The Busker

I have never been to south on main before its closure but I would always hear good reviews about the place. When I heard that they were reopening as The Busker, I was excited to go in and experience the new concept.

The staff was nice and welcoming and serviced me quickly. I ordered the Fried Green Beans, Mozzarella Bites, Shrimp and Scallop Skewers, and the house cocktail sangria. I originally wanted the Ribeye frites as my main but they were unfortunately out of the ribeye. For a grand total of about $60. The Fried Green Beans were awesome. They were spicy, hot, and crispy. I get the sangria with them and it was alright. Afterwards I get the mozzarella bites. They… were not as hot, not as crispy. Flavor wise they were good. Then I get to the Shrimp and Scallop Skewers and I don’t know what happened but this wasn’t it. While the scallops were alright, the shrimp was overcooked, and the bacon wrapping the shrimp wasn’t cooked enough. Like the bacon fat wasn’t rendered at all. I ended up removing the bacon off the shrimp. Underneath that was a bed of bland and cold rice. I left the rice untouched after some bites.

I left here full but not fully satisfied. I’ll eventually come back for the ribeye frites but I reeeeally hope yall will have upped your game by then.

The Busker is a smart way to move this spot forward - approachable and easy menu, I’ve had a few things and they were all great! Cheesedip is bomb. Enjoy the addition of TVs for sporting events and the fact they are keeping the stage for shows. Had a great time there after M2’s big gallery show. Check it out, great to have this venue on Main back in business!

Has a great menu that leaves you stumped at all the choices. I had the quail wrapped in bacon with waffles. With no regrets the food was delicious, although beware of the loud background from the musicians. Being with family it was difficult to communicate, that's expected when listening to a live performance. Southern hospitality is a great way to explain the wonderful service. All in all the place is a joy, highly recommended for a good experience.

High points were the service and drinks. Was very busy, but was seated within 5 minutes.

However, I did find everything I tried was very bland.

The gravy was not seasoned well, it tasted of just flour as did the biscuits.

The brisket hash was equally bland, mushy, was more like roast and taters. I expected a crispy hash not a Sunday pot roast! I needed some crispyness to break up all the mush but it wasn’t there. Also I thought for 15$ the portion was fairly small.

The shrimp and grits. The shrimp was cooked well and generously portioned. But the grits themselves weren’t great and lacked flavor.

I’d come back from drinks but I’d be leery of trying the brunch again.

This was our first visit in several years, and it lived up to the font memories! Staff are helpful , food is innovative and plentiful, patrons are friendly, and the music is great! We were able to get a table with a short-notice reservation at 545pm, but they were booked solid for the night after 615. We saw the jazz band setting up at 715pm but left before they began jamming.