10/10 One of the best spots in Santa Cruz! The pizza here is to die for. They have flavors that range from classic to more complex, and I really think these is something for everyone at Bookies! The beer is good and the vibes are super mellow. The Detroit inspired pizza is a little pricey, but it is so dense and rich that a pizza is easy to split and get full fast. A MUST get is the Caesar salad (my favorite salad in the entire world), and the mushroom buffalo wings. I don't know how they nail the fried chicken texture with fried mushrooms, but it is a vegetarian dream. My only complaints is that this place gets so packed that it can be hard to get a table, and since it is first come first serve and order at the counter style joint, this can get a bit hectic when crowded and everyone wants a table on a Friday night. That said, it has never stopped me from camping out with a beer to snatch a table when it opens! read more

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I love a good pizza and this place did not disappoint. It was the best pizza I've had of this style (on focaccia). The edge of the pizza was a crust of crispy cheese. Bookie's is located inside of Sante Adairius Rustic Ales. read more

Bookie's Pizza - Pajaro pastures ITALIAN SAUSAGE white sauce / mozz / brick cheese / scallions - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

We went to Bookie's Pizza for my son's birthday because he's dairy-free, and my wife is both gluten-free and dairy-free. We were really excited to try it because it came highly reviewed and had been recommended by friends. I was especially looking forward to checking out their beer menu. Unfortunately, we ended up leaving because of the very strict no-substitution policy, which felt surprisingly constricting for a pizza place. Since they already offer vegan cheese, we thought it would be reasonable to substitute dairy-free cheese onto a standard pizza or add meat to one of the vegan pies, but neither was allowed. For families with dietary restrictions, a little flexibility can go a long way. We left disappointed, especially since this was supposed to be a birthday lunch. I'm giving two stars because I genuinely think they probably have good food and a great beer selection. I just think they could have done better in accommodating reasonable requests for guests with dietary restrictions. Maybe it's just not for us, but as a fair warning to others with dietary restrictions, don't assume that menu items can be modified simply because they already carry the ingredients. It may be worth calling ahead before making plans, especially for a special occasion. read more

Overall, great vibe. One quibble; they do not have an "Everything topping", with sausage, pepperoni, veggies, etc like every other pizza joint. Food at Bookie's: 4/5: Kale & chicory Caesar salad. Has crunchy bits. Not quite as good as a real Caesar. 4/5: Pepperoni Detroit-adjacent Pizza. It's 70% as good as Slice of Homage (SOH) in Sunnyvale. The crust could be lighter, with more bubbles, and also more buttery. Beer at Sante Adarius: 5/5: Little Quibble, a 4-grain Saison 4/5: Rustikus, a Belgian-0style Table Pilsner: low ABV, lite, crisp, like champagne. read more

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I ate dinner at Bookie's with my two adult daughters on a Monday evening after a day sightseeing in Monterey. We love to find local, fun places serving interesting food. We were looking for something casual. Bookie's is a relatively small place with kind of an industrial vibe, with a small outside dining area. They are a pizza place! You place your order, find a table and they call your name when your order is ready. Everything we had was great. We all shared the green goddess salad, the Buffalo chicken wings and a pepperoni pizza. Highly recommend. read more

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genuinely one of the best pizzas i've ever had! i got the pepperoni pizza with a side of hot honey and the gluten free buffalo wings, and both were sooo yummy. i loved the cheesy crust so much; the crunch was addicting. the wings with blue cheese ranch were phenomenal, and surprisingly still super tasty the day after! i did takeout but i wish i was able to dine in as i have a feeling everything would taste even better. service is great and looks like a great place to hang out and grab a bite with family and friends. i visited from socal and i'm already counting down the days i can come back! read more

Bookie's Pizza - pepperoni pizza and buffalo wings - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Best pizza around the area. We ordered 3 different pizza for delivery and they were all tasty. Lots of yummy toppings to choose from and a crust that's almost like a focaccia. It's thick with crispy sides and soft inside. Pizza was delivered fresh and service was excellent. This place will not disappoint. What a great find. read more

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We're not usually Detroit‑style fans, because so many are poorly done. Bookies Pizza got the crisp, caramelized edges right and elevated flavors. The mushroom & nettle pie is beautifully balanced and surprisingly refined, and the BBQ chicken pizza is one of the best versions we've had anywhere. Perfect crust, great ingredients, and genuinely thoughtful flavors. Excellent all around! read more

