Mimis Cafe - Overland Park, KS Review

Mimi's Cafe is the sort of place where you walk in and just feel cozy. I wouldn't say that you feel like you're at home, but you feel like you're in some French garden cottage decorated in cute decor.

Like any chain restaurant (Mimi's can be found in 22 states), there are some things that never change:

1) The menu - if you look at the menu, you'll be able to find SOMETHING to enjoy. Whether you're there for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you'll be able to find something to suit your fancy. They have everything from omelets to lamb, cooked to perfection.

2) The bread - before each meal, you will receive a basket of fresh, warm bread. This isn't just any bread. This is quality loaves that are beyond mouthwatering.

3) The atmsophere - if you're careful, you'll be able to spot some decor that isn't French or French Quarter-themed. We were able to spot one or two Italian decor!

Overland Park, KS Experience

This is where all restaurants differ. If they have a great staff, your visit will be ideal. If not, you may suffer a bit. Our first few experiences with this restaurant were uneventful. We have gone to this Mimi's on and off for the last five years or so, meaning that having pleasant experiences for that long is pretty nice.

Unfortunately, one experience just a month ago led us to believe it had gone downhill. We were seated after just a few minutes in the full but not packed restaurant. We were the first table to the waiter's area. Ten minutes later, we still didn't have our drink orders. By the time we ordered drinks and they came 15 minutes later, they were wrong. No bread arrived, and 40 minutes after ordering, we were told that they were out of fresh Chicken Pot PIe and we would have to order something else. They said our new order (quiche) would be on the house. You can imagine our surprise when they brought out Chicken Pot Pie 10 minutes later.

By this point we had been at the restaurant for more than an hour. It was naptime and the place was now fairly empty. I had to leave my food and take my youngest for a drive, praying for sleep. It took another 30 minutes to get and pay the check, not to mention that our waiter disappeared before getting us a box and a bag. To top it off, we were even charged for the quiche we never even received. You know, that "comp" quiche we ordered in lieu of the Pot Pie.

Obviously this sort of experience that would turn you off. My husband got on the phone with the manager, who agreed to give us a compensation meal and have a meeting with the staff to ensure that this sort of thing does happen again.

Now, how many times have we heard that excuse? This time, I think they mean it.

We went back for that compensation meal. It was just like old times. The food was wonderful (and free!) and the service was tremendous. If you ever go to this restaurant, be sure to ask to be seated with Joyce. She was VERY good and ontop of everything.

Overall

We didn't let one bad experience erase the years of positive experieinces. You're going to find this Mimi's busy for meals on the weekend, but the food is very much worth it. You can find SOMETHING here that you enjoy. I'll even go just for the Caesar salad, which is saying something!

One thing to remember - don't order the Chicken Pot Pie. It's not that it's bad, it's their measure of keeping it fresh. These pies take 45 minutes to bake, so they only make 4-5 at a time. It's a first come, first serve basis, so you may order it and never be able to get it because other people got their orders in first.

Also, check out the Mimis website for coupons and other information. Right now they are running a coupon for a free dessert!