First Watch — Restaurant in Land O' Lakes

I came to first watch maybe 2-4 weeks ago to take the dogs out to eat on the patio. I was bringing multiple dogs so I parked my car, went inside to say I'll be sitting on the patio with the dogs so I don't bring them through the restaurant.

I get the dogs about 1-2 minutes later and go sit down, there are 3 other tables outside. Multiple waiters come out I think 2/3 to help the other tables a couple times. I figure im the only person out here with dogs I'll get some assistance soon enough.

I had to call them while I was seated on the patio to say no one has helped me. The waitress that came out said if we see someone that hasn't been addressed we assumed they've been helped already. Then she asked if the dogs are service dogs to which I said no, I've come here before and eaten with the dogs on the patio. She asked if I'd like to speak with the manager, I replied yes.

The manager came out and said only service dogs are allowed on the patio because dogs were behaving poorly previously and pointed to a tiny sign in the window that looks like its for restaurant personnel and not something a customer would read. I was then asked if I wanted to place a to go order to which I replied no, I was taking the dogs out to eat to practice being at a restaurant.

The thing that bothers me the most is being ignored/not helped on the patio with no offer of water to me or the dogs

Not saying when I said ill be sitting on the patio with the dogs before I even sat down that their policy had changed

And the fact I had to call to get someone to even come out...

It’s always going to be first watch when it comes to brunch and breakfast! I cannot even count how many times I’ve eaten at this location, but it’s my favorite. Not only is the food amazing every.single.time. but all of the servers have been great, the food always comes out fast and fresh, and it’s overall some of the best brunch you’ll have in this area for the price! Their hot and iced coffee is delicious, I love their fresh juices, and there isn’t one thing on the menu I can say I tried and didn’t like. (I swear I’ve had just about everything on it) The only downside to this location is how busy it gets, especially on the weekends. But I promise you the wait is always worth it!! Pro tip, if you go on their website from Google maps you can, “reserve your spot in line” before you get there, check in and they’ll add you into the wait line from when you checked in online. It does help on those days where it’s busier and you need to eat asap! My best recommendation though if you want a less crowded and loud experience (it gets loud in here when it’s packed) is to come as early as possible once they open, or come after noon. If you come anytime between 9am-11am on the weekend you will be waiting. Overall this location has been a favorite of mine since its grand opening. There is something for everyone on the menu but I have to recommend the morning meditation juice, the potatoes and the banana granola...

This is our second time coming to this location where you are seated and then ignored. The previous time was 3 weeks ago when we decided to do lunch at 1:30. We were seated and after 20 minutes I asked the hostess stand person for a waitperson. I watch as he walked back to the person who had our table, watched him ask her at which point she walked out the back door. As I watched the staff for the next 8 minutes discussing who will take the table and after much giggling and bantering back and forth a waitperson came to our table. The service attitude was superficial. I have to add that my wife reads lips but I will not write in this review what was said amongst the staff because it is neither professional or family friendly. On this trip, they asked if I wanted to sit outside with my daughter who is 2 years old. After 25 minutes with no acknowledgement by a waitperson and my 2 yo being spent on the patience meter I walked to the hostess stand to talk to a manager. I got an apology then I left. There is nothing worse than being ignored at a restaurant especially when you have young kids. We do not always bring our kids with us to this location but poor service seems to happen when we do. Sometimes it makes me wonder if it is due to white parents having dark skin children.

Maybe we are better off taking them to the First Watch locations in Clearwater & Palm Harbor…..seems to be less...