This is such a cute hometown bookstore. The owner Rachel, personally gave me and my daughter recommendations on new authors to try. We also enjoyed lunch while we were there. The turkey sandwich and vegetarian sandwich. Both were delicious served on fresh made bread. Even the chips from Traverse City and the local soft drinks were great. Felt like you could sit and relax while mulling over your book selections. read more

Finally made it in for our first visit. We split two sandwiches and these are our thoughts: grilled cheese was just ok, needed more cheese. The roast beef chimichurri was okay, but it felt like it needed something to level out the heat of the chimichurri. I think it would be amazing with some roasted red pepper--slight heat to balance the spice. I know it would change the sandwich to something entirely different, but i think it would be amazing with coleslaw. Bookstore was fine, just a lot less books than I was hoping for. Looks like they keep a mix of more popular/new release titles, mixing in some older favorites. As a librarian I am always going to want more books, so take that with a grain of salt. read more

A year later and this is still my fave sandwich shop and local small business in downtown Rochester. The sandwiches are THE best. I also really enjoy the soups. My fave is still the beef Chimichurri and my husband loves the Elliott which is on secret menu. Th book selection is small and curated but always on point with great gift selections. I LOVE the community events. From local teachers coming in to read on weekends, to charity and non profit book donations to making food for Neighborhood House. The book clubs are super fun and I always meet new people and see familiar faces. My fave event tho was probably the recent watercolor book workshop! Although Indie Bookstore Day was pretty great too. Great job Novel! read more

See all

Saw Novel on FB. Drove to Michigan for Mother's Day with my adult children. My daughter was willing to drive from Southgate with me to visit Novel for books & a sandwich! Even better than I had hoped. My daughter found several books as did I along with stickers, matchbooks and much more! The people were so friendly & helpful! My sandwich was so delish! My daughter said hers was "wonderful"! Told them it was worth the drive from Texas to enjoy the experience with my daughter for an extra special Mother's Day! Will put it at the top of my list for my next visit to Michigan! read more

Novel - My two books - Sandwiches Near Me - Rochester, Michigan

The turkey caprese and the Italian were both very good! The latte wasn't bad either! Not as sweet as I prefer but it was still pretty good! Would definitely come back read more

Novel - Italian sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Rochester, Michigan

Such a gem! Love this place, staff is so friends, the atmosphere is so chill, I want to stay in there all day! We tried 2 of their sandwiches and both were amazing! Can't wait to go back and try the entire menu, one by one. Definitely check this place out. read more

An utterly charming bookstore where the staff makes everyone feel welcome! The color scheme and atmosphere were so fresh and inviting, which perfectly matched the friendly staff. There is a wonderful selection of books for both adults and children with selections across multiple genres. I especially loved the 'Blind Date with a Book', 'Rochester Reader Reviews', 'Staff Picks', and 'Liked This? Try This' sections. These are such thoughtful ideas. Our coffee and latte came in disposable cartons. A win for sustainability! The Italian sandwich and cinnamon roll were delicious! A great lunch. Every downtown needs a bookstore, and Novel is such a charming addition. I can't wait to visit again soon! read more

See all

Logistics. Downtown Rochester, west of Rochester Rd between 3rd and 4th Steets. Vibe. Whimsy. Open. Small. Drafty (Entrances from front or back). Thoughtful displays. Modern more than librarian den aesthetics. BEST PART: Jazz music. Not too loud. Two main seating areas: 3 bistro tables with 3 chairs each, and couches with coffee table. Seats about 18? Comestibles and Potables. Coffee (@whiepinecoffee) no cream (sadly), basic espresso menu, cold reach soda, juice, etc. Pies and breads from @crust_fenton; excellent local purveyors that know and love their craft. Yum! Sandwich menu limited to 5 types; artisan, gourmet, and filling. Though good, the meat for Roast Beef was lacking in comparison to the pics online, 2 slices vs 4 slices. Hospitality. Super friendly. Met Rachel the owner. Welcoming. Of note. Metered street or metered lot parking. Loos clean and stocked. Keep coats on because it is a little cold; no vestibules to stop the chilly draft from whipping through the store or when the basement door is open. Looking forward to coming in when weather warms or they get vestibules. Is it ok to bring a book to read while I eat your sandwiches, Novel? read more

See all

What a great store! Great selection of books for both adults and children with great pricing. The retail section was adorable with journals, stationary, great sticker selection etc. there was bistro style tables to dine at along with ample couch seating near the register. The food was incredible- I got an Italian sandwich- everything tasted fresh, healthy, and was made on the spot with grilled panini. It was such a quaint store, the service was friendly and quick and it just felt cozy. My only regret was I wish I would've tried the truffle sandwich- that'll be my next order. read more

Novel feels like very much a community gathering spot. From its cute atmosphere to the friendly service it's easy to keep going back.

