The Basics

4.3 (875 reviews)

ModerateSouthern, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Updated 3 months ago

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The Basics - Hummingbird cake - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - 8/16/24 - Time To Dig In - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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The Basics - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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THE BASICS ATMOSPHERE

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Inside

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Outside

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Casual

Moderate noise

Good for groups

Outdoor seating

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David B.

Came here on the recommendation of a friend, she said sit at the bar! - talk to the locals, and I did. I was not disappointed. Food was beautiful and tasty. Had a signature morning special: hash bowl with steak and added eggs. Sliced ripe tomatoes with salt n peppa rounded out my meal. All while chatting up a local college professor on his way in to teach. What a great start to my day. Highly recommend stopping here for breakfast/brunch if near downtown. Also great quality and quantity to cost ratio, in your favor. Street side parking available.

Shantae Y.

I went to The Basics a while back. I loved the small town diner vibes. Great meal, fast and great service, and the overall cost was budget conscious. When I'm in the Wilmington area again I'll definitely be back.

Becky J.

I had the chicken spinach salad, which was easily made dairy free. It was a delicious, bright salad and I especially loved the spiced nuts with it. The interior is cute and you're right in the cotton district to pop around a bit after you eat.

Chicken Salad Sandwich on Sourdough with a potato cake

J E.

Came in for lunch on a weekday and they weren't busy at all... it was right after they switched to lunchtime that I arrived, but by the time I left, they were getting busy. I sat at the bar and started with a cup of Brunswick Stew. The stew was very flavorful, but was so thick, it didn't resemble a soup nor strew, it was more like a casserole. I then went with their chicken salad sandwich on sourdough bread. The chicken salad was just ok. I bit into something hard, maybe a bone and the overall flavor of it was more on the bland side. The potato cake that came with it was the best thing I ate there. It was very tasty. Overall, I wasn't as impressed based on what I expected from all the positive reviews I read.

Brie F.

We ended up frequenting this spot so much during our stay in NC that we practically became part of the crew. The staff started recognizing us as we casually strolled around Wilmington, greeting us like old friends. Talk about feeling like locals! This place lives up to its name with a laid back vibe that oozes Southern charm. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a meal. We kicked things off with a little bit of everything: coffee, sangria, apple juice, egg scramble with peppers and onions, pancakes, egg scramble with cheese, turkey bacon, chicken BLT sandwich sans the bacon, a potato croquette. The homemade mayo on the fried chicken BLT? I can't even describe how good it was. I mean, mayo shouldn't taste that amazing, but here we are. I literally begged my husband to take me there every morning just for that fried chicken BLT sandwich. The rest of the family loved their meals too. If you're ever in Wilmington, this place is a must. Comfortable, delicious, and a place where you'll feel like part of the family.

Mary T.

I went to The Basics around 10:30am on a Friday and was seated right away--no wait, which was a nice start to the morning. The restaurant has a rustic, open atmosphere that feels very 'Wilmington'. I ordered the Southern Benedict with grits. The sausage gravy had incredible flavor, though it was a little cooler than I'd hoped. The biscuits were absolutely ginormous, with great texture that really stood out. But the star of the meal was definitely the grits--phenomenal, easily some of the best I've ever had. On top of the food, the staff were friendly and made the experience warm and enjoyable. Overall, The Basics is a charming spot with standout Southern flavors--I would love to try again for lunch or dinner.

John M.

Good Southern food in a rustic setting. Service was friendly, but the kitchen was slow. The Carolina Cobb is different using mixed greens.

Ralph A.

4 out of 5 stars I went to The Basic for lunch today with a party of eight, and overall it was a great experience. The atmosphere is cozy with a stylish, almost fedora-type vibe that makes it a really comfortable place to enjoy a meal. The menu had a wide selection of dishes that all sounded delicious. I ordered one of the special burgers with brie and bacon. I had asked for medium-rare, but it came out well done, which was a little disappointing. Our server was quick to respond and brought out a second burger cooked perfectly and was delicious. On the bright side, others at my table ordered the zucchini sandwich and salad, which were phenomenal. For the child in our group, we got chicken fingers and mac & cheese, and those were a hit as well. The service was attentive and friendly, which made the experience even better. While I was a little let down by my burger, everything else at the table was solid, and I would definitely come back again to try more of the menu.

William S.

Wilmington didn't let me down again. Stopped inside for a breakfast on my last day in town, was greeted by an extremely friendly staff and sat at the bar. I got the Mexican scramble (can't remember what it was called) and it was delicious. Nice bright storefront with a nice view of the Main Street. I'll come back!

Lynda M.

We stopped into The Basics for dinner after reading such positive Yelp reviews and we weren't disappointed. We were greeted by smiling and friendly servers and were told to choose any table we'd like (we arrived fairly early at 5:30). We chose a window table that looked out on Front Street. Our server promptly brought menus and took our drink orders. We started with the fried oyster appetizer, served on a bed of romaine lettuce. Dinner choices were another appetizer, the crab cakes complemented with a spicy remoulade sauce and diced peppers for me, and a HUGE cobb salad for my husband. Everything was freshly prepared and beautifully presented. We were both full but decided to order a slice of the hummingbird cake "to go." We enjoyed it for afternoon snack the next day.

