Yep... ate at First Watch -- again!! Service as usual was very good. They've just introduced their "winter" seasonal menu. Tried the DOUBLE CRUNCH TACOS. Maybe others, like them -- ME -- NOT SO MUCH!! They are SO DRY!! Couldn't even eat them and the pico they provided although adds flavor doesn't add any real moisture!! If they'd provide some REAL SALSA it would make all the difference!! But as the manager who came to our table said -- "corporate" has them served a "specific" way. My advice to anyone who'd like to try -- bring a travel size of salsa with you!! The tacos truly have the potential to be very good! Plenty of shredded carnitas, bacon... I think there was cheese (but never saw it) and there was lots of scrambled eggs. The fresh fruit side was great. No complaints with the restaurant in general just a very dry-disappointing meal. BRING PERSONAL SALSA IF YOU'RE PLANNING TO ORDER THE DOUBLE CRUNCH TACOS!! YOU'LL THANK ME LATER!! read more

First Watch - Double Crunch Breakfast Tacos with pico - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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I've only tried first watch once. My first visit was accompanied by my family of four and we all enjoyed it tbh. I didn't expect first watch to really be this good. So the atmosphere is pretty rustic but not too bad. The menu has a lot of options in my opinion but it's a nice variety if you're really decisive. I'm not so maybe that's why I was a little overwhelmed. I like that the restaurants portion size for all of their meals are just like Keke's Breakfast Cafe. They have also inherited the home ethics of iHop which also leave coffee thermoses on the table for free refills. The only thing I didn't really enjoy is the waitress. She didn't know the difference between maple syrup (which is $0.50 more) and the regular syrup which is included. She said they taste the same so I guess I saved $0.50 ‍ Other than that the bill was pretty decent so not complaining and will go back read more

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This is a great healthy options breakfast place. The bacon is amazing but it's not a wide variety of typical breakfast. I like that but some of my family does not. read more

We normally love First Watch but this one was lacking. They may be understaffed but when we arrived most of the tables outside were empty but filthy and still covered with previous guests food, drinks and garbage. Inside was the same. We decided to eat outside. It was an hour before closing and service was slow, and staff was cleaning around us - spraying down surfaces and loudly moving tables and chairs around, restocking and sweeping near us while we ate. Food was decent but was not a pleasant experience. Would not return to this location. read more

First Watch - Grilled Ham & Cheese with home fries - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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We had stopped for gas in Lakeland and this place was next to the gas station. Easy lunch decision! We were told by the hostess it would be a 10 minute wait, but less than 2 minutes later our name was called for a table. We each got the same thing. I got their lunch special -- half sandwich and a cup of soup. He had a full sandwich with a bowl of soup. My sandwich was grilled (read fried and pressed like a grilled sandwich) so although greasy on the outside, it was still quite good. It was on sourdough bread. Inside was sliced roast beef topped with havarti cheese, tomatoes, and greens. I opted for no onions. On top of the veggies was a salad dressing. So the half sandwich was a bit messy to easy (ie drippy) but all the flavors came together. They served it with a ramikin of horseradish sauce which I didn't try. I opted for their tomato basil soup. They also have a daily soup -- today was vegetable. I sent the cup back as I like very hot soup and it was only lukewarm. No problem. When it was returned, it was very hot and delicious! The people next to us were having breakfast. A separate plate of bacon with maple syrup looked very appealing. So for fast food breakfast anytime or lunch, this place hit the spot. Service was very good -- friendly and efficient. And yes, I'd go back again. read more

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First Watch is a breakfast/lunch chain that has developed quite a few locations in recent years. It is definitely a little hipster. There is way too much avocado on the menu for my taste, but their pancakes, waffles, and ham/gruyere sandwiches are awesome. My first experience at FW was a few years ago in Orlando and I really enjoyed it. Two years ago they opened a location near my house. Like so many things in the Champions Gate area it is way too crowded which often affects both the service and food quality. However, I am happy to report that this location has amazing food and the service is typically above average. Since I regularly work in this area I am able to get my FW fix at this location. I am a sucker for their pancakes here. My favorite are the banana crunch pancakes, but in the winter they also have cinnamon chips pancakes that are super delicious as well. They keep my favorite hot sauce right on the table and I love hot sauce with my eggs. Finally, if it is a bit chilly out I like the 1/2 ham and gruyere with tomato soup. It isn't a creamy tomato soup which is my preference, but this one tastes light and fresh. Overall a solid choice for breakfast or lunch in the area. read more

