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    First Watch

    3.6 (56 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

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    Market skillet hash
    Siri P.

    Great portion size! To be completely honest, I have avoided going to chain breakfast spots for a very long time because I always leave feeling hungry and broke. First watch can be on the pricier side but I was pleasantly surprised with the size of the portions and to find out that drip coffee is free refills! I got the market skillet hash (great option without egg if you're trying Veganaury). We were a larger group and sat outside to avoid the wait. Though it was a colder morning, they had the heaters on which definitely made breakfast manageable. Our waiters were absolutely lovely and made sure we were well taken care of even if we were sitting outside. The Gainesville location is definitely one of the better ones and I'm excited to go again!

    Bacado
    Mayra B.

    I've been to locations in Knoxville & Orlando and it's a hit or miss. I think I caught First Watch on a good day, and it did not disappoint! I started with the Morning Meditation drink--a gorgeous mix of citrus and beet juice that was as refreshing as it was Insta-worthy. For my main dish, I had the Bacado Omelette, which was soft, fluffy, and packed with creamy avocado goodness. The side of potatoes had fantastic flavor, but they could've used just a little more time to get tender. The real MVP, though, was our server--attentive, friendly, and so engaging they made the meal feel extra special. Pro tip: make sure to "get in line" through their app or online before heading over. It's a popular spot, so you'll save yourself some wait time.

    Simone M.

    For the last brunch of 2024, my friend and I decided to stop in for a bite and drink. This location is directly in front of the Target with its own designated parking lot. We went on Sunday around 12:30pm and it was packed. I know this location has been open for a month or so now but wow. Surprisingly, I was told for seating it would be 20 minutes but thankfully, there were 2 open seats at the bar. The inside is smaller than expected but they do have patio seating as well. Our bartender/server was very personable and friendly as we looked over our drink menu. I got a mimosa and my friend got the cinnamon toast cereal milk which is a coffee and rum based drink. She said it was very good like a spiked iced coffee. I love that LaMarca is the prosecco used for the mimosa. After looking over the menu, we decided to order. I wanted to try something different than my usual Trifecta breakfast and per the recommendation, I went with the biscuits and gravy with fruit as the side. Our food took some time to come out as it was pretty busy. My biscuits and gravy was a little lackluster for me. I was expecting the gravy is be more creamier and rich but it looked like a light roux/broth. The gravy had bits of turkey sausage that was seasoned well, but the gravy itself was not my favorite or what you would think as a traditional white gravy. I wanted it to more peppery tasting but instead it was very light in flavor. The biscuits were grilled or toasted very well and were flaky. That literally saved this dish. The eggs were cooked perfectly to my preference which is softly scrambled. The fruit bowl was fresh and had pineapples, blueberries, and grapes. I do look forward to the additional location in front of the Oaks Mall as it seems like it may be more spacious. Overall, I love First Watch and will return but maybe I will stick to the rivers and lakes that I'm use to with this place.

    Pancake
    Jennifer L.

    A solid choice for casual brunch! I've been to a couple of FW in Virginia and Florida and their food has always been consistent. Definitely generous portion sizes that are easy to share and some fun options too. We enjoyed the blueberry pancake, carrot and pecan pancake, and biscuits and gravy. Our waitress was super nice and energetic and we were also seated quickly. An easy choice if you're looking for a no fuss meal!

    Trifecta with chocolate chip pancake, chicken sausage patties, and scrambled eggs with cheese
    Alyssa M.

    First Watch always has delicious and consistent food, and this location was no different! Our server was very accommodating with changes to menu items and the food came out pretty quickly. The ambiance is very cute and has plenty of seating. It does not ever feel like I'm eating chain food when I come here!

    Half kale salad and monterey club
    Lili T.

