If you’ve lived in Central New York for more than five minutes, you know the name. You’ve seen the green and white sign. But honestly, walking into Twin Trees E Syracuse for the first time can be a little confusing if you aren’t prepared for the specific "Syracuse-style" quirks that come with it.
People get into heated debates over this place. It’s a local institution, sure, but it’s also part of a sprawling family tree of restaurants that has been feeding the Salt City since 1957. Here is the thing: the East Syracuse spot, located on Bridge Street, isn't exactly like the original Avery Ave location or the sit-down vibe of Twin Trees III in North Syracuse.
It's its own beast.
The Syracuse-Style Pizza Mystery
What actually is "Syracuse-style" pizza? Most outsiders expect a thin New York fold or a thick Chicago slab. Syracuse-style is basically the middle child. It’s got a distinct, slightly sweet sauce and a crust that’s thicker than a Neapolitan but nowhere near a deep dish. At Twin Trees E Syracuse, the crust has this specific chewiness that locals crave.
You’ll notice the cheese is heavy. Like, really heavy.
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One thing people often miss is the "Garlic Special." If you order a standard cheese pizza, you’re getting the baseline experience. But the garlic pizza here is a local legend for a reason. They don't just sprinkle some powder on it; it’s a pungent, buttery base that stays with you for three days. You’ve been warned.
Why the East Syracuse Location is Different
The Ross family started the original Twin Trees on Avery Avenue back in the fifties. Since then, the brand has splintered into various "numbered" or "named" locations, all owned by different branches of the same family.
- Ownership: The East Syracuse location (Twin Trees East) opened in July 2004. It’s managed by Luke Ross, keeping it in the family lineage that started with Don Ross Sr.
- The Vibe: Unlike the Avery Ave flagship or the sprawling Twin Trees III, the East Syracuse branch feels more like a high-octane takeout hub. There is seating, but it's a favorite for the "pizza and wings" special to-go crowd.
- The Menu Reach: While they are famous for the "EBA" (Everything But Anchovies) pizza, the East Syracuse menu leans heavily into the wings and hot subs.
The wings are a point of pride. They aren't the tiny, wimpy things you get at a national chain. They’re big, crispy, and usually drenched in enough sauce to require a dozen napkins.
Navigating the Menu Like a Local
If you just walk in and order a pepperoni pizza, you’re doing it wrong. To eat at Twin Trees E Syracuse like a regular, you have to look at the specials. They almost always have a "1 Large 2-Topping, 20 Wings, and a 2-Liter" deal that feeds a small army for a price that feels like it’s from 2015.
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The "EBA" is the heavyweight champion here. It’s loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and black olives. It’s a structural marvel that the crust can even hold it up.
Then there are the "Chicken Riggies." This is a Central New York staple that Twin Trees handles with a specific spicy, creamy marinara. If you haven't had riggies, it's basically rigatoni with chicken and peppers in a sauce that has a bit of a kick. It’s comfort food on steroids.
The Truth About the Reviews
You’ll see a mix of reviews online for Twin Trees E Syracuse. Some people swear it’s the best pizza in the world. Others complain about wait times or the occasional "doughy" crust.
Here is the reality: this is a high-volume shop. On a Friday night when Syracuse is playing or there’s a local high school football game, the place is a madhouse. If you order delivery during a snowstorm or peak dinner rush, yeah, your pizza might be a little cooler than you’d like.
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Pro tip? Go for pickup. The "One Bite" crowd might argue about the char or the "flop," but for someone living in East Syracuse, it’s about the nostalgia and the consistent saltiness of that sauce. It tastes like Syracuse.
Is it Worth the Hype?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want a gourmet, wood-fired pizza with micro-greens, go elsewhere. Twin Trees is "working-man's pizza." It’s greasy, it’s filling, and it’s unapologetically local.
The East Syracuse location specifically serves a huge chunk of the DeWitt and Manlius crowd who don’t want to drive all the way to the West Side for the original. It fills a very specific, very hungry niche.
Your Next Steps for the Perfect Meal
If you're planning to give them a try, don't just wing it.
- Check the Daily Special: Before you order, look at their "Everyday Specials." The #1 or #2 specials are almost always the best value for your money.
- Order "Extra Well Done": If you like a crispy bottom, you have to ask for it. The Syracuse-style crust can be soft if it’s rushed through the oven during a busy spell.
- Get the Blue Cheese: Their house blue cheese is chunky and thick—exactly what you need for those wings. Don't settle for the packets.
- Try the Antipasto: If you need some greens to offset the carb-load, their Antipasto Supreme is massive. It’s basically a pile of deli meats and cheeses with some lettuce underneath for decoration.
Stop by the Bridge Street location, grab a Garlic Special, and make sure you have plenty of cold drinks in the fridge. You’re going to need them for the salt and the garlic. It’s a Syracuse tradition for a reason.
Check the current hours before you head out, as they can shift seasonally, especially on Sundays or during local holidays. Most nights they’re open late enough to satisfy a post-game craving, but it’s always worth a quick call to the shop to see how backed up the kitchen is.