Hearsay
Do you have a suggestion for a pizza restaurant I should try? A story about your favorite pizza place? Tips for homemade pizza? Please comment below.
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Kevin-
Excellent job on the blog…based on your 4.5 slices for Kosta’s, it’s time for me to get over there and try a slice or two (especially since it’s only a 3 or 4 minute drive from my house!)
Keep up the good work!
Bill
This is a great website….I just moved here from Maryland/DC area and we have been trying pizza’s at nearly every establishment, trying not to go to the same place twice.
Two I didn’t notice on you list:
NY Gianni’s Bronx Style Pizza
1428 Burnet Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13206
Great pizza, excellent flavor to the sauce, perfect amount of cheese, and best of all the guy that runs the place is very friendly and the pizza is cheap
Copper Top Tavern
905 North Main St
Syracuse, NY 13212
Also good pizza, oven baked with the crispy crust and upscale toppings. Best part is the restaurant has an excellent beer selection
Hope that helps. Thanks for the reviews, good luck on your pizza endevors.
Neel, thanks for the suggestions. I either hadn’t noticed, or had forgotten about the place on Burnet. I will visit there soon.
Another Eastwood place that recently opened in Siciliano’s, by the Rite Aid on James Street.
Also, I’d be curious to see what you think about Varsity Pizza by SU. It’s a really popular lunch spot with the campus crowd.
Hello S,
A trip to Varsity is coming soon.
I’ve actually stopped at Siciliano’s three times. Twice the front door was locked, even though they were supposed to be open. The third time they were open, but didn’t have any slices. Must be they saw me coming! I’ll try again soon.
I’ve walked by Sicilano’s on a couple of Saturday and Sunday afternoons and they sort of looked open but didn’t try the door. Seemed dark in there but saw at least one person behind the counter doing something.
Hi, Pizza Geek,
You have missed by far and away the best pizza place in the area – Johnny’s Pizza on Julian Place, behind the P&C (the old Peter’s) on Nottingham Road. Try it a couple of times at lunch time and then tell us if there is anywhere in this area close to it in quality!
Thank you for the suggestion! That’s the kind of information I love to get. I’ll try it this week.
One suggestion for you: Pasquale’s Slice of Italy in Fayetteville behind the Friendly’s on Rt. 5. Pretty good pie, flavorful sauce. Also wonder what you think of Twin Trees? If you haven’t been, you should give it a try.
A small note, I never get a really good assesment of a pizza joint just getting a slice that may have been sitting there for a while. I know it probably isn’t always feasable, but you should try to order something fresh when you can.
Thanks, cool site, keep up the good work.
Andy,
Thanks for the suggestions – I always give priority to recommendations, so I’ll review those soon. By the way, does it matter which TT I go to?
I do realize there are shortcomings to reviewing a possibly stale slice, and to the extent possible, I try to take that into account.
Thanks again!
I think many of us would choose Varsity for wings and traditional college atmosphere over pizza quality, but it is a particular style – cooked in a pan and best described as thin crust Greek style.
I’m new to this blog but, like others, encourage you to try Johnny’s.
I’m told (don’t know it for absolute fact) that there are various members of a family, who each own and operate various TT locations independently of one another, but with the same basic recipe and style of pie. I’ve hear people claim there are differences between locations but can’t say based on personal experience. I have tried the original location, which is on or just off Milton Ave on the border of Syracuse and Solvay. TT is not my favorite style of pizza but what I had there was quite enjoyable.
Great site! You’ve already hit my favs, Alessandro’s and Gianni’s. I recently tried Rosie’s up in Brewerton and thought they were great, good wings too. A thicker, Buffalo-style pizza. You should check them out if you’re ever up that way. And feel free to link any menus from my site if you’re not in the mood to scan your own!
I recommend Dorian’s on Wescott St. I fell in love with them because of their subs and their wings, but man, they make a good pizza too. I have a soft place in my heart for a place that has a long list of specialty pizzas.
Hi there pizzageek,
Love the site and the reviews. New place recently opened in my neck of the woods. On Herbst & Teall near Henninger High School. It’s on the Herbst St. side and shares the same building as the Teall Ave. Market. It appears that they only have slices during the day……Oh….the name of the place is Black Knights Pizza. Couldn’t find aweb site but the is 422-FOOD.
