Super GemChicago Exclusive Gem$$Cousins Francis Almeda and Ryan Catolico built a following with pop-ups before opening the 19th Street storefront in June 2024 with their friend Enrique Huizar, and the shop leans hard into their Filipino and Mexican heritage. The signature pie pairs sweet Filipino longanisa with Caruso Provisions giardiniera on a cracker-thin tavern crust cut in squares, a combination that sounds like a dare and eats like it was always meant to exist. Chicago Magazine named Novel a 2025 Neighborhood Find. The menu splits into two styles: Gremski tavern-thin pies in 16 inches, from a hot honey pepperoni to a CST with pepperoni, sausage and giardiniera, and Alico pan pizzas in 12 inches, which take 30 to 45 minutes and come with a crispy cheese edge worth the wait.
There are slices for the impatient and a Pilsen Puff calzone fried in beef tallow for the curious. The coffee side runs all day, with lattes you can upgrade with ube or pandan vanilla, matcha and an agua fresca specialty drink. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 9pm, with the kitchen's last call at 8:45.
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