Exploring the Popular First Watch Breakfast Burrito
First Watch is a popular breakfast and lunch chain restaurant specializing in fresh, made-to-order dishes. One of their signature menu items that keeps customers coming back is the customizable breakfast burrito.
History of First Watch Restaurants
First Watch was founded in 1983 in Pacific Grove, California when owner Ken Pendery opened a small cafe serving breakfast and lunch. It grew over subsequent decades into a nationwide chain across over 420 locations across 28 states as of 2023.
First Watch differentiated itself by using high quality ingredients to create a farm-to-table breakfast and lunch menu. They are especially beloved for breakfast dishes like omelets, pancakes, and of course – breakfast burritos.
Customizable Burrito Ingredients
What makes the First Watch breakfast burrito unique from other restaurants is how customizable they are to each customer's preferences.
Ingredients that can be added include:
- Eggs - scrambled or over hard
- Cheese - cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss
- Meats - bacon, ham, sausage, chorizo
- Veggies - onions, tomatoes, spinach, jalapeños
- Beans - black or pinto
- Salsa and hot sauce
There are lots of possible combinations to build your perfect burrito packed with all your favorites.
Signature Burrito Choices on the Menu
While you can fully customize, First Watch does offer some pre-designed signature burritos on their menu featuring classic combinations like:
- Tex Mex Burrito - Scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheese, onions, pinto beans, avocado, ranchero sauce
- California Burrito - Bacon, ham, scrambled eggs, cheese, avocado, pico de gallo
- Veggie Burrito - Egg whites, tomatoes, onions, spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, Monterey Jack cheese
How First Watch Burritos Are Made
First Watch burritos start with fresh, high quality ingredients prepared every morning.
Large flour tortillas are warmed on the griddle. Next, cheese is sprinkled down the center third of the tortilla.
The hot meat, veggie and egg fillings are next added and the tortilla is folded like an envelope to seal the contents into a handheld burrito shape.
Custom burritos are wrapped in branded foil wrappers to maintain temperature and structure integrity en route to the customer table.
Nutrition Information on First Watch Burritos
With the endless possible fillings and combinations, exact nutrition data will vary widely. But looking at some of First Watch's signature burrito recipes offers insight into general calorie, carb, protein and fat content.
Calorie Range
Their burritos range broadly from around 500 calories on the lighter veggie end to over 1,200 calories for a loaded meat and cheese filled tortilla.
For comparison, that's similar to or a bit less than other popular breakfast sandwich and burrito chains like:
- Starbucks - up to 760 calories
- Dunkin Donuts - between 350-900 calories
- McDonald's - 300-800 calories
Carbohydrates
A First Watch breakfast burrito averages about 45-75 grams of carbohydrates largely coming from the flour tortilla itself.
Those limiting carbs may want to request a lettuce or tomato basil wrap instead of the regular tortilla to save about 20-40 grams of carbs.
Protein
Protein content starts around 20 grams for a veggie burrito, but can exceed 45 grams in a meat-loaded bacon, ham and sausage filled variation.
Overall Macronutrients
Their burritos distribution averages around:
- 45% calories from carbohydrates
- 35% from fat
- 20% from protein
This nutrient density helps explain why the First Watch breakfast burrito is such a satisfying, energy-providing meal to begin your day.
Tips for Ordering a Diabetic Friendly Burrito
While First Watch does not have any specific diabetes-optimized menu items, the highly customizable burritos provide opportunity to easily order diabetes appropriate components.
Choose Whole Grain Tortilla
Opt for their whole grain tortilla instead of white flour to add fiber and protein that blunts blood sugar spikes.
Limit Starch and Sugar
Avoid ingredients like hash browns, rice or beans that contribute excess refined carbs and sugars.
Emphasize Protein and Fiber
Fill your burrito with diabetes-friendly protein sources like egg whites, chicken or steak along with fiber-rich fresh veggies instead of cheese, bacon or sausage.
Monitor Portion Size
A fully loaded large 12-inch tortilla can contain over 1,000 calories and 100 grams effective carbs. Halve portions by splitting with someone or taking leftovers.
