First Watch reviews

[jebartle]

Noticed they are open now, anybody want to give us a review? In case some do not know, they are a restaurant that will serve until late afternoon only....Suppose to be a great place for breakfast....They are located where blockbuster use to be on 441/27...

[Mudder]

First watch is a wonderful breakfast/lunch place. Go, you'll enjoy.

[schillas]

We had lunch at First Watch the other day. We found the food and the service to be excellent and prices were comparable with other local restaurants. Their hours are 7AM to 2:30PM for Breakfast and Lunch. Very satisfied and will eat there again.

[mrmeat]

Went there for breakfast after several people raved about First Watch.

I don't think Too Jays, Bob Evans, IHOP or Perkins have any worries about competition because this place is average at best, and quite pricey.

Our breakfast for 2 was $25 with tip for 2 eggs, bacon, very bad potatoes,
an english muffin and 2 cups of coffee.

We won't be going back there for breakfast!!

:cus::cus::cus:

[Mudder]

You must have left a very big tip because I can't recall any breakfast there that would be that much! Personally I've never had a bad breakfast there or at any other First Watch.

[billybye]

Haven't been to this one.
Went to one in Boca Raton and was not impressed - overpriced for what they served.
They went out of business there, don't know why.

[mrmeat]

No, just 20% tip
2 breakfasts @7.59= 15.18
2 coffees @2.39= 4.78
Tax @ 7% = 1.40
Total 21.36
Tip 4.00
Grand total 25.36

Add it up!!

[Golf-Tinker]

That we in The Villages are blessed with such a bountiful range of choices from which one can select where do to enjoy one's breakfast. Ah, but weren't the potatoes at First Watch the grandest of them all. Your good health.

[EdV]

Well, I for one would not put too much stock in a first time poster’s opinion that’s based on bacon and eggs. And as for the potatoes, I prefer them the way that First Watch does them. They’re lightly browned and then seasoned instead of deep fat fried to look and taste like French fries.

No problem though, he will be one less person standing in line waiting to get in.

[nitehawk]

No, just 20% tip
2 breakfasts @7.59= 15.18
2 coffees @2.39= 4.78
Tax @ 7% = 1.40
Total 21.36
Tip 4.00
Grand total 25.36

Add it up!!

Well, I for one would not put too much stock in a first time poster’s opinion that’s based on bacon and eggs. And as for the potatoes, I prefer them the way that First Watch does them. They’re lightly browned and then seasoned instead of deep fat fried to look and taste like French fries.

No problem though, he will be one less person standing in line waiting to get in.
EXCELLENT post "mrmeat" now most people will be able to figure it out !!
Have no idea what the number of post have to do with ones opinion
mrmeat - just make a lot of friendly post like "welcome to TV" , ask questions you are too lazy to look up for yourself, like what day does my electric bill come. Soon you will have enough post to have your opinion valued - maybe
I dont know how many post it will take - but dont give up. Soon you will have thousands of post and be in the circle also remember "bring back bush and cheney" - if you through that in every - now and then - that might help

[Posh 08]

No, just 20% tip
2 breakfasts @7.59= 15.18
2 coffees @2.39= 4.78
Tax @ 7% = 1.40
Total 21.36
Tip 4.00
Grand total 25.36

Add it up!!

Thanks, that is too pricey IMHO.

[EdV]

From TooJays Menu:

2 Bacon and Eggs @ 5.25= 10.50
2 Home Fries @ 1.75= 3.50
2 Coffees @ 1.95= 3.90
Tax @ 7%= 1.25
Tip 3.75
Grand Total 22.90

Twenty something for breakfast for two seems to be the norm around here unless you want to settle for an Egg McMuffin.

[Posh 08]

From TooJays Menu:

2 Bacon and Eggs @ 5.25= 10.50
2 Home Fries @ 1.75= 3.50
2 Coffees @ 1.95= 3.90
Tax @ 7%= 1.25
Tip 3.75
Grand Total 22.90

Twenty something for breakfast for two seems to be the norm around here unless you want to settle for an Egg McMuffin.

$20 something is better than $25 something. Let's eat :icon_hungry: :icon_wink:

[zcaveman]

No, just 20% tip
2 breakfasts @7.59= 15.18
2 coffees @2.39= 4.78
Tax @ 7% = 1.40
Total 21.36
Tip 4.00
Grand total 25.36

Add it up!!