Thanks again for the great blog,
Fred
Hi Fred,
Thanks for the kind words! I just visited Black Knights Pizza the other day, I’ll publish the review soon.
Check out Mario and Salvo’s on E Genesee St in Dewitt.
I was there a few days ago, I’ll publish the review in a few days.
Keep the suggestions coming!
Thanks for the great site, you should try Two Guys Pizza in West Monroe on Rt 49.
I’ve been there several times (before starting the blog), and enjoyed the pizza. It will be interesting to visit again after doing all these other reviews.
Ricardi’s Pizzeria on Gennesee St, just outside of Clinton Square. I was there today. Less than pleasant: 1 cheese slice, once mountain dew can, one meat luna slice (which was some sort of special?, yet not specified). Total was around $7.80. Not OK with what I was expecting with only 30% of the menu/black and white flyer letting me know how much something cost. I started with the meat slice, which was really delicious. It would have been much better if the pepperoni and sausage were a bit more consistent within the luna slice. After eating about 60% of the slice, I relized the meat was ending. I ripped open the top and was sorrily disappointed to see that the remaining 35-40% was two thin layers of crust and nothing more.
Cheese slice was decent at best. Flimsy – even when held in half like a true NY style slice. It was really so thin or just so under-cooked that is wouldn’t hold the cheese and sauce (which was not much) to hold itself to accept a bite (when held in half). pizzageek – dont even go here. it was a disappointment from start to finish.
i disagree my experience was much better I suggest you
try the ziti it is mind blowing
Have you tried the specialty pies at Gianni’s on Burnett. Wow! His Broccoli ricotta was a real crowd pleaser at my daughters 8th birthday party. Everyone had to know where it came from. I would also suggest his wings, the rocket sauce is my favorite. This guy knows what tatstes good.
I can’t believe i stumbled onto this blog, it is quite interesting. Its refreshing to see someone disgusted with the overall pizzeria quality we are subjected to here in the cuse….
i too have been on the quest for the best pizza in syracuse and YOU MUST TRY NICK’s Tomato Pie. Its in armory square, on walton street. Go there during lunch and they have many gourmet slices available to pick from.
it is seriously miles better than any pizzeria in syracuse.
Stopped by Twin Trees 57 in Bayberry Plaza today. They have a pizza luncheon buffet Wed – Fri. I’d like to see your take on it.
BTW, I’ve asked the Admin of CNYDining to add a link to your blog from the front page.
Have you tried/reviewed DiLauro’s bakery pizza? They are located on the North Side of syracuse http://www.dilaurosbakeryandpizza.com/
I visited DiLauro’s a few days ago – the review will be posted soon.
I ordered from DiLauro’s Bakery and I have always been a fan of it up until recently! I will NEVER order from there again!!! When we got our pizza it was burnt. I had ordered it for a party and had someone else pick it up. *they should have looked it over first*. When I opened the pizza to serve it to my guests it was dry and burnt. We called the bakery bake to let them know and they were VERY difficult about it! We ended up having to drive the pizza back to the bakery and they only reimbursed us partial of the money we paid for it.
I drove by this place today. It was pretty small, not sure if it’s just takeout or if they have seating.
Original Northside Pizza (ONP)
309 Pond Street, Syracuse, NY 13208
Gotta second the suggestion to visit the Copper Top Tavern and try their wood fired brick oven pizzas. I don’t believe they offer takeout, so this will be a dine in meal. Pizzas are 12″ or so, single serving personal style.
My fave is the Margherita, but my parents when they recently visit had more unusual pizzas, and both raved about it. “Best pizza we’ve had in years” (they live in Delaware, nothing is good in Delaware)
They have a location in N. Syracuse and a newer location in Camillus.
I saw your review on Dully’s Express Mart pizza. Gross. I don’t think it is the same company but, the Express Mart in DeWitt on Erie Blvd. just changed their pizza for the better! It is only $1 a slice but, it is a good-sized slice and much better than I expected. Especially for a gas station.
Just so you know you’re not alone, I thought it sucked too.
However calling it “institutional” is being generous. I’ve had school pizza, airport pizza, stadium pizza, frozen pizza and others that escape me at the moment, and Cici’s is dead last, right at the bottom.
About the best thing I can say about it is that after eating it, I didn’t get sick.
However I did avoid the salad bar, which seemed to be quite a bit of fun for the unsupervised children playing in it.