Descent pizza with room for improvement. We are HUGE fans of Detroit style pizza and were exited to try Bookie's for the first time. While tasty, the pizza fell short with the classic crunchy bottom and instead was a bit soggy. The sausage on the pizza was not evenly distributed. As a main ingredient, I expected each bite to contain some sausage but sadly many bites were sans sausage. Lemon pepper wings were 5/5. Service is minimal. You order up front and pick up order at the window, along with your utensils and water. There is plenty of seating inside though tables could use a cleaning. Outdoor, dog friendly seating also available. read more

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Some of the best deep dish pizza I've ever had! Fair warning, the pizzas are huge and one or two slices is filling. This place is fun with friends if you each get a different pizza and swap slices for leftovers. Also try the miatake "wings"! Such a fun take on traditional buffalo wings. They're located inside a brewery that also has an amazing beers. Lots of seating inside and they have a small patio outside too. Parking can be a little tough so just be patient when looking for a spot. read more

Really interesting pizza topping combinations! We tried the bbq pizza and it was absolutely fantastic. Wish there were more sauce because the sauce was phenomenal! Unlike any other bbq sauce I've tasted before. Also tried the Caesar chicory kale salad. The pizzas are super filling, like 1 would suffice for 2 medium hungry people. We ordered takeout on one of the food delivery apps, so can't speak to the service and ambiance. But the pizza arrived very quickly after placing the order. Overall a great place for Detroit style thick pizzas. Definitely check out whenever you're in the area! read more

I placed my order online so it would be ready when I arrived, but it wasn't. I got there a few minutes after the stated pickup time and still waited an additional 30 minutes. When we first checked in, the man at the window said it would be "just a few minutes." We then stood directly in front of the counter, clearly visible, yet our pizza box sat on top of the oven for about 15 minutes without a word to us. It wasn't until we realized the box was ours and spoke up that he acknowledged us. He then handed it over abruptly without saying anything. Overall, the service was very poor. As for the pizza, I'm not sure why people consider this one of the best. I've definitely had better. The pizza was small, skimpy on toppings, and mostly just cheese. It was also extremely greasy. While I did enjoy the flavor and crunch, that was about the only positive. For the price, I'd rather make the drive over to Scotts Valley, where the portions are larger and the quality matches the cost. Glad I tried it, but I won't be back. 2/10 recommend. read more

Bookie's Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

The vegan beetaroni pizza + green goddess salad is a delicious flavor bomb that should not be missed. Hoppy IPA provides a nice accompaniment. read more

Pizza was as always excellent! Very tasty! ... and nothing beats the Kale salad! So yummy! ... of course we had a beer and a wine with it. We try to go to Bookies every time we go to Santa Cruz. Service is very friendly and they have a patio outside you can sit with your dog. read more

Bookie's Pizza - Asparagus and Chorizo Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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This place is perfect for any occasion! Especially since the patio is pet friendly! We started it with mistake mushroom wings, which were super crispy, light, and came with two tasty dips. A great way to kick off the meal! The two pieces that I tried were the mushroom & nettle and the dog like farm bbq. Balls were very delicious, but as a mushroom fan, I might be a little bias to say that the mushroom & nettle really stood out. Everything just went so well together. But the real star was the crust. The crust there is so thick yet airy, bread, and so good I could eat it on its own! They also have a solid beer selection that pairs perfectly with the food. Everything is simple, high quality, and absolutely delicious. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. read more

Bookie's Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Great pizza spot! We ordered the mushroom pizza and buffalo wings and both came delicious. The mushroom pizza was crispy and creamy and delicious. Service is quick and the ambiance is chill. They have variety of beer on menu. Definitely will come back to try other things in the menu. read more

Bookie's Pizza - mushroom & nettle pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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So my gf and I went ahead and got a cheese pizza. Overall I'd give it a B, 3.5 stars. We felt like it needed more sauce and perhaps a little more seasoning, maybe oregano/basil? Otherwise the dough was nice and fluffy and the cheese was nice and gooey :) Price was around 22-24 bucks and it's 6 pieces overall. We were both satisfied after 2 pieces and we normally eat quite a bit. They made the pizza quick and service was good. I think its worth trying, but not my #1 favorite in town. read more

The vegan Beetaroni pizza is EVERYTHING. I was so sad when it was discountinued shortly after the Vegan Chef Challenge. Today, I was going to try their house vegan pizza and with a sad face.. and then when I went to order - the Beetaroni was back! My heart exploded with delight! It's still so delicious. Keep it up chefs! Excited to see your next Vegan Chef Challenge success! read more

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? Service was quick and chill vibes! 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. read more

