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
Nice blog you have here. Completely agree. Eva’s is excellent and fairly priced. Even people who think they don’t like Polish food will be very surprised, and the desserts are wonderful – very European and not too sweet.
Eva’s was a great place. The staff was nice and very helpful. The food was exellent.the deserts were to die for my 10 year old son still talks about his meal.
Hi,
I just wish correct something.
We are not a Eastern Europe folks …we are Center Europe folks for sure…
Is nice to know geography, same like for me is nice to know better and better english every day…
Mirka
Mirka,
Correction made. Hope you liked the restaurant.
I’m also going to check out the Welcome Inn soon; I hear that they have some nice Ukrainian food.
I must agree, most everything I have had from them is amazing. Coming from a family with Polish ancestry on both sides, I love kielbasa and theirs is one of the best I have had between Syracuse and Albany where I was raised. My only complaint is that a few times I have gotten cakes that were tough and mealy (probably made with AP flour instead of cake flour), for a place with sweets in their name that’s a big no-no.