On a Friday night this September, we had yet another terrific meal at Eva’s, a Polish restaurant in the Solvay area in Syracuse, NY. While eating a superlative dessert, it dawned on me that this is one of the best places to eat anywhere in Syracuse. I realized that it’s one of those rare restaurants that’s strong in almost every area, and because of that I’d like to single them out for special attention.

Service: In my experience, it has been unfailingly pleasant.

Atmosphere: Relaxed, with plenty of Polish-style decor. It’s fairly spacious, with a good-sized back room, and we’ve had no problems getting seating. It’s also a very clean establishment.

Food/Menu: Although we haven’t made it through the whole menu, the dishes we’ve had were delicious and homemade. Though I am not Polish, and can’t speak to its authenticity, the number of Polish-Americans and other Central European folks frequenting the restaurant speaks volumes.

Desserts: Their strong point, and the original raison d’etre of the restaurant. I challenge you to find any restaurant in Syracuse that has this kind of quality and variety at these prices. Suffice it to say that the dessert case causes major lust, and caused me to get up twice before dessert to gawk at the selections. Eva also plates them with style and flair.

Beer selection: Syracuse’s fine local brewers and good bars notwithstanding, I believe that Eva’s has one of the best and largest beer selections in the area. The Polish beer brands were unfamiliar to me, but their menu clearly describes each beer and its makers, even giving the alcohol content. It reads almost like a wine menu. Every one I have tried has been great. They also have Ukrainian and Russian beer.

When I say this is one of the best restaurants in town, I’m not talking about the super-high-end tasting menus for $150/person that you get in New York city, but rather, high-quality food at reasonable prices served in a delightful atmosphere. I know, you’re thinking that I’ve been paid off to write this, right? Well, I’m as much in favor of reviewer corruption as the next guy, but they just haven’t come across yet, not even one free meal! And after all I’ve done for them!!?

The fact is, I do want good local Syracuse restaurants to succeed. Eva is a lovely, wonderful person! If you asked them about this blog, I’m reasonably sure that they’d have no idea what you were talking about. Having said that, if this causes you to go there, mention it to them! Dziekuje!

Eva’s European Sweets: 1305 Milton Ave, Syracuse, (315) 487-2722