I don't think we found the restaurant in its peak form, in spite of coming during off hours (before 8 am on a Sunday). The food took a very long time to come out and I found a hair in my food. Also, do yourself a favor and don't get the majestic bacon or whatever they call it - overly sweet and spicy, not worth the price. (Kudos to the waiter for taking it off our bill.) read more

Amazing wait staff and incredible chef! This is one of the Best locations around! The food is always awesome and with an ever-changing seasonal menu, what more could you ask for! read more

I've been coming to this location since it opened several years ago. Unfortunately the service and quality has gotten progressively worse over time. While the waitstaff is great and friendly they continue to be understaffed and slow. The food isn't bad but is generally only warm, not hot. As I write this I've been sitting here for over 30 minutes waiting for my meal and it is likely the last time I sit here at all. read more

This place has high quality service, also they help the group Helping Hunger!

Worst restaurant ever. The staff there are unfriendly and rude. The manager doesn't care. Oh my god we hated first watch after being a great fan of them because of that branch. The service is so slow and the waitresses are unfriendly and unprofessional. The place is unclean, service/ glass ware were dirty , the water kettle was stinky . We waited for more than an hour and half without serving our food, my kids were starving and we walked away without being served. All the time out servant was ignoring us and she didn't even came to apologize for this delay and when we asked for the manager he didn't bother to come and see what's going on. The overall experience with them wasn't good at all. I don't recommend this place. read more

Friendly staff, great food, good energy start to finish

Horrible experience. We waited 30 mins and after being seated no server came to us for the next 10 mins. We were not even asked water. Left really saddened since this was the first time we thought of trying this cafe. Either they were too short staffed which seemed unlikely since they had almost 6 tables empty or it was because we were the only brown couple. Never going back again. Shame on you guys. read more

Busy place for breakfast. Have gone here a couple of times and they are usually packed. I ordered the eggs Benedict this last time. It was tasty and fresh. They promote locally grown and fresh. Would recommend this place for a change of pace and flavors. read more

Fantastic brunch! Maybe they're working out the kinks mentioned by previous reviewers - we had a great experience all around. 10:30 on a Saturday; it was crowded and we agreed to wait about 25 min. Table was ready after about 15. Whole place was totally clean. Server welcomed us, I had coffee within minutes, and she brought a kids' menu within a minute. Love that I got a little carafe for the table, and that the coffee was VERY HOT. Points for very hot. Our server checked in with us every few minutes until we were ready to order, and the food came out fast, delivered to the right people. Best of all - it was tasty! Parma Hash - mushrooms, potatoes and sausage with eggs sunny side up - was cooked just right and came out hot. Traditional (eggs and toast) - hot and good potatoes. French toast made us happy. If I could wish for one more thing, it would be more flavorful toast - it wasn't bad, but great bread would put it over the top. The menu had enough tempting choices that I'm looking forward to trying other things. This place is well laid out and very kid-friendly. We loved that although there were about a million kids there, we could still hear each other across the table. The host was asking about high chairs up front so that tables could be prepped accordingly. The servers have plenty of space to move about; the booths are big; and we couldn't hear all the conversations at the neighboring tables. Points for good planning and lay-out. Our server was a star; she was friendly and quick. The Host and Hostess working the door were, as well. Everyone we could see seemed to be having a pleasant experience. The price was right - and better than many other options in the general area. $26 for three breakfasts (one a kid's), a juice and a coffee. We're looking forward to returning. read more

You can't go wrong if you're in the mood for good ol' fashioned, healthy food. Made to order, fresh, and the wait staff is so friendly. Good to know there's a place you can dine at that feels like it's 'going home'. The atmosphere is comfortable and homey. You're never rushed. Very relaxing. Good food. read more

Went back and everything was 1000% better! I'm glad they turned things around because they do offer great food at reasonable prices. Gaithersburg needed a place like this. I will definitely return as there are many items which sound delicious! read more

The food is delicious and the service is good. I've been twice on the weekend for breakfast and even when quoted a 30 min wait didn't have to wait more than 15. Only reason they didn't get 5 stars from me is that the food isn't really very hot when served its warm. :/ read more

Waited 30 minutes for a to go order of a salad and sandwich. Had to leave without food. Very nice friendly staff but way too slow.

One doesn't expect to find such a gem as First Watch in the suburbs with an in-town atmosphere...but there it is in Gaithersburg! I've tried different menu options, some very unique, but they've all been worth recommending: from the fantastic waffles (probably my favorites - one had lemon curd and fresh blueberries with whole grains...WOW!) to the more conservative options like eggs or pancakes cooked as you like and served topped or filled with just about anything you could want. The special coffees are as good as ANYTHING out there (and available to purchase either ground or whole-bean), and kids are treated like visiting diplomats (kids still manage to stay quiet above the usual restaurant din - they're too busy eating!)...and the servers are kind and considerate. Just remember to keep in mind that there are no reservations...but then it's a pretty big place and the turnaround between diners is pretty fast. I recommend First Watch in Gaithersburg because it never leaves me wanting and it's the best place to get breakfast MY WAY!!! read more

Unfortunately there is a shortage of good breakfast places and sensible restaurants in the Gaithersburg area, thus this is one of the best places you'll find. Overall the food is consistently good with mixed experiences with service. The atmosphere at this location is the best I've seen across 3 different locations that I've been to and has good energy. read more

Food was very good and not overly priced. Our waitress was kind and attentive. The hostess was also nice so the service was good. The waiting area is very congested, it actually almost caused us to leave instead of waiting for our table, but I'm glad we did the food was well worth it! The reason for four stars instead of five: the waiting area also serves as the only entry/exit for the place so when your waiting your constantly doing that awkward dance/shuffle with other customers. Also the table was very small and crowed leaving little room for our food, I felt like my soup was going in my lap at any second. read more

VegD Out omelette was outstanding. Nice to have a pot of coffee on the table. Can't wait to return soon. Pricing very reasonable $22 for 2 - breakfast & coffee. read more

Love this place. First time there and ordered breakfast for lunch. Food was high quality and delicious, prices are reasonable, decor is fresh and relaxing, wait staff was friendly and helpful. Fast service. Zero complaints. 5 stars earned!! read more

Went at about 11 on a Saturday so was expecting to have to wait-they said twenty minutes and it ended up taking about 35. We finally sat down and ordered and then never saw our waitress again for 40 minutes until she brought us the wrong food. We watched as the two tables next to us who came 20 minutes after us got their food before us but still couldn't find our waitress. The food was alright but not worth this horrible wait and service! read more

I have been to this location of First Watch and the location in the Rockville Town Center, and I was not that impressed with either one. I got the multigrain pancakes at this location, and they were very mediocre. They are HUGE and look great, but I found them to be totally dry. I make better pancakes at home, to be honest. The eggs looked decent, but the potatoes looked dry and not crispy at all. Since I was disappointed with both locations, I don't think I'll be back read more

2 try's 2 bad experiences. I've been to 1st Watch in Laurel a couple of times and loved it. So I tried to take my family there on Mothers Day. Signed up on line early, got confirmation and waited 2 hours then went to Muddy Brach. They didn't have us on the list, but we were welcome to get on the list and wait 2 hours. No thanks. Gave it another chance today. They said it was a 25 min wait and it took 25 min. Ok good so far. What they did not say was that it would be a 35 min wait for the food. The waitress was very attentive when she took our order but we did not see her again until after the food was brought to us. Food was so-so service was terrible. Won't be going back to this location but I might try the one in Rockville. read more

First Watch just doesn't deliver a quality breakfast. My omelet of ham and gruyere cheese was made with the cheese melted on the outside and consequently looked un-egg like and not in a" conventional' omelet shape. Actually, the shape was a formless blob on the plate. Taste wise, a mediocre presentation. My companion had Eggs Benedict and it was close to acceptable. The eggs yolk stood up tall, a good sign of freshness. The Hollandaise sauce was OK. Salad greens were fresh and well mixed. No tablecloths and poor paper napkins. Table service was dismal, no water offered, and coffee cups so ice cold, we asked for new, heated cups for the coffee. The coffee served was just barely hot enough and the taste was middle of the road generic. Server took our orders and then forgot to turn them in to the kitchen. So sorry, no silver dollar sized pancakes. Pancakes were too big doughy, mattress looking blobs. There is that word again, "blob"; an overall description of my breakfast here. Just barely acceptable quality on olive oil and pancake syrup. Serious doubts that the syrup was maple. Overall, this is a case of raw materials delivered into the kitchen were significantly better quality than the finished plates coming out of the kitchen. Breakfast here was a big disappointment. read more

