You cannot go wrong eating here. Everything is delicious. I haven't tried anything I don't like: the bacado, farmhouse hash, million dollar bacon, am superfood bowl, and breakfast burrito. They also have the greatest thick cut multigrain bread, I'm not sure how it's so good but it's delicious and elevates normal toast. read more

I usually detest chain restaurants, but truly love every First Watch I've ever patronized. This particular one is especially clean and well kept, and the staff couldn't have been friendlier. My coffee cup never went empty, and my brunch plate was swept away once I was done with my meal. (I love getting good, basic, friendly customer service!) read more

This place has a good selection of healthy food choices and staff is very friendly and on point.

Love this place! Great food! Community table is genius especially if it's just yourself and you want to treat yourself to a nice breakfast and not have a long wait. But also great place for bringing family and friends. Staff and servers are super friendly and greet regulars like old friends. Clean upkeep and bus keepers are very efficient. They have a solid selection even for vegetarians and show great willingness to accommodate your needs. Will continue to come again and again! read more

The food was pretty food, but the service was a bit slow. I had to ask for water repeatedly. The food itself was delicious so that's why despite the service, it still gets a 4 star. read more

Great place! We go there a lot and have NEVER had a bad experience. Quality food, service and good atmosphere.

First Watch is awesome. Todd, our regular waiter is god among men, the patron saint of servers.

This is my favorite place to get breakfast/ brunch with my friends! The staff is great and are always friendly! The food is AMAZING! I have tried almost everything on the menu and nothing disappoints! Also if you are a coffee lover like me, you will love the iced coffee! It's so good I always get a second one to go! read more

Ok, who am I to think that a place like this could not exist in MO?!!?!? Boooooyyy did you show me, MO! You have totally impressed me. This place was crazy busy for brunch. There were 4 of us and we had to wait a good 40 mins. They do have this great feature where once you check in with the hostess, they take your cell # and program it into whatever they have to do and when you get a text, you can follow where you stand in line. It tells you how many more parties are in front of you and it's so accurate. At first when I got the text I was like whatever, Ill just wait and ignored the link in the text. 20 mins go by and I get antsy so I decided to click the link from the text and wham bam whaddayaknow?!!?! There was still 9 parties ahead and I constantly watched that thing like a hawk until there was 1 party left then our table was ready. Man I was starving. We ordered right away before they even brought us coffee. Everything was delicious. The Works Omelette was so good and it wasn't greasy at all. I ended up ordering one to go for someone. The Smoked Salmon & Roasted Vegetable Frittata was also good but I preferred The Works over this one because this one didn't have too much flavors packed into it. I did the 2 For You from the lunch menu. It comes with 1/2 sandwich, 1/2 salad, and cup of soup. I chose the Ham & Gruyere Melt, Chicken Avocado Chop, and Tomato Basil soup. The Ham & Gruyere was decent. Nothing about it really stood out for me. The Chicken Avocado Chop Salad was good. I'd order that again by itself. It tastes exactly like a southwestern salad. The tomato basil soup was good. Tastes like any other. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a good place for brunch. They may not serve mimosa's or bloody mary's but they serve some damn good food. On top of good food, they had excellent service. read more

How my mother was treated : Bad experience to all my foodies and others I am never returning to First Watch, sad as it used to be one of my favorites. Here is what happened: I walked in, man greeted me said "how many?" One. He grabbed menu and looked up, 2 cute women walked in behind me, he literally turned around, grabbed another menu said "ladies follow me" and took them before me. I said, not quietly " what the hell?" He said "I'll be right there" and started talking with them again. (Flirting). I walked out. Lady at cashier saw what happened and and said I can seat you, as I was walking out. I said "no you clearly dont want my business, I'm not cute enough to be treated fairly, ill go elsewhere and not return here". I kept walking to Mexican resteraunt two doors down - tortilla soup was great! read more

We enjoy patio dining and First Watch offers an amazing atmosphere with delicious food!