Terry
Hey there!
How about a search for the best SICLILIAN pizza in the CNY area? I have a favorite spot in Long Island that has the best Sicilian pizza, but not many “up here” carry it….
Who does carry siclilian and how good is it ???
Thx!
D
Try Gianni’s on Burnet Ave
J&J’s in Marcellus (24 W Main St). (315) 673-1940
When we moved to Syracuse in Sept ’09 I no longer had routine access to the awesome Sicilian I enjoyed when we lived full time in PA.
I’ve been on a hunt for good pizza, and a suitable Sicilian replacement for 18 months.
Last week J&J’s in Marcellus met my needs and I once again tried their Sicilian last night. Absolutely fantastic crust – taste and texture. The sauce and cheese used are quite good also. I am extremely happy with J&J’s Sicilian.
I have not tried their regular pizza, I’ll leave that for the PizzaGeek.
Hi KMR,
Thanks the for recommendation! I’ll be sure to try both the Sicilian and the regular pizza.
Hi there Geek,
Just noticed that little Macs pizza is open again. Don’t know if it has a new owner or not, as the name remains the same. Hope they took the time to clean that dump up. The singular time that I visited the place I ended up leaving without ordering because the place was such a scum hole. Didn’t even smell good……a pizza place should at least smell good, right?
Black Knights always has a scary crowd hanging on the front porch and sidewalk…constant litter and cigarette butts everywhere…….fights and police cars. Not my idea of a good time….pizza is not so great anyway. I think there may be a little more than a pizza shop going on over there. Thankfully we have Gianni’s right around the corner in the same neighbrhood!!
Once again…..thanks for this excellent blog so many critiques of our local pizza places……..Fred
Pappa Chubb’s in Camillus an an interesting / unique pizza.
Crust is different from any other area pizza, as is the sauce. Sometimes it turns out fantastic, but if the pizza is rushed and undercooked, you’ll be a little disappointed. My fiance didn’t like it the first time we had Chubb’s, while I did. The last time we had Chubb’s, I was the disappointed party, while she thought it came out great.
if you have not yet–its in the shopping town mall
brancatos La pizzarea
great crust
I enjoy your reviews. Ive tried a bunch some you reviewed some you havent and here are my top 3 WORST pizza shops:
Uncle Chubbys – December 2010 visit
(awful in every sense, you think theyd just close by now!)
Dominos – January 2011 visit
(still bad pizza, no matter what they changed)
Black Knights Pizza – January 2011 visit
(cheap, nasty pizza slices. too bad the other place family friends wasnt still in there)
Anyways, whats everyone elses top 3 worst?
Try Doc’s Pizza in Camillus (Elmhill Plaza)
Pizzageek—-
Be sure to check out Romans Pizza. This is simply the best pizza in syracuse. I had it today at the paradise market. They dont have a shop as of yet. I wish they did. I will be there every weekend to grab a few slices.
excellant cheese! Excellant Sauce! Excellant NewYork Style Pizza! Dough is made on premises! so is the sauce! hand thrown dough! you can see them tossing the dough! stone baked!
The hours of the paradise market are i think friday 12pm-8pm. Sat/Sun 10am-6pm.
If i had the money to fund them a restaurant I Would!
Be sure to check them out!
I’m going to be in that area today, so I’ll check it out! Thanks for the recommendation.
Hi there geekster….just a note to let you know that there is another new pizza shop on Milton Ave in Solvay….directly across the street from the Solvay Diner…..Bon Appetit!!
pizzageek:
did you have a chance to try the pizza at romans @ the paradise market?
Yes, I’ll post the review in a few days.
Please review Cam’s NY Pizzeria on Kasson Rd. in Camillus.
Coming very soon!
Pizzageek–
have you done your feedback on romans pizza @ the paradise market and docs pizza in camilus?
If you have a chance, you should try Pepi’s in Oneida. They just built a new restaraunt, so it’s nice and clean, as opposed to before. Grew up on the stuff, so whatever grade you give won’t really dissuade me from going back, but I think it is pretty good. Medium crust, nice sauce, but not a traditional cut. It is 16-slice square cut, a little different than twin trees. Try it sometime.
Are there any places around here that offer specialty wood fired pizza, other than Coppertop? Along the lines of what I’m looking for: http://www.cafecibon.com/cibonmenu.pdf
That place is in Rochester, btw, and is well worth the trip.
