first of all, we waited an hour for our food after we ordered. On top of that our food was not cooked the way we asked. It was cold when it came out & our waitress didn't check on us at all. On top of that the hostess, lily asked how our food was and we kindly told her how we felt & she got defensive and was very rude to us. I cannot believe how we were treated. This was the worst experience ever. Paid $67.00 for nothing. Thanks first watch. read more

SO GOOD! I came here to grab a juice, and this one was so yummy! The service was amazing, and COVID-19 precautions were taken to ensure minimal contact. We got our food in just a few minutes. I would highly recommend!! read more

First Watch - Morning Meditation Fresh Juice - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Healthy and delicious. First time there and I will be back for more! Try the Golden Glow drink....it's amazing. I had the avocado toast and I licked the plate clean. read more

Third time for breakfast over a beautiful downtown weekend. Everything was delightful and greasy. Marlee was helpful, charming, informative, friendly, in a sincere but professional manner. Hard to find places like this around these days. We will stop again. read more

First Watch - Breakfast at First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Food is fire. New menu - get the strawberry French toast. You won't regret it. Service was amazing too.

I'm a returning customer for over 5 years. I don't know what's with this locations management but it's just not it. The rookwood location puts the downtown location to shame. I placed a takeout order online, said ready for pick up at 1:45pm. I arrive at the store 1:40, no one is at the host stand. The restaurant only has 4 active tables. I had to seek out 2 employees twice about my order. If the food is going to be delayed 20-30 minutes you should text updates or something. I get waiting longer if the restaurant is busy (I've worked 6+ years in the service industry I get it) but this was just neglect and a waste of my time. Won't be coming back to this location. read more

Called to ask a question and hung up on me. Then when I went to go eat there, I was greeted by a very rude lady at the front. After all that, it took over an hour to get our food, only to find a HAIR IN IT. Don't eat here. read more

Came across this spot on a Saturday morning accidentally and so glad that we did. I can eat breakfast food anytime but this gang is doing it up right. Started of with the maple bacon of course. It did not disappoint. 4 slices for the two of us. Perfect pairing with the rest of the meal. my husband got a typical ham, eggs, potatoes, toast entrée and I enjoyed an egg sandwich and potatoes to die for! The biscuit for the sandwich was handmade, had applebutter spread on it, an egg, turkey sausage, and field greens that had been tossed in a lemon dressing. Thought at first it was a little out there but all those flavors worked so well together. Potatoes were also plentiful (so many I couldn't finish them). Only thing I would have asked for is for them to be crispier but that is a personal preference. Free fresh coffee while you wait but the wait wasn't long. They offer online reservations so we booked it before we started walking from the hotel and our table was ready upon our arrival. Great service and a great farm to table atmosphere rounds out the great experience had here. Will be returning next time we are in the area. read more

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I highly recommend it for all ages.there pancakes and waffles are amazing. Outdoor Seating.

Absolutely Delicious Came here with my grandma and was very impressed by the portions and prices Will be back in a few Sundays with my grandma read more

We joined the waitlist on yelp and was seated pretty quickly. The food was good...now the service was a little slow. A lot of small things like asking numerous times for napkins, straws amd water refill. And there was a long wait for food. My food was really good once it arrived. I had the summer breeze which was refreshing, waffle and crab omlette that was awesome. My table mates had the skillet hash and traditional breakfast that they really enjoyed. I would give it 4.5 for food. Use app to get in line or else you will be waiting a long time read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I have been to many First Watch locations and this is by far the worst experience I have had. Multiple tables sat after us received their food before us, we had to ask the host to check on our food because our waitress disappeared, and when the food came out it was like warm and small portions - the butter didn't even melt. Go to another location, you will be happy you did! read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I have been wanting to check out first watch since several years now since they have been marketing themselves as a healthy breakfast/brunch place. I went to this location downtown with not a lot of expectations since chains generally are underwhelming. But was I impressed. I ordered egg Benedict( I am on a veggie Benedict for brunch on sat mornings crawl). It was different from traditional as I came on ciabatta bread as opposed to English muffin. There wasn't a lot of hollandaise sauce either, but maybe that's how you reduce the calorie on the item. Potatoes out of the world, hands down the best potatoes ever. There house coffee is great too. The servers are very polite and friendly, facility is clean with a modern setup and the reception counter is well attended as well. I will be coming back for more items to try out on the menu. read more

First Watch - Eggs Benedict and Fresh, Seasoned Potatoes. Potatoes were just out of the world. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Good food and efficient service... that's really all you need in a breakfast joint! Nothing really stood out as phenomenal, except for the rainbow toast which is featured on their special summer menu and consists of brioche toast topped with ricotta cheese, blueberries, mango and strawberries (I think it was strawberries? I can't honestly remember now). The avocado on the avocado toast was browning and there was WAY too much of it. Like... way too much. More than half of it was scraped off and left on the side of the pate. read more

The server was wonderful, the food was fresh. Great place for a quick breakfast bite and coffee before exploring the city.

My son and I had the Belgium Waffles and Biscuits/Gravy with a hot chocolate and cold brew. The food, drinks, and waitress (Madilyn, spelling???) were awesome. Excellent place to eat! read more

Why is this considered a Cincinnati institution exactly? It seemed pretty plain to me. Service was good but breakfast was only so-so. I had the Bacon Avocado omelette. I think they called it Bacocado or Avobacon or something clever. Clearly, I'm not as clever as First Watch! The consistency of the omelette was okay, the eggs were fluffy, but they piled it with heavy sour cream. There are two places one should never use sour cream and those are: 1) the Bedroom and 2) In an omelette! It came with a side of salsa, which was more like ketchup with some onions thrown in for looks. Totally nasty. The "idea" of this omelette looked great on paper, but was completely lost in translation. Also, do people in Ohio not eat Oatmeal? Didn't see it on First Watch's menu nor on my hotel room service menu either. Are y'all hatin' on the Quaker oats guy? Don't hate the Quaker, hate the game! read more

While in town for the weekend, we decided to eat breakfast there Saturday morning. We were seated promptly, the waitress was very pleasant and took our orders. I ordered the Traditional breakfast and ordered fried eggs/over medium/dippy yellow. My meal came out with egg whites, which I immediately sent back with the server who brought them out and stated I had ordered fried eggs/over medium. Our waitress came back and said oh, you want a little yellow in your eggs, I stated no, I wanted a fried egg/over medium/dippy yellow. My order came out for the second time with what looked like yellow fluff. I told her to keep it. Please educate your servers on the different types of eggs. read more

I enjoyed a healthy turkey egg white omelet w/spinach tomatoes onions no feta, minus the bread, with a side of potatoes no salt. My hubby said it was the best eggs benedict (classic) he's eaten, farm fresh twist: fresh tomatoes, herbs, ciabatta bread..... read more

First Watch - Eggwhites omelet, spinach , tomatoes, onions, no bread, potatoes no salt. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I visited First Watch with two friends for lunch last week. First Watch is known for their amazing breakfast with some lunch options. I had the pesto chicken quinoa bowl, a friend had the cherry chicken quinoa bowl and another friend had the key west crepeggs. The service is quick, but the food was just okay, the pesto chicken quinoa bowl really had no flavor and the pesto was a skimpy sauce drizzled on the dish. They now have a sun e club, where you can receive a free entree for your birthday and insider scoop, next time I'll go for breakfast, you can't go wrong with breakfast at First Watch. read more

I've been to many first watch locations, but this is the first time I had been to the one downtown! Most locations are pretty similar, which has a simple yet classy décor. The first thing we had was the Million dollar bacon, which was very good - but I prefer my bacon a little more crispy! This was on the sweeter side because of the maple syrup but it was still delish! We then got avocado toast which comes with 2 eggs. This is my go-to on the menu. I have never had such good avocado toast in my life! It's simple but, the thick multigrain bread they use is fantastic and I think they must lightly season the slightly mashed avocado with lemon and parsley. We then shared the "Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash", which was SOOO good! It was all of our favorites of the meal, I really hope they keep it on the menu! I liked that you could eat it plain or with the tortillas they come with. Perfect combo of potatoes, corn, cheese and chorizo (really good when you squeeze the lime on top too!) The next thing we shared was the Ham and Gruyere Melt. This is basically like a fancy grilled cheese with a simple salad on the side. I really enjoyed the salad, it was simple and dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette - which I really would like to get the recipe for! And last but not least - the lemon ricotta pancakes! These are delicious, I always get lemon ricotta pancakes when I go to restaurants and I was excited that first watch has them. They come with a lemon curd on top and berries. We also got 3 different juice drinks, I enjoyed the Kale and Limeade drinks the best! The service was fantastic. Our waitress was very attentive and always came at the right time to refill our drinks, clear plates, and bring our new dish. First watch is always going to be one of my first choice for breakfast/brunch! read more

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Always been a fan of First Watch. However. The downtown location could really work on their efficiency and staffing levels to accommodate for the working lunch rush. Often the front desk is vacant so lines are 5 people deep just to pay their bill, let alone the other line to put their name in. The food always turns out great but you will have to wait for it every step of the way. Would not recommend dining at this location if you are on a time constraint. read more

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The appeal of First Watch eludes me. In my mind, First Watch--and I speak here of the local FW franchises generally and not just this downtown location--is basically a mediocre and antiseptic chain diner, like Denny's or IHOP or Big Boy, enhanced by a few uninspired nods towards healthier ingredients and sides and "ethnic" and regional preparations. Too much grease and salt. Too many processed ingredients. Too many of the dishes have a going-through-the-motions blandness to them. The "Burrito Vera Cruz" is a good example of all of this. If you've ever spent any time in Texas or the Southwest, you probably know how delicious and fresh-tasting and bold and satisfying a breakfast burrito can be. This is that burrito minus the deliciousness, freshness, boldness, and satisfaction. The "Vera Cruz" is just a dull, leaden lump of of a dish: bready, cheapo tortilla filled with a tired-tasting egg and chorizo mixture and topped with a lackluster "Vera Cruz" sauce and sour cream. Ugh. Usually, the homefries served as a side are undercooked and oversalted, and the little cup of fruit, while a nice touch, usually doesn't seem especially fresh. And FW's coffee tastes like the crap coffee you'd get at all those other chain diners I list above. Credit where credit is due: With its hardwood floors, high ceilings, exposed ductwork, and giant windows that let in lots of sunlight, this downtown location has some appeal to it. The staff here has almost always been efficient and friendly. In other words, this location is more inviting than the Rookwood one, for instance. Still, even this First Watch makes for a pretty dreary dining experience. read more

I loved everything about it! It is hard to find parking in the downtown area but they do have a parking lot right by it ($4) for the time we were there. Pancakes were to drool for the service was wonderful very friendly. The ambiance was calm hip and relaxing. I got the lemon ricotta pancakes, my husband got the Florida French toast. Overall we enjoyed it and we will be back. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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There is so much to say about this place. the place is clean and there seem to be a lot of business every time we have ever driven past. The food was very tasty and like no other menu I have ever seen. The avocado toast is so yummy and creamy I think I will order that as an appetizer next time. It is the perfect size to share. I had a rendition to an old favorite, eggs benedict. 2 poached eggs on toasted ciabatta with bacon, tomato and avocado with arugula and a hollandaise sauce. YUM! Add excellent service and you have yourself one helluva treat! Why 4 and not 5 stars? The management was non existent. This restaurant gave the appearance of being ran by the FOH team all alone with no supervision. The severs couldn't find a manager when asked by the other guests. Put a manager with a good attitude up front and this has the making of being an amazing restaurant. It just takes time and consistency. read more

I has a lunch date with my old coworker. The atmosphere was good and we had a wonderful waitress. The food was good and came out hot. I will definitely be visiting this location again read more

Just a typical first watch. Food is as expected. Service can be a little slow but it's just about what you can expect at any first watch location read more

I grew up going to this First Watch, so it will always have a special place in my foodie heart. My gramma and I would ride the bus downtown and share the Trifecta. She'd eat the meat and eggs while I took the waffle and blueberry sauce for myself. They've now changed the blueberry sauce and it's not as good as it used to be, so I don't get that anymore. Nowadays, if I want something sweet I go for a chocolate chip pancake and a banana granola pancake because they're HUGE, not to mention delicious! But if I'm in the mood to be a bit more healthy, I usually go for one of their omelets with a side salad. The servers are usually friendly and expedient! It can get pretty busy on a Sunday, but not too awful - we had a fifteen minute wait for a party of two around 10a. At least the meters are free before 2p! read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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We had to be in Cincinnati for the weekend, so we decided to try some new restaurants. So far our weekend was filled with high priced disappointments. Our last meal in town was breakfast, so we decided to try First Watch. Let's just say that this place will be a must visit every time I'm in town. Everything tasted fresh and well put together. "Million Dollar Bacon"Best bacon I've ever had period. A must try for anyone. read more

First Watch - Delicious Summer Blush juice concoction. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I don't usually write reviews, but I am so sad to see the recent reviews on here, as I go to this First Watch twice a week and have been doing so for 5-years. My experience has been WONDERFUL every single time. The food is ALWAYS cooked consistently perfect! The staff is so hard working, efficient and above all kind!! I mean it they want your experience here to be great! Hoping those that have been here give it another try and if you have never been here before and you want a great breakfast or lunch this is the place in Downtown Cincinnati to go to! read more

Easter Sunday and nothing in downtown Cincinnati is open (and actually when it is it looks closed, like this spot). I got the heads up on this brunch spot from a hotel doorman and was sooo pleased it was open and bustling inside. I had no idea this was a chain, nor that it was so popular. But I didn't have to wait as there were plenty of tables for small groups or lone diners like me. I love that I get my own fresh pot of coffee...it seemed to taste better than any other cafe coffee because of that...placebo effect? I ordered off of the healthy menu: fruit crepes with yogurt, granola and a muffin (which I carried in my pocket up Mt Adams, to the airport in the cab and onto my flight only to dump it before I landed in LAX?! What an odd boy I am ;0 ) read more

First Watch downtown is a serviceable breakfast spot. Nothing wrong with the place--it's clean, food is fine, service is fine, prices are fair. It's just kind of anonymous. It could be any decent breakfast place anywhere. Nothing on the menu that we tried was exceptional, nothing was bad. I think the Belgian waffle was above average, though, so I'd recommend getting that (with eggs and sausage as part of a 'Tri-fecta' it's a good deal. Treat this as a refueling stop in downtown and you will be satisfied, just no reason to go out of your way to visit. read more

I was visiting Cincinnati for an interview and stopped by this place to get a quick breakfast in the morning. It is a nice place with a very good menu and quick service. I was worried when I walked in that might be late due to long time in preparation but they were very quick. I had tea, which was not so great because they gave me only two choices one regular and one decaf. Eggs benedict was good but the avocado could have been better. Overall not bad but not extraordinary either. read more

You can go to First Watch for a light healthy breakfast, brunch, or lunch. After a grueling workout at your local Gym, you can't get any better than First Watch for the best tasting, non boring, variety filled meal high in GOOD carbs and protein that you'll get anywhere. I would consider it an IDEAL place for any Bodybuilder to eat after busting his ass in the gym. read more

The food here has always been pretty good tasting she the service is pretty decent as well. Sometimes it can get very packed on the weekends with lines out the door, which although it is good. I wouldn't say that I'd be willing to wait on line, but I am not much of a waiter in that regard. Definitely worth a try. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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While I expect to wait to get seated on a Sunday - we came in had a minimal wait to sit but food was very slow - never got water brought to table until after food was brought out and that took 10 mins longer - my million dollar bacon was cold and rock solid - the rest of the food was cold too and the GF options were not honors as requested - and hour later I have no food and need to go. I reordered the breakfast Sandwich to go with GF bread and it took forever bread not toasted - I've never left without tipping but this was a joke - hard pass. read more

Look, there's NOTHING on the menu at First Watch that isn't amazing. And the sun-drenched open spaces, the hardwood floors...heck, the whole environment is great. I'm not even going to waste my time telling you about all the great things about this place -- because all the things about it are great. So let's just imagine you asking a question, any question, and then I answer it: "ZOMG, It's amazing!" And that's First Watch. read more

First Watch - This is what the fruit crepes looks like...uh, yeah. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I don't know what happened today but i am EXTREMELY disappointed in FW service right now. I ordered my meal thru uber eats. The order goes thru and says it should be done in about 10-15 minutes so i make my way to this FW location in downtown cinci. I go up to the register, tell them my name, the lady checks and says "THEY ARE WORKING ON YOUR ORDER RN" ...so i wait. I'm pretty patient so i wait 30 minutes and then ask about my order... She checks the kitchen, comes back and says ," IM SORRY ANY ORDER MADE WITHIN THE LAST HOUR DIDNT GO THRU" ??????? BUT YOU TOLD ME 30 MINUTES AGO YOU WERE WORKING ON IT???????I AM BEYOND ANGRY ... i won't be coming back for a while read more

This little place was really good. I randomly stopped in with my daughter while walking around. It turned out to be a good move. The service was very helpful and friendly. Our server made suggestions of her favorite things to order. The place was very clean. We decided to make a second trip back here for breakfast a few days later. read more

Worst service ever. Save yourself and drive to a different location. Server sucked and we were here for an unnecessary amount of time due to poor service. read more