Novel: A Book & Sandwich Shop

Novel is the kind of place a women-first town-guide is built to find. It’s an independent bookshop and a sandwich counter in one, run by a husband-and-wife team — Rachel curates the shelves like a friend who actually reads (romance, historical fiction, YA thrillers, true crime, with hand-written “if you liked this, try this” cards), while Elliott, culinary-school trained, turns out hot panini-style sandwiches on CRUST bread with cheese from The Cheese Lady down the street. It’s explicitly built as a “third space” — the cozy living room of downtown Rochester — with monthly book clubs, kids’ story time, puzzle and game nights, and the occasional after-hours “boozy book fair” with the distillery a few doors down. There’s a seasonally-costumed porch goose out front, because of course there is. Come for a sandwich, leave with a novel and a standing invitation. High on our list.