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    First Awakenings

    4.3 (4.1k reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Waitlist - First Awakenings

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    First Awakenings Photos

    FIRST AWAKENINGS ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - First Awakenings

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    Reviews With Photos

    Big gourmet pancake!
    Andy L.

    The 4,000+ reviews are pretty substantial but I would say after our experience-- they could be better. Maybe some things have slipped, because they know their rating will keep the business going. Not a terrible experience by no means-- but not worth that many stars. This was our first time at First Awakenings and my Mom's second or third time. The place was busy at the morning our as expected for a Diner. Definitely a popular place. We ordered the gourmet pancakes, omelette, and crepe. All of them were just-OK. Not like anything tasted wrong but the scrambled eggs were pretty over cooked, and therefore -- so was the omelette (you know that rubbery texture of over cooked egg?). The gourmet pancake was nice and big! It wasn't gourmet-like though so I was expecting a little more flavor or fluffiness. The crepe was alright too. Lathered with yogurt and cut fruit, almost dumped into the crepe. Anyway-- it's a diner :) Just expect the basics. Service was fine though, routine, and a touch apathetic. But knowing the food (eggs especially) isn't cooked with care, I think our family will go somewhere a little more appetizing. This does look like it accommodates big groups pretty well here though. So there's that. :)

    Two Eggs and Meat
    Ella G.

    I didn't take many pictures because it was a pretty busy day and we didn't go into the full dining area. We sat close to the front and had a nice view of the road and ocean. The service was great and super fast too. I love how they leave the coffee pot to refill yourself and a pitcher of water as well. The coffee was pretty good, the portions were great for the price. The only thing I didn't like were the potatoes way too much seasoning and some weren't cooked all the way through. I wish they offered hash browns and toast instead of only have the option for an English muffin. We stopped in because we wanted breakfast to start the day and I came across this place on Yelp based on my location and the reviews are outstanding! And I'm a sucker for a good spot, my mom loved her food and finished the whole plate. I would try it again if I was in town.

    Abigail Joy Y.

    This place was only a 5-minute drive from our hotel, and I've tried the location in Salinas, so I already have an idea that the food will taste amazing! The interior is nice, clean, and well-maintained. We opted for outdoor seating, and it was nice fresh air. The food portion was generous and well-seasoned. Employees are nice and the service is superb. They have their own parking space, and street parking is also available. I'll definitely come back when visiting Monterey.

    Blueberry Ricotta Cheese Pancakes
    James D.

    The have a large amount of seating inside and outside, making this an ideal breakfast place before the aquarium opens up down the street. I recommend parking further down along the street next to the ocean is the parking becomes free. The food was good. I'll be a little expensive, but that might just be California being in California. I got their special Diablo burrito, which was full of Serrano peppers along with all your normal breakfast burrito fillings the sauce came with was also very tasty. My girlfriend ended up doing one of the gourmet pancakes and it was huge so if you're hungry for a pancake, just get one of those and you're probably good. Service was so-so, just one lady working on the area we were seated in, meaning she stopped by a max of 3 times total and waiting to get the check filled out went way too long even though she knew we had the receipt.

    Jann B.

    Nice breakfast/brunch spot. It is a very popular spot sp expect a wait. You can also get on the yelp waitlist so you dont have to wait too long at the restaurant. Staff were kind. Food was good. Parking can be a but of a challenge during peak hours.

    Bacado Omelette
    Christina Z.

    Solid spot for breakfast with big portions - we were lucky to be seated right away since we came early on a weekday, but other times we walked by later than 8:30/weekends, definitely expect a wait. I had the Cornucopia because I was looking for something lighter, and it hit the spot - lots of veggies mixed in with the egg whites and a big bowl of fruit, but wish it had a bit more flavor. My husband had the Bacado omelet which was a huge portion and came with an English muffin and potatoes. It's a bit on the pricier side but not surprising since it's so close to a lot of the touristy spots.

    outdoor patio
    Elaina V.

