Located in the heart of the vibrant Pilsen neighborhood at 1759 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608, Novel Pizza Cafe stands as a welcoming destination for those who appreciate the intersection of culinary tradition and a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. Our establishment is built on the simple philosophy that great food serves as the foundation for meaningful connections. Whether you are a long-time resident of Chicago or a visitor exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the city, our cafe offers a space where you can slow down, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, and experience the unique charm of our local surroundings.
At Novel Pizza Cafe, we believe that the quality of our ingredients and the care put into our preparation process are what define a truly memorable dining experience. We take pride in our craft, focusing on the fundamentals of dough, sauce, and toppings to create a balanced flavor profile that resonates with our guests. Our kitchen operates with a commitment to consistency and freshness, ensuring that every order reflects our dedication to the art of pizza making. We invite you to step inside, take a seat, and become a part of our ongoing story.
What Makes Us Unique
Community-Centric Atmosphere: We strive to create an environment that feels like an extension of your own living room. By fostering a welcoming space at our 19th Street location, we aim to be a reliable gathering spot for friends, families, and neighbors to share a meal and conversation.
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: We prioritize the selection of our components, working with reliable sources to ensure that every pizza we serve meets our standards for taste and texture. Our focus remains on the integrity of the food, allowing the natural flavors of our ingredients to take center stage.
A Thoughtful Culinary Approach: Our menu is designed with intention, focusing on a curated selection of options that highlight classic techniques. By refining our processes, we ensure that each visit to our cafe provides a satisfying and reliable experience for every guest who walks through our doors.
Heart of Pilsen Location: Situated in a historic and culturally rich part of Chicago, our cafe is deeply connected to the energy of the neighborhood. We are proud to contribute to the local culinary scene and appreciate the opportunity to serve the diverse community that makes this area so special.
Join Us for Your Next Meal
Whether you are looking for a casual lunch, a relaxed dinner, or a comfortable place to unwind after a busy day, Novel Pizza Cafe is here to provide a warm and inviting experience. We believe that food is best enjoyed in good company, and we look forward to welcoming you to our table. Our team is dedicated to providing friendly service and a comfortable environment, ensuring that your time with us is both pleasant and memorable. We invite you to visit us at 1759 W 19th St in Chicago to discover why we have become a cherished part of our local community. We look forward to serving you soon.
Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Menus
Photos
Reviews Novel Pizza Cafe
Lilianna Meyer
30-05-2026
I can’t praise this spot enough. I’m so happy to have a new regular pizza spot that actually hits the spot!
The owners are really great and the entire team was welcoming when I went in for pick up.
The space itself was awesome. It’s small but there’s some indoor seating. The highlight is the decor by both of the owners influenced by their backgrounds.
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Ivan Corona
30-05-2026
Don’t get me wrong, the food was tasty, but there was nothing particularly unique about it. The menu is very limited, and I came here expecting more of the Mexican-Filipino fusion they heavily promote on social media. In reality, the pizza … More
Emily Martinez
30-05-2026
As you can tell from the photos, I’ve been to Novel a couple times since they opened 🤩Their pizza truly never misses. I typically stick with the Gremski (tavern style) and flip between hot pep, longanisa/giardinieria and build your own. I’m … More
annie
30-05-2026
hands down one of the best pizzas i’ve ever had. my family and i got 2 pizzas, one tavern style and the other alico style. if i had to choose one, i’d get the alico style. it was life changing and worth every penny!! More
Dan Ward
30-05-2026
Absolutely fantastic! Went on a Sunday afternoon and had to wait around 40 min. Definitely worth the wait. In a town that's known for it's pizza, this is at or near the top of the list. More
Matthew
30-05-2026
Ugh this is a tough one. 3 star feels too generous, 2 feels almost too harsh, but you can't give half stars.
This was a "curveball" pick for my time In Chicago. Came across it on it and seemed like people loved it. Visually looked good online.
Service was decent. No issues and about what you would expect from counter service pizza joint. Smile and friendly when taking the order.
Same for ambience, no wow factor. Basically exactly what you would expect the corner pizza spot to look like. Slightly old school almost dated. Basic. But really mo complaints. It serves its purpose.
Now the pizza. That's where it all gets squabbly. Visually it looks great, solid photo pizza. But where here to eat the food not just take pictures.
I got half with ricotta and I tried that side first, and I noticed a grainy mouth feel. I thought that was the ricotta so I tried the other side. To my surprise same thing. This grainy mouth feel. When you look close you can see tons of dry herbs on top which it's what I credit for the mouth feel. They don't break down or anything so when over done it just absorbs the grease but adds a weird texture. Was like sandy feeling.
Then the crust. With the thin tavern style I was looking for the thing crispy crust. And while it was thin and crispy maybe it's the hydration level of the dough but it is crispy but almost gives stale wafer over crispy pizza crust.