My only question would be what kind of egg dishes? $7.49 is not bad for a lot of the Denny's and IHOP breakfasts. I, however, go for the Denny's specials and always have discount coupons to lower the prices.

I will be over that way tomorrow and think I will give First Watch a try. Stay tuned.

Z

[EdV]

....I will be over that way tomorrow and think I will give First Watch a try. Stay tuned.


I had the Turkey Dill Crepeggs with seasoned potatoes and it was marvelous.

Please let us know what you think.

[ilovetv]

EXCELLENT post "mrmeat" now most people will be able to figure it out !!
Have no idea what the number of post have to do with ones opinion
mrmeat - just make a lot of friendly post like "welcome to TV" , ask questions you are too lazy to look up for yourself, like what day does my electric bill come. Soon you will have enough post to have your opinion valued - maybe
I dont know how many post it will take - but dont give up. Soon you will have thousands of post and be in the circle also remember "bring back bush and cheney" - if you through that in every - now and then - that might help


Oh, this wins the prize for Cynicism! It's true, though. If you don't sugar-coat what you're saying, and tell certain veterans how wonderful they are in the first 100 posts, you're persona non grata.

[EdV]

EXCELLENT post "mrmeat" now most people will be able to figure it out !!
Have no idea what the number of post have to do with ones opinion
mrmeat - just make a lot of friendly post like "welcome to TV" , ask questions you are too lazy to look up for yourself, like what day does my electric bill come. Soon you will have enough post to have your opinion valued - maybe
I dont know how many post it will take - but dont give up. Soon you will have thousands of post and be in the circle also remember "bring back bush and cheney" - if you through that in every - now and then - that might help

C’mon nitehawk, you’ve been a member for over 4 years with more than 300 posts. Surely mine is not the first post you’ve seen that questions a first time poster’s dissing of an establishment because it could possibly be from a disgruntled ex employee using TOTV to vent his anger.

But as the saying goes, it’s not the number of posts, it’s the quality of the content that will earn respect around here. And I’ve seen a number of new members whose posts were helpful and informative right out of the gate.

[mrmeat]

C’mon nitehawk, you’ve been a member for over 4 years with more than 300 posts. Surely mine is not the first post you’ve seen that questions a first time poster’s dissing of an establishment because it could possibly be from a disgruntled ex employee using TOTV to vent his anger.

But as the saying goes, it’s not the number of posts, it’s the quality of the content that will earn respect around here. And I’ve seen a number of new members whose posts were helpful and informative right out of the gate.

EdVinMass:

I didn't realize that I needed your permission to express my opinion about a restaurant. I guess that you don't consider a less than glowing review as "quality content". I can assure you that I am not a disgruntled employee, but rather a Villager of 5 years, that just happened to feel a need to express my opinion.

Is this forum only for favorable reviews?

By the way, TooJays $5.25 Bacon & Egg breakfast includes home fries, or any other choice of side.

[graciegirl]

..

[EdV]

EdVinMass:

I didn't realize that I needed your permission to express my opinion about a restaurant. I guess that you don't consider a less than glowing review as "quality content". I can assure you that I am not a disgruntled employee, but rather a Villager of 5 years, that just happened to feel a need to express my opinion.

Is this forum only for favorable reviews?

By the way, TooJays $5.25 Bacon & Egg breakfast includes home fries, or any other choice of side.

And where exactly did I say or imply that. But if sarcasm is your game, then let me say that I can’t wait to read your review of the meatloaf at Bonefish Grill.

Do I consider a less than glowing review as not being "quality content"? Not necessarily, just your first post here and I tried to make that perfectly clear.

By all means, express your opinion here, but don’t chastise me for disagreeing with it.

[Golf-Tinker]

More effective to ignore him.

[Pturner]

Oh, this wins the prize for Cynicism! It's true, though. If you don't sugar-coat what you're saying, and tell certain veterans how wonderful they are in the first 100 posts, you're persona non grata.

:wave: ilovetv,
It saddens me if this has been your experience. :cryin2:

:wave: Mrmeat,
Welcome! I'm glad you felt free to express your opinion and hope you continue to post whatever is on your mind.:coolsmiley:

The number of posts has nothing to do with the value of the opinion.

Hijack over and out.

[EdV]

PT you have a way with words that I certainly admire.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

.....Twenty something for breakfast for two seems to be the norm around here unless you want to settle for an Egg McMuffin.

From our experience, we've found that to pretty much be the case as well.

