Bookie’s Pizza

1315 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, United States
$$$ Pizza restaurant
(258 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Bookie’s Pizza, a beloved gem located at 1315 Water St, in the picturesque seaside city of Santa Cruz, California. This pizza restaurant is not just another eatery; it's an experience rooted in creativity and flavor, ensuring that every visit is memorable.

At Bookie’s Pizza, the cuisine is centered around Detroit-style pizza, a deep-dish delight that transports your taste buds to new heights. Customers rave about the rich, cheesy goodness that fills every slice. Signature favorites include the pepperoni pizza, celebrated by fans like Ben Nighswonger who describes it as “maybe the best pepperoni pizza, ever!” The unique toppings, like the spinach artichoke pizza recommended by Jen Conrad, showcase the creativity that sets Bookie’s apart. Even the unconventional combinations—like the anchovy and pineapple pizza—have been praised by Talia Karasinski as “divine.”

The atmosphere is as welcoming as the flavors are bold. A fun, casual vibe is complemented by unique decor, spacious seating, and a friendly staff eager to assist. Whether you're seated indoors among the lively chatter or enjoying the fresh air at outdoor tables (pet-friendly, too!), the ambiance enhances your dining experience. Customers appreciate the clean and well-lit environment, perfect for unwinding after a day spent exploring the beach or biking along the coast.

As for beverages, Bookie’s boasts a diverse selection of craft beers, non-alcoholic options, and creative brews, making it a perfect stop for beer enthusiasts. Guests like Scott Seeley enjoy the unique drink offerings that accompany the exciting pizza menu. After indulging in your hearty meal, don’t skip out on dessert—Amy Nutcher found the tiramisu so rich and delicious that it’s a must-order!

In a location filled with dining options, Bookie’s Pizza stands out—it's not just about the pizza; it’s about the experience, from the moment you walk in to the first delightful bite. Lauren Freeman sums it up perfectly, expressing a wish for more places like this treasure. This restaurant embodies the spirit of Santa Cruz, combining quality, comfort, and creativity in every offering.

If you find yourself in Santa Cruz, make Bookie’s Pizza a priority on your culinary journey. With large portions, creative pies, and a commitment to freshness, it’s not only a place to eat but a destination to savor every flavor.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
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Monday

12:00 AM - 8:45 PM

Tuesday

12:00 AM - 8:45 PM

Wednesday

12:00 AM - 8:45 PM

Thursday

12:00 AM - 8:45 PM

Friday

12:00 AM - 9:45 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 9:45 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 8:45 PM

258 Reviews
Ben Nighswonger

24 Aug 2025

Just wonderful, my favorite inauthentic Detroit style pizza in the world ! Maybe the best pepperoni pizza , ever! Wide variety of Very authentic beers & ales & wines!

Scott Seeley

16 Aug 2025

Fun little pizza n brew place. Unique and creative pizza creations to go along with unique decor and seating. Lots of space so you don't feel crowded and a few cool communal style tables with plenty of chairs. Clean bathroom, well lit. Friendly and helpful staff. Very short wait.

Jen Conrad

05 Aug 2025

This pizza is actually bomb. I thought it was gonna be weird because im not normally a fan of deep dish. But it was good. We didnt understand what half the fancy words were on the menu, so I had to ask, but the guy in the pizza counter was very nice and explained everything to me. We got the spinach artichoke pizza. It was salty, but I like that. Tasty and unique.

Talia Karasinski

03 Aug 2025

We stopped in for lunch on a Friday and it was very quiet. They have a lot of non alcoholic beers to choose from in addition to their whole beer selection! If you like beer you’ll enjoy this spot. The pizza was divine. We got the anchovy and pineapple one - it sounds weird but it was so good. This place is dog friendly and they have good seating both outdoors and indoors.

Amy Nutcher

13 Jul 2025

Deliciously overpriced pizza! We ordered buffalo wings, pepperoni pizza, and a tiramisu for dessert. The pizza is deep dish style. They have a small menu, but every flavor sounds delicious! One pizza was perfect for us to split. The tiramisu was very rich and yummy! The place was packed and loud. There were board games available to play. Definitely worth fighting for a seat to enjoy pizza and beer! Great pizza, try it out!

Lauren Freeman

29 Jun 2025

This place is a Santa Cruz gem. We need more places like Bookie’s. This is a favorite spot of ours and I’m fearful to say it on social media so folks don’t start coming. The pizza is freshly made and delicious. Apart from the staple toppings of cheese and pep, the menu is often limited but may provide a fancier vegetarian or meat option. Limited is not a bad thing! Portions are large and pizza is LIGHT AND FLUFFY! I can only eat three pizza slices at a time. The mushroom wings are freaking awesome and if you ever had their desert then you know what I’m talking about. Come to share a table with local residents, kids may be running around or playing with a puzzle, bikes are hung on the wall, bathrooms are accessible and parking is a little tight unless you bike there or park on the street or small parking lot. I highly recommend Bookie’s Pizza and if you don’t like it, there’s a Little Cesar’s around the corner.

Audrey Kaye

11 Jun 2025

Feels like Portland bottled up in a little pizza joint. The real star, whatever red sauce they use on the pepperoni pizza. Is that cheddar cheese they bake into the crust? Perfect place to eat after a day at the beach, biking, walking, or if you’re looking for a quality detroit style. We will definitely be returning and this place has made it onto our list of recommendations for our friends looking for a bite to eat. Chipotle-Pineapple Cider is 10/10 Thank you Bookie’s! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time.

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