Between the crust and the graininess it was hard to enjoy. I think just seasoning the sauce and eliminating the dry herbs on top would make a huge difference even with the crust texture but together it's not a great combination.
People clearly like this place. They were steady the whole 50-60 mins we were there. I mean it's only like 6 tables so not hard to look busy but people were grabbing slices and leaving. For what I was looking for and expecting it missed it almost all
Around on the pizza side.
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Elizabeth
30-05-2026
Oily with hard cheese less sauce. Aquired taste, look at the pictures most of the the cheese is dark color. It's less melted and more stiff from over cooking and reheating the very thin slices. I gave 2 stars because the ice vanilla late was very tasty and saved me a trip to the other cafes.
Order type
Dine in
Food: 2
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Tyler J
30-05-2026
Classic thin crust. I didn’t get a chance to try the other toppings, but I’ll be back. This is perfect after a game or a night you don’t want to cook.
The vibe is right too. They have a few tables and a counter facing the window. They were also playing the Action Bronson food show when I was there. This place knows what’s up.
Order type
Dine in
Price per person
$1–10
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Noise level
Moderate noise
William Johnson
30-05-2026
I don't often leave reviews, but this place might have the best vegan pizza in Chicago!
I ordered pick-up: half pepperoni & half sausage/pepper/onion. The store called to let me know when the order was nearing completion, ~10min before estimated (30-35 min, via Toast). The crust was thin & crisp, the cheese perfectly melted, and the toppings were plentiful & delicious🔥.
Solid 9/10, leaving wiggle room for the mythical perfect pizza pie. Definitely will be returning for more.
Order type
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Noise level
Quiet, easy to talk
Recommendation for vegetarians
Highly recommend
Dietary restrictions
Delicious vegan options (pepperoni, sausage, etc.)
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Chicago Bae Reviews
30-05-2026
My friend and I got to give Novel Pizza Cafe. I will say the overall experience was well worth it. The food quality was on par with all this larger pizza spots. I will say maybe don’t get two spicy pizzas. One spice and one non spicy would be a good mix for sure. I did wish they had more apps…The service was great. The cashier gave us recommendations and really did know the menu! The atmosphere was different. I will say if you want a local pizza with that family style feel when you are in the shop, give NPC a try!
Order type
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3
Recommended dishes
Longanisa and Giardiniera Pizza
Parking space
Somewhat difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Nicholas P
30-05-2026
I was finally able to come here. I actually found this place through social media then I double checked the reviews on Google and Yelp, to ensure that it was good. It’s located in Pilsen. They do have free street parking but you have to … More
Sidney Taylor
30-05-2026
Great pizza and coffee! We had the 1/2 cheese 1/2 Longanisa & hot peppers. Environment was nice and laid back. Also a great place to take kids! More
Leo Padilla
30-05-2026
I’m a vegetarian so maybe would have
taste it better with meat. I just got a regular cheese pizza. I don’t know maybe it’s the sause wasn’t my fav not much seasoning idk, not for me but maybe someone else would like it, the employees are really kind. More
Caroline Usher
30-05-2026
Hot damn, this just might be my new fav pizza spot. Okay, one of them. The pepperoni pizza by the slice ($8 and 1/4 of a whole pizza cut in squares) was off the chain. Perfectly crispy and spicy with a pepperoni ratio that was just right. … More
Bryan Schneider
30-05-2026
A delightful place! Delicious tavern style pizza. Delightfully thin crust, tasty sauce (just enough sweetness)? And a wide assortment of toppings. The staff are super friendly, which adds so much to the experience. The location is clean with charming decorations. More
Persistent Dreams
30-05-2026
Delicious thin-crust pizza slice with loads of sausage and very tasty sauce. The "slice" was actually a quarter of a pie cut tavern style. Service was excellent. Wasn't crazy about the profanity-laden music being played, but I guess that's … More
Leah K
30-05-2026
A Chicagoan recommended I take the pink line to 18th for this best ever pizza. With crunchy thin crust and an unexpectedly large serving size, it was piping hot and topped with tons of cheese and a generous amounts of sausage and hot honey. … More
Matthew Parrilli
30-05-2026
Got a taste for tacos? Head to Pilsen.
Got a hankering for tavern-style pizza? Head to Novel Pizza in Pilsen!
Owned and operated by folks who know and love tavern-style pizza, the Chicago Bulls, and pop culture. Highly recommended! More
Sue Kwong
30-05-2026
The patient cashier made me the most delicious Americano after warning me the drip coffee would take some time. On my thin slice, I don't remember the (Italian sausage) topping being so salty so I think they're more optimal for thick crust … More
Jonathan Palomo
30-05-2026
THIS IS THE ONE! I’ve heard the hype around Novel for a while and it’s WELL deserved! The famous Longanisa & Giardiniera is 10/10! 💥 Rumor has it, you HAVE to take it up a notch by adding Ricotta on top but we forgot. 🫣 … More
Reviews Novel Pizza Cafe