A great breakfast spot in Cville! I've been coming here for years and it is the perfect Saturday morning brunch. The restaurant itself is very spacious! Lots of room for big groups or if you want to sit at the bar area. I would advise coming in on the earlier side if you are in a bigger group. But have no fear! Tables are usually cleaned and relatively quickly. I typically get a sweet and savory dish to split with a friend. The Chickichanga with potatoes, my go-to, is delicious! The perfect blend of eggs, chicken breast, onions, and avocado all wrapped in a tortilla. A side of greens goes perfectly to balance out the meal. I also recommend the Lemon Ricotta pancakes - soft, pillowy, and the lemon/strawberries provide a fresh taste. Definitely worth the visit if you are in the Ville! read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I went in to grab a quick lunch. My waiter actually sat me. Waited on me, and checked me out! Guy was really on the ball. All the food was excellent. The restaurant wasn't too busy so I was able to get in and out pretty quick. It was a comfortable place to grab lunch and relax for a little while before work. read more

I'm a fan of First Watch. Although a chain brunch restaurant they do a great job and are very consistent. This was my first time at First Watch Charlottesville. The app was utilized to get in line which has worked well in the past and did on this visit. Our waitress was quick to get drinks just after being seated by the hostess who provided menus. The restaurant was packed with normal Saturday crowd and UVA move-in. Everything was clean at our table and the place was really hopping! When drinks hit the table we ordered. I wanted their famous million dollar bacon as an app to share. I ordered Eggs Florentine with side of fruit. My daughter waffle with eggs and side of bacon. My wife eggs, ham and greens. Everyone reported they enjoyed. Within 5 minutes bacon was on the table and so yummy! Another 15 minutes food pushed out. My dish was cooked correctly and very good. Our waitress performed a table check. Check out was very quick after the receipt was dropped. I tipped well with great service. read more

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$7 for 4 slices of mediocre bacon is crazy!!! In Texas the taste makes it worth it. The mixed greens had no sauce/dressing. Biscuits dry as hell the eggs were the only thing worth a damn. My friend enjoyed his chocolate chip pancake... his scrambled eggs were dry as hell and that sausage was pure TRASH. read more

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Food is great. Is my favorite place for breakfast. I like that you can reserve a table online.

I stopped in for breakfast here. We were seated immediately and offered our own pot of coffee. Our server was very inviting and bubbly! They have a contemporary and casual atmosphere and a substantial breakfast/brunch menu. If you order a mimosa, you get a mini bottle of champagne to mix to your liking. I ordered the farmhouse hash and enjoyed it, it had good flavor/seasoning. We also tried the million dollar bacon and it was delicious. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in the area. read more

First Watch - Farmhouse hash, coffee, mimosa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Pro: large parking lot, clean interior, outside seating, online ordering, friendly staff, digital payment of bill. Con: none. Came here on a Monday around lunch time and fairly surprise by how busy it was but we were able to be seated fairly quickly. I have been to other first watch restaurants in the Maryland Rockville & the recently open white oak area so let just say I was very familiar with the menu *wink wink*. My usual go to is the tri-fecta but this time I ordered the classic Benedict with a side of seasoned potatoes and an orange juice. The Benedict had a nice taste to it and was satisfying with every bite. The potatoes were crisp but slightly too salty for my taste. Our server Alayah was friendly, attentive to our needs, and check in frequently to make sure everything was good. Interior was modern and clean with some nice decoration scatter along the wall which set up a nice ambience to dine in. When you are ready to leave you can either pay in the front or pay with your phone. All in all, had a nice lunch meal here and would recommend anyone to stop in for a bite to it. read more

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The food was great! Never visited another breakfast restaurant during our stay in Charlottesville. Service was friendly and swift. Cute farmhouse aesthetic. read more

First Watch - The Traditional. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I just know their Eggs Benedict hates to see me coming. I've been to first watch multiple times and I have to say, they are consistently one of the best brunch places to eat at. My go to is the BLT Eggs Benedict with Smoked ham added on as well. There's no good way to eat it other than just opening up as wide as possible and hoping nothing falls off. But when you do bite into it, you get a smokey and savory profile with a rich and refreshingly tangy finisher. They also do a custom blackberry lemonade which I thought was perfect. read more

