Shannon KeoughIf you’re looking for a little southern hospitality, you don’t have to go far. Lancaster Avenue’s newest addition to its dining lineup, Mims, is serving up hearty portions.
The cajun-style restaurant, which replaces The Freehouse in Wayne, offers customers a menu that features an assortment of southern specialty dishes like jambalaya, crab cakes and a twist on classic favorites, like the popular grilled chicken in sweet pecan sauce.
Owner John Mims, born and raised in New Orleans, is no stranger to Main Line dining. Mims is the previous co-owner at both Carmine’s Creole Café in Bryn Mawr and Les Bons Temps in Center City, also featuring southern style cuisine.
The restaurant, now exclusively owned by Mims, is a cozy two-story building that boasts a fully-stocked bar both upstairs and downstairs, and seating for about 150 people.
True to New Orleans style, purple and gold are everywhere in Mims, and there are no shortage of beads.
“I like when I walked in; it was a really fun atmosphere. The decorations definitely added a lot to the experience, and it just made you feel relaxed,” Anthony Sessa, senior business major, said.
Another plus for a legal college student? Mims offers BYO wine Sunday through Tuesday. But if you’re stuck at the bar, you certainly won’t be bored. The restaurant features three flat-screen televisions to keep you busy, and a music player to let you choose what’s playing. And while you’re there-get a handful of the black beans, Mims’ version of the quintessential mixed nuts.
You won’t find burgers and fries on the menu. Mims offers southern classics like short ribs and shrimp in every style.
However, for everyone who isn’t ready to take the plunge into a spicy dinner, Mims also has sesame chicken wings and grilled sausage.
“I’m eating all crab and this is the best crab cake I’ve ever tasted,” Corinne Grasso, junior English major, said.
Although Mims is a little on the pricey side, entrees averaging $15 per person, the restaurant is definitely something different for those who are tired of the same old thing.
“It’s a good place to go for a lunch meeting, or for a drink after work,” Ashley Correll, senior English and communication major, said.
Mims is open every day for lunch, dinner and late night, offering free valet parking on Friday and Saturday nights.
“This is definitely something different than a diner or chain restaurant and I’m glad that Mims isn’t like every other restaurant around here,” Grasso said.