    The superfood kale salad is TOO DIE FOR! I ordered the half salad paired with a half Monterey club sandwich and it was absolutely perfect. My mint mocha coffee was also delicious. It was sweet but not overwhelmingly so. The others in my group ordered classic breakfasts. It was delicious, but felt a little pricey for breakfast. The service was fair. Definitely expect a long wait to get seated since the restaurant is so popular right now. I recommend putting your name down then killing some time at Target!

    Hayli Z.

    Now that they've been open longer its not as hectic - but I also came on a week day and ate outside. Lovely outdoor patio with heaters for when it's cold and fans for when it's hot. Service was much quicker this time and food was still wonderful. The trick is to come.during a weekday as it's packed on the weekend.

    Cold brew
    Myesha S.

    I love First Watch and was happy that there is finally one here in Gainesville. I went on a Friday morning with my husband on a Friday morning and even though it was somewhat busy we got seated right away. Our server was amazing and the food was great just like other First Watch's I have been to in Florida. I had the Trifecta meal with a pancake and chicken sausage(which is my fave) and a cold brew coffee which was delicious. My husband had an omelette with breakfast potatoes and a kale drink (his fave). The only issue I had Was I felt the space was small and the tables were too close to each other.

    SoCal Breakfast Hash
    Matt P.

    Since it opened near Target, this First Watch location has remained packed with people on the weekends, especially for brunch. I went on a late Sunday morning with two people. While we had to wait for a table, it wasn't too bad, maybe 20 minutes. With so much going on everywhere inside, our server was really impressive with her attentiveness and attitude, especially when I could tell she was swamped with tables. I ordered one of the seasonal specials, the SoCal Breakfast Hash, which was hash browns topped with bacon, grilled sliced chicken breast, house-pickled sweet peppers, black beans, Monterey jack cheese, two scrambled eggs, fresh-sliced avocado, pico de gallo, cotija cheese, scallions, and drizzled with jalapeño crema. I was surprised at the large portion and with the amazing flavors of the grilled chicken, mixed with the savory bacon and fresh pico, on top of the creamy jalapeño crema. I would definitely order it again. There were so many other tasty-sounding menu options that I foresee checking out First Watch again soon.

    Pancake, eggs and bacon filled her
    Greg T.

    We were on a trip to family thanksgiving in Georgia and stopped here for breakfast on our way from the Villages in Florida. It was pleasant outside so we chose to be on the patio. Our waitress came out and took beverage order and whisked away to get drinks. A personal pot of coffee, and water carafe with two water glasses and two cups were brought and she took our food order and off she went again speedily hurrying to her next appointed task. The hot and tasty food arrived in a matter of a few minutes, or so it seemed, and we dug into the huge servings. Biscuits and turkey sausage gravy with eggs and potatoes cooked just right gave me plenty of food nd a half biscuit and gravy to take for the next day. My wife's pancake , eggs and bacon filled her up and I also had half of her cake. All was good

    The traditional breakfast (classic favorites)
    Portia H.

    My parents & I met at First Watch on Sunday, Feb 16 at 12:30. I had no idea that FW would be as busy/congested as it was. I'm not sure if this was the grand opening weekend but as an FYI be prepared to wait for at least 45 minutes. I also learned while waiting that you can put your name on a waiting list online before arriving to the restaurant!! After our unexpected long wait, our waitress was great! Food was okay, as you can see pictured; nothing too fancy. We sat outdoors so the ambiance was great for people watching :) I'd go back again with the hopes of trying something else on the menu that will WOW me & with a shorter waiting period.

    Avacdo toast

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    11 months ago

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    First Watch Daytime Cafe

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    1 year ago

    Terrible service!!!!!! Didn't get our food for 2 hours !!very rude too. They don't care about us didn't check up with us. Wouldn't recommend

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    Jennifer G.

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Food was good as was service. I would have liked cream for my coffee as opposed to litter pods and I prefer cloth napkins.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Worst service I have ever had. Would not answer phone to take order. Then ordered food and no silverware.

