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The Independent Pizzeria
Category: Restaurants Pizza Pizza [Edit]
4235 E Madison St(between E 42nd Ave & Howe St)
Seattle, WA 98112
(206) 860-6110
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 5 pm - 8 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Trendy, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
37 reviews for The Independent Pizzeria
Review Highlights
"Don't miss the root beer on tap."
(in 3 reviews)
"both were delish with a crisp but chewy thin crust."
(in 5 reviews)
"Tasty local beers and high-quality wines are also available."
(in 3 reviews)
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37 reviews in English
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Review from Kristel C.
Seattle, WA
11/22/2011
I'm pretty picky when it comes to pizza. This is mostly because I like the crust done a certain way, the cheese needs to be bubbly to the point that it's almost burned atop a tasty and required-to-be fresh tomato sauce.
A friend recommended this place ot me as a cozy nook to go on a date, or just sit at the bar and chat it up with the staff.
The restaurant is open on very rare, odd hours but it's worth stopping by for takeout or dine-in. We split a mushroom pizza which surprisingly appealed to me. I loved the brick oven-charred crust and earthy flavor of the mushrooms, not to mention the fact that it was perfectly cooked. I love that the wine and dessert list are chalk-written on a board and how neighborhoody the place seems. It's ideally cozy and hidden.
I have since gone back and been pleased with both the service and the food, again.
To top it off, I asked if I could reserve a portion of their restaurant for my 10 person birthday party and expected them to say it wasn't possible since their place is so small but the host was responsive and graciously accomodating. I'm looking forward to a great intimate evening with delicious pizza and red wine.
I'd definitely recommend coming here! -
Review from Robyn C.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2012
Their garlic & chard pizza was insanely delicious!
I'm wasn't loving the wine list - particularly the selection for whites. That being said, I appreciate when a place is ballsy enough to have only a handful of wines to choose from. And I did manage to find something to my liking.
The green salad is also really good - a nice selection of greens and a very garlicky balsamic dressing, and good croutons.
The place gets busy! If you want a table early in the evening, get there right when they open, and plan on staying a while, because the pizzas can take 45 mins to cook. They have an old school telephone that rings off the hook for pick-up orders. -
Review from Abby L.
12/27/2011
I love small businesses / restaurants, so this place was right up my alley. Cozy with small tables / bench seating, mason jars for beers (they also had wine), and yummy handmade pizzas. The crust is a little thinner and crisper as you normally find with wood-fired pizzas, the tomato sauce is super fresh, and mine, which was the Beta, was yummy with gooey provolone, dark green swiss chard, and little slices of crispy sausage. My husband got the Stevedore with Salami and lil Mama's peppers which was also delicious.
Each pizza was a little bigger than 1 person serving - we each took 1 or two small slices home, so I could see two people splitting one pizza and getting salad or something - or order two pizzas and take some home, because leftover pizza is always good!
The major issue with this place is since it's so small, it can be a wait - a wait for a table, a wait for the pizzas (their production capacity doesn't seem to be very high) - as long as you go in understanding that and are willing to wait or have some appetizers / drinks in the interim, then everything is great. If you are starving and not super patient, this is not a great place to go. -
Review from ryan f.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2011
Finally decided to write a review... I think we've been here a solid 6+ times now, both dine-in and take-out.
As a lover of the thin, Neapolitan style pizza, I think I've been to every pizza place that serves them in Seattle. Or close anyway. Independent is solidly top three. Serious Pie, Delancey, and Independent. Their pizza is that good. The ingredients are fantastic, the center of the pizza has never been soggy (my pet pizza peeve (triple alliteration!)).
Highly recommend The Farmer ... prosciutto and a soft egg ... amazing.
The beer and wine list is very solid, and very well priced. And you get beer in a mason jar. +1.
The wait can definitely be long. Pains me a bit to say it, but I think they just need to sort out the to-go orders versus dine-in orders issue. It's a tiny place, and everyone there is busting their tails. It's just physically limited on how fast they can get the pizzas in the oven. Still DO NOT let that stop you. Expect a bit of a wait. Talk to you friends. Enjoy your time. Slow down.