The staff is rude, especially the hostesses. Every single time I come to this location, there's an hour wait. I sat in my car waiting and watched two families come and go. I never got called. It's been almost 90 minutes and I still haven't received a text. I've been to other locations and it's never this bad. read more

Had lunch here while I was in town for business. Loved the ambience and atmosphere of this restaurant. Food was fresh and tasty. Had tomato basil soup with the chicken pecan salad. Yummy! Coworkers also enjoyed their food. Wait staff seemed overwhelmed with the full house at lunch on a Thursday. Service was just ok. Too bad I don't frequent the area, I would love to try breakfast here, had a lot of yummy items on the menu. I would recommend this place! read more

My favorite, fresh, breakfast place in Independence. Fresh ingredients, lots of options, and have loved every meal I've gotten from there. You might have a long wait in the mornings on weekends since it's a small place--but definitely worth the wait! Breakfast tacos are a MUST! Also love the lemon ricotta pancakes, as well as their biscuits & gravy. Tons to choose from and the menu changes with new items. Also love their variety of fresh mixed juices--Morning Meditation is the perfect morning zing! They have a healthier option section of the menu which has some delicious options without the guilt. Staff is always friendly and welcoming and they always keep the hot coffee coming. Farmhouse-looking interior and decor makes for a warm, inviting environment with lots of natural light! Haven't been there for lunch yet, but plan to soon! read more

3.5 stars Long story short: For a "chain", this place isn't bad with very friendly service and simple food at reasonable prices. Long story long: The sister of my friend's wife, and her family, live nearby in Lee's Summit and the week before starting school, they invited me out for brunch. They suggested this place, it being the closest one for them (they have 4 kids) even though I think there's one closer to me, but further for them. It wasn't a big deal. Walking in, I couldn't get a really good read on the place. It looked like there could have been a buffet, but there wasn't. The place was simply decorated, almost like an IHOP, but it didn't feel "corporate-y" like IHOP. I guess that was a good thing. I arrived before my friends did, so I just went inside (because it was raining) and waited in their waiting area. The, I think, manager warmly asked me if I had been helped, but told him I was waiting for people. Once they arrived, we were taken to a large round table. Our energetic (not in a bad way) server came by and asked what we wanted to drink. I got an orange juice. She left to give us a couple of minutes to look over the menu. My friend told me about a dish they have called "The Gravy Train", which is an omelette smothered in gravy. A bacon, sausage, mushroom and onion omelette to be exact. A lot of the other dishes were pretty straight forward but sounded good. I decided to just get the gravy train. I think what would have set it over the top would be a biscuit on top of the omelette, THEN smothered in grav, but that's just wishful thinking. Hmmm, maybe I should ask about that next time. After a few minutes, our food arrived and when my plate was put down before me, oh wow it looked glorious. It was served with a side of toast, but it might as well as have been a biscuit. Hmm, now that I think about it, I'm not even sure they have biscuits. *shrug* I dug in and I never in my wildest dreams would have thought of putting gravy on an omelette, but by goly, it worked. Neither the eggs nor the ingredients inside seemed to be really heavy (meaning they probably didn't use a lot of butter or oil, which is a good thing). I liked that because it didn't weigh me down when I was done. It probably could have been seasoned a little bit better, but it was still good. The gravy as well wasn't too heavy, though I wouldn't mind heavy gravy. Service was attentive and with a big smile. Overall it was a very enjoyable dish and I would come back. read more

We decided to eat here because of all the five star reviews. Not quite sure why people rated this five stars. If this is a five star breakfast experience for you, then you need to try a few more places for breakfast. It is a perfectly adequate restaurant, it's OK, nothing more. It had an OK choice with OK food. The waitress was very good but no matter how cheerful she was, the food was just OK. I am not from around here, I relied on Yelp for a place to eat before visiting the Truman Museum. I think I should have kept reading more reviews. If you come here, just be aware that my juice, eggs, and English muffin were just OK, nothing special. OK, that's all I have to say. read more