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    Jennifer G.

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    2 years ago

    Good food. Fast service. Wait times can be crazy. Recommend going early. Juices are delicious!

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    2 years ago

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    Page 2 of 2

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    Daydreamer Cafe

    4.8
    (17 reviews)
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    I had some work to get done while I was in the area and and I love that this coffee shop has plenty…read moreof seating. I have the honey Graham latte and it was absolutely delicious. The vibe is overall very airy and it's a great place to study/work. The service was great. The only downside is parking is kind of difficult to find. There's only street parking on campus.

    This is a beautiful, light and airy space right on University. The decor has a retro chic vibe,…read morekind of like an upscale 50s cafe. The entry area is cavernous, with large booths, small tables, and various other seating arrangements, and a staircase leads to more seating in a high loft. The drinks are very good, it seems like their specialty is in the flavored drink combinations. The honey oat milk latte is delicious and smooth, and the sweet graham latte (I got half sweet) with cold honey foam was really well balanced. I really like that you can get a flavored latte and have the option to tone it down. The staff is very laid back and pleasant, two baristas were handling a decent crowd without any real delays and without rushing or slamming things around. Overall a great atmosphere and drinks. Somewhat of a con: being so close to the university, the place is swarmed with students camping with books, notebooks, and laptops. 1-2 people taking a 6 person booth, equipped like they're having their mail forwarded there. I'll return, but just plan to take my drink to go.

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    Dolce Vita Bakery Cafe

    Dolce Vita Bakery Cafe

    4.4
    (126 reviews)
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    First off I want to start by saying the OWNER was the sweetest lady! Even when I didnt read her…read moresign on her cooler door! My apologies! I came specifically for her rainbow cookies and they did not disappoint! She had perfect layers and the flavor was just like my bakery back home! I will most definitely stop in again when we are out that way! If you are looking for a good Italian bakery you need to stop in! Wish I would have found it sooner!

    Not a whole lot to go into here but I had a pleasant experience. I did a last minute order over the…read morephone, a couple days prior and there was no issue. I needed a cheesecake for a friend's birthday and they were the cheapest option for those that still had availability. I ordered for pickup and when i got there around lunch time on a Friday, there were a few people inside. It was at that moment I realized there was a deli inside. While this place is like down the street from where I live, I had never actually been inside. Since it was busy, there was a tiny wait but nothing crazy. I told the woman what I needed and she quickly packaged up the cake. The taste was great! Now I will say I'm not used to Italian cheesecake, meaning I'm not used to there not being a crust but that's okay. I enjoyed it but more importantly the birthday girl was satisfied and that's all that matters. I do plan to go back to try other desserts and the deli .

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    Bunch of cookies !!!!
    Bunch of cookies !!!!
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    Coffee Culture

    Coffee Culture

    4.2
    (149 reviews)
    4.5 mi
    $$

    Everything one could want in a coffee shop for decent prices. I'm tired of paying $10 for a watered…read moredown latte. Boo. Hiss. Coffee Culture isn't into that bananas behavior either and that's why you should definitely stop by. The hours are incredible for that afternoon caffeine high need or an evening study sesh. The decor is just a chill, come as you are good old mom and pop coffee shop vibe. None of the over manufactured perfectly branded hooplah. This place feels like HOME. The coffee isn't some grand level of masterful craft specialty coffee creation, but it's good and it's worth what you get and the flavors are always fun and seasonal. I love it here. 10/10 run don't walk. My favorite part is the sign that says "no highschoolers unsupervised in the back"

    I came here for my morning latte fix while visiting the Gainesville area. I had a medium 16ounce…read morelatte with skim milk and cinnamon powder. The coffee was delicious! No sweetener was needed at all. I have noticed more coffee shops downsizing in their cup sizes but not Coffee Culture! They understand some of us want a 16 or 20 ounce coffee! Their small has one shot of espresso, medium two shots and large three shots. Food wise they have mainly pastries that are a good size. I did see a big triangle shaped everything bagel stuffed with avocado and cream cheese that I must try on my next visit. Staff were friendly and didn't mind all my questions and service was quick. If you are in a hurry, they even have a drive thru available.

