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Welcome To Molten Monkey
Molten Monkey, located in Madison, Wisconsin, is a charming pizza spot renowned for its outstanding Detroit-style pies. Customers rave about the perfectly crisp and fluffy crusts, with generous helpings of cheese that burst with flavor. The welcoming atmosphere, coupled with a passionate owner dedicated to their craft, creates a truly special dining experience. Highlights include the Umami Bomby pizza, hot honey drizzle, and an acclaimed vegan option that many consider the best in the city. With a focus on quality ingredients and customer satisfaction, Molten Monkey is a must-visit for pizza lovers seeking something extraordinary.
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About
Molten Monkey
If you're seeking the epitome of pizza perfection in Madison, look no further than Molten Monkey. Nestled at 912 E Johnson St, this charming spot has quickly made a name for itself in the local food scene. With rave reviews pouring in from enthusiastic patrons, it's clear that Molten Monkey isn't just another pizza joint—it's an experience that promises to redefine your relationship with this beloved dish.
Many customers, like Mohammad Bilal, declare their loyalty with fervor, deeming it "hands down the best pizza in Madison." The enthusiasm is infectious; those who consider themselves pizza aficionados, whether they're fans of Detroit-style or more mainstream offerings, are in for a transformative culinary adventure. The crust at Molten Monkey strikes a delicate balance, being perfectly crisp and irresistibly fluffy, a feat that sets their pizza apart from the mass-produced alternatives. Pair that with cheese that "hits like it owes you money" and a sauce that captivates your taste buds, and you have a symphony of flavors that leaves one feeling emotional—perhaps even tearful—over the sheer joy of a well-crafted pie.
The ambiance of the place adds to its charm. Although the seating may be cozy, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Justin Jones notes the "super friendly staff" and the "great vibe overall," making every visit feel personal and genuine. It's evident that the team at Molten Monkey pours their heart into their craft, making you feel like part of the family with their welcoming demeanor.
For those leaning toward unique flavors, the specialty pizzas are not to be missed. The Umami Bomby with sausage has been praised for its mouthwatering combination of ingredients, while the vegan pizza options have been highlighted for their exceptional flavor, proving that inclusivity in dining can be delicious. Gina W.'s experience with the vegan pie was one of delight, showcasing the kitchen's commitment to quality across all dietary preferences. Don’t forget to try the hot honey drizzle, as Carrin Wahl advises; it adds a tantalizing twist that elevates the pizza to new heights.
In a world where pizza often draws its flavors from nostalgia and comfort, Molten Monkey stands out for its unique approach and quality ingredients. Whether you're dining in with friends or opting for takeaway, each bite is crafted with care and attention. The owners' dedication to their craft exudes from every corner of the establishment, turning a simple meal into a cherished moment. With fragrant aromas wafting through the air and the sound of laughter filling the space, there's no denying that this spot is built on love, dough, and a sprinkle of dreams.
So, if you find yourself in Madison, make sure to stop by Molten Monkey. This isn’t just pizza; it’s a declaration of love for an iconic dish, one slice at a time.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Hands down the best pizza in Madison—no debate. Whether you’re a die-hard Detroit-style fan, still recovering from your last frozen DiGiorno, or the type who thinks Domino’s is “pretty good,” Molten Monkey will change your life. The crust? Perfectly crisp and fluffy. The cheese hits like it owes you money. The sauce? Bless your taste buds. The whole thing? Slapped harder than a Pakistani slipper mid-lecture with aunties watching. I rolled in with a couple friends today, and by the second bite, we were all making awkward eye contact like, “Is it weird if we cry over pizza?” As a small business owner, I know what it’s like to pour your soul (and probably your rent money) into your craft—and these folks nailed it. The owner was friendly, welcoming, and so genuine I almost asked him to adopt me. You can tell this place is built on love, dough, and probably mild sleep deprivation. 11/10. Would abandon my calorie count, weekend plans, and maybe even leg day for another slice. ”
“ My goodness!! This pizza was SO delicious! It’s a very quaint little place, but we had no problem getting a table right away, they seem to do a LOT of Togo orders so expect a little bit of a wait for your pizza but trust me, it will come out cooked to golden-crusted perfection and it will be worth it!! Highly recommend getting the hot honey drizzle. ”
“ Wow this place is really special. Small seating area but if you get lucky and come at just the right time highly recommend grabbing a table instead of carry out. Super friendly staff and the food was amazing. Something different in the Madison pizza scene. Great vibe overall. Will go back and would recommend to a friend. ”
“ Our first time at Molten Monkey was great! The crispy-edged pizza lived up to the hype. The Umami Bomby was perfect with added sausage. The chicken bacon each was great, too. I need to get back to try the meatballs and Monkey stix! We went right at opening on Sunday at 4 pm, and we were lucky to get a table for 4, given the very limited seating. Friendly staff, fantastic Detroit-style pizza! ”
“ The vegan pie at Molten might be the BEST we've had in Madison. It's a little complex to get the vegan crust along with the vegan cheese and "meats," but you need to specify vegan crust on your order. I suggest ordering the day before, because they only make so much of it. It was worth it. Otto was gracious and all the staff we interacted with was friendly and caring. We had an order with vegan crust, AND without and they got it right! We did end up with the vegan pepperoni in all pies instead of the vegan sausage on one, but it was all delicious and we are definitely buying again. The burnt cheese on the crust... YUM. You guys are awesome! Thanks Otto. ”
“ I took my family here recently and thoroughly enjoyed our time. Everything in terms of food (best Detroit style pizza we’ve ever had!), service, and atmosphere were stellar, but the thing that stood out the most was the emphasis placed on level of quality displayed on all facets regarding how they operate. For example, we ordered two pizzas (among other things), and after our first pizza was brought out, the person tending to us immediately informed us that they were remaking this pizza because the one he just delivered had bubbled up in the middle. We were caught by surprise since we wouldn’t have even complained about the issue that was brought to our attention, but we whole heartedly appreciated the staff proactively addressing it. It’s abundantly clear that the folks here truly care about what they do and how they do it, and in response, they should be rewarded with as much patronage as possible (at least by me and my family). To sum it up: Awesome food, awesome place, awesome people, and awesome sauce (literally & figuratively)! ”
“ I have to congratulate everyone at this amazing establishment. Detroit pizza is a great culinary experience when done right and a bad disappointment when done wrong. But Molten Monkey goes far and beyond in the positive side of the scale. The dough is incredible, with a deep flavor from a long fermentation process, cooked to perfection with caramelized borders to die for. The recipes are brave but genius, with sweet and salty flavors combining in surprising but excellent results. And they are so kind, so efficient. A fantastic experience we will certainly repeat. ”
“ Went on a Saturday around 5 PM and was seated right away—no wait at all. We ordered two medium pizzas, and hands down, this was the best Detroit-style pizza I’ve ever had. The crust is the star here—crispy, molten, and packed with flavor. They also make their own hot honey in-house, which adds the perfect kick. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area. They offer takeout as well, so it’s a solid option whether you’re dining in or grabbing to go. ”