    See all

    Jerk chicken

    First Watch - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...