Uggghhhh... The difference in food and service is shocking compared to their other location south by the sarasota square mall. 1 bad meal and service could be a fluke but now 3 times iv have questionable food and service. -Walk In the door and young male manager is playing grab ass with the waitress and fails to notice me.. sit and wait. Order Benedict with avocado on the side, 20 minutes later in a not so busy morning (& without being offered water) my eggs come out with bread burnt, eggs watery to the point of basically raw, and avocados on it instead of on the side.. go to take the avocados off and see why the have decided to completely cover them up...they are all disgustingly brown and spoiled. YUUUUCK... sorry, really like your other locations but this one downtown needs a serious management cleaning.
(1)
Mike R.
Well the wife and I have been coming to First Watch for years, in many locations. We enjoy the food, and the servers are always pleasant, but I'm left wondering about the cleanliness of this location, the bathrooms are always gross, and there are gnats/drain flies always hovering around the table. Will probably stick to the Lakewood Ranch location, but will still come to this one if pancakes are desperately needed.
(3)
Russ W.
Outstanding Breakfast. Third Watch has a very healthy as well as very unhealthy, the choice is yours. I had the Tri Athlete omelette with English muffin and fresh fruit. I will be back tomorrow for another.
(5)
Justin S.
Walking around Downtown Sarasota, we were going by First Watch one evening and I glanced at their menu posted out front even though they were already closed (they're only open for breakfast and lunch). I noticed that on the menu, there was a disclaimer about their pancakes being "very big," and this piqued my interest. You can order the pancakes there individually, in orders of one, two or three. The next morning, we returned, and I proceeded to try to order three pancakes (I figured "How big could they be, right?"). As I tried to order, the waitress said "Are you sure you want to do that? I've never seen anyone finish three pancakes here." Reluctantly, I lowered my order to two, and boy was I glad that I did. We actually ended up going twice in four days because breakfast here was so good. They have a few different types of pancakes, french toast, eggs/omelets and that sort of thing. The first time I went, I tried the banana granola pancakes which were amazing (and HUGE as in the size of a regular plate). The second time, I tried one blueberry and one chocolate chip pancake. I have to say that the blueberry one was the best of them all, although they were all really good. My friend had the french toast the first time we went and it looked good, although I would probably just keep ordering the pancakes here. They serve coffee in pots for the table, so you get a lot and can help yourself. Best of all, the prices are extremely reasonable. Service was prompt and friendly, and we didn't incur a wait either time we went. Overall, an excellent choice for a good American breakfast if you're in the area.
(5)
William B.
In this review I give First Watch a 2 star rating based on some very basic restaurant rules. The wait staff should always bring you water, or at least offer it. Ours did not. The food should be delivered in a timely manner, ours was not. My dish was missing the most critical component for a breakfast dish. My eggs! She took my dish and said she would take care of it. Now here is where things should have gone differently, when there is a mistake in the kitchen, and you have a customer waiting on their food. The dish should jump to the front of the line to make sure that the customer does not receive the food back after his or her friends or family are already done eating. I was in this place for 1 hour and 15 minutes total. Judging by the low yelp reviews, I would suggest going somewhere that cares about the customers. Thanks for ruining my morning!
(2)
Pandora S.
The last few times I have visited this restaurant the quality in food and service has declined. The food has been greasy, quantity has decreased, and today the hollandaise sauce was so salty it was hardly edible. Once our food came to our table, we never saw the waitress again until she brought the check. I plan to seek out other breakfast venues and not return to this restaurant.
(2)
Dawn D.
Went for Sunday brunch at 10:30. We were seated quickly and service was friendly & professional. Food was excellent. I had sauteed mushroom caps with scrambled eggs & breakfast potatoes, and hubbie had the Chickachanga. Prices were very reasonable. Definitely recommend.
(5)
Shellie E.
Always yummy and service is superb!
(5)
Darcy S.
Horrible food, terrible service. The eggs had no flavor and portions were small. I do not recommend!
(1)
Beginning P.
Ordered triathlete breakfast, ham and eggs, and kids hammwich. Ham in hammwich was too salty. Triathlete omelette had very few ingredients. Salsa was from a can like Pace Picante. Give you a carafe of coffee but it's bitter. Great service.
(1)
Brian C.
Carrot Cake Pancakes!!! Amazing when your hungover
(5)
Emily G.
I love this place because it has such a classy feel to it yet it is very inexpensive. The food is always amazing and the service is always good. My only complaint is that the wait staff can be on the slow side, even when you are the only person in the entire resturaunt.
(4)
Erin O.
