First Watch Tempe, AZ: Fresh Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch Near ASU

First Watch Introduce

First Watch in Tempe, Arizona, stands out as a premier destination for anyone seeking a fresh, high-quality breakfast, brunch, or lunch experience. Known as "The Daytime Cafe," this restaurant concept is rooted in the philosophy of serving made-to-order dishes using the freshest possible ingredients, avoiding heat lamps or deep fryers. This commitment to freshness has established it as a beloved spot for both students near the ASU campus and local Tempe families alike. The atmosphere is designed to be **Casual, Cozy, and Trendy**, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment that is perfect for starting your day or taking a relaxing midday break.

The menu at First Watch is thoughtfully curated to cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. It successfully blends traditional breakfast and brunch favorites with innovative, health-conscious selections. Whether you are craving the indulgence of **Lemon Ricotta Pancakes** or the nutritious benefits of the **A.M. Superfoods Bowl** and **Healthy Turkey™** omelet, the offerings are diverse and exciting. The restaurant is particularly popular for its fast and attentive service, making it an ideal choice for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience. It is recognized as a family restaurant, a pancake restaurant, and a health food restaurant all in one, providing something for every member of the family, from the kids’ menu to the sophisticated adult selections. Patrons consistently praise the friendly staff and the overall pleasant ambiance, cementing First Watch's reputation as one of the best breakfast and brunch options in the area.

This specific First Watch location is ideally situated at 111 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA. Its position on University Drive makes it incredibly accessible, particularly for those affiliated with Arizona State University (ASU) and the surrounding Tempe community. The central location in a busy area is complemented by excellent parking and accessibility features, a significant advantage for diners in the Valley.

To ensure a stress-free visit, the restaurant provides both a **Free Parking Lot** and **Free Street Parking**, removing the typical concern of finding and paying for parking in a metropolitan area. Accessibility is paramount at this location, with full provisions made for all guests. These include a **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance**, **Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot**, **Wheelchair Accessible Restroom**, and **Wheelchair Accessible Seating**. This dedication ensures that the welcoming, bright environment is truly open to everyone. Its position near major roads and the university area means it is easily reachable for a morning meal or mid-day refuel, making it a convenient stop for locals, college students, and tourists exploring the Tempe area. The opportunity for **Outdoor Seating** also allows guests to enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather while they dine.

First Watch offers a comprehensive range of dining and service options designed for convenience and quality:

**Diverse Dining Hours:** Serving **Breakfast**, **Brunch**, and **Lunch** throughout the day, ensuring a favorite meal is always available.
**Service Flexibility:** Provides **Dine-in**, **Takeout**, **Delivery**, and **No-Contact Delivery** to suit all scheduling needs.
**Seating Options:** Features comfortable **Seating** options, including highly desirable **Outdoor Seating**.
**Table Service:** Attentive **Table Service** by a professional and friendly staff, known for being prompt and courteous.
**Payment Methods:** Accepts convenient methods including **Credit Cards** and **Debit Cards**.
**Family Accommodations:** Very **Good for Kids**, offering a dedicated **Kids' Menu**, **High Chairs**, and **Has Changing Table(s)**.

Several distinct features make First Watch a standout choice in the competitive Arizona breakfast and brunch market, emphasizing its core values of freshness, speed, and inclusivity:

**Focus on Freshness:** The menu incorporates **Healthy Options** and **Organic Dishes**, ensuring a focus on nutritious, high-quality ingredients with unique menu sections like "The Healthier Side" and "Power Bowls" (e.g., **A.M. Superfoods Bowl**).
**Exceptional Beverages:** The restaurant is highly noted for **Great Coffee** and a **Great Tea Selection**, crucial for any quality breakfast experience. They also offer **Alcohol** and a juice bar with fresh-squeezed options.
**Signature Menu Items:** Features popular, exclusive dishes known as "First Watch Eggs-clusives," such as the famous **Chickichanga®** and various takes on **Eggs Benedict** (Classic, Florentine, BLT, Smoked Salmon).
**Speed and Efficiency:** Known for **Fast Service**, which is a significant advantage for those needing a quick bite or dining during a lunch break, as one customer noted, making it efficient without sacrificing quality.
**Inclusivity and Atmosphere:** The environment is purposefully welcoming, identified as **LGBTQ+ Friendly** and a **Transgender Safespace**. The casual and cozy setting appeals to a broad **Crowd**, including **College Students**, **Family-friendly** groups, and **Solo Dining** patrons.
**Dietary Accommodations:** Offers a substantial selection of **Vegan Options** and **Vegetarian Options** alongside classic comfort food, demonstrating an inclusive approach to dining.
**Local Recognition:** The establishment **Serves Local Specialty** items, subtly connecting the national brand to the unique culinary landscape of Arizona.

For those planning to visit this popular Tempe location, here is the necessary contact information:

**Address:** 111 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

**Phone:** (480) 498-4100 (Also listed as +1 480-498-4100)

Choosing First Watch in Tempe is an excellent decision for anyone in the Arizona region prioritizing quality, freshness, and a welcoming atmosphere for their morning or midday meal. The primary reason for its high recommendation is the restaurant’s unique ability to execute both classic comfort food and modern, healthy cuisine with equal skill, all delivered with remarkable speed and genuine hospitality.

For the comfort food enthusiast, the menu offers hearty, satisfying options like the **Tri-Fecta** and the customizable **Skillet Hash** varieties (Farmhouse, Parma, Market). For those focused on wellness and health, the dedication to fresh-pressed juices and items like **Avocado Toast**, the **Power Wrap™**, and the **Healthy Turkey™** omelet provides guilt-free, delicious choices. The diverse menu ensures repeat visits are always exciting, with patrons often developing favorite "never miss" items like the popular breakfast tacos.

Furthermore, the experience is consistently elevated by the staff. Customer reviews frequently praise the workers by name for being "genuinely nice," "attentive," and committed to ensuring a great experience. This level of personalized, friendly service creates a true sense of community, transforming a simple meal into a genuinely positive outing. The combination of a meticulously prepared, varied menu, a commitment to cleanliness and a pleasant ambiance, and the consistently exceptional customer service solidifies First Watch as a top-tier choice for breakfast, brunch, or lunch in the Tempe and greater Phoenix metro area. It represents a reliable and high-value option for individuals, families, and groups looking for a vibrant start to their Arizona day.

First Watch Menu

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
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

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

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

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

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

First Watch Photos

First Watch Location

First Watch

Arizona Maricopa County Tempe Maple-Ash West University Drive

111 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

First Watch Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1823 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

First Watch is one of my favorite places to get breakfast. I have been coming to the location near ASU for about four years now, and they have consistently done a great job every time. Although there was one instance where they accidentally burned my order and had to remake it, they made it right by remaking it and providing it to me free of charge. Even the best places have off days, so I understood that, and they have not let me down.While I have had many of the items on their menu, the item I have had the most of is the breakfast tacos. The breakfast tacos never miss. Even though they removed the regular breakfast tacos from the menu, you can still order them, which is a delightful bonus.I know many of the workers there by name, and they are some of the nicest people I have ever met. They are always attentive and make sure everything is going well. Whenever you need anything extra, they are more than happy to help. One of the workers is named Isaac, and he is one of the most genuinely nice guys I have ever met. Every staff member is committed to ensuring that guests have a great experience in their restaurant. Whenever I pay up, I make sure to leave them a handsome tip.The atmosphere is also pleasant. Perfect for unwinding as you prepare for the second half of your day ahead after your lunch break concludes.I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a great breakfast, brunch, or lunch spot for a reasonable price. First Watch is among the best options out there.
September 17 · Erik Gibson
This is a solid spot for breakfast. It was clean inside and the staff were really welcoming. The meals are hearty, so you won't leave hungry. They play fun pop music over the speakers. Just take your check to the cashier upfront when you're ready to pay. I tried their Triathlon omelette; it was tasty and well-prepared, though I personally would have preferred some kind of meat or protein in it with the egg whites. Overall, a recommended place.
May 09 · Steven Warren
I ordered what was supposed to be a fresh biscuit with gravy, and when I opened it there was visible MOLD baked right into the bread. You can clearly see the gray fuzzy growth spreading through the biscuit in multiple spots. Avoid this place until they sort out their food handling standards.
October 09 · Just E
Staff was very friendly and helpful! Clean and trendy restaurant. The seasonal honey chipotle hash had top notch flavors, there was none left over. The lemon ricotta pancakes were a fresh and tasty twist on a staple. Would recommend this place to all breakfast lovers.
September 08 · Gabriel Martin
This restaurant in Arizona has the potential to be a great breakfast spot, but unfortunately my friends and I walked away feeling disappointed and disrespected. We were a group of eight and understood that seating a large party might take some time. Initially, we were asked to wait while the staff prepared a suitable arrangement, which was reasonable. However, after sitting for nearly twenty minutes, we noticed smaller groups arriving after us being seated immediately. When we checked in again, the server suggested seating five of us first and finding a table for the rest later. That already felt disorganized.When a second table opened up, two servers told us they would prepare it for our group. We patiently waited, only to watch another server seat a new party there instead. The lack of communication between staff was frustrating and unprofessional. Once we were finally seated, we were informed that the two tables would be served separately. This seemed odd, especially since we had been clear from the start that we were one group.The food itself was decent—our table ordered eggs Benedict and sandwiches, which tasted fine—but the chaotic service overshadowed the meal. Toward the end, the experience worsened when it felt as though the servers were rushing us to pay the bill and leave, almost as if our presence as a larger group was unwelcome.Dining out should feel enjoyable, not stressful. While the food met expectations, the service fell far short. Basic coordination, clearer communication, and respect for guests—especially larger parties—would go a long way in improving the overall atmosphere. I sincerely hope management takes note, because this place has potential, but right now it fails on the most important part of hospitality: making customers feel valued.
September 16 · Abhimanyu Sachdeva