Inquire About Nutrition Info
Don't hesitate to talk details about carb counts, ingredients or preparations with your First Watch server to inform diabetes-conscious choices.
With smart substitutions and knowledgeable ordering, those with diabetes can also enjoy the famous First Watch breakfast burrito experience.
Who Are First Watch Customers?
First Watch diners span diverse ages, backgrounds and dietary preferences thanks to the broad menuappeal.
Families
Stressed parents love being able take the family out quickly for a tasty weekend breakfast or lunch without cooking or cleanup hassles.
Health Conscious Customers
Customers focused on nutrition gravitate to First Watch for fresh ingredients, clearly marked dietary options like gluten free or vegetarian, and lighter dishes compared to typical breakfast fare heavy on fat, carbs and sugar.
Business Professionals
With most locations very conveniently situated by office parks or retail complexes, business men and women often frequent First Watch to grab a fast breakfast meeting or working lunch.
Seniors
Retirees enjoy getting out of the house to socialize and be served, often during discounted early bird special times. First Watch servers provide fast, attentive service in comfortable dining rooms.
In our rushed world, First Watch satisfies nearly everyone with efficient service combined with good tasting, made-to-order dishes like their famous customizable burritos all can enjoy.
How Much Does First Watch Cost?
First Watch prices fall right in line with average costs at similar better-quality casual chain restaurants.
Breakfast Entrees
Breakfast platters, skillets, benedicts and pancakes range $8-$15. Signature egg dishes and French toast fall around $10-12.
Breakfast Burritos and Sandwiches
Their popular burritos cost $9.50-$13 depending on meat additions. Breakfast tacos run $6-8. Sandwiches like biscuits and farmhouse scrambler cost $9-11.
Lunch Salads and Sandwiches
Fresh salads are $10-13. Soups hover around $6. Grilled cheeses, mahi mahi tacos, wraps, grains bowls, and sandwiches are mostly all $11-15.
Kid's Menu
Kid’s menu options for those 10 and under are just $6 each for decent sized portions of favorites like silver dollar pancakes, French toast sticks, burritos and grilled cheese.
While prices are not rock bottom cheap, value is excellent for the generous made-to-order portions using quality ingredients that draw loyal regular First Watch diners.
Signature First Watch Brunch Cocktails
While maybe best known for signature breakfast dishes like stuffed crepes and custom omelets, First Watch also offers a creative morning cocktail menu. It's perfect for weekend brunch enjoyment.
Breakfast Mule
This brunch twist on a Moscow mule blends citrusy fresh orange juice and zingy ginger beer with Stoli Oransj vodka for a spirited morning kick.
Cinnamon Toast Margarita
House Camarena Silver tequila meets Italian liqueur Disaronno along with fresh orange juice, cinnamon sugar rim and cinnamon stick garnish make this a sweet treat.
Sunset Mimosa
Deep pink prickly pear puree swirls together with dry La Marca Prosecco and cranberry juice for a colorful take on the classic champagne cocktail.
Profile Mary
Unlike a typical Bloody Mary, this savory cocktail is made with sake, celery shrub and housemade pickle brine mixed with spicy ginger beer for unconventional craveable flavors.
Don’t be afraid to spice up your next weekend morning meal at First Watch by pairing their artfully-crafted brunch cocktails with a customized breakfast burrito or other signature dish.
FAQs
What type of burritos does First Watch offer?
First Watch is known for their customizable burritos where you choose ingredients like eggs, cheese, meats and veggies. They also have pre-designed signature burritos on the menu like the Tex Mex Burrito, California Burrito, and Veggie Burrito.
Are First Watch burritos healthy?
First Watch burritos can be a very healthy option when customized mindfully. Choose veggie-rich ingredients, egg whites, and whole grain tortillas. But loaded varieties can be high in calories, carbs, fat and sodium.
Does First Watch offer gluten-free burrito options?
Yes, those avoiding gluten can "make it gluten free" on any First Watch burrito by requesting a lettuce wrap or tomato basil tortilla shell instead of the regular flour tortilla.
Can kids order breakfast burritos too?
While not specifically listed on the kid's menu, children can still customize a breakfast burrito suited to their preferences from the regular menu. Smaller portions may be requested.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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