It seems like the place to be when one enters the restaurant at 7:30 on a Thursday night. Every table is filled with casually-dressed groups, and overflow patrons sit on the dark wood pews at the entrance. Beyond this, the brick-walled bar attracts the more youthful adults with its large wooden counter and antiques adorning the wall.
Magpie Woodfired Pizzeria, situated at 21 Bank Row in Greenfield, is a cozy pizzeria just a ten-minute cab ride away, right on the town’s main village green.
Industrial design meets rustic décor in the busy dining room. Exposed pipes and ventilation are superimposed over creamy, yellow walls. The dark, checkered linoleum floor lies under tables seating up to eight people, although it seems as if the tables could be easily moved to accommodate more. On the walls, old-fashioned printers’ trays hang alongside flower-printed trays.
The eatery prides itself on the wood-burning oven. Diners can see the oven in the open kitchen at the back of the pizzeria. While the lights are dim, it is still easy to make out the chalkboard Specials menu hanging above the dough throwing counter.
Once seated, each person receives a copy of the laminated menu. For drinks, there is a selection of local sodas, iced and hot tea, and various alcoholic beverages for those of age.
There are an impressive seven choices for starters, ranging from $4.00 for a bread plate to $8.50 for the more substantial meatballs. The standout appetizer is the warm, herbed goat cheese ($6.00). The light foccacia bread balances the hearty goat cheese topped with honey and roasted almonds. This savory option is easy to split with others.
The four salads range from the field greens and herb house ($6.00) to the more flavorful orange, almond, and goat cheese salad ($9.50).
For entrees, there are four pastas available, ranging from $14.00 to $16.50. There is also a pasta of the day listed on the menu with subtext that cleverly reads, “It changes….” These portions are rather large, so don’t forget to bring your appetite or someone with whom to share the dish.
There are ten different pizzas to choose from, all between $9.00 and $14.00. Magpie offers a traditional margarita pizza and a classic cheese pie, along with more innovative items such as artichoke and pesto or potato and garlic pizzas. If none of these catch your fancy, you can also “build your own.” Regardless of what decadent toppings you put on, the crunchy yet chewy crust will keep you wanting more. The kitchen also tries to accommodate those with food allergies or special dietary needs.
For dessert, save room for some fudge bottom pie or tiramisu, both of which cost $5.00. Cap off the meal with rich, warm coffee before heading out into the cold.
Overall, the dining experience at Magpie is excellent and earns five Deerfield doors from the Scroll staff.
Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sun: 4pm -10pm
Fri, Sat: 4pm-11pm
Tues: Closed
(413) 475-3750