FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT
Does FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT keep a clean kitchen? Not quite — only a C, 71/100, the last time the state checked (April 28, 2026). That visit logged 2 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 7 basic violations.
Its most recent inspection on April 28, 2026 cited 2 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 7 basic violations. It currently ranks safer than 17% of Lake County restaurants we grade. Diner rating: 4.5 from 1,767 reviews.
Trend: declining · C (71/100)
Get directions Call (352) 432-8851
Restaurant details
- Health grade
- C (71/100)
- Violations
- 11 total — 2 high-priority, 2 intermediate, 7 basic
- Address
- 1600 HANCOCK ROAD SUITE #105, Clermont, FL
- Cuisine
- Other
- Categories
- Breakfast restaurant, Brunch restaurant, Family restaurant, Health food restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Pancake restaurant
- Price
- $10–20
- Rating
- 4.5 stars (1767 reviews)
- Seats
- 148
- Phone
- (352) 432-8851
- Website
- Official website
Community Rating
Reviews via GoogleWhat diners say — our read
This listing's ratings cluster at the two ends of the scale. Reviewers who mention how guests are treated rate this place 5.0 on average — it is working in the restaurant’s favour. Speed of service follows at 35% of reviews, where ratings average 3.8.
5 stars is the modal score, given by 13 of the 17 reviewers who rated. The split is 13 positive to 4 negative across 17 rated reviews. A third strand, freshness and temperature, appears in 29% of them at 3.0 stars.
The kitchen graded a C (71/100) on 2 high-priority, 2 intermediate, and 7 basic violations at its last inspection, which is roughly where the reviews sit too. That inspection was on April 28, 2026. Across its inspection history the kitchen is declining, which argues for reading the older reviews with caution. On health score it sits safer than 17% of the Lake County restaurants we grade. Among the items recorded were cross-contamination and wiping cloths.
The honest summary is that the evidence is mixed on both sides. Everything above is computed from the 17 reviews reproduced below.
Our own analysis of 17 reviews for this restaurant, set against its Florida DBPR inspection record. How we calculate grades →
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Came to grab a quick bite & pick up breakfast for the family. They refused to seat me as I was a party of 1. They failed to ask if I would be ordering take home for other people which I had planned on doing. I rarely come here and this is why.
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Katie is hands down the best waitress I've had in I can't even tell you how long. She was beyond kind, absolutely hilarious, and made us feel so welcome from the second we sat down. She even took the time to ask our names, which made the whole experience feel so personal. First Watch better hold on to her because she is truly one of a kind. Great service is hard to find, but Katie went above and beyond and made our breakfast so much more than just a meal. If you go, do yourself a favor and ask to sit in Katie's section. She'll make your day!
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Had the Pesto chicken bowl & it was great! Food was hot & service was fast.
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Our server- Debby- sat us and took care of us in under a minute. We ordered banana brittle French toast and a burger and the biscuit bites. She had no problems adjusting our order bc we messed up, but before the food came out. Food presentation is exquisite and everything is so delicious! Highly recommend. This location gets 5 out of 5 bananas. 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌 This is the selfie of a satisfied customer.
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Very tasty. Waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable.
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I love this place, they have options for vegan foods
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Great food, great service, and lots of parking at this location. As always, delicious food. Great coffee. We are looking forward to returning. The summer menu is awesome.
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It's obvious that the kitchen does not take pride in what they put out. My eggs had to be sent back as they were overcooked, when my order was overeasy. The quinoa was mushy and flavorless. So many more deficiencies to list. I use to love eating here. So disappointed
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Honestly I have no clue why this place is always crowded, First Watch has consistently blew away my expectations - they've somehow managed to have mid or even subpar food every time I've had the misfortune of coming. The place is crowded so expect constant, ear shattering chatter at all times - this is pretty expected of any popular restaurant so it's a non issue - what's frustrating is the abysmal wait times that stretch on for 40 minutes to an hour. Once again, this is expected of a popular establishment and I wouldn't really mind this IF, at the very least, the food was good. But, no, every single time, the food is clearly rushed; it comes out burnt, salty (typically the potatoes), undercooked, or just under seasoned. Even without any previously stated flaws, the food is like a solid 6.5/10 at best. Additionally, the prices are incredibly over-inflated. A simple sandwich is around 15 bucks before tips! You would be better off spending time picking up groceries, and cooking breakfast/ brunch yourself...
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Angela was fantastic!
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We love First Watch!! Always great food (consistent) and great atmosphere!! ALSO SHOUT TO RACHEL - LEGEND!
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Great food, fast service!
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This is my favorite restaurant and I’m so glad that when I travel outside of GA I can still go here!!! The watermelon wake up was delicious! Our server Lise-Anne was so kind and attentive! She made our experience warm and inviting! It was like talking to our best friend! Thank you Lise-Anne!!!
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Great service. Food was good but a little pricey
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Top notch everything 🏆
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Second and last time. I am so disappointed because their breakfasts are a great concept. Execution for the second time was terrible. The first time I couldn't eat the potatoes with first COOKING them in my office microwave. This time every add-on I paid for - $2-$3 each - was not included in the cold breakfast I paid $27 for. $6.72 for a watery mint mocha coffee. I'll save my money and just be hangry at work. I'm done.
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Great waffles
Overall Score
57 / 100
Composite score from health grade, dietary options, ratings, and inspection record — distinct from the state-derived health grade.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Thursday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Friday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Saturday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
- Sunday
- 7 AM to 2:30 PM
Inspection history
The following records are from Florida DBPR public inspection records, most recent first.
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April 28, 2026 · Routine - Food
Inspection Completed - No Further Action
2 high-priority · 2 intermediate · 7 basic
- 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage (×2)
- 21 — Wiping cloths; clean & soiled linens; laundry
- 22 — Food-contact surfaces clean and sanitized
- 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
- 24 — Storage & handling of clean equipment and utensils; air drying
- 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided (×2)
- 35 — Insects/rodents/pests; outer openings protected against pests
- 36 — Floors, walls, ceilings clean & maintained; proper ventilation (×2)
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September 4, 2025 · Routine - Food
Call Back - Complied
0 high-priority · 0 intermediate · 3 basic
- 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
- 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
- 32 — Bathrooms
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September 3, 2025 · Routine - Food
Warning Issued
2 high-priority · 1 intermediate · 5 basic
- 01 — Food from approved source; safe, unadulterated, sound condition
- 03 — Temperature control of foods (cold/hot holding, cooking, cooling, reheating)
- 08 — Cross-contamination: raw foods separated; food protected during prep/storage
- 13 — Clean clothes; hair restraints; jewelry; fingernails
- 14 — Food-contact & nonfood-contact surfaces properly designed/maintained
- 23 — Nonfood-contact surfaces clean
- 31 — Handwash sinks accessible; handwashing supplies & sign provided
- 32 — Bathrooms
Safer options nearby
Higher-graded restaurants close to FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT, by Florida DBPR grade:
- FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES
This grade is calculated by us from Florida DBPR public inspection records — Florida does not issue official grades. How we calculate it →
Data last updated: April 28, 2026