Muryel W.

Dropped in on a whim after a night out and "The Basics" did not disappointment. We were seated immediately at 10 am, brought waters before we were even in our seats. The menu was impressive and I absolutely love that they have chef specials! My hsuand and I tried the biscuits and the cinnamon roll to start, both of which were good. We each had the smoked salmon omelet special which was out of this world. Each ingredient was pure perfection and tasted like it had been hand picked seconds before cooking it. The potato cake was phenomenal as well. Our service was fast, waitress was helpful and the entire vibe was spot on. 5 stars for sure!

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Jessica C.

Elite 26

575

1849

7 years ago

Great quality and really tasty! I was in town for the Wilmington half-marathon and met my run group for dinner upstairs. We had a table of eight and our server was fantastic with the group. I decided on the pesto encrusted salmon on top of grilled asparagus and risotto. Everything about my meal was just perfect and I can't think of any suggestions for improvement. The pesto on top was so flavorful and I tried to include a little in each bite. The risotto was creamy and savory. The salmon was cooked medium and tasted very fresh. Everyone else at my table was very pleased with their dinner selection. Another favorite was the meatloaf-it looked delicious. Overall, it was a perfect meal in preparation for a long run the next morning. I highly recommend The Basics Restaurant! read more

The Basics - Pesto encrusted salmon with grilled asparagus and risotto - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Bernard H.

4 years ago

Great for Sunday breakfast / brunch. Had to wait for about 35 min but around the corner in the breeze way is Plan B where you can sit, wait and have a coffee. Breakfast was very nice, crab cake egg Benedict hit the spot and so did the blue berry pancakes. Will be back. read more

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Eric L.

2 years ago

Really solid food and service, generous portions, and great service! If you want a great breakfast to fill you up for a long day ahead, you can't go wrong here! read more

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Chris P.

4 years ago

Outstanding food. We came for a brunch, stayed for 3.5 hours Great mimosas and excellent service. Seems there are limited options for brunch downtown, especially on weekdays... if you can get a table here (in the past their waits have been very long - no surprise) this place is a must try! read more

The Basics - Avocado Toast, added egg and bacon...side of the Potato Cake - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Emma F.

2 years ago

Always great food and service. On the weekends get there early because they get extremely busy. Highly recommend.

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Aaron P.

140

2 years ago

Been here a few times, great service and terrific food. Location is convenient and easy to get to.

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Lindsay S.

Elite 25

118

310

6 years ago

Such a nice brunch spot! Went here with two friends Sunday afternoon for brunch and mimosas. This place can get pretty busy and when we arrived it was a 40 minute wait so we went and had a drink at a place close by and they texted us once our table was ready. I had the BLT with a side of grits with cheese added. It was really good. Service was awesome & they were following COVID guidelines strictly. My friends also enjoyed what they got. read more

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Mae W.

172

138

3 years ago

I went twice on a 3-day trip. The food and service was excellent. I went with the burger one day & meatloaf another. The grits as a side were lick-the-bowl good. Also the sangria is truly perfect. So fruity and delicious. I'm not sure I'll make it back to this area, but if I do there's no doubt I'd go multiple times to this place! read more

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Jenna H.

733

3 years ago

Caroline was so sweet and one of the best servers I've had! We came to Wilmington for a girls trip and we recommend the mimosa du jour with the crab cake benny - so so good! Will definitely be coming back here and asking for Caroline on our next visit. read more

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Robert K.

131

4 years ago

2nd Time to dine at this wonderful restaurant. Southern Benedict is the bomb! I don't usually eat Benedict's due to hollandaise sauce. This is made with sausage gravy! WoW! This was really really good. Surprisingly not too heavy. Split homemade Biscuit was the base. Moist even by itself. The coca-cola house smoked ham is devious. This dish is worthy of 5 stars in every bite. For my side, they have an option for blueberry oatmeal pancake. Damn good. Ate the whole thing! The coffee is solid and hot. The servers seem to maybe also the owners. As they are really good and seem highly motivated. I will return when back in Wilmington. Y'all give this place a whirl. It's been dynamite on my 2 visits. read more

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Connie F.

5 years ago

If you do not go to The Basics for breakfast during your visit , you are missing something special. I think this might have been the beat restaurant breakfast I have ever had and it was also healthy! The also have pancakes, biscuit Benedict, shrimp and grits and sausage biscuits for those looking for something hearty. The Basics is the best! read more

The Basics - Mediterranean scramble with fruit! Yummy and healthy! - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Heather F.

113

106

4 years ago

We went for brunch on a Saturday. Got right in. Sat outside and enjoyed their home made jam. The mimosa dujour which included blueberry vodka. Wonderful customer service. Highly recommend read more

The Basics - Mimosa dujour - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Katelyn G.

4 years ago

Cute place in the Cotton Exchange. Fried oysters were delicious. Cobb salad with smoked chicken was good and the blue cheese vinaigrette was unexpectedly nice. Hummingbird cake was definitely the star of the meal! Great, friendly service! read more

The Basics - Fried oysters - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - Cobb salad with smoked chicken - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Ellen D.

