This is the best pizza in Madison.
I've dined and drank at the Greenbush Bar for 19 years now. The pizza's thin crust, slightly spicy and dark tomato sauce, and varied toppings come together for an exemplary slice. A simple sausage and onion pie is a revelation.
We often start with goat cheese crostini made on their housemade Italian bread. Then a Sicilian salad with balanced and simple Italian dressing, dark olives, roasted red pepper and bits of feta. A small Sicilian is enough for two.
Their martinis are well made if not a little slight for my taste. Their rail gin used to be Beefeater, but they've recently gone local to Death's Door. They have excellent beer on tap with a range of choices. The Greenbush wine list is always ambitious and high quality, representing Italian, American and French.
For dessert you will find a luscious tiramisu that speaks bravely of rum and is rich with mascarpone.
It's no wonder there are many reviews of the Greenbush Bar that bemoan the wait. That's a sign of a popular yet small restaurant. I just don't go there after 6pm or anywhere near a Kohl Center event.
The Greenbush is a Madison gem that I would be thrilled to find in any city or town. It's got the food and it's got the drinks. Once you're in a seat, you will be more than satisfied.