A great upgrade from the typical breakfast fare, First Watch really stands out -- and their fresh juices are excellent too. I'm usually more of a classic "two eggs and bacon" breakfast guy, but on this last visit my wife convinced me to try the avocado toast. I added a half order of their awesome bacon on the side, and honestly, I was impressed. The bread was perfectly toasted without being overdone, the avocado was fresh and generous, and the two basted eggs were cooked perfectly. I also like the little details -- real salt and pepper grinders at the table, plus hot sauce if that's your thing. The coffee was great too, and I appreciated getting an insulated carafe at the table - did I mention the juices are great, I got the morning meditation one, really nice. The servers were super chill, the atmosphere was relaxed, and overall it was just a really great breakfast experience. read more

I've always been a big First Watch fan but this past visit was a big let down. All the food was cold. Not sure how since they are constantly rushing out food to tables. This is my fairer place to order biscuits & gravy for a few reasons: -the sensible portion doesn't make you feel like crap (only 1 biscuit opened up on plate) -the turkey makes it lighter yet at same time this is a chunkier gravy than most...I'm not having to look for the meat -they put so much pepper in it normally that it has a nice kick of flavor, instead of the traditional bland one you get at many places. Switched out the potatoes for a side of cheesy grits which always hits the spot. The breakfast quinoa bowl is something I used to get all the time so I was really craving it, but it didn't hit the same way this time. Also ordered a mimosa, which I'm a fan of them bringing you a mini split bottle when you order it. Service is always good especially for how crowded this place gets. Overall, I'll be back at some point but this experience doesn't make me want to rush back to do so anytime soon. read more

See all

Oh man, these bacon cheddar pancakes are amazing! I always go for something similar when I'm here. It's hard to beat that savory and sweet combo. I'm already craving more now! Definitely a solid choice for a treat. read more

See all

Visited for: Takeout juice order I came in to pick up a Kale Tonic for someone with a food allergy -- something I already knew was a safe option. While ordering, the staff member at the counter, Ms. Priscilla, mentioned their seasonal Watermelon Refresher. Out of curiosity, I asked what was in it -- not because I planned to swap anything, but because I was considering ordering both. She listed the ingredients, and once I heard it had freshly squeezed pineapple juice, I knew it wouldn't work for who I was ordering for. But I told her honestly, "That actually sounds like something I'd like." Before I could even ask, she said, "Then this one's on me." And just like that, she went and made it herself. That kind of unprompted kindness? Not something you get every day. It wasn't about the free drink -- it was the way she handled it. Thoughtful, present, and genuinely warm. We both said it made our day. The Watermelon Refresher itself? If you gulp it down, it tastes like chilled, freshly cut watermelon. But if you sip it slowly, the flavors roll in: Watermelon leading, Pineapple floating through gently, And mint showing up just enough to cool the finish. Nothing too sweet, nothing fake. Just clean, refreshing flavor. This one had me set. As for the restaurant -- the New Albany location is bright, clean, and has a calm, cozy feel. It doesn't feel like a chain. The chalkboard menus, fresh juice bar, and friendly staff make it a great daytime spot. I've never been big on breakfast, but this kind of service has me thinking about coming back -- maybe bringing someone who is a fan and grabbing another Refresher... or trying that Spiked Lavender Lemonade I saw on the board. Bottom line: Great service doesn't need to be over-the-top. It just needs to be real. And Ms. Priscilla made sure mine was. Would absolutely return. #SupportGoodService read more

See all

Somehow haven't reviewed this, though I've been several times over the years. Handy in this retail region. Crowded on weekends, but it wasn't bad at 8am on a weekday. Easy access and parking. Bright inside. Great service. Pretty big menu, plus always a few seasonal things. I just wanted a quick breakfast, and went with coffee and a salmon benny. Coffee was just okay; I'm not a connoisseur, but I've had much better. An effective caffeine delivery vehicle, though. The benedict was pretty good. Fresh salmon, perfect eggs, tomatoes and onions, a fresh green salad with it. Healthy, fast, and tasty. Not huge but I wasn't starving, and it was big enough for a nice breakfast. Prices are up, like everywhere else, but still reasonable. Less than $20 before tip for good food. read more

