Very Disappointing Service - Management Needs to Take Responsibility I have been coming to this First Watch location for the past four months, and unfortunately, this is now the fourth time I have experienced terrible service. At this point, it is no longer an isolated incident--it appears to be an ongoing management problem. The servers are frequently inattentive, distracted, and fail to properly check on customers, even when the restaurant is not busy. After experiencing the same problems repeatedly, I believe General Manager Zak Paskvan needs to take responsibility for the way this location is being managed. What made the situation even worse was the way Zak handled customer feedback. When customers are explaining legitimate concerns about the service, a general manager should listen, communicate professionally, and try to resolve the problem--not be rude, dismissive, or give customers attitude. After seeing these issues continue for approximately four months, I do not believe Zak is effectively managing this location. In my opinion, First Watch corporate should seriously review his performance and consider replacing him as general manager. I enjoy First Watch, but this particular location needs immediate improvement in both customer service and management. Four bad experiences are more than enough. read more

Worth the long wait, really good service, very clean cute place. A lot of food options. I really loved my chicken dish, good selection incase you don't want breakfast but everyone else does. Really good drinks and cocktails. read more

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Finally got to try First Watch on a Saturday morning with a friend. We met for brunch and it was quite busy. But we only waited about 15 minutes for a table. I wanted to try everything but finally decided on a fancy iced coffee and biscuits and gravy because I never make that at home. Everything was great and it's a very friendly and relaxing dining room. I would definitely recommend it and am looking forward to going again to try more items on the menu. read more

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Newly opened in Algonquin, IL! We stopped by on a Sunday morning for breakfast and First Watch did not disappoint! I am in love with their Belgium Waffle! Very airy and light with the right amount of sweetness! I can easily eat 2 servings! The bacon and eggs were cooked to my liking as well. The smoked salmon benedict was not a hit at our table. Ciabatta bread was a bit stale, hollandaise wasn't very flavorful and the smoked salmon was a 6/10. When the dish came out, it was cold like it sat out for a while. Lastly the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes was sweet and tart. The lemon curd and cinnamon sugar with fresh fruits paired perfectly. Wait times can get crazy! Make sure to go on their website to get in line! Tri-Fecta Smoked Salmon Benedict Lemon Ricotta Pancakes read more

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I couldn't recommend this breakfast restaurant enough! There were a lot of food options, like French toast, waffles, frittatas, omelettes and more. There is definitely something for everyone. Our server was incredibly patient and kind. Very efficient and she definitely made us feel welcome! The restaurant itself is very spacious and cozy. read more

First Watch - Salmon Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

This is a new breakfast/brunch restaurant that just opened in Algonquin on Randall Road. Parking was a bit difficult due to the smaller parking area and the restaurant being next to the new Chipotle. Highly recommend going on their website and use the link to "get in line" if you are planning to go to the restaurant. The website said it was about a 30 minute wait. When we arrived at the restaurant we could check in and then we only had to wait about 5 minutes until getting seated vs others were waiting much longer in the waiting area. The decor inside is very nice, it's one big room with the kitchen in the back and a bar area near the waiting area. They also have an outdoor patio which wasn't opened yet. Staff was great, and it took about 25 min for food to come out. The food itself was good we got the BLT Benedict, Pesto chicken quinoa bowl and Monterey club sandwich. Portions were good but a bit smaller than other breakfast places. Prices were reasonable. read more

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This new location is delivering awesome quality food and service. Staff was super friendly and attentive for the friends & family soft opening. Food reviews: BLT Benedict--great balance of flavors and textures. Each element provided a unique bite to the plate. Potatoes were on point with their seasoning and cook. Biscuits and gravy--biscuits were light and buttery. Sausage gravy had nice richness and generously covered the plate. read more

First Watch - Biscuits and Gravy - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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Finding the entrance was a challenge for my 1st visit here. Now that I know where it is, the next visit will be less stressful. Once inside I could tell this was going to be a good experience. We met some friends and proceeded to the table (booth) which was spacious and did not feel cramped. We chatted over coffee for a while. Our server came by to see if we were ready to order. As we were engaged in conversation we never looked at the menu. The server had no problem with us not being ibn a hurry, but did come back with a new pot of coffee for us. The place has an open ceiling of metal with some acoustic tile dropped down in the center of the place, but the noise level is high as it is with many modern day places. I had the eggs benedict, which was just ok. My wife loved her waffle with fresh fruit. I prefer the small town type of diner/restaurant as they are more intimate. The service was super, the food was good, the bill was wrong but corrected by the manager. Attention to detail would be good. The best part of all this is that they serve orange juice that has pulp! read more