I understand that it's difficult to knock one's socks off when it comes to breakfast food, but I was very excited about dining at First Watch. The locals seemed to love it. We had eaten at Word of Mouth for breakfast the day before, so I suppose the bar was set high. One Saturday morning my fiance and I left our hotel (which served free continental breakfast) for some breakfast downtown. The wait was not long - fifteen minutes - and it was fun people-watching. The complimentary coffee was nice, too. You could tell this was a local hot-spot for coffee and eggs. I ordered the avocado, bacon, and tomato skillet along with a side of blueberry pancakes. My boyfriend got the Eggs Benedict and shared my pancakes with me. The skillet was wonderful - but as always, could have used more of the good stuff, notably avocado. No points off for that. The fruit bowl was, however, extremely tiny - I was a bit surprised. But what can you expect for a breakfast under $7? The pancakes, by the way, were not the best. I am a pancake connoisseur, and these pancakes failed my pancake test. They also were not stuffed with blueberries, how blueberry pancakes should be, in my opinion. However, if you enjoy their pancakes, you're in luck because they're huge. This place was above average, but only by a smidge. I would have given it 6.5 out of 10, if possible. Stop by and visit if you're looking for a simply good breakfast. The prices are fair and everything is fresh.
(4)
Denise N.
Great breakfast and lunch place. It is just what you hope to find when looking for a good place to have breakfast on vacation. The Floridan French toast is highly recommended. Coffee is great too.
(4)
John M.
Probably my favorite meal in Sarasota. The atmosphere was great, the service was exceptional, the price was fair, the coffee was strong, and a carafe on every table and the food was very good. What's not to love???
(5)
Thomas G.
The power wrap is a great way to start the day. They actually give you s whole pot of coffee! Love this place.
(5)
Carlos C.
Today we visited FirstWatch for our post Valentine's Day brunch! It was delicious; we ordered trifecta and the portions were big! I also had a side of their potatoes and they were great! First watch was a great spot! Quick and awesome service in a cool little downtown area! THE HAVE THE BEST BACON EVER!
(5)
Aran G.
This is an excellent place for breakfast, and the staff here are wonderful. I go almost every Sunday and the staff remembers me and what I like! If you've never been to a First Watch, you will love the menu and the food.
(5)
Meghan R.
I love First Watch so when we were in town for the Sarasota Half Marathon (that is sponsored by First Watch) brunch there after the race we a no brainer. We knew we would have to wait where ever we went, so we just decided to just go with what we knew. Plus it was like a block from the parking garage I was parked in, so that made it even a better choice in my mind :) We had to wait a bit, but not as long as I figured. We all sat on the sidewalk outside and enjoyed resting our legs for a bit and updating social media (its what happens when a bunch of bloggers get together). When we were finally seated they put us in the back of the side room. How did they know that we were loud and that was a good idea? The hostess was great and brought us coffee right away even though it wasn't technically her job. Most of us had been up, without caffeine, since at least 4 am and really needed some go juice. Service was great as always and our food was out in no time at all. I know they are usually speedy, but I was really surprised that everything came out as fast as it did. I order the Key West CrepeEggs (like I always do) and was happy as usual. It was just the right amount of food for my empty post-race tummy. My only complaint was that I ordered iced green tea and was never offered a refill, even though they came by to bring more water and coffee a couple of times. I guess I could have asked but every time I noticed my glass was empty the waiter had just walked away.
(4)
Ashley T.
we went here because we were in town visiting my in-laws and they go every sunday. there was a little wait, maybe 15-20 minutes. not too bad at all for a packed house. we had some time to look over the menu and i was so excited to see that they had healthy options like avocado and quinoa on their menu. you don't see that too often where we live. i was on the fence between the eggs benedict florentine or just the traditional two egg breakfast with avocado instead of the meat. i ended up ordering the eggs benedict florentine because it just sounded delicious. it came with two poached eggs, spinach, tomato, avocado, and hollandaise over a split english muffin with a side of breakfast potatoes. i opted for the tomatoes on the side. i'm no chef or anything but my homemade hollandaise trumps their hollandaise. like by a long shot. theirs tasted more like gravy from a can than actual fresh hollandaise. that was really disappointing because it was so rich and didn't taste like a traditional hollandaise and it covered everything! the potatoes were just alright to me but my husband really liked them. he also got the greek omelet and said he really liked it as well. my mother-in-law got the cinnybun pancake special... it was heavenly and should be added to the regular menu!! it needs no syrup. just the delicious swirl of cinnamon throughout and the cream cheese frosting! the only reason i didn't order it was a) it was probably 729171719 calories for the entire thing and b) i was really looking forward to a delicious egg breakfast! too bad! not my favorite place and i'm only rating it 3 stars instead of 2 because of the daily special pancake and because my husband seemed to enjoy his breakfast.
(3)
Victoria G.
Good place to have breakfast or lunch. Menu has a good choice and everything we ordered tasted good. Good friendly service.
(4)
Tim R.
