First Watch — Restaurant in Wilmington

First Watch is usually a reliable brunch location - good variety of tasty options. This was my first time visiting this location and it did not live up to my expectations. First, the hostess didn't give me an estimated wait time when I arrived, so I assumed it would be somewhere between 10-30 minutes. Went in to check after 20 and she said it would be at least another 30 minutes - so I would have appreciated being told the estimated 50 minute wait up front. I ordered the farmhouse skillet hash with poached eggs, which also comes with avocado. When it came out, all 4 pieces of avocado were clearly overripe (characteristic pattern of black spots and lines coming from where the stem was attached) and the waitress indicated every avocado in the kitchen looked the same. I think this really shouldn't have been served - they should have 86'd the avocados instead of trying to sell an inferior product. Also, my poached eggs were nearly hard-boiled. The manager did make it right by having my meal re-made; the eggs came out well this time but they again served it with the overripe avocado. Everyone else's meals and drinks were good (although they didn't order anything with...

This exceptionally staffed location is it nestled in one of the more affluent and newly developed areas of the greater Wilmington area. Situated in a complex sea of Wilmington's higher end shops, it is worth the stop over. The staff is friendly, attentive and engaging. The scene was calm and the environment clean. I was quick to be seated by sweet Ms. Irene, who also expedited my brunch in perfect tempo. My server Riley flew high with her outstanding display of customer service. Authentic, warm smiles and personalized conversation is the name of her game. Then, shining from the other bustling rooms of the house were Manager Erica and Chef Dale. Both of them providing cutomerary nods between customer and professional in action. Thoughtfully made cuisine with supportive and organized management.

So....... What did I have for brunch?

Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowl (add caramelized onion & mushrooms).

House Bloody Mary

H2O

• Portions are plentiful and priced accurately for their quality.

So, the next time you are in Wilmington, NC , come and give your own review. Glad glad First Watch was my First Choice....

This is my third time here and usually I like this place! But we had a pretty bad experience this past week, with service and several menu items were really poor compared to their norm. Even the waitress said it was bad when I asked to speak with a manager there was no one available! First of all, the lemon Ricotta pancakes are supposed to come with two pancakes and a lot more strawberries, and if you look at other reviews, all the other pictures are better than when I was served! In addition, my in-laws each got a turkey sandwich/melt that was terrible and dry & overcooked by ALOT!!! the other two meals at our table were fine. The waitress was sweet, but we didn’t get our order in for at least 25 minutes and she didn’t even bring us water. I think she was just super busy, although the restaurant was not super busy! She did apologize, but there was no effort made to compensate us for what was missing or bad. And the fact that I asked to speak with a manager, and then none was available, that was...