First Watch - Eggs, Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

This is my first time going to First Watch in Algonquin. As always the food is always delicious. The service is always top notch and are always on top of everything that they do whether it's refills whether it's making sure food is correct they are on it. The Ambiance of the places so modern but has a nice coziness to it so it's always nice to stop by when you're looking for lunch and breakfast options. Especially coming in on a Monday morning is a must. It's not too overcrowded not much of a way and food comes out pretty quick. I will be back again at this location to try something new. read more

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Easter Friday weekend at 9:30am, busy and packed but wait line went quick. Kassandra are wait person was very attentive for the slight wait to take our order. It was packed and she did well. First Watch has a little different and unique menu than the other brunch places on the Randall Road strip. Also a very unique Bar beverage menu. A place to check out and try a definite! read more

First Watch - Market Meatless Skillet type dish with goat cheese and a very nice grain bread. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

Okay. Hot new place for breakfast or lunch. Place packed but counter was open. Skipped 35 to 1 hour wait. Sat at counter. Chairs were difficult to adjust to belly up to the counter. Slid the wife in. Then hooked the my chair with my foot and slid up. 9 to 10 counter chairs. No fountain at counter for water or soft drinks (Coca-Cola). Separate drink station which was overflowing with drink tickets and undermanned. Ordered coffee and water. Wife got Coca-Cola. Coffee came quick in a with a pot back for warm ups. Wife waited about 10 minutes for her Coke. Came topped with ice with little Coca-Cola. Okay. Food came out relatively quick and hot. Bonus. Order was correct. Time for a drink refill. 10 more minutes! Check was presented. You can pay by scanning and completing billing on your phone. It's a brand new restaurant on Randall Rd highway. (Yes, Nascar racing too) Near Portillo's. Beautiful new location with a parking lot like a postage stamp. Park at Belle Tire on Sunday. Bonus read more

We're on spring break! My wife and I snuck out after kids were at school for a short breakfast at this newest addition to the Randall Road corridor. We were greeted by friendly staff and seated immediately at a booth. The atmosphere was active but also quiet enough to have a private conversation in our booth. The coffee was fantastic and much better than a typical breakfast place. The food was top notch, especially for a place that can come off as an upscale disappointment (most of those high end places disappoint on quality of food). I got the chorizo omelette and my wife got the traditional breakfast. Both were great and the eggs were perfectly done. Bravo on great service and nice atmosphere! read more

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This restaurant has quickly become my favorite breakfast haunt to frequent because of the wait staff, ownership and the fantastic food. Was there with a friend who had the pecan salad and I decided to change course from the Cob salad to turkey sausage, biscuits, hashbrowns and eggs. Everything was superb, but the scrambled eggs were absolutely cooked to perfection. I called the manager over and informed him and he graciously brought out the chef who prepared our meal and we got to thank $ him personally. Really a great place to go! read more

Delicious food, well prepare, nicely presented. Staff friendly, attentive and patient. Priced as per 2025, breakfast and coffee for two, $35. Rather loud atmosphere for my personal taste. read more

First Watch - Breakfast Tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

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I've eaten here twice now. With times had great service and very good quality food. You can tell they take pride of the ingredients bring fresh. The decor is very nice as well. This time the music was pretty loud, I wanted to sit outside but it seemed even louder outside then inside. I dont remember that the first time I went. It's the perfect portions too in my opinion. I got thr same thing both times, which is unusual for me as I like to try new things. But I liked the Floridian French toast so much hr first time that I wanted it again. Thr fruit was so fresh and they use big pieces of artisan bread and season it just right. The berry compite is so good and they serve the syrup warm too. Service has been spot on both times too. This is a newer place, I think they'll do well. You should go and try it for yourself. read more

First Watch - Floridian French toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

For me this place was OUTSTANDING! Waitress was fantastic , atmosphere was excellent, this green kale drink was also fantastic I normally don't get these but. VERY fresh tasting green drink. Really like the vibe this brings to Algonquin. Great to see restaurant players like this entering into the neighborhood. Happy to go to First Watch more in the future. Looking forward to summer patio. read more

First Watch - Green kale drink was excellent!!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

A very disappointing experience. Came for breakfast with my husband and son and had multiple things go wrong. First, there was a bug in my son's iced coffee. They replaced the drink but our waitress said "that's the second one this week" Ewwww! When our order came, they forgot my son's bacon and syrup for his French toast, brought my husband the wrong breakfast sandwich and side. Also the ham on my eggs Benedict was cold but tasted good- and there was no dressing on my side salad. The manager comped the drink and his sandwich, but still a very bad dining experience. Shocked as we have been here a few times before and it was great. Maybe this was just a fluke, but enough things were off that we likely won't be back. read more