The First Watch is now a corporate chain, a fact which pretty much completes the circle of standardized menus, standardized service and standardized character. None of which is meant as specific criticism. As long as the standards are high and maintained, there's a place for knowing precisely what your dining experience will be before you walk in the door. And we're a nation of people who (mostly) are in love with such an ideal. On a Monday morning, this downtown Sarasota outpost of the FW empire lived up to expectation. Previous Yelp!ers tell of variable food quality and quantity, but I imagine much of that inconsistency is gone. At least it should be, with the current ownership. Our food was of a quality commensurate with the price and the service was acceptable. It's breakfast: for thirteen dollars, decide for yourself. More interesting is the consideration of specific aspects of the experience. Firstly, everything in FOH looked spotless. Presumably, the kitchen is likewise. Good. Secondly, the wait staff, while mostly young, were immaculately groomed. Good again, although the act of grooming also apparently removed any essence of character. Think friendly but detached. Not so good. Thirdly, there's a certain soullessness that inhabits this place. This, of course, is the downside of distant owners and service manuals as mentors. What we know as 'ownership' of customers' experience (and food prep too) is removed from individuals, replaced with binders of rules and clearly defined behavior. Note: I don't know any of this as a fact - but it sure looks and feels like it. Fourthly, the individual tables at the front of the dining room are very well spaced. If you have a business breakfast or lunch meeting, this would be an excellent choice. Avoid the booths at the rear: they're somewhat cheaply built and too neighborly for me. Fifthly, we cannot escape a breakfast review without discussing coffee. Here, one receives a carafe of coffee. That's good because it means you pour at your own speed, and reduces "top-up" time for wait staff. But the coffee is insufficiently strong, for me. That's not a criticism, merely an acknowledgment that not all tastes will be served. Predictability is the name of the game here. I'd award three point five stars if able, but figure three won't stop anyone going.
(3)
Carolyn K.
I am pregnant and have crazy cravings for their multi grain pancakes and their pesto quinoa bowl. Their orange juice has lots of pulp and their coffee is nice and strong. Everything I have tried here I have liked. The Greek fetish omelet is very good. Iced green tea! YUM
(5)
Nanci C.
I am REALLY late in the game on this one. Yesterday was my first visit to First Watch for breakfast and now I understand what I've been missing out on. A group of us went after running the Sarasota Half Marathon and it was amazing. We had a group of 10 and there was a wait, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We had a nice big table and the service was wonderful - and crazy fast! I ordered the Avocado, Bacon, and Tomato Hash. It was every bit as delicious as it sounded. Now I can't wait to go to the Clearwater location!
(5)
Peter D.
Great service as usual. First Watch restaurants all seem to do a consistent job with food prep as well as service and hospitality. Pancakes are always huge so order a little less than you think!
(4)
Christine G.
I have been looking for a decent place to have Sunday breakfast for a while now and I think I have finally found it. My husband and I went on Sunday morning and got lucky to get parking right out front which is no easy feat in downtown Sarasota. We were greeted very warmly at the front door. There was a slight wait since they were already doing a brisk Sunday morning business. To the side of the front desk they offer complimentary coffee and newspapers while you wait. There is plenty of comfortable seating for you as well. Both my husband and I noted that everyone was hustling in there. Not a single employee could be seen standing around doing nothing. Once we were seated our server immediately came to the table to take our drink order and promptly brought us our own carafe of coffee and pitcher of ice water. The selections for breakfast were standard as far as they offer omelets, pancakes, belgian waffles. They also offer "lighter" fare such as egg white omelets, their own store made granola, low fat yogurt and various fresh fruits. My husband went with the traditional breakfast of two eggs, sausage links, potatoes and english muffin. I had "the works" omelet that had sausage, ham, onions, peppers, cheese served with potatoes and an english muffin. Our food came out quickly considering how busy they were. I was very happy with the food as well as the service. Now I just have to decide if I want the pancakes or the waffle next time I go!
(4)
Vera H.
Very consistently yummy. Boyfriend and I love going there for our breakfast dates! Ingredients are fresh, and I would recommend any of the hashes. Plus, on your way out, you can pick up their homemade granola, which is amazing.
(4)
Leigh L.
Very very nice place Great food very reasonable $8-10. Fresh local ingredient fast friendly service If I lived 2500km closer this would be my new local fav Stop by and enjoy if your in the area
(4)
Mike B.
Wow. What a disappointment! I once loved First Watch. My first experience was in Cincinnati between 1993 and 1996. Then again in Naples, FL in 1998 and 1999. The food this time was such a disappointment. We ordered eggs Benedict and an omelette. Should have ordered pancakes. The hollandaise was flavorless (jar/mix?) and the tomato must be a regional thing. It didn't work for me. The coffee is still good though.
(3)
Vicky G.