The pizzas are most assuredly worth the wait. This would be a five star review (and is a 5 star) if it wasn't for the occasional wait. -
Review from Rae S.
Seattle, WA
2/9/2012
I have been to the restaurant (if you could call it one) many times. They are either out of pizza dough at 8:00 or they tell you there is a 45 minute wait and when you come back they are out of dough!
Not sure who can close their restaurant for a month. "Because they are tired"
Would NEVER go back again. -
Review from Annie L.
11/14/2011
This is going to be my most practical post ever. Get olives and salad to start, order enough pizzas so you can take some home. Wash down with a beer or soda, and have dessert...or two. Enjoy 80s & 90s music. While I didn't have to, it's worth the wait, and will be back.
Listed in: pizza!!
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Review from Joseph M.
Seattle, WA
12/8/2011
Really good pizza at reasonable prices. Awesome retro environment and convenient location. The desserts were a suprise -they came in a mason jar -not beautiful but the taste was fantastic..
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Review from ABBEY S.
Seattle, WA
2/28/2011
I read an article about the Independent Pizzeria in the Stranger and since it's in my hood, off we went.
To seat 4 we were told a 40 minute wait because the place is TINY. On top of that, we were told that because of the larger number of carryout orders, there would be an additional 40 minute wait for our pizza. Since we were already there and they had beer, we decided to stick it out.
First of all they only serve 3 kinds of beer, that is until they ran out of what I was drinking and then they only served 2 kinds of beer.
Secondly, don't let them fool you. A larger salad is more than enough for 4 people. Ordering 2 was a major mistake despite their recommendations. I mean really, how much lettuce does one really need!?
Okay, so an hour and 30 minutes into our "visit" our pizzas came. Thin crust, minimal toppings, but decent flavor. Not even close to greatness.
Lastly, came the $115.00 bill. You see, what had happened was, they made us wait so long we drank like 5 beers a piece! Pizza should never cost me that much.
I am not sad that I went, but I won't go again. -
Review from Liz W.
Wyomissing, PA
2/6/2011 1 photo
We just moved from Philadelphia and I'd heard bad things about pizza in Seattle, so my expectations were very, very low.
But I was so pleasantly surprised. It was cute, quaint and fabulous. Service was a bit slow, and the lights were a little too dim, but I was willing to look past that when we got our food. These aren't NY-style pizzas, so if that's what you're looking for, keep looking. They are more, handmade, wood-fired pizzas that are just a bit bigger than the personal size. But everything we got (kids got the plain cheese, husband got the pepperoni and I got one with spinach, cheese, arugula and artichokes. YUM!) was fabulous. Plus, they have a great selection of beer on tap and root beer on tap. LOVE THAT!
So glad we have this in Madison Park. -
Review from Vicki L.
1/23/2011
Biiiig letdown :(
As a disclaimer, I am a huge fan of delicate, thin crust pizza, so portion size doesn't bother me here. However, what DOES bug me is when pizza places totally stiff you on toppings/ingredients. While I understand the concept of napolean-style pizza, I really can't sit comfortably with being charged $20 for two individual-sized pizzas with scant sprinklings of basil/garlic (even after I requested extra basil!).
The two stars are for the customer service (which was great) and the crust (also pretty good), but for the price point, I feel like they could be a bit more generous. My boyfriend's pizza was also slightly burnt, with a couple of huge "bubbles" that had burst and had left huge burnt craters of emptiness which disappointed him :(. On top of that, my pizza was EXTREMELY greasy, which was off-putting. It took three paper towel sheets to soak up the excess oil, and even then my pizza still had a "sheen" to it that worried me.
I really wanted to like The Independent, especially since there are so few good pizza places around my house, but sadly I can't award this place more stars simply because I feel like you don't get enough for what you pay. -
Review from Caitlin C.