Everything is fine place is amazing and everything the only reason I'm putting one star is because every single time I look through the decoration wall I could see the employees looking at me smirking and laughing every time if this is how you treat your customers then I won't be coming back here especially both servers wearing glasses and the male server with white hair read more

This was our 2nd visit after going to the soft opening. We loved the food the first time and wanted to see how things were now that they've been open a couple of months. I am happy to report that meal did not disappoint! I selected the summer special of shrimp and grits. It was so good. Nicely seasoned and perfectly cooked medium sized shrimp topped a bowl of cheesy, creamy grits, cooked to perfection. It had more cheese than I prefer but that's only a preference not a complaint. It was also topped with a tasty Cajun sauce of tomatoes, onions and andouille sausage. It was rich and filling. Thick toast was added as a side. The husband ordered the bacon & guacamole omelet topped with sour cream and pico de gallo. It was a perfect portion size and filled nicely with chopped cooked bacon and guacamole. A tossed green salad came with it. It took a while for the server to visit our table but once she arrived, she was pleasant and attentive. The kitchen also was slow to get the food out but the place was very busy so it's forgivable. read more

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This was our first time here and I have mixed thoughts on this place. The good: The food was tasty, the coffee was strong and the restaurant was clean. The not so good: I have never been to a restaurant that does not give you water. It took us almost 10 minutes after having to ask for some to get water. The server only came around 1 time, about a minute after getting our food to check on us, the only other time she came around was to give us boxes and the check. We were never asked if we needed a coffee or water refill. The worst part was that one of the bussers was wearing the strongest cologne, it was nauseating. Each time he walked by I could practically taste it, it immediately gave me a headache and was such a huge turnoff as it messes with your overall experience and the taste of the food. It's appalling to me that any food service restaurant would allow any employee to wear such an overpowering cologne or perfume. Summary: Despite the tasty food, I don't know how soon we will be back. It was pricey (what place isn't these days though?) and there are so many other places around with just as good food and much better service. read more

Absolutely outstanding!! Our food was fresh n hot n so tasty!! Our server, Patricia was excellent. The blazing dragon drink was awesome!!... but ask for no ice. Chickichanga and Bacado were ridiculously perfect!! We will be back to this great place read more

Best breakfast and lunch restaurant in the area. The servers and all the staff are so friendly! Love the windows all around. Very inviying Definitely going back! read more

Tried this place twice before giving this review. Service was good. Coffee good. This last visit I ordered a couple of eggs, chicken sausage and the "huge" pancake. Though the pancake was large, it wasn't anything special. A pancake should be able to withstand a bit of syrup, and not crumble altogether when you put a fork into it. It was like eating crumb cake. The chicken sausage just tasted odd altogether. After two visits I can't really recommend this place, given the other options locally. Thank you. read more

Just enjoyed our mid morning weekday breakfast at First Watch. Brand New here in Algonquin! Right off of Randall by the Algonquin commons so you can dine & shop or even play pickleball before/after. Very open concept, clean, and beautifully furnished! Decor is great. Service was great. We were greeted promptly with a smile & sat right away. No steps so easily accessible for handicap/stroller. It is a bit on the small side. Only a few booths but there is a bar area and an outdoor patio to eat at as well. All the employees were friendly and helpful! Open 7-230. They have a lunch menu & breakfast. The breakfast potatoes were the best I've had in awhile. Not greasy. I like that they offer healthy options. The Floridian French toast looked amazing! I had the bacado and it was delicious. They have some GF options, vegan, vegetarian, and even have oat milk for your coffee. My husband had the breakfast tacos and they looked good as well. The pico de gallo was good. Everything tasted fresh. We will be back. A nice feature they have is you can scan code & pay by phone. No need to wait for server or at the front. read more

I visit this location routinely. The food is excellent. Great variety of interesting menu items. Coffee is delicious. Service is good, sometimes great. The only issue is that the dining space lacks any architectural acoustical treatment, making it so reverberate that it's hard to carry on a conversation and, at times unbearably. Hopefully, they will come back and spray the exposed metal deck ceiling with treatment. read more

Great food and drinks! Sat at the bar with some friends and played their ice breaker card games ! Really fun and great experience would recommend 10/10 times read more

