My mom and I stopped in for a Friday brunch at First Watch by the Oaks Mall. I was very excited to try their fall menu as I saw different food reviewers talking about some of the items. I had my eye on the Godfather but switched it out for chicken sausage as I don't eat pork and a single pumpkin pancake. The server was very nice and attentive to our table. The Godfather came with two eggs any style ( I did light scrambled), grits, lemon dressed arugula, and grated parm. The grits needed some salt and pepper, it was just bland. However, the chicken sausage was so good and also the fresh arugula was a great addition to the plate with a side of the Calabrian chili oil. I loved mixing all of the parm into the grits and eggs. Now, First Watch has huge pancakes already and this one was no exception. The pumpkin pancake was very airy and light and had a hint of the spices like clove and cinnamon. It was very good and my mom and I split the pancake. Overall, it was a good brunch experience and would come back to this location as it was very clean and good service. read more

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I have always loved First Watch since my first time in Boca Raton 15 years ago. The traditional breakfast is my go to, love their chicken sausage and the fall menu item pumpkin pancake was so light and fluffy. It was brunch time but we were seated quickly and the waiter was very attentive to our table. I will definitely be returning to this location. read more

First Watch - The Traditional Breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Always a good brunch stop. I love the morning sunrise juice for a good anti-inflammatory boost. Food is consistent and fresh ingredients. The layout is nice and open. I'm not a huge fan of how tight the half booth tables are--can feel like you're eating right on top of other parties--but seating at the regular tables or full booths solves that. Service is friendly. Generally not too long of a wait. read more

First Watch - Barbacoa chilaquiles breakfast bowl - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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We had finally gotten on the wait list that wasn't 45 mins or longer wait.... gotbsat downnwe had a very friendly server , she was very attentive and came by our table several times. Food came out pretty quickly and hot. Was ok, nothing really jaw dropping, but was tasty, could of had more meat in the omelette, but overall an decent meal. They drink we had was very good but can't remember the name. It was pretty loud in the restaurant, and was a packed house, but we were able to speak to each other across the table without yelling. Well i can check it off my list of places to try, not a go to for me, but least i tried the place, its worth trying once. read more

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I am doing this a little bit after going there but can still remember the experience. I ducked two stars for service as well as food. Now let me say that I am no stranger to First Watch. I was even glad to know there was a new one opening near my job. It made it convenient to go on my lunch break when I had the time. The service was a bit slow as it took awhile for us to be seated (there were plenty of tables) and also for someone to initially come out to us. It then also took a good while for our food to come out. For my entree I got the barbacoa tacos which were okay. They weren't very flavorful nor were the black beans that came with them. I wouldn't let this take away from me going back but I would get something Id had before or something different. read more

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First Watch is a solid place albeit a bit on the expensive side. That said if you're wanting to a cute atmosphere with some higher quality ingredients then this is a big step up from other chain breakfast places. They served us quick and my food was good I was full. My waffle wasn't anything special but I really enjoyed the sausage. I would go again I would recommend calling ahead on brunch days because it can get busy! read more

First Watch - Apple sausage and waffles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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This was our first time going to the Gainesville location and we had a great experience. Thank goodness was for the mobile waitlist, which allowed us to basically walk right in by the time we got there. We were told that there is sometimes over an hour wait. So definitely utilize the mobile waitlist before you go! The decor is more updated than the Ocala location. It was very clean and had little touches of Gainesville wrapped in a modern-theme. Our server was very attentive and kept an eye on our table the whole time. The food came out very quickly, especially for it being so busy in a Saturday morning. The food was delicious! I got the avocado toast with scrambled eggs and it was perfect! Everyone finished their meals and was very pleased with everything! We plan on going back soon! read more

First Watch - Avocado toast with scrambled eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

I visited this location for their friends and family event, so the meal was complimentary. I've tried their South Florida locations before, but this was my first time here since it just opened. Overall, it was a pleasant experience. The service was great--everything came out quickly, and we finished brunch in about an hour. The Purple Haze juice was a highlight, with its refreshing blend of lemon, butterfly pea tea, and lavender. However, the sweet tea was disappointing. It didn't taste like the Southern sweet tea I'm used to. The food was a mix of hits and misses. The Million Dollar Potatoes with parmesan cream sauce were too salty, and the Million Dollar Bacon on top didn't live up to the hype. The side potatoes were also salty. On the brighter side, the frittata was well-sized and tasty, and the pancakes were huge and fluffy, though I didn't expect raisins. I loved that they served warm syrup. If you're not a fan of eggs like me, the menu might be a bit tricky to navigate since a lot of the dishes feature eggs. read more

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I've always had great experiences at First Watch, and this new location is no exception. I visited about three months after they opened the interior was gorgeous with a few gator touches, and I went on a weekday morning, and it wasn't busy at all--perfect for a calm, early start. The food came out fast, everything tasted fresh (as always), and my drink was really good too. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, just like the other First Watch spots I've visited. No complaints here! read more