134

6 years ago

Loved our breakfast! I was so hungry and it looked so good I forgot to take a picture of the food. We waited outside to be let in (covid life!) and someone came to the door immediately. They were super friendly, welcoming and casual. Service was prompt, food was delicious. We had coffee and water (NO STRAWS! $1.50 to buy a stainless steel one, the cost they pay for them. Good deal, but we opted out). We had the Mediterranean scramble, blueberry pancake, and the special of the day - pork belly omelet. All was awesome!! I didn't get the guy's name with the black bandana mask - maybe the manager? But he was awesome, and our server Katelyn was as well. I wish we could get this level of food and service in Jacksonville! :) read more

The Basics - Dining room - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Eric C.

2 years ago

My favorite go-to breakfast restaurant when vacationing in Wilmington..Great location and always good!

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Krista N.

3 years ago

Older atmosphere. Multiple seating areas including outside for dinner. Steak and egg was perfect. Get the fried mashed potato ball. Avocado toast vinaigrette dressing was just right. And good hot coffee in perfect old diner cups. Good service. read more

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Joaquin Kif R.

4 years ago

Having brunch here. Arrived at opening. Service is excellent, with thoughtful crowd control and steady seating. My Oatmeal Blueberry pancakes and bacon were cold. Saddened me. Mate's grits and Mediterranean omelet were hot and satisfactory. Covered, outdoor seating was nice, if chilly, in February. Outdoor space heaters would be great additions, regulations permitting. read more

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Jake B.

3 years ago

We were looking for some southern comfort and gave the Basics a try. The staff is super friendly and the food is delicious. Casual environment at the north end of Front Street. It gets busy and they can sell out of some items later in the evening. My shrimp and grits were very creamy and hearty. My wife had the "Hook" and wants it again ASAP. The cola cake is a great dessert option though our guests enjoyed their peaches and cream cheesecake. We'll worth a visit. read more

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Chris R.

104

192

203

3 years ago

Had their pulled pork for dinner and it was dry and chewy. The barbecue (only kind they had) was basically vinegar with a touch of sauce in it. The grilled asparagus was good but I left half the pork. Can't recommend. read more

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Eric J.

4 years ago

Absolutely incredible brunch! I had "grit bowl" featuring a brunch salmon special and it was delicious. As a side I had the sweet potato casserole and it was really unique and tasty. My co-worker had the Mediterranean grill - and he loved it. Throw in great service and a cool decor, and you've got a great experience! read more

The Basics - Salmon Omelette Grit Bowl - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - Sweet Potato Casserole - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Brenda M.

3 years ago

Great place for late breakfast/brunch. First time here we sat at the counter with no wait time. Got drinks right away but sat there waiting to order where I had to ask a waitress who wasn't working the counter but was nice and offered to take our order. Sitting at the counter you saw all the food coming out non stop and looked so delicious !! The food was amazing!! Had blueberry oatmeal pancakes and a Southern Benedict and grits. Would definitely come back ! read more

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Sara T.

4 years ago

The service is amazing. The staff are so sweet, the food was absolutely incredible! So much comfort food, my sister and I are just not used to tasting food with such heart read more

The Basics - My sister had the Fried Chicken Biscuit and I had the Blueberry Oatmeal Pancakes with a side of the Potato Cake! So good! - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Emily J.

Elite 26

365

413

1359

6 years ago

Two friends and I decided to meet here for breakfast. We got lucky- it was a quiet morning, so we were seated immediately and had fantastic service the entire time! We were seated upstairs and had Katelyn as our server. She was great! We had some questions about different menu items which she answered completely. I ordered the special burger- a burger with Gruyere cheese, fried green tomatoes, bacon jam, spring mix, and shallots. It was incredible and super filling! I ended up taking half of it home! As my side, I ordered the fresh fruit which was delicious as well. One friend ordered the shrimp and grits which was HUGE! It's a bit spicy so if you're a total wimp like me, stick with something else. Our last Musketeer ordered the Spinach Feta Grill which was delicious as well! Overall we had a great experience and all left happily full and smiling! read more

The Basics - Side of fresh fruit - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - Shrimp and grits- massive bowl! Slightly spicy - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - SPINACH FETA GRILL - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - The burger special of the day - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - The daily burger special- delicious!! - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Carrie G.

2 years ago

The Basics is a charming little place downtown Wilmington that we had a special brunch at in December 2023. Its an amazing location with plenty of parking, cute decor and ambiance on the inside, servers were very friendly and the food was pretty good. TBH, the dish I chose was not great BUT, everyone else in our group raved about their choices and also returned a couple of days later because they like it so much. This is a no-brainer if you need a place for a great experience. read more

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Melanie M.

Elite 24

2 years ago

Went here last week at lunch time around 1 pm. I've been away many years, but this used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Their crab cakes were outstanding and they used to bring u homemade pickles. So they were out of all the food I would have liked to order, so I ordered a barbecue sandwich and some collards, neither of which I could recommend. First of all, the sauce that came with the sandwich was like no barbecue sauce I had ever tasted. Second, the collards were not chopped which made it extremely difficult to eat. I think I had to pour it out of the serving cup and onto the plate to cut it into bite size pieces. The sauce for it was a spicy vinegar, no chopped onion and no taste of bacon in the collards. I was so desperate, I put the barbecue sauce on the collards and the spicy vinegar on the sandwich to see if that would improve the taste and vice versa. It didn't. The only thing that improved anything was the thimble full of slaw they gave me to put on the sandwich. Normally, I would give a restaurant a second try, but the servers were indifferent and not attentive as well. Next time I go to the cotton exchange, I'll probably try the German cafe. read more

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Hayden P.

284

2 years ago

Great food, drinks and staff! The Bloody Mary was amazing!! Mediterranean scramble is a must have !

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Natalie K.

4 years ago

This has become my Omgoodness place to eat I can only have certain foods which can become so frustrating.. The food is always fresh, No junk in their foods.. To me it's like going to mom's for a great meal with a twist of elegance, I have yet to find anything I have not loved also save some room for dessert they are all beyond .. Also if you choose take out you will receive the same experience if you're eating there.. you cannot go wrong with breakfast lunch or dinner ... The Bon appétit of southern food read more

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Annmarie B.

4 years ago

Best breakfast in Wilmington. I've eaten here at least 4 times. The waitstaff is friendly and efficient. I have yet to eat something I didn't enjoy. The crab cake Benedict is AMAZING and I'm very picky! read more

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Stephenie H.

3 years ago

Food was excellent! Our server was knowledgeable and very nice. The ambiance was wonderful wandering about the years of history in the building!! Great experience! read more

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Victoriya H.

Elite 25

229

1082

4 years ago

Very friendly service, nice vibe, decent coffee. We ordered Migas, egg/cheese/ham biscuit sandwich and oatmeal blueberry pancakes with walnut butter. You could get real maple syrup for an additional charge. Sandwich was really good. Ham is smoked for 6 hrs in house and more like shredded pork. Pancakes were delish. Migas were just ok, underwhelmed. read more

The Basics - Migas - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - Ham, Egg and Cheese Biscuit - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - Oatmeal blueberry pancakes with walnut butter & maple syrup - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Alexandria T.

Elite 17

518

170

245

5 years ago

I can't say enough nice things about this little gem, but I am going to try. We visited on a busy Sunday morning before heading back home to Raleigh. We were hungover, probably still a little drunk from the previous evenings Halloween festivities and this happy place fixed us mentally/physically and I wish I could pick it up and take it back home with me. There was an expected wait when we arrived, but it was a beautiful morning so we took a leisurely stroll in front of the Riverwalk and they got us in before the quoted time. The Service: KATELYN was awesome! I mean, she should write a book on her profession. She was knowledgeable, Kind and Helpful. I wanted to be her friend by the time we left. THE FOOOOOOOOD: We ordered BLUEBERRY OATMEAL PANCAKES and the MEATLOAF. "MAAAA THE MEATLOAF!" (hehe). Not all pancakes are created equal, but these are perfect. Not too sweet, not too big, not too fluffy, not too much anything but just right (Que Goldilocks). The meatloaf was everything you'd expect from your grandma's cooking. Delicious, savory, classic and made with love. Order either of these (Or both) and you will be happy. This brunch wins. Please open a location in Raleigh KThxILY read more

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Cindy B.

2 years ago

Needed breakfast on the way out of Wilmington. Stumped upon this place after check out and wow was our party happy. We arrived a few minutes before opening which was a good thing because we didn't have reservations and the line grew quickly right before opening. The food was wonderful! read more

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Louise M.

3 years ago

Good food, great staff and nice atmosphere We just bought gift certificates for friends to use and they were very excited to receive them read more

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J S.

4 years ago

Delicious local breakfast spot in Wilmington. Highly recommend their omelets and blueberry oatmeal pancakes Superb staff and environment, highly recommend!!! read more

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Jill R.

100

4 years ago

The biscuits had no salt and were bland. The sausage was just the same; it was just basic, like the restaurant's name. I would not go back. The wait staff was very friendly. read more

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Greg B.

3 years ago

The Oatmeal Blueberry Pancakes were great and the service was always ensuring you were taken care of

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Kelsie R.

Elite 22

112

5 years ago

Was strolling downtown and decided to try out the basics for lunch! I have heard great things about brunch here as well! There was no wait and we were sat down promptly. They are doing the QR code's for the menu but it was all easy to view online. Our server was very nice and knowledgeable about the menu. I got the spinach dip to start and it was a bit different but delicious. I love the tiny bread bites they serve with it. I got the fried chicken blt sandwich and added pimento cheese ! Absolutely delicious. Definitely recommend the basics for a quick tasty lunch if you're downtown. I will definitely be back to try out brunch! read more

The Basics - Fried Chicken Blt Sandwich with Pimento Cheese - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

The Basics - Warm Spinach Dip - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Johnny H.

