Italian Fiesta Pizzeria, a cherished fourth-generation establishment on the South Side, continues to deliver exceptional Chicago-style thin crust pizzas. Their standout offerings include a unique secret menu item: the jerk chicken pizza.
TikTok food critic Keith Lee spotlighted the pizzeria by reviewing the jerk chicken and sausage pizza. His review drew considerable attention to the Hyde Park location, known for former patrons Barack and Michelle Obama.
Co-owner Christine Mikulec noted the surge in customers following Lee’s review, describing an exceptionally busy week, especially Monday. The family business was established by her great-grandparents, Connie and Phillip DeCarlo, in the 1940s. Now, Mikulec shares ownership with her brother Steven Harris, sister Megan Johnson, and their cousins Chris King and Jessica Suva. Together, they manage five locations across the city and neighboring suburbs.
The jerk chicken pizza, often ordered as a whole or by the slice, features melted mozzarella on white meat chicken with a dark jerk sauce. Harris, both a co-owner and general manager, highlighted their use of Jerk Villa sauce, a staple of a nearby Jamaican restaurant. The chicken is slowly cooked with Italian Fiesta’s spices, infusing it with rich flavors while maintaining its tenderness.
Despite its growing popularity, jerk chicken remains an unofficial menu item. It began over a year ago when an employee introduced the sauce as a personal twist. The long trial period ended dramatically after Lee’s review, causing them to use up to 200 gallons of sauce within weeks. Harris expects the pizza to make the official menu soon.
On the other hand, their sausage pizza maintains its status as the bestseller. The pizza features their special sausage, created using a family recipe that involves grinding pork butt and mixing in their secret seasonings. The sausage is delivered from their main kitchen to other locations.
Aside from the pizzas, Italian Fiesta’s pizza sauce stands out with its unique preparation. The uncooked sauce blends tomato puree, spices, and water, adding depth and brightness to the flavor.
The crust, made from a special mix of flour, milk, and butter, adds another layer of delight. This thin, crispy crust holds a special family secret, resting briefly before being transformed into a flavorful base for the pizzas.
While pizzas are their main draw, Italian Fiesta also offers an Italian beef and sausage combo sandwich and a traditional baked mostaccioli. The fried catfish dinner provides a unique meal option, with the cornmeal crust adding texture. Enjoyed best in the car due to limited seating, these meals maintain their appeal despite the challenging dining space.
The origins of the name ‘Italian Fiesta’ remain unknown, allegedly created by the founders as a nod to celebrating Italian roots.
For more delightful experiences and orders, visit Italian Fiesta Pizzeria at 1919 E. 71st St. Open daily with extended hours on weekends, it provides both wheelchair-accessible and takeout-only services.