Mimi's Cafe

I recently came in to Mimi's to order desert from the take out desk on a weekday when taking a break from some home renovations we've done on the house.\r \r While I was there waiting for my brownies, a waitress came up to me from the other end of the restaurant, and asked me if I needed help. I compliantly explained that I was waiting for my take out desert, and added a polite 'thank you'. \r \r She seemed urgent, but not friendly in the least, maybe even a little upset, and promptly went to the bar and began speaking to the guy who was getting my desert ready. He looked a bit puzzled by whatever she was saying, and then he went back to the kitchen and brought me what was apparently an unfinished desert: hard, cold brownies still wrapped in plastic wrap (whereas the previous time I had come into Mimi's for this desert, it had been warm with fudge warm and covering the moist brownies, fresh and ready to eat). These were less appetizing than a 99 cent brownie on a 7-Eleven store counter.\r \r It appeared as though the waitress wanted me out of the place post haste, and had the man get me out faster by giving me this unmade desert. The whole thing was a little weird. In an effort to explain this to myself, I realized I wasn't looking my best that day (unwashed hair, and my work jeans). But in my defense, I was dressed, wearing shoes and a shirt, and my face was washed (even if not appealing), and there were only three tables in my line of sight (most of the restaurant was visible as I walked to the take out area). \r \r Although what's done is done, and I can't undo that unpleasant experience, I am hoping anyone who cares about their atmosphere and businesses they patronize being genuinely nice to people who come in, might want to go somewhere else. \r \r I couldn't possibly go there after this unpleasant experience, which I suppose is a victory for the mean waitress. Even if I seemed worthy to this business, I'd still prefer to put myself in a nicer spot with nicer people. There are so many great bistros and restaurants around right here in the same area, and Mimi's is such an old school dinosaur type of restaurant, them being nice, and sheer convenience, is the only reason to choose the place. But if someone working there doesn't teat you like trash, then I guess it's about as good as any chain restaurant (there are so many better ways to eat that are in abundance in Irvine), although these old school chain eateries seem a bit uncool, outdated and often mediocre (which is why, if I'm going to settle for that (out of laziness), I prefer to be treated like a human being so I don't have to feel bad about it. Otherwise, the already weak incentive is gone.\r \r one star because ""a rating is required"" (it's a bad star)\r \r \r \r \r Pros: good service if they like you Cons: mean waitress more

Ok atmosphere but lackluster food. Pastas are bland. Onion soup is pretty good. Bread is old in the evening. I'd rather go to Marie Callendar's. Inconsistent food. Some nights turkey is moist, other nights it's dry. more

This place is just plain adorable...very homey, it makes you feel warm the second you walk in. The food is pretty standard American, but their muffins are fantastic, and often come with the meal, which I found quite unique. The service is lovely, but my favorite part of the restaurant is the scenery, like a quaint Italian village. Bon apetit! more

I have eaten at this restaurant for many years, and have enjoyed all 3 menus, (breakfast, lunch and dinner). I have also arranged to have office retirement parties there, and have been very happy with both the food and the service. The garden room is a great place to hold a family or office function and the staff will even arrange to have a special tailored menu made up just for the occassion. \r \r The portions of food they provide is more than ample, and I almost always leave with a container of food that can be enjoyed the next day. In my estimation, this is a great Irvine restaurant and I will return many times in the future. more

This restaurant has fairly standard food, though it slants towards French dishes. It has a good variety of... more

This restaurant has fairly standard food, though it slants towards French dishes. It has a good variety of dishes, of which most are tasty, especi... more

Neighborhood hangout for locals. Don't expect service at Mimi's. Do plan on servers standing around laughing about last nights date and forgetting to bring entire order. Wear something noticeable so they will see you when listening to new joke. Coffee refills are tough when you cant get service. Tip the bus boys - they do all the work. Food is typical short order cook style with no real quality. They seem follow a company guideline to just ""get it out on the table"" - nothing special. Paying for ambiance of pretend French Bistro. Prices are average. Ignore specials - just standard menu items and generally no discount. more