Santa Clara, CA
9/22/2011
This is the BEST pizza I have ever had in my life - and that is not an exaggeration. I have traveled all around the world, lived in Seattle and Northern California, and have never found pizza better than Independent's.
The marina sauce is savory and light which pairs perfectly with the crust that is crisp, thin, and salty. There is always the right amount of cheese (not too much, not too little) and is very high quality. The toppings are always fresh and unique. They even have vegetarian pepperoni which is so flavorful, even meat-lovers would like it. They have done a great job creating a pizza menu that is varied and combines toppings that are not traditionally found in pizzerias but always delicious together. You really can't go wrong with any of the pizzas because the basic ingredients, preparation, and cooking methods (wood-oven) are perfection.
When your pizza comes don't forget to add some chili flakes and sea salt which is already conveniently located on your table. I would also recommend getting the house salad, which is incredibly delicious as well. The vinaigrette is bursting with flavors of garlic and herbs. They have a great selection of wine, as well as extremely cold beer from a keg (who does not love that?!)
Service/wait was mentioned as a negative here, but it is a small restaurant, run by the owner and a few other employees. They are doing it all themselves from the cooking, waiting, to running the actual business-side of things. And, they are great people on top of that! So, give them a break and wait it out because the pizza is 110% worthwhile. (I would wait days for this stuff).
Basically, if someone asked me what the last meal of my life would be, I would answer with a meal from Independent Pizza. -
Review from Steve S.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2011
The pizza is, without question, delicious. It surprises me that the negative reviews on here are generally about the wait. It is an extremely small operation and the staff there seems to be doing a very commendable job considering the publicity and popularity it has garnered in a short time.
To the 1 and 2 star reviewers (which should be taken with a grain of salt) learn some patience! Or for that matter, some common sense. Those people are ALWAYS hustling, and trying to get a small independently owned business off and going is no easy feat.
I have a lot of empathy for The Independent, and a lot of hope. America needs more businesses just like this. Embrace the wait, it's a great space and ideal for conversation.
In short - If you're in a hurry you may be disappointed. Call Domino's and save your negative reviews though IMO. The pizza here is fantastic! -
Review from Laura C.
Seattle, WA
11/5/2010 4 Check-ins Here
So, I love The Independent pizza! I agree with some of the other revues that 2-3 pizzas will leave two people stuffed, but just one is not enough! The Pizza is great, so flavorful and it's obvious that the ingredients are fresh and high quality. There pizza sauce is so tasty! There pepperoni is on point, I was in love at first bite.
There are two reasons I didn't give The independent Pizza five stars:
1. They are only open Wednesday-Sunday. I wish they were open more! I always want it on Monday and Tuesday, because I know I can't have it!
2. They have a small staff so it is easy to feel neglected and you get their voicemail a lot if ordering takeout.
Despite these two drawbacks I still love Indie Pizza because when you do get to speak to the staff the are friendly and the pizza really is just that good. -
Review from Eric C.
Seattle, WA
6/30/2010 1 photo
The pizza at The Independent is simply delicious - the fusion of tomato sauce, cheese, tasteful/unique toppings, and crust is quite heavenly. My wife and I have had the Stevedore, the Norwalk, & Twin Peaks - all top notch, European-style pizza. You can tell that the toppings are fresh/high-quality and not just grabbed from a plastic bin like in other places.
For two people, you could probably eat 2-3 pizzas + a salad and waddle away quite satisfied. Tasty local beers and high-quality wines are also available. The owner used to work in the wine business, so he knows what's up. Highly recommended even if you don't live in the neighborhood. The space is cozy w/ lots of natural light. -
Review from Dea S.
Seattle, WA
6/14/2010
I love this new addition to the Madison Park food options. I have been here four times already, once as take-out. The pizza is awesome, the beer and wine selections are local and they carry Bluebird's chocolate pudding ice cream (to die for).
All of there pizzas have been great, but we normally order the Stevedore. My only complaint is that the service staff just always seem confused. I don't think that they have their systems down yet. For example, when I tried ordering take-out, it took over forty minutes and I was assuming it would be 15 min considering how slow it was. I was never told how long it would be, which would have helped because I would have gone and done something else. The girl ringing me up seemed to be running around trying to figure out how to ring it, where the receipts were, finding and putting away the menu. She seemed very stressed for how slow it was. I hope their staff figure out some simple procedures so that they can be more efficient before they get bombarded by the summer crowd. -
Review from CJ B.
Seattle, WA
6/11/2010
A pleasant surprise in the middle of white bread/white shoe (dare i say Republican) Madison Park; a funky little pizza joint which lives up to it's "Independent" name. The menu is short and sweet: salads, antipasti and pizza. The pizzas are individual size and made to order so it can take some time (there's also a healthy takeout business).
We had a State Fair and a Parma pizza and both were excellent - thin crispy crust and yummy toppings. I thought the side salad was very good but my chow partner found it boring. The pizza is "Neopolitan" (open fire oven, thin crust, small diameter, quality toppings) without the sogginess of several of Seattle's more famous such establishments like Via Tribulani or Tutta Bella.
What the place needs in order to be a great restaurant is at least one more staff member (tables went unbussed and the sequencing of pizza and salads was erratic) and the same care with the salads (good ingredients and careful preparation) as goes into the pizza.
UPDATE: They still have not solved the staffing issues. We recently ordered takeout and were told it would be a one hour wait. OK, not ideal but we waited. Upon arrival the pizza had not even been started and we were told it would be another 45 minutes! This place will not last unless they can figure out how to provide timely service whether dining in or carrying out. -
Review from Super M.
Seattle, WA
6/2/2011
I am from NYC, and no, you could never get a true NYC slice here because that pizza is infused with the essence of the city itself, the water, the air.. there's nothing like it.
Thus, I have not really enjoyed Seattle's Pizza in the 16 years I've been living here. There's the really squishy variety, and then there's the thin burnt kind, and somehow you try to find something in between that can satisfy that singular pizza urge..
I do like the Veraci pizza at the Ballard market, though its a little too thin and goopy. Via Tribunali is prohibitively expensive for what they serve, which, depending on the location and time of day is fair to middling.
We decided to check out the new place in Madison Park, and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious. The exact right thickness of crust, the exact right flavor of sauce. It smelled so good all the way home and then we dove into it, and didn't leave a trace. No, it wasn't NYC pizza, but it satisfied me the way NYC pizza does somehow. It was well made and surprisingly delicious.
The service was great. No fuss no muss... The wait was minimal, and best yet, the price $8.00 for the same size Via Tib sells for about $25.00, was perfect! This will now be our go-to pizza spot. -
Review from Omar S.
Seattle, WA
Independent Pizzeria had their grand opening in Madison Park on April 23rd. They are at the very end of E Madison Street on the corner of 43rd.
We went the day after their opening.
The restaurant is very eclectic with different chairs, tables, and menus throughout. There is just one pizza maker, and a couple of wait staff (who are very friendly).
The menu is very simple. There are a few pizzas on there (one size to choose from) a salad, and beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks).
The pizza is really fantastic. Better than any pizza I've had in Seattle yet.
They are still working out some of the kinks in being an efficient restaurant, but given how good the food is, I suspect they will do just fine.
My only concern is that there isn't much seating inside, and once this place gets popular it might be a bit of a wait for a table. -
Review from Carl A.
Seattle, WA
4/29/2010
I came here on opening night- I wasn't expecting much, but I was blown away by the food! 5 Stars for the pizza.
I have searched Seattle for authentic, simple sicilian pizza. This place has got it down. I can honestly say that this might be the best pizza I've had in Seattle (and I have tried them all). It is VERY reasonable (almost cheap). We had two pizzas, a generous antipasto plate, and about 6-8 glasses of wine for under 40 bucks.
Atmosphere is awesome- and will be even better in the warm months. It is right down by the lake, and it is on a corner with windows surrounding the space. There is a patio on the side that will be open in he summer.