The 2-breakfasts-for-$7.77 (total for the two meals) at The Village Eatery in La Plaza Grande seems to be the best deal around. Make sure you're hungry when you go!! :D

Bill :)

[cappyjon431]

We've eaten at First Watch four times in the last couple of weeks and have been very pleased with the quality of the food and the service. We will return (frequently). Go early (8-8:30ish) and there is usually not a wait.

The menu is somewhat pricey for breakfast, but the portions are huge. My wife has had to bring 1/2 her meal home each time and she gets another meal out of it, so it is not too pricey when taking that into consideration.

I love the banana crunch pancakes. The first time I went I ordered two (for $4.99) and I could only finish one (they are huge AND filling). The last two times I went I ordered just one pancake ($2.99) and it was plenty. Just another way to bring down the price.

Also, I posted this on another First Watch thread on this forum--if you are on Facebook and you "like" the First Watch page, you get a coupon for buy one meal, get the second free as well as getting a coupon on your birthday for a free meal.

Just my $.02

[islandgal]

Maybe this will help!

http://www.firstwatch.com/menus/11-2779_B1Menu.pdf

[zcaveman]

My only question would be what kind of egg dishes? $7.49 is not bad for a lot of the Denny's and IHOP breakfasts. I, however, go for the Denny's specials and always have discount coupons to lower the prices.

I will be over that way tomorrow and think I will give First Watch a try. Stay tuned.

Z

I went to First Watch today. I had the Killer Cajun Chicken omelet with mushrooms and cheese with a side of Santa Fe salsa, fried potatoes and an english muffin for $7.99. My wife had the farm fresh omelet, fried potatoes and an english muffin for $7.59. With the iced teas, it came to $21.90.

We both enjoyed the breakfasts. :icon_hungry:

This is one of the few places that does not deep fry the potatoes. They were tasty and spicy.

I won't say it was more expensive that many other breakfasts places, but I did not see anything really cheap on the menu - like two eggs and toast for $2.75.

We will eat there again. But I will probably go to Denny's more than First Watch. They ARE cheaper and I have my 20% discount coupons. :a040:

Z

[EdV]

....This is one of the few places that does not deep fry the potatoes. They were tasty and spicy....

Well I have to think that this is the reason the MrMeat didn’t like them. People have become so conditioned to home fries being deep fried that when they are done the right way, they don’t like them. But if you search for ‘home fries recipes’ on the internet, the majority of them call for skillet browning with lots of seasoning. But the average restaurant prefers to deep fry them because it’s easier, just throw them in the basket and push the button. That’s why First Watch calls them seasoned potatoes instead of home fries.

I think you’ve summed it up pretty well. If you want eggs, toast and coffee with French fries, First Watch is probably not for you. But it will certainly be a place to take out of town visitors or special treat now and then for a unique brunch experience.

And as CappyJohn pointed out, if you’re not a big eater, pick an entrée that will travel and reheat well and you can cut the cost in half. Worked well with the Crepeggs I had.

[Donvito]

I had eggs benedict and the eggs were over cooked and there was not enogh sauce.

[bigalibaba]

Seasoned Potatoes are very good. English Muffins are awful. They need to use Thomas brand, toast them a bit longer and not smother them in butter.

Love all the complainers about price. Go here for $3.00, go here with a 20% off coupon, etc. If price is your primary goal you should try staying home for breakfast. Potatoes $2.50 for 5 lbs, eggs $1.29 a dozen and Bread at $1.50 a loaf. Add it up and you'll finally be happy.

[Whatever]

Seasoned Potatoes are very good. English Muffins are awful. They need to use Thomas brand, toast them a bit longer and not smother them in butter.

Love all the complainers about price. Go here for $3.00, go here with a 20% off coupon, etc. If price is your primary goal you should try staying home for breakfast. Potatoes $2.50 for 5 lbs, eggs $1.29 a dozen and Bread at $1.50 a loaf. Add it up and you'll finally be happy.

where are the coupons?

[bigalibaba]

where are the coupons?

Suggest you ask zcaveman as he posted the following:

We will eat there again. But I will probably go to Denny's more than First Watch. They ARE cheaper and I have my 20% discount coupons.

[zcaveman]

Coupons are in the ad insert sections in the Sunday newspaper. Longhorn, Olive Garden, Logan's, Red Lobster, Perkins, Denny's, TGIF to name a few. I also signed up at each site to get coupons by email. TooJays give great specials by email.