    So impressed with this place!! I came on a Saturday for brunch and there was a 20+ minute wait. Staff were kind and helpful. Food: The cinnabon pancake special was AMAZING. I wasn't expecting it to be the size of my plate, and it was honestly the best pancake i've ever had. I'll be thinking about it until I'm back in Monterey. Also ordered the "the works" omelette and it was pretty great. The potatoes were delicious and the english muffin was nice toasty and buttered. No complaints! The apple juice was pretty great too. You can tell it's quality from real apples, and not some kind from a juice box! It was a chilly afternoon and we got outdoor seating, but the benches were HEATED and they have outdoor heaters too! Made my experience so pleasant!!!

    Meat Lovers Skillet
    Phillip R.

    This place never disappoints. We sat outside near the fire pit, which made for a great breakfast with the family. Service was prompt, and we were given our own coffee pot and water. I had the meat lovers skillet with fried Serrano peppers on the side, the blueberry ricotta pancakes were amazing!

    Andy V.

    This is a great breakfast joint. The service was a bit slow, but granted it was pretty busy. However, the person who sat us was weird. Just kept looking at us with a blank stare in his eyes and gave us like 1 word answers. The food was truly amazing, everything we ordered! But the sucky part was the outdoor table we had was right at the corner with a slight slope, so the table was wobbly and as my son poured the syrup on his pancakes, the syrup just ran down the plate and side of the table and got on his pants.

    Mike S.

    First off, this location gets extremely busy as it is in the old location that the carrows restaurant used to be as it moved from its smaller location on Cannery Row. For those of you trying to use the Yelp waitlist, please keep in mind that their communication system does not communicate great with yelps waitlist, and so times are often not accurate as it took us over two hours to be seated after joining the waitlist even the walk-ins were seated before. Overall, the food is good and you get plenty of it for the price which makes a good value, however, you are paying for it in time unless you get in right when they open. Service is super friendly and the restaurant gives off dirty spoon diner vibes. Overall, it's an OK location and experience given the terrible wait times, as there are other breakfast spots that may be better.

    side of eggs and potatoes, always cooked perfectly.
    Kevin S.

    Visited First Awakenings again and as always they never disappoint. We had the Crab Cake Benedict, and I chose a bunch of sides to try a variety to include Blueberry pancake, French Toast, Side of scrambled eggs, side of country potatoes and side of Calamari. Actually the a french Toast was a replacement for the pancake which tasted as of the flour was off, disappointing but quickly remedied with a swap of the French Toast which was delicious. The eggs and potatoes are always great but the Calamari was a new discovery. I expected it to be Calamari strips but surprisingly it was two large Calamari breaded steaks. And coupled with the lemon and tartar sauce they were delicious. Was far more than we could eat but was great the next morning for leftovers at breakfast. The service, friendly staff, clean establishment and experience were great. It was a busy weekend and like most in Monterey parking was limited despite their large parking lot but still worth the challenge.

    Merch
    Jean T.

    This was my second time visiting and the experience was somewhat more pleasant than the first visit because I at least knew that it was going to take a super long time to be seated. We were aiming for around a 9 AM brunch on Sunday and joined the Yelp waitlist at 8 AM because the projected wait time was about 30-40 minutes. The estimated wait is massively underestimated. The first visit took nearly 3 hrs for a table of 4 that I don't even remember how the food was because I was just so upset about the wait time. This time for a Yelp waitlist for a party of 5 it was about 2.5 hrs wait time (seated around 10:20 am). I got the corn hash skillet and it was good, not too salty. Both times I came we were seated in the back room with the large blue seating area. ~~Parking: There's a few street parking spots in the front and a fair amount of parking spots in the dedicated parking lot in the back. Even if that's out you should be able to find street parking somewhere, but it can be difficult due to the Aquarium crowd. ~~Service: Organization in terms of the waitlist & front waiting area management needs some work. The wait staff inside the restaurant is super friendly though, just enough check in times. ~~Best Part: Prices. ~~Worst Part: The wait. ~~Tips: Make sure you check in at the front if you originally join the Yelp waitlist. TBH the Yelp waitlist is kind of a scam. They have 2 separate lists: a join in person and Yelp and at that point you need to have one and not the other. I've been to multiple restaurants where it's just the Yelp waitlist or you have to write your name on a clipboard, but the dual lists makes it feel very unfair. ~~Return: Not to dine in. I would order take out because the food is affordable and of decent quality.

    Spicy egg sandwich
    Nemrah A.