I can walk to this place so I want it to be good. Do not order scrambled eggs. What I got was eggs fried over hard then chopped up. Order an omelette. The service is good. Nothing was steaming hot on the plate served to me. read more

Second time here in two weeks. The food and the service are quality and the prices are reasonable. Jeff provided top notch service and was great with the kids. We'll definitely be back. read more

Four times in four weeks! That says something :-) Every time: great food, great service, great staff. Wait time each time has been less than 10 minutes. LOVE the Pesto Power Bowl. read more

Food was good. Service was terrible. Waited for quite sometime for coffee and water. Then the waitress brought decafe when we ordered regular. My boyfriend ordered french toast but no syrup was brought. His soup came out after his food while I was still waiting on my food. Asked for syrup and got it while I am still waiting for my eggs. Than they bring another soup, which we did not order. My food comes out and they forgot my toast. I ask three different servers for my toast and after about 10 minutes my toast comes out with no butter. Again ask three servers for butter and finally receive it after I get up and go to the kitchen. Food is totally cold by then. I use to waitress and it is not brain surgery. Management needs to retrain the waitstaff. read more

Very disappointed! We went when you first opened and it was great! Recently we took our college girls for brunch and where do I begin..It was not busy... Our table wasn't set for the 4 of us, when the food finally arrived it was cold, we sent back pancakes and never got them back, asked for some hot hollandaise sauce to put on our cold eggs Benedict which never arrived, no refills on our tea and coffee. We asked the waitress to take the pancakes off the check and she agreed but then did not. It just got worse, we will not return!!!! read more

Had a very yummy breakfast this morning-Great service and nice atmosphere- will return.

We go for breakfast/brunch at least one day every weekend! They have healthy options for breakfast and lunch, and everything is unique and delicious! The staff is super friendly and know the menu back to front. I would highly recommend their muffins - especially the lemon poppy, blueberry, cranberry orange, and banana! They offer free coffee if there is a wait and have a community table if you don't want to wait for your own table. Sometimes there is a decent wait for a table, but once you get seated the food comes out speedy fast! I would highly recommend this restaurant and location!! read more

For a local place for breakfast, a rarity in our area, it was relaxed and had a non-rushed ambiance. However, the weekends are probably more crowded. The food was very inventive. And what other restaurant has JJ Cale, Diana Krall, and Mark Knopfler on their music feed?! We will return. Jofo & Ade read more

Delicious, healthy, fresh food at it's best! The atmosphere is great, and the staff is fun!

Don't plan on going back. I've tried it a couple times, and both were lousy. I've had an omelette that was filled with gross cold sausage, bad french toast, and hot chocolate that was sickeningly sweet. No thank you. read more

So I'm torn about this review, because I've been to this First Watch several times and have had a relatively positive experience. Generally things are made well, eggs are cooked well, I like their fancy fruit drinks, they have some nice healthy options. However, this past weekend was awful, which has tipped my rating way down (for this single visit I actually give it no stars -- I'm giving it two because of past good experiences). I asked for well done bacon, and it came half burnt and half underdone (not one piece of each -- one half of each slice was black, the other half was barely cooked). I asked for poached eggs, and they were basically raw (yes, poached eggs are supposed to be runny, but these were essentially uncooked yolks). And maybe they are using vinegar in the water to poach the eggs in, because there was a bizarrely vinegary flavor to the eggs (which were still sitting in a lot of water in the bowl they gave me, so it was hard to avoid it). The waffle was fine, but they gave me only enough of the fruit jam side to cover a quarter of it. And they forgot the toast I had ordered. So generally, everything I had was terrible. Not sure if they have some new staff in the kitchen, but whoever made my meal shouldn't be cooking. The service was fine, although I think that she should have at least noticed the burnt bacon problem (hard for her to spot the poached eggs problem, obviously). read more

