First Watch is a daytime-only breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant located at 12594 W Sunrise Blvd inside the Sawgrass Square shopping center in Sunrise, Florida. Named after the nautical term for the first work shift aboard a ship, the Florida-headquartered daytime cafe brand was founded in 1983 and has become a fixture in western Broward County for made-to-order morning dishes prepared without heat lamps or deep fryers. Positioned directly across West Sunrise Boulevard from Sawgrass Mills and just minutes from Amerant Bank Arena, this Sunrise location draws local families, business commuters, and shoppers seeking wholesome daytime fare, fresh-pressed juices, and seasonal chef-driven specials.
What to Expect at First Watch
The culinary program at First Watch in Sunrise centers on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients alongside indulgent brunch classics. Every morning before the doors open at 7:00 AM, the kitchen staff slices fresh avocados, whisks French toast batter, and juices fruits and vegetables in-house. Rather than relying on standard diner shortcuts, the kitchen cooks cage-free eggs to order, bakes thick-cut bacon in the oven, and rotates a seasonal menu five times a year to highlight peak produce such as sweet corn in summer, pumpkin and braised short rib in autumn, and Florida strawberries in spring.
Inside the Sawgrass Square storefront, the dining room features an open, contemporary farmhouse aesthetic with warm wood accents, large windows bringing in South Florida daylight, booth and table seating for families, and counter seating for solo diners. Guests ordering Project Sunrise coffee receive a full insulated pot left right at the table for self-service refills, sourced from an independent women-owned coffee cooperative in Huila, Colombia. The menu is organized to accommodate diverse dietary preferences, offering gluten-sensitive, vegetarian, and high-protein power bowls alongside multigrain pancakes and artisanal sandwiches.
- Avocado Toast: Thick-cut whole-grain artisan toast topped with fresh smashed avocado, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Maldon sea salt, and two basted cage-free eggs.
- Million Dollar Bacon: Four slices of hardwood-smoked bacon baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne, and a maple syrup drizzle, served as a signature side or featured in seasonal sandwiches.
- The Trifecta & Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Classic griddle combinations featuring Belgian waffles or oversized multigrain pancakes topped with whipped creamy lemon ricotta and fresh seasonal berries.
- Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos & Omelets: Cage-free egg omelets and wheat-corn tortillas layered with chorizo, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, pico de gallo, and fresh avocado.
- Fresh Juice Bar & Project Sunrise Coffee: Cold-pressed juices made daily, including the Kale Tonic (kale, Fuji apple, English cucumber, and lemon) and Morning Meditation (orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar, and beet).
First Watch at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 12594 W Sunrise Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33323 (Sawgrass Square) |
| Neighborhood / Area | Western Sunrise / Sawgrass Mills Corridor |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Entrees typically $11–$17; Fresh Juices & Coffee $4–$6) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 75 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free surface parking lot in Sawgrass Square; Broward County Transit Route 22 & 36 along W Sunrise Blvd |
| Official Website & Phone | firstwatch.com/locations/sunrise | +1 954-846-1313 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Because First Watch in Sunrise sits immediately south of the Sawgrass Mills retail complex, weekend brunch hours between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM draw substantial crowds. Instead of traditional reservations, the restaurant operates a remote waitlist system through the official First Watch website and mobile app; joining the digital line 30 to 45 minutes before arriving on Saturday or Sunday mornings saves considerable wait time. Weekday mornings between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM are much quieter and well suited for business meetings or relaxed solo breakfasts. Drivers can reach the plaza easily via the Sawgrass Expressway (FL-869) at the Sunrise Boulevard exit or via Flamingo Road (FL-823), with ample free surface parking directly in front of the restaurant.
The single-level restaurant is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, offering step-free entry from the Sawgrass Square sidewalk, designated accessible parking spaces near the entrance, wide aisles between booths, and ADA-compliant restrooms. After dining, visitors are a two-minute drive or short walk across West Sunrise Boulevard from Sawgrass Mills and The Colonnade Outlets for shopping. Nature lovers can drive 10 minutes north to Markham Park & Target Range, a 669-acre county park bordering the Everglades Conservation Area with walking trails, RC airfields, and mountain bike tracks, or head 15 minutes south to Flamingo Gardens in Davie.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours and best times to visit First Watch in Sunrise?
First Watch in Sunrise is open daily from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM, seven days a week. For immediate seating without a wait, visit on weekdays before 9:30 AM or on weekends prior to 8:30 AM. If planning a mid-morning weekend brunch, use the online “Get in Line” waitlist feature before leaving home.
How much does a meal cost at First Watch, and do they take reservations?
Most breakfast, brunch, and lunch entrees range from $11 to $17, placing the cafe in the moderate ($$) price tier. While the restaurant does not take fixed-time table reservations, guests can join the live virtual waitlist online or through the First Watch mobile app to secure their spot in line ahead of arrival.
How much time should I budget for dining at First Watch?
Plan to spend 45 to 60 minutes for a weekday breakfast or lunch, and roughly 60 to 75 minutes during peak weekend brunch hours. If ordering takeout or curb-side pickup before a shopping trip at Sawgrass Mills, online orders are typically prepared within 20 to 30 minutes.
Is First Watch in Sunrise family-friendly and able to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, the restaurant welcomes families with a dedicated kids’ menu featuring small-portion pancakes, waffles, grilled cheese, and fresh fruit alongside high chairs and booth seating. The kitchen also accommodates vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, and health-focused diets with customizable egg white omelets, power bowls, and fresh-squeezed vegetable juices.
When planning your Sunrise Manor travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and brunch restaurant in Sunrise Manor, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, Taco's Bruno's, and matchbox (0.6 km away).