4 years ago

Another trip to Wilmington and still eat dinner every night here. Always a great crew working, always good drinks, and always great choices for food! Keep up the great work! read more

The Basics - Fruit And Cheese with a Margarita! - Southern Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Keith B.

Elite 23

3 years ago

Wow.wowowowow. I can't believe I haven't been coming here more frequently. Had one of the best breakfasts I've gotten in wilmington. The guys in that kitchen really know their stuff. Flavor and cook on all food was phenomenal. Food came out pretty quickly. I will definitely be here a lot more frequently read more

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Tom K.

2 years ago

Awesome weekend brunch! Friendly staff and delicious lunch with good portions! Did not feel pressured to eat and get out even though there was a line outside read more

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Page 4 of 22

319 N Front St
Wilmington, NC 28401
Directions
(910) 343-1050
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.thebasicswilmington.com/

Full menu

Hours

What time does The Basics open?

The Basics opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.The Basics opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does The Basics close?

The Basics closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.The Basics closes at 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 9:00 PMSat-Sun 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Payment methods

Does The Basics take credit cards?

Yes, The Basics takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does The Basics have catering options?

Yes, The Basics does have catering options.

Does The Basics serve alcohol?

Yes, The Basics serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does The Basics allow dogs?

Yes, The Basics allows dogs.

Does The Basics have TVs?

Yes, The Basics has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does The Basics have bike parking?

Yes, The Basics has bike parking.

Does The Basics have outdoor seating?

Yes, The Basics has outdoor seating options.

Does The Basics have parking?

Yes, The Basics has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does The Basics have free WiFi?

Yes, The Basics has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The Basics specializes in traditional Southern recipes, from hoppin' john and collards to shrimp and grits and duck and andouille gumbo. We have a lovely weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday, nightly dinner specials featuring local produce and freshly caught local seafood, a weekday breakfast, and lovely sandwiches like a fried green tomato on ciabatta, and salads like our Carolina Cobb with yummy devilled egg for lunch.

History

Established in 2007.

In business since 2007, The Basics is dedicated to preserving historic recipes and promoting Southern delicacies.

Meet the Business Owner: Mary L.

I was raised in the restaurant industry starting in Athens, GA. Over 16 years, I worked at several successful restaurants there, and eventually opened my own two places, Five Star Day Cafe and Speakeasy with my business partners. I moved to Wilmington in 2007 after catering a dinner for the Lee Brothers, James Beard award winning authors of a definitive Southern cookbook. Inspired by their passion for Southern tradition, I followed my heart and opened The Basics to give Wilmington, NC a sense of our shared Southern culinary history.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - The Basics

Are there any gluten free options?

They offer gluten free bread for sandwiches and some menu items are gluten free.

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Do they have bloody Mary's during brunch?

Yes, they do :)

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Do they have bottomless mimosas?

Nope no bottomless mimosas! But they have a sweet bar and make some great drinks!

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What are breakfast hours?

Breakfast Mon.-Fri. 8 am-11 am… Read more

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•$$

Absolutely wonderful liked everything we are planning on coming by it was so good can't wait to…read morecome back to try the chicken and waffles. The chicken pot pie is huge. Can't wait to try that. Everything just looks so good. The burgers are absolutely huge. Cannot wait to try everything on the menu.

Very average food, not sure what all the hype is about. Fried chicken was fine, very thinly…read morebreaded, crispy, a little dry/over cooked. Not great. Not bad. Have definitely had better.

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Rooster Cogburn

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Chicken and waffles

Casey's Buffet and BBQ

4.0(378 reviews)

5.8 mi

•$$

Of course yet another 5 star review for this amazing place…read more Bonus tonight... monster pork chops. My new favorite is to mix the limas,corn, and mashed potatoes. Good lord. Great service oh yea and cheated with a brownie and ice cream.

Casey's did not disappoint with ots offerings. The ambiance was a step into the past with spreads…read moreof coke bottles, Pepsi cans and posters that remind me of school days. I glanced around for the Dick and Jane series of books! Amazing food was served on wooden chairs and inside plastic booths. The service was there to clear away used plates and make room for several trips back to the buffet. It is a road side stop ypu must consider on your travels, especially to Myrtle Beach. Just 45 minutes aways!

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Chitterlings, pig feet, and fat back

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Cast Iron Kitchen

4.2(493 reviews)

9.5 mi

•$$

Love this place. Have been eating here for quite some time…read more If not the best, has to be one of the best in Wilmington. I am glad that Guy Fieri had visited this place while visiting Wilmington. The whole staff including Lyndsey are amazing

"We had a great breakfast. The wait staff was very attentive, and everything was very clean. The…read morewait time was minimal, and we would definitely eat there again!

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Not My Mommas Meatloaf*

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Bloody Mary

Rumcow

4.3(303 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Absolutely, recommend this place. Food and staff are top shelf. This review makes me want to go…read moredown there right now for brunch.