I love this restaurant. For years, every winter we would go visit my grandparents in Florida and every trip we would go to the First Watch for breakfast. The crepes are awesome, the eggs benedict is awesome, the pancakes are awesome. The atmosphere is great. Did i mention I love this place?
(5)
Trent E.
As usual, A great breakfast and great service. We had a large group of about 19 people for our breakfast meeting and got great service. Usually a large group gets less than stellar service at restaurant. Not this time! :)
(4)
Aileen W.
always crowded for breakfast and brunch. We took our old parents and all servers are VERY patient and nice to them:) I like their soup and sandwich set. Tomato basil soup is always good, No.5 salad has oriental flavor and it is my favorite!
(4)
Morgan R.
First watch serves an adequate breakfast, but it has a sterile chain-like feel As friendly as the staff is, this is a place with little soul. The bench seats and table could be at any mall, the decor is yellow and late-American standard rather than interesting. The omelets and eggs were cooked properly, the pancakes were pancakes, the bacon came crispy as asked. But the home-fried potatoes were standard (as in from a factory that ships the prep work all done in advance). The sausages were uninspired (hot-dog like). The juices were not fresh, they were bottled or from concentrate. The toast was standard store bread. In short nothing special or of high quality. It really lacked character. They did seem to cater to seniors with egg-substitute and a staff that understood about hearing issues and other senior friendly details. It's there, the food is perfectly edible, but I was uninspired by it. There's nothing intimate about it, nor is the quality really there. If you need food as fuel, it's fine. If you want to go out for breakfast and really enjoy it, go somewhere else.
(3)
Laslo H.
Another consistent breakfast/lunch. Beefeater for me with a cup of tomato soup. As always, hot, fast, fresh and delicious. Service friendly, attentive and efficient.
(5)
Taylor S.
Ate here with my husband and two small children. They were accommodating for the kids, which is always nice, and the food was pretty tasty! The restaurant is clean and the wait staff is polite. I'll be back.
(4)
Jane D.
I have to admit-- I went to First Watch not based on Yelp reviews or convenience, but rather because there was a string of comments posted in the Food/Hospitality jobs section of Craigslist about the hiring practices of this restaurant chain. The comments basically said don't bother applying for a job if you aren't a young pretty girl. Hmmm... I was intriqued since every hash slinging joint I have ever visited had at least one old bag with dyed red hair, a career server named Madge or Susan straight out of Central Casting. Well, the comments posted on Craigslist were correct, there wasn't a server on duty over the age of 30. Stepford Restaurant. There was a guy, though, so pretty girls and one token beefcake server to be eye candy for the little old ladies coming from their million dollar Sarasota condos to have breakfast. Oh, wait, this is supposed to be a food review, so let's review the food. I ordered an interesting sounding dish that was Quinoa, a grilled chicken breast, dried cherries, goat cheese and some spinach. There was some weird gravy on this platter, a gravy that tasted like it was straight out of a can. The gravy was totally out of place and a direct contradiction to what otherwise would have been a healthy dish. I also did not care for the chicken breast at all because it tasted like every faux piece of rubber chicken served at just about every restaurant everywhere now. The kind of chicken breast with air bubbles in it, even though the menu specified it was a wholesome free range chicken that had a great life, a Soylent Green drive-in death show of idyllic farm scenes the chicken enjoyed before getting its head lopped off for this dining excursion. I felt morally superior going in to my day with hearty healthy Quinoa under my belt. The service was lacking. Stepford Server disappeared for minutes on end and left an empty water glass I had perched right on the edge of the table as a clue to a refill, but she walked by several times without offering to refill it or let me know why my order was apparently consumed by some contraption in the kitchen and would be delayed. It took a different Stepford Server to notice the empty glass and refill it. It annoys me to no end when simple things like refilling a drink or letting me know how long the food is going to be go left undone when the restaurant isn't busy. I think there were about 5-6 occupied tables when I was at this restaurant. There was a lot of construction going on out on the street in front of it and I think that effected the number of diners. I think the service should be spectacular when there are that few tables to service spread among several servers. Instead, I think it led to some huddle somewhere where phones were checked and texts were being sent instead of focusing on the job at hand. It is time for this restaurant chain to consider the older worker if this service is any indication. Servers actually serve, not just when the mood strikes them, but all the time. I think that part goes missing if a place is stealhily trying to be the Hooter's of the breakfast crowd while also trying to maintain a veneer of respectability that it is all about the food and freshness. It wasn't particularly fresh or particularly good-- it wasn't bad, either, but it was just 'eh' and a little bit pricy for a bowl of 'eh'. It seems cynical to me to think an attractive looking waitstaff will make up for a lack of actual serving skills or mediocre food. This seems to me to be a recipe for a decline in repeat business, but maybe the fact the location is in a spot that will always get tourists has been factored in and banking on that instead of better food or better service is the corporate template this particular chain has chosen to follow.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Street Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Mario V.