The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is that they were a bit understaffed, and the service took forever. BUT- it was the first night, so I'll spare them- The food was amazing.
You'll never go to Tribunali again..
FYI- They will be serving lunch in a few weeks. -
Review from Swede S.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2010
Delicious pizza,
Spotty service,
Don't miss the root beer on tap! -
Review from Michael E.
Pittsburgh, PA
5/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
You know what's really good? This place.
Go on a nice sunny evening cause the sun will pour into the big windows! Get a bottle of wine, they're all really cheap. And oh, it's not on the menu, but they'll throw a little prosciutto on any pizza, so you'll probably want to have them do that. -
Review from Jessica J.
Seattle, WA
4/9/2011
Really wanted to like this place. Great location in Mad Park, near playground and water, cute venue. Wait was ridiculous!!! We waited over an hour for two cheese pizzas. Seriously?! We were apologized to as they had a run on take out orders, but you know what- figure out your operations. Get another oven. Tell the to go order their wait will be an hour-whatever. Bummer as the pizza tasted good but would not go back until they figure out their flow. We eventually paid our bill and took our pizzas in to go boxes and ate at home. Our toddler was a trooper, but couldn't sit for more than an hour. Do NOT go there unless you are sans kids and have the entire evening to chill. Not a fast paced place. Bummer. Hope they pull it together.
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Review from Mark S.
Bellevue, WA
8/6/2011
OK - The first time we went they were out of dough. Out of dough at a Pizzaria? The second time we went we were told that it would be a 30 minute wait for a table of two. There was table for two that was vacant the entire time we were waiting. After seating us, they informed us it would be 45 minutes for pizza because of to-go orders. We got our pizza in an hour. The third time we were seated immediately (the restauarant was half full) , given menus, ordered and then informed the wait would be 1 hour and 15 minutes for pizza! Again it was due to take out orders. We left. My advice? If you are going to cater to take out orders, dont pretend you are a restauarant! And if you have a 1 hour and 15 minute wait for pizza, inform people before you seat them. You could not run a restauarant worse if you tried. The pizza is good, but not THAT good.
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Review from Luca P.
Bellevue, WA
4/25/2011
Great food, beautiful location, excellent service. I loved the intimate setting and the relaxed atmosphere.
I will be back for sure. -
Review from Pierre G.
Hunts Point, WA
2/26/2011
I dined here on a Friday night and had to sit at the bar facing the pizza oven;
I believe the pizza maker is owner Tom Siegel, who, in his glasses, and sideburns, feverishly shimmys and shakes when flattening out the pizza dough - reminds me of a Whirling Dervish or Joe Cocker at Woodstock
- Caesar Salad [$4 for a half portion]:
Definitely order one of these;
its fresh, crisp and perfectly dressed
its got zing!
also the portion is generous for the price
- The Stevedore - $12:
tomato, provolone, Genoa salami of Applegate Farms, red onion, Mama Lil's peppers ;
I was informed that my pizza would take 45 minutes to arrive; it came in 35 -
you'll get 6 small slices
its a thin Crust
the salami tastes artisanal [a good thing]
the red peppers give it a good spice kick
some will quibble with the portion size at this price so choose your toppings carefully...
the room is small;
there are only 7 tables plus the bar seats, which were uncomfortably hard;
Its loud when full;
The wait can be long on the weekends so plan accordingly -
Review from Ian W.
Seattle, WA
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Can't stop eating ...
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Review from Greg L.
Seattle, WA
8/24/2011
Great pizza, good beers, fun atmosphere Service is a little slow (even when not crowded), but I enjoy this place. It is a small place with only a few tables and a tiny kitchen, very popular, gets crowded.
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Review from Ed S.
Seattle, WA
4/30/2010
Woweee! Spot on. I was there 1 week after opening. I was across the street when I saw her spin the sign from CLOSED to OPEN. Friday 5pm. I couldn't resist crossing the street and ordering a Pepperoni to go. Now, I will cut thru the chase...IT DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS in Seattle! Even the pepperoni was special! I live a block away. Now I must move! Or, may I allow myself one thin pie a week?! Right on, you guys. Just what Madison Park needed. Not only a good pie, but a space with a nice vibe.