    We went here for a late brunch. It looks like your typical breakfast diner place which has its own charm. The service was quick but basic. The food itself is pretty good. They have a large menu and have quite a few accommodations for vegetarians and vegans. I got the Joaquin yahoo which is basically their vegetarian frittata with sour cream and cheese on top. It was loaded with veggies and delicious. My friends also enjoyed their dish. It's a nice place to come to before heading down to the aquarium

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    First Awakenings Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - First Awakenings

    What are the best vegetarian items?

    Wheat germ pancakes!

    Will you be open on New Year's Day?

    Is it dog friendly?

    Yes, they do allow dogs in the outdoor seating area.

    Are reservations required?

    They don't accept reservations, but you can join the waitlist ahead of time via YELP.

    Are you open on Christmas Day?

    no:/ we went and they were closed

    Is breakfast served all day?

    They close at 2 pm on the week days & they close at 2:30 pm on the weekends. They are known for their brunch & breakfast.

    Is this the old First Watch before becoming First Awakenings?

    I believe it is.

    Do they have vegan gluten free option?

    Vegan yes. I assume they would also have gluten-free choices, although it would be best to call ahead and confirm.

    Is it pet friendly?

    I've seen pets there in the patio area. I'm sure they allow it

    Do they have bottomless mimosas?

    No! In fact they don't serve champagne at all!! Mimosas would send this place over the edge. My advice is to smuggle in a couple mini bottles to pour into your OJ. 😉

    Do they take reservations?

    No they don't

    Do they have gluten free options?

    Yes they do!

    Is this restaurant BYOB?

    I don't think so.

    Do they serve mimosas here?

    It's not on the menu under list of beverages only juices. I like mimosas too but for some reason I ordered coffee that day, I can't remember if I asked and it's possible that they don't serve mimosas.

    Do you serve gluten free french toast?

    no but they have gf pancakes

    Are vegan lunch options offered here?

    My wife is a vegan and she enjoys their very large salads and her favorite is the caps they offer which is good for breakfast or lunch. Mushrooms in wine and garlic and light cheese. It's the best!

    Do they serve breakfast all day?

    Yes.

    Is it dog friendly seating on the patio?

    Yes!

    So they take reservations?

    No, but you can call and add your name to the waiting list and it gives you an advantage.

    View All 20 Questions

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    Everything is very good here. The location, easy parking, the food, the service - we had a very…read morenice time. I got the salmon Florentine eggs Benedict - wow! The salmon fillet was huge, the eggs poached perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was divine. Only compliant is I couldn't finish it as it was so much food. Good problem, really. Hubby got the calamari steak sandwich. This is a beautiful 'piece of meat' breaded and fried - absolutely delicious. Having a breaded steak between two pieces of bread was redundant - so we sliced the steak into ribbons and simply ate as an appetizer, dipping the slices in the best tartar sauce I have ever had. We cannot wait to come back - but will only order one entree because they are so big (not complaining).

    We had a taste for Clam Chowder after walking down to the Cannery and Aquarium but wanted to try…read moresome near where we were staying and already tried some on the Fishermans wharf on our previous visit here in Monterey. Looked on Yelp and Rosine's came up. Easy walk from where we were and excited to try it after reading reviews by others. Well what wasn't mentioned in the reviews or on their menu is that Clam Chowder is only served on Fridays . We found this out after we were seated and served something to drink, now we are disappointed but didn't want leave because couldn't find anywhere else close by that served Clam Chowder other than places on Fishermans Wharf. So we tried the calamari steak sandwich but ordered it on grilled sourdough rather than the French roll It is normally served on. Came with sweet potato fries as an option. Sandwich was good but sweet potato fries were kind of rubbery. The salad was good with plenty of chicken in it and very tasty honey mustard dressing. Menu had a lot of options including some delicious looking humongous layer cakes for Il dolce. Our serve was friendly and accommodating on the bread change for the sandwich, prices were reasonable and it looked like they offer a full bar menu. Bright and simple dining room part of the old architecture of downtown Monterey, with outside dining as well. We enjoyed our meal but really wanted the Clam Chowder, I really thought that being a coastal fishing town that Clam Chowder would be a daily dish everywhere and not just on the wharf. Oh well.... Rosines we will have to return to try your Clam Chowder, maybe next time on a Friday. Bon Appetitto

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