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Wilmington, NC

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First Watch

4.0 (115 reviews)
Closed • 7:00 am - 2:30 pm

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FIRST WATCH ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Outdoor seating
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - First Watch

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Menghai T.

I got the honey crunch iced coffee($6) and a biscuits and gravy ($13). Coffee was quite sweet and had a lot a of milk to coffee ratio. After adding more black coffee it helped balance the flavor. The potatoes had a good crispy skin but was a little too salty for my taste (still very good). The sausage gravy and biscuit tasted alright, nothing spectacular. Eggs were cooked to my requested order of over easy. Service and staff were reasonable given the brunch crowd. Overall it's an affordable and alright brunch spot. Not my first my pick but will get the job done. Food(50%): 6.0 Staff/service(25%): 7.0 Value(25%): 7.0 Overall: 6.5/10

Chimichurri Steak & Eggs Hash
Malcolm F.

Went to first watch for brunch and the food was excellent as usual. The waiting staff was great and the service was quick. Very inviting dining area for everyone. I had to new Chimichurri Steak & Egg Hash. It was soooo good. Might've been the best thing I've had at First Watch. The steaks tasted great along with the peppers and chimichurri had great flavor. I also had a pancake which was delicious as usual. A sweet pancake that is also huge. I also had a side of apple chicken sausage. Everything was excellent and i would highly recommend.

Honey Chipotle Chicken Hash and Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast
Nicholas C.

First watch, you never disappoint. If you are looking for a breakfast spot and you want quality food. This is the only place in Wilmington you should be going. The honey chipotle chicken has i got had every flavor and was amazing. A touch of spice with the quality of a nice heart breakfast. My wife got 2 pumpkin pancakes with chocolate chips and that was soft and warm with a great taste and nice sear to the pancake. This is a cute spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch and the atmosphere is also clean and inviting. The service team there is fast and efficient and they are all so nice! Will always come here for breakfast and need to try the lunch menu. This is also a locally sourced company!

Breakfast with my oldest girl!
Julie B.

I love coming here for breakfast. I often order the same thing (the BLT eggs Benedict) but I have tried several other items and my family has ate almost everything on the menu at one time or another (the lemon ricotta pancakes are great!). The restaurant can be a little noisy, but we sit outside when we can. The service is always great. I haven't had a bad waiter/waitress yet. Overall, I enjoy coming here.

Million dollar Bloody Mary shh I ate the bacon already lol
AJ S.

I added us to the waiting list online which worked perfectly! So this is something I do recommend to anyone wishing to come at high peak times Saturdays and Sundays. The food was just okay for me I wasn't impressed as I thought I'd be. Everyone is different with regard to palettes. We got the chorizo omelette which we was hoping for some chorizo in it. However, it sprinkling of chorizo( nonexistent, lol). The inside is industrial and farm-to-table style. The pricing was on par because it's fresh. It's worth a try if you haven't been.

Hardly any salmon on the benedict for $15ish. Heavily salted potatos.
Jason C.

First time visiting. We ordered the french toast with a side of bacon, the smoked salmon eggs benedict, a side of the million-dollar bacon, cranberry juice, and a honey caramel crunch coffee for $50 (20% tip included). Pros: Fast friendly service Clean and inviting Vast menu Delicious french toast Cons: Salty salty salty potatos The hollandaise sauce had too much lemon Scarce salmon on the benedict (did not mirror their advertised picture) The honey caramel crunch iced coffee was too sweet On the fence: The price for limited salmon and $6 for a side of bacon. We will return for another visit. I love eggs benedict but their did not hit the mark. I will try something different.

Menu
Daniela R.

After a long trip, we decided that we had to stop here for brunch. I loved the amount of windows, giving it a bright natural light. The decor was really fitting to its farm-to-table style. The food was good and it was a slightly more elevated breakfast. With that in mind, this wouldn't be my first choice for a kids breakfast. We don't drink often, and especially not for breakfast or brunch. First Watch does definitely have a larger selection of alcoholic beverages though, which I'm sure has something for anyone looking for a boozy brunch. Lol! The restaurant is a little pricier for a little more sophisticated food, but offers a few menu items you won't really find anywhere else, so definitely worth dropping by. Service was prompt and we even saw the staff assisting elderly in and out. All around a good experience, probably just better suited for someone else. 9/10

Frittata rustica
Wendy P.

