Eva's Mexican Restaurant

I only go to Eva’s every now and then because it’s so far from my house and there are a hundred Mexican restaurants from here to there, but going back today reminded me how amazing the food was. Really, driving the distance is more than worth it. Yesterday, I happened to be on the right side of town and went back to Eva’s.

It’s a small building but that’s one of the things I like the most about it. It’s comfortable and friendly. The server’s name was Marili and she was great. She anticipated when I needed anything and never made me feel like I was asking too much. There was a high school(?) aged kid that was very attentive and courteous and helped the servers fill drinks, take plates, and check up on tables. I ended up tipping him as well because he definitely deserved it. The owner was a consistent presence, also making sure everyone was happy and everything was in order. This is a small, family owned business and it definitely feels like it by the way they treat and know their customers. If that wasn’t enough of a reason to support this place, the food was probably the best Mexican food I’ve had.

As soon as I sat down, I ordered a cherry coke and a small queso to go with the chips. The chips were thick (but not overly so) and had a really good crunch to them, and the queso was definitely worth the buy. Their menu is very extensive and there are so many different dishes that I haven’t seen at other restaurants. I don’t usually get appetizers at Mexican restaurants for some reason, but I wanted to try something new.

To start, I ordered the Mini Chimis (Two fried chimis stuffed with chicken, beans, and cheese and served with a homemade dressing.) The dressing was something like a coleslaw, sweet and tangy, and I could have probably drank the stuff it was so good. The chimis were cut in half and served over a shredded lettuce bed and were cooked perfectly. had to move the plate to the back of the table so I would not just eat all of it right then and there and not be able to eat any of the chicken fajitas I had ordered for an entree.

The chicken fajitas came out sizzling and had more and better flavor than other fajitas I’ve had. The tortillas were so fluffy and tasty as well I actually ordered another side of them to go! The fajitas are served with the usual rice, beans, and lettuce mix and topped with a fresh homemade guacamole. When the owner stopped by, I asked him if they made the guacamole in house and he said that yes, they actually made everything fresh there. You can definitely taste the quality and care put into everything.

At the end, the total was $42.80, and I will still probably get 4-5 more meals out of the leftovers because of the generous amount they serve. This is the kind of place that once you go once, you’ll probably have a hard time staying away from so keep that in mind before you make that decision. I couldn’t think of one bad thing to say even if I wanted to. 10/10

The restaurant seemed a little bright inside, but it didn't stop us from having a great experience. Table salsa was packed with lots of flavor. Skinny margaritas were interesting, very orange tasting but really good (If anything dangerous because it went down pretty fast!) The service was great we had people constantly checking on us even though it was busy which was nice. The food was very delicious! Best beans I've had in awhile, Definitely will be back!

This was my first time at this restaurant and I absolutely loved the food! I will definitely be dining in again ❤

This was my 2nd time here and was better than the first time I was. I believe in giving a place at least 2 or maybe 3 chances if first time wasn't a good experience. The food came out hot and didn't have to wait too long. Salsa has a kick to it, but was good. Don't remember what this was called, but it had cactus and it's good.

A couple weeks ago, we decided to give Eva's a try and was pleasantly surprised by the food, so visited again yesterday. So here's my review! First of all, the salsa is so flavorful and spicy, it isn't chunky but is one you don't want to miss out on trying! The margaritas are made perfectly and they do often have specials on the jumbos (but be sure to ask because they did not tell me, I later saw them advertise that on Facebook).
Tried the Fiesta Parrillada, it's a big plate with chorizo, steak, chicken, sliced potatoes, cactus, jalapeños, cheese, avocado, pineapple and onion. The meat cuts in strips is helpful for packing into your tortilla and taste great! You get a plate of rice and beans and tortillas too. I'd give this dish 3.5/5 stars because it just feels like it's not complete without lettuce and Pico de Gallo.
The Camarones Ala Diabla is a HOT shrimp dish but it didn't miss a note on flavor. Highly recommend!! 5/5!! Eva's Flautas are good too!
The space is light and clean, the servers are friendly and I will keep returning to try more dishes. 100% may be my new favorite Mexican grill in the area.

Their Quesabirria Tacos are amazing! Great food obviously made with fresh quality ingredients. Be sure to try their margaritas made with freshly squeezed orange juice!

