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First Watch

Meant to invite some family members here but a friend beat me to the punch.  We compromised and went together.  Unfortunately, this is a place where it looks better than it is.  Across the board.  The funky design scheme makes it an echo chamber and, with the pumping music, very loud.  Conversation was difficult.  The menu is covered in glossy photos and descriptions of the food but ...

I started with the Morning Meditation Fresh Juice, a pretty blend of citrus and beet.  Or I tried to.  Took three reminders to the waiter and when it finally arrived, halfway into the meal, it was 90% ice and 10% juice.  My companions opted for coffee.  It was ice cold.  Another long wait (about 20 minutes) to get new coffee -- and included a reminder to staff that they wanted fresh cups as well.  I ordered the Vegetarian Quinoa Bowl, which was described as having up to 12 ingredients.  It had three.  The quinoa, an egg, maybe two teeny slices of tomato past its prime.  It wasn't hot or cold, just room temperature.  Companions ordered various other items but the flavoring seemed to be minimal as we stole the salt and pepper from a neighboring table after our first bites.  Nothing was served hot.  Vegetarian options are limited even though breakfast should be an easy get for veggie friendly foods.  The food seemed neither fresh nor original.  The place was extremely crowded for a weekday afternoon and is clearly very understaffed.  So, no, I won't be returning.

Upscale Breakfast/Lunch Spot
5880 Crossroads Center Way, Falls Church
https://www.firstwatch.com/

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