First Watch - Floridian French Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

Drove and hour and a half for breakfast and they did not disappoint. Food was excellent. Service was superb. Will be back! read more

First Watch - Chipotle steak and queso hash - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I've always loved going to first watch back at home so you know I had to go to the one in Gainesville when it opened. Perfect place to go if you're wanting comfort brunch food! read more

First Watch - Avocado Toast, potatoes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

They have so many quality menu items and plenty of Vegetarian options. I had the Market Hash which was really yummy but they over-seasoned their country fried potatoes this morning so it was too salty for my taste but Taylor B. quickly graciously comped my breakfast. It's a little loud because it's so popular so sensory-avoident people will need to come at a less busy time than 9am but I would recommend First Watch for the options and top notch customer service. read more

We travel to Gainesville every few months and have time between appointments to visit Trader Joe's and then have a lunch or breakfast meal while waiting for appointment two. This month we went to the first watch on the north side of Gainsville. Our server was Vera, and she approached our table checking for beverage orders and then went off to fill and deliver. She then took our orders, which was comprised of breakfast selections. The Nisan's turkey sausage gravy was more than enough for my breakfast that also v[came with lightly roasted potatoes and two eggs and my wife had the avocado toast with eggs on the side. The thickness of avocado was enough for two servings. Service was well spaced and attentive. First Watch did a great job with food quality and portion size with friendly service. read more

First Watch - Avocado toast with eggs on the - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Overview: 4/5 First time to this breakfast and lunch chain. A good alternative available in Gainesville. Ambiance : 5/5 Cute decor with a modern country farm feel. Lots of tables for both large and small parties. They also have a bar area where singles or couples can sit if no tables are available. It was quite busy when we went so we opted for the bar. Food/Drink 4/5 I had the half sandwich have soup option and chose a vegetable soup and ham and cheese sandwich. My wife had a traditional egg dish with ham, home fries and toast. We both had coffee and they left the pot for refills (nice touch!) Service : 3/5 The place was slammed and they needed more bus boys and girls. There were open tables but they needed to be cleaned... Conclusion : We would definitely give it another go and try it at a less busy time. In their defense it was a holiday week and most people were off and they were probably short staffed. read more

First time eating here. I got the farm breakfast. The eggs were great.... Disappointed at how little bacon was in the meal. The potatoes were overloaded with so much salt it was impossible to eat. Ambiance is lovely, but it's too expensive for a meal I couldn't enjoy. read more

Just when I thought I'd give them another try. Well, it hasn't improved much. This chain can't seem to cook a poached egg. My first round of eggs were hard boiled. Second round looked soft boiled but at least center was juicy with whited cooked -as poached eggs should be. Potatoes tasted like the grill. Server was nice and gave us a $5 coupon. After my not getting coffee and $5 coupon it was still $32.06 breakfast for two. The good news is they don't have to worry about anymore reviews from me cuz I won't be back!! read more

First Watch - Second round of "poached" eggs. At least the white is cooked and yolk is soft. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Started going to this breakfast house 3 months ago. Staff was attentive (knowledgeable waitstaff). Now they have complacent waitstaff who without a second thought believes they are working at Dunken Donuts. Prime example of low standard staff. First Watch prices are no where near dunken donuts prices. Yet Dunken will give you a warm sandwich with low quality staff. Now think back to sitting down in First Watch, breakfast with Tip easily $45.00 Question why are you no longer serving fresh food made to order with fresh ingredients? Sour avocado gone bad Muffin pancakes sour like it was made 3 weeks ago and reheated. Cold waffles. So cold butter doesn't melt. If you can no longer serve fresh food, cooked to order. Save your customers the trouble and we will gladly cook at home. Such a disappointment. Customers who go to first watch expect quality therefore, we expect to be charged premium prices, but you can't charge premium prices with low mindset staff whom are definitely not trained to understand the upgrade and poor quality meals. I gave you guys a second chance and will not give a third. Remember you can't short cut meals and definitely not staffing. So sad. read more

My wife and I went to first watch they had just opened up on Newberry Road in Gainesville. We ordered the traditional breakfast cranberry drink cup of water when the meal came out the potatoes were burnt along with the onions. The chicken sausage did not have any taste I decided that The potatoes were bad and take some grits and the grits was terrible. No taste a color that I have never seen grits been and stiff. The only good part of the breakfast was the toast and the cranberry juice for a $40.00 dollar breakfast this is my first time and my last time attending there unless they get some new cooks in the kitchen They're not gonna last long periods trash meal read more

