Weekends typically mean a mountain bike ride or road bike ride depending on the day (one of each). After a couple of hours on a bike, I'm usually not in the mood to cook and weekends are kind of made for brunch anyway!
The P(rincess) and I used to drive down to the First Watch around Dunlap and I-17 but it was kind of a haul so we didn't make it but a couple of times a year. That all changed with the opening of this location minutes from home.
Hearty food without the heaviness you'll find at a Dennys or Waffle House (although those are fine restaurants in what they offer). I've never had a bad meal at First Watch, the service is quick, efficient, and pleasant.
What to try? I typically go back and forth between the chickichanga (sic) or the everything omelet. The sides are the wonderful house potatoes or the dressed greens with the lemon dressing (trying hard to duplicate it at home- and getting close :).
They also do a nice job with seasonal offerings. Earlier this summer it was shrimp and grits and while I'm embarrassed to admit it, I'd never had grits. Loved the meal! (Had it twice). Their toast is something special too, definitely worth asking for!
They also use a Yelp app that will use SMS texting to let you know when your table is ready, so you can enjoy the free coffee on the patio while chatting with the other customers.
Love the food and the vibe here, glad it's close to home!