This started out as a family favorite. One of the few healthy alternatives to choose from this close to home. Excellent food with few unhealthy additives. Plus good service. Unfortunately, as seems to be the with many places that become popular, the service and food quality have suffered. Today we visited for breakfast. First of all, we used the app to get in line. Usually works like a charm. Get in line and arrive when the app tells you to. Not today. We arrived as scheduled and waited. Not too bad, but waited nonetheless. We then sat down for breakfast. We were promptly greeted by our wait staff. I ordered a feta and spinach omelette. The waitress clarified I wanted feta cheese. When the order came, the eggs were overdone and the cheese was not feta- it was Monterrey Jack. When I pointed this out I was told "That's what it comes with. Can I have it remade for you?" A simple "Sorry about that" would have been better. When my new omelette came, it was once again overcooked. It had just a dab of spinach and a bit of feta. Underwhelming. Lastly, when we received the bill, I had been charged for a 3 cheese omelette with an extra charge for the spinach. Again, not horrible, but not feeling great about the experience. I write this because this is one of my favorite restaurants and I hope they get back on track. One more chance after this. read more

I've eaten their food twice now and both times would say it has been very good. I've really enjoyed both meals, and food quality wise have little to no negative comments. However, as far as dining experience goes...I'd give it more of a 1 or 2 star rating. I think I'd recommend this place if you live nearby and can order it to carry out as I did the first time I had it. The food was package in a really great way for it to be preserved and not ruined by sitting together and I was able to assemble it easily in order to get the proper flavors. I really enjoyed my meal (I got the lemon ricotta pancakes) when I carried out and ate at home. Quick and painless. When I ate in the restaurant though I was very disappointed. My meal was still very good tasting however I was so put off by the wait and pushiness to get us out that I highly doubt I'll ever choose to eat there. We were estimated a 30-45 minute wait however "I doubt it'd even be that long" said the host. It was, at 40 minutes I asked if our name was up soon and the host only said "your 35 minutes into a 45 minute wait time so you have 15 minutes" I can do math so thar response seemed a bit odd to be telling me how to count the minutes, but still I ended up waiting around 20 minutes more so from the time we put our name in to seating time was around 55 minutes according to them. It was a Saturday and I understand the wait, it would've been nice to have been updated better on our position in line but ok. I was more annoyed that after receiving our food we were handed the check for "when you're done eating here you go"... literally 25 minutes after sitting down. We were made clear that our table was needed and we weren't even alloted to eat in as much time as we waited to sit. Just seems like they don't have their dining room set up properly ro accommodate their customers. So again, I think if you want to try their food I recommend ordering carry out. You will be much happier read more

We got stuck in the snowstorm on tuesday and were looking for somewhere to get something to eat because the kids were cold and hungry, everywhere we tried in the shopping center was closed or closing due the bad snow. We came into your store around 2:45pm and the young man we talked to explained that you close at 2:30pm, but after hearing my kids complain about being hungry and being cold he said to hold on he will check with the manager to see if they could help us out. The young man came back with a smile, told me the manager kris said everything would be cool and that they will take care of us and it wasnt any provlem to open the kitchen back up for us. He sat us down in a booth and we were able to enjoy the hospitality of your restaurant, a polite and exciting staff, great, delicious, hot food that made my children very happy. Your restaurant was the only one that would help our family out even well after you already closed. The manager kris came out, introduced himself to us, and thanked us for coming in and made us feel very welcome. He made us feel relaxed, we werent rushed, enjoyed the great food, and invited us to hang out until the taxi came to take us back home. This was our first time here, and after the warm welcome, respectful and caring staff, welcoming and caring management, and just being caring and thoughtful when the others werent made a great first and lasting impression on us. I thank you for opening your doors and being welcoming to our family in the storm after you had already closed and you definitely made a future customer out of me and my family. Thank you very much for caring and being so welcoming when others werent. :) read more