This has become the weekend breakfast place for our family. Clean and airy with lots of natural sunlight from big windows. If you don't like kids, stay away from this place, because it is definitely family oriented and always has lots of kids. The menu features good breakfast and lunch items, and they pride themselves on food being made fresh from scratch - no deep friers, no microwaves. Our kids usually split a big blueberry pancake, which comes with sausage or bacon and fresh fruit. My wife and I more often than not get an omelette or some sort of skillet. The greek omelette with feta cheese, spinach, and cremini mushrooms is always good. And their veggie burger for lunch is also a good option. Prices are decent, with most items in the $6-$9 range. If there's a down side, the portions could be a little bigger. We recently went to Marie Scrambler's, which is extremely similar to FirstWatch in every way - decor, atmosphere, menu, etc. and their portions were much bigger than FirstWatch. read more

First Watch offers a pretty decent breakfast. Their menu is comprised of slight variations from traditional breakfast dishes cooked well and cooked right. I ordered their bacon and avocado skillet and found myself satisfied and not stuffed with a good blend of flavors and an ideal ratio of toppings to potatoes. My friend ordered the Acapulco Express omelet and enjoyed that its that blend of avocado and sausage made for an ideal brunch omelet. The food is good, the wait is quick, and the service is friendly. An added bonus is that they do separate checks. I plan on coming back occasionally. read more

My favorite place to eat. I've been coming here for 4yrs now and have never been disappointed. Excellent service and food. I eat here at once or twice a weekend read more

The food was good, and they didn't rush us out even though they were about to close. Great place for breakfast and lunch

Service was horrible the guy at the front was so unhelpful and the kitchen manager is equally as unhelpful food was good tho

This was the go-to place for our staff brunches. I've had almost half the menu here, and it's not bad. It's nothing that will knock your socks off, but it's an acceptable brunch place that can appease anyone in your party. I appreciate the healthy options that they have as well. My favorite hangover food is one of their skillets with poached eggs. It really doesn't get better than that. Add a cup of coffee and it's as if last night never happened. Be warned though-the lines are insanely long. Be prepared to wait at least 30-45 minutes for brunch on Saturday and Sunday during peak hours. Also, I agree with another reviewer. The home fries are always bland, and I have to load them with salt/pepper/salsa. Sometimes they're even dry/cold. Sadness. read more

Full disclosure: I had a gift card so I decided to give the place another shot. The company seemed very prompt in addressing bad service/experiences as per their response to my initial review. I hate giving bad reviews so I took the chance to update and improve. We arrived about around 10:30 this past Saturday and there were quite a few people. We had a party of 2, so the wait was quoted at 15-20 minutes. We waited a little less than 15. we were seated in a huge booth which seemed a little gratuitous but we were happy to be seated promptly. The server was there almost as soon as we sat down with water and coffee and less then 5 minutes later he was back for orders. We both got the Traditional Breakfast which is meat, 2 eggs, potatoes, and an english muffin. Both our food came out hot and pretty quickly a very nice change from the last time. I know if I come here again to order my bacon crispy because it was little flaccid. My mother ordered her sausage well done (she likes a little bit of char on the links) but they weren't. She didn't feel like sending them back. The eggs were cooked well (mine scrambled lightly, her's over medium) the potatoes were bland and had the texture of frozen potatoes. Not the best, but good enough. While this probably is not someplace that I would go a lot--It's a chain restaurant with out a lot of atmosphere, it feels like a Bob Evans or Denny's, and the food isn't anything special--but if I was out of town I'd definitely choose First Watch over some of the other breakfast chains since they have a great selection of juices and much more healthy options. read more

Excellent spot with healthy options on the menu. Service is also great. One of my favorites for breakfast. read more

First Watch - Tri-Fecta - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - University Heights, Ohio

Food is fantastic, but their inability to accurately explain the waitlist process is annoying.

