Ian’s Pizza
Mac n’ Cheese
Pork Sausage with Marinara with Mozzarella
As much an icon as any other dining establishment in Madison it was directly from Graze that I walked to 100 State Street and although already plenty saturated with cheese the legend of Ian’s Pizza quickly drew me in, only a few college kids filling the lively space at an off-hour while the service team bustled behind a long counter of pies and salads set before a kitchen where gas ovens gleamed. Large in size with pop-art styling provided by local artists and a promise to source locally as best as they can it was to a wide variety of pizzas-by-the-slice that my eyes immediately widened on approach and having heard rumors of their mac n’ cheese I quickly ordered a slice alongside one topped with marinara and mozzarella plus spicy sausage so that I might, too, try the red sauce. Reheated to order and served on paper plates much like any number of pizzerias back east it was perhaps ten minutes after paying the $8 tab that my order was up and taking a seat at one of the low, wooden tables I began with the signature, each cheddar-laden elbow noodle rendered just a touch chewy by the oven providing an excellent textural contrast to the crispy, charred crust. A bit less inspired by marinara that trended just a touch to sweet yet impressed by both the locally sourced sausage and mild, creamy mozz it was after only a few bites that I turned back to the macaroni and finishing the slice while leaving the rest of the other behind in order to save stomach space my curiosity was satisfied – were Ian’s in any number of US Cities it would undoubtedly be equally well praised as the best “New York Slice” in town.
RECOMMENDED: Mac ‘n Cheese.
AVOID: The marinara was too sweet for my tastes, though those seeking a true “New York Slice” like that of Patsy’s or John’s will likely be pleased.
TIP: Offering any number of seasonal specials plus combos and deals throughout the day savvy shoppers can likely spend far less on a meal than I did, though the oft lamented “99 cent slice” is thankfully nowhere to be found, likely because you can’t make a pizza this good with cheese and toppings that cheap.