Pretty good food, but very loud due to metal ceilings and the wait times are absolutely astronomical. I go to many other breakfast restaurants and the wait times are never this bad. If you do the early check-in before you arrive, the times are very inaccurate - have been told a few times the wait would be 20-30 minutes only to have it actually be over an hour. Overall, the food you get may be good but is in no way worth waiting so long and sitting in a room where you have to yell for the person across the table to hear you. read more

One of the best places for a great, cheap, fresh breakfast. Awesome fruit crepes and whatever the hell you call those chopped up potato chunk cubes with onions and chili powder on them. Homestyle potatoes or something, maybe? I can't remember, so if your server forgets to give you a menu, ask for the "large potato that was somehow transformed into several hundred smaller potatoes through a complicated, magical process that the human mind can barely comprehend." If you want to eat here Sunday morning, be sure to arrive when all the nearby churches are talking about Jesus, otherwise you'll find it obscenely crowded. Also a lot of old people eat here because they think eating organic food will stave off the grim reaper's cold, icy embrace. Ha ha, you're wrong, you're still going to die you dumb old people!!! read more

First Watch on 40 Highway in Independence is consistently popular and always busy. Going on a Saturday morning wasn't necessarily our smartest choice as there was a longish (10-20 minutes) wait for a table. However once we were seated, the experience was worth the wait. Our server, Todd, was friendly and efficient. He quickly took our order and when it was delivered to our table our special requests (for extra butter and toast instead of an English muffin) were included... no reminder necessary. I ordered the Lean Machine - scrambled egg substitute, turkey sausage patty, tomato slices and dry English muffin. Hubs went for The Traditional breakfast of two eggs basted (perfectly), bacon that he said was the exact degree of crispness that he likes, seasoned potatoes and toast. Everything was very good and served hot and quickly. We were sitting within sight of the open kitchen and could see at least six cooks 'taking care of business' during the time we were there. First Watch: One of our favorite places for breakfast out in Independence... even on a busy Saturday. read more

A great place for breakfast! The menu has a terrific variety of traditional breakfast favorites AND some skinny fare. Our first visit a few months back was on a weekday and it was crowded but there was seating available. This last visit, we had to wait 15 minutes but it's worth waiting. I had the Healthy Turkey a egg white omelette with diced turkey, spinach, feta cheese, diced onions and tomatoes. Served with a dry English Muffin. The flavors worked so well together. My first visit I had Power Wrap - fluffy egg whites, turkey, spinach and mushrooms wrapped tightly in a sundried tomato basil tortilla with Swiss cheese. Served with fresh fruit and homemade salsa (I enjoyed this so much that I have since tried to emulate this several times at home). A great place for this weight watcher and for my hubby to go together. read more

From the start I didn't feel welcome. Manager cannot seem to speak or smile. International Delights fake creamers. Lots of plastic and styrofoam cups here, for a restaurant that bills itself as healthy - not healthy for the environment. Pancake syrup is fake, $1.29 extra for real maple syrup - not natural. Eggs ordered over medium arrived over hard. Waitress was nice enough. Offered to replace them, I declined. Waffle wasn't warm enough to melt the butter (or margarine) on top of it. Flavors were lacking all around and it was a downward spiral from there. When paying, the manager asked my husband how it was and he responded "ok," the manager snapped back "why just ok?!" We got out fast. Meh. read more

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One of my favorite breakfast spots! Tons of healthy dishes, always cooked perfectly, excellent service as well. I recently had the breakfast tacos, not on the menu but one of their rotations specials chalked on the board. Place reminds me of an ihop on steroids, with much better, healthier dishes, and same prices! I've been to this location and the location downtown many times. Never disappoints! read more

Had a great breakfast. There was a problem with the order but Eden made it right. She's a great server!