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    Cookie/Brownie Bars
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    Resident Coffee Roasters

    Resident Coffee Roasters

    4.5
    (54 reviews)
    3.9 mi
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    My favorite way to start the day…read more. Great service, highest quality ingredients and dedication to excellence. From my favorite Avocado Not Toast to a rotating selection of Pour Overs. Only thing that I wish was that it opened up earlier so that I could enjoy it before work; 8am coffee is a little late for us early risers but that being said still my favorite coffee place in all of Gainesville and appreciate the dedication to high standards of excellence.

    Was really excited to come do some writing here. The place was crowded, but there was an available…read moresmall table, so I sat down to write. The furniture is sturdy but not necessarily comfortable, but it was good to have a chair with a back due to all my back injuries. About fifteen minutes later, a barista came up to me and politely told me it was a "No Laptop Zone" and I had to move to either the bar seating or outside. That's my bad for not reading the sign taped to the table, but at this point there aren't any groups of friends coming in to have personal connections. But okayyyy so I move to the bar seating and it hurt my back to sit there. Since I have a glass, I decided to move to the outdoor table until I finished so I could go work somewhere else? The outdoor table is super sticky and also not comfortable (very flimsy metal patio/cafe sets. Not a lot of space for your belongings). Not only that, a toddler in the "no laptop" area is hitting a wooden car on the windows and tables and I'm not sure how I'm not allowed to sit there, but unruly toddlers are. Very glad to have those personal connections. Anyway, I've been here a few times and the coffee has always been good and I like to get the interesting flavors. I've never had food here, but as someone who grew up eating tacos constantly, my friend's breakfast taco that she got once looked standard but personally I can't speak on that, but I think if you're just looking for a coffee it's fine? But if you're looking for a cozy place to work, the furniture is super uncomfortable and just be wary of their no laptop tables. If I had known this would be my situation, I probably would have chosen one of the other coffee shops in Gainesville that has cozier seating and more free work areas.

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    Products area
    Products area
    My favorite Breakfast "Avocado Not Toast"
    My favorite Breakfast "Avocado Not Toast"
    Iced vanilla latte

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    Iced vanilla latte
    Curia On the Drag

    Curia On the Drag

    4.4
    (174 reviews)
    4.8 mi
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    I loved curia!! I ordered a cappuccino with orange cardamom syrup and it was extremely satisfying!…read moreThe orange didn't really come through a whole lot but the cardamom was front and center (which I loved). My boyfriend got a cappuccino with strawberry syrup but we didn't really taste the strawberry in his. Regardless, it was delicious. We also got one of their biscotti which seemed like they made in house but I'm not sure. It was yummy, but definitely was not a very traditional recipe. It tasted more like a short bread than a biscotti but still very yummy. We walked out to the food truck to get some vegan bites and they definitely met expectations. The crabby patty was delicious with a great texture, and my boyfriends patty melt was also super good. We shared a mac and cheese and honestly I was full before we even got to that. The Mac and cheese was great but did taste a lot like coconut so if you're not into that then maybe veer away. The ambience was a mixed bag. The initial shop that you order the coffee in had a very cozy vibe with great decor. If you walk past the patio into the overflow seating the vibe changes a ton. The decor felt very uncanny valley, back rooms, like very odd. I think they need to work on that side of the property a little bit and make it more cozy. Maybe it's a work in progress or maybe they like it that way, I'm not sure, but it wasn't the sort of vibe that made me want to stick around. Overall great experience though! Will be coming back & hopefully I can get seating in the main shop ;)

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    Vegan pasteries!!!
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    Plant based food truth with open covered seating

    First Watch - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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