Mim’s Cafe

I went to Mim’s on a weekday for lunch. I love myself a good Mediterranean plate and get killer cravings for them… it was a wonder I wasn’t licking their door at 8am.
Parking kind of blows since it’s next to the U. But I parked a few blocks away and I believe that every step earns me a guilt-​free bite of pita. It was still fall when I went here, and the sunflowers on the patio were gorgeous. I can’t wait to go back in the summer! But it was chilly this day so I ate inside. I ordered at the counter — small beef kabob platter ($ 6). The man at the counter (possibly the owner) had a big beautiful smile on his face that made me even more happy to be there eating grilled meats. Water and silverware are self-​serve, and they bring the food to your table once it’s ready.
Though there was only one order ahead of me, it took over 15min for my plate to come out. I looooved the variety — kabob, rice, pita, hummus, falafel, and veggies all on one plate! The beef had a great char on it, and the consistency of the hummus was perfect. The pita was very thin, yet still held up when I filled it up. If you’re hungry, I don’t recommend the small plate. I definitely could have eaten more, especially since it was all so good. I’ll be back, Mim!

This is the best place in the world. Was my go to lunch spot all through college and every time I get a chance to come back here, I am utterly charmed by the owner who remembers me after all these years! My recommendations are the falafel, it is so fresh and to die for. Amazing homemade hummus that is better than any place ive found in the twin cities. And seriously these guys make the juiciest ruban sandwhich EVER! Anytime you’re in the university of Minnesota Saint Paul campus area don’t miss this gem. Enjoy ;)

The best falafel, baba ganouj, and hummus anywhere. It’s incredible and nowhere else that I’ve tried can compete (and I only even try other places because Mim’s is closed on weekends but my cravings are not).
I usually get a large falafel platter per person and a side of baba ganouj (and sometimes an extra side for later in the week, so sue me). I get it to go and it travels impeccably — all the way back to White Bear (*will travel for Mim’s).
The service is also outstanding. They are kind, warm, welcoming, and generous. The care they take in preparing the food is apparent in the quality and the presentation. The kitchen is completely open, so you can watch all the action in the kitchen while you wait, and transparency in food preparation is just generally appreciated.
The prices SO AFFORDABLE it’s crazy! More food than 2 people can usually finish in one sitting (we like leftovers), homemade, from scratch, right in front of you, for about what you’d pay at a fast food joint. Like, what?!
I really cannot say enough good things. I wish I could eat here every day, though I’d never dream of begging them to be open on weekends — those guys deserve a break.
If you haven’t tried this place, please do! It’s just south of 36 on Cleveland a bit. Get the falafel and baba ganouj and you won’t regret it!

Why is everything always soooo overcooked? I’ve had the Shawarma, overcooked, charred actually. I’ve had the falafel, overcooked like a brick. I’ve had a gyro, overcooked, crunchy and charred. After three trips here I’ve come to the conclusion that they just overcook their food as a rule.

I love this place. I use to come here all the time when I was a student at the university. The food is great and very fulfilling. I usually order the chicken muraf (small platter). The regular platter is huge. If you are on the St. Paul campus and looking for a place to eat, this is your spot. There are plenty of students here so don’t be shy if you never had middle eastern food before.

The. Best. We’ve been going to Mim’s for about seven years now and it’s always been great. The falafel is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, the hummus is perfectly smooth, and the tabouli is amazing. Plus it’s really cheap and the owner Majed is a super friendly guy who really cares about his food. If you want to eat in a pretty room this isn’t for you, but if you want great food made my hospitable people, this is the place for you.

Really great. Very good price. I asked for traditional mid east foods. And it was really nice. Shawarma was very delicious.

This small restaurant served delicious food with quality service. It was clean and sparsely decorated. Parking was somewhat confusing but there is a lot of street parking available on the surrounding streets. The food tasted great and was inexpensive!

Very basic diner; the room will certainly win no decorating awards, but having said that, the food is very good and quite inexpensive. Great freshly made hummus and baba ganoush. Parking can be difficult during rush hour.

I have been here for a few times since last year and I was never disappointed.
Very fresh food!
Top shelf Shawarma, (gyro, doner); again, it is not processed or frozen… fresh made daily.
Kofte Kebab is great and also falafel.
It should be more organized inside of restaurant.
Like; tables, dish area…
It is ok to park on the road up to 1 hour and free.

I came here for lunch by myself with the intention of studying for awhile. There is a small parking lot in the back. It is next to Lori’s café, and the door situation is a little confusing because none of them are labeled. I was expecting a «café» with corner tables and electrical plugs. But it was definitely more like a casual lunch kinda space. It was pretty loud and all of the tables were sprinkled with bits of uneaten food from previous diners. I also couldn’t find a single plug. I ordered the falafel platter, which was described online as being served on a bed of lettuce, but the «bed» was more like a stingy sprinkle of lettuce. I didn’t end up staying to study, and I was kind of disappointed by the platter. But maybe that’s because I had different expectations. I am not sure I would come back.

The food here was pretty good and the ambiance left a lot to be desired. Staff were nice and the portions were pretty regular. Nothing special.

I love this place! Seriously this is probably the one and only good Middle Eastern place in MN. Their tahini dressing with the chicken salad is something I can’t find anywhere else! The owners are wonderful and always very helpful. Parking is a little difficult since it’s all street parking, but I never had trouble finding a space! This is place is totally worth the price!

In terms of quality and price– Mim’s is my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant in the Twin Cities. The food is always fresh, tasty and authentic. I am Palestinian and when I bite into one of their delicious falafel sandwiches I am transported back to Jerusalem. Everything from the hummus to the tabbouleh to the kebabs are perfect… My only criticism is I wish they were open later and on the weekends! There is parking in the back of the building and on the streets. I would describe the atmosphere as «casual» and the décor is basic. But they have a nice patio (which is great in the summer)… Anyways, I can’t recommend this place enough. Definitely check it out!

Originally came into Lori’s next door searching for some soup on this chilly day. The sign said «no soup» and I was told a tomato bisque would be ready in about ten minutes if I wanted to wait but suggested I head over to Mim’s instead.
Came over, checked out the menu and decided to order a small village salad and a small falafel platter (which includes 3 falafel balls, hummus, veggies, and dressing).
I sat down and received my platter pretty quickly. The falafel is perfectly crispy, the hummus is very smooth and simple, and the dressing was great. After almost finishing my platter I decided to ask the girl behind the counter (who is so sweet and kind to the customers!) where my village salad was. She apologized and almost immediately brought it out to me after whipping it up and I appreciated that. The salad was very fresh and simple and the dressing on it was nice and light.
The décor/​atmosphere has much to be desired I admit, but the food will definitely bring me back!

Very good middle eastern food right by the St Paul campus! I got the schwarma but next time I’m set on the falafel. They have me a little taste of one with my meal and I was hooked. The price is ok and it’s in walking distance to where I work at the University. Not a lot of room to sit I’m the place, but they do orders to go.

I work at the U across the street and this is legitimately the only good place «on campus» to get lunch – the other options being Subway, Papa John’s, or an overpriced salad… so not really options at all.
I’ve only ever ordered the falafel small plate at Mim’s, but I’m ready to branch out and try the other great middle eastern specialties. The falafel small plate is super affordable for the amount of food you get. I always leave feeling STUFFED (in a good way). You get three magically crisp falafel balls, lettuce & tomato salad, tahini, hummus, and a big ol’ stack of pita bread (essentially a deconstructed falafel sandwich). It’s a meal I feel good about eating.
The ambiance and décor is pretty minimalist, but there’s ample seating and lots of sun. My favorite thing is to sit at the bar and watch the two chefs cooking up orders. The pace is very diner-​esque, and it’s fascinating to watch how they communicate and put together the orders, especially during the lunch rush.
In the summer there’s a great big deck out front. And if you’re not full, and need dessert, you can pop into the adjoining Lori’s Coffee House and get a fantastic cardamom cookie.
I love having Mim’s across the street, and it’s always a treat to have lunch there. It only makes me wish there were more places like this along the campus stretch of Cleveland!

Perfectly adequate, but nothing special. They make decent hummus and falafel, and also offer takeout if you call ahead. I think the falafel at Shish is better and more flavorful, but this is an ok substitute in a pinch.
Kind of a dingy restaurant though; not very nice inside. Great for a quick casual bite if you’re in the neighborhood, though.

Went there for lunch around 1pm the other day and got the kufta kebab plate (about $ 8). I got to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather and atmosphere. The food was great! The Kebab was juicy and savory; the serving size was good: not too much and not too little. The plate came with a piece of pita bread and sides of yellow rice, hummus, and salad. Wished there was more hummus because their hummus is really good! My friend and I polished off our meals because the food was that good, but I didn’t feel guilty or overly stuffed! Service was fast and friendly as always even though the place was a tad busy. Overall a good meal :). This place is a favorite among the University community as well as outside. I like to have lunch here with friends. Probably ideal for a group of 3 – 4 friends.
I can’t wait to go back! GREAT PLACE, GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT LOCATION :)

I love Mim’s! Amazing food, most friendly staff I have ever met. Their hummus is the best, so as the rice. whenever I get the kabob platter, I will always get half hummus and half rice. Remember my first time there, the staff sincerely wants to know my name and my food preference (because I really CANNOT stand onions).
Lamb is usually more chewy. If you don’t like chewy meats, I would recommend beef or chicken kabob. Even though the interior is not as fancy or glamorous, I don’t go to a restaurant just for the interior design, so who cares.