Adventure 29: Ian's Pizza

Ian's Pizza (website)
319 N. Frances St. and 115 State St.
3 Adjectives: Creative, crispy, fast
Price: slice (2-3) pie (7-24)
Authenticity:
Atmosphere:
Overall:
Other Opinions: yelp, slice, badgerherald, ...
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Ian's Pizza is one of those wonderful places on campus you can always fall back onto when you are scouting for some quick and delicious food.

Located on both Frances near the Kohl Center and near the capital-end of State St, Ian's essentially dominates the campus pizza scene. Both restaurants have a similar layout: a walk-up counter with many different pies on display for pizza by the slice. After selecting your favorite, the staff will help you warm it up in their pizza oven so that you have a nice and gooey slice in your plate in less than two minutes. The location on State St. has a bit more space for people to sit. On game days, the place (especially the Frances location) is especially packed but in general there is a pretty steady stream of diners during the peak hours.

Each slice at Ian's is a meal in and of itself (and, hey, if it isn't a second is only $3 more). The pieces are giant slabs, one of eight in a large 20-inch pie. There are generally about 10 different types to choose from - ranging from the typical cheese to the fancy steak and fries. The most popular variety, mac 'n cheese, has become such an iconic part of the UW experience you'll almost surely get asked if you've tried it your Freshman year - even if you are generally the cheese-eating type, you'll most likely love this flavor. Ian's also has a weekly special slice that's off the main menu (these guys are creative). Although the pizza itself is not the best in Madison (i.e. the pies at Pizza Brutta, Bellini's, etc. taste better), you have to give it to them for topping creativity and their iconic status among the university students. Also, the place features delivery and is pretty fast about the service.

Overall, Ian's is a fabulous place to go if you are looking for a cheap but tasty bite to eat with a group of friends downtown.

Okay, Tossy concedes that Ian's Pizza is certainly delicious. Mmm, and there are so many creative varieties of pizza, too. But why are there no vegan slices? Actually, Tossy already knows the answer to that question--Ian's Pizza had them at one time, before Tossy was a fresh skunk at UW-Madison, but nobody would eat them. Unfortunately, this means ordering an entire pizza every time Tossy wants Ian's. It's not a big deal though, since Ian's Pizza is still delicious.

Also, one time Tossy ordered a pizza from Ian's, requesting no cheese. The pizza arrived with cheese, but without marinara sauce. She is sure this is just a one-time mistake, though.