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First let me say that this food was really good. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere was very nice and brunchy. Even though that's a word I made up lol. I don't usually like French toast made with sourdough bread. But this bread was well seasoned, and the cinnamon butter on it was really good. Usually restaurants don't add any flavor to their bread. But that wasn't the case here. I 100% recommended this place. I am for sure gonna go back and try the other dishes that they have. read more

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

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Been to this place twice since I moved here this past summer. Both times I left before I even ordered. Today I was at least seated before I waited 10 mins for no one to even take a drink order. I hate leaving these things because I know there's a local business owner trying to make a living, but if I owned this place, I'd like to know that it's either understaffed or staffed with low effort employee. I won't be trying a third time. read more

This is our go-to breakfast or lunch spot, great food & the staff is always fast and friendly. Highly recommend!! read more

First Watch - We were super happy here! Great food and staff did an amazing job with everything. Our go-to breakfast or lunch spot! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

I find this restaurant chain to be highly variable by location. Frankly this one is just bad. Ordered the Florentine Benedict on their whole wheat toast vs ciabatta bc you can't cut thru the ciabatta and tomato and spinach and avocado without a big mess. There were so many issues let me just list them - bread not toasted, one of 2 eggs virtually none existent (must have broken when plating and not much of it made it to plate), other egg somewhat raw still, tomato mealy and not ripe, lastly hollandaise was broken wand separating on the plate. In addition the basic sandwich is topped raw baby spinach which simply doesn't taste that good with the egg - really need to change it to cooked spinach. Ugh read more

I ordered the kale salad--- WHERE's THE KALE?! I've been to First Watches before for breakfast (which was always decent) so I thought I'd try one of their lunch options. The kale salad was a spring mix with shriveled carrots and soggy chicken. I went to ask if I had gotten the wrong salad and the server aggressively cut me off and said "what's wrong" in a manner that said "I brought you your mediocre food, what more do you want from me." The attitude caught me off guard, and I said nothing about the lack of kale for fear of further aggression. The toast that came with it was stale and cold and the dressing was watery and stale. read more

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Excellent service. Great lemon custard pancake, get the berry sauce on the side you will have two different taste of heaven. Home style Potatoes we're cooked good. Had the gluten free French toast for the kiddo. My kid gobbled it up. read more

The food was good, service was nice. The coffee was good but could be more coffeeier. Nothing to crazy really mid. But good overall. 8/10

First Watch is always a solid breakfast experience. It's a higher-end take than the average diner, both from the menu and the price tag. Portions are good, but it's not cheap. We decided on one savory and one sweet meal, then shared. Our server was great. The Italian omelette was very good and included Italian sausage, cheese and sun dried tomatoes. Quite good. Came with while grain toast and a light Italian salad. Toast could have been a bit more crispy for me. My daughter opted for the ricotta lemon curd pancakes. Um, lemon curd will now be a home staple for pancakes as well - genius move, First Watch. Really good. Pancakes had a bit of crispness at the edge. I personally didn't need any syrup with the lemon curd. Mmmmm. I order coffee and think it great that they bring your very own small pot to the table. Coffee warm-up is always available. Coffee was rich and smooth. I think it would have been nice to have a tiny pitcher of chilled cream as an option, then the singles as an alternative, but I guess it may not be universally popular. Still, I'd have enjoyed it. LOL They also bring a large chilled carafe of water to the table. Our home water is filtered, and this smelled pretty heavily of chlorine. For a restaurant that focuses on "farm to fork", I'd recommend filtered water... Overall - very solid breakfast experience. No issues and we really enjoyed our meal! read more

First Watch - Italian omelette and lemon curd ricotta pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

First Watch is always a pleasant experience. I have been to this particular restaurant several times and am slowly making my way through their menu. The lemon ricotta pancakes are a personal favorite, as well as the million dollar bacon and the Italian omelet. The pancakes were fluffy and rich, with just a little too much crunch on the bottom. All the lemon curd and strawberries helped balance out the sweetness nicely. Our waitress was very attentive, ensuring we had plenty to drink and that our orders were to our satisfaction. The atmosphere is modern-rustic, perfect for a casual brunch meeting or our early breakfast outing. We were a party of 2, but accommodations could suit 4-8 comfortably. Overall, a very tasty breakfast and a place I'd be glad to visit again. read more

First Watch - Lemon Ricotta Pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

This is definitely our go-to for breakfast! The food is super-healthy and always delicious. The wait staff is professional and kind. This place always brings a smile to our faces. read more

Great food. Great service. Been to one in Lakeland, Florida and Annapolis, MD. Both great!

