First Watch – Union, NJ

I really wanted to like this place. Before I get into it, I can say the decor is special. It’s nicely decorated inside and it’s really something that is picturesque to capture. However, the food, I can say, in my humble opinion, isn’t all that great. I do want to add though that I thoroughly enjoyed the morning mediation fresh juice (not pictured). The juice contained ginger, turmeric, lemon, beet, and agave nectar. It wasn’t too sweet but just right and I liked the combination of the items. Now back to the food. The picture above is their whole wheat pancakes with chocolate chips and a side of maple syrup. The pancakes came in two stacks and when I saw them I’m like okay, hopefully it’s good, even though it didn’t look special. I first tried to add butter and as I’m holding one of the pancakes, it breaks in pieces. I’m not a pancake expert but I don’t think that’s supposed to happen even if it’s whole wheat. The pancakes lacked some taste even with the chocolate chips, butter and syrup. There was definitely something missing from it which was disappointing. I did have a side of bacon which was okay but I left wanting more. Not more food but it was missing that extra touch. They do have various locations so I may have to try another before I rule out not coming back. I’m still out on the lookout for a consistent and really good brunch spot in jersey but it’s coming.