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312 Eats
Evanston · American · $$

Ovo Frito Cafe

4.7951 reviews ·Opens at 7AM tomorrow
I also loved the sunny vibe and the light filled interior, though the outdoor seating would be lovely on a pretty day
Marsha RussellMarsha Russell · 524 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Ovo Frito Cafe — one of Evanston's strongest american spots. Ask for a recommendation, the staff will deliver. "The quesabirria was solid, with tender meat and salsa that packed quite a spicy kick" — Bill [$$, patio]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.
☀️Patio — a Evanston classic in summer.

What 951 diners keep saying

Fast serviceFamily runCozyFamily friendlyOutdoor diningQuick bite
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1936 Maple Ave, Evanston, IL 60201
Evanston
Today7AM-2PM
Sun–Sat7AM-2PM
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What 951 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Tyler Mathews
Jun 2026

Amazing food. Get the Derek’s favorite eggs with a tortilla

Tyler Mathews

Tyler Mathews

1 reviews on Google

Review photo by Caroline L
Jun 2026

An amazing family business! All the breakfast items sounded delicious, it was hard to select just one meal, so as we visited town, we ate there two days in a row! All the items we ordered had a fresh and delicious twist. Service was excellent both times. I enjoyed all the artwork and bright colors adorning the restaurant. We look forward to returning soon!

Caroline L

Caroline L

43 reviews on Google

Review photo by Cris Cabacungan
Apr 2026

Great breakfast place. I had the French Toast platter. My girlfriend had the avocado toast. Both were delicious.

Cris Cabacungan

Cris Cabacungan

88 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jonathan Lee
Mar 2026

A go-to for a hearty brunch in Evanston! Ovo Frito serves classic American diner style breakfast with a Latin American flare. They have everything from pancakes to French toast to Mexican staples like chilaquiles and huevos divorciados. It’s a bustling space with a bright atmosphere and quick service even when it gets busy. I got Zinnia’s Spicy Chilaquiles, and the serving size was very large. There was a mountain of freshly fried tortilla chips with two eggs, your choice of salsa verde or roja, pepper jack and cotija cheese, and rice and beans topped with sour cream. The chilaquiles had a great spicy kick without being too overwhelming, and the salsa verde had a delicious flavor with a slight acidity. The chips stayed very crispy as well. If you want a brunch that’ll keep you full all day, give Ovo Frito a taste!

Jonathan Lee

Jonathan Lee

582 reviews on Google

Review photo by Mws z
Dec 2025

First time at this cute restaurant. The food was good and there were a lot of other great dishes on the menu! I went with simple French toast, eggs, bacon, and coffee. However, next time, I will be more adventurous and try a more unique dish! The service was friendly, quick, and making rounds on coffee topping. I was here early on a Thursday morning, and the restaurant started getting crowded as it got later. Overall, cute, clean, friendly, and a great place to eat breakfast, brunch or lunch! Update- 12/26/2025 returned to this place and ordered their chocolate chip pancakes, and the hubs had a Burrito Desperado! He said the burrito was perfect, lot of veggies and peppers with a wonderful, smokey Adobe sauce with just the right hint of spice. My pancakes were delicious. Highly recommended 👌

Mws z

Mws z

15 reviews on Google

Review photo by Kate Swisher
Dec 2025

Delicious dishes, great service, cozy atmosphere, Julius Meinl coffee, and several delightfully unhinged egg-themed paintings on the walls. I recommend the “nest egg” and the French toast. No notes!

Kate Swisher

Kate Swisher

30 reviews on Google

Review photo by Helen Hu
Dec 2025

Good food, prices, and super friendly / attentive staff.

Helen Hu

Helen Hu

34 reviews on Google

Review photo by Bradley Spain
Dec 2025

This tiny Cafe with a Latin I spired menu is a hidden gem in the Evanston residential district just west of Northwestern University. The food is almost all Latin based, but with a few gringo dishes available too. Skirt Steak Benedict, Dress Hermanos eggs, or my go to Huevos Nortenos are all fantastic. The place was not busy on a Monday morning, but several customers were enjoying breakfast. The staff was right on our needs, coffee was excellent, food service was fast, and the portion size generous. Not being a native of Illinois or the greater Chicago metropolis, this is definitely a place to which I want to return. Muchas Gracias Ovo Frito!

Bradley Spain

Bradley Spain

41 reviews on Google

Review photo by Angelique Huchet
Nov 2025

Excellent brunch, le service est parfait, les plats de qualité avec des produits frais, copieux et grâce à Carlos nous avons passé une pause déjeuner conviviale. Mention spéciale à la spécialité du chef les œufs Bénédicta pochés !!! Merci

Angelique Huchet

Angelique Huchet

13 reviews on Google

Review photo by Blanca Bugler
Nov 2025

Great 🇲🇽 food! Friendly service but wish we weren’t so rushed before and after the meal. Atmosphere crowded and possibly better to go when not a weekend!

Blanca Bugler

Blanca Bugler

584 reviews on Google

Review photo by Sonia Bourdett
Oct 2025

Buenísimo lugar, comida muy rica, buena presentación y el servicion excelente. La próxima ves que visite Chicago iré de nuevo a comer allí

Sonia Bourdett

Sonia Bourdett

58 reviews on Google

Review photo by gilthorp
Oct 2025

Great breakfast place

gilthorp

gilthorp

487 reviews on Google

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