Bookie's takes pizza in his own unique direction to make it incredible and unique. As described it's "inauthentic" Detroit style. The quality of ingredients, combinations of flavors, and incredible dough all make for an incredible. Like the Cheeseboard in Berkeley, it's a new twist that ends up being its own thing and transcending the dish. I especially like the mushroom varieties. I've been going to Bookie's and Sante Adairius for years. I'm not super into SA's special beers but they always have something I love. The atmosphere is wonderful. Regarding the attitude of Bookie and the staff--they're down to business. Serious about their craft. I kind of love it. (And Bookie/Todd Parker was a chef at Manresa that was conferred three Michelin stars.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manresa_(restaurant) read more

Came to Bookie's after a weekend at Big Sur. I heard good things about their Detroit style slices and they did not disappoint. For $26, the slices were large and it was enough for 2-3 people. The crust was perfect and well-balanced and they also have a variety of beer on tap! We had the pepperoni and sausage - one complaint I have is that it was a little too hot for my liking. Service was great and I loved their interior design as well. read more

Bookie's Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Bookies is the best pizza spot hands down in Santa Cruz and possibly even in California. One pizza is enough for 2-3 people. But, it's never a bad idea to get more than one pizza to get to try some of their new flavors. I personally love their pepperoni pizza and also their mushroom pizza as it has a unique lemon flavor to it! Pizza takes about 20-30 minutes to bake so I tend to order ahead online so it's ready at my arrival! read more

Easily the best pizza in all of Santa Cruz and it's not even close! Don't try to argue with me about it either. I'll fight you if you disagree and we can meet me in the parking lot on a Saturday. Loser buys pizza . They don't always have it, but their spinach and artichoke pizza and cheesy crab bread is insane. Please bring both of those back otherwise there's gonna be a problem. If you go on a weekend, it can be pretty hard to get a table so consider takeout. Either way it's a great option. Also, their ranch is so freaking good. I could take a bath in it and drink it through a straw. I literally drowned my pizza in it. It basically turns into soup. So don't skimp out on the ranch. Service is always awesome and they always seem to be slammed and somehow manage to get the pizza out really fast. I'm pretty sure the guy who owns it is the curly headed dude who works behind the counter and he's always got a smile on his face even though it looks like he's working in a toaster oven that's being heated by the sun. I don't care too much for Sante Adarius itself. I'm honestly there for the pizza and It's always slammed with people and their 7 children running around everywhere wreaking havoc but it's still a good time if you got some bookies pizza. Do yourself a favor and don't be an idiot and buy some of their pizza. Thank me later. And don't forget the ranch. read more

This was a long overdue review. We went to Santa Cruz for my mom's bday and found this spot after hiking. Let me just tell you, it accommodated us 8 adults and 4 toddlers, it was very spacious and casual. The pizza was so good, I dare say, the best pizza I've had. This was the type of crust I want for any pizza and the flavors were spot. Cant believe we didn't take a pic despite getting another pizza after we ordered 2 for us all. I crave their pizza and hope to come back sooner than later. Don't you dare close this place!!! read more

I've been here a few times now and each time have really appreciated the chewy sourdough crust and Detroit-style pizza that has such deliciously crispy edges. A larger selection of dark beers would be great, but the current selection provides decent options. The pizza takes longer than average to arrive but each time it does, it's been hot with a fair amount of toppings and worth the wait (~20-25 minutes). I appreciate the small outdoor patio but it is in the parking lot and I don't enjoying smelling cigarette smoke and exhaust while eating so I went back inside and will simply eat inside going forward. read more

First time to Bookie's on a Thursday night - it was packed! The ambiance was energetic and fun. We were able to place our order quickly and despite the crowd, our food arrived quickly as well. We were three vegetarians and one vegetarian for the night. We shared two vegan pizzas, the mushroom wings (spicy), and a salad. Everything was tasty. I especially liked the spicy mushroom wings, but wouldn't have minded if they were even a little hotter. I wasn't able to try the beer offerings, but the options were impressive. We found a spot in the lot, but I can see parking potentially being tough. Give yourself an extra 5 min just in case. Good stuff! I'll be back next time in town. read more

Bookie's Pizza - Vegan pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Came here for lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in a while. We were both craving pizza, so we decided to take a little road trip from San Mateo to Santa Cruz - because why not? Pizza and catching up felt like the perfect combo. We split the Fog Line Farm BBQ Chicken Pizza, and let me tell you, that thing was massive. Just 3 slices in, and I was done - super filling. Every bite had just the right amount of BBQ sauce, which was absolute perfection. The only thing I wish? More chicken on the pizza. That was the one area where it fell a little short. The service was super quick and organized. They give you a puck that lights up when your order is ready, so while we waited, we were able to grab seats and take in the vibe. The seating is definitely not your typical setup. They had a wooden table made out of tree trunks with a very unique shape - such a cool and rustic touch. The place had a bar-like vibe with a few Italian staples thrown in, creating a beautiful mix of laid-back and cultural. If you're in Santa Cruz and looking for some flavorful, filling pizza with a chill atmosphere and speedy service, Bookie's is worth checking out. Just be prepared to share - these pizzas are no joke! read more

