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    First Watch

    4.1 (206 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

    Order First Watch Takeout or Delivery

    First Watch Photos

    FIRST WATCH ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - First Watch

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    Shrimp and Grits
    John S.

    It took much longer than expected to be seated since there appeared to be ample seating available and adequate staff. There was some issue with a party in front of me that may have contributed but since they were in the process of being seated when I walked in and I was next in line, it seemed unusually longer than expected for someone else to step in and assist which led to several parties being backed up behind me by the time I was taken to a table. I had already checked out the menu ahead of time and knew I wanted to try the Shrimp and Grits (Sautéed Cajun shrimp and andouille sausage cooked Lowcountry-style with chicken stock, house-roasted tomatoes and onions, diced green bell peppers and scallions atop Bob's Red Mill Cheddar Parmesan cheese grits. Served with artisan ciabatta toast.) I expected it to be much more flavorful and found it to be fairly bland tasting. The grits did have a cheesy flavor but unfortunately was unable to overcome the disappointment I had in the rest of the dish. The bread while fresh was meh as well. The highlight was the Blackberry Tea I chose for my drink. Once seated the service was attentive. I had tried this location before years ago and think I was similarly unimpressed which had led to me skipping it until now. With many other really good brunch type options in the vicinity, I likely will not be back.

    Haniya B.

    I knew I could trust First Watch with my dietary restriction, and they absolutely delivered. The waitress was very kind and helped me find things that were vegetarian. Due to her help, I then ordered half of the fresh veggie sandwich and half of the chicken avocado chop without bacon and chicken. The food came out quickly. Eating in a rustic style restaurant was the perfect touch. Although I was seated at the beginning of the restaurant, the foot traffic was light, and it felt secluded. The sandwich was very flavorful. I enjoyed the bright taste of the pesto with the meaty mushrooms. The salad was also very good. Presented with the greens on top with corn and black beans on the bottom. The dressing was a lemon vignette that was a great contrast from the greens themselves. Overall, experience and food are a perfect way to eat delicious food with a rustic atmosphere.

    Side of Hardwood Smoked Bacon
    Jalexus H.

    Made a quick decision to eat at First watch on a Sunday. I love that you can put your name on the waitlist online. I'm not sure how effective it is but we never seem to wait long. I do feel like the servers are a little pushy to get everything put in but I think it's due to how long it takes the kitchen to prepare the food. I got my food and waited a good 10 minutes for my boyfriends food to come out. I didn't want to be rude and eat before he got his. Nonetheless, the food is always good! I also think it's worth signing up for their rewards program! You never know what coupons you may get.

    Frittata Rustica
    Faye Y.

    This is one of my fav go to brunch! I have been here about 5 times. My family and friends love it so its just an easy choice!

    Kevin T.

    First Watch never disappoints. The breakfast tacos were absolutely delicious. My waffle was cooked to perfection. We had some of the best service. My son got sick at the table and they promptly moved us to another table. Everyone was smiling and their energy was contagious. The bathroom was extremely clean. Definitely coming back here soon to try some additional items this summer.

    Stephanie S.

    We had a great experience here. Our server, Will, was excellent. He answered all of our questions, and even cracked a few jokes!! This First Watch is huge!! They have lots of seating, and it's spaced out well. We sat in a booth, but they also have tables. I tried one of their fall specials - honey bacon Brussels hash. It was a hash made of potatoes, brussel sprouts, bacon, onions, arugula, 2 eggs (your choice), and goat cheese. It was oh so yummy!! I also appreciate they had nondairy milk to go with my coffee. I also got a side of gluten-free French toast, and chicken sausage. We will definitely go back when in Birmingham!

    Andrea R.

    First watch provides lots of fresh, healthy options! The salmon eggs benedict was really good, but nothing spectacular. I would definitely come back, but may try something else! The ambiance was bright and welcoming, with a cozy yet modern vibe that made it a great spot for brunch. The service was also excellent and very attentive. Our food arrived quickly without any delays, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. Overall, it was a solid experience for a good, no-fuss brunch in a pleasant setting.

    Strawberry Tres Leche French Toast
    Linda R.

    First Watch is always a great place for breakfast. When our son is in town, it is always a go-to for us. On the weekends, it can be difficult to get into because the long wait. This time, we went on a Friday morning around 9:00 am, right after Christmas, and we were able to get a table immediately. If they are still on the menu, you have to try the gingerbread spiced doughnuts. You get a nice size order for around $6, and they come with a caramel dipping sauce as well as icing for dipping. They were absolutely delicious, and there was plenty to share between the three of us. My go-to breakfast is the Floridian French Toast. It is a thick-cut brioche bread with wheat germ and powdered cinnamon sugar, and they cover it with fresh bananas, kiwi, and strawberries. I prefer it over their other French toast option because it comes with fresh fruit.

    Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
    Ginger S.

    After a 5-mile walk, what a great way to start the day with delicious pancakes and parmesan cheese cream sauce on roasted potatoes. I could not finish all the food, so I had to get a bag, and they had a new drink. It's a dragon fruit with lemon that is so refreshing. The service at Vestavia is top-tier. You must stop by and see the staff. They were so friendly and pleasant, and the dining area had enough natural light.

    The Works burrito The Millionaire Bloody Mary Triathlete Omelet with fresh fruit  Honey Crunch Iced Coffee
    Brigette V.

    My husband and I were visiting the area for a wedding. We asked our hotel valet for a good breakfast restaurant and they recommended First Watch. We decided to give it a try since it was close. Let me tell you, he was RIGHT! My husband ordered The Works breakfast burrito and a side of cheese grits. I ordered the Triathlete Omelet and a Bloody Mary. Everything was DELICIOUS! Even the bottomless coffee and water! And I cannot complete this review without talking about our awesome server, Lyndsay! She was pleasant, engaging and gave great advice regarding our choices! It's a cozy family friendly restaurant that has a nice, diverse team and customers! If you're in the area, don't miss this amazing restaurant!

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    5 months ago

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    29 days ago

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    3 days ago

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    11 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    24 days ago

    Solid, kind and hard working staff. Food is plentiful and fairly priced. Feel comfortable and cared for. Food has great flavor

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    3 months ago

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    11 months ago

    The breakfast is very good. It's a really good breakfast place. Not expensive and the staff is very nice and attentive.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Great service. Great food. What more can I say. 85 characters is just too much. Some people just can rattle on about nothing.

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    3 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - First Watch

    I would like to know if u all could accommodate a small party of about 30 for brunch?

    They have an area where they can do small groups. I suggest calling them.

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    The Continental Bakery - Gingerbread Person

    The Continental Bakery

    4.3(208 reviews)
    3.5 mi
    $

    What a charming bakery/coffee shop in a super cute almost European nook in town. If you're…read morevisiting, I definitely recommend taking a drive to this area. Progressive area - Seems to be... There wasn't line when we got there but the crowd usually follows us for some reason so by the time we left there was standing room only and a line out the door. The bakery items were very fresh and tasty. I loved the Swedish gingerbread cookies - light and crisp. The lemon bar was delicious. They also have sandwiches that liked really good. Coffee - I got a vanilla latte extra sweet (no lavender) and my daughter said it was one of the best. I thought it was pretty good. I would go again when back in Birmingham!

    I often enjoy getting a pastry and a coffee here. I had a not so good experience last time but…read morewanted to try again. I was never greeted. More customers came in. The young girl making the coffee was loudly talking about someone who messed up their coffee order this morning and how frustrated she was. The only other employee was occupied with what seemed a large order of bread etc. When she finished what she was doing she looked at the now five customers, claustrophobically waiting, and said I'll be right back and disappeared. Leaving the one guy serving the one customer. It was 11:30 am on a rainy day. Figured I could do without a cream cheese croissant and coffee and left. Had already waited 5 as the only other person in there and did not want to wait another undetermined amount of time. I know one of the bakers. It's a shame the front has been so bad these last two times.

    Photos
    The Continental Bakery - Breads on offer. You can buy a quarter of one of those big sourdough breads

    Breads on offer. You can buy a quarter of one of those big sourdough breads

    The Continental Bakery - 1 chocolate chip, 1 peanut butter.

    1 chocolate chip, 1 peanut butter.

    The Continental Bakery

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    Pink Lantern - Vietnamese coffee with ube cold foam

    Pink Lantern

    4.6(40 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    This was my first time at this location, and as a newer transplant to Birmingham, I truly…read moreappreciated getting to experience such a cool spot. The decor is so fun. The hanging clouds, the purple mirror near the restrooms, the green stools... it all feels playful and inviting. And the fresh, dainty flowers at each table are such a beautiful touch. It's those little details that make the space feel extra special. I ordered the Iced Clouds Cold Foam with Vietnamese coffee. The foam was absolutely beautiful in the cup... not quite as beautiful once my straw made contact and it jumped onto my white shirt. We had a moment. Still worth it. I also had one of their cheese danishes, and let me just say... the best I've ever had. Light, flaky, buttery, with just the right touch of sweetness and powdered sugar. It didn't stand a chance. Danny and Green were amazing and provided such friendly, welcoming service. Truly delightful humans. I also love the concept of a coffee shop by morning and cocktail lounge by night. It's creative, fresh, and just makes sense. Definitely a place I'd love to come back to.