Pretty reasonable food. The pancakes are great and fluffy. The eggs are cooked well. I really love their toast which is just a side of most dishes. The coffee is nothing special. I also love the side of fruit, I can't remember which plate it came with. Service was pretty straightforward except we weren't sure if we were supposed to take it to the front desk to pay or wait for our waitress to pick it up. Then the awkward, "it's gonna ask you for a tip. Is it 20,22 or 25%". I'd prefer to write it myself. Ambiance is okay, nothing special. I've been to other first watch branches and I would say this is one of the nicer ones. read more

First Watch - The Traditional Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

I have always loved First watch and go to the one in Gahanna. But, yesterday, 2/24 I don't know what was wrong, but the food took way too long, really long to get, was cool and I hate eggs that are not hot. It wasn't busy at all, and waitress all seemed to just be handing around in kitchen, not paying attention to their tables. Even our waitress seemed off, who we have had before, because she didn't remember things we asked for. At minimum when I told her the eggs were cold and order took too long; she should have gotten the Manager and taken price off the check. Instead she said she could have a new omelete made and there was no way we were waiting longer than we already had. Only maybe 6-7 tables with people, yet it took extremely long to get what was a poor meal. read more

Food was good. Service was good. But over priced. Selection a bit limited. Does offer unusual items

Starting off, walked in very impressed by the amount of people and diversity in the establishment. That was refreshing. And it was Black History Month! So the diversity was amazing. Anywho, when we sat down, it took a little while before someone came back to actually greet us. 2 tables were sat after us, and they both were approached first with drinks orders before we were greeted. That rubbed me a bit wrong being that we had been there longer, so how?? But ok. When our waiter came to us after the other 2 tables, her energy and tone changed from how happy and courteous she was with the table right beside ours. The other tables received a "Hey, good morning.. how are you doing.. I'm doing well... well i have a child...." And so on and so forth. When she approached our table, she had gotten very monotone, as if we were interrupting her day. But nonetheless, the hunger was sinking in, so we (myself and my partner) just smiled it off and greeted her with how we expected to be greeted. Her first question to us was "how will you be splitting the bill," as if we were teenagers. It threw us off a bit to my partner said "huh?" She repeated her question "Are you splitting the bill or just one?" And we answered, "Just one." Why is that the question. I listened to her taking the other 2 tables orders, and she never asked that question to anyone else. So of course I was insulted. Moving on, We both ordered water and a mimosa, i also order a black tea(she brought every tea bag but no black tea lol). She asked if we needed more time to order food, which we did, and she said she would be back. When she came back, she came with drinks for our table, sat them down without a word, but went to check on the other 2 tables to ask if they were ready to order. (At that time We were, but were not asked when she brought our drinks). She walked away after taking their order, then came back maybe 5-10mins later to take ours. We kept it simple because at this point, i was pretty irritated with the customer service. We both ordered the Trifecta from the "Classic Favorites". Mine: eggs soft scrambled with onions and turkey sausage links, my partners: eggs over easy with chicken sausage. The neighboring tables received their food maybe 10mins before we did, and that became the conversation at our table. We never took long to figure out what we wanted, the waitress just took long servicing us. She would come over periodically to check on the neighboring tables, smiling, and conversing, but she only checked on us once which was when we were half way done with the food with no smiles and no side conversations. I'm a firm believer of NOT being rude to people that have to handle my food, so we remained courteous and respectful the whole time. My partner expressed that the waiter would give her mean looks or roll her eyes at her when walking from behind me. I can believe it because she acted as if it hurts to smile when she approached our table. Aside from our customer service experience not being the nicest, the food was pretty good, the atmosphere was really nice. All ages and ethnicities were here. Families, friends, couples, grandparents. It was a pleasant sight. As for Briana, we probably won't be back. Im not sure if there was an issue with me and my partner, if it was the fact that we looked young(we're in our 30s, probably the same age as Briana, and both doing very well for ourselves), or if she just didn't know us. I don't know, but she made our visit pretty uncomfortable. I would prefer not to feel unwelcome when going to eat breakfast. Her Customer Service isn't bad to everyone, obviously, but it was definitely bad with us. I suggest the waitress maybe letting their leaders know when they don't feel comfortable serving someone, that way the experience isn't horrible for the customer. (Does it make it ok to pick and choose who they want to serve, no. But it's not ok when the customer is not being treated equally, and slightly disrespected at the same time) Thanks First Watch for the breakfast. And all the best with business. read more

