I'm very torn and kind of wanted to give it 3 stars but stuck to 4 because food was really good. But the service was so bad on our visit, it really left our breakfast unpleasant. The menu is amazing. Anything you could possibly want and then some. Loved that alcohol was available for mimosas and bloody Mary's. We had a group of 5 and got a variety of things. The great things were...the two omelets we got were great, my husbands chikichanga (or it was called something like that) was so flavorful, the basics like potatoes and toast were all good. Food wise the things we had trouble with were the bacon was so dried and crispy it was inedible. My daughter's poached eggs had almost completely cooked middles. Now, this would have probably not been a big deal and easily fixed but our waitress was completely inattentive and acted so inconvenienced whenever we asked for something as simple as a new napkin or a drink refill, we honestly didn't bother to ask for things to be fixed. She took or order so abruptly that I am sure the mistakes that came out on our plates were due to her and not the kitchen. She never came to check on us and ask if everything was good and when we did have to ask for things we finally just asked another person. And it was NOT busy at all in there at the time we were there. I'm sure we will be back because the food speaks for itself thankfully. read more

Love their selection of breakfast. Regular to healthy choices. We had the Italian omelette and traditional breakfast , both were great. I will say that their seasoned potatoes were a bit too salty, but the good thing is when I ate them with my eggs I didn't have to salt my eggs. Banana fosters French toast on their summer menu was fantastic!! Great service from Susan. read more

First Watch - Banana foster French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Incredibly disappointed in today's experience at First Watch. I've been to this restaurant and many other First Watch locations before, and today ranked the lowest experience by far. Upon entering, we were "greeted" by a hostess that had no interest in doing what is quite literally her only job. She asked how many in the party, and pointed to a table across the room saying, "You can sit over there". She then came over 5 minutes later to hand us our menus. We proceeded to sit at the table for 10 more minutes without a single person acknowledging our presence. Granted, the restaurant was busy for a Thursday morning, but at the very least the hostess or a server could have let us know they would be right with us. After 20 minutes had passed since entering the restaurant, a server finally popped over to say she'd be there in a second. We waited patiently, but after a few minutes we decided that sitting in a restaurant for almost 30 minutes without even having placed an order for drinks was ridiculous. We got up and left, most likely never coming back to this location. read more

Food was delicious and service was impeccable. The vibe in there was so relaxing perfect for breakfast date with the hubby.

Asked for dry toast. Has some sauce on bread 20 minutes after food arrived.? Unmelted. Not sure what that was. Asked for salt and pepper. Waitress never came back. Ate here yesterday. Left 21% tip. Came back today. Super disappointed. read more

First Watch - Asked for dry toast. Has some sauce on bread 20 minutes after food arrived.? Unmelted. Not sure what that was. Asked for salt and pepper. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

I stopped in March 29, 2021 for lunch, a little after the lunch rush (11am - 1pm). The restaurant was about 3/4 full still. Staff were welcoming diners in masks with gloves on. I've been to First Watch outlets in Tampa (near USF), St. Augustine and Ft. Myers, and have always been pleased by their food quality. The inside has shifted from the retro-modern look it used to sport to more of a rustic farmhouse look. Both were sufficiently appealing. I went with the $8.99 1/2 & 1/2 deal, a half market veggie sandwich and half superfood kale salad. Plenty of options on the menu, although outside of the deal I took, most of the menu items are pricey. I was happy with my choice, it made for a good meal. I also got a pot of coffee, and their coffee is quite good. I think of FW as more of a breakfast-oriented place, but really, there were plenty of items more lunch-oriented and happily recommend it. There's a nearby Jason's Deli that has more sandwiches at slightly better prices under a mile north to consider as competition. But really, it's fairly unique and popular. read more

Great spot to eat. The food is always delicious. Great service and nice ambiance. Quality ingredients.