My first and likely my last visit to First Watch. The "Million dollar bacon" was burnt and similar to beef jerky. ( see photo and photo from their cookbook. ). After requesting share plates the server "Red" brought us dirty plates. We asked the waitress "Red" if it is normally cooked more than well done, she responded "depends on the cook" The chicken avocado chopped salad had 4 tiny slices of avocado. When I requested additional avocado I was charged $1.79 for 4 additional tiny slices. The manager removed the avocado charge. Why call it an avocado salad when it's the smallest ingredient in the salad? The waitress never returned to our table. The manager was the one who served us our bacon however he mentioned on the way out that if we had let him know it was unacceptable, he would have changed it. Being the manager, you'd think he'd notice it was black and clearly overlooked. Maybe he should look at the photo in the recipe book, matter of fact perhaps all the staff. read more

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Food is excellent, nice selection and always hot to the table. They serve breakfast and lunch j would recommend the power bowl for breakfast, and you have to try the million-dollar bacon!! For lunch, I would say the tacos or egg sandwiches are my personal favorites but plenty to choose from! Service can be the only downfall; this was pre covid, and some days it's spot on, and other days it always seems as though they have people running around, but getting your server's attention can be challenging. Be prepared to wait during rush hour, but it is well worth it. read more

Adileni was our server and she was outstanding! all of the customer service was amazing! I'm here on vacation from California and when I walked in I said "looks just like home!" (We have many amazing restaurants like this one where I'm from) The food was absolutely delicious. I had the carnitas seasonal burrito and I couldn't get enough of it! Lip smacking Delicious! My cousin had the chikichanga, and it was very good also. The interior is simple but so clean and bright. I would definitely be a regular here if I lived in the area. Thank you guys for the more than satisfied belly! read more

First Watch - Lemon ricotta pancakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Everyone's meal was good. A couple of the spring menu items were ordered - Shrimp and grits and the pork carnitas omelette. Both were very good. Only downside is it took a little longer to get food than normal due to all the take out orders etc due to covid. My meal came out much later than rest of tables as well. Still a solid place to eat. My pork carnitas omelette was tasty. read more

First Watch - Pork Carnitas Omelette on spring menu - it was good - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Great breakfast options and always professional and courteous wait staff. Enjoy it often!!!

Food was cold after waiting so long. Bread was so hard. I love first watch but this was my first time at the one in Lakeland and I haven't been back since. When you walk in your are not acknowledged at all your standing there for a while before someone comes up and greet you. read more

Service was amazing! We sat down quickly even though it was busy. Food came out fast. Plenty of coffee refills and our server was so nice to my one year old. Everything was really clean. Food was amazing! Million dollar bacon was the best part but everything we ordered was good too. Will be going back again! read more

First timer here and I must say I was happy with how welcomed I felt! I met a friend for lunch on a Thursday around 1pm and it was fairly empty no wait time for seating. Our waitress was so attentive and gave suggestions and was so accommodating. I couldn't decide on what I wanted for my half and half so I got all 3 soup, salad, and sandwich. I loved the sandwich it was vegetarian and flavored really well. The salad was pretty good and the tomato soup wasn't to my liking but it wasn't bad either. I sat and talked with my friend for a couple hours just catching up and was not rushed to leave at all. The host was very talkative and friendly when we paid to leave. I must say I will be back soon! read more

First Watch - Half & half lunch special. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

GIVE THE CHEF AN AWARD! Our eggs were cooked PERFECTLY!! The food was stellar!! Claudia our server was fast, friendly and professional! Service with a warm welcome Anna friendly smile! The Belgian waffle with topped with real whipped cream I'm certain it didn't come out of a tube or can! The Artisan bread evokes memories of a country Bed and Breakfast Inn! Octavia, the Chef, deserves an award! Check this place out! Comfortable dining area. Easy parking. Clean accessible restrooms. WOW! Thanks new friend at First Watch!!!!! read more

First Watch - Farm Fresh!!!!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Very good and fresh food! Love the lavender tea. Healthy choices. Clean restaurant. read more