I have yet to hear of one in the Syracuse area. Maybe there are fire safety regulations?
well there was one at the paradise market they did wood fired pizza. they were towards the far back of the market near carvel in the pizza truck. The went out of business at the market. because the paradise market is just garbage and a waste of time to even go in there.
Id recommend stay far far far away and just go to the regional market.
Its becoming a real dump hole at the paradise market, vendors are just leaving as quick as possible. IM on my way out next!
Pizzageek,
I’m new to the site but I went to N.Y. Gianni’s today and they might have taken the pizza crown! Their only rival, in my opinion, is Nick’s Tomato Pie in downtown armory. You have to sample Nick’s and tell me and the viewers of this site what you think.
The “fancy” gas station across from Towne Center in Fayetteville has pretty not-unpleasant pizza for $5 per large pie… the place is next door to Oriental Star and across from Papa Gallo’s. Beats Little Ceasar’s, easily. Not that it’s saying much but… it can actually be GOOD, you know? lol – meaning it’s not an entire, reheated-cardboard pie.
I’ve noticed that Nice n’ Easy has been serving better pizza than a lot of shops lately. Most gas stations already serve better coffee than most restaurants……I will not be suprized if pizza is the next thing we’ll find tastier and cheaper in gas stations. Restaurant owners should be embarassed that they’ve allowed this to happen to themselves!!!
You need to check out The Pizza Rig! They’re here in my village (Manlius) during the farmers’ market days (Wednesday and Sunday) and were here on Friday too… wood-fired pizza. I stopped on the way out for afternoon errands and it was AWESOME. Apparently, they’re closing down for the season early – July 11th – so try to visit them beforehand, please? I want to hear if you liked it as much as I did! (A link to my pics- http://www.city-data.com/forum/19881081-post51.html)
Pavones on the north side…right next to Lombardi’s is the best lunch pizza I have had. As a cable guy I have ate my fair share from a variety of places.
Also love pasquale’s in fayetteville (very close 2nd)
PizzaGeek? You out there? Hope everything is OK, enjoy reading your posts.
Hi Pizza Geek,
My wife and I go to Twin Trees Too on Milton Ave. about once a week. The pizza is usually fantastic, although on occasion they miss the mark and come out with an inferior product. (you know, not enough sauce, too much cheese, left too long in the oven, etc.) Lately we have been asking for extra sauce, and that seems to have been a big improvement. I do not see a review of that location, just wondering if you’ve ever tried it?
Never mind- I do see your review. A respectable 3.5, not too bad. Another thing that makes Twin Trees Too a favorite of mine is that if you have to wait for a table, there’s always a pint of Syracuse Pale Ale at the bar with my name on it!!!
PizzaGeek:
Check out the pizza at the regional market. another romans pizza. same ties to the pizza at the paradise market. these guys would do a killer pizza shop!
When can we expect your next review?
If you’re ever in the Phoenix area (NY). The Cams there has some good pizza and slices. Their slices are a different style than their pizza. The slice pies are a little thinner and larger while their regular pizza is a little puffy/crisp crust. Some good eats. I love the strombolis there; basically a rolled up pizza with the sauce in a dipping container. It’s on Church St. I believe… across from, you guessed it, a church.
Does anyone remember the pizza shop that was in the old Camillus mall? I can’t remember the name and it’s killing me…getting old I guess.
Also, did any of these guys ever open a new shop? It was the best NY style…paper thin slice I have ever had.
It was called Franco’s! One of the guys that worked their looked like Ralph Macchio
I think he had a shop in the Marcellus indoor sports complex for a super short time (of all places) years after the mall closed. One of my buddies calls me up one day and says “I just had Franco’s pizza in Marcellus.” I immediately went to have a slice…it was like I was transported back in time to my childhood and the worlds greatest pizza.
A decidedly older looking version of Ralph Macchio was working there, but the pizza was just as good as I had remembered.
That worked there…not their. Sorry
Just stumbled upon your website. Very nice. We’ll be looking to try a few of the places on your list. Looking for a new place to try/review? Mac’s Family Restaurant in Elbridge, on Rt 5. No individual slices, since it’s really a full serve place. Try with extra cheese and any topping. The crust is a bit thicker than most, but there’s something about it my wife and I really enjoy. Price is very good for what you get. Very casual and laid back place.