I came here before my med exam yesterday. The service is good. The waiting time is reasonable (or because I arrived early before 10 am). The food is good (I have the basic scramble eggs, waffle, and bacon...., which is how one tastes the real taste of food.) I especially love the coffee, a pot of coffee (not a cup of coffee and then waiting forever for someone to fill it....) I will definitely go back and bring my friend.... :) read more

I've been here several times now, and the food has always been excellent as well as the service. Today our server, Ruby, was especially kind and patient with my mother today and carried out all of her requests speedily and kindly. She answered all of our questions and when my father realized he couldn't eat the toast she had brought due to his illness, she promptly brought out another side that he thoroughly enjoyed. The food (three dishes) came out within 10-15 minutes and was delicious, not to mention reasonably priced. Being a health-conscious woman, I really appreciate the calories being listed on the menu so that I can be aware of what I'm consuming. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Absolutely awesome and refreshing to find a great meal when you're traveling. It's a busy, local place with very good, healthy, fresh food. Great service as well. read more

Lovely brunch! This location seems smaller than others, so check Nowait beforehand. Heads up though if you are planning to do work here, the WIFI DOES NOT WORK. read more

First Watch is my absolute favorite. You can't go wrong with the Trifecta. Appropriately priced., not a greasy diner breakfast spot (although there is a time and place for such an establishment ;)), super friendly staff (very important for the bleary eyed morning crowd) and all around great food. It doesn't get any better in my opinion! read more

First Watch - The Infallible Trifecta - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - University Heights, Ohio

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Came back again today for Mother's Day Brunch. Everything was great. My Mom and family loved it. The wait wasn't long to be seated. Lisa was an awesome server. Her beautiful friendly spirit helped to make our meal that much better. I will be back the next time I'm back in town. read more

food was ok, service was good, "national coin shortage " is a way for them to not give you your correct change, not going back on principle,

My wife and I enjoy coming in for breakfast/brunch. Always some interesting specials to check out or just pick from the menu. Food is always fresh and healthy. Servers are pleasant. We like to meet friends there as well. It's a pleasant atmosphere. read more

I loved the food. The pecan pancake was delicious. The best hot cocoa anywhere. The service was great. read more

First Watch - Eggs with cheese, turkey sausage, pecan pancake, and hot cocoa. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - University Heights, Ohio

First Watch was so delicious and much needed after 2 days of eating only fried food. We arrived at about 9:30am and were immediately seated. My companions ordered the Fruity Chicken Salad and the Key West Crepe. Both of their dishes looked quite good. I ordered the Floridian French Toast, which was awesome! Sourdough toast, topped with wheat germ and tons of kiwi, strawberries and bananas. So delicious! This is the healthy alternative to IHOP or Denny's. Only problem is the entrance area can get packed with people waiting to be seated and those waiting to pay. read more

Nice place conveniently located off of cedar. The food is good but could be better. Stopped in for brunch. Little pricier than most places. Lots of choices to choose from. The service was lightning quick. Definitely will recommend and come back. read more

Good food. Ordered an omelette to go while I was at work. Usually I'm a bit skeptical of places that use link sausage in their omelettes but this one was actually pretty good. It's was pretty packed in there as well with multiple parties waiting for tables. Would definitely recommend to a friend. read more

ok - food was ok - what I have come to expect - not great - not horrible - I normally get lured back when given a gift card - which is the purpose for my 10-31-21 visit - had a full view of the kitchen which I kind like - saw a prepared juice beverage sitting uncovered next to a bottle with cleaning solution and a used rag - also next to it was a full square container of orange juice - a cover was put on the beverage and brought to the hostess station for a take out order - I told the hostess what I saw and she rolled her eyes as if to care less and said she would have it re-made - never happened - customer came and picked up a beverage that was so close to a cleaning product I just hope no one got sick - a very way to handle cleaning products around food for customers - not to mention in full view of other customers - will never visit this location again (picture attached although after the prepared beverage was covered) read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - University Heights, Ohio

Very good and fresh food. Their skillet hash plates are fantastic. They are reasonably priced and have good portion sizes.

