Novel Pizza Cafe

"Novel Pizza Cafe, nestled in a residential near Harrison Park in Pilsen, is a throwback with vintage sports gear, a few tables, and a few seats at a counter near the window. This is a tribute to Filipino and Mexican immigrants with the signature tavern-crust pizza topped with Spanish chorizo and giardiniera. It provides a sweet and spicy kick. Look out for a rotating special. There’s also Chicago pan pizza which will have old-heads reminiscing about wiping their hands before so they don’t dirty an arcade video game. Online ordering is available." - Ashok Selvam

"You might think Chicago’s pizza scene has nothing new to offer, given how many types are practically pouring out onto the streets. But the tavern-style pies at Novel Pizza in Pilsen—which skip the typical cracker aesthetic for a satisfying pita chip-esque crunch—shatter this myth. Throw in their spicy tomato sauce and signature mix of sweet longanisa and tart giardiniera, and Novel’s pizza is sure to be approved by the Chicago Department of Pizza Style Regulation and Licensing. (Yes, we made that up). The small space full of sports memorabilia fills up quickly in the evenings and can sell out of everything, so swing by for lunch or early dinner." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, nick allen, nick allen, nick allen, john ringor, nick allen, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, john ringor, nick allen, john ringor, v

"A Filipino-owned pizza joint known for its cultural amalgamation dishes like the longanisa-giardiniera and sweet sauce on tavern-style pies." - Ashok Selvam

"You might think Chicago’s pizza scene has nothing new to offer, given how many types are practically pouring out onto the streets. But the tavern-style pies at Novel Pizza in Pilsen—which skip the typical cracker aesthetic for a satisfying pita chip-esque crunch—shatter this myth. Throw in their spicy tomato sauce and signature mix of sweet longanisa and tart giardiniera, and Novel’s pizza is sure to be approved by the Chicago Department of Pizza Style Regulation and Licensing. (Yes, we made that up). Novel also has a build-your-own tavern-style, more traditional chewy pan pizzas with a caramelized cheese crust, and all-day espresso drinks. The small space full of sports memorabilia fills up quickly in the evenings (and can sell out of everything) so swing by for lunch or early dinner. Food Rundown photo credit: Sydney Sang and Airam Dato-on Tavern-Style Pizza Unlike some spots that feel like they're competing for the “Thinnest Pizza Ever” title, Novel’s square cut pizza has a few more millimeters of substance, but still plenty of crispiness on the bottom and the edges. There’s a build-your-own option, but save some decision-making brain power and get the perfect sweet-sour pairing of longanisa and giardiniera mixed with the peppery tomato sauce. photo credit: Akane Matsumoto Pan-Style Pizza The pan-style has no BYO option and only comes with cheese or hot pepperoni—our favorite. The salty pepperoni cups and crispy cheese crust get some heat and sweetness from a drizzle of hot honey, while dollops of ricotta add some creaminess. These pies can sometimes be a little too bready, but they’re still a good alternative for anyone who likes their pizza with more chew." - John Ringor

"We recently checked out Novel Pizza and added it to our Hit List. Novel Pizza specializes in tavern-style and pan pies. Head to Pilsen for pizzas with toppings like longanisa, giardinera, and pepperoni, or build your own. You can get them to go, or dine-in to minimize the pizza-to-mouth pipeline." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen