The Basics

 

Located at 319 North Front Street in Downtown Wilmington, The Basics serves upscale Southern cuisine. It is open for breakfast (8-10:45 on weekdays), lunch (11:15-3 daily), dinner (5-9 Monday-Saturday), and weekend brunch (10-3 Saturday and Sunday). There is a full bar, and food specials change daily. Online reservations and ordering are available.

 

My wife and I were looking for a nice breakfast/brunch spot for our anniversary, and The Basics, a five-minute walk from where we were staying, seemed to fit the bill. It’s got exposed brick and vintage stools that exude retro charm. Add to that an amiable server and Led Zeppelin in the background, and The Basics provided a great atmosphere.

 

The menu offered plenty to choose from, and we ultimately went with migas (potato cake as the side) and the daily omelet (blueberry pancake on the side). Ultimately, the food rated as good, not great. The omelet (sausage, potato, vegetables) was hearty and satisfying. The pancake was tasty (good blueberry flavor) as well albeit dense and crisp rather than light and fluffy. The potato cake was more akin to a mashed potato puff, definitely not bad in its own right but perplexing for anyone expecting anything latke-esque. Accompanying biscuits were small and dry.

 

While we weren’t wowed by The Basics, we’re still glad that we gave the restaurant a try. The food doesn’t reach the level of the atmosphere and service (or its price point, for that matter), but it isn’t a liability, either.