    This is one of the few places I've been to that matches perfectly the level of trendiness /…read moreuniqueness with quality of drinks. The interior is cute and fun, the service is great, but the drinks are also way above average. Vietnamese coffee is to die for and it's so good here. I also got a matcha and was very pleasantly surprised. I'm a big matcha drinker and have NEVER had a good matcha at a cafe until I tried it here. I didn't know the latte was sweetened by default, so that would be my only change next time. Definitely will be coming back!

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    Pink Lantern - Inside

    Inside

    Pink Lantern - Menu 11/14/25

    Menu 11/14/25

    Pink Lantern - UBE COLD FOAM COFFEE

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    UBE COLD FOAM COFFEE

    The Red Cat - Breakfast bowl

    The Red Cat

    4.3(233 reviews)
    4.9 mi
    $$

    Are you a cat lover? If so, you'll appreciate the playful vibe of this coffee shop -- even though…read morethere aren't actual cats roaming around, the café leans into a fun feline theme with lattes named after different cat breeds. Meow! We ordered the Abyssinian Latte with vanilla and cinnamon, and it was absolutely the bomb -- warm, smooth, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. The space itself is incredibly cozy and inviting. Colorful furniture, eclectic paintings, and musical instruments hanging on the walls give it a creative, artsy feel -- like they actually get used by a local band after hours. It has that relaxed coffeehouse charm where you could totally imagine Phoebe Buffay singing "Smelly Cat," yet it's also calm enough to have a real conversation or get a bit of work done on a laptop. Parking is street parking only, but we didn't have too much trouble finding a spot. They offer pastries and I noticed they also serve breakfast items, though we stopped in just for coffee this time. The shop was fairly full, which is always a good sign, but there were plenty of small tables that comfortably seat two to four people, so it never felt cramped. The baristas were super friendly and welcoming, adding to the overall positive vibe. My partner and I ended up lingering longer than planned while we talked through our day's plans -- always a sign of a great coffee spot. Warm atmosphere, delicious drinks, and kind staff make this an easy five-star experience. I'll definitely be back to try more of their cat-themed creations!

    I've been to the Railroad location before, but I was in the area and decided to try Red Cat…read moreCoffeehouse. Street parking was pretty easy to find, which was a plus. The space had a lot of people inside--many working or meeting up--so it had a lively, productive vibe. I ordered the superfood smoothie, which tasted good once I got it, but it did take a little while to come out. After ordering, I sat down for a minute before stepping out to the restroom, and it still wasn't ready for a bit when I returned. Overall, still a good experience and a nice spot to hang out, but the wait time was a bit longer than expected.

    Photos
    The Red Cat - Pastries

    Pastries

    The Red Cat - Breakfast bowl

    Breakfast bowl

    The Red Cat - 07/09/25

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    07/09/25

    Grounds

    Grounds

    4.7(15 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    I like the feel of this coffee shop, the menu was not very big but I think that is a positive I did…read morean iced latte with Sugar free vanilla and lavendar, with macadamia milk. (They only offer milk based milk options) The coffee itself had a good taste I do think I would have preferred just a regular iced coffee with the flavor but I know that for next time. I did enjoy being able to look at the offerings of the connected store (Basic.) they had many unique things for sell including clothing, shoes and various books. Tyler was great with helping make my selection of drink and I loved how patient he was with assisting on the order. The feel of the space was very comfortable and welcoming to creatives. I love the location and how it is in walking distance to so many things. Thankfully I was able to find a parking spot across the street and didn't have to pay to park. Basic. is the store sharing the space and it is nice to be able to browse their inventory while waiting for your drinks. They have some things that I have not seen anywhere else if I had to compare it to another store I would compare it to Earth Bound. Everything seemed to be environmentally conscious which is always nice to see.

    Every time I go to a new coffee shop in Birmingham I think: "wow! This is my favorite coffee shop…read moreyet!" Grounds did NOT disappoint and I have no idea why it took me so long to come here. It's located right along 2nd Ave amongst all of the restaurant hubbub. Street parking, but if you're willing to take a stroll for a couple blocks, it's easy. This is one of the busier coffee shops in town, I would advise against seeking silence here. It's a shared space with "basic," a vintage clothing and art retailer which has awesome things made by local people. The people that worked there were so friendly. I came because I had to get that crème brûlée latte. It did not disappoint. One of the most delicious coffee drinks I've had in a long time. It tasted like a hug, perfectly caramel sweet, and fun to drink. It's not often that coffee gets turned into an interactive experience. The pastries looks great. The couch in the front window looked like an awesome spot to post up with some buddies. There were plenty of tables and chairs to work at. I will most certainly be back.

    Photos
    Grounds
    Grounds
    Grounds

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    First Watch - breakfast_brunch - Updated May 2026

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