This fast casual chain is a solid choice for breakfast and lunch. They have a lot of options to choose from and the quality of the food is always solid. A little salty sometimes but overall good. The decor here is light and airy and reflects the local beach life personality. The service is good. Although sometimes I feel rushed here. I get it. I understand the need to turn over tables. But when it's not busy, don't rush me to pay the check. I like to sit and talk and enjoy my meal. The coffee is not good here. No espresso drinks. But the smoothies and juices are fantastic.

Laura H.

We came from out of town to visit and what a great spot we discovered ! For a quick stop for brunch on Sunday for both occasions I will say do expect to wait for a seat because it does get very busy! The first time around I had their carnitas burrito and that thing was huge and filling ! But so tasty and definitely recommend if you're famished. The second time I had I believe their Tri- fecta and hubby had the Traditional Breakfast. Can't go wrong with either all options were delicious & didn't disappoint! For portions wise I will say the second time around I wish I had ordered something more filling but the French toast to the bacon & even the new lavender lemonade I'm glad we got a gave it a shot all very yummy!

First stop in our new home
Jennifer S.

Our fist place we ate ate once we moved here. Quick little breakfast that was nice. Didn't have to much for those with restrictions but we made due. I like it when they arise to the challenge of me saying being me your favorite(when i don't like to chose)

Carrot cake pancake and The Works omelette
Katie T.

After fruitlessly driving around to three different spots looking for brunch, my friend and I put our name in at First Watch (We did the put your name on the list ahead of time option). It was very breezy that day, but we were starving and chose to sit on the patio so we could go ahead and eat instead of waiting longer. Waverly was our waitress and was super friendly, helpful and nice. I ordered The Works omelet, a side of grits (these were so so) and a carrot cake pancake. The pancake was definitely the best part! My friend enjoyed her ham and gruyere omelet too.

Spring 2023 Menu
Heather O.

Oh my goodness they've done it again! When you already have one of the freshest menus in town and you make your avocado toast insanely next level by adding lump crab meat and pickled onions!!!! WOW. I added hot sauce and DAMN! Talk about a flavor explosion. Oh yeah, it also comes with two poached eggs that are cooked to perfection and I have no love for eggs, but these I ate right up!! Dipping my toast in the yolk til it was all gone. The new spring menu is out and I haven't worked my way through it yet. But I will and I totally suggest you do the same!

Traditional breakfast with toast

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Reviews are generally positive. Many highlight the quality and variety of food, friendly and attentive staff, and a clean, inviting space.

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6 years ago

Second time eating here for Sunday breakfast. Waverly was a phenomenal waitress. Food was fantastic. Will be back again next Sunday!

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6 years ago

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6 years ago

Really enjoyed to bowl I had. Was my first trip to this spot. Doing a good job with Covid distancing etc

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4 years ago

Very very nice place to eat! Its a little busy at times but SUPER GOOD! I recommend going here for breakfast!

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5 years ago

Great food even better service! Taylor was awesome! Looking forward to my next visit.

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6 years ago

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4 years ago

Good service. Good gluten free options. I wish they were open just a little longer but good is great!

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6 years ago

First time here and it was amazing, Kelsey recommended the lemon ricotta pancakes and they did not disappoint!

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4 years ago

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6 years ago

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5 years ago

Came to breakfast this morning and had some amazing french toast! Addi was such a sweet server and was so so great!

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6 years ago

Kelsie took excellent care of my friends and I at brunch today! Very tentative and kind and answered all of our questions!

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6 years ago

Kelsie did an awesome job serving my friends and I for brunch today. 10/10 we will be back again!!

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5 years ago

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6 years ago

Have eaten here several times for breakfast and lunch and like it very much. Kelsey is a great server!

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6 years ago

Food was great. Our waitress Kelsie was awesome! Excellent service with a smile! Will be back soon.

