Novel: A Book and Sandwich Shop — Restaurant in Rochester

What a fun shop! I browsed extensively but still didn't see everything. Novel has a wide selection of books for adults and for kids, games, puzzles, stickers, sketchpads, plushies, journals... you name it! Rumor has it that there are also a children's storytime and a book club for adults, which both seem like perfect fits for this upbeat space. Even though the store was full of people, I didn't have to wait to get served or to find a comfortable seat.

Kitchen closes at 3, hours before the bookstore, so plan accordingly if you're hungry (like I usually am). You'll find a great assortment of sandwiches (served half or whole), pastries, and a soup de jour. [Soup changes daily... in case I botched the French.]

I ordered a whole Vegetarian sandwich and grabbed a Wild Bill's grape soda from the cooler that is full of interesting craft beverages. It rang up at $19. I asked to have half of my sandwich packaged to-go, and they kindly obliged.

Everything about the sandwich was perfect -- crispy airy sourdough, "healthy" serving of melty brie and ripe avocado slices (unsmooshed! I always manage to smoosh mine somehow), vingrette-looking-but-not-at-all-vinegary drizzle of flavorful sauce, and tangy sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Kudos to the chef! I can tell he puts a lot of attention and care into the selection of ingredients and the preparation.

I will definitely be back to try their other meatless options, like the grilled cheese sandwich (with apple?? I hope), the broccoli-cheddar soup, and the sweets. Pretty sure I'll grab a loaf of that wonderful bread next time, too, to share with my aunt. She will certainly adore it. (Aunt B has been known to say, "Bread is life, my dear." She is never wrong.)

Now I can't wait to tell all my friends about Novel and bring them with me on my next visit... I mean "visits." Thanks, people of Novel and of Rochester, for brightening my day.

P.S. Is there any chance for an outdoor table or two next summer? We dog people would much...

What a great little spot. The sandwiches are top shelf based on the two I’ve had before, the soup was serviceable at a minimum (not what I’d go there for but it was fine), baked good were good as well.

Staff was friendly and unobtrusive.

Per the books, I don’t know how to rate this fairly. It’s obviously not a Barnes and noble; they have a very limited selection. Further, I enjoy proper contemporary literature but reading isn’t my primary hobby so I’m never up to date on the best books released each year, so I’m relying on good reads and research just before going shopping. Which is to say, I hadn’t heard of pretty much a single book in the place (there are a few super popular authors but it’s the minority).

But, I used goodreads and perused and found a book that seemed interesting (‘Clear’ by Carys Davies) and it’s a very good read. So I’m happy.

All in all I’m more likely to keep coming back for the sandwiches than a book each time. But I’ll keep looking at the selection and I’m sure I’ll grab a book from...

If you are in (or visiting) Downtown Rochester to see the Big Bright Light Show, please do yourself a favor:

Pop on over to Novel: A Book & Sandwich Shop. It is located at 307 S Main St it is ALL of the warm / cozy / hygge vibes your soul needs to warm up during this bitterly cold start to winter.

While you are browsing the bookshop, check out their clever recommendation wall, with suggestions for a new read based on popular books. When you finally spot either the book that caught your eye or the book you’ve been resisting getting; by all means treat yourself.

While you are paying for your new book, order some lunch. Try one of Novel’s delicious soups or order one of their incredible sandwiches. This gives you the perfect opportunity to start that book right then. While your lunch is made with care in their kitchen, you can start in on the first few pages and continue through your meal. By the time you are ready to leave, you will feel cozy and warmed all over from...