Stopped by Eva's last night and everything was phenomenal. The skinny marg made with freshly squeezed juice was so good I grabbed a second one. The Azttecha Molcajete was perfect. Every meat done to perfection, cactus very tender, blistered jalapeno was nice and the sauce was a very well balance of heat and flavor.

Eva's Mexican Restaurant

835 Seventh Ave
Marion, IA 52302
United States

•Restaurant Layout/Vibe Rating - 5 Stars•

Many times people judge a book by its cover. Heck, I know I have many a time. Evas may not look the most pleasant on the outside, but most gems I find don't. Once you enter the location, you find it has ample seating with a lighter solid wood table to dine upon. It has a nice sized bar and the drink, well, ill talk about them below.

•Customer Service Rating - 5 Stars•

We have been to this location, I think 5 times now. I try to make it a point to visit most locations multiple times before reviewing for many reasons, but I think that's just fair. Evas has blown me away every time. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to live in Mexica for a while. About 2.5 days journey in from the Texas Border. I love Evas because it does offer little gems that are so close to the village life I experienced. It's always amazing. The owners are fantastic. Thanks to our SUPER AWESOME waiter this time, Maria. Always had a smile on her face; she was so patient with our children and just a joy.

•Food Rating - 5 Stars•

For me, it's always been fresh and exemplary. The kid's chicken meal (shown in pictures) is large enough for me to have at least 2 meals, maybe 3! During this last visit, I just had I decided to get the whole fried Tilapia. I was so excited to take my first bite and see it was lightly seasoned to perfection! (Those who know, know). I put some lemon, lime, and salsa on it and dug in. DELICIOUS! I'm pretty sure my own would never turn out this way. I also like to ask for the spicier, darker sauce they have in the back. For our children, we like to mix that with the regular salsa in with it, and man is it good!

Drinks - 5 Stars

If your gonna get a Marg on the rocks, hold onto your seat! (My wife is chilling in bed after slamming hers ;P). They are amazing and potent.

•To sum this all up•

I have eaten at most Mexican locations in CR and Marion. Evas has made me so very happy they opened and, as of now, is my go-to location for an experience that, may I say, at times, can bring a tear to my eye.

Barria is so awesome, and they offer the stew-like version that I had grown so fond of. Grab that, sprinkle some Lemon and the other sides they give in, take that tortilla, and let the good times roll.

Delivery - If you want your food delivered, they also offer door dash, but you have to forgo the Margarita in that case 🙂! Better to stop in!

Thanks, Evas!
#mexicanfood #birriatacos #birria #tilapia #supportlocal #restaurant

I had the carnitas torta, I highly recommend this. I didn't know it came with fries and I'm not a fry person so I didn't try them. My mom had the Iowa tacos, no jalapenos or sour cream. The beef was tough for her (has had throat cancer so may be fine for others) but she enjoyed the rice and beans. I tried her refried beans and they have a great flavor.

New to the area and was looking for a good Mexican food spot and boy did I find it. Great tasting food , great portion size, great prices !

Ordered online for delivery. Great experience. Food was delivered and it was still hot and potato wedges were still crispie. Tacos enserrada was delicious as was the quesabirra tacos. Definitely will order again.

The service was excellent and the food was phenomenal. If you're thinking about some authentic Mexican food this is the place to go I had the burrito it was called the cookie it had chorizo rice and queso sauce on top. It was very filling and the price of the food was very reasonable.

Excellent food and staff with reasonable prices and wide selection.

Small little restaurant in Marion. Food was decently priced and delicious and drinks were good. Very friendly staff and clean facility.

The perfect "hole in the wall" place to eat if you like authentic Mexican food. I was in a large party so had a number of things on the menu. All were delicious.

I had the quesobirra tacos, and they were delicious! I love this little hole in the wall. Staff is always so kind and attentive. Their salsa is pretty good too. We made this one of our regular stops for Mexican food.

The food was awesome and we had a topnotch waitress named Wendy. There also was a wonderful young man that came by more than once asking how everything was. Highly recommend supporting this small family business.

This is real a good place! I recommend all the food because they cook with quality and flavor is so delicious👌 is real Mexican food 🇲🇽 the service is perfect! Is simple place but you need stop and eat here!

This place has GREAT Mexican food. I have eaten here several times, and have also had them cater for our workplace and they are consistently very good.
Dine in atmosphere is pretty dated, but worth it for the food.

Amazing food great prices and very good service