Had breakfast here before hitting up the Truman Museum. Nice waitress and hot coffee. Good selection and the food appeared quickly. I feel bad giving it three stars but it is just A OK. I liked it fine and the food was A OK. How about 3.5? There, I feel better now. read more

I've eaten at three of the KC First Watch locations, primarily at the Independence restaurant. I've had consistently good food and service at all three. Sure, it can get a little hectic at peak times, but they seem to do a good job of dealing with it. I debated between 4 and 5 stars on this one. It's very, very good and you can do a lot worse for a breakfast out with some friends or family. Yelp needs to let us rate things with half stars. If you could give a 4.5, I would. Light years better than Denny's, Perkins, IHOP, et cetera. If there had been dancing bears, I got a tan while eating, or walked out of the restaurant magically speaking a new language, I'd have bumped to to 5 stars. :) read more

This is hands down our favorite restaurant for breakfast or lunch. Not only is the food excellent but the staff at this particular location is amazing. We come here every weekend at least once and sometimes twice. From our greeting upon arrival to our friendly departure every visit is perfect! read more

We are true regulars. Came in with a crowd today and Crystal took awesome care of us. This is my favorite breakfast spot in the area. Food was speedy and delicious. Try the kale tonic - kale, Apple and cucumber and lemon. We ordered two avocado, bacon and tomato hashes- really great. The trifecta, kids French toast and the triathlete. The triathlete was delicious - egg white omelette, fruit and toast (add butter). Of course we will be back! read more

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Love this place. Kale tonic is amazing. The turkey burger was really good and the chia pudding bowl is my favorite! They close at 2:00pm read more

First Watch - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Independence, Missouri

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Excellent! Try the Millionaires Bacon! Great service. I like the pancakes best, but I haven't had anything bad there. This place is a good choice for those who want to eat healthy. read more

Nice restaurant. Ordered Bubbas Benny: sausage, gravy biscuit. It was delish but could use more seasoning.

Never a bad meal here! Our server, Todd, is a very affable individual. It's fun to see him interact with other tables, and you can DEFINITELY spot who his regulars are! This place is top notch. No muss, no fuss. Not a lot a complicated items on menu. Breakfast and lunch only; keeps it simple! read more

I've visited this location a few times before, and my experience has been generally pleasant. My experience today, however, was very off-putting and has left me feeling unappreciated as a customer. Earlier today, I attempted to place myself on the wait list through the Yelp app. This was the same way that I've joined the wait-list before, and I haven't had problems with it until now. When I was on my way to the restaurant, I received a notification that my name had been removed from the wait-list. Assuming it to be an error on my part, I rejoined the wait-list. Shortly after, I received another notification that I had been removed from the wait-list, and to contact the restaurant if I was removed in error. I tried again, and was removed a third time. Since I couldn't join the wait-list online, I was left no option but to get in line at the restaurant to add my name to the list. While in line, myself and the person I was with stood in interior doorway of the restaurant as we waited to see the host. A moment later, we were surprised when a couple proceeded to walk around us and cut us in line. Another guest then confronted the couple for cutting in line (thanks, stranger!). The couple denied cutting, and claimed that if we wanted to get in front of them then we could, that they "didn't mind," all while never actually admitting that they cut in front of us. This all occurred in a span of a few minutes as we waited to see the host. The host, who stood roughly a foot away and watched as this unfolded, took no effort to intervene. In the end, we opted to go somewhere else. I prefer to support businesses where I don't have to be concerned with being verbally accosted by baby boomers while waiting in a cramped foyer. read more

We took my 5 year old niece for breakfast here this morning and the food was AMAZING! But the service from Brittney, our server was even better! She gave great recommendations and made sure a picky 5 year old was well taken care of! read more

This place is aesthetically pleasing. They have cute decor, but not the best service. I've been here multiple times when they're service is slow. The cold brew I received was watered down and not very good. I also received a dirty straw with some crusty pieces of something in my straw read more