I just left First Watch after sitting at my table for roughly 10-12 minutes and not one server came to the table . No water , no I'll be right with you nothing . My wife is in a wheelchair so I guess they don't serve the handicap . Never going back ! read more

Service was terrible from the start , a 25 min wait to be seated , took another 20 min to get an order taken . Then to get checked out / pay the bill , we waited another 10 minutes after asking who will help us , finally did get done . As for the food , my sunny side up eggs were well well over done and rubbery, had ham which was like eating cardboard very dry dry , my drinks were a coffee , which was fine , but I also asked for a glass of water , which never came till then end of the meal after asking again for it . My rating 1 star . read more

First visit to the new First Watch in Algonquin. Highly recommended. Service was prompt and friendly but not overbearing. The Chili Chorizo Omelette was excellent and the upgraded Million Dollar Potatoes a must. Refillable coffee and water at the table was great too. 10 out of 10. read more

First Watch - Chili Chorizo Omelette with Million Dollar Potatoes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

Food - egg shells in my scrambled eggs Waffles was cold upon serving coffee is left on table to get cold and to refill yourself Service is poor, server had to be summoned to come by once the food was served (egg shell issue), didn't communicate how she was resolving the issue Atmosphere is ok but asked for a booth and was given a table. (Also goes to service) read more

A little disappointed by the food. I got the blt Benedict and the side was just a large portion of plain lettuce. The cold brew I had was super over steeped and tasted old. The server was nice and ontop of things. read more

First Watch - Blt Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Algonquin, Illinois

Great food. I highly recommend them. Server was very nice. Enjoyed my meal there. Service was timely. Parking readily available

Great open and airy atmosphere, friendly staff and absolutely great food! Great selection of brunch favorites--I had the chorizo omelette. So many great entrees--we will be going back again and again! read more

There was good food and plenty of it! The service was good. I'd go back again. It's a great place to have a delicious breakfast or a healthy lunch. read more

Loved it so much I would go again more then once highly recommend there food is amazing and wonderful never have I ever tasted something this good before in my life read more

Food is OK but service is lacking. The wait staff is pleasant but it looks like they also work in the kitchen, clear across the room. I don't care that they leave coffee pots on the table. I waited while my pancakes got cold because I forgot to ask for sugar-free syrup. Perhaps there could be a flashing "help" light to turn on at the table? We will go back to our favorite restaurant in Huntley next time - Brunch Cafe for best food, service, and senior discount. read more

Food. We were a party of 5 on a Sunday morning. It was crowded, but not unbelievably so right off the bat we waited quite some time, and mainly they got our name wrong. Good thing we checked after half an hour, and they corrected and we were seated. One of the party ordered the eggs Benedict with salmon, two of us ordered the tropical French toast, one ordered an omelette, and the last also had an omelette with chili. Two orders of French toast or extremely dry because the bread was not soaked in the batter it looks like it was just brushed on top. The middle of the slices were nothing but plain bread. The egg benedict had what looked like beautifully poached eggs, except they were hard boiled. Extremely well done. The omelette was OK except cold along with very hot potatoes. The second omelette was OK. Now I understand Sunday is very busy, but I'm not sure I'd never go back again. Price was average for restaurants of that quality. I must say the coffee was good. Restaurant is clean and well decorated. Waiter offered to take things back and redo, but it was time to go home. read more

Went there for breakfast for the very first time. The food was good. The service could have been better. We waited for 15 minutes before a server came to our table. And WE had to ask someone IF anyone was going to take our order! And the manager didn't seem to care. He knew we were seated and didn't bother coming over and asking IF anyone came and took our order. read more

Been here a couple times now, food always comes out quickly and is a good portion for the price. The covered outside patio is nice, the place overall has a very open, welcoming vibe. Parking can get limited at times and service has been slow on a few occasions, but overall a very enjoyable experience. Will continue to come back! read more

Went for the first time yesterday around 1:00pm. We ordered the ham and Gruyère Sammy, million dollar potatoes, soup and side of biscuits and gravy. Overall, food was tasty (especially the potatoes) but the temp was lukewarm at best. Biscuits and gravy had a great pepper finish but almost cold. The sandwich was nothing to brag about. A pile of deli style ham with cheese? Why not real sliced ham? The brioche was toasted but mushy. The Million Dollar Potatoes were the BEST and might be enough for a return trip for breakfast. Service was OK, but needed to ask another server for an ice tea refill. Very clean and nice inside, but it's new. Staff were pleasant. Decide for yourself but I'd be very hesitant to try lunch here again. Maybe breakfast food is served hot... read more