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This is my first time coming to this First Watch location. I put my name on the list online and within minutes of arriving we were seated. Tip: If you want to avoid wait times but want to try either location I recommend using the waitlist online or eating during the week. The server took sometime to come out but it was busy when we arrived she informed us of the special and took our order. Compared to the location on Archer this one takes much longer to bring food out. We tried to order the same dishes to compare both locations: I ordered the Eggs Benedict BLT Style served with a salad on the side . The eggs were inconsistent one was cooked perfectly and the other one overcooked. The bread was completely burnt. The Kids pancake came out fine it still a great choice for little ones to share since it's very big. Warning: The water in the bathrooms is boiling hot so make sure to test it before you let little ones wash their hands. read more

I've been to this First Watch (483 W Newberry Rd) and Archer Road. Good experiences before. This time at Newberry Road was very negative. The host should be re-educated or fired. We went inside and indicated there were two of us. He said, "Follow me." We did. He took us to a small table for two (bench and chair) in the far back left side, just before the kitchen entrance. Not a good table by any measure. There was another couple at a bench and chair table just 1 foot from our table edge. We would be on top of each other physically and conversation-wise and with no sense of separation. I was surprised that the host wanted us to sit so close to strangers. I should also say I am 6 foot 4 inches and 230 pounds, not a small person. This was a undesirable table and showed poor judgment on his part to think this would be a comfortable dining experience. I quickly indicated that this wouldn't work. We would like another table. The restaurant was not half full. We had walked by several empty tables in the front and middle of the restaurant. He indicated a nearby table for us. He then said in a dismissive tone, "Next time, tell your host what you want so you won't waste his or your time." He said this while already turning and walking away. I understand selecting some tables based on server distribution. I assumed he would have used more common sense in customer comfort. First Watch would do well to provide him with customer service training or just get rid of him. We won't return to this First Watch. Sad. A host is an opportunity for a restaurant to create the first best impression. We sat for a minute and then left. read more

100/10 experience, i rarely to never go out my way to do reviews, but this was the best first watch experience ever had, from presentation 10, temperatures 10, taste 100 The crew that cooked on 8/15/2025 between 12-1pm thank you and keep up the good work! Ft. Lauderdale locations could use you guys help or advices lol read more

This was our first time eating at First Watch. We arrived around 8:30 and it was not very busy. The hostess and another server helped us get set up at our table as we have four small children, including 9-month old twins. We ordered our food and that's when it went south. Our server brought out our drinks, but no straws for my four and two year old. We flagged down another worker and were able to get those after about 10 minutes. My wife and I each ordered a Benedict, my kids ordered a pancake and a waffle. After 20 minutes and no sign of our server, the food came out. All of it cold. My eggs were still slimy, my wife ate hers only because she was starving. We never send back our food, but I would have this morning, except our server never once checked on us. She brought us the check and told us how to pay, but again never asked how the food was. My Benedict was not only cold, it also had raw onion on top which was something new for me. We went up front to pay, where the cashier asked us how the visit was. I told her "not great" and explained that the food came out cold. She asked if we would like to speak to a manager, which is a choice. The correct response would have been "I'm so sorry, let me go and get the manager for you." I told her not to bother with the manager, she then asked if I wanted coupons. Uh, no thank you. I wish restaurant management would realize it's the little things that keep customers coming back. First Watch was a big disappointment for us, especially considering the $67 we paid for breakfast. And if we are paying this much, the restaurant needs to deliver the best, hottest food with really great service. And I won't get into how the kitchen staff spoke to the servers (we were seated near the kitchen). Total lack of awareness. Please know that both my wife and I worked in the restaurant industry for more than a decade. We know what to look for when we go out to eat (which is not very often). read more

First Watch - No bueno - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

If customer service was a depiction of the success of a restaurant...definitely First Watch on Newberry Rd will succeed!! . The ambiance was very bright, warm, enjoyable and clean. Amy our server was excellent; from the time she greeted and welcomed us in, escorted us to our table, and gave us time to look over the menu... she was so nice, friendly, and patient!!! As this was our first visit to any First Watch restaurant and I was very impressed by the attention the entire staff gave to the customers. Even when some of my order was not ready to be presented, a staff member came and kept me updated!! I ordered the Frittata Rustica which comes with a fresh mixed green salad and honestly it was soooo good. . The portion size was very generous and filling; you should not leave hungry. The flavors of the Frittata made my taste buds happy. The environment and food was everything you expect and more and the customer service of the entire staff was truly the "icing on the cake". Will definitely be going back!!! read more

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Stopped by recently to try their seasonal spring menu items. It was a Saturday during the brunch rush but we were able to put ourselves on the waitlist online on the drive there and were seated after a short wait. The berry lavender French toast was sooooo delicious with amazing flavor and a good portion. I wish the cheddar bacon cornbread wasn't a seasonal item because it was so good! The presentation of the cereal milk cocktail was so cute. It came in a little milk bottle to pour into your glass. read more

