
First Watch
A health-conscious cafe chain offering delicious, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

First Watch

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A health-conscious cafe chain offering delicious, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch using fresh ingredients.
"Fantastic breakfast experience with great food, service, and atmosphere!"
Arrive Early
Avoid crowds by arriving early, especially during peak weekend hours. Weekdays often have no wait.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider their signature items like Parma skillet hash or the Brooklyn Breakfast Sandwich.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(859) 263-4737
Address
2251 War Admiral Way #130, Lexington, KY 40509, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Health-Conscious & Flavorful Breakfast
Enjoy delicious and healthy breakfast or lunch options with a focus on fresh ingredients and made-to-order dishes.

Unique Signature Dishes
Try unique dishes like lemon ricotta pancakes, turkey sausage and gravy, or the famous Million Dollar Bacon.

Friendly & Attentive Service
Experience friendly service in a clean atmosphere where staff are attentive to special requests and dietary needs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Avoid crowds by arriving early, especially during peak weekend hours. Weekdays often have no wait.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider their signature items like Parma skillet hash or the Brooklyn Breakfast Sandwich.
Dietary Needs Welcome
Feel confident ordering with dietary restrictions/allergies; they cater well to special requests.
Seasonal Offerings
Enjoy seasonal menu items for a taste of fresh, rotating flavors throughout the year.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Avoid crowds by arriving early, especially during peak weekend hours. Weekdays often have no wait.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider their signature items like Parma skillet hash or the Brooklyn Breakfast Sandwich.
Dietary Needs Welcome
Feel confident ordering with dietary restrictions/allergies; they cater well to special requests.
Seasonal Offerings
Enjoy seasonal menu items for a taste of fresh, rotating flavors throughout the year.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
First Watch is generally praised for its healthy and delicious breakfast and lunch options, with many highlighting the fresh ingredients and friendly service. Diners often recommend signature dishes like the lemon ricotta pancakes and Million Dollar Bacon. However, some recent reviews mention inconsistencies in food preparation and service quality, with one diner experiencing food that looked like 'slop' and another noting a decline in quality and incorrect orders.
"Great food options with great quality at competitive prices. The staff is incredibly kind and responsive. The atmosphere is bright and enjoyable. Definitely is a family favorite now"
Robinson Express
"Fantastic breakfast experience at First Watch just off Winchester Road! Our server, Lexi, took excellent care of my wife and me—friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was perfect. I had the dressed-up raspberry French toast, which was absolutely incredible, and my wife enjoyed a more traditional breakfast that was cooked to perfection. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch. We’ll definitely be back!"
John Bryant
"I ordered my favorite farm stand breakfast tacos from this location, but what I received was unacceptable, my food looked like slop. When I called to report the issue, the worker who answered forgot to mute the phone and clearly said, “I have a Karen, the customer on the phone complaining.” Then she muted the call. Another worker took over and told me that the manager was busy and would return my call when she had a chance. The service was terrible. This location is disappointing and does not live up to the First Watch brand standards."
Katasha Rice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular dishes include the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Million Dollar Bacon, Avocado Toast, and various omelettes.
Yes, First Watch specializes in health-minded breakfast, brunch, and lunch options made with fresh ingredients.
Yes, they are known for catering well to special requests and dietary needs, including gluten-free options.
It can get busy during peak hours, especially on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help avoid waits.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. For breakfast or brunch, consider arriving before 9 AM on weekends.
The menu features a mix of traditional favorites and specialty items like Quinoa Power Bowls and the Chickichanga.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Brunch in the Bluegrass: Lexington's Best Brunch Places
I recently visited First Watch in Lexington for brunch and had a great experience overall. Despite it being incredibly packed on a Sunday morning, my husband and I were seated promptly. Our breakfast was served within 15 minutes and I was delighted to find gluten free toast as an option with my Traditional Breakfast.
Best restaurants near the University of Kentucky campus
Specializing in healthier, made-to-order dishes using fresh ingredients. Featuring traditional favorites such as pancakes, omelets, sandwiches and salads, house-made granola alongside specialty items like Quinoa Power Bowls, Avocado Toast and the Chickichanga.
New and coming-soon restaurants in Lexington, KY
The Townley Center just keeps on growing with the introduction of its first brunch-focused spot. This location will join the other four in Lexington offering a variety of sweet and savory breakfast + lunch options.
Lexington Dining Guide: Breakfast and Brunch | Ace Magazine
First Watch has locations on Richmond Road, Broadway, and out in Hamburg (just off Winchester Road), offering a healthy approach to traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit