I like to think I'm good at keeping secrets, but I just can't hold this one in. Or perhaps it's not even a secret anymore. Maybe everyone in Madison already knows about this delicious Italian restaurant hidden in a dark, dank basement with a full bar. With a combination of drinks and reasonably priced pizza, you would think every college kid in Dane County would know about this place.
Perhaps everyone knows that Greenbush Bar on the corner of Park and Regent is a special place. I would like to think not.
I heard of this wonderful treasure tucked away in the basement of the Italian Workingman's Club and instantly became intrigued. First of all, the Madison chapter of the Italian mafia must have opened this place. It's dark, secluded, serves Italian food and services a full bar. I half expected Joe Pesci and Robert DeNiro to waltz out of the back room, straighten their jackets and lead a crew of mobsters out onto the street at any moment. Well, that never exactly happened, but a girl can dream.
Besides feeding my intense infatuation with the Italian Mafia, Greenbush Bar delivers tons of character. I opened the heavy door to the stoic, brick building not knowing what to expect or where to go. After stumbling around the tiled entryway leading nowhere for a bit, I noticed a hand-written sign on construction paper stating the kitchen hours for Greenbush Bar. So a restaurant did exist somewhere.
I opened yet another heavy door to the basement and placed my eyes upon a new world of pizzeria goodness. A few regulars scattered themselves among the bar while little white candles on each table and Christmas lights draped across the ceiling provided the only lighting. The atmosphere felt classy without being uptight, traditional without being over the top and friendly without being too sloppy. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their Tuesday evening among good company and good food.
Having only heard about the excellent pizza from Greenbush, I ordered a personal size pie. The menu was rather small, offering a few appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pastas and of course, pizza. But it covered the Italian basics, plus some interesting beers and hard liquors.
They served the pizza hot and fresh from the oven, with wonderful toppings and cheese. The crust, crunchy on the outside and soft in the middle, was by far the best part. I personally would have preferred a bit more sauce on my pie but could handle it the way it was. As the night wore on, more groups straggled in and ordered only pizza.
The service was also appropriately friendly without being annoying, which added to the relaxed atmosphere. It was the perfect place to eat nice food and hold a solid conversation. Although it was my first experience in Greenbush Bar, I now feel almost like a regular. I could hop up on a bar stool and chat with the regulars about the good old days when the Italian Workingman's Club ruled the city and hopefully not be looked at like an Eskimo who accidentally landed in Hawaii.
All things considered, I would give Greenbush Bar an overall AB grade. If I ever find out that it is owned by the mafia, I'll boost its grade to an A. But until then, it shall remain a solid sit down pizza joint serving great pizza, a vast selection of drinks and an excellent atmosphere. Now, can you keep it a secret?
If you've spotted DeNiro at Greenbush with pizza sauce dripping down his face, check how many drinks you've had. Then, e-mail Emily at bisek@wisc.edu.
