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

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 Food & drink

Classic Favorites
The Traditional
Two fresh cage-free eggs any style with your choice of bacon, smoked ham, savory chicken sausage patties, turkey or pork sausage links. Served with whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves and fresh, seasoned potatoes. Substitute Udi’s Gluten Free toast at no additional charge.
Tri-Fecta
Two fresh cage-free eggs any style with either a light and airy Belgian waffle or a multigrain pancake. Plus your choice of bacon, savory chicken sausage patty, turkey or pork sausage link.

Omelets and Frittatas
Bacado
Bacon, avocado and Monterey Jack. Topped with sour cream and served with a side of housemade Pico de gallo.
Ham & Gruyere
Smoked ham, Gruyere cheese and fresh herbs.
Chile Chorizo
Chorizo, avocado, green chilies, roasted onions, Cheddar and Monterey Jack, Topped with all -natural sour cream and served with a side of housemade pico de gallo.
Morning Market Veg
House-roasted zucchini, Crimini mushrooms, shallots, kale and tomatoes with Goat cheese and fresh herbs.
Inspired Italian
Italian sausage, house-roasted tomatoes and red peppers with fresh herbs, Mozzarella and Parmesan.
The Works
Ham, bacon, sausage, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions and tomatoes with Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Topped with all-natural sour cream.
Frittata Rustica
A classic Italian-style omelet with kale, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions and tomatoes topped with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served with ciabatta toast.
Smoked Salmon & Roasted Vegetable Frittata
A classic frittata with Wild Alaska Smoked Sockeye Salmon, house-roasted shallots and tomatoes topped with Parmesan cheese, a chive cream drizzle and fresh herbs. Served with ciabatta toast.

The Healthier Side
Healthy Turkey™
Egg white omelet with turkey, house-roasted onions, tomatoes, spinach and Feta. Served with whole grain artisan toast and all-natural preserves.
Avocado Toast
Our thick-cut whole grain toast topped with fresh smashed avocado, EVOO, lemon and Maldon sea salt. Served with two basted eggs*.
Sunrise Granola Bowl
Non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt layered with fresh, seasonal fruit, nuts and our housemade granola.
Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Made-to-order topped with house-marinated berries, fresh sliced banana and pecans. Served with low-fat milk, brown sugar and a fresh baked muffin of the day.
Tri-Athlete®
Egg white omelet with house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and green chillies. Served with housemade pico de gallo, whole grain artisan toast, all-natural house preserves and fresh fruit.
Power Wrap™
Egg whites, turkey, spinach, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms and Mozzarella in a sun-dried tomato-basil tortilla. Served with fresh fruit and a side of housemade pico de gallo.
A.M. Superfoods Bowl
Coconut milk chia seed pudding with fresh bananas, berries, blackberry preserves and housemade granola. Served with whole grain artisan toast topped with almond butter and Maldon sea salt.

First Watch Eggs-clusives
Chickichanga®
Whipped eggs with spicy all-natural white-meat chicken, chorizo sausage, green chilies, Cheddar and Monterey Jack, onions and avocado rolled in a flour tortilla. Topped with Vera Cruz sauce and sour cream. Served with fresh fruit and fresh, seasoned potatoes.
Eggs Benedict - Classic
Two poached cage-free eggs* atop toasted ciabatta piled high with smoked ham and vine-ripened tomato and covered with hollandaise. Served with lightly dressed organic mixed greens.
Eggs Benedict - Florentine
Two poached cage-free eggs* atop toasted ciabatta piled high with fresh baby spinach, avocado and vine-ripened tomato and covered with hollandaise. Served with lightly dressed organic mixed greens.
Eggs Benedict - BLT
Two poached cage-free eggs* atop toasted ciabatta piled high with bacon, vine-ripened tomato, avocado and lemon-dressed arugula and covered with hollandaise. Served with lightly dressed organic mixed greens.
Eggs Benedict - Smoked Salmon
Two poached cage-free eggs* atop toasted ciabatta piled high with Wild Alaska Smoked Sockeye Salmon, red onion and vine-ripened tomato and covered with hollandaise. Served with lightly dressed organic mixed greens.
The Elevated Egg Sandwich
Fresh, over-easy cage-free egg* with bacon, Gruyere cheese, fresh smashed avocado, mayo and lemon dressed arugula on a brioche bun. Served with fresh, seasoned potatoes.
Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos
Three wheat-corn tortillas with scrambled eggs, Cajun chicken, chorizo, Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Topped with fresh avocado and housemade pico de gallo. Served with seasoned black beans.
Skillet Hash - Farmhouse
Two cage-free eggs* any style atop fresh, seasoned potatoes, bacon, avocado, house-roasted onions and tomatoes, Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Served with whole grain artisan toast.
Skillet Hash - Parma
Two cage-free eggs* any style atop fresh, seasoned potatoes, Italian sausage, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, onions and tomatoes with melted Parmesan, Mozzarella and fresh herbs. Served with whole grain artisan toast.
Skillet Hash - Market
Two cage-free eggs* any style atop fresh, seasoned potatoes, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms, zucchini, shallots, red peppers, baby spinach, melted Mozzarella and herbed Goat cheese. Served with whole grain artisan toast.
Biscuits and Turkey Sausage Gravy with Eggs
Freshly baked, housemade biscuits with savory turkey sausage gravy. Served with two fresh cage-free eggs" any style and fresh, seasoned potatoes.

