Mexican pizzeria Jalisco Pizza now open in St. Charles

Jalisco Pizza, a fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine, opened in early February at 3831 Elm St. in St. Charles, as reported by St. Louis Magazine.

Owner Leonardo Ortiz wanted to open a restaurant that combined some of the most popular foods. “I always wanted to do something different. … I know that two of the most common meals people enjoy is either pizza or Mexican,” he said. 

The menu features a few signature pizzas such as the street taco-inspired al pastor pizza and the Jalisco pizza which is topped with birria (slow-cooked beef), cilantro and onion that’s served with consommé for dipping. Each of the other pizzas come with a housemade dipping sauce like chimichurri, chipotle salsa, salsa verde or a spicy diabla sauce. “Back home, we have dressings with our pizza,” Ortiz explained. Customers can also create their own pizza or order a variety of other entrees like pastas, subs and calzones, along with salads and appetizers. To finish off the meal, guests can enjoy traditional Mexican American desserts like fried ice cream and sopapilla, a fried pastry. For beverages, there are a few agua frescas, including a hibiscus flavor, as well as seasonal fruits such as strawberry or watermelon.

With seating for about 32 guests, the restaurant is a small, family-friendly environment. “I wanted to build a family atmosphere. My whole point is that people of all ages can enjoy my food,” Ortiz said. In keeping with the cuisine, the walls are painted the shade of green present in both the Italian and Mexican flags. Jalisco Pizza is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.