By Heidi Watters
Where in town can you find great people, delicious food, and a bit of local history? Look no further than Jaime’s Restaurant, located in the historic East Mill on High Street.
Whether you’re gathering with family, enjoying a date night, or catching up with friends, Jaime’s offers a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by friendly staff. The exposed brick walls and open ceilings are reminders of the building’s industrial past, but there’s a warmth and coziness that makes the space inviting. The dining room offers tables and booths alongside large, tinted windows, while the spacious bar provides another comfortable spot to settle in, with plenty of selections on tap.
This time of year, I always order a Pumpkinhead Ale with a spiced rim. It’s my traditional welcome to fall!
On the chilly evening I visited, I started with my seasonal favorite and an order of nachos. Piled high with house-pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, cheese, and sour cream, the nachos come with a flavorful queso served on the side. You can also add guacamole, chicken, or chili.
The plate was filled to the rim, with toppings evenly distributed throughout. Delicious!
When it came time to order dinner, I practically had to flip a coin. I have so many favorites at Jaime’s that choosing just one can be a challenge.
And I’m not exaggerating when I say their burger, no matter how it’s prepared, is the best hamburger I’ve had anywhere.
But on this particular evening, with a chill in my bones, I was craving comfort food. So macaroni and cheese it was!
Here’s where things get fun. You can stick with the traditional mac and cheese or customize it with an assortment of add-ins, including bacon, broccoli, grilled or fried chicken, buffalo sauce, jalapeños, and barbecue sauce.
My two favorite combinations are broccoli with grilled chicken and buffalo sauce with fried chicken. My husband’s go-to order, which also happens to be popular with other guests, is bacon and jalapeño.
On nights when neither of us feels like cooking, we’ll often order Jaime’s for takeout. The portions are generous enough that I almost always have leftovers for the next day. And I’m happy to report that the mac and cheese is just as delicious reheated!
Of course, there’s much more to enjoy on the menu. Jaime’s tacos and wraps are also local favorites, and I especially enjoy ordering a wrap when I stop in for lunch.
During the warmer months, the outdoor patio is a perfect place to unwind on a weeknight. A fresh salad and one of their delicious mocktails make for a relaxing evening.
Some nights, there’s even live music, with the surrounding brick buildings creating wonderful acoustics.
The patio offers traditional tables as well as Adirondack chairs, where you can kick back after a long workday or gather with friends to catch up over sangria and a hummus plate.
It’s these little touches, along with consistently good food and friendly service, that make Jaime’s such a special part of our community.
The next time friends or family visit from out of town, consider treating them to a meal at Jaime’s. It’s the kind of place they’ll be talking about long after they’ve returned home.
And before you leave, don’t forget to show them another piece of North Andover history: the free turbine museum in the building’s lobby.
Great food, good company, and a little history. What more could you ask for?
Heidi Watters is a North Andover resident who enjoys visiting local restaurants and exploring new foods.