Power Bowls
Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl
Protein-packed quinoa, Italian sausage, house-roasted Crimini mushrooms and tomatoes, kale, Parmesan and EV00. Topped with two basted cage-free eggs*.
Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Protein-packed quinoa mixed with kale, shredded carrots and house-roasted tomatoes topped with grilled all-natural lemon chicken breast, basil pesto sauce, feta crumbles and fresh herbs.

The Middle Griddle
Multigrain Pancakes
We've gotta warn you: these beauties are beyond big - they're humongous! Choose your stackage accordingly from: Plain, Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, Banana Granola Crunch, Carrot Cake.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
We add fresh, whipped ricotta cheese to our multigrain batter. Served as a "mid-stack" of two pancakes topped with marinated berries and creamy lemon curd.
Belgian Waffle
Our light and airy waffle with a side of warm, berry compote.
French Toast
Custard-dipped, thick-cut brioche bread topped with whipped butter and powdered cinnamon sugar.
Floridian French Toast
Thick-cut brioche with wheat germ and powdered cinnamon sugar, covered with fresh banana, kiwi and seasonal berries.

Sandwiches
Monterey Club
Turkey, bacon, avocado, organic mixed greens, tomato, Monterey Jack and mayo on sourdough.
BLTE®
The classic BLT plus an over-hard cage-free egg, Monterey Jack and mayo on artisan whole grain.
Baja Turkey Burger
A lean white-meat turkey patty with avocado, organic mixed greens, housemade pico de gallo, mayo and Horseradish Havarti on a brioche bun.
Market Veggie
House-roasted Crimini mushrooms, zucchini and spinach with basil pesto, mayo and Mozzarella cheese on grilled artisan whole grain.
Roast Beef & Havarti
Roast beef, Horseradish Havarti, house-roasted onions and tomato with lemon dressed arugula on grilled Parmesan-crusted sourdough, Horseradish sauce on the side.
Ham & Gruyere Melt
Smoked ham, tomato and melty Gruyere cheese with Dijonnaise on grilled artisan brioche.
Veggie Burger
A seasoned all-natural patty of brown rice, Peppadew peppers, onions, carrots and mushrooms. Served on a brioche bun with fresh smashed avocado, organic mixed greens, tomato, red onion and a side of Dijonnaise.
Chicken Salad Melt
All-natural white-meat chicken salad made with apples, raisins and celery served open-faced on grilled artisan whole grain. Topped with tomato and melted Monterey Jack.

Salads
Superfood Kale
Vitamin-rich kale and organic mixed greens with housemade maple-roasted carrots, warm all-natural chicken breast, dried cranberries, slivered almonds and shredded Parmesan cheese tossed in our refreshing maple-lemon vinaigrette.
Chicken Avocado Chop
Chopped romaine and arugula, all-natural chicken breast, avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, Feta cheese and crispy tortilla chips with a citrus chipotle dressing.
Cobb
Organic mixed greens, bacon, turkey breast, egg, tomatoes, avocado and Bleu cheese crumbles with ranch dressing.
Sweet Honey Pecan
Organic mixed greens, romaine, all-natural chicken breast, bacon, toasted pecans, avocado, tomatoes and carrots with Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Drizzled with warm honey Dijon dressing.

First Watch Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

First Watch Photos

First Watch Location

First Watch

Ohio Delaware County Columbus Polaris Polaris Parkway

2103 Polaris Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43240, USA

First Watch Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 1025 user reviews.

brunchpancakesserverhealthyeggs benedictbowlkalegluten freeturkeyfrittata

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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!
June 28 · 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.
November 28 · 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 · 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 · 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.
June 11 · Charlene Baker