First Watch - Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I've been to a few First Watch locations during my travels. You know you're always going to get a quality meal. My experience at this location was even more positive than the other locations I've visited. Our server was kind, knowledgeable, and quick. She had great menu suggestions and frequently visited our table to make sure we were good. Not only that, but the environment was very cozy, family friendly, and inviting. I loved that it was decorated with much UVA memorabilia. Important to note, the restroom was very clean as well. 5 star experience. Would 100% recommend and visit again! read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

So noisy! The server went out of her way to accommodate us, but the noise overwhelmed everything else, including the decent food

A great place to eat by the University of Virginia. First Watch is a popular restaurant chain that makes great breakfast, brunch, and lunch options. It was founded in 1983 in Pacific Grove, California, and has since expanded its presence across the United States. Today, it has a considerable number of locations, with over 400 restaurants spread across the country. This extensive reach allows customers to find a First Watch conveniently, whether they're in a bustling city or a suburban neighborhood. I have visited at least 5 locations in 2 states. One of the standout features of First Watch is its focus on health-conscious options. The menu includes a variety of nutritious choices, such as egg-white omelets, fresh fruit bowls, and whole-grain pancakes just to name a few. This location was just north of the University of Virginia along Emmett Street north. It faces away from the street in a large, long shopping center. We were greeted as we entered and seated quickly. The restaurant, like many ones in this chain, had windows along the wall, giving it a light and airy feel. The seating is a mixture of tables and booths. The waiter was friendly and efficient. The menu has a good assortment and plenty of choices. I ordered the oatmeal with fruit. The food came out quickly and was delicious. The cost is reasonable for the amount you get, quality of the food and the pleasant atmosphere. My meal was ~$10 without the drink. Overall, It was a very pleasant, friendly, clean, and delicious experience that I would recommend to people read more

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I have been to this restaurant a few times now. Overall it's a very pleasant experience. Food is good and tastes fresh. Breakfast is a bit better than other chain restaurant of the same genre. If you're looking for a decent brunch spot you could do much much worse. read more

Sat at the bar. The server/bartender Ashleigh was outstanding... super friendly and knowledgeable. Toast was toasted, hash was properly caramelized and the million dollar bacon was delish. My first time to a First Watch and I'll be back. read more

First Watch - Farm House Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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I've been here a few times so I think I can finally review it with confidence. For one, the staff is very nice and welcoming and the vibes in the restaurant are very upbeat. They have indoor and outdoor seating as well as a bar. It gets pretty busy on the weekends but for a nice breakfast, it's worth it. I tried the pumpkin pancake and while the portion was pretty small, it was perfect. I've also gotten omelettes and thé breakfast bowl which I loved. I don't think I've ever not been satisfied here. They also have interesting drinks to try and as a coffee fanatic, I must admit their iced coffee is pretty great! They have a changing seasonal menu which is really nice because they offer some delicious things and they never get old! Definitely recommend. read more

First Watch - Pumpkin Pancake - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Eating at the Barracks Road First Watch is truly a unique experience. My roommate and I frequent this establishment in particular times of stress, and we have never left this restaurant without an enormous smile and cheerful spirit. Our server, Zef, is the kindest and sweetest soul you will ever meet, and any customer is lucky to be seated in his section! The food is made better by Zef's glowing service and constant enthusiasm, making First Watch a bright spot in the otherwise dismal Barracks Road area. Enter this restaurant with lots of energy and a big appetite... and prepare for your life to change! read more

The food was awesome! Wes, my server recommended his favorite dish the breakfast tacos and they did not disappoint! Wes was very attentive and friendly and he asked just enough questions to let me know he saw me as a human being before taking my order. The atmosphere was nice, a little busy than I prefer but overall very good experience. Also the host Zepaniah is just the most radiant and welcoming person. I truly enjoyed the way Zep represented the vibe and atmosphere. And he also treated me like Real person. read more

Got in and was immediately greeted by the entire staff. We went to get food and all of the food came out well and hot. I tried the burrito which contained 7 bold flavors that all complimented each other well. And despite the burrito being overloaded with toppings and smothered with sauces, it packed a punch and stayed uniform throughout the entire meal. Altogether the lighting fell warm and cozy. So the ambiance altogether was well. read more

