Last week I stopped by the new Pizzeria Locale to check it out…then discovered this place has been open since late July! Have you tried it yet? Waldo’s newest pizza place is part of the Chipotle restaurant family and located right next door to the Waldo Chipotle location at 505 W 75th St.

Bridget Waliser (in red cap) and crew in front of the Pizzeria Locale oven and prosciutto slicer

Step inside and you will be greeted with a warm ‘hello and welcome!’ from a staff member. Everyone is friendly and patient as you figure out the menu. This eatery is another ‘fast casual’ restaurant, with an emphasis on very fresh ingredients and quick service. Each order is custom made and ready to serve in less than 5 minutes once ordered.  The Neapolitan-style pizza has a very thin, blistered crust, with crumbled, fresh mozzarella and a large variety of topping options:  capers, mushrooms, olives, peppers, pepperoni, sausage, basil, onions, etc. (Within a week, this location will begin serving four cheese and Hawaiian pizzas due to customer demand). You can order a ‘classic’ pizza with the toppings pre-determined ($5.75-$8.25) , or ‘build your own’ pie, starting with the crust (gluten-free available) and adding the sauce and toppings you prefer. The super-hot oven cooks each pie in just two minutes! So far, the Diavola and Supreme versions are the most popular with customers.

Four different types of salads are available, along with freshly sliced prosciutto and pork meatballs. Wine and local beers are served, along with bottled, cold Alchemy coffee from Lawrence KS. There is one specialty dessert available, a Budino, which is double shotglass sized portion of butterscotch pudding with a chocolate ganache and caramel topped with a layer of whipped cream. It’s the perfect sweet bite to end your meal — for just $1.50.

Manager Bridget Waliser says business has been brisk, with most diners stopping by in the evening. Seating is somewhat limited (although there are outdoor tables available during the warmer months), and it’s very easy to get all of their food ‘to go’. There is real value here too: a four slice 10″ pie with salad and drinks could feed two for lunch for under $18 including tax!  Plus the food tastes good and fresh!

Pizzeria Locale is open every day from 11am-10pm in the heart of Waldo at 505 W. 75th St.