First Watch in Columbus, Ohio: A Local's Guide to Breakfast and Brunch

First Watch Photos

First Watch Introduce

For residents of Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding communities, the quest for the perfect breakfast or brunch spot often leads to a single destination: First Watch. This restaurant, located on Polaris Parkway, has carved out a special place in the hearts of many locals, offering a menu that is as fresh and innovative as it is comforting and familiar. Unlike many other breakfast spots that serve pre-made food, First Watch prides itself on its commitment to cooking everything to order, ensuring each plate is a testament to quality and flavor. This article is a comprehensive guide for anyone in the Ohio region looking to explore what makes First Watch a standout choice for their morning meal.

First Watch's philosophy is simple: start with fresh ingredients and prepare everything from scratch. This dedication is evident in every dish, from their fluffy omelets to their signature French toast. The restaurant's menu strikes a wonderful balance between classic breakfast staples and unique, health-conscious creations. You'll find traditional favorites like eggs and bacon, but also more adventurous options that cater to a modern palate. This focus on variety means there is truly something for everyone, whether you're craving a rich and decadent brunch or a lighter, more nutritious start to your day.

The atmosphere at First Watch is another key component of its appeal. The space is bright and airy, with a clean, contemporary design that makes it an inviting place to start your day. The service is often highlighted by customers as a major plus, with staff members noted for their friendly and attentive nature. For example, one customer specifically mentioned a server named Abigail who was "amazing with quick, consistent service; suggestions; and pleasant demeanor." This level of personal care and professionalism contributes to an overall positive dining experience, making it a place where you feel valued and well-cared for.

While some visitors have had mixed experiences with specific dishes, the general consensus is that the food is a phenomenal experience. Items like the Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast, Million Dollar Bacon, and Smoked Salmon Benedict receive high praise for their unique flavors and quality execution. These dishes showcase the restaurant’s ability to take a classic concept and elevate it with a fresh twist. The restaurant also offers a range of freshly squeezed juices and other beverages, adding another layer of freshness to the meal. While a few customers have expressed concerns about specific aspects, such as the taste of certain meat dishes or the sweetness of a beverage, it's clear that the restaurant's commitment to freshness and its most popular menu items keep people coming back for more.

Location and Accessibility

First Watch is located at 2103 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240. This prime location places it in the bustling Polaris Centers of Commerce, a major retail and entertainment hub in the northern part of Columbus. The restaurant is easily accessible from Interstate 71, making it a convenient destination for residents from various parts of the city and its suburbs. The area features ample parking, which is a significant advantage for a popular breakfast spot that often sees a crowd, especially on weekends. The restaurant’s hours, typically from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm daily, cater specifically to the breakfast and lunch crowd, making it an ideal stop for a morning meeting, a midday break, or a leisurely weekend brunch. Its strategic location makes it a go-to for shoppers and local employees alike.

Services Offered

Dine-In Service: Enjoy a comfortable and pleasant meal in their bright, modern dining room.
Takeout: Customers can place an order for pickup, which is a convenient option for those on a tight schedule.
Online Ordering: The restaurant offers a seamless online ordering system, allowing you to place your order ahead of time and grab it to go.
Diverse Menu: The menu includes a wide variety of options for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with traditional, innovative, and healthier choices.
Fresh Juice Bar: A selection of freshly squeezed juices and other beverages are made in-house daily.

Features / Highlights

Made-to-Order Food: All dishes are cooked fresh from scratch, ensuring a high-quality and flavorful experience.
Creative Menu Items: The menu is celebrated for unique and delicious creations like the Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast and Million Dollar Bacon.
Excellent Service: The staff is often praised for being friendly, attentive, and providing quick, consistent service.
Healthy Options: First Watch offers a variety of health-conscious choices, including their "Healthier Side" menu with dishes like Avocado Toast and the A.M. Superfoods Bowl.
Brunch Cocktails: For those looking to add a little something extra to their brunch, the restaurant serves a selection of brunch cocktails.
Online Waitlist: You can join the waitlist online before you arrive, helping to minimize wait times, especially on busy days.

Contact Information

Address: 2103 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

Phone: (614) 846-2738

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For the people of Ohio, First Watch on Polaris Parkway is a more than just a restaurant—it's a trusted destination for a consistently good breakfast and brunch experience. Its suitability for locals comes from its blend of high-quality, made-to-order food, a diverse menu that caters to all tastes, and a welcoming atmosphere cultivated by a friendly and professional staff. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend outing, a group of friends meeting for brunch, or an individual seeking a healthy and delicious meal, First Watch delivers. While some diners may have specific preferences that differ from a particular dish, the overall quality and variety of the menu, from savory hash dishes to sweet French toast, provide a strong reason to visit. The option to join a waitlist online and the convenience of its location make it a practical and appealing choice for the busy Columbus community. First Watch embodies the kind of local business that combines a commitment to quality food with a dedication to great service, making it a cherished spot for many in the region.

First Watch Location

First Watch

Ohio Delaware County Columbus Polaris Polaris Parkway

2103 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

First Watch Reviews

First watch was my first brunch spot visit in Columbus on my trip and I was blown away. Our server Abigail was amazing with quick, consistent service; suggestions; and pleasant demeanor!The food was phenomenal. We had the strawberry tres leches French toast, million dollar bacon, smoked salmon Benedict, and million dollar potatoes, as well as the spiked lavender lemonade and kale tonic. If you have the time, this is a must visit in Columbus!
Jun 28, 2025 · Samuel Nauman
The food was ok. For the steak and eggs hash dish, it was different, not great. The small pieces of meat on the plate were tasteless, but the source of the eggs was really good. The dish was overwhelmed with potatoes. With that price, I expected a bit more of the better red meat. The juice was too sweet compared to the one I had in Durham, NC. The cocktail my husband ordered was literally a sugar water. not going back. Oh and the waitress served as the coffee, brought us two coffee cups and poured coffee for my husband and decided to skip me.
Nov 29, 2024 · Lyda Ngin
Some of our food was delish. The Mixed Berry French Toast was batter in the.middle, like not cooked at all. But when the cooked order came out, it was fantastic!! Topped with Lavender whipped cream, WOW!! Our server was very kind and did a good job. We were sat next to a birthday lunch with 5-6 adults and 3 kids all under 5 years old or so. No supervision at all. That's why I only gave one star for 'Atmosphere'. Thank you!!
May 04, 2025 · addie christine
It was fine. Nothing to get excited about. I had the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. The lemon curd had a very artificial flavor. The pancake itself was good. The water was awful. Our service was just ok. I did try the pineapple express specialty drink. It was pretty good.
May 17, 2025 · Heather Hoskins
Was at a conference that food was not provided. Decided to order food to be delivered. Beware they don’t provide utensils so make sure to order them when placing your order. Did not receive one of our drinks and did not receive the dressing for my salad. But since I did not have utensils, couldn’t eat the salad anyway! I called and spoke to the manager who refunded for the drink. The food was good! Service, not so much.
Jun 11, 2025 · Charlene Baker