First Watch - Mimosa (with Cranberry) Mimosa (with orange juice in the back) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

ordered a to-go order this morning and got a avocado bacon omelette. the avocado was rotten almost completely black and slimy. will not be ordering again. read more

FIRST WATCH ROCKS So I wrote a review that'll make you go *ouch* sometime ago & I figured I'd return to write an update because boy lemme tell you First Watch has made major strides!! The pleasant experience I received from the gal at the register with a sweet smile is by far the best of any restaurant I visit [and trust me when you utilize GH & uber u visit a lot]. And just yeah everything has changed since my last review** It's nice to know someone considered your opinion & this should be noted!! One time I went in Big Lots/ had an awful experience- told the gal I would report it -she said I could care less -& well look at what happened to them.. not gloating just sayin.. GODBLESS read more

Excellent A+! Food, service, cost! Lengthy wait at times but well worth your time. First class all the way! read more

Visited here on a Monday morning around 11am. I was surprised at how busy it was but our service was great. Very cute and clean place. Food was really good. I order the Chickichanga which was delicious, it was like a crispy breakfast chalupa. The sauce on top brought it all together with the yummy potatoes. The French toast was good too, nothing crazy. Would definitely come back when I'm in town to try their other menu items. read more

See all

Came here for late breakfast on a Tuesday and we ordered the elevated egg sandwich and the pork green chili hash. Both were quite good. I'm adding the photo of the hash. Good service as usual. read more

First Watch - Short ribs poutine - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

I will say you can't go wrong with first watch! I must say the staff is always nice and friendly. They really get you in and out. This is a nice location to have breakfast or lunch meetings ! I love the morning meditation! The bacon and cheddar pancake is phenomenal!! The farmhouse skillet is amazing!! If you are in the area definitely stop in and get a good hearty breakfast meal!! read more

See all

Always busy on a Sunday morning! Check-in online to save time. I've never had a mean server at this chain. I love the freshness of the food. It's very loud inside so be aware. read more

Grabbed a quick brunch with two friends on a Saturday morning. It was busy but the wait staff did a great job turning over tables and keeping up. Very casual atmosphere makes for a family friendly brunch spot. I got the Trifecta with scrambled eggs, bacon and a blueberry pancake. All were good but not amazing and could have been brought out a little warmer. I've been before and tried the egg sandwich that is great too! read more

First Watch - Tri-Fecta - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I highly recommend this restaurant. I have been here twice, and the food and customer service is always excellent. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and during my last visit, I discovered that they have "community dining" for those who do not mind sitting with others to get seated more quickly during a busy/crowded day. So far I have only tried the traditional breakfast because it is so delicious, but I will definitely venture and try something different during my next visit. read more

Solid service and breakfast/brunch. I've been several times over the past year and have always had great visits. I alternate between the Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl and the Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl. Both yummy. The Farmhouse Hash is great, and today I had the special on the chalkboard, Modern Croque Madame. I always sub the bacon for either the chicken or turkey sausage patty. I wonder why they don't offer turkey bacon, which I assume would be popular ? It's pretty busy, being on a busy corner, so sometimes there is a wait. One Sunday morning the wait was too long for us, so we went elsewhere for a lesser experience. We should have waited. read more

One of my favorite things about First Watch is that no matter what location you go to, you receive great food that tastes the same. This time around I did the kale tonic, plain pancake, and coffee. The service was great and we were surprised at how fast the food came out. This is a family friendly place so be prepared to hear children. They aren't rambunctious but you may hear their voices. You can also order a fresh round of drinks to go. I took my kale tonic to go and my friends ordered fresh sodas to take on the road. I will continue to recommend this place to all. read more

We've been going to First Watch in various locations for breakfast/brunch for years, both in the Columbus area and out of state. I decided on First Watch today because they've been consistently good. I stopped at the Morse Rd., Columbus location today by myself. I arrived at 12:30 in the afternoon to get a late breakfast. I ordered eggs over medium, bacon, home fries & English muffins for my choice of bread. I think the menu refers to it as their classic breakfast. Anyway, the eggs were definitely not medium. They looked like they had been flipped, but then immediately put on a plate so that they were very runny, close to raw (even though I had ordered "over medium"). The English Muffins were also under done, as was the bacon. On the other hand, the home fries were over cooked. Not an epicurean delight. read more

I came in with my Mom to have breakfast after her OSUMC appointment and she hadn't ate in almost 24 hours. When we got there, we had a wonderful server with a terrific smile. Wait I'm going to rephrase that. She wasn't terrific, she was beyond terrific. Let me tell you she was kind, smart and was very approachable. My mother and I got our meal within probably 10 minutes or less and I was dumb and didn't read what I ordered. I knew what we wanted and didn't read the entire description of how the meal was plated and that's my fault like most guests that go to a restaurant. I ordered a Salmon Frittata and my mother did too. I thought the salmon was on the side but of course like most guests, didn't read that the salmon was in the frittata it self. I rose my hand and she came back immediately and explained that the salmon was in the frittata and promised me it was delicious. She was no where near wrong. My mother and I destroyed those plates. I wanna say that this experience was so exceptional that everyone needs to have this lady as their server. She's cute, she's sweet and has an amazing smile. Don't skip out and pass on breakfast with this server. Miss, thank you so much for providing us with your service. read more

Hostess so helpful. Waiter was right on with service. Husband had a breakfast burrito was wonderful. Presentation perfect. I had their con salad so tasty with lots of bacon, turkey and the greens fresh. Will be back! read more

Food is made fresh. Hours 6a-2p. Lunch n breakfast are always delicious! Crowded at certain times but once seated, ordering is quick! Many different drink selection but coffee is strong/after taste imo. Hubby gets the works. I get Floridian French toast (1 piece). We share the regular bacon crispy! Alcohol is available but limited. read more

First Watch - Crispy regular bacon! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

A consistently delicious meal every time. Even door dash comes fresh and warm! The breakfast tacos are a tasty Mexican treat! A ton of food and a generous side of zesty black beans! We always order the fruit on the side which is seasonal and oh so sweet! I added a drink that is really hitting the spot. (See pic) It's full of all kinds of healthy stuff, orange, turmeric, beet, etc. added a power boost as well! First watch is first on my list of fav breakfast or lunch spots! read more

First Watch - Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Have ordered pick up twice and both experiences were tremendous. You can easily place your order online. I highly recommend the farmhouse hash. Eggs your way on top of scrumptious potatoes, onions, cheese, bacon, tomatoes and avocado. It comes with 4 grapes on the side, I'm guessing it's considered a side of fresh fruit? Also, there is a side of multigrain toast. The lemon ricotta pancakes are topped with fresh strawberries and I think a lemon curd. The coffee is so good! A wonderful roast. *Only open until 2:30* read more

See all

I regularly come to this restaurant for breakfast and think it's one of the best places for breakfast in Columbus. I ordered the breakfast tacos sans avocado and they were tasty. They were packed with egg and had great flavor. My mom ordered the lemon ricotta pancakes and wow, they were delish! They weren't overly sweet which was perfect. I like that First Watch offers a seasonal menu. It's a little noisy and the front entrance is combined with the cash register so it can get congested when paying your bill but overall I consistently have great experiences here and will continue to come back. read more

See all

The cheerful hostess seated us promptly. Our server was very pleasant and efficient. Restaurant and restrooms were clean and bright. Background music just the right volume. Got the single blueberry pancake with a side of bacon and coffee. Pancake was large but a perfect portion and bacon cooked just how I like it. The warm syrup is a nice touch. Our server also offered a to go coffee. read more

Food was delicious but the waitress was not as good. Chelsea did not check back with us to see if we were good after our food came. She dropped our bill at the table and didn't ask if we needed anything else. And I had to ask a busser if I could get a box and he brought it to me. read more

When it's good, it's good, but the quality is highly inconsistent. Sometimes the food looks like reheated mush.