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This is a follow up to my previous review. I received an email from First Watch, offering us a voucher for our bad experience(s). I wrote back saying that would be fine. Well, it's been a long time - months - and we have not received any voucher. Nor have we returned to the restaurant. We're done. read more

Arrived on Sunday about 1:50p and they close at 2:30p. We had a short wait before being seated which was great. The service was okay. Nothing bad but not really outstanding, they did their job. Sweet tea lacked sugar but maybe I just prefer for really sweet tea. The menu options didn't look appealing to me so I just ordered the trifecta with a side order of grits. The pancake tasted weird to me, probably because it was "multigrain". The cheese grits were really good, I loved that. We also ordered the chickichanga and enjoyed that. The potato's that came with it were really good. The price was pretty decent. The inside looks really nice, they definitely did an excellent transformation from the Boston Market that used to be there. read more

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The 1st time we visited off of Archer road the food was so delicious, it was super busy but it was worth the wait Now a week later I decided to order online from the one on Newberry road to treat myself to a late breakfast and the food was good at all. Well my husband wanted take me out to there again, our food looked good but was cold. Well two thumbs down for the one on Newberry Road the one on Archer Road. I'll give it a 10 overall service and taste of food. We ordered the Works omelette one with potatoes and the other with fruit. read more

First Watch - That's the works omelette from the one on Archer road it was awesome. 10 to the cooks over there. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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I've noticed the manager here is very rude to staff. I would go to First Watch on Archer if you can as a customer or working there.

The food was a little above average but the cost was way over average. Took us over 15 minutes to get seated because they were understaffed.

Every time I come to Gainesville for a doctor's appointment, I make sure to stop at First Watch, I love the menu and it's always a great experience. Today, though, I especially want to highlight the amazing service from our server, Bobby. He was attentive, friendly, and truly on top of everything. Bobby is a great server and made our visit even better. Thank you, Bobby, and thank you First Watch! read more

Now our 4th time here. We keep thinking service will get better. Nope. They just walk past don't even acknowledge we are sitting here.

Mugs and Water glasses had residue , its seemed like they weren't clean properly. Additionally the silver wear had food particles. The food is mediocre at best, needs more seasoning. The atmosphere is great with wonderful servers. All I can say is great place but lacks execution. read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

The service was mediocre during my visit, which was disappointing as it was my first time at a First Watch restaurant. If this had been my only experience, I likely wouldn't return. However, I've been to two other locations, including the one on Archer Road, and they were fantastic. I hope this location improves over time. I understand it was their first week open, but I expected more, especially since I brought a friend and a family member after raving about how great First Watch is. I wish we had gone to the Archer Road location for a better experience. read more

Waited over 20 minutes and no server came to check on us. We watched people come right in and get served immediately. We walked out, will not be going back. read more

New favorite brunch place in gainesville my nephew and I couldn't get enough of the pumpkin spice donut hole things. Hate the parking lot though super claustrophobic read more

Food was great and came fast Need to review local trends in customer flow. Could have used more help on a holiday morning to allow for waitstaff to take order. Waited 10 minutes once seated to get beverages ordered read more

Very rude management staff and unprofessional hiring practices. Tony you should be ashamed of yourself. First watch has the wrong people representing them . read more

Three stars is generous. My husband and I at there yesterday. I've eaten at many First Watch locations, this was the first time for us in Gainesville. The service was poor, the bathrooms were dirty and the food was slow in coming out - not great, but okay. This location needs a management update and employees need to be retrained in customer service. There is another breakfast/brunch/lunch restaurant that beats this place hands down! I won't be back. read more

Took a very long time to get the sweet tea, it came with lemon sediment at the bottom of the glass. Water carafe was brought with only 2 glasses and we had 3 at the table and no additional glass was brought until we asked. One breakfast order was wrong, so we asked one of the many waiters to re-order it as first requested. The salad on my daughter's order had a hair in it that she found after already eating a couple bites . The whole experience felt like servers were everywhere, but with no organization. There appeared to be no manager around in the dining area during our stay. The issues were brought to the cashiers attention and $5 was taken off the total check. We will not be dining at First Watch on Newberry Road again. read more

First time at this restaurant. My son and I both had the BLT eggs Benedict. It was fresh and tasty. We both ordered the upgraded potatoes with the million dollar bacon and Parmesan cream sauce, very good. The owner or manager was there and came by our table. We had a quick discussion on what was their most popular dish (shocker, eggs and bacon). He then sent us an order of Million Dollar Bacon on the house for my son and I. Defiantly getting that again, just note its got a little kick to it so if you don't like a bit of spiciness you may want to pass. Service was fantastic and the place is pretty nice on the inside. It's a bit pricey for breakfast food but in reality what isn't pricy these days? Glad to have this in Gainesville. read more