We've been to Rumcow many times over the years and always enjoyed it. It's a cool spot with two…read morefloors, a lively atmosphere, and a strong A sanitation rating (96.5), which is always reassuring. The service was friendly and attentive, and we started the evening with a bottle of Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay (2023), which was a nice way to begin dinner. Unfortunately, the food this time around just didn't live up to what we remember. We started with the Asian Tots, which used to be one of the best items on the menu. In the past, the peanut sauce was poured over the top so everything came together as one dish. Now it's served in a small cup on the side, and there isn't enough of it to properly coat the tots. They also stopped finishing the dish with the salt they used to sprinkle on top, and even the presentation has changed -- the silver dome they once used is gone. What used to be a great appetizer has been reduced to something that's simply okay. For the main courses, the results were mixed but mostly disappointing. My blackened chicken was a little overcooked. My wife ordered the miso salmon, and that was overcooked as well -- which is especially noticeable with fish. When salmon goes past the sweet spot it quickly becomes dry, and that seemed to be the case here. None of the food was terrible, but none of it really stood out either. Dessert didn't help much. I ordered the carrot cake, but what arrived looked more like a small cupcake buried under a heavy amount of icing, with a large mound of whipped cream on the side. There wasn't much actual cake there, and it wasn't what I expected from a carrot cake dessert. One thing that stood out during the meal is that it feels like the kitchen may be constantly adjusting dishes -- moving sauces, changing presentations, tweaking things that didn't necessarily need fixing. In restaurants, sometimes the best move is to pick a lane and execute it consistently rather than continually modifying dishes that customers already liked. So here's the bottom line. Rumcow is not the Rumcow of yesteryear. Was the food terrible? No. But it was mostly meh, and that may be the most disappointing part. This used to be a place known for memorable dishes and small details done right. Right now it feels like a restaurant that has drifted away from what made it special. The atmosphere and service are still good, but the food just doesn't match the reputation it once had.

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Caipirinha

Savor Southern Kitchen

4.5(279 reviews)

4.3 mi

•$$

Wow oh wow! I'm quite impressed by how tasty this down- home local diner is. The kids devoured the…read moredonut holes and we adults loved the sweet potato biscuits to start (with a tasty cream cheese frosting dip). I had a perfectly vinegared chicken and dumplings (wedneaday lunch special), hub got a great goat cheese omelet off the specials board. Daughter did the best ordering with a fantastic chicken and waffle with juicy perfectly crisp and seasoned thin chicken breast and candied bacon. Her sweet potato fries were great too. Sons scrambled eggs had housemade sausage, very tasty. Love this place. Eat local!

Wow wow wow. Food is beyond amazing. Heather was great with the service. The ambiance was nice.read more

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So tasty the crab cake Benedict

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The best Bloody Mary I ever had! The shrimp was quality

Dram Yard

4.2(194 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$$

I've been to the Dram Yard a few times for cocktails at the outdoor bar and have always loved the…read moredrinks and the atmosphere with the fire pits but hadn't eaten dinner until last night. The whole experience was perfect. We had to wait a few minutes for our table to be ready. It was such a minimal wait that I didn't think anything of it. Our waitress came over to our table, apologized, and said they'd be sending out their little gem salad and brussel sprouts. Both appetizers were plenty for four of us. The salad was romaine lettuce with fish roe and had a umami style to it that I really enjoyed. The Brussels were exceptional. I'm a big fan normally and these were by far some of the best I've had. For cocktails I tried the man of war and the ghost town which was complex and amazing. For dinner I tried the fish of the day, which were scallops from Maine with ancient grains and a small green salad. The scallops were rich tasting and succulent. My husband had the burger and said it was really good. The whole dining experience was exceptional. The servers were attentive yet knew how to pace our experience. We never felt rushed or imposed upon or forgotten. With all the restaurant choices in Wilmington, Dram Yard rises to the top.

Great spot for date night. They say the menu items are meant to share and come out as they're…read moreready, which felt a little awkward when our entree-ish items came out at different times. I had the chicken and dumplings, which was perfect for a chilly evening. Everything that our group ordered was great from the market fish to lamb and burger. I was disappointed there weren't any mocktails on the menu because I wasn't drinking, but the cocktails sounded good. atmosphere is upscale and modern. Looking forward to going back to try more!

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Dram Yard

Nippy's Soul Food

3.8(47 reviews)

2.8 mi

We appreciate them allowing us to dine in as we realized upon entering the hours on Yelp are not…read morecorrect. Call first to check the hours. We were served fairly quick. I had the pork chop meal and my children shared the chicken meal. Both were nice sized portions for the cost. It comes with rice and gravy but you also get to choose two sides. The green beans are way too salty so beware if you need to avoid high sodium dishes. The yams were tasty and we loved the cornbread.

I love coming to Nippy's for the lunch! The owners and everyone working there are seriously the…read moresweetest people. You go in, get seated, and someone brings you a drink. While you're waiting, your brain has already zeroed in on the delicious food in the buffet. While it doesn't look like a ton of food in terms of the variety, once you taste everything, you will stuff yourself silly with quantity because everything is delicious! I particularly love the mac'n'cheese, fried chicken, and the BBQ fish. Make sure you save room though for the desserts- there's usually some type of cobbler in the buffet too and it's always good.

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Ruth's Kitchen

3.9(60 reviews)

6.8 mi

•$

The food is great. The service is awesome. I love their vegetables . I love the fried flounder. My…read moregreat grandson who is 17 months old flirts with the waitresses. He just loves them,and he blows them kisses.

I was in Wilmington this weekend and looking for somewhere to eat and was hoping for some really…read moregood Fried Chicken. Google recommended Ruth's so I decided to check it out. The waitress was really friendly and the food was pretty amazing. The restaurant is really tiny and you could easily miss it. The next morning I was up very early for an event and decided to return for breakfast. My waitress was a lady named Lee who was amazing at her job. I had eggs, sausage, grits, and toast and couldn't have been more satisfied. I only hate that it's in Wilmington and not Winston Salem where I live or I would eat there more.

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Inside booths and counter

Waffle with Pecans and a side of crispy bacon.

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The Fork n Cork

4.2(1.2k reviews)

0.3 mi

•$$

I can't believe this was my first time to the Fork and Cork after living in Wilmington for 7 years!…read moreThey had a full house on a late Saturday afternoon, so we sat at the bar where I had a delicious bloody Mary and the 'brisket biscuit' from the brunch menu.OMG, it was a perfect pairing with the cocktail. The bbq pulled beef over homemade biscuits was topped with a spectacular mustard sauce with two perfect eggs and a side of sweet potato waffle-fries sprinkled with cinnamon, cayenne, and sugar... You guessed it, I ate the whole thing! My husband had the beet salad topped with blackened chicken, which he raved about the whole time we were there. I highly recommend this restaurant, it is small and cozy with a unique ambience, great service with a smile, quite loud, but worth the wait!

Walking around Wilmington and discovered this neat little restaurant. Only 3 tables inside and…read moreseveral bar stools at the quaint bar area. Seating available outside as well on a warmer day. Had the crispy chicken chef salad...amazing! Their blue cheese dressing was tasty and the salad was fresh with lots of delicious items mixed in. Service was excellent. Will go back for sure!

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The Big Lew

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Lamb Burger . Super quality!!!

Copper Penny

4.4(1.4k reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Finally! After many years, we made it back to Copper Penny! On our return trip from Southport we…read morestopped in downtown to grab a bite before heading home. We started walking around and my wonderful wife suggested Copper Penny. Absolutely! There was a short wait for a table, but we didn't mind. The inside is almost like we remember it. We did notice the menu is a lot smaller. The last time we dined here was around ten years ago. Definitely plenty of options. We went with the onion ring appetizer, Cobb salad, and the BBQ Burger. The atmosphere of Copper Penny is the same. Definitely missed this place. After a short wait our food was brought out. Everything was delicious. This is just an update, but we still love Copper Penny and will continue to return.

Went on a Saturday night, no reservations. Told 45 minutes at 7 for a table of 5 but seated within…read more25. Our server was wonderful, super helpful and nice. Inside we a long and narrow, mostly large wooden booths and a large bar. Darker. Started with sodas, a beer, and the dragonfruit mimosa (I didn't wind up drinking/liking the flavor- but also didnt say anything as honestly know my taste better. Sharing feedback for others that it is on the sweeter side- which you may love). Buffalo chicken sandwich, sauce on side with fries. Enjoyed, typical but large sandwich. Chicken pita, enjoyed- fries on side. Philly cheesesteak with Caesar salad side- really liked. Owner is from Philly, which made a difference. Grilled chicken with side Cobb salad- lots of cheese and mushrooms and onions. Super delicious bread- soft with some flake since still crunch and not soggy. Salad was fresh and delicious. Pork sandwich- my husband liked, it was good but I didn't love the meat flavor. Concepts with having spinach and such was great. Manager/owner(?) came by to each table too. Definitely worth a trip to explore- fresh ingredients. Next time the wings...

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Order pick up!

Onion rings with spicy ketchup.

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Bbq wings delivered plain with bbq for those who like it that way

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42 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Amanda J.

11 years ago

I know this place has some spot on entrees, but I have to say the last few times I have been has not been great. I had the top billed item on the brunch menu. A spinach cream sauce over poached eggs atop french bread with artichokes and feta. Not sure why a side is not offered with this item but it wasn't. So there was not much spinach cream sauce and the french bread with very thick and I really wondered what it was there for as all it did was suck flavor from the rest of the items on the plate. White bread basically in the shape of french bread. Not a baguette or anything special. The artichokes were just taken out of the can and placed on the plate-cold and not cooked or grilled or anything. It was pretty lifeless. Then I ordered a pancake and bacon, which didn't come out, so they had to reorder it for me. They gave me the bacon on the house. That is good because it was cold and all stuck together. guess I got yesterdays bacon??? There are some good entrees on the menu. But there are some weak ones too. And there is no sense of management, which i really dislike in a restaurant or any business that is specializing in "an experience." read more

Chris W.

