First Watch

At Toasted Yolk Cafe, First Watch and Keke's Breakfast Cafe, grab a hot plate of breakfast food any day of the week and, of course, a freshly brewed cup of joe. These three neighborhood hot spots are Sarasota's version of a diner, but more hip and modern. A favorite among locals and visitors alike for their early morning service serving up classic breakfast foods and bottomless coffee, these three daytime cafes and restaurants are the perfect way to start the day—whether you go with the French press at Keke's, the cold brew at First Watch made with their own Projet Sunrise ground coffee or a caramel macchiato at Toasted Yolk Cafe!

Although First Watch is a chain restaurant, I still wanted to include it in my line-up for the best spots for breakfast in Sarasota because it is still one of my favorites!. Another fun fact is that First Watch headquarters is located in Bradenton, Florida, the city directly north of Sarasota. If you haven’t been to First Watch before, it is an award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot that is located in many places across the country.

First Watch, for those of you poor souls in cities without it, is a breakfast restaurant that specializes in healthy, locally-sourced ingredients. There are many First Watch locations around Sarasota, but my favorite has to be the one off of Main Street, right next to the Sarasota Opera House in the Main Street Merchants district. I always go for the Trifecta breakfast when I come to First Watch.

First Watch has grown from a small Manatee County-based chain into the nation’s largest breakfast-lunch operation, with hundreds of locations in dozens of states. It’s easy to see why. The company’s outposts serve fresh, affordable, straightforward breakfasts from kitchens that don’t use heat lamps or deep fryers, and the food is often delivered at breakneck speed.

For those who enjoy consistency and a familiar experience, First Watch is the go-to breakfast chain in Sarasota. With a diverse menu featuring classic favorites and innovative creations, First Watch offers something for everyone. From traditional bacon and eggs to their famous quinoa power bowls, you can always count on a satisfying breakfast here.

This well-known restaurant chain makes a terrific addition to the breakfast scene featuring large American-style breakfast with originality. From fluffy pancakes to mouthwatering omelets, favorites with flair abound. Try a specialty by ordering the farmhouse hash, which includes potato hash, bacon, onions, avocados, cheese, and two eggs.

First Watch is an award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot. The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere – perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch. Their menu boasts extensive fresh and healthy options, including their signature egg dishes and superfood bowls.

Downtown’s best breakfast spot is the local branch of First Watch, 1395 Main St., at Central and Pineapple avenues (tel. 941/954-1395). Like its siblings in Naples and elsewhere, First Watch offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch fare. It’s open daily from 7:30am to 2:30pm.

The eclectic breakfast food items are excellent and the service is always fast and friendly. They use lots of organic ingredients and specialize in great tasting healthy breakfast food. What to get: Avocado toast, million dollar bacon, breakfast tacos and pretty much anything.

I’ve only had breakfast there and they offer some of the healthiest and most delicious dishes to start your morning. The first thing I order is a cup of their award-winning Project Sunrise Arabica bean coffee. Sip while you browse the extensive menu.

One of Downtown Sarasota's nicest breakfast spots is the First Watch Restaurant, 1395 Main St., at Central and Pineapple. First Watch offers a wide variety of inexpensive breakfast and lunch fare. It's open daily from 7:30am to 2:30pm.

If you want a green juice that actually tastes good, you have to try their Kale Tonic. You won't even realize you're drinking kale, I promise!. They also have amazing seasonal specials.

When I first moved to Sarasota, I had no clue that First Watch was a chain restaurant. Their food never disappoints. They have a typical American-style breakfast with a twist.