This is a good breakfast spot. The wife and I certainly enjoy it. Quick friendly service. Food is hot and well seasoned. They have a decent variety. Could stand to have corned beef hash on menu lol read more

First Watch is something of a household name in Cincinnati. It really is the place that most people end up when the word brunch is uttered. Only open for Lunch and Breakfast, First Watch is good at offering what it knows. The breakfast menu is vast, with all kinds of omelets, breakfast meats, toast, etc. The nice addition to First Watch's breakfast menu that is in short supply elsewhere is a good selection of crepes. The crepes are light, fluffy and delicious. The lunch menu is a little slimmer but if you're looking for non-breakfast food at First Watch you still have plenty of options. The sandwiches are good, if not a little on the small side, and they also have some salads on offer. If you were visiting Cincinnati and found yourself waking up a little on the early side, go ahead and head over to First Watch to fulfill your brunch needs. read more

I LOVE First Watch and I know you will too! Like most brunch and breakfast places in the Hyde Park/Oakley neighborhood though there will be a wait, but that means you know it's good food, right? There is coffee while you wait too to curve your hanger pains. The food is healthy and extremely fresh with plenty of variety for all dietary restrictions. Not a greasy spoon, nor a place for massive spice and adventurous cuisine, but it's quick and servers are friendly and knowledgeable. Atmosphere is bustling with families, young couples and groups so it is loud, but the aroma of the food makes up for it. Order coffee, you get the whole pot and if you're feeling a mimosa they have you covered! read more

First visit and it was AWESOME! So many great choices of fresh and healthy foods with nice sized portions. I tried the Lemon Ginger Aid and it was also tasty. I wish there was a location closer to our home. read more

Thank you, Monica, for ensuring that we will never return to this location. Her service was very passive aggressive and it was clear she made assumptions about me and my boyfriend based on our appearance, thinking we wouldn't tip. My boyfriend got the cornbread carnitas which was very small portioned for its price. I got an egg sandwich that was delicious but still, the pricing is way too high just because of its hipster mainstream "healthy" vibe. Overall just mainly dissatisfied with the service. First Watch, it was fun while it lasted, but I think it's time for us to go our separate way. read more

As far as First Watches go, this one is top notch. I tend to end up there for weekday breakfast meetings, and it's definitely the place to see and be seen. The food is good, though a bit pricey, but the coffee refills make up for it! The staff is incredibly friendly, even early in the morning. You can't go wrong here. You can always get a table on weekday mornings, but be prepared to wait on the weekends. read more

This place does not lack for customers! From the time our group got there until we left there was a steady stream of anxious customers and there's a reason. The food was varied in an oversaturated breakfast market. Lots of options, nothing to corny, just good fare all around. The wait staff was very pleasant and the décor is laid back without feeling like it is unkempt. The prices were fair as well. No nationwide chain restaurant gouging here. The service was quite fast as well! Maybe too fast because some of the food was not quite done. That is my only complain, and when working with that kind of volume it is tough. So not much to complain about here. Nice place, good food, great service. read more

During my dining experience this past weekend I was fairly disappointed. Everything seemed to be going okay as we got seated, but after being seated, our service got progressively worse. Our small party's food was brought to our table by what I'm assuming was a runner and our server did not come back until everyone's food was gone. In addition to that, I realized I never got a juice I had ordered prior to placing our food orders. Looking around, the restaurant was busy, but not overwhelmingly so to a point that I would understand why the server had only visited our table 2x from being seated to dropping the check. My sister, a manager at a highly rated Cincinnati restaurant chain, politely asked if I could get my drink to go as well as request that the drink be removed from the check since it was not provided at all, was still on the check, and the 3 of us had all finished eating. The server told us that would not be a problem and she would quickly fulfill the request. Nearly 10 minutes later she dropped the same unadjusted check and the to go drink. Overall, the experience was not horrible, but as I noted disappointing due to shoddy service, promises of correcting the mistake in a small yet meaningful way, and staff disregarding the agreed upon amendment to correct mistakes. read more

Good brunch and good sandwiches. Great service. It's chain but doesn't feel like a chain at all. Not that I am but good vegetarian options and you have to try the waffles or french toast. read more

We went last Sunday around 10:30am, it was very full and busy, we waited about 15 min had some complimentary coffee and talked a little. We got to sit down and started ordering, the OJ is the best oj I have had in a really long time so fresh and sweet it was great. Our breakfast came out and it was perfect I had the crepes with banana strawberry and granola, best granola so far, this dish was great. Everyone else had a pancakes and they where giant and looked super yummy. I will be back . read more

This was the first time to a Cincinnati First Watch, went to Rookwood. It was good. When I lived in Florida everyone raved about First Watch and I was never impressed. There was not a wait, when there typically is one at all of them. Service was very good, our server was triple sat, so he had another server help take our drink order and greet us. The food was very good, had the chicken quinoa pesto bowl. The specialty juice drinks were a little pricey and just ok. read more

Visited this first watch while out of town, super good no complaints. I tried the Floridian French toast which was chewy fluffy brioche bread with strawberry, banana and kiwi toppings. Currently detoxing from coffee I drank the kale tonic, which is a sweet and healthy green treat resembling juice. Waitress was very polite and helpful overall a really nice place. read more

Would have been a heartfelt 5 star review before the remodel. The place looks better, but they started using subpar ingredients. They also changed the menu; unfortunately when they did that, they removed both mine and my boyfriend's favorite dishes. Obviously I realize this wasn't a personal slight, but the fact is that I can no longer get what I like, and what I can get is of significantly lower quality. We used to go here at least a couple times a month. I no longer even consider this place an option anymore. Very disappointing. read more

Was in town for a wedding and this place came highly recommended. I now know why. Friendly staff, fresh food, clean envionment and fair prices will always be a successful combination. If you are looking for a sit down breakfast or brunch....seriously look no further. $18 for two people before tip and they had to roll me out of there. I had the killer canjun omlete and the spice was just right and chicken was fresh and a great add. Potatoes hit the spot for the hangover with some already buttered english muffins. Thanks for the great experience in downtown Cincy. read more

First of all with the "Nowait" app I was able to put myself in line shortly before arrival and even with a party of 5 we were able to sit as soon as we walked in which was amazing for a 12pm brunch on a Sunday. Service was quick and thoughtful, food was delicious. I ordered steak and eggs which is a holiday classic it was tasty and satisfying, plenty of food and at a very reasonable price. It was $9.95 which is just under the $10 price point and I was completely satisfied with that price for the amount of food. Presentation wasn't the best but I will post picture and you can see for yourself. But overall solid 4/5 experience. read more

First Watch - Classic Steak and Eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

See all

I went to First Watch to get my free Birthday entree. I am enrolled in the e-club and frequently get coupons from them also. Upon entering I received a friendly greeting and was immediately seated. I was promptly offered coffee but declined and given a menu. I had water within a minute. A few minutes later my server returned again And I ordered off the specials board which I always seem to do. Five minutes later l had my Huevos Rancheros Tostadas with hard fried eggs. It was a large portion size and a treat to the taste buds. There were so many flavors including salsa Verde, avocado, cilantro and one of my favorites feta cheese. I enjoyed every bite. This was the perfect way to start a work day. I had excellent service, great food and a full stomach. I suggest that you join the e-club. First Watch is only open for breakfast and lunch but the food is worth the visit. Until next time be kind to each other.#yelpcincy #firstwatch read more

See all

This place is delicious and unique. I ordered the rustic Italian frittata and it was very very good with big chunks of tomatoes. I like that they give you the option of either potatoes, fruit, or greens with your breakfast item! Most places don't even offer greens let alone at no charge! My coworker had an omelet with fruit and said it was pretty delicious as well. The service is really friendly and it has a very good ambience. read more

Worth the wait! Use the Yelp App to get in line before you go. Was unsure about the food because I'm not a brunch person. I got the Market Sandwich and Broccoli Cheddar Soup. The sandwich bread was SO fresh and soft. The flavors of everything worked really well together. Overall, very impressed. read more

Service is always absolutely outstanding. There is usually a wait for a table but the restaurants seems to work in a very efficient manner. The pancakes are a must try, and the coffee is always great. read more

Ordered the Farmhouse Hash via Uber Eats. I asked for eggs over easy and got over hard. Also the fruit side cup......literally 3 grapes. Food was good but not worth the money. read more

Have to come back and up my rating because they got mimosas (and bloodys)!! Not the best mimosas in the world but mimosas none the less!! Classy move, First Watch. read more

The environment was nice and clean. Service was great, and food was Marvelous! I ordered strawberry cheese cake french toast ( something like that, sorry forgot the name), I fell in love with it in my very first bite. Great place for friends, family and dating! read more

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

I'm annoyed by First Watch. I come here begrudgingly because my sister in law worked at a First Watch approximately one million years ago and is still nostalgically attracted to it, so if we're having brunch with her then we're having brunch at First Watch. I don't think it is that good so I avoid it but hot damn, is the menu here different? This place was way fancier than our local First Watch, the interior was nicer, the food was better, the staff was friendlier, and I was not annoyed at all while I was here. It was weird you guys. Anyway, it's still just a First Watch and let's not say things that we can't take back, but I would recommend this location. Don't come here if you're looking for an otherworldly culinary experience; come here if you want some eggs that have been cooked but don't feel like doing so yourself. read more

I logged onto to Yelp to see which restaurant was still serving breakfast nearby. I scrolled down the list until I came to First Watch. I've eaten at First Watch several times.Yelp has this wonderful capability to "put your name on the list". I think every restaurant should offer that feature, especially if it's always crowded like First Watch. The wait wasn't long maybe 15 minutes. Even though First Watch was crowded, I didn't get the sense of being rushed to order by the waiter. She was very friendly and accommodating despite having other tables. Boy do they move fast! We ordered our food, I ordered the Parma-Skillet Hash (it was my first time trying). The food came quickly and it was delicious. It was very filling. The atmosphere was very chill. There were a lot of families and a good mixture of people to enjoy your dining experience. read more

Went here the other day for brunch. It was pretty good, but they didn't have any dairy alternatives (soy milk, almond milk, etc.) It's 2018 folks - get with it! read more

First and last time I will visit. Pancakes were flat and hanging off the plate. My entrée was all but appetizing(as you can see in the pic). Wild Eggs is coming to cincinnati and I can't wait. First watch, you will be a thing of the past cuz you just can't compete. read more

First Watch - Must pay their cooks near to nothing to care this much. Let alone for my server not to say anything with my food dissected like this. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Always a great option for a simple and healthy breakfast or brunch... i usually order the avocado toast. Make a reservation if you are going over the weekend because the wait is long for brunch, the service is usually good read more

Good chicka-changa and tri-fecta Very ordinary service. Not just with us but with everyone,' the waitress was a bit surly. read more

Usually visit 1 time per week for business breakfast meetings. The staff is usually pretty friendly and the food is consistent. As I am watching my calories some, the menu does a great job of providing the calories thus helping me make a smart choice. Wish they had a few more lower calorie options but what they have is sufficient. Always crowded! read more

Haven't met a location of First Watch I haven't enjoyed. Great big menu that has an option for just about any breakfast item that strikes you that day. Tastes very fresh and flavorful, and service is attentive. They have a healthy options section on menu that is light enough but still tasty and filling. read more

The first time I went to first watch I was amazed by how good the food and service was. They had large portions and super friendly waiters. It truly was our favorite breakfast place, but over the past couple months new waiters have come in and they are not friendly. They just want to get you in and out as fast as possible. They don't take the extra time to check back in on you. Onto the food, the food is going down hill as well. The portions are getting smaller for what feels like a premium price. And the quality is starting to lack as well. I will not being going back here due to the waiters poor attitudes and the diminished quality of the food. read more

So delicious! Highly recommend the blueberry pancakes with whipped creme. Great service and the proportions are large.

I think this place is pretty good in terms of variety of options on the menu, and taste of the food overall (I've only had the breakfast menu items). I must admit that I am often frustrated for two reasons when I come here: the long lines/wait time (the place is medium sized but turnover is not great) and linked to that is second issue- the sometimes inattentive/sluggish wait staff. If you don't know what you want before they come to you the first time around (with water and coffee), then you're usually waiting for another 10mins before you can order, and another 15mins before before your food comes out. This issue occurs both when they are super packed AND when they are Very empty )their sweet spot of service is somewhere in the middle. The last thing to note is that though the portion sizes of some dishes warrant the price, other dishes don't. Overall, would come back again, but not with a large group and not when I'm feeling hungry for my food to be in my tummy fast! read more

I came here with high hopes of finding somewhere actually decent for breakfast. I was sadly disappointed. My waiter was very unfriendly, the service was slow and it was pretty pricey. Also, they put melon in their parfaits. That's just weird. read more

Great food. Slow service on Sundays but that's because of the brunch rush. We went with a large group for my dads 75th birthday party and we were very balky overall. read more

Been here a few times, not much different from any other First Watch. If you've never had it before, it's a pretty good omelet, fruit cup, sit down for a Sunday morning kinda place. read more

Many locals love First Watch for its delicious and healthy breakfasts (give me the turkey sausage from the Lean Machine any day). I have found, though, that First Watch is equally as good for lunch. We went on a weekday at 1:30PM and only had to wait ten minutes for a table, compared to the usual thirty to forty five. We had originally planned on eating breakfast for the second time that day but instead chose to go crazy and order lunch entrees. We both ended up selecting the "Red Eye" sandwich, and we both cleaned our plates completely. The Red Eye is Cajun grilled chicken, melted Monterrey jack cheeses, and southwest dressing. It is SO good, I definitely recommend it. The sandwich is served with a great alternative to greasy fries; baked home fries and a chopped salad of tomato and cucumber in a dressing so light and refreshing you can hardly taste it. The salad cooled down our mouths from the sandwiches, it was a perfect combination. read more

I really enjoyed my veggie burger here! It was one of the best veggie burgers I've had in awhile! The wait was long, but it was the day after New Year's Day, so I expected as much. Service was ok, but I hate that you have to bring up your check. Potatoes here are amazing too, and they have a great tea selection if you aren't a coffee drinker. I was very appreciative that the waitress let me know their tomato basil is NOT vegetarian. They make it with beef broth... Kind of annoying, and I wish that was noted on the menu, but I still had a great lunch!! read more

First Watch is o.k. And I will go back, but for me the food is not spectacular. Apparently others disagree because it is always crowded. My opinion of their lunch is about the same. I think the breakfast next door at Joseph Beth is better for about the same price. The books and newspapers are a double bonus. read more

I was visiting Cincinnati for 3 days for a softball tourney and needed a good breakfast spot within walking distance to our hotel. I found this place on Yelp and everyone I went with was glad I did. Ate here twice and both times the food was great and the service was excellent. Waitresses were very friendly and accommodating. Will definitely be back next year! read more