First Watch — Restaurant in Shenandoah

I have been coming to several locations everywhere like 1960, Pearland, Webster, Houston etc quite often inviting everyone I knew & loved since about 2019. After moving back up north, my partner and I were relieved we didn't have to drive a long distance to our favorite breakfast chain. Before 2023, this location, service & food was excellent. You could tell the servers and manager were supportive of each other to make the people's morning awesome, food on point, consistent, helping people feel welcomed, attentive to and comfortable. The best service and breakfast date we've had in awhile, twice in a row.

The Morning of New Year's Day my partner and I decide to start the day off right and get our favorites since we hadn't been awhile... and left surprisingly disappointed, annoyed & thrown off by our experience with the manager and wait time. Most business know holidays like New Years Day will most likely be packed. My partner talked to the manager who was managing the front on the packed morning and you could tell he was really stressed out by how busy it was, which can be normal. What wasn't okay, was how quickly rude he was to my bf, the manager seemed overall strung out. Bf was asking about wait time, the manager assumed bf was being rude about it and the manager showing clear annoyance, dismissiveness & expressing excuses how he wasn't prepared for it to be as busy as it. Lacking decorum, awareness in food service & holidays is a red flag. It's not the customers fault of how any business is ran, so maybe don't be quick to be nasty and spread that energy to people who don't deserve it! Nobody wants their morning to be started with that either. We initially were going to wait but decided against it and after dealing with that it was not worth it.

It is now early February around my love's birthday, his dad was visiting, we decided to give this location a second chance, hoping it was a hiccup and the manager got it together. To avoid wait times, we reserved on their website! When we arrived nobody was really paying attention to the front, at the front and but we got seated eventually, in a cramped cubby area near the register. The waitress seemed new, not as attentive, we had to ask other people of things she forgot to bring. I believe I had their seasonal menu item that had chicken (hard to remember/look up old seasonal menu item), it was suggested to me after asking which once she liked. I ended up hating it, it was not hot & didn't taste great at all, sunny side was not over easy. The orange creamy drink they had on the seasonal menu was so bad I had to get it replaced with the Kale Tonic. Nasty! Usually their seasonal drinks are great but I had to get this one replaced. The cheese grits were not fresh or hot, ugh. Everyone thought their food (they both got biscuits and gravy) was nothing special/okay, the only thing that was better than the entree's were the million dollar bacon.

When you're a regular at First Watch, you know the standard of service and quality of food that is usually upheld. The manager and majority of employees seemed distracted, lacking confidence in their ability in their job. It is disheartening giving up on restaurants you once loved because of the quality of food seems like it's no longer cared about. It was obvious how poorly the manager now runs this location restaurant or it's staff being clueless, lacking attentiveness. I usually speak up if something isn't great but I didn't bother bringing it to the managers attention after our last uncomfortable and awkward interaction. Obviously something ain't functioning right at this location and people will grow tired or give up giving constructive criticism for improvement where nobody seems to care! Be wary of spending your hard earned money here and don't be surprised if you left...

First Watch is a really great place for a healthy breakfast! Based on other's reviews, we came here and really enjoyed a nice breakfast, even though it was super busy! Their menu offers many options for meals that are all health-conscious ingredients and recipes. A great choice for any diner looking for a great breakfast! The restaurant was pretty full on arrival, however they were able to seat us rather quickly. The dining area is very clean, modern and a little bit hipster. It's not too loud and it's a great place whether you're a small party or you need to bring a large family with kids. The noise is not too loud and there's plenty of seating. After reviewing the menu (with many great options) we decided on the following breakfast s: the traditional breakfast, the Belgian waffles and the pancake breakfast. *All of the waffles and pancakes are made with a healthy grain flour but no big chunks of oats or anything like that to remind you that you're eating healthy. The traditional breakfast is the most popular offering your standard eggs, bacon, seasoned potatoes and toast. The eggs were fresh tasting and not too dry or too wet. The bacon was delicious, thick and seasoned well as well as the potatoes. The toast served with that breakfast is a hearty grain and really delicious! The pancakes were quite large and fluffy and made just right. The eggs were Sunny Side Up along with the delicious bacon. *A big bonus was that the pancakes are up is served warm, so you won't be chilling out your pancakes anytime soon. The waffles were a cinnamon waffle which tasted a lot like a churro and those were deliciously fluffy and crispy as a classic waffle should be. The coffee was fresh brewed and not bitter. The staff here was wonderful, very attentive and very personable. We really enjoyed our waitress who had a friendly attitude, even though they were super busy. The tables were kept clean/not sticky, and the silverware was spotless. I love the dining area decor with the painted panel doors suspended from the ceiling that gave it a modern but farmhouse style look of decor. I definitely give First Watch two BIG thumbs up and five big stars! Everything is just perfect here, from the quality, ample portions of food, the great staff service and the overall ambiance of the restaurant. This is a really enjoyable place to get a good breakfast with...

First Watch is the ultimate breakfast, brunch, and lunch destination that never fails to deliver an extraordinary dining experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with a cheerful and attentive staff that instantly makes you feel at home.

The menu is a celebration of fresh, innovative, and wholesome ingredients. Whether you're indulging in their famous Avocado Toast, savoring the perfectly fluffy Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, or fueling up with the Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl, every dish is a masterpiece. The flavor combinations are spot-on, and you can truly taste the quality and care that goes into every bite.

For those seeking healthy options, First Watch shines with its array of fresh juices, like the refreshing Morning Meditation or the energy-boosting Kale Tonic. Their focus on seasonal specials keeps the menu exciting and ensures there’s always something new to try.

The ambiance is cozy and modern, with just the right mix of rustic charm and contemporary style. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with family, catching up with friends, or even a solo treat-yourself moment.

What truly sets First Watch apart is their commitment to excellence – from the locally-sourced ingredients to the attentive service. They don’t just serve food; they create an experience that leaves you feeling satisfied, energized, and eager to return.

If you’re looking for a dining spot that delivers consistently phenomenal food and impeccable service, First Watch is the place to be. Every visit feels like a celebration of fresh flavors...