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 belief that a great meal is more than just sustenance; it is a shared experience that brings people together. Whether you are a long-time resident of Chicago or a visitor exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the city, our doors are open to provide a comfortable space where quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation take center stage.
At Novel Pizza Cafe, we focus on the fundamentals of craft baking and honest cooking. We understand that the foundation of a memorable pizza lies in the quality of the dough, the freshness of the toppings, and the precision of the bake. Our kitchen team works diligently to ensure that every order reflects our commitment to consistency and flavor. By sourcing ingredients with care and respecting the time-honored techniques of pizza making, we aim to offer a menu that feels both familiar and satisfying. We believe that simplicity, when executed with passion, creates the most enduring culinary experiences.
The atmosphere of our cafe is designed to mirror the spirit of the surrounding community. We have created an environment that is conducive to casual conversations, quiet reflection, or lively gatherings with friends and family. The interior reflects a clean, approachable aesthetic that allows the focus to remain on the food and the company you keep. We take pride in being a part of the 19th Street corridor, contributing to the local landscape of Chicago with a dedication to hospitality that we hope resonates with every guest who walks through our doors.
What Sets Us Apart
Commitment to Quality Ingredients: We prioritize the selection of high-quality components for our pizzas, ensuring that every element—from the flour in our dough to the herbs in our sauces—meets our standards for freshness and taste.
Community-Centric Atmosphere: Situated in the historic Pilsen area, our cafe serves as a neighborhood hub where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a welcoming environment that celebrates the diverse character of Chicago.
Artisanal Preparation Methods: Our approach combines traditional techniques with a modern sensibility, resulting in a product that honors the history of pizza while remaining relevant to contemporary tastes.
Focus on Guest Experience: We strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience, emphasizing attentive service and a comfortable setting that encourages guests to relax and savor their time with us.
A Place for Everyone
Whether you are stopping by for a quick bite during a busy day or settling in for a leisurely evening meal, Novel Pizza Cafe is dedicated to providing a consistent and enjoyable experience. We value the feedback of our patrons and are constantly looking for ways to refine our offerings while staying true to the core values that define our kitchen. Our presence at 1759 W 19th St is a testament to our love for the craft of pizza making and our desire to share that passion with the Chicago community.
We invite you to visit us and discover why so many people have made our cafe a regular stop in their daily routines. From the moment you arrive, our goal is to make you feel at home, providing a reliable destination for good food and genuine hospitality. We look forward to serving you and becoming a meaningful part of your culinary journey in the city. Thank you for considering Novel Pizza Cafe as your next destination for a quality meal in the heart of Chicago.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
Curbside pickup
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy
Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Usually plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
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
Matthew
23-06-2026
Ugh this is a tough one. 3 star feels too generous, 2 feels almost too harsh, but you can't give half stars. … More
Leo Padilla
12-06-2026
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
Elizabeth
02-06-2026
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. More
Chicago Bae Reviews
09-05-2026
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 … More
William Johnson
07-04-2026
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
Bryan Schneider
14-03-2026
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
Jonathan Palomo
22-02-2026
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
annie
21-02-2026
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
Sidney Taylor
19-02-2026
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
William Johnson
28-01-2026
I don't often leave reviews, but this place might have the best vegan pizza in Chicago! … More
Lilianna Meyer
07-01-2026
I can’t praise this spot enough. I’m so happy to have a new regular pizza spot that actually hits the spot! … More
Tyler J
30-12-2025
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. … More
Sue Kwong
28-11-2025
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
Leah K
22-11-2025
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
Ivan Corona
27-10-2025
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
Matthew Parrilli
16-10-2025
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
Nicholas P
22-09-2025
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
Persistent Dreams
11-08-2025
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
Dan Ward
28-06-2025
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
Emily Martinez
15-06-2025
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
Caroline Usher
21-05-2025
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
Reviews Novel Pizza Cafe