Novel Pizza Cafe
Pizza restaurant · Heart of Chicago ·
Tavern-style, pan pizzas, calzones, coffee, sweet longanisa
Tavern-style, pan pizzas, calzones, coffee, sweet longanisa
"You might think Chicago’s pizza scene has nothing new to offer, given how many types are practically pouring out onto the streets (Pilsen-style included). But the tavern-style pies at this small pizza and coffee shop, 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, alyssa reyes, veda kilaru, john ringor
"The tavern-style pies at Novel Pizza in Pilsen trade in the thin, cracker aesthetic for a more substantial pita chip-esque crunch. But aside from the excellent crust and delicious spicy tomato sauce, it's their unique combo of housemade sweet longanisa and tart giardiniera that merit some trailblazer award from whatever the pizza Oscars would be. And if you want to be a pizza pioneer yourself, Novel also has a build-your-own option." - adrian kane, john ringor
"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
"Janice Scurio describes this Filipino-owned pizza joint as a long-admired spot she finally visited after her mom called to say it was featured during a Bulls game; she highlights a signature pie: "The longanisa-giardiniera was a wonderful cultural amalgamation - and I wasn’t expecting the sweet sauce I rarely (and want to!) see in tavern-style pies." — Janice Scurio" - Ashok Selvam
