Greenbush Bar

Someone recently told Scott and me that the best pizza in Madison is at a place called the Greenbush Bar.  We had never heard of it, nor have we had any particularly noteworthy pizza during the time we've lived here.  Tell the chubby kids about some good pizza? We're off to find it.....

We learned that the Greenbush Bar is located in the Greenbush neighborhood, which apparently is a historically Italian neighborhood.  The Greenbush Bar is actually located in the basement of the Italian Workmen's Club.  This is it from the outside.  Nothing too special to look at.  We had driven by it before but never even made note of it. 

There really isn't anything at all on the outside of the building that would suggest there is a bar and restaurant in the basement.  You have to get right up on the building on foot to see this sign.

There were other signs on the outside of the building about the building itself and the Italian Workmen's Club.  The building was built in 1922, so it's been around for a while.

When you walk in the front door, you face some stairs going up and this sign.

If you want to go to the Greenbush Bar, you have to make a turn and go downstairs.  Lots of knotty pine paneling in the entrance.

The bar/restaurant is a very small place with a laid back, neighborhood vibe.  When we were there, the crowd was older and seemed a little hippy and academic (it's located close to UW campus).  There were groups of smart-looking people sitting around, including one group talking about genetics in sheep farming, for example.  That's a good smart-person-in-Wisconsin topic of conversation.

Colored Christmas lights adorn the low ceiling in the Greenbush Bar.  In most circumstances, I would find that tacky.  But, in this place, it felt charming and comforting. 

We started at the bar (big surprise).

I ordered some funky martini with...I don't even know what in it....something kind of.....hippy....(are "hippy" and "martini" an oxymoron?)...like a hint of geranium and...I don't remember.  It was an eclectic drink, for sure, and an acquired taste but I ended up enjoying it.

Scott started with an Old Fashioned and then moved to a drink with mint leaves, lemon juice and whiskey.  Again, it was an acquired taste, but unique and ultimately enjoyable.  I know this because I had a sip of it.

After drinks we were seated for dinner.  We started with a Caesar salad.  I do love me some Caesar salad....just not this one.  We were disappointed.  It was pretty much beyond bland.  And could someone in the kitchen please cut the lettuce??

After the salad, the pie came out.  Now that's better.  The person who told us about Greenbush Bar said to "get your wallet out" when you order a pizza.  He was right. It's not cheap.  The toppings are quite expensive (up to almost 5 bucks for some single toppings on a large pizza).  We got sausage, fresh mushrooms and fresh garlic on ours.

It was a respectable pie.  We really liked it.  The best we've ever had?  No.  Would we go back again for a pizza?  Yes.  Thin crust pizza is my favorite and this was good thin crust, with a dusting of corn meal.

So, that's that.  Greenbush Bar.  Quaint.  Charming.  And on the lists of "I would recommend to someone else" and "we'll go back again".  It's definitely a unique experience.... and we dig that about places in Madison.