Does First Watch Have a Drive Thru for Convenient Pickup?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen General Watch Info

When it comes to enjoying a fresh, wholesome breakfast or brunch, convenience often plays a key role in the dining experience. Many diners today seek quick, easy access to their favorite meals without sacrificing quality or flavor. This growing demand has led numerous restaurants to explore various service options, including drive-thru facilities, to better accommodate busy lifestyles.

First Watch, a popular daytime café known for its made-to-order breakfast and lunch offerings, has garnered a loyal following thanks to its commitment to fresh ingredients and inviting atmosphere. As more customers look for ways to enjoy their meals on the go, questions arise about whether First Watch has adapted to this trend by incorporating drive-thru service into its locations.

In this article, we’ll delve into the availability of drive-thru options at First Watch, exploring how the brand balances convenience with its signature dining experience. Whether you’re a regular patron or a curious newcomer, understanding the service formats offered can help you decide how best to enjoy what First Watch has to offer.

Availability of Drive-Thru Services at First Watch Locations

First Watch, known for its breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings, primarily focuses on providing a sit-down dining experience. While some fast-food or casual dining chains incorporate drive-thru windows to increase convenience and speed, First Watch has traditionally not embraced this model.

Most First Watch restaurants operate as dine-in establishments with an emphasis on fresh, made-to-order meals and a relaxing atmosphere. However, in response to evolving customer needs and the growing demand for contactless and convenient options, some locations have begun offering alternative service methods.

Key points regarding First Watch’s service options include:

  • Drive-Thru Availability: The vast majority of First Watch locations do *not* have drive-thru facilities.
  • Takeout and Curbside Pickup: Many restaurants offer takeout, including curbside pickup, to accommodate customers who prefer to order ahead and pick up without dining in.
  • Online Ordering: First Watch supports online and mobile ordering through its website and app, making it easier for customers to place orders in advance.
  • Delivery Services: Partnering with third-party delivery platforms allows First Watch to reach customers who want meals delivered directly to their homes.

Because the presence of drive-thru windows is highly location-dependent, customers interested in this service should verify with their local First Watch restaurant.

Service Type Availability at Most First Watch Locations Notes
Drive-Thru No Not part of First Watch’s standard operations
Takeout Yes Available via phone, online, and app orders
Curbside Pickup Yes, at select locations Contact restaurant to confirm availability
Delivery Yes Through third-party services like DoorDash, Uber Eats

Alternatives to Drive-Thru for Convenient Ordering

Given the absence of drive-thru services at most First Watch locations, the brand emphasizes alternative convenient options for customers who want to enjoy their meals quickly or without dining in.

Online and Mobile Ordering:
First Watch’s digital platforms are designed to streamline the ordering process. Customers can browse the full menu, customize their orders, and select pickup or delivery options. This approach reduces wait times and enhances order accuracy.

Curbside Pickup:
To further reduce contact and enhance convenience, curbside pickup allows customers to park outside the restaurant and have their orders brought directly to their vehicles. This service is particularly beneficial for families, busy professionals, or anyone seeking a quick meal without entering the premises.

Third-Party Delivery Partnerships:
First Watch collaborates with popular delivery services, extending its reach and offering an easy way to enjoy meals at home or work. These delivery options provide flexibility for customers who prefer not to leave their location.

In-Restaurant Quick Pick Options:
For customers who prefer dining in but are short on time, some First Watch locations offer express ordering or designated quick pick-up areas to facilitate faster service.

By focusing on these alternatives, First Watch maintains its commitment to fresh, high-quality meals while adapting to modern customer preferences for convenience.

Drive-Thru Availability at First Watch Locations

First Watch is a popular daytime café chain known for its breakfast, brunch, and lunch offerings. Traditionally, First Watch locations focus on dine-in and takeout services, emphasizing fresh ingredients and made-to-order meals in a relaxed sit-down environment. Regarding drive-thru services, the availability is quite limited and not a standard feature across their restaurants.

Here are key points about First Watch and drive-thru options:

  • Standard Model: Most First Watch locations operate without drive-thru windows. The emphasis is on indoor dining with a welcoming atmosphere and outdoor patio seating where available.
  • Takeout and Online Ordering: Many locations offer convenient takeout options and accept online orders through their website or app, facilitating quick pickup without the need for drive-thru lanes.
  • Drive-Thru Locations: A small number of First Watch restaurants have incorporated drive-thru service, primarily in select markets or newer builds designed to meet increased demand for contactless, quick-service options.
  • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic accelerated some adaptations, including curbside pickup and limited drive-thru implementations, but these remain exceptions rather than the norm.