Don't bother. Your's truly puts this place to shame. Bad coffee and bland food...tastes prepackaged not fresh. Service was fast... But can't make up for bad food. Trifecta was mediocre and Eggs Benedict was horrible... Not even close to Inn on coventry's Eggs Mondo read more

We had been moving all weekend and wanted a sit down breakfast on the way back to our old aparment to get more stuff... Came here on a whim as we knew it would be fast and hoped it would be good.. we were plesantly suprised. My fiance got the pancake breakfast and this pancake needed its own zip code it was so big.. She enjoyed about half of it as it was so large. I got the traditional breakfast.. The eggs were cooked well and my only complaint was one of the sausage links came out a bit crispier then i tend to enjoy. Our waiter was great and checked on us a few times during our meal(i find this attribute hard to come by in less expensive places more and more)... We are brunchers so i cant promise i will be back soon, but in a need of a quick breakfast we will think of this place again! read more

Why go here?: So you wake up one morning and you think to yourself, hey I'm hungry and in an area with a huge variety of unique, one-of-a-kind places to eat, why not go and try a place with a sunshine in the logo, right? And that's where I've gotta stop you, my friend. I too was lured to First Watch with the thought that if they only do breakfast, they must know a thing or two about waking up and feeling good, perhaps with a special variety of coffees and smoothies. But I was sorely disappointed. The moment I walked into the dining room I immediately noted the lack-luster, mess-hall feel of the place, with a noisy open kitchen, and a sprawling impersonal dining room. Then, there was the let down of no special breakfast beverages. All this I could have let slide with good food or a hint of personality, but there was nothing. The food was alright (although grossly overpriced), and the service was fine, but I couldn't help thinking, why? Why wake up and choose to come here? Something about the whole experience leaves a taste in my mouth like a happy meal toy; plastic, overpriced, no-sharp-edges type-place, almost as though the owners wanted to be sure you realize that "this isn't one of those dirty, greasy-spoons; it's a chain". Perhaps that appeals to some people, but certainly not to me. Why, why in a city with so many great, breakfast places with warmth, character, good food and low prices, would someone choose to eat in a place that aims to be so average. read more

First Watch has become my go-to brunch place in Cleveland when I want something healthy, affordable, and yummy. The place is always busy but the wait time is usually short. I love that they have free coffee at the door while you wait for your table. I appreciate the ability to pick from egg whites and cholesterol free eggs if your (healthy) heart so desires. Sometimes I consider this but it's blasphemy to pass up on an egg yolk IMHO. Don't miss their pancakes, especially the banana granola crunch! They are multigrain and huge and fabulous. Once I watched a couple next to me order two omelets and four pancakes, finished off with two bowls of homemade granola. Now they're doing it right. read more

This was my first visit and it was great. Clean establishment. Excellent food. Excellent server. I had a Belgian waffle, eggs, bacon and my dining partner had an omelet, potatoes and muffin. Nice touch the way a whole pot of coffee is placed on your table for under $3. We both ate for a little over $20. Good value. I will go again. read more

MMM, delicious bacon! I found the one in St. Louis area more enchanting, but this is one chain that is spreading.

FirstWatch...where everybody knows my name! I do so love this place for breakfast and brunch. The staff are always cheerful and very quick. On the weekends there's sometimes a bit of a rush during the high traffic times, but the wait is never very long and they give you free coffee while you wait! I have never had a bad tasting dish here, and I've eaten over half of the menu. It's a great place to go with friends or a great place to go by yourself. read more

Be prepared to wait about 15/20 minutes to get a seat on a weekend morning. This place is a popular breakfast spot. They have a lot of the standards, and many more healthy choices then a typical greasy spoon. The staff were all very nice, just very busy. Kid friendly with a kids menu and crayons. I did think the prices were a bit high. Not my first choice for a breakfast spot, but still a great one. read more