Uggghhhh... The difference in food and service is shocking compared to their other location south by the sarasota square mall. 1 bad meal and service could be a fluke but now 3 times iv have questionable food and service. -Walk In the door and young male manager is playing grab ass with the waitress and fails to notice me.. sit and wait. Order Benedict with avocado on the side, 20 minutes later in a not so busy morning (& without being offered water) my eggs come out with bread burnt, eggs watery to the point of basically raw, and avocados on it instead of on the side.. go to take the avocados off and see why the have decided to completely cover them up...they are all disgustingly brown and spoiled. YUUUUCK... sorry, really like your other locations but this one downtown needs a serious management cleaning.
(1)Mike R.
Well the wife and I have been coming to First Watch for years, in many locations. We enjoy the food, and the servers are always pleasant, but I'm left wondering about the cleanliness of this location, the bathrooms are always gross, and there are gnats/drain flies always hovering around the table. Will probably stick to the Lakewood Ranch location, but will still come to this one if pancakes are desperately needed.
(3)Russ W.
Outstanding Breakfast. Third Watch has a very healthy as well as very unhealthy, the choice is yours. I had the Tri Athlete omelette with English muffin and fresh fruit. I will be back tomorrow for another.
(5)Justin S.
Walking around Downtown Sarasota, we were going by First Watch one evening and I glanced at their menu posted out front even though they were already closed (they're only open for breakfast and lunch). I noticed that on the menu, there was a disclaimer about their pancakes being "very big," and this piqued my interest. You can order the pancakes there individually, in orders of one, two or three. The next morning, we returned, and I proceeded to try to order three pancakes (I figured "How big could they be, right?"). As I tried to order, the waitress said "Are you sure you want to do that? I've never seen anyone finish three pancakes here." Reluctantly, I lowered my order to two, and boy was I glad that I did. We actually ended up going twice in four days because breakfast here was so good. They have a few different types of pancakes, french toast, eggs/omelets and that sort of thing. The first time I went, I tried the banana granola pancakes which were amazing (and HUGE as in the size of a regular plate). The second time, I tried one blueberry and one chocolate chip pancake. I have to say that the blueberry one was the best of them all, although they were all really good. My friend had the french toast the first time we went and it looked good, although I would probably just keep ordering the pancakes here. They serve coffee in pots for the table, so you get a lot and can help yourself. Best of all, the prices are extremely reasonable. Service was prompt and friendly, and we didn't incur a wait either time we went. Overall, an excellent choice for a good American breakfast if you're in the area.
(5)William B.
In this review I give First Watch a 2 star rating based on some very basic restaurant rules. The wait staff should always bring you water, or at least offer it. Ours did not. The food should be delivered in a timely manner, ours was not. My dish was missing the most critical component for a breakfast dish. My eggs! She took my dish and said she would take care of it. Now here is where things should have gone differently, when there is a mistake in the kitchen, and you have a customer waiting on their food. The dish should jump to the front of the line to make sure that the customer does not receive the food back after his or her friends or family are already done eating. I was in this place for 1 hour and 15 minutes total. Judging by the low yelp reviews, I would suggest going somewhere that cares about the customers. Thanks for ruining my morning!
(2)Pandora S.
The last few times I have visited this restaurant the quality in food and service has declined. The food has been greasy, quantity has decreased, and today the hollandaise sauce was so salty it was hardly edible. Once our food came to our table, we never saw the waitress again until she brought the check. I plan to seek out other breakfast venues and not return to this restaurant.
(2)Dawn D.
Went for Sunday brunch at 10:30. We were seated quickly and service was friendly & professional. Food was excellent. I had sauteed mushroom caps with scrambled eggs & breakfast potatoes, and hubbie had the Chickachanga. Prices were very reasonable. Definitely recommend.
(5)Shellie E.
Always yummy and service is superb!
(5)Darcy S.
Horrible food, terrible service. The eggs had no flavor and portions were small. I do not recommend!
(1)Beginning P.
Ordered triathlete breakfast, ham and eggs, and kids hammwich. Ham in hammwich was too salty. Triathlete omelette had very few ingredients. Salsa was from a can like Pace Picante. Give you a carafe of coffee but it's bitter. Great service.
(1)Brian C.
Carrot Cake Pancakes!!! Amazing when your hungover
(5)Emily G.
I love this place because it has such a classy feel to it yet it is very inexpensive. The food is always amazing and the service is always good. My only complaint is that the wait staff can be on the slow side, even when you are the only person in the entire resturaunt.
(4)Erin O.
