When First Watch opened its Secor Road location in 2017, we wrote about how its twists on traditional breakfast fare created an enjoyable experience.

At the time we should have realized it was only the start of its impact on the Toledo brunch scene because – as its name implies – it was just the first.

Now a second Watch has come to the area.

First Watch Perrysburg opened last fall as part of the recently developed French Quarter Square on Fremont Pike. So we figured we’d give it a try and see if the new location lived up to its predecessor’s expectations.

Bill of Fare

Menu at Executive Diner is boardroom worthy

For our first visit, a friend and I met up for breakfast on a weekend afternoon. It was bustling with people packed inside and had several groups waiting around its patio outside.

Once we finally got seated, we noticed our server came over infrequently, but he was hustling table to table so we don’t fault him for that.

I decided to start with one of their homemade juices: the morning meditation ($5.29), which is a mix of orange, lemon, turmeric, organic ginger, agave nectar, and beet.

I was a little skeptical about it having beet, but I couldn’t taste it. It was sweet, citrusy, and a nice pick-me-up to start my day.

My friend ordered coffee ($3.59), and we got a pot for the table, which was nice as I was able to enjoy some too. It was hot and we were able to customize it however we wanted.

For our meals, I ordered the frittata rustica ($12.29), an Italian-style omelet with kale, crimini mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. It came with toasted ciabatta bread and a side of lemon-dressed organic mixed greens.

The well-seasoned frittata was cheesy and filling. My favorite part was the acidic pop of the tomatoes in every few bites.

Bill of Fare

Jefferson Express delivers big flavors for modest budgets

However I was disappointed with the mixed greens. I felt they could have used more lemon or some kind of vinaigrette to counteract the bitterness. But on my second visit, I heard them explain that they purposely dress the greens lightly so I’d recommend you consider that before ordering it.

My friend ordered the Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos ($12.39), which were three corn tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, Cajun chicken, chorizo, and cheese. She said the filling was well distributed in each taco, calling them some of the best breakfast tacos she’s had. The meal came with a side of black beans that she said were well seasoned.

To see how the service compared on a weekday, I took my companion on a Tuesday afternoon. We were able to get in and seated right away, and our waitresses checked on us more frequently than on the weekend.

To start, I ordered the mint mocha iced coffee ($5.49), which was more refreshing than I expected. The mint and mocha were noticeable but not overpowering, so you could still taste the coffee.

I decided to pick a lunch option this time and went with the market veggie sandwich ($10.99). Instead of the greens, I went with tomato basil soup as the side.

The sandwich came with crimini mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, basil pesto, mayo, and mozzarella cheese on grilled multigrain bread. The mushrooms were chunked rather than sliced, but I liked that more because it made for a more hearty sandwich. And the slightly greasy bread paired well with the rich, creamy tomato soup.

My partner ordered one plain multigrain pancake ($6.59) and a side of bacon ($5.49). He enjoyed the bacon but truly loved the pancake, noting the fact it was multigrain made it seem healthier to him than other pancakes he’s had in Toledo.

First Watch Perrysburg is a welcome addition to the area. While it might not hold the distinction as the “First” First Watch, it definitely lives up to its expectations – delivering on delicious brunch options.

First Published September 14, 2023, 1:00 p.m.