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    First Watch

    3.7 (52 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

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    Turkey and egg white wrap
    Jeff G.

    Lots of parking and close to hotels. Very open well lighted space, lots of windows. Outdoor seating was available and they have a coffee bar. I thought was cool but we got a table. Lots of healthy options if that's your game. Service was very good. You get your own coffee pot and water bottle. Nice. We got the chicken pesto power bowl and a turkey egg wrap. The bowl was nice and hot with roasted tomatoes, quinoa, and kale and carrots. Super yummy. The wrap also good, my better half was less enthusiastic about it than I was about the bowl but solid. Probably coming back tomorrow.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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

    Avacdo toast
    Laycee S.

    Visited 1st watch before in Clearwater Fl. Which was way better in there preparation of the breakfast. The salad greens were very wilted and old looking. Not very tasteful. My eggs which I asked to be over easy was over medium. All in all we will not return to the Gainesville 1st watch.

    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.

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    1 year 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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    1 year 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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    1 year ago

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

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    Page 2 of 2

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    Metro Diner

    Metro Diner

    4.4(1.1k reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    Only in town for one night on way to Disney cruise. Not big on fast food but didn't want sit down…read morerestaurant for family of five. Found this and glad I did! Got the family chicken and waffles and it was ON POINT! Hot, fresh, and affordable!

    Last minute breakfast decision and wow I am so pleased that we decided on the Metro Diner!…read more As soon as we pulled up I had a good feeling about this place and I'll be honest coming from New York I miss my diners! Needless to say this the Metro diner truly surpassed my expectations. We walked in and were greeted immediately and asked if we would like to sit outside which is a covered area or indoors. We chose inside given it being a hot humid day and wanting that extra comfort. The vibe felt amazing with all the smiles and yes even though busy all the wait staff was hopping doing their business! We were seated and told about the specials and given the menu. I was unsure what I wanted because I think I could have eaten a little bit of everything! I did ask the waitress a couple of suggestions and one of them was the pancakes I had chosen. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day! How cool is that and rare. They had a chicken and waffle special that was actually half a chicken ( pieces ) fried with Belgium waffles, powdered sugar and sweet strawberry butter served with their signature sweet and spicy sauce. I'll be honest when I had seen someone else get their plate I was surprised. It looked absolutely incredible and well tremendous. On their specials they had banana pudding pancakes or waffles, this also sounded amazing. It had walnuts, butter and powdered sugar and definitely banana. I am most certainly glad that I chose this as it was incredibly. Super fluffy, flavorful and the banana was not overwhelming there was a perfect balance of flavors. There was a sauce on them that I assume was the banana pudding. It was light and just enough to not overpower the pancake itself. We had also ordered croissant French toast and my son absolutely loved them. They were crispy on the outside yet fluffy and flavorful with a fantastic texture topped with some powdered sugar. Some ordered hash browns, these were also delicious and homemade with a great texture and the portion like all the other dishes pretty large. We had all tried the biscuits and gravy. These too were delicious with such a nice balance of flavors. The biscuits indeed homemade. We were all very pleased with everything. Some eggs over easy and bacon cooked perfectly. The coffee honestly the best I've had in years. I'm a coffee drinker and I cannot figure this coffee was outstanding! I had four cups and wish for more ha ha. Best of all I must compliment the service. I have not been to a restaurant of any sort with such attentive service, quality service as we received here in years. The waitress kept refilling my coffee and water, brought my son more soda ( even a container to take his home ) asked everyone if they needed anything at appropriate times and was extremely kind and considerate. I will be back and I highly recommend the Metro Diner for a great meal, quality service and relaxed environment that you will enjoy. Address: 2130 SW 34th St. Gainsville, Florida 32608 Phone: (352)353-2889 Hours: Friday 7AM-8PM Saturday 7AM-8 PM Sunday 7AM-8 PM Monday 7AM-8PM Tuesday 7AM-8PM Wednesday 7AM-8 PM Thursday 7AM-8PM Wheelchair Accessible *** ( it can be a little tight sitting indoors but outside sitting is a notably more open space. Metrodiner.com

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    HASS Kitchen - Avocado fries with a spicy little mango/pineapple dip

    HASS Kitchen

    4.0(101 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$

    Easily the best Eggs Benedict in the city. Get it with a side of the billionaire bacon. You'll…read morethank me later.