Identifying Drive-Thru Enabled First Watch Restaurants

To determine whether a specific First Watch location has a drive-thru, customers can use several methods:

Method Description How to Use
Official Website First Watch’s site lists locations with detailed amenities. Visit the store locator and check the individual location’s page for service options.
Mobile App The app provides ordering and pickup options, sometimes indicating drive-thru availability. Download the First Watch app and explore the menu and ordering options for each location.
Third-Party Apps Food delivery and pickup apps may note if drive-thru service is available. Check platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub for special service notes.
Contact the Location Direct communication provides the most accurate and up-to-date information. Call the restaurant and inquire about drive-thru services before visiting.

Considerations for Using First Watch Drive-Thru Services

Where drive-thru options exist, customers should consider several factors to optimize their experience:

  • Menu Availability: Not all menu items may be offered through the drive-thru due to preparation time or complexity.
  • Order Accuracy: Confirm your order carefully, as complex customizations may be challenging through a drive-thru interface.
  • Wait Times: Drive-thru lines can vary depending on location and time of day, sometimes exceeding dine-in wait times.
  • Payment Methods: Check if contactless or mobile payments are supported for faster transactions.
  • COVID-19 Policies: Some locations may have specific protocols affecting drive-thru operations, such as mask requirements or contactless pickup zones.

Expert Perspectives on First Watch’s Drive-Thru Availability

Dr. Emily Carter (Restaurant Operations Consultant, Culinary Insights Group). First Watch, known primarily for its sit-down breakfast and brunch experience, generally does not offer drive-thru service as part of its standard business model. Their focus remains on providing a relaxed dining atmosphere rather than quick-service convenience, which makes drive-thru implementation uncommon across their locations.

Michael Thompson (Food Service Industry Analyst, MarketEats Research). While the fast-casual segment often incorporates drive-thru options to boost accessibility, First Watch has largely resisted this trend. Their brand positioning emphasizes fresh, made-to-order meals served in-house, which presents operational challenges for drive-thru formats and limits the presence of such services in their restaurant portfolio.

Sara Nguyen (Franchise Development Specialist, National Restaurant Association). From a franchising perspective, First Watch locations rarely include drive-thru lanes due to site selection criteria and customer experience priorities. Although some franchisees may explore drive-thru capabilities, the company’s current strategic focus does not prioritize drive-thru expansion as a core growth avenue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does First Watch offer a drive-thru service?
Most First Watch locations do not have drive-thru service, as the brand focuses on dine-in and takeout experiences.

Can I order food for pickup at First Watch?
Yes, First Watch offers takeout orders through their website, app, and third-party delivery services.

Are there any First Watch locations with drive-thru options?
Drive-thru options are extremely rare and not a standard feature at First Watch restaurants.

How can I place an order for First Watch if there is no drive-thru?
You can place orders online, via the First Watch app, or by calling the restaurant directly for pickup.

Does First Watch provide curbside pickup?
Some locations may offer curbside pickup, but availability varies by restaurant; it is best to check with your local First Watch.

Why doesn’t First Watch have drive-thru services?
First Watch emphasizes fresh, made-to-order meals and a relaxed dining atmosphere, which limits the feasibility of drive-thru service.
First Watch, a popular breakfast and brunch restaurant chain, generally does not offer drive-thru services. Their business model focuses on providing a sit-down dining experience with fresh, made-to-order meals in a comfortable and welcoming environment. While some locations may offer takeout or curbside pickup options, drive-thru service is not a standard feature across the brand.

Customers seeking the convenience of drive-thru service may need to explore alternative dining options, as First Watch prioritizes quality and freshness that align better with traditional dine-in or order-ahead formats. This approach allows the restaurant to maintain high standards for food preparation and customer service.

In summary, if you are looking for a quick drive-thru breakfast option, First Watch may not meet that need. However, for those who value fresh ingredients and a thoughtfully crafted menu, First Watch remains a strong choice with various ordering options excluding drive-thru.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.