The Mayflower Cafe began over 80 years ago, started by 2 Greek immigrants.  Their third generation owner took control in 1990 and some twenty years later, when he announced closure of the restaurant, Hunter Evans and Cody McCain instead purchased the restaurant in 2024 to keep it going.  This pair owns Elvie’s (review in a couple days) and was a finalist for the Best Chef South James Beard award.  They revamped the neon sign outside that was used in the film The Help and added a first floor bathroom.    It’s a long space with counter stools in the part of the space facing the street and booths along the long walls with tables in the middle.  Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sat. the front stools face the fresh oyster bar at dinner.  Otherwise the room had lots of mirrors and nautical decorations.  They offer a daily special, and all looked to be generous plates of food.  There is a dedicated parking lot in back of the building and street parking.  There were additional rooms that people were walking too but I didn’t go exploring as the dining room got pretty tight with patrons at lunch.  Service was friendly and fairly efficient, the food was fine and the Comeback sauce is on the table with crackers.  It’s a piece of Jackson’s history so go if you can. Continue reading →