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6 years ago

Best water I've ever had no joke taste like it came straight from a spring in Fiji. Sweet tea good too.

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4 years ago

awesome service!!! our waitress was so friendly and the food was FRESH! definitely coming back again!

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6 years ago

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Brunches - Blueberry orange French toast

Brunches

4.2(276 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$

Great place to eat. Menu has a good variety of appetizers, breakfast and lunch items to choose from…read morehowever, the descriptions all sound very good so it's difficult to choose. Their burritos are hardy, buffalo chicken sandwich is great as well as the TAB sandwich. We Look forward to going back and trying other entrées. They are dog friendly; you do have to sit in the exterior patio. I would suggest them adding an exterior fans if they continue to not offer umbrellas on their tables.

Tried here twice when they first opened and after the second time, I swore I would never go back…read more This morning, Drift WB was closed and the line was too long at blueberry Grill so we decided to give Brunches a shot again. If I knew then what I know now, I would've just gone hungry. I got the Avocado toast on sourdough. Great in concept but poorly executed. Way too much balsamic vinegar. Also, Pepperidge farm white bread is not sour dough. We also got the Power bowl which had sweet potatoes. however, they were out of sweet potatoes so the other only other option was tots. No home fries or hashbrowns. It looked like they cut up small shriveled frozen turkey sausage into pieces and then fry it around in a pan and added it on top. We also have the eggs Benedict. Could only eat half. Had all the ingredients of an egg Benedict, but it was just mediocre at best. Service, small things like busing the table. If a customer puts their trash at the end of the table take it away with you so it doesn't have to sit in the table the entire time. Cleanliness, if you're a manager or you own this place, take a look around. You have never dusted. It's disgusting to look at things all around you that have coats of dust on them. If you're looking for a place to get plastered on a Sunday morning and you don't care about food, this seems like a great spot for you. If you remotely care about taste of food and quality of food, there's a dozen other places that you could go to.

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Brunches
Brunches - Chicken & Waffle Shot

Chicken & Waffle Shot

Brunches - New seltzers

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New seltzers

True Blue Butcher and Table - Steak frites

True Blue Butcher and Table

4.1(354 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$

Wow! I am super impressed. This place ranks a top Wilmington dinning experience in my books. I'm…read morenot a huge meat eater but my dad is on the carnivore diet and wanted to go somewhere that serves quality meats. I got the 8oz filet with a side of bone marrow, and boy was that an excellent choice! it was cooked perfectly! Needless to say everyone enjoyed the entire meal. The service was impeccable. Very sweet and attentive! The atmosphere with the low light, candle lit tables and good tunes was a whole vibe. If you are looking for a nice dinner that makes the whole family happy, I would definitely check out this place!!

We've been here quite a few times, and the service has definitely fluctuated depending on the…read morevisit. When it's just been my husband and I, the experience has usually been really good. When we've come with friends or larger groups, the service has been much more mediocre. The first time we visited, one of the waitresses was surprisingly rude when I asked about vegetarian options. All she said was "salad," despite there being multiple salads (2 out of the 3) on the menu, including a Caesar with anchovy and a wedge salad with bacon. Thankfully, another staff member stepped in and was much more helpful and respectful. I'm not sure why vegetarian requests are sometimes treated like an inconvenience or unusual concept. I'm married to a huge meat eater and enjoy going to places he likes, but I do wish vegetarian guests were met with a little more patience and understanding. Especially when I am the one paying the bill. The atmosphere is loud and busy, but they are generally accommodating. For larger parties, they require a credit card to hold the reservation and give a limited grace period, with a fee of around $15 per person for no-shows. I understand why restaurants have policies like this, but it felt a little unfair considering we still had to wait around 15-20 minutes past our reservation time to be seated. If guests are expected to strictly follow time slots, I think the restaurant should also try to hold themselves to those same standards. It also took close to two hours for our food to come out, and we repeatedly had to ask for smaller things like water or hot sauce. I completely understand that larger parties can take longer, but we were a group of seven, which didn't seem unusually large. Overall, the food and atmosphere keep us coming back, but the consistency in service could definitely be improved.

