Mimi's Cafe

At my last count greater Austin now has two Mimi’s; on MoPac near 183, and on I-35 in Round Rock, at the outlet mall.

Having previously lived in Scottsdale and Tucson, where there were several Mimi's, I knew that they served a very good breakfast, had great sandwiches, and offered many options for dinner:

The pot roast sandwich consisting of chunks of tender beef on a crusty baguette was a wonderful choice for lunch or dinner. A rich, thick corn chowder available in cup or bowl is very good, and also offered for lunch or dinner. Fresh turkey salad with walnuts, served on their own raisin bread - great. Dinners always included a basket of bread and rolls, with their own carrot bread and fresh baked crusty baguettes. Their bread pudding with hot whiskey sauce dessert - fantastic.

I looked forward to the small chain showing up in Austin, and soon after the MoPac Mimi’s opened I was pleased to experience that breakfast at Mimi’s is still delicious.

However, when with great expectation, I invite family members to try the Mimi’s on MoPac for dinner sadly not a single dish we order is acceptable. Everything tastes like it has been prepared and cooked in a distant commissary, trucked to Austin, and warmed improperly. Also, no more crusty baguettes (or pot roast sandwich) - what's that all about?

Nonetheless, I have since enjoyed breakfast at both locations several times, and will continue to return. Their menu offers a huge number of delightful choices, and the biggest problem is not to get in a rut. A favorite of mine is their corned beef hash . Of course, I also enjoy pancakes with two eggs fried over easy, served with really fat link sausage. Mimi’s offers a choice of fresh baked muffins in lieu of toast. Try the raisin nut.

Still offered are the corn chowder, and bread pudding, and I understand that they will soon start serving their wonderful crusty baguettes. Why they stopped, I have no idea.

Interesting, that for about two weeks after the Round Rock restaurant opened it had a double shift of servers with experienced trainers everywhere. Service was quick, attentive, and the food served hot. They opened with little fanfare, and as a consequence never overloaded an inexperienced crew. What a good idea.

I recommend Mimi’s Café for breakfast. In fact it rivals Hoover's and beats about anything else available

If you go (or have gone) for dinner please let me know what you think?