Cafe Novo is really good at being what it is.
Is it trying to be Manic or Crema? No (and thank freaking god for that). What it is, however, is one of the friendliest cafes I've ever been to, has reliable coffee (though they really should use smaller cups for their americanos), pretty good baked goods, a nice space, but is also conveniently located to jump off the subway and grab a coffee.
As long as you aren't going in expecting latte art and pretension, you'll be juuuuuust fine.