[nitehawk]

Seasoned Potatoes are very good. English Muffins are awful. They need to use Thomas brand, toast them a bit longer and not smother them in butter.

Love all the complainers about price. Go here for $3.00, go here with a 20% off coupon, etc. If price is your primary goal you should try staying home for breakfast. Potatoes $2.50 for 5 lbs, eggs $1.29 a dozen and Bread at $1.50 a loaf. Add it up and you'll finally be happy.:agree: :bigbow:



Today i asked for burned toast and cold coffee and cold eggs - the waitress told me she could not do that - but i told her i had that here yesterday

[mac9]

Mr.MAC9 and I had brunch there today. Nothing had any flavor. My roast beef sandwich was like eating unseasoned mushrooms. The tomato bisque soup was great. The pancakes that he had were dry and tasteless. Even butter and syrup couldn't help them. With 2 coffees, bill was $19.63 before tip. Didn't think that the prices were bad, just that the food was awful.
He had joined their club so that his meal was free with the coupon that we received. We will try it again and have something else. Could have been a bad day. Always like to give it a second try.

[Tweety Bird]

No, just 20% tip
2 breakfasts @7.59= 15.18
2 coffees @2.39= 4.78
Tax @ 7% = 1.40
Total 21.36
Tip 4.00
Grand total 25.36

Add it up!!

YIKES! I go to the Fruitland Park Cafe next to the Dinner Bell. $3 breakfasts and coffee = 50 cents. Love that place!!! Has that old diner feel.

[chloe52]

I love fruitland park cafe and the dinner bell, great mom and pop places

[rsandstrom]

Best darn pancake I have ever had. Yes, only one because it is huge and fills the entire dinner plate with pacan goodness in a unique and excellent batter. You can buy one or more. Less than $3 no coffee. Good service and very clean. I'll be back.

[Ooper]

Best darn pancake I have ever had. Yes, only one because it is huge and fills the entire dinner plate with pacan goodness in a unique and excellent batter. You can buy one or more. Less than $3 no coffee. Good service and very clean. I'll be back.

Went there this morning. Had a pancake... it was filling but far from what I would call the best I ever had. Hard to eat and it was kinda grainy. Too cakey. The syrup made it fall apart and hard to pick up with a fork. I also thought it was quite pricey. Wifey had wake-up special: 2 egs, homefries, etc and coffee. Me: 1 pancake, 2 link sausage, and coffee. Bill was still over $20. Get the same with more food in Belleview for $13. Probably won't eat there again.

[texasfal]

So you'd spend gas money and time to drive to Bellview to save roughly $7.00?

[Ooper]

So you'd spend gas money and time to drive to Bellview to save roughly $7.00?

Absolutely! But it doesn't cost me $7 to drive 8 miles and back. Plus, while in Belleview, I buy my bread at the Merita bread at $1.75 a loaf and I stop at the Market of Marion for my veggies that are half the price and fresher than any of any of the local Publix or Walmart markets. But beside the cost savings... the food quality, large portions, and service are better than any place I've found in my 10 years in The Villages. I figure my breakfast is almost free by the time I'm finished. But... to each their own!:icon_hungry:

[butch69]

Noticed they are open now, anybody want to give us a review? In case some do not know, they are a restaurant that will serve until late afternoon only....Suppose to be a great place for breakfast....They are located where blockbuster use to be on 441/27...

Haven't been to this one, but there is one in New Tampa the we loved. Glad it's coming to TV. Only had breakfast there but doing a week stay, we ate there 6 times!

Don't think you can go wrong.

Butch

[Ooper]

I thought it was quite pricey. Too much $$$ for me. Probably won't try it again!

[BigLew]

I love fruitland park cafe and the dinner bell, great mom and pop places

the Fruitland Park Cafe is definitely the best place around for breakfast and lunch, the dinner bell, not so much (mediocre food for good food prices)

eggs, bacon, toast are $1 each and coffee is .5o, I usually get the corned beef hash with 2 eggs over easy and toast = about $4.50 + .50 for the coffee
all cooked beautifully
:mmmm::mmmm::mmmm:

[skyguy79]

Went to First Watch this morning with Pooh and our spouses. Good food and good company. I had the Pumpkin French Toast special and my wife had Eggs Benadict. We'll definitely go again!