The food at First Watch is good quality, but the taste is very bland and the food overpriced. I got the Denver Melt, the special of the day so I wouldn't end up spending $10 on breakfast. It was $8 after tax and tip instead. Still kinda expensive. The english muffins were cold by the time I got them and the melt was extremely bland. Not enough cheese and none of the extra ingredients really added any flavor. While I personally would give it two stars, it does have its purpose. It is one of the only places I know where you can get a healthy breakfast right off the menu and if you're on the go that can be important. For me however, I'll just stay home and make my own "denver melt" with warm english muffins. read more

Wonderful place for breakfast, brunch, lunch at this popular daytime cafe. Healthy food is fresh, seasonal and from local growers (in season.) Everything is great. read more

Had a friend from out-of-town visiting. We just showed up without using some reservation app that I never heard of before and was told 45 minute wait. We decided to wait. After almost an hour I approached the girls manning the register and doing the seating and was told there were still 4 more people ahead of me and it would be another 15-20 minutes! These people ahead of me were people not even in the building but used some app to "get in line". Seriously! Why would I believe it would be ONLY another 15-20 minutes more when the whole city population can obviously "get in line" before us. WE SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD IMMEDIATELY UPON CHECK IN THAT THIS APP COULD EXTEND OUR WAITING TIME. Guess what we would have done? WE WOULD HAVE USED THE APP AND BEEN SEATED WITHIN MINUTES. RIGHT? Isn't that the purpose of this app to NOT have to wait in line. First Watch needs to change how they are seating people or be more transparent upon arrival of their seating policy. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. It is so apparent that this policy at First Watch is DISCRIMINATING AGAINST us non-app users! HOW DISTASTEFUL for a restaurant to be at this time, making non-app customers stand around since they removed any seating for us to wait on. TERRIBLE SERVICE. Get the app or go to another restaurant. DO NOT JUST SHOW UP EXPECTING TO HAVE A MEAL. Thank you. read more

Solid breakfast. Egg white omelette was great. Everyone else enjoyed their meals. Toast is AMAZING.

Casual breakfast place with a good amount of options. I've been to a few of the locations. The avocado toast is my favorite dish. It's light and filling at the same time. Prices are decent- about less than $15 a person depending on what you get. read more

This is an outstanding restaurant for breakfast for value and quality of food also the remodeling makes the restaurant much more inviting and modern read more

I went home to Cleveland to visit family and friends and was pleasantly surprised to see all the new restaurants thriving in my home town. My Aunt organized brunch for the family at this nice little restaurant. They are open from 7 am til about 2 or 3 pm. My mom was not as impressed as I was, but the food was very fresh and the portions were generous. The prices were not too much and they happily accommodated a large party such as ours including kids. I am happy to say that there were plenty of options for everyone including diabetic family members. read more

Today was my first experience with First Watch for breakfast, and it wasn't bad. Looking at the menu, there seems to be a good variety of items to order, and the everyone in the group I came with ordered something slightly different, all of which looked pretty good. I got the Parma Hash, which was two eggs on a bed of hash browns cooked with sausage, mushrooms, and other goodies. Overall it was a fairly satisfying meal. The waitstaff were also friendly and pretty timely with their service. I didn't have a bad experience, but at the same time I feel that there are better breakfast places to be had in Cleveland. But not a bad place to hit up if you're going to be in the University Heights area. read more

It was solid food and overall good atmosphere. We ordered a to go order though and they didn't give us what we ordered. They only gave us a third of what we ordered and I had to call to find a solution which ended up being a free entree if I ever end up there again which was a little disappointing because I would have just rather had them negate what I paid for and didn't receive; but the manager told me we'd have to come back in to reimburse my card, which I've worked at plenty of restaurants that are able to negate a pending transaction.. So I got ripped off in the end which never feels great. I don't know how restaurants that are not fast food places get the one thing wrong that their supposed to do right which is give people what they paid for. read more