Stopped in for breakfast after a medical appointment at UVA hospital. Hard to find in a very large up-scale centerfull ot pricey boutiques. We were lucky to get a parking space right in front. First Watch has limited hours- 7:30 to 2:30PM or so- No dinner. the menu is long but everything is "healthy" with turkey burgers, light sandwiches and green salads- what you might expect in a university town. Nothing to really get excited about, but all of good quality, served promptly and the server didnt sneer when one of us ordered French fries. (They dont have them) It was a little pricey in my estimation, $10- 14 or many of the sandwiches accompanied by a small salad. The traditional breakfast was food, and featured turkey sausages and a relative of hash brown potatoes. The server was helpful and courteouis. The final bill asked whether we wanted to add a tip of various amounts, starting, if I recall correctly, ay 30%. One thing I found annoying was the high overall sound level. There is nothing in the way of sound proofing- the ceiling is open with pipes and girders visible. Tables were also a bit amall when they seated four. Otherwise it looked hip-friendly. I'd go back as it is the only "breakfast type place nearby. Charlottesville is SOOO crowded with traffic. read more

Variety and quality of food outstanding. Not your normal meat and potatoes fare. Delightful specials. Prompt wait staff which is important at a breakfast place. Endless coffee pot on your table. Glad I found it. read more

I've never been to a first watch that wasn't popping on the weekend. This location had good food, nice staff, and an organized host. No complaints here! read more

Hearty, aesthetically pleasing, and tasty breakfast. Floridian French Toast packed with fresh fruit and would recommend the maple syrup for an additional fee. Nice selection of steep hot tea and served with honey too. Request a dish if you like to seep your tea, otherwise you can improvise as I did (see pic). Biscuits and gravy were fantastic! Million dollar bacon was okay and didn't care much for the seasoning of the potatoes although they looked fantastic. Would go back and would recommend read more

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First Watch Ratings: 4.1/5 Food: 4.25/5 - You can never go wrong with brunch at First Watch. I brought my Connecticut friends here to try, and they loved it. They have a good selection of items on their menu, and all of their dishes are delivered very aesthetically and packed with flavors. Please read the descriptions below or check out my Instagram page (noraeatsgood) for more content and detailed reviews. - Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl [GET]: One of my go-to item. This quinoa bowl is light, but filling and loaded with healthy and fresh ingredients creating it to be the most balanced meal you can get at First Watch. The quinoa is wonderfully cooked, slightly on the soft side and the chicken breast was delicious. It is thinly sliced, tender and juicy. I love the roasted tomatoes, its tangy and acidity, super refreshing. The kale and carrots added a crunch to the dish too. Pro tip is to ask for the white balsamic dressing and pesto sauce to be on the side, so you can adjust them however you like. - The Traditional [GET]: It is pretty hard to mess up a traditional breakfast. It is a classic and a staple here. My sister got two sunny side eggs with bacon, toast, and their famous potatoes. Eggs are perfectly fried with a running yolk, and bacon has a maple-y flavor, nicely fried and crispy. Potatoes are lightly seasoned with onions but packed with flavors. My favorite is their whole grain artisan toast and remember to pair it with their homemade strawberry jam, so FIRE. If you cannot decide what to get, go for The Traditional. Ambiance: 4/5/ - It is loud and packed as soon as you walked in. The interior is nice though, clean and bright full of people and very energetic atmosphere. The college decor on the walls was a nice touch, loved my UVA school spirit. Also, I like the open-style kitchen and their farm to table vibes. It is a great spot for weekend brunch regardless, if you have a small or large group of people. Come for a great time and food! Price: 4/5 - I got the pesto chicken quinoa bowl for $11.95, and my sister got the traditional for $13.95 before tax. I think it is pretty good for the quality of ingredients, and most dishes range from within the $12 to $16 price range, so budget-friendly if you are looking for something mid-range. You pay at the front when you are done, and I thought it was efficient and very convenient, and they were able to spilt our bill 16 ways. Service: 4/5 - We were a party of 16 and was able to get two tables next to each other successfully. We got on their waitlist an hour and a half in advance to avoid the long wait times. The staffs were nice and friendly, able to accommodate for such a large group on a short notice. Our server was fast and prompt at filling our water, and she took our orders correctly despite it being super busy. The food came out relatively the same time and super fresh. BLUF: A brunch chain serving hearty and comforting sweet and savory brunch / lunch dishes, and they are super consistent. It is a wonderful place to eat with great ambiance and nice people. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with anything, but if you are looking for healthier options, then get the pesto chicken quinoa bowl, it's one of my favorites. Got to check it out, especially if this is your first time. read more