I understand that it's difficult to knock one's socks off when it comes to breakfast food, but I was very excited about dining at First Watch. The locals seemed to love it. We had eaten at Word of Mouth for breakfast the day before, so I suppose the bar was set high. One Saturday morning my fiance and I left our hotel (which served free continental breakfast) for some breakfast downtown. The wait was not long - fifteen minutes - and it was fun people-watching. The complimentary coffee was nice, too. You could tell this was a local hot-spot for coffee and eggs. I ordered the avocado, bacon, and tomato skillet along with a side of blueberry pancakes. My boyfriend got the Eggs Benedict and shared my pancakes with me. The skillet was wonderful - but as always, could have used more of the good stuff, notably avocado. No points off for that. The fruit bowl was, however, extremely tiny - I was a bit surprised. But what can you expect for a breakfast under $7? The pancakes, by the way, were not the best. I am a pancake connoisseur, and these pancakes failed my pancake test. They also were not stuffed with blueberries, how blueberry pancakes should be, in my opinion. However, if you enjoy their pancakes, you're in luck because they're huge. This place was above average, but only by a smidge. I would have given it 6.5 out of 10, if possible. Stop by and visit if you're looking for a simply good breakfast. The prices are fair and everything is fresh.
(4)Denise N.
Great breakfast and lunch place. It is just what you hope to find when looking for a good place to have breakfast on vacation. The Floridan French toast is highly recommended. Coffee is great too.
(4)John M.
Probably my favorite meal in Sarasota. The atmosphere was great, the service was exceptional, the price was fair, the coffee was strong, and a carafe on every table and the food was very good. What's not to love???
(5)Thomas G.
The power wrap is a great way to start the day. They actually give you s whole pot of coffee! Love this place.
(5)Carlos C.
Today we visited FirstWatch for our post Valentine's Day brunch! It was delicious; we ordered trifecta and the portions were big! I also had a side of their potatoes and they were great! First watch was a great spot! Quick and awesome service in a cool little downtown area! THE HAVE THE BEST BACON EVER!
(5)Aran G.
This is an excellent place for breakfast, and the staff here are wonderful. I go almost every Sunday and the staff remembers me and what I like! If you've never been to a First Watch, you will love the menu and the food.
(5)Meghan R.
I love First Watch so when we were in town for the Sarasota Half Marathon (that is sponsored by First Watch) brunch there after the race we a no brainer. We knew we would have to wait where ever we went, so we just decided to just go with what we knew. Plus it was like a block from the parking garage I was parked in, so that made it even a better choice in my mind :) We had to wait a bit, but not as long as I figured. We all sat on the sidewalk outside and enjoyed resting our legs for a bit and updating social media (its what happens when a bunch of bloggers get together). When we were finally seated they put us in the back of the side room. How did they know that we were loud and that was a good idea? The hostess was great and brought us coffee right away even though it wasn't technically her job. Most of us had been up, without caffeine, since at least 4 am and really needed some go juice. Service was great as always and our food was out in no time at all. I know they are usually speedy, but I was really surprised that everything came out as fast as it did. I order the Key West CrepeEggs (like I always do) and was happy as usual. It was just the right amount of food for my empty post-race tummy. My only complaint was that I ordered iced green tea and was never offered a refill, even though they came by to bring more water and coffee a couple of times. I guess I could have asked but every time I noticed my glass was empty the waiter had just walked away.
(4)Ashley T.
we went here because we were in town visiting my in-laws and they go every sunday. there was a little wait, maybe 15-20 minutes. not too bad at all for a packed house. we had some time to look over the menu and i was so excited to see that they had healthy options like avocado and quinoa on their menu. you don't see that too often where we live. i was on the fence between the eggs benedict florentine or just the traditional two egg breakfast with avocado instead of the meat. i ended up ordering the eggs benedict florentine because it just sounded delicious. it came with two poached eggs, spinach, tomato, avocado, and hollandaise over a split english muffin with a side of breakfast potatoes. i opted for the tomatoes on the side. i'm no chef or anything but my homemade hollandaise trumps their hollandaise. like by a long shot. theirs tasted more like gravy from a can than actual fresh hollandaise. that was really disappointing because it was so rich and didn't taste like a traditional hollandaise and it covered everything! the potatoes were just alright to me but my husband really liked them. he also got the greek omelet and said he really liked it as well. my mother-in-law got the cinnybun pancake special... it was heavenly and should be added to the regular menu!! it needs no syrup. just the delicious swirl of cinnamon throughout and the cream cheese frosting! the only reason i didn't order it was a) it was probably 729171719 calories for the entire thing and b) i was really looking forward to a delicious egg breakfast! too bad! not my favorite place and i'm only rating it 3 stars instead of 2 because of the daily special pancake and because my husband seemed to enjoy his breakfast.
(3)Victoria G.
Good place to have breakfast or lunch. Menu has a good choice and everything we ordered tasted good. Good friendly service.
(4)Tim R.