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Review from Zack B.
Seattle, WA
7/7/2011
The pizza and root beer were delicious. The prices were super low, especially in comparison to similar places. On top of that, the decor is pretty perfect.
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Review from Natalie S.
Seattle, WA
4/8/2011
Very good pizza, this will be a new favorite of mine. The crust is delicious, as well as the crushed tomato sauce. We ordered three different pizzas in our group and everyone loved theirs. I ordered the Roman and "veganized" it by leaving off the mozzarella and having them add their vegetarian pepperoni. It was by far the best vegan pizza I've ever had! It had spinach on it that had been sauteed in garlic and that, along with the crust and sauce literally made the pizza! Yes, it's a tiny place (maybe only 6 tables) and the staff is new and still has a lot to learn, but the pizza is great!
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Review from Bryan F.
Seattle, WA
3/18/2011
If you don't like the pizza here there is something wrong with you. I've been around Italy, I know good pizza. We went with 7 people and had a great time. That's about all you need to know. This place is such a gem I almost don't want to tell you about it.
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Review from Shera M.
Seattle, WA
5/17/2010
I am SO excited to have an alternative to MadPizza finally in our neighborhood. My hubs and I both had the Steverone, mine without cheese (a special request) and his as-is. We were both delightfully pleased with how fresh and light the pizza is. Hand tossed, fresh made, tasty sauce and all without any of the Madison Park sass. We also had a simple green salad which, just like the pizza, is light yet tasty. While it has a touch of the Madison Park mark-up (but nothing in comparison to the other restaurants in the Park), the food is definitely good eatin'! And the best news (for us as new parents) is that you can call in your order to pick up.
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Review from A. B.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2011
okay so this place now tops our other local pizza favs!! we finally made it there tonight & had the Beta with Sausage & the Syracuse sans anchoves. both were delish with a crisp but chewy thin crust. we also had the yummy garlicky green salad & the bluebird chocolate icecream (first time for me). the wine/beer choices were good/inexpensive & service was very friendly. the place is tiny, barely 6-7 small tables - we got the only 2 seats at the bar at 7 pm on a Sun night!!
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Review from chris d.
Seattle, WA
5/3/2010
Nice. Hand-crafted pizza's in Madison Park. Very tasty. I'm sure there will be a line out the door during the summer.
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Review from Mk B.
Seattle, WA
2/20/2011
My partner and I ate here on Friday, after seeing the write up on Serious Eats. We were a little apprehensive that there would be a long wait because the write up came out that day, but both being east coast transplants we will do almost anything for decent pizza.
When we arrived the hostess/waitress told us she could seat us right away but there was about an hour wait for pizza, we said that was fine and decided we could bide our time with antipasto and beer wine; which is what we did.
We ordered the Salume and the...the other antipasto which I can't remember the name of. Both were amazing, the different kinds of prosciutto were exceptionally good as was the fior di latte.
For pizza we ordered a Roman and a Beta, my partner liked the Beta more, I liked the Roman more but we agreed that more taste testing was necessary before a final decision could be reached.
This place is amazing, great crust, great ingredients, great toppings. I'm so excited that they do take-out and are in the neighborhood! -
Review from Bruce J.
Seattle, WA
5/2/2010
Great new pizza place! No more (bad) (Mad) Pizza!
Small locale but kid friendly. Up there with Tribunali or Tutta Bella.
Funky atmosphere (water served in milk bottles, mixed silverware) but great and original pizza. Good wine ($6/glass) and interesting microbreweries ($3). -
Review from Babak R.
Seattle, WA
8/21/2010
Such a delight to have Tom making pizza in Madison Park. Independent Pizza is somewhat out of place (in the most positive way) for being a hip joint in the WASP hood. Love their pizza, the ambience and the service.