First Watch is a national chain with a strong presence in Florida and is particularly known for its breakfast dishes. This new location opened a few weeks ago and is a nice addition to Lakeland. During my first visit I had the Bacado, an omelets with crisp bacon, creamy avocado, melty Monterey Jack Cheese and topped with sour cream and Pico de Gallo. The dish was savory and filling. read more

First Watch - Bacado - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Amazing drinks and food! I had florentine eggs Benedict and a side of buttered grits. The best breakfast I have ever had and the service was wonderful! Thanks for everything!! read more

The parking at this location is terrible. It is in a small plaza with a Panda Express and it's a tight fit. I recommend arriving early solely for the purpose of finding a parking space. If you park anywhere else but their lot, you will be towed. First Watch is consistently great tasting food with a beautiful presentation regardless of the location I go to (I've been to 5). However, the customer service in my experience is always a wild card. This experience in particular was not my favorite due to the inattentiveness of the waitress but we faired just fine. read more

Totally different experience going in-person (vs Door Dash). Great food and great service all around. We got the classic breakfast combo, million dollar bacon, and avocado toast. They were all perfect. The waitress and everyone we encountered was friendly and quick to help. Loved the atmosphere too. This will be my go-to breakfast and brunch spot in Lakeland. read more

Service Excellent Food Delicious and Healthy Perfect Breakfast, Lunch, Definitely we are going back, Wish the BEST read more

First Watch - WholeGrain Banana Pancake, Scramble Eggs, Bacon - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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Pros: Guy at front podium was attentive and nice. Food tasted good. Cons: Had to go inside for curbside pickup (no signs outside). Order (just a salad) not ready on time (20 minutes late). Presentation of food not as expected. Order missing ingredient (avocado). Other: My cat liked the turkey from the salad. I would consider going back again because the food is good, but I would have to either allow more time for pickup or eat at the restaurant to make sure I get what I order. read more

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Horrible service.. the server was really rude, racist and homophobic.. I came to eat here thinking it was gonna be great but instead I get a horrible experience being discriminated because me and my fiancé wanted to try a different place.. and the server was telling other coworkers to look to our table which was really unprofessional also when she took my order she even laugh at the way I talked which was rude .. also when it was time to pay she dint even came to get the card we had to go to the front and wait since they where all chatting and taking pictures .. not the experience I was looking for . read more

Was quite surprised with the special toast of the day, great flavor profile and a complex blend of sweet and savory. Avocado toast style but with beet, arugula, and goat or feta on top. Poached egg was cooked well also. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Yummy!!! The vibe in here is really cool! Breakfast sandwich with avocado, delicious!! Biscuits and gravy were good, little too much pepper but the biscuit was so fluffy!!! read more

I love First Watch however at this particular location the service is terrible. It took almost 15 minutes for a waitress to even notice us. Busing tables is so slow! I watched no Less than 3 waitress' and one bus boy take 20 minutes to clear 3 tables! As far as the food goes , my potatoes were literally swimming in grease! My eggs were so over done they were like rubber. I think management needs to take a look at how things are running here. In the meantime I will be going to First Watch in Brandon. Get your act together!! read more

I struggled with rating it a 3 or a 4 star experience and am erring high because of its potential. Service was swift, excellent. We were seated immediately, checked on regularly & closing our check at the register was quick. They close at 2:30. The owner loaded 25 pics but would use social media better if he/she labeled the pictures so we knew what we might like to order from those pics! This is a pricier meal. We paid $12 for the Carbonara Benedict special with thick cut bacon. The poached eggs were overdone for my liking but presentation was nice & flavors, delish. We learned after-the-fact we could have substituted fresh fruit or potatoes for the mixed greens (which we didn't find too "breakfasty"). The menu is full of nice surprises from granola to pomegranate black iced tea ($4). You can buy a bag of granola, $5. The greatest drawback is the "din". The high industrial ceiling magnifies everything so our ears hurt. Add in music, way too loud. We had to shout to converse. They have a nice outdoor seating area for those of us with low noise tolerance. 12/2017. Sat right away, but took 25 minutes to get our drinks. They forgot dressing so had to wait to eat or salads til after our sandwiches. Water does not come with ice and that bugged my friends. Veggie burger, chicken melt & pecan salad were all good for lunch. read more

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Fabulous place to eat ! I love it all ! The pleasant wait staff, the food quality... presentation... it's all so good !! A little pricey but worth every penny!! read more