The First Watch is now a corporate chain, a fact which pretty much completes the circle of standardized menus, standardized service and standardized character. None of which is meant as specific criticism. As long as the standards are high and maintained, there's a place for knowing precisely what your dining experience will be before you walk in the door. And we're a nation of people who (mostly) are in love with such an ideal. On a Monday morning, this downtown Sarasota outpost of the FW empire lived up to expectation. Previous Yelp!ers tell of variable food quality and quantity, but I imagine much of that inconsistency is gone. At least it should be, with the current ownership. Our food was of a quality commensurate with the price and the service was acceptable. It's breakfast: for thirteen dollars, decide for yourself. More interesting is the consideration of specific aspects of the experience. Firstly, everything in FOH looked spotless. Presumably, the kitchen is likewise. Good. Secondly, the wait staff, while mostly young, were immaculately groomed. Good again, although the act of grooming also apparently removed any essence of character. Think friendly but detached. Not so good. Thirdly, there's a certain soullessness that inhabits this place. This, of course, is the downside of distant owners and service manuals as mentors. What we know as 'ownership' of customers' experience (and food prep too) is removed from individuals, replaced with binders of rules and clearly defined behavior. Note: I don't know any of this as a fact - but it sure looks and feels like it. Fourthly, the individual tables at the front of the dining room are very well spaced. If you have a business breakfast or lunch meeting, this would be an excellent choice. Avoid the booths at the rear: they're somewhat cheaply built and too neighborly for me. Fifthly, we cannot escape a breakfast review without discussing coffee. Here, one receives a carafe of coffee. That's good because it means you pour at your own speed, and reduces "top-up" time for wait staff. But the coffee is insufficiently strong, for me. That's not a criticism, merely an acknowledgment that not all tastes will be served. Predictability is the name of the game here. I'd award three point five stars if able, but figure three won't stop anyone going.
(3)Carolyn K.
I am pregnant and have crazy cravings for their multi grain pancakes and their pesto quinoa bowl. Their orange juice has lots of pulp and their coffee is nice and strong. Everything I have tried here I have liked. The Greek fetish omelet is very good. Iced green tea! YUM
(5)Nanci C.
I am REALLY late in the game on this one. Yesterday was my first visit to First Watch for breakfast and now I understand what I've been missing out on. A group of us went after running the Sarasota Half Marathon and it was amazing. We had a group of 10 and there was a wait, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We had a nice big table and the service was wonderful - and crazy fast! I ordered the Avocado, Bacon, and Tomato Hash. It was every bit as delicious as it sounded. Now I can't wait to go to the Clearwater location!
(5)Peter D.
Great service as usual. First Watch restaurants all seem to do a consistent job with food prep as well as service and hospitality. Pancakes are always huge so order a little less than you think!
(4)Christine G.
I have been looking for a decent place to have Sunday breakfast for a while now and I think I have finally found it. My husband and I went on Sunday morning and got lucky to get parking right out front which is no easy feat in downtown Sarasota. We were greeted very warmly at the front door. There was a slight wait since they were already doing a brisk Sunday morning business. To the side of the front desk they offer complimentary coffee and newspapers while you wait. There is plenty of comfortable seating for you as well. Both my husband and I noted that everyone was hustling in there. Not a single employee could be seen standing around doing nothing. Once we were seated our server immediately came to the table to take our drink order and promptly brought us our own carafe of coffee and pitcher of ice water. The selections for breakfast were standard as far as they offer omelets, pancakes, belgian waffles. They also offer "lighter" fare such as egg white omelets, their own store made granola, low fat yogurt and various fresh fruits. My husband went with the traditional breakfast of two eggs, sausage links, potatoes and english muffin. I had "the works" omelet that had sausage, ham, onions, peppers, cheese served with potatoes and an english muffin. Our food came out quickly considering how busy they were. I was very happy with the food as well as the service. Now I just have to decide if I want the pancakes or the waffle next time I go!
(4)Vera H.
Very consistently yummy. Boyfriend and I love going there for our breakfast dates! Ingredients are fresh, and I would recommend any of the hashes. Plus, on your way out, you can pick up their homemade granola, which is amazing.
(4)Leigh L.
Very very nice place Great food very reasonable $8-10. Fresh local ingredient fast friendly service If I lived 2500km closer this would be my new local fav Stop by and enjoy if your in the area
(4)Mike B.
Wow. What a disappointment! I once loved First Watch. My first experience was in Cincinnati between 1993 and 1996. Then again in Naples, FL in 1998 and 1999. The food this time was such a disappointment. We ordered eggs Benedict and an omelette. Should have ordered pancakes. The hollandaise was flavorless (jar/mix?) and the tomato must be a regional thing. It didn't work for me. The coffee is still good though.
(3)Vicky G.