I enjoyed the food. Today I had the half sandwich and salad. I love that option! The staff are all friendly and attentive. They are quick to clear tables and keep the restaurant clean. All staff wore masks and tables were spaced and seated according to covid recommendations. I'd like to go again and explore breakfast options. However, even with the lower capacity it was pretty loud. There were a few tables outdoors that could have been used but they were in full sun. Hopefully the umbrellas & tree shade will improve so a quieter outdoor space opens up. Then I'll visit again. read more

I mean, who doesn't love breakfast? This place does it right for me. I've been here quite a few times and have never left anything but full and happy. Now, it can get a bit busy on the weekends. So, you can probably expect a little bit of a wait. I've always lucked out though from going around 7:30-8 most times I've gone. I've tried a few different things now but, 3 things stick out in my mind the most. I love coffee, and their cold brew is perfect for my coffee tastes. Next would be their millionaires bacon. I get this every single time I go, as sort of my breakfast appetizer. It's delicious, nothing better than the taste of bacon, maple and pepper! Perfect in my book. My absolute favorite though is the breakfast tacos. I get this just about every other time I go in. It's delicious. Soft taco shell, with breakfast sausage, egg, cheese, tomatoes, and some lettuce. (I could be missing some stuff). It also comes with a side of beans and tomatoes with some herbs. I always use this to put in my tacos. I never actually just eat the beans, as they are kind of bland. But, def use them in the tacos, it's the perfect added touch. I would definitely recommend coming here. The food is delicious and most of the staff is top notch. Breakfast lovers, this is a must try! read more

The eggs Benedict was amazing! The service is fast and friendly! I highly recommend this place for breakfast! read more

Don't go on Sunday! Terrible wait for food. Even complained twice during a 30 min wait for food after ordering. Server apologized once after 5 mins, but then never checked on us. Didn't refill coffee, etc. Had to go to front counter, and ask another server why our food was so slow. I mean it's breakfast food, eggs bacon pancakes, etc!! read more

Food is always tasty and what you'd expect from the chain. You'd enjoy the food, too!

Love going for breakfast dates with the hubby! Everything tastes great and the portions are very filling ! read more

Love First Watch. This one was delicious. Food for everyone even vegan and gluten free.

I wasn't a fan of their menu or drink selections. I felt it was limited. I definitely wouldn't go as a fun brunch. It was more of a family vibe. read more

This was our first experience at First Watch and it was amazing. We went for breakfast on our anniversary July 7th and my wife had a blueberry muffin with the watermelon wakeup and I had the tri-fecta with scramble eggs and chocolate chip pancake. My wife is in love now with the watermelon wake up drink and my food was one of the best breakfast I have had Ata restaurant. The eggs were super light and fresh and the pancake was as big as a large plate and was delicious. They serve the syrup warm and it was great as well. One of the best parts of our meal was the waitress, I wish I could tremendously her name, but she was very bubbly and fast. Very friendly and helpful with the menu for a first timer. We will be back again!! read more

I had lunch with a friend on Tuesday, 4/12/22, and this was my first time eating at this location. I loved the menu, the food was wonderful (we both enjoyed our meals). I like being able to have breakfast anytime of the day. Our waitress, Madison, was the best! Courteous, professional and just plain sweet! We were shocked when she told us it was only her second day; we want to wish her, and First Watch, much success. FW will definitely be my new go-to for breakfast/lunch. read more

A perfect stop for a Valentine's breakfast. It's comforting to know the food at a First Watch is consistent whether it's in Lakeland, FL or Cincinnati, Ohio. I guess I get why people like chains. I gotta say, I was a bit worried when I saw literally NO FOOD come out of the kitchen for a solid 30 minutes. When we got our food before our neighbors who ordered before us the waitress diffused an angry patron with grace. I was duly impressed as I enjoyed my carrot cake pancake and my husband choked down his biscuits and gravy. Other than the extended wait, the food was a solid 4 stars read more

If you want over easy eggs, go somewhere else. I eat here 2-3 times a week and rarely get eggs cooked right. I started ordering basted thinking they couldn't mess that up. Wrong. The yolks were solid. Picture included. Every time I talk to the same manager he claims to have no clue. Other than the eggs, the wait staff are awesome as is the Update 3/27/19. My eggs have been perfect the last 5 times I've been here. I'm so excited! Best homemade food around. read more

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Don't ask for soft bacon, they will give you oven cooked bacon that was baked very early and is really greasy.if you voice your opinion they just don't care. read more