First Watch - The Traditional (top), Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl (bottom) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

The food was great- pancakes were fluffy, breakfast sampler was what you would expect it to be, same with potatoes. However, the wait for a table was ridiculous! The wait time alone makes it difficult to go again, regardless of how good the food is. I would understand if the place was understaffed, but there were at least 6 servers going around and the waitress kept reassuring us that a table would be ready in 10 minutes, and that 10 minutes became 40 minutes. The atmosphere can be nice if there were less people, but whenever we go, it is overwhelmingly chaotic that I can barely hear the person in front of me. Overall, the experience is not worth waiting for. Every time I go again to give it a chance, I remember how aggravating the wait to get seated is. read more

First Watch - chocolate pancake, breakfast sampler, potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I had a great dining experience! The food was great and Amelie provided top notch service!

I love eating here! Clean environment, good food, and our server, Wes, made sure our group had all they needed.

Usually crowded but the staff work so quickly it doesn't feel like it, tables are always clean and ready immediately. Staff are kind and helpful, always a great experience dining. The food is on the pricier side but delicious! Love their healthy options. read more

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This was my first visit and our server Connor made the decision to have brunch here well worth it. He was extremely personable and took time to chat with us about the menu and his tattoos. The food and ambiance (great spot) was DELICIOUS but Connor made my day with his impeccable customer service skills. Highly recommend and I will definitely be a repeat customer and remember to take pics before I dive in to my meal. read more

Everything was wonderful! Asleigh made our visit outstanding she was very sweet and accommodating! We were also pleasantly surprised of all the gluten free options! read more

First visit at First Watch for brunch today! I have heard only good things about this place from friends, so I would be lying if I said that I had no expectations. First, the interior was a lot more spacious than I had imagined: many tables, and I waited only 10min during seemingly peak hours. Service is nice, neither terrible nor special. The food was good, but it'd be tough to say that it was amazing. My dish just happened to be a bit overcooked today (I'm sure that this isn't always the case): bacon was brittle, burnt pieces of potatoes and veggies that I had picked out, and cheese also overcooked and dry. Despite all this, my visit here was still OKAY, good brunch and I still left relatively satisfied. This restaurant deserves multiple visits if one wishes to really feel out the other sections of their menu to judge the restaurant as a whole. Cold brew coffee was average. Go to a local coffee shop or cafe if you're looking for coffee. Other than this, 100% still worth trying out folks. Give them a shot TIP: - This is one of those places you'd have to pay multiple visits to. Their menu is fairly large, so it'd be a shame to judge and never come back after a single experience. - Go on their website and place yourself on their "waitlist"/reservation list before arriving. This place is pretty popular, and being on waitlist never hurts. read more

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A solid three. I'm updating my review to add that the waitlist process is terrible even if you "save a spot in line" through the app. Per the hosts, your clock doesn't start until you get there. Then what's the point? Second to that is the fact that someone from FW reached out to me about my earlier review. I sent an email as requested and have yet to hear back. Not a good look. read more

I have dined here two times now so I feel like I have a well informed review to write. This place is good, but not great. I ordered the kale juice from their juice bar and it tasted a lot more artificial than I would've liked. It was sweeter and didn't taste like what a $5.89 should taste like. I ordered the salmon eggs Benedict both times I have eaten here and both times it was underwhelming. They serve it on a ciabatta slice which is way too much bread to pair with such a rich brunch fare. Also, it is very hard to cut on a not very accommodating plate. The biggest let down for me is the breakfast potatoes that they serve. I really do not like them. They taste very bitter and yet still not cooked enough. It is my personal preference that home fries or any style of breakfast potato is not cooked with onions or any sort of secondary ingredient to enhance flavor. Even with my preferences, I found the potatoes almost inedible. I will say though that the servers are great and service is fast. I particularly like that you pay up front and it cuts down on the time sitting and waiting for your cheque. TLDR: It's fine, but you can do better. It is all very simple food that I could prepare better in my own kitchen. If you are looking for good brunch save your money or go elsewhere. read more