Love love love this place! Such a cute bookstore and we were shocked to discover their cafe is actually amazing. Delicious food! And the girls working were incredibly lovely and helpful. We drove 40 mins to check it out and we will certainly be back! read more

Novel - Sandwiches Near Me - Rochester, Michigan

See all

Owner is a Quebec Nordiques fan; that alone deserves five stars but the sandwiches put this place on the map for me. They have a different special each weekend and one week it was this amazing ham sandwich with pineapples in it!! It was phenomenal. All the bread and baked goods are courtesy of Crust out of Fenton. I feel like it's in a perfect location and all the books and coffee make the whole spot extremely inviting. I've been here a few times with my daughter and she loves the place too. You must absolutely come check this place out! read more

See all

Best sandwiches on the planet! I'm hooked on the mortadella, artichoke and truffle sandwich. There's no way to order one, otherwise I'd be eating their sandwiches every day. read more

Really cute addition to downtown Rochester! We tried the Turkey Caprese and Roadt Beef Chimchurri sandwiches. The fresh made pesto and chimchurri were both delicious and added such a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the sandwiches. The interior is super cute and the books are curated with everyone in mind! The staff was so nice and friendly and you can tell really love the business. We will be back for sure. read more

Novel - Turkey Caprese - Sandwiches Near Me - Rochester, Michigan

Great little shop, stacked with books and great sandwiches ! Highly recommend! Service was excellent, reasonable price! read more

Such a sweet little shop! Great book selection, tasty coffee, cool music/vibes, and delicious sandwiches. One of the owners Rachel is a book wizard and can help you find the perfect book! The other owner Elliott is usually making the sammies and/or chatting everyone up. Very welcoming and friendly space. Can't wait to come back for my next book (and to try more of the sandwiches)! read more

See all

Forget about sandwiches if you show up after 3 pm, the kitchen is closed after 3. Only coffee after 3 pm. Yelp or apple Maps do not have that info, barely visible on the website. read more

Cute place but seating is so limited that you can't actually enjoy the cuteness. You have to walk in alone and not with a friend and stand around bc there isnt anywhere to sit with your coffee or sandwich. It would have more potential if you could actually spend more than 10 mins inside. read more

So yummy and cozy!! Such love for the sticker wall!! The sandwiches are perfect, I loved how they also had an option for soup read more

Wow! This place was amazing! It has been on our list for a long time, and we finally swung by, and it did not disappoint. The staff were so kind and very helpful when we had questions about the food. The food was phenomenal! The ingredients tasted so fresh. The atmosphere was so cozy and inviting. Also, the books were very reasonably priced. Great experience overall, can't wait to go back. read more

See all

Love novel! The owners are the best and they have a great selection of books. The sandwiches are a must, and you have to try their pastries! I can never leave there without getting a few things. Highly recommend! read more

The sandwiches were amazing and able to be customized. You can literally see into the kitchen and watch them make your meal. The sodas were unique and phenomenal. The selection of books were great and decently organized, although some signage or indication of genre may be beneficial. I honestly think they will need to expand soon, my sister and I went on a Friday right when they opened and by noon it was packed! All around it was amazing food and good vibes. Highly recommend. read more

Sandwiches were delicious! I love that they offer sourdough. Will be back! Love to shop for books while waiting.

We love this place! We always get our favorite French pastry here. It's so cozy--perfect for grabbing a coffee, browsing for a book, and just soaking up the atmosphere. The staff is fantastic; we couldn't find the book in the store, but they went above and beyond and ordered it for us. Such a great idea and a refreshing spot in downtown Rochester. read more

There is so much to love about this place! The atmosphere, the tunes, the sandwiches, the coffee...just to name a few! There is something for everyone, and if you're not sure what book to get or which sandwich to pick, the owners can always offer a suggestion based on your likes. It's cozy and inviting, and keeps a small-town feel, but brings big flavors and current titles to stay modern and fresh! And- they have cute plushies, games, great cards and unique gifts. read more

This is a great little independent neighborhood book shop. Awesome sandwiches and a nice selection of books.

My favorite indie bookstore! The store is so cute and it's an added bonus that I can grab a delicious sandwich while I'm there.

This place has great food and I enjoy the cozy atmosphere. I also love their book discussions.

It is so bright, colorful, and intentionally organized and cultivated. I went with a friend & we loved browsing & especially looking at all the book themed stickers. We loved the back "try this if you like this" wall. The baked goods are pricy & we didn't love the coffee, but the store itself is lovely! Loved the owners! read more