9 ROMEO members ventured out to First Watch today, and for many of us it was our first visit. We quickly discovered that First Watch doesn't believe in a shortage of choices. The extensive menu made deciding what to eat almost as difficult as deciding where to go for lunch! Our group sampled quite a variety of the menu, including three Bacon Maple Croissant sandwiches, three tacos, a Pecan Chicken Salad, two different orders of pancakes, and a bowl featuring barbacoa beef, chips and eggs. Our waitress, Meleva, did a great job handling our party of nine. She managed to put together a table for us and squeeze us in so we could get started. Fortunately, the table next to us emptied about 20 minutes later, so our temporary seating arrangement worked out just fine. There was one order that got messed up, but that one really can't be blamed on the waitress. There was a little miscommunication while we were trying to figure out what I wanted. She moved on to someone else, and when she came back around, I had completely changed my mind and ordered something entirely different! So, in this case, we'll give the waitress a pass. The Food Overall, the food was good, with ratings ranging from a 7.0 to a 9.5 on the ROMEO scale. The Pecan Chicken Salad received particularly high marks. The average ROMEO rating was 8.05, which translates to approximately 4 stars on the Yelp scale. Personally, I wasn't especially impressed with my Bacon Maple Egg sandwich. The egg itself was very good--fluffy and covered with cheese. The bacon was good, there were some nice hot jalapeños, and the croissant was decent. Then came the maple syrup. I like maple syrup as much as the next guy, but putting it on a croissant sandwich just didn't work for me. In my humble opinion, maple syrup belongs on waffles or pancakes--not in a breakfast sandwich! The maple flavor just seemed to take the sandwich downhill. ROMEO Verdict Food: 8.05 / 10 Service: Very Good Menu Selection: Extensive! ROMEO Rating Range: 7.0 - 9.5 Yelp Equivalent: 4 Stars read more

First Watch - Maple Bacon Croissant - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Good experience at this near Columbia, SC location. We were seated quickly into a car and nicely spacious booth, and our server was very patient with us. I had the Rustic Frittata which was even better than I expected it to be. The greens with it were just okay. Others in my party had the biscuits and gravy dish (which filled him up quicker that expected!) and another had the Trifecta with bacon and waffle, and a delicious Iced Mocha. That last dish, and accompanied warm maple syrup, prompted me to get a blueberry pancake, as I did initially want something sweet. Overall, I'm glad we came here over other options. read more

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Heard a lot of people talk about this place, and finally tried it this morning!!!! Wish I would have come sooner! Pretty quick service for how busy it was, and the meals came out quickly as the waitress said the kitchen was fully staffed today and they were on point....perfect! I got the special they had, Steak and Eggs with chimmichurri , the flavor was AMAZING. The steak was so tender only need a fork, and it was a great breakaway from just regular steak and eggs, as you can see in the picture. Another plus was the fact they left a whole carafe of coffee so you don't have to wait for a refill. Already planning our next trip back! read more

First Watch - Chimichurri Steak & Eggs Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

A great brunch spot. The server was friendly in this very busy Sunday morning. The fresh juices are delicious. Had the Kale Tonic. Yummy! Tried the Power Bowl (Coconut milk chia seed pudding. fresh bananas and berries, mixed berry compote, housemade granola with almonds and our grain artisan toast with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.) but although it was beautiful, it tasted off. The Florentine Eggs Benedict came with slices of avocado & tomato and spinach. The poached eggs were running faster than Usain Bolt. (See video) My spouse had the Tri-Fecta and enjoyed it though the bacon was super crisp. Got the dish with pancakes & maple syrup. read more

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Well we love First Watch in Texas for consistent quality and service and were thrilled when they opened in Columbia. However going from great at first to dropping fast. They do not seem to be able to consistently cook an egg properly. Often overcooked and with broken yolks or way undercooked. I don't know why but it has taught me a lesson, never to order eggs at this breakfast restaurant again. I'll go with a sandwich or something hard to muck up. There are just too many other great options to go to for a properly cooked egg. Service is slow. Not my favorite place to eat any longer. read more

Had a fabulous visit today with Greta waiting on me while I sat at the bar. She was attentive, friendly, and efficient. Food was great. A tip: come here on a weekday. Way less crowded, great service, quiet ambience, no wait! read more

This was my first time coming to this location and it was great! Although the place was slammed we had excellent speed of service. Our waitress did an amazing job with our large party, handled it like a pro! The atmosphere was nice as they have plenty of natural light coming in. We ordered a variety of orders and everything looked great! I had the smoked salmon eggs benedict and they were cooked well. The hollendaise lacked some flavor and they definitely skimped on the smoked salmon but overall it was great. I would definitely come back and order a heartier dish. read more

First Watch - Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Birthday brunch done right at First Watch Great service and we were seated pretty quickly thanks to the super easy check-in option on their app--always a win. I kicked things off with the Honey Caramel Crunch Iced Coffee and it was creamy, perfectly sweet, and the ideal start to brunch. For my meal, I ordered the Market Hash with over-medium eggs on top of fresh, seasoned potatoes, cremini mushrooms, zucchini, shallots, red peppers, baby spinach, melted mozzarella, and herbed goat cheese. Every bite was savory, comforting, and absolutely delicious. My husband went with the Roast Beef & Havarti Sandwich, and that combo does not disappoint. The lemony dressing on the arugula paired so well with the horseradish sauce, and I couldn't get enough of that Parmesan-crusted bread. And don't leave without ordering the Million Dollar Bacon--the perfect sweet, salty, and spicy bite that truly lives up to the hype. If you're in the Harbison area, this is a fantastic spot for brunch, especially if you're celebrating something special read more

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Every time we go to this restaurant it's packed, naturally a wait is to be expected but it took over 40 minutes for us to be seated and then another 20 for us to place our order. Next we specifically asked our waiter if they had any of the "biscuit bites" left and he assured us they did, we placed our order with a request to have them come out before our meal. He never came back to check on us, I had to yell for him to come back to the corner we were shoved in to ask him if any of our food was coming since he just go through serving the table in front of us that was sat after us. He assured us the biscuits were coming as was our food and then came back another 5 or so minutes later and told us that actually they were out of the biscuits and the kitchen "just told him that"... this was the second time in a row this has happened to us at this location. We had to deliberately ask for every refill we received and no accommodations were made for the food we were supposed to get nor for the ridiculous wait time. The only reason this is getting 2 stars is because the food itself is pretty good, albeit pricey. The service does NOT justify the price you pay for their food and it will be a while before we ever go back to try it again. read more

I'm no stranger to the First Watch chain and this location was just as good as the rest! I love coming in the fall for their seasonal pumpkin menu. You can't go wrong with the pumpkin pancakes or the pumpkin donuts! The patio is covered and heated and dog friendly!! Overall good experience, they were quite busy on a Monday, but it was a holiday. We had great service! read more

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I was exited to I take my husband and my parents to first watch, mainly because they're slow to try new restaurants. I'd eaten at a first watch some years ago in NC. We visited about an hour before closing and the restaurant was almost empty. We were sat right away. The kitchen staff were singing and seemed happy to be at work. Because the restaurant was completely empty, we didn't mind at all. The atmosphere is open and bright and very welcoming. After ordering, our beverages and food arrived quickly and immediately everyone was happy with their selections. Personally, I had the Floridian French toast and the million dollar bacon. The French toast wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't order it should I dine at first watch again. The bacon however was AMAZING. I would recommend it over and over again. Everyone else in group ordered a variety of different pancakes. They're extremely large and packed with flavor. If you're in the area, I would definitely give first watch a try. Enjoy! read more

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Amazing! Fresh ingredients! Thank you Laura for awesome service! Very refreshing atmosphere!

I would have to say I love this location. I actually came with a friend to colombia for my birthday and since I had a BOGO buy 1 get one free I decided I haven't tried this place out so why not. And I loved it. And you know the interesting thing is.The one in Augusta is incredibly busy but the one in Columbia wasn't busy at all. And I want to say personally I Loved the lavender French toast. The biscuits and gravy are the best part , especially since I'm not a big fan of pork. The ambiance here was so calm and serene. Usually on saturdays is bustling but it was just calm. I recommend First Watch If you haven't tried it yet but I would recommend get there as early as possible.It will get busy. read more

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Food, eeeeyuck . Chorizo omelette Eggs bland sprinkle off cheese .Bland. French toast dry -they must have used dry milk to make them

The food was light and not heavy. Less sugar. The ambiance was warm and inviting. The service was attentive read more

First Watch - Italian Omelet, cheese grits, Belgian Waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I was unaware there was a 1st watch now in the Columbia area. I had a decent experience a few months ago at the Charlotte location so I was expecting nothing short of a good time. I ordered the Florentine eggs Benedict, incase I got it wrong, it was the one that has no meat. Avocado, egg, and spinach. The sauce was very bland but they have salt and pepper on the table (Thank God) The presentation of the food was picture perfect! The wait staff was friendly and patient. People around me was ordering juices and I am looking forward to returning and trying out more of the menu. read more

First Watch - Eggs Benedict (the no meat kind) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Been to many of these in different cities & states this was by far the worst. The manager & hostess at the front were incapable of handling the seating and the wait. Inaccurate quotes and not welcoming. After waiting over 40 minutes to be sat at an outside table (which had been available the entire time) my "frittata" arrived burnt to crisp on the outside with raw egg on the inside. It's as if the person who made it had never cooked eggs before. (Do you know how hot the pan has to be to make 'em that bad?) Hubby's Benedict also had undercooked eggs (I would not have eaten them). So after waiting over 20 minutes for the food to come after being sat, mine was inedible. My replacement food was delicious and what we've come to expect from First Watch. Between that and the kind waitress is the only reason I'm giving them 2 stars instead of 1. The check came with zero adjustments -- unacceptable! If the kitchen makes inedible food and your party eats in shifts, there ought to some accommodation for our lost time. They need some leadership at this location that actually cares to be of service. read more

My friend and I had been so excited to try this place, and planned to have a birthday brunch here. I walked in and the place looked very nice. It was 12:15 and not very busy, but I stood at an empty host station for 5-8 minutes. Eventually a waitress acknowledged me and said she'd be right with me, then proceeded to go check on other tables. Eventually another person approached and ignored me and was about to seat to people who walked in after me. When I was finally acknowledged, I asked to sit outside. The waitress came and I attempted to order drinks for my friend and I. Please know I understand policy and rules, but I had left my ID at home by accident but had a clear photo of it and I am also very clearly over 21. She said she would "check" and then propped the door to the patio open and said I'm going to leave this because "if not I'll forget about you being out here." While I was waiting someone else was seated and placed their order before she ever came back. I asked to speak to the manager - who could not have been any less concerned with anything I had to say. Can't speak to the food quality because we left without eating. The menu wasn't super exciting though. I very very very rarely write a review about a poor experience, however I definitely won't be returning to a business that doesn't seem to care about a customers experience, especially when they are made aware it is special occasions. Way too many other options. read more

What an amazing spot! The food and service were just delightful. I had the eggs Benedict, and it was fantastic.

Service is slow too much snippy from the waitress for another waitress. It took 20 minutes for somebody to come over and just take an order horrible. We'll go there anymore. Bacon was very oily. I scrambled eggs was cold. I think I can tell you is that the toast was just fine. read more

First Watch - Bacon, egg, and potatoes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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First visit here and was impressed overall. Location is located off busy Harbison in a shopping center. Parking can be tricky depending on the time of day. Restaurant is clean and has an open kitchen design where you can see in. Service was prompt and attentive. Food was okay. I had the shrimp and grits and it was meh. The cornbread appetizer was very good. My husband really enjoyed his waffle and breakfast foods. The watermelon drink was not to my liking. I would not recommend unless you really love watermelon. The mixture was just off for us. Being gluten free, I would like to see additional options added to the menu. read more

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My food was delicious, so there was no issue with taste. FW hasn't missed at any of their location. I ordered the chicken pesto quinoa. It's my favorite dish there but I felt this time there was little chicken on it. My kale juice was fine. The restaurant was busy and we did have a little wait but they had seating outside and in the entry. read more

First Watch - Chicken pesto quinoa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The food was amazing and the service was excellent!!! Our server Justin was so wonderful, attentive and knowledgeable. This was our first time here but definitely will not be our last!!! read more

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My friend and I went to First Watch for brunch and had a nice overall experience. Even though the restaurant was fairly busy, we were seated quickly at the bar. The service was fast and everyone we interacted with was friendly and attentive. I ordered the Frittata Rustica, which was good, though nothing particularly memorable. Our entrees were solid, but didn't stand out. Still, it was a pleasant spot for a casual brunch, and I'd consider going back for the great service and easygoing atmosphere. read more

First Watch - Frittata Rustica - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

The restaurant was clean and inviting. We thought the name was about Police or Firefighters. But it originated in Monterey, CA. The early morning shift at the cannerys. The eggs Benedict were very good. The potatoes were spicy. The English muffin bread was fresh and tasty. Our server, Gabby, was friendly and attentive. The ambiance was very nice. I recommend anyone looking for a nice, filling meal, give First Watch a try. read more

First Watch - Eggs Benedict with fried potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Thought it was a good idea to try this new place out with my wife. The service was terrible. It took 15mins for them to even take our drink order. Then my sprite tasted like seltzer water,no flavor. The food took way too long to come and they got our orders mixed up. Then they hardly checked on us. Won't be going there again! read more

Really good food and an even better environment loved every bit of it. Very helpful people there too.

The food is always light and delicious at First watch! I always get the quinoa chicken pesto bowl. It is so good. I can eat that every day! I sat at the bar and the bartender was very helpful and accommodating with her recommendations. It was brunch time so it was bustling with people, very clean and bright inside the restaurant. I look forward to another First Watch location on the other side of town! At least that is wishful thinking. read more

First Watch - Pesto chicken quinoa bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Such a delicious breakfast & great restaurant! The staff were nice and helpful from start to finish. Food came out hot & fresh. That Parma Hash was seasoned and cooked perfect. The blueberry lemon cornbread was a great sweet and savory bite to the meal. That turkey sausage and gravy was amazing. The gravy was so creamy and seasoned nicely. The restaurant was clean and provided lots of seating. I can't wait to return to try more! read more

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One of my favorite places!! They did not disappoint!! I brought two friends who had not experienced the First Watch magic. The wait staff was amazing, attentive and engaging. The food was delicious. We had the trifecta breakfast, one French Toast, one Waffle and the traditional breakfast. All were perfect. The place was clean and inviting. I highly recommend trying this establishments. It's awesome. Sorry no photos, I was hungry read more

Everything about this place made me smile. From finding seating at the bar during very busy hours to fresh pressed juice to a veggie sandwich & delicious grits. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The music wasn't too loud or too low. Everyone was having fun. I recommend coming with friends to enjoy some brunch read more

First Watch - As a daily juicer of beets, carrots and apples... I was excited to try this. It's delicious - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Went to First Watch for the first time this past Sunday and when we got there at 11:00, it was about a 20 minute wait. I would definitely recommend jumping on the waitlist because that definitely speeds it along, but nonetheless, the didn't feel long. The coffee was fantastic as we all got cold brews and the Skillet Hash was fantastic. I ordered the Market Hash and it came out pretty quickly. Everything felt reasonably priced and was very delicious. You could taste how fresh the eggs were and I definitely would come back. Although it was crowded, it didn't take away from the comfortable brunch atmosphere. Can't wait to come back! read more

First Watch - Market Skillet Hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

My first time here was amazing. We checked in online and our table was ready within 15 minutes. The food was served fast and hot! The ambiance is cute, nothing to write home about. The portion of food you get is just right! They were super packed and busy but we still received excellent customer service from the wait staff. read more

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Great brunch place. Wait time was minimal but the wait time for what we ordered was a bit longer than it should have been I think. Waffle was missing the berry compote as they ran out. Donut holes were very good! Coffee better than most brunch places in my opinion and a like that they leave the carafe behind. read more

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Serving staff was fantastic! Friendly, attentive, and quick. The food left a lot to be desired, I had the Florida French toast, two thin pieces of bread, with a few pieces of fruit scattered on. It was average at best. Our other dish was the bacon/avocado omelette. Not much there, what was present was undercooked. The "salad" was only greens with a faint taste of dressing. We left hungry and disappointed. Expected much more based on other reviews. read more

The manager is rude The wait on a friday after lunch rush is terrible and the list goes on and on We love the First Watch in Fort Mill and are so sad we cannot go anymore to the one here read more

Clean, great atmosphere, I love the look inside the restaurant. I got the scramble skillet. Looked fancy and tasted great. The girls I went with didn't like the blended pankakes(multigrain) or coffee drink(some Carmel frap thing) that they got but the waffles were fluffy and delicious. read more

Expensive but relatively good quality breakfast, million dollar bacon is so good. Juices are interesting, orange is good. Pancakes are good, omlets are alright, chimi is good, overall 8/10 read more

This place was all around fantastic. The food and service was amazing, delicious and the look and feel of the restaurant was also comforting. read more

First Watch near Columbiana Mall is a great place for a tasty breakfast. I had the Farmhouse Hash and a Purple Haze drink--both are good. Friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a good stop before shopping. read more

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