First Watch Daytime Café opened this morning in Sicklerville NJ on Cross Keys Road, in a fully remodeled space which was previously a Bertucci’s restaurant.
This First Watch location is very unique for the area in that it is the first in New Jersey to offer a full bar! Yes Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s and more are in the mix… BUT they are still a few days away from serving alcohol as they await the final licensing aspects to be completed.
That being said you could stop in tomorrow and order from their deliciously upgraded menu which features a full breakfast and lunch offering … ranging from the all new Double Crunch Breakfast Tacos and Million Dollar Potatoes, or how about a Ham and Gruyère Melt?!
At First Watch you’ll find many of the classic breakfast and lunch items on the menu but absolutely all will have some unique twists… stepped up a few levels in taste, creativity and appearance.
First Watch also prides itself on its freshly made juices and coffees, and in my visit this morning I got to try all three juices; Morning Meditation, Kale Tonic, and Purple Haze.
Now before you go running off to visit this new First Watch, keep in mind they truly are a daytime café, which means their hours run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
I know what you’re gonna say… “they probably paid a lot of money for that liquor license so there’s no way they’re closing so early each day.” But trust me, First Watch Sicklerville closes at 2:30pm every day.
First Watch Sicklerville
As mentioned this new First Watch is located on Berlin-Cross Keys Road, more specifically in the Shoppes of Cross Keys Shopping Center. The center is located directly next to the AC Expressway exit and also is home to Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, Hobby Lobby, Plaza Azteca and more.
The Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant which First Watch replaced had closed almost exactly 2 years ago.
First Watch has kept the core building shell of the previous building but completely changed things up with a brighter and lighter design which absolutely has a “farmhouse” feel to it, but at the same time it reminds me of a breakfast cafe in Key West (although there are no “beachy” elements to the design.)
The previous front walled-in patio area of the property was removed and replaced with a more subdued outdoor dining space. The front corner main entrance now features a tall tower aspect entrance where the First Watch signage is prominently placed.
Inside, the layout of the two main dining rooms remains mostly the same with a small bar area (and tables) in the front portion of the restaurant, and in the rear-left of the building is the larger main dining room.
And to be clear when I say bar… yes you will be able to order an adult beverage but it’s more of a diner counter type vibe than a bar. Well keep in mind they close at 2:30pm so it’s not like people will be hanging out and loudly chatting as they watch the game!
In the main dining room one wall highlights “Sicklerville” with a wall painting featuring a Beaver moving through a Creek.
Overall it just feels so more brighter, lighter and cheerful.. perfect for starting the day.
For my visit I did stay and have breakfast I asked the bartender for a recommendation of something that was a little lighter, yet also different.
She recommended the A.M. Superfoods Bowl which featured a variety of healthy but sweet ingredients including a Coconut Milk Chia Seed Pudding, Fresh Bananas and Berries and a House-made Granola. The order is also served with whole grain toast with almond butter.
Honestly it was the perfect choice! Fresh and delicious, and not weighing me down.
As mentioned I also got to try their three juices, which I think Purple Haze was my favorite as it was a light lemonade style drink made with real cane sugar. I joked it would be even better if it had a shot of vodka in it, to which the bartender responded… “come back when the bar is open because you just described our Spiked Lavender Lemonade!”
Links and Location
First Watch Sicklerville
625 Berlin – Cross Keys Rd,
Sicklerville, NJ 08081