I love First Watch it's got this Modern Country feel to it. The food is so divine, I got the Eggs Benedict here with a Cranberry juice. I don't recall what the hubby got but we both enjoyed it very much. I understand the hours due to their particular niche of food, but I crave it all the time outside their open hours. First Watch is located in the Barracks Road shopping center, so parking can be a little tricky during peak shopping and eating hours. I love First Watch, I wonder if the creator of this restaurant was in public service or Armed Forces and that's were the name came from. I have to add their ingredients looks very fresh, which is an extra plus in my book!! read more

I took my elderly dad here for a late (day after) Father's Day brunch. He had never been before, and I've only been one time here and one time in NC. The food at First Watch is fantastic, flavorful, and ALWAYS fresh and hot. The wait staff are accommodating and friendly. I don't drink coffee on a daily basis, but I'll always get l have a cup or 2 at First Watch. It's really good. The gluten-free bread is some of the best I've had all around. I am very happy to have this place close by. It's pricier than a few of the local diners, but in my book, it is worth it to have top-notch food and service. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

On most days, it's really loud in the restaurant, the app on my phone measured it about 100 dB. So bring some earplugs, but be sure to order the as big as your head multigrain pancakes. I like the blueberry ones myself. We've coincidentally gotten the same server every time we've gone and he's always very nice and attentive, which is always very appreciated since my wife has multiple food allergy issues. read more

This is a decent, cute breakfast spot. I ordered a pot of coffee and the Belgian waffle with a side of sausage. The waffle was super crunchy- and had tasted more like a funnel cake. I'd rate it a 3/5. The sausage was great - 4/5. I want to come back and maybe try something else from the menu- I just wasn't really impressed. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

First Watch is a breakfast food spot that has vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. I've had several of their menu items, and I have enjoyed them all. Some of my trips to First Watch have been really stellar with amazing service. Other trips I've had only average to below par service. This tends to happen more when they are very busy. Sometimes on weekends there are long lines, however, if you use their website you can "Get in Line" before you arrive and therefore not have a long wait when you get there. The food is really good, so I would not hesitate to recommend it. read more

This place is pretty darned good. My wife got the Floridian French toast and I got the the traditional breakfast, with a side of biscuits and gravy and million dollar bacon. Her French toast was pretty bland tasting and the million dollar bacon is just ehh. Difficult to mess up a traditional breakfast. read more

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Service was amazing! Christopher and Holly were first class! Amazing pancakes and the atmosphere is great! These guys have a truly good thing going. Appreciate the over the top service from the staff! read more

First Watch is one of my favorite vegetarian friendly brunch spots in Charlottesville, VA. Being a chain, I was a little skeptical at first but First Watch delivers every single time. All of their dishes are packed with flavor and loads of fresh and healthy ingredients creating the perfect balanced meal. They also have so much variety that you can try a different dish on the menu each time until you find your favorite. My favorite dishes to date are the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (seasonal) and the Market Veggie sandwich. The Lemon Ricotta Pancakes are seasonal, so check online or call in before hand if you want to try them! They're some of the fluffiest pancakes I've had and pair so well with the lemon ricotta cream and strawberries. The dish holds the perfect amount of sweetness and is super filling. The Market Veggie Sandwich also always satisfies. It's made up of house-roasted crimini mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, pesto, mayo, and mozzarella cheese on grilled artisan whole grain. The sandwich is light yet filling and pairs super well with their basil backed tomato soup! If you're an egg person and are looking for a sandwich alternative, I recommend trying out the The Elevated Egg Sandwich. It's made up of over-easy eggs, gruyere cheese, smashed avocado, mayo, and lemon-dressed arugula on a brioche bun. The sandwich is egg-tastic but not as filling as other options. It does come with a side of First Watch's house seasoned potatoes though. I have yet to try The Elevated Egg Sandwich at the Charlottesville location, so I'm excited to do that soon! Highly recommend First Watch to anyone looking for a solid brunch spot on a mid-range budget. read more

First Watch - Market Street Veggie w Tomato Soup (top left), Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (bottom left), home fries (right) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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