Bookie's Pizza - Fog Line Farm BBQ Chicken Pizza - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Bookie's delivers on everything! The vibe is low key, great for groups and also just chilling with your person. The 'zas are sublime. We had Parajo Pastures Sausage and my guy from Chicago gave it two thumbs up. Wish we would have grabbed a salad too! Amazing beer and wines. Recommending this to everyone. read more

I've always been more of a thin crust pizza fan but Bookies has something extraordinary going on. My family ordered a couple to go along with the kale salad and everything we had was so delicious. Easily one of the best pizza spots in town! read more

They warn you that their Detroit-style pizza may not be authentic, but does that really matter when it tastes this amazing!! And the beers that St Adairius have their are excellent and with a wide selection. And their staff are very helpful and attentive. Highly recommended! read more

Got there at 5 pm after a long hike .. we were starving and thought we were early and the rain would keep people away ... boy were we wrong !. Line was growing but we jumped in. Ordered after only about 5 minutes in line. Mushroom nettle, pepperoni , and bbq chicken and a few black lagers .. pizza was thick and unique and so very delicious. 4 adults- we could've gotten away with 2 pizzas. Very filling. So good ! Wish we lived closer! read more

Bookie's Pizza - Mushroom nettle - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Perfect first stop on our family SC trip. Delicious pan pizza (they even had vegan option for my hubby), friendly service, creative local craft beers, and clean bright interior! They have a weekday deal of 40% off a personal size 6X6 pizza, which was filling! They should incorporate beer flights! Would definitely come back . read more

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First of all, I want to make it clear...we have been and will continue to be full-hearted fans of Sante Adarius, since they first opened off Kennedy in Capitola years ago. That said, we've gone now 3 times to the Sante Adarius Portal on Water St. No problem with the beertenders or beers. They're great. BUT...the arrogant attitude of the Bookies pizza dude is unforgivable! Does he really think he's a 3-star Michelin chef? Because he sure acts like it! Rude, arrogant, absolutely NO additions/subtraction from his "masterpiece." The Detroit-style pizza is good... love the crusty cheese egdes, but too rich and too much dough for me....more like tasty but expensive focaccia IMHO. But, each time, we politely ask for a slight modification.. For instance... when very politey asked first time to omit onion from at least 1/2 because I have a bad reaction to it...NO! Tonight, could you possibly add a little sausage onto the mushroom pizza (which is universally known to be a great combo!)...NO, he takes it like the biggest insult in the world. Dude, it is PIZZA! Chill out... And be very brave if you dare ask for parmesan or red pepper shaker! read more

I've been eating here for years but tonight the fava+ramp+guanciale was so good it made me need to make a review. Bookies makes the flavor combinations of my daydreams come to life, there's nothing else like it read more

After doing a fair amount of research, I decided to try this pizzeria over this past weekend. The reviews are great. The pictures look great however it was quite a disappointment. The pizza was just OK. I'm a lover of wings and their wings were so aggressively salty, I could barely even eat a few thinking maybe it was just me. I brought them home to share with my family to get their opinion as well they ended up in the trash. The opportunity is there. It's a great location. Everything looks wonderful, but just is not for me. read more

This is the tale of 2 visits: the first in July and the second at the end of August. The first was almost magical - we had a morel mushroom pizza I thought I would not like and it was wonderful. Plus, I had a drink called Final Thoughts which was "a blend of bourbon barrel aged barley wines" and it was like a sweet stout - pretty sneaky too with the alcohol content so the name was kinda appropriate Yesterday, not do much. No morel mushroom pizza! :( Also, I think some of their drinks don't age well. ) I ordered Final Thoughts again but this time it was tasting a bit vinegary. Drinkable, but not the joy it once was. I mentioned it to the bar and I was told what I had yesterday was a completely different drink! Alas, the bartender was wrong or lying as I looked at my photo of the drink list and it was the same drink so it is a bit off now. A damn shame. I take this as a life metaphor. Like not going into the same stream twice thing can apply to alcohol as well. Nevertheless, the setting is fun for families and singles. Please be sure to try the Rick and Morty Monopoly game. Even if you don't play. It's fun to look at. read more

Bookie's Pizza