We used the wait list and got seated about 5 minutes after we got there. Amber, our server was great!! She checked back multiple times and always had a smile. Once the kitchen got our orders right, our food was very good! It just took them several times. They do send out a coupon for your birthday if you sign up for their birthday club. Don't forget to use it like we did! Haha! read more

First Watch - The works omelette, w greens and greens with their yummy lemon dressing. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Food is always delicious (love having a little pot of coffee at my table), service is great, the place is always hopping--I love going here.

It was a nice place to get brunch. Completely packed for Christmas week morning but I guess that's a testament to their food. Everything on the menu looked good. But I decided to go with an omelet. I like the fact they offer a salad with it because today I wanted a salad. Everyone one there was super friendly. From the person who greeted you at the door and rang you out to the servers. If you're wanting brunch type food or w food breakfast, this should be an option for you. read more

First Watch - coffee - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

Absolutely superb breakfast with extremely high quality ingredients. The service was next level outstanding. I went for the traditional breakfast but it is beyond traditional in flavor. The toast is a multigrain thick toast and it comes with a jam that is wonderful. My egg was cooked perfectly with no brown edges and the sausage was everything you would expect in a breakfast sausage. Beyond that you can the chef/cook takes pride in presentation which was not lost on me as we eat with our eyes first right?! PS get the million dollar bacon and I will leave it there... think candy!!! I highly recommend this place do not miss it when you are near!!! read more

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

See all

One of the best breakfast places I've eaten at. The french toast is amazing as well as the omelets. I don't think you could order a bad thing from the menu. I've tried a number of things and always been happy with each. We've been to multiple locations and always had good service. And the décor is cool. read more

We got lucky today. We were immediately seated and Amber was our server. She was an excellent server and made sure everything was to our liking. The food was also very good. I had the Cobb salad and my wife had the BLT with egg sandwich. It was quite crowded and loud, but not really too loud. All in all a great visit! read more

We had good service. Fresh ingredients. Good flavor. Good value. Nice relaxed atmosphere.

I've eaten here twice and had great experiences both times! I appreciate all of the options on the menu, my kids enjoy it, and my wife and I can find plenty to eat (vegetarians). The service is excellent and it's a very comfortable atmosphere. Both times I've been here have been on weekday mornings, which surprisingly have been fairly busy, but not too busy to find a table right away. I'd wager a bet that they have a wait on weekend mornings. The only thing I don't love is that the pricing is a bit higher than what I would expect. Quality food, quality service, nice place, but for a breakfast place, I would not expect to pay as much as we did. However, with everything else being on point, I am sure I will be back. read more

The food was not cooked well. The poached eggs were hard boiled. The potatoes were hard as a rock. Two friends ordered the mexican street corn hash and they were out of tortillas and they brought their dishes without and didn't offer a substitute. My friends had to request toast in place of the missing tortillas since the server didn't offer alternatives. My other friend said she went into the bathroom and wasn't able to go because it was so disgusting. She said it was worse than the worst gas station bathroom she's seen. Just not the best experience. I had enjoyed other First Watch's, but this one really makes me never want to go to another again. Disappointing. read more

First Watch - Poached eggs in my Eggs Benedict with lunch sandwich honey ham instead of Canadian bacon. Not good. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Stop here for brunch on a Sunday around 11... it's pretty busy so be prepared to wait for 10-20 minutes. The million dollar bacon was a hit at our table. Tried the watermelon juice - it's delicious The banana French toast special was too sweet for my taste.... French toasts Soaped in syrup there was no way around it. The BLT Benedict was very good.... Tacos was also good. Definitely will try again. read more

See all