First Watch - Loved my egg white , turkey and spinach omelette. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Came here on a visit to Florida and was in search for a light and healthy brunch! So glad I found this spot! To start off there was a waiting list but we were served in less than 10 min, considering the fact it was a Sunday morning! We were served quickly ,by very friendly waistresses! I ordered the athlete which was phenomal! Would def recomend! And of course will be back when I visit Florida! read more

We had a great time here. They didn't fill my coffee cup to the point that I had to pour some out. And the food was so worth the cost and the size was amazing. The only issue I had was that we had to hunt down a waitress to get refills of our coffee, water, and napkins. The selections were so good and the cost is spot on. I know I won't be going to Denny's or ihop anytime soon. I just also wished they were open for nighttime because who doesn't love breakfast for dinner? read more

First Watch - I love that they didn't fill my coffee all the way to the top. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Great service and good food every time I come to Florida I have to come here! The food is delicious you can't go wrong

Great food and consistent. The farmhouse bowls are my go to or the pastor breakfast tacos

I've always liked First Watch. The one in Lakeland is no exception. The ingredients in each meal can be seen. The flavors are simple and work well together. You are not getting a fancy feast. You are getting a meal that will fill you up and not make you feeling terrible for the next few hours. Go to First Watch. It's a pleasant time. Hope one day they get mimosas. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

I think a lot of the lower reviews here are due to the terrible parking of where this place is at. However, as far as the food goes... Amazing! I ordered a chicken chimichanga omelette for breakfast, and it was amazing. My wife ordered this lemon ricotta pancake thing, mind you I hate pancakes, but I'll order the pancakes from here. They are exceptional. My recommendation is to go there early for breakfast. read more

FAAAAAAVORITE PLACE FOR BRUNCH! I wish they didn't close at 2.. because I could have first watch any time of the day! Their pancakes are MASSIVE! Everything on the menu is PRIME. My favorite or "to go" dish would be the protein quinoa bowl. Service is always great! Never a long wait to be seated or served. Environment is very modern upscale, && it almost has that lovely southern taste to it(: && There's our door seating! read more

Still one of our favorite places to eat breakfast. As this was a new one to us as we have been to many different ones. They did not disappoint. No matter which First Watch we go to the service and the food is always top notch. We love the healthy and different breakfast options you have to choose from. read more

Had an absolutely fantastic fresh corn, chorizo, and potato skillet. Came with corn tortillas on the side. Washed down with excellent coffee and a fresh juice. Didn't even take any pictures, edit completely and quickly. So wonderful. Want to go back. read more

It was my first time coming to this establishment, my husband and I decided to check it out on Valentines Day. To our surprise, there was no wait, the hostess was kind and seated us immediately. Our waitress (whom I should've asked for her name) instantly got our drinks and had the upmost patience with us as we decided on what to order. I asked her what she recommended, and she literally gave me the whole breakdown of all the things she loved! I decided on the breakfast tacos, my husband ordered the chickichanga, and we both ordered a fresh juiced drink. It wasn't long until our food arrived, and they were both AMAZING! Our waitress checked up on us to make sure we were happy with our order, which we were! I would definitely be back! The portions are great and pricing is affordable. The staff and the whole experience was above and beyond than expected. read more

First Watch - Kale tonic and Morning Meditation! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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Lots of healthy / tastey options...even freshly made veggie / fruit juices. The service is good. The food is great, what more could you want? I'll definately be back! read more

First Watch - Chili chorizo omlet - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Awesome breakfast spot! We were in the area for 5 days, and came to First Watch twice for breakfast. Food and service was great! Highly recommended read more

This place was good when they 1st opened. Now they can't get an order correct. Food is never cooked the way you ask and they never give you everything you order. read more

I've been here at least a dozen times, and I love it! The food, presentation, and atmosphere are all lovely. Occasionally, we have had slow service and a few food issues - but these were rectified before we even complained about them! Parking isn't the best, but I have always found a spot. However, I don't try to fight the after-church crowd! Honestly, this is one of my favorite Lakeland restaurants. Lemon pancakes, ricotta toast, and the açaí bowl are a win! read more

