Novel Pizza Cafe

Reviews

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  Nicholas P 2 months ago

  4.0

  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 look and double check the signs. It’s harder to find spots at night on a Saturday, when we went. You can also pay $3 an hour and park at the Ray Castro plaza. When you walk inside, they have about 5-6 tables on the left give or take, then the bleachers on the right. You order then they bring it out to you. We ordered a 16” half margherita half longanisa & giardiniera tavern style pizza. It took about 45 mins. This pizza is good for 3-4 people. We ordered fries in the mean time to munch on. These are tasty since they are crunchy and not soggy. We also ordered an agua fresca ( made in house) and amor eterno drink. Both drinks were great. The service was half good half bad. The taller guy provided exceptional customer service. There was a shorter, skinnier guy that provided some very weak service. He looked like he didn’t want to be there. I had to ask him 3-4 times for a container to go. It takes 30 secs or less to do it. Minus half a star. The pizza itself was delicious. The longanisa is a Filipino sausage that is on the sweeter side. The longanisa’s sweeter side helps balance out the giardinera’s spicier side. This was not overly salted. I don’t really trust reviews that can’t even provide a picture. No picture = did not happen. The margherita was delicious and savory. We also got ube and horchata ice cream, it comes in a good size cup for $7. The flavors taste great together almost like a Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with ube. Overall it’s a 4.5.

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  Jonathan Palomo 3 months ago

  5.0

  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. 🫣 GUESS I just gotta go back! Takes me 45 minutes to get down to Pilsen but it’s well worth it. I also got half with the Hot Pep and it was phenomenal. The pizza is Tavern style so it has a great thin & crunchy crust with flavorful sauce & ingredients on top. They also sell slices with the usual toppings AND some coffee courtesy of Drip Collective if you need to take some caffeine to go. The place is a little small so during the weekend it’ll be a little hard to get a seat with a larger group.

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  Sue Kwong 4 months ago

  5.0

  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 pizza from a previous visit—with longanisa. I recommend ordering ahead or visiting the National Museum of Mexican Art while waiting. Happy to return and recommend to deep-dish pizza seekers.

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  Matthew Parrilli 5 months ago

  5.0

  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!

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  Leah K 6 months ago

  5.0

  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. Mmmmm! The horchata was the creamiest ever. The service was kind and helpful and the playlist was straight out of my neighborhood in the 90s. Made for a wonderful meal with lots of memories. Make sure to follow up with a visit to the National Museum of Mexican Art just across the street. Great people, great food, all around fun.

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  Groovybman07 9 months ago

  3.0

  Pizza was very good with a thin crust and high quality toppings. Service was so-so. We got a large order and they wouldn’t even give us a pizza box to take it home. Instead we were given lots of small styrofoam containers. When I asked, they said no. Really? Also, they have no alcohol license, so if you’re looking for beer with your pizza, take it to go.

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  TravelsNTreasures 10 months ago

  3.0

  I visited Pilsen to explore the neighborhood. After visiting the museum, I found this pizza place that was less than a 5 minute walk. I went on a Friday around Noon and it was not crowded. I ordered to go, so service was quick. There was a short wait (less than 10 minutes). I sat and soaked in the sporty atmosphere. I imagined hanging out here on the small section of bleachers while enjoying pizza and ogling sports paraphernalia. When it arrived, the pizza was piping hot and looked appetizing. I liked the seasoning but overall, it was too salty for my taste. I really loved the thin crust too. If I had some marinara sauce to cut the saltiness, that would have made it more enjoyable. If you want to try tavern pizza, this would be a good spot (paired with a cold one).

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  prowander 2 years ago

  5.0

  Delicious pizza. Beware that when you order a slice it is really a fourth of a whole pizza. Lots of food and still so tasty. The people running the place are super nice.

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