Meridian’s ‘new favorite brunch spot’ opens — in time for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is this weekend, and a new breakfast destination has arrived just in time.
After hyping itself to Meridian as “your new favorite brunch spot” on social media, First Watch made its Gem State debut Monday.
The Florida-based chain opened in the former Denny’s building at 3155 E. Fairview Ave., just west of Eagle Road. Idaho is the 31st state for the “daytime cafe” brand, which operates hundreds of restaurants.
Prepare for some bougie Avocado Toast, a plate of Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos or an Elevated Egg Sandwich. Any diner in the Boise area seeking a new breakfast or lunch option will want to put First Watch on their radar. When Yelp released a list of the “top 50 most loved brands in the U.S.” in 2023, it was the best restaurant finisher — and No. 4 overall on the list.
Using fresh ingredients in a kitchen void of heat lamps, microwaves and fryers, First Watch serves made-to-order food from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Online ordering is available, too, for pickup or delivery.
“A recipient of hundreds of local ‘Best Breakfast’ and ‘Best Brunch’ accolades,” the chain said in a media fact sheet, “First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates five times a year and includes elevated executions of classic favorites alongside specialties such as its Quinoa Power Bowl, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation fresh juice and signature Million Dollar Bacon.”
Million Dollar Bacon actually costs $5.99. It’s “four slices of our signature hardwood smoked bacon glazed with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a maple syrup drizzle,” according to the menu.
Dining out is never cheap, but First Watch’s prices shouldn’t raise eyebrows too much.
Avocado Toast, for example, is $13.49 — for “thick-cut whole grain artisan toast, fresh smashed avocado, EVOO, lemon and Maldon sea salt with two basted cage-free eggs.”
Those Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos? Customers pay $13.79 for “three wheat-corn tortillas with scrambled cage-free eggs, Cajun chicken, chorizo, cheddar and Monterey Jack. Topped with fresh avocado and housemade pico de gallo. Served with seasoned black beans.”
And the Elevated Egg Sandwich? It’s $13.79 for “bacon, an over-easy cage-free egg, Gruyère cheese, fresh smashed avocado, mayo and lemon-dressed arugula on a brioche bun with a side of fresh, seasoned potatoes.”
In addition to the new Fairview restaurant, First Watch plans to open a second Meridian location this year, too— at 179 S. Ten Mile Road. That’s part of the Discovery mixed-use development just south of Franklin Road.