Who has the best breakfast in town?
By CM Wahl | Features editor
To me, a born-and-bred New Yorker, great breakfast is had in a classic-style diner. Big, red booth seats; a table-top mini-jukebox and a wide-smiled waitress loudly smacking her gum.
As I’ve come to adjust to life in Augusta, Ga., I’ve learned to embrace “smothered and covered” hash browns at Waffle House and a buttery stack of pecan pancakes at Cracker Barrel. But nothing beats a meal that tastes homemade and doesn’t come from a chain restaurant.
In the past few weeks, two people have told me I had to try the “best breakfast in town,” only they were referring to different places. Intrigued, I decided to try both restaurants to see which, or if either, deserved the coveted title of “best breakfast.”
The first recommendation I received was First Watch, located on 630 Crane Creek Drive, Suite 405 in Augusta, Ga. near the Sprouts supermarket. The place is quite large and has a slew of seating. It was a Friday, mid-morning, yet still brimming with people. Thankfully, there was only a short wait and my friend and I were seated a few minutes after arriving.
The first thing I noticed was their extensive menu. They offer a variety of options from brunch to power bowls to omelets and frittatas, without forgetting griddle favorites and classic plates. There were so many choices, in fact, I struggled to choose just one. I ultimately opted for the Farmhouse Hash, a combination of bacon, seasoned potatoes, roasted onions and tomatoes, avocado and cheese, topped with eggs and adorned with artisan toast and a side of fruit.
The Farmhouse Hash, featured at First Watch, offers a combination of bacon, seasoned potatoes, roasted onions and tomatoes, avocado, cheese and eggs and is adorned with artisan toast and a side of fruit. (photo by CM Wahl)
The waitress brought my hot chocolate with a mound of whipped cream so high, it was impossible to drink without burying my nose. That wasn’t a bad thing in my eyes. She was friendly and provided numerous recommendations, and returned to check on us several times.
The food took about 10 to 15 minutes to arrive but did not disappoint. The blend of ingredients mixed well together and each one tasted fresh and delicious. My only critique was that the fruit was mostly melons. When I left, I felt satisfied with the meal. I don’t know if I’d call it the best breakfast in town, but it was definitely one I would return to have. And with all the lunch options available, I’m sure I’ll visit First Watch again.
The second recommendation I received was Ruth’s Family Restaurant, located at 3843 Washington Road, Augusta Ga. between Davis Road and Bobby Jones Expressway. This place felt more like the kind of breakfast spot I frequented back home, only on a smaller scale.
I went with my brother the following Friday, late morning, and we received an immediate cheerful greeting. A waitress guided us to our booth and warmly went over some highlights from the menu. The number of choices was significantly less than at First Watch, but still provided a great variety of breakfast options.
By the time the waitress returned with my orange juice, I’d decided on the Country Breakfast, featuring two eggs any style with a choice of meat and bread and a side of hash browns, grits or home fries, plus a blueberry pancake on the side. I was glad to see such traditional offerings, and even happier that I could get an English muffin, double toasted, just how I like it.
The Country Breakfast at Ruth’s Family Restaurant, boasts two eggs any style with a choice of meat and bread and a side of hash browns, grits or home fries, with an option to add a pancake on the side. (photo by CM Wahl)
The food came out very quickly, much to my brother and I’s surprise. Everything was just as we’d asked and tasted delicious. The hash browns were crispy and the pancake was light and fluffy. What made breakfast even better was that the waitress continued to check on us with genuine interest. She made us feel welcome, more like we were guests in her house than patrons at her job. We were both pleased with the entire experience and look forward to our next return.
All in all, I’m thankful I received both recommendations. Although each restaurant encounter was unique and offered different breakfast options, I’m glad I tried both. I now have two new places I can visit with friends and family to enjoy good food and great service.
Both First Watch and Ruth’s Family Restaurant offer better breakfasts than most places I’ve tried around town, which, of course, has only piqued my curiosity. Are there other hidden gems I’ve missed in Augusta? If so, my search for the “best breakfast in town” may just be beginning.
Contact CM Wahl at cwahl@augusta.edu.
This story is published in the Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 print edition of The Bell Ringer on page 5.