Went back with friends after a year. The place still serves lukewarm to cold foods that are supposed to come out hot. The plates are cold. And when I was served the farmhouse omelette, it was barely warm inside and out. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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My new favorite breakfast place. The food is fresh and delicious. It is clean and the servers are pleasant. Everything I've tried I have loved I even went to the one in Naples and it was equally as good. I am thrilled Lakeland has this restaurant. Opens from 7-2:30 every day with exception of thanksgiving and Christmas. read more

First Watch - Farmhouse skillet is so delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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The restaurant decor and very stylish and posh, Especially for the location. I was pleasantly surprised by the food options. They ranged in allergy awareness and calories conscious. For starters I ordered the bread and spreads plate and loved the different spreads- so delicious. My entree was the salmon eggs benedict which was amazing. I would highly recommend this to anyone who's willing to keep an open palette to try their delicious selections. read more

We are sitting in First Watch right now (7/5) at 1:30 for a very late brunch. The bus boy is extremely slow and not using best practices to clean tables. When we first walked in, there were 9 dirty tables and either the hostess or waitress helped bus a few tables to get people seated. I've watched this guy clean tables, he slowly puts dirty dishes on his tray. Before he takes the final tray back to the dishwasher or cleans the table, with his dirty gloves he has bussed with, he goes to the kitchen and grabs clean coffee mugs to put on the table. Then he wipes the table down without spraying the table, then arranges the mugs not only touching the hands but the rim, and then takes his tray to the back. Every table we watched him clean, he handled the glasses this way AND never once sprayed the table or open his rag. The rag he was using was the same balled up one every time. While he is wearing a mask and gloves (with a hole in the thumb), it defeats the purpose of trying to be sanitized when you're wearing dirty gloves to set a table with clean dishes. Besides his filthy practice, our waitress was nice but the food was terrible. When our orders came out, mine was wrong. My spouse ate his, the tri-fecta, which was cold. The bacon was extremely salty. When my correct order came out, the traditional breakfast, it too was cold and missed the toast. Bacon was also very salty. Because the kitchen messed up my order we didn't eat together. Eggs, pancakes, and bacon were room temperature (cold) and my grits were at least slightly warm. I hate complaining so typically just write a review because I never want anything for free. But seeing how this bus boy was handling tables, I felt like I needed to speak to a manager. So yes, I pulled a Karen and asked for a manager. The gentleman came out and in short, he said their bacon just comes out of a package and they simply cook it. Well, I've been to several First Watch locations and I've never had bacon this salty, so I find it hard to believe him. He asked if I told my waitress about the cold food which I replied no. No need to complain about everything but the girl waiting on us was nice and helping our waitress. Our actual waitress never came to the table until 10 minutes after we finished eating when I asked the other girl for our check. So even if we did try to bring it to their attention, it wouldn't have helped. We waited several minutes to get someone's attention on my wrong order. After we got my correct order, minus the toast and jam, we never had someone stop by until I got someone's attention for the check. Fortunately the manager was concerned about the bus boy's unsanitary practices and pulled him to the back. He did give us $20 off which I kindly said no too (bc we don't want anything free) but the cashier took it off. Worst breakfast experience we've ever had. I appreciate the cashier and manger's concern but no, it was a bad experience. Nice folks bud bad service. We will NOT return which is sad because we typically LOVE First Watch! read more

I went to eat here this morning, although it was completely full, the service was excellent, I got sat down real quick, coffee came to me within a couple of minutes, after placing my order my omelette was delicious. Thank you first watch read more

Overrall a good experience waitlist was a bit annoying because they let 4 people that came before us to seating. Other then that the food was good the burrito was a bit oversized and I couldn't finish it. And the potatoes were a bit hard. I also didn't care for the messy plating for my burrito it was just one huge mess. Overall a good burrito though (not something you can eat with your hands). My wifes avocado toast was good but she said her eggs were bland and not seasoned very well. And over the top runny, she prefers them to be a little bit more solidified. But overall enjoyed the toast. (3.5/5) read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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Excellent Menu and the food was very good too... the restaurant was clean, and the staff were very sociable and punctual.