I've only been here twice unfortunately, I say unfortunately because I'd like to eat here more. Fresh and healthy meals. Friendly, upbeat employee's who make you want to come back! read more

Very great service, and awesome food! The waffles were fluffy, syrup was nice and warm. It was my first time there and waiter was very helpful with the menu and extremely nice! read more

2nd time back got the same biscuits and turkey gravy and my omelet (the works) Awesome coffee! Great atmosphere! Great food! read more

Oh if I could only eat at First Watch every day I would need my smile surgically removed. This high quality food for a seriously reasonable price is RARE. The atmosphere is gentle and evenly set. You will hear soft music and experience a welcomed gentle mood. Before you order be sure to check out the daily special for they are always choice. My favorite is the Tri-Fecta or if you love your biscuits & gravy try the Bubba's Benney. With all of that said they wonderful healthy choices as well. If you are a coffee drinker you will be satisfied with FW's house blend. Free wifi however it is a pain to login. Time to fix that FW. The staff at the Blue Springs FW are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met. They seem to love what they do. Enjoy! Xoxo DearDanna read more

We had Mother's Day breakfast and the wait was well worth it!!! Delicious!!! Our waitress was the best!!! We will be back!!!

The very best thing about First Watch is that they have had a fabulous concept from the beginning and unlike so many restaurants, they have been smart enough through the years to simply not jack with it. It has been many years since my delightful introduction to the Eggs Benedict at this delightful bistro concept and I have never grown tired, nor have I ever been disappointed with any meal at any of the local franchise locations. This past Sunday was my first trip to the Independence location and I was not surprised that I was not disappointed. I am well aware that there is a contingent of foodies out there that spend a lot of time and energy degrading the casual franchise restaurant, and some of them deserve it (hello!, On the Border). However, some of them, not all, mind you, but some are worthy of our food-worship simply because they are consistent. Consistent with the quality of the food and service and First Watch definitely falls in this category. You walk in, you probably already know what you're going to order and you know what you are going to get because it is always the same and that same is always fabulous! Back to my actual visit to this location. You know the drill; Sunday after church, almost 10 o'clock, the place is packed already and there are at least 8 parties ahead of us, mostly two's and four's, no problem, 20 minute wait. The ubiquitous free coffee is available and the front waiting area is small but there is some seating for waiting diners. The great thing about First Watch is that the service is so exceptional, they turn tables relatively quickly. The same number of waiting parties at Denny's would have been an hour for them, not here. The host was very friendly, smiled and absolutely knew what he was doing. The staff has a great rhythm and you can see the repoire and teamwork they have with each other. Once seated, the server was ON IT, drink order right away and back to the table in a flash! Why more restaurants don't leave you a pitcher of lemon water and coffee on the table, I have no clue, it's a great time saver for the servers and leaves them to get to the important stuff, FOOD! I was delighted to see that the menu had still changed very little, there's something for everyone including low calorie, low cholesterol, vegetarian, child, picky eater or true breakfast connoisseur (as I am, it is, after all, the most important meal of the day). We both had the eggs benedict with the ham option, I chose tomatoes with mine, my table mate chose no tomato. No problem. Less than 10 minutes, they know how to rock and roll in the kitchen, and the gorgeous plates hit the table. Poached eggs done perfect! Fluffy white mounds with the very, very perfect soft yolk. We actually let little moans of delight escape when he cut into those yolks and they were absolute lava flows of hot yellow goodness. Absolutely heavenly on perfectly toasted english muffins and the hollandaise sauce could not have been of better consistency or more flavorful. Just amazing. Served with their signature home fries, little blocks of crispy potato happiness that compliments every breakfast dish on the menu. The itty bitty fruit cup is about a half dozen pieces of super fresh melons and pineapple and the perfect compliment that also let me believe that I ate a healthy meal even though i could hear my arteries groaning from stimulation overload of butter, meat and sauce goodness. First Watch, now with ten metro locations, is always my first pick on the first meal of the day list. read more