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True Blue Butcher and Table
True Blue Butcher and Table
True Blue Butcher and Table - A picture or the true blue butcher & table and some editing

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A picture or the true blue butcher & table and some editing

Amanecer Cocina & Café - Gordon - Volcano Chilaquiles

Amanecer Cocina & Café - Gordon

4.8(34 reviews)
1.5 mi

While visiting Wilmington, N.C. for my sister's birthday, I was fortunate enough to eat breakfast…read moreat Amanecer. This is an adorable Mexican breakfast place, with an extensive menu covering savory and sweet. They also have great coffee drinks. Our server was Anderson and he was simply amazing. Super attentive, and remembered little details, e.g. My nephew had quickly finished a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and he asked for the next one to not come out until his breakfast came, and it came out seconds before food did. The portion sizes were amazing and this food was fresh and absolutely delicious. I had the chilaquiles tradicionales and cleaned my plate. My husband had huevos rancheros and my sister had the volcano breakfast served in a hot, volcanic rock bowl. Everyone in our party loved their meal and we had the most amazing and attentive service. At the end of the meal, they brought out a tres leches pancake, and all sang happy birthday to my sister. And even though we were so full from our meals, we could not resist eating that pancake! This is such a fun, happy and cozy place to eat. The staff were stellar. Those who live in this area, are very lucky to have a breakfast place like this. I look forward to coming back.

I really enjoyed brunch at Amanecer Cocina & Café - Gordon! The chilaquiles were really good, and I…read moreloved that they had different types of chilaquiles to choose from. The pancakes were also amazing, and their mimosa flight was one of my favorite parts of the experience. I also love that it's Latino-owned because I feel like Wilmington doesn't have a lot of brunch spots offering this type of vibe and menu. The whole atmosphere was really nice and felt like such a vibe inside. I did have to wait about 15-20 minutes, but it was a Sunday brunch rush so it definitely made sense. The staff was very attentive and friendly the whole time, and overall the service was great. Definitely a spot I'd recommend for brunch!

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Amanecer Cocina & Café - Gordon - Inside

Inside

Amanecer Cocina & Café - Gordon
Amanecer Cocina & Café - Gordon - Inside

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Inside

The Donut Inn - Everything Bagel

The Donut Inn

4.5(228 reviews)
1.0 mi
•$

Very Good's doughnuts and great service. It's also a great cup of coffee! We go there to the…read moreCoastal Carolina Church and often stop there for coffee, donuts, and their service is great!

I've only been here once -- Sunday of Memorial Day weekend -- and unfortunately it wasn't the best…read moreexperience. First off, by the time we arrived around 10am, they only had a few donuts left. Honestly, I wouldn't necessarily count that against them because it may just be a sign that the donuts are really popular. They were completely sold out by 10:30, though, so definitely come early if donuts are your priority. We were lucky enough to grab a strawberry donut and a half dozen munchies, and the donuts themselves were GREAT! I ordered a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on an Asiago bagel. The flavors were good, but the bagel was a little too crunchy which made it difficult to eat. If I went again, I'd probably either get the Asiago bagel with cream cheese or stick to a plain bagel for the sandwich. My daughter ordered the bacon, lettuce, and pimento cheese biscuit, but they were out of biscuits so she switched to a bagel instead. Unfortunately, they forgot the bacon entirely, which was pretty disappointing since that's a major part of the sandwich. My other daughter ordered the Baja breakfast burrito with salsa on the side, but the salsa was put directly on the burrito. To their credit, they did offer to remake it, but we had already been waiting about 20 minutes so we decided to just keep it. Oddly, we still had to wait another 7 minutes after that for our food. Overall, the donuts were excellent, but between the long wait, several order issues, and limited availability, it just wasn't a place I'd personally go back to.

Photos
The Donut Inn - Seating inside

Seating inside

The Donut Inn - Everything bagel with cream cheese

Everything bagel with cream cheese

The Donut Inn - Great variety of donuts with even a featured donut that changes

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Great variety of donuts with even a featured donut that changes

First Watch - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

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