I love this restaurant. For years, every winter we would go visit my grandparents in Florida and every trip we would go to the First Watch for breakfast. The crepes are awesome, the eggs benedict is awesome, the pancakes are awesome. The atmosphere is great. Did i mention I love this place?
(5)Trent E.
As usual, A great breakfast and great service. We had a large group of about 19 people for our breakfast meeting and got great service. Usually a large group gets less than stellar service at restaurant. Not this time! :)
(4)Aileen W.
always crowded for breakfast and brunch. We took our old parents and all servers are VERY patient and nice to them:) I like their soup and sandwich set. Tomato basil soup is always good, No.5 salad has oriental flavor and it is my favorite!
(4)Morgan R.
First watch serves an adequate breakfast, but it has a sterile chain-like feel As friendly as the staff is, this is a place with little soul. The bench seats and table could be at any mall, the decor is yellow and late-American standard rather than interesting. The omelets and eggs were cooked properly, the pancakes were pancakes, the bacon came crispy as asked. But the home-fried potatoes were standard (as in from a factory that ships the prep work all done in advance). The sausages were uninspired (hot-dog like). The juices were not fresh, they were bottled or from concentrate. The toast was standard store bread. In short nothing special or of high quality. It really lacked character. They did seem to cater to seniors with egg-substitute and a staff that understood about hearing issues and other senior friendly details. It's there, the food is perfectly edible, but I was uninspired by it. There's nothing intimate about it, nor is the quality really there. If you need food as fuel, it's fine. If you want to go out for breakfast and really enjoy it, go somewhere else.
(3)Laslo H.
Another consistent breakfast/lunch. Beefeater for me with a cup of tomato soup. As always, hot, fast, fresh and delicious. Service friendly, attentive and efficient.
(5)Taylor S.
Ate here with my husband and two small children. They were accommodating for the kids, which is always nice, and the food was pretty tasty! The restaurant is clean and the wait staff is polite. I'll be back.
(4)Jane D.
I have to admit-- I went to First Watch not based on Yelp reviews or convenience, but rather because there was a string of comments posted in the Food/Hospitality jobs section of Craigslist about the hiring practices of this restaurant chain. The comments basically said don't bother applying for a job if you aren't a young pretty girl. Hmmm... I was intriqued since every hash slinging joint I have ever visited had at least one old bag with dyed red hair, a career server named Madge or Susan straight out of Central Casting. Well, the comments posted on Craigslist were correct, there wasn't a server on duty over the age of 30. Stepford Restaurant. There was a guy, though, so pretty girls and one token beefcake server to be eye candy for the little old ladies coming from their million dollar Sarasota condos to have breakfast. Oh, wait, this is supposed to be a food review, so let's review the food. I ordered an interesting sounding dish that was Quinoa, a grilled chicken breast, dried cherries, goat cheese and some spinach. There was some weird gravy on this platter, a gravy that tasted like it was straight out of a can. The gravy was totally out of place and a direct contradiction to what otherwise would have been a healthy dish. I also did not care for the chicken breast at all because it tasted like every faux piece of rubber chicken served at just about every restaurant everywhere now. The kind of chicken breast with air bubbles in it, even though the menu specified it was a wholesome free range chicken that had a great life, a Soylent Green drive-in death show of idyllic farm scenes the chicken enjoyed before getting its head lopped off for this dining excursion. I felt morally superior going in to my day with hearty healthy Quinoa under my belt. The service was lacking. Stepford Server disappeared for minutes on end and left an empty water glass I had perched right on the edge of the table as a clue to a refill, but she walked by several times without offering to refill it or let me know why my order was apparently consumed by some contraption in the kitchen and would be delayed. It took a different Stepford Server to notice the empty glass and refill it. It annoys me to no end when simple things like refilling a drink or letting me know how long the food is going to be go left undone when the restaurant isn't busy. I think there were about 5-6 occupied tables when I was at this restaurant. There was a lot of construction going on out on the street in front of it and I think that effected the number of diners. I think the service should be spectacular when there are that few tables to service spread among several servers. Instead, I think it led to some huddle somewhere where phones were checked and texts were being sent instead of focusing on the job at hand. It is time for this restaurant chain to consider the older worker if this service is any indication. Servers actually serve, not just when the mood strikes them, but all the time. I think that part goes missing if a place is stealhily trying to be the Hooter's of the breakfast crowd while also trying to maintain a veneer of respectability that it is all about the food and freshness. It wasn't particularly fresh or particularly good-- it wasn't bad, either, but it was just 'eh' and a little bit pricy for a bowl of 'eh'. It seems cynical to me to think an attractive looking waitstaff will make up for a lack of actual serving skills or mediocre food. This seems to me to be a recipe for a decline in repeat business, but maybe the fact the location is in a spot that will always get tourists has been factored in and banking on that instead of better food or better service is the corporate template this particular chain has chosen to follow.
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