[Bill & Carolyn]

:wave:
I'm just sneaking in from lurkdom to say my husband and I started a list of all the best food/best bargains in the Villages and we pay close attention to the posters' suggestions on your forum. Since we bought our home in Pennecamp, we've been blown away by the number of restaurant bargains here.
Let's see Red Sauce meals for two for $15, Bonefish Grills' Bang/Bang shrimp on Wed., etc.
We have a First Watch in Faifax, VA that has incredible food at very good prices, so I was excited to hear they have one in the Villages. It's sometimes crowded though. We like Toujay's too.
We have five more 2/3 week trips down before we can live here permanently.
In the meantime, I'll keep making my lists of where to eat out, fun clubs and travel bargains.

[Posh 08]

:wave:
I'm just sneaking in from lurkdom to say my husband and I started a list of all the best food/best bargains in the Villages and we pay close attention to the posters' suggestions on your forum. Since we bought our home in Pennecamp, we've been blown away by the number of restaurant bargains here.
Let's see Red Sauce meals for two for $15, Bonefish Grills' Bang/Bang shrimp on Wed., etc.
We have a First Watch in Faifax, VA that has incredible food at very good prices, so I was excited to hear they have one in the Villages. It's sometimes crowded though. We like Toujay's too.
We have five more 2/3 week trips down before we can live here permanently.
In the meantime, I'll keep making my lists of where to eat out, fun clubs and travel bargains.

Thanks guys, I'm always interested in where the deals are.

[Happinow]

Sorry all but I have to chuckle a bit. Living in Upstate NY our average breakfast is 25.00! My husband has an omelette, side of sliced tomatoes, and 2 cans of tomato juice and I have coffee, one french toast, and home fries. They charge 50 cents extra because I ask for real maple syrup, not processed. We eat out almost every Sunday and our bill is generally 25.00. I guess we won't have such sticker shock when we move there when we go to breakfast.

As far as review of restaurants go, we all have different taste buds so our opinions will differ. I think what has an impact is when we see multiple bad reviews, then a red flag goes up. We own a business in NY and believe me you can't please everyone. Each to their own. I can't wait to be a Villager to I can try multiple restaurants and eateries. We love to eat out. Please let me know what your favorites and not so favorites are so we can check them out. We really enjoy Nancy Lopez Restaurant. We've also eaten breakfast at Perkins. That's about as far as we've gotten while visiting. :$:

[skyguy79]

We love to eat out. Please let me know what your favorites and not so favorites are so we can check them out. We really enjoy Nancy Lopez Restaurant. We've also eaten breakfast at Perkins. That's about as far as we've gotten while visiting. :$:Have you been to http://home.comcast.net/~thevillagesgourmetclub/ yet? If not, check it out. I think you'll like what informtion is there!

[Lions Den]

Good inexpensive breakfast is hard to find in the villages however the New York deli located in Southern Trace plaza serves great breakfast sandwiches with REAL eggs I might add, and their bagels that are shipped in from NY. If it's a quick breakfast you're looking for this might be the place to try. Being from NJ I had a hard time finding Taylor Ham porkroll except at Publix but now I can get it already made there with eggs and cheese. First Watch is good food but I thought I'd give everyone another option for breakfast.

[Virtual Geezer]

Good inexpensive breakfast is hard to find in the villages

You will have to give Katie Belle's breakfast buffet a try on the weekends. You cannot beat the price and you are good for the day.

VG

[wilkinsm1]

We love First Watch and are so excited that one opened here. We have been to this one four times and have been happy. If something is not right, they are quick to rectify it. Today we had the Trifecta: two eggs, bacon or sausage, and a Belgian waffle. Last time I had the eggs Benedict and it was great! We don't go out for breakfast all the time so when we do we like it to be special.

[cappyjon431]

You will have to give Katie Belle's breakfast buffet a try on the weekends. You cannot beat the price and you are good for the day.

VG

I am a big fan of First Watch and go fairly often, but I have to say I was VERY impressed with the Katie Bell's steak and egg special ($4.88 on Mondays, with $.88 cent cup of coffee) which I tried for the first time this week. I went back again this week and got corned beef hash, two eggs, excellent home fried potatoes for under $4 (and coffee for $.88). The food is very good, the service was great, and you are right--the price cannot be beat. Not a fan of buffets (I usually eat too much), but I am a new Katie bell's fan for breakfast.

[chuckinca]

Went to First Watch for first time today for lunch - impressed with menu, food, service and prices!


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