16 years ago

My wife and I stopped in here one afternoon with our son, starving. We had high hopes, had heard some good things. I can't remember what we had, it was a few months ago, but I think my wife had a salad and myself a sandwich. First thing that struck us the wrong way was that there was no kids menu... this is def. not a kid friendly restaurant by any means. When we asked about the kids menu it took the waitress a while to find an answer, then she said there was ONE offering for Sunday Brunch (this was a weekday), but whatever it was, our son wasn't interested. If I remember correctly, we ordered him a grilled cheese of some sort with a side of macaroni & cheese. We figured how could we go wrong with that for a kid? The macaroni & cheese had a very odd flavor (sour?), and he ended up eating nothing on his plate. Our food was not bad. It all seemed a bit worked over to "seem" fancy, but wasn't anything special. The word pretentious came to mind. Overall, we didn't like it, and would not suggest this place, especially to a family. It was also not cheap. read more

Leslie S.

9 months ago

Three of us try a new place for lunch every Weds, then shop afterwards. We found The Basics even Better than we expected! Next to The Cotton Exchange on Third St, we were blown away by the antique brick walls & original hardwood floors! Daren set the tone with his big smile & welcoming attitude. We ordered the Specials - 4 cheeses grilled on sourdough bread -- and a menu regular, the Fried Green Tomato & Bacon sandwich on ciabatta with a side of the best fried okra I've had in years! The grilled Cheeses came w a side of Brunswick Stew or another choice - they chose the Stew. I'm an Atlanta girl & while this was the closest thing I've had to my favorite Stew, there was something in there that set our mouths on fire -- after we swallowed! Surprise! and even the iced tea was delicious! We all agreed: 5 Stars & we will be back! Then we were already at The Cotton Exchange, so we got in our shopping as well! read more

Judi M.

14 years ago

Three of us went to Basics last night for dinner. We all decided to get the filet (even though my husband and I usually aren't big fans of goat cheese). It was one of the most incredible meals we have had there. The steak was almost fork tender. The bruschetta appetizer was the absolute bomb and the peach cobbler is about as good as it gets. I usually go for the molten chocolate cake, but after having a bite of my husband's peach cobbler the last time we ate there, I knew that would be my choice. No need to go to Ruth's Chris folks - this is one of the best places in town. read more

Kevin S.

6 years ago

Phenomenal meal here. The 3 course special menu had stuffed catfish, a house smoked pork belly and scallops entree along with a bbq back ribs app. All were amazing and incredible value overall. The special spiced cake dessert also hit the spot. They are very Covid conscious. They are doing many things right and we will Definitely be back. A close to perfect dining experience. Can't give a high enough recommendation. read more

Rich O.

10 years ago

Be aware that The Cotton Exchange parking lot has initiated parking fees after many years. If you do not pay the fee and attach proof of payment to your car, they penalize you with $30. It is your choice now; either go through the hassle of paying the fee and leaving the notice in your car or boycott The Cotton Exchange. read more

Simon A.

12 years ago

My plumbers won't even eat here. They find the kitchen so gross, that guys that scoop poop out of pipes for a living won't spend their poop scoop money there. I've been here and it's been a massive disappointment every time. I will not recommend this restaurant. My plumbers think it should be shut down. read more

Mark A.

8 years ago

When I used to live downtown this place was my go to place for breakfast. Absolutely amazing. Truly one of the better southern restaurants for breakfast. I love their twist on the Benedict's with biscuits rather than an English muffin. Ask for Katelyn, one of the best servers. read more

Ashleigh E.

13 years ago

This place is really cool. It's inside this beautiful historic building and has a cool vibe about it. Love the exposed brick walls and that you can see right into the kitchen. The menu is kind of limited but the food was good. Our server Amber was really sweet and helpful. read more

Katie M.

15 years ago

Hmm, I just didn't have a great experience here. My food was "fancied" up, but not executed well and the staff was not very knowledgeable. Definitely not kid friendly either. I think this is a "I wanna be a foodie, but don't truly know how to be" place??? read more

Faith N.

8 years ago

The ambiance reminded me of south street eateries in old Philadelphia that would have great food in little venues . The basics is in an old brick building repurposed for shopping and dining. we really enjoyed our experience. read more

Bryan H.

7 years ago

One of the few good breakfast places in town. Go early and you won't have to wait. I've been a few times and always have a good meal. The side bar is good if you don't want to wait also. read more

lisa w.

8 years ago

This is one of the best brunch places in town. I've had dinner there as well and it was excellent. Their biscuits and gravy is killer. Expect a wait on weekends for brunch. read more

Jane D.

9 years ago

The restaurant wasn't crowded on a Saturday night but we had an extremely long wait. The food wasn't that good either. My family and I decided that we wouldn't go back. read more

Pat F.

13 years ago

By far, the best brunch in town. Love this place. I had the oatmeal pancakes, with a side of fruit and yogurt...divine. The yogurt is homemade. Try the quiche also. read more

Noah S.

5 years ago

Went here on a Saturday morning and definitely had the best brunch meal I've had in a long time. Service was great and food was too! Highly recommend. read more

Business P.

6 years ago

The food is always awesome and the atmosphere is great for small business lunches. Even enjoyed the take-out with all the Covid restrictions. read more

Frank F.