First Watch – Hillsborough St.

This First Watch is on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, one of three in the city. It bills itself as the best breakfast and brunch in Raleigh, which is a claim you can test cheaply enough, and everything is cooked to order.

The menu covers traditional breakfast plates and some newer ideas, with a seasonal selection that changes through the year. Dietary needs are accounted for, and the drinks list goes well past coffee. You can join the waitlist online before you arrive instead of standing at the door.

What to know

• First Watch has won awards for its breakfast and brunch.
• The juice bar squeezes drinks fresh to order.
• Project Sunrise Coffee is brewed fresh each morning.
• The menu marks organic, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices.
• Wait times shown are based on a party of two.