    Really cute spot - a bit bohemian and crunchy feeling. Limited parking available right behind if…read moreyou're driving. It's not a big place. Seating is divided between indoor and outdoor patio. Order at the counter, get a number and then they will bring food out to you. Self serve water is available inside. We were there a busy day. Wait to order wasn't too bad and we found a table outside, but nobody was bussing any tables so basically customers sitting down were left clearing the dishes from the table of the people before them & wiping down the table. Nobody from the restaurant came out to help or apologize and it wasn't until dishes were almost toppling out of the bin that anyone took them away. Menu is pretty diverse - you can get some traditional items or more eclectic. We ordered the green goddess salad, croque mademoiselle (ham & cheese sandwich) on gluten free bread & okonomiyaki (japanese pancakes with cloud eggs). It took probably 30 min to get our food. The food presentation is really lovely & feels special when it's delivered. However, taste left something to be desired. The Japanese pancakes weren't good. The egg specifically looked really pretty all puffed up, but was so bad none of us were willing to have more than one bite. There were some other funky flavors going on there as well that detracted from enjoying it. The ham & cheese sandwich was okay, but the cheese is put on the outside, including a runny cheese, so it's a total mess to try and eat. Definitely do not order this one on a date! We ended up just eating the inside portion. It does come with a small green goddess type salad, which is nice. The entree green goddess appeared great when delivered. Loved the light, fresh dressing and ingredients. However, lots of the lettuce had sort of rotting tips, which made me worried to eat it especially since this isn't the cleanest place. Despite appreciating the quirkiness of the restaurant and the selection of fresh options they offer, we won't be returning.

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    HASS Kitchen - Kitxhwn Counter.

    Kitxhwn Counter.

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    HASS Kitchen - Avocado lime smoothie

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    Luke's New York Bagels - Lox Sandwich with the cream cheese, tomatoes, capers, and onions

    Luke's New York Bagels

    3.7(247 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    $

    My husband is from NY and said the Everything Bagel with onion/chive cream cheese is better than…read morethe NY bagels we got 2 years ago in NY when we visited. Go early they sell out!

    I hate leaving a lower star review for this place, but unfortunately was not very satisfied with my…read moremost recent experience! I went to the Luke's Bagels location under the Standard this past week and was disappointed. I hadn't been here in a little bit, especially since Bagels & Co. just opened down the street. But I was craving a Luke's Bagels, so I got there around 8:30, when they opened ready to order. Unfortunately, no one was at the counter when I came in. Someone popped out from the back to take my order a little while's later though. Their bagel selection was extremely limited, more so than usual. They didn't have poppy seed or sesame seed bagels. This was surprising, as I thought this location was sent fresh bagels each morning, I guess not. Luckily, I was able to order a bacon, egg, and cheese on a toasted Asiago, along with a toasted plain bagel with strawberry cream cheese. This took roughly 15 minutes to come out, which was longer than I expected. Upon delving into my bagels, I noticed a couple things that were different from my previous visits last semester. The bagels were definitely smaller, had less cream cheese, and didn't taste as fresh. The BEC had ample amounts of American cheese and the eggs were good, but there was barely any bacon! There was MAYBE two meager pieces on the bagel, I didn't even get bacon in most of my bites. The Asiago bagel still had a decent taste, with a nice sharp Asiago. But it just wasn't very fresh tasting like they've been in the past. The texture wasn't awful, but it wasn't what it used to be. The plain bagel with cream cheese was lackluster. The plain bagel was just fine, as it too was not very fresh. The strawberry cream cheese was decent and not too sweet, which I appreciate. I also like that their cream cheeses have more of whipped texture to them. But there certainly wasn't as much cream cheese on this bagel as I've received in the past! Overall, I was not very pleased with my experience here. The bagels were not fresh at all, the sandwich was lacking bacon, and I just thought the quality appeared be lower. Maybe I came on an off day, but the bagels were not fresh and the assortment they had available was very limited. The texture of the bagels still has a softer center, with a chewy outside , but the outside was too chewy and hard. The size and portions were decreased as well. The BEC had too much cheap, American cheese, and lacked bacon. The plain bagel with cream cheese didn't have much smear on it. For being about $19 for two bagels, not worth it. This makes me sad as I used to love Luke's, but this was not a good visit. I hope next time I come here it is better!

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    Egg and cheese on everything bagel

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    The Top - Southwestern Pasta

    The Top

    4.1(1.3k reviews)
    4.2 mi
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    We came here with our family and were seated within 10-15min. I recommend if coming with little…read moreones make sure to come before 5:30pm the wait times are less. Non-Alcoholic Drink that is must try was the Hibiscus Gimlet it's a House-made hibiscus tea, pomegranate, fresh lime & demerara Entrees: Top Steak pick--Chimichurri 8 OZ butcher's steak with broccoli & herb roasted potatoes. Topped with house-made chimichurri of parsely, cilantro, oregano, jalapeños, garlic, olive oil & vinegar. It was juicy, tender and savory. I recommend ordering it at medium temp. Burger lovers pick-Messi Argentinian chorizo, aged provolone, chimichurri, & fried onions with a fried egg with French fries. Perfect at medium rare temp. For kids: Chicken tenders and fries was great the kids loved it.

    The Top is one of those Gainesville spots that immediately feels like part of the city's…read morepersonality. The menu is eclectic in the best way -- you can go comfort‑food heavy or fully vegan and still end up with something flavorful. The black bean burger and goat cheese wontons are especially worth the hype. The vibe is artsy, lively, and a little chaotic, but in a way that makes the experience fun rather than stressful. Service can be unhurried during busy hours, yet the staff stays friendly and attentive. Overall, it's a great place to settle in, enjoy good food, and soak up Gainesville's character.

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    The Top - The Top inside bar

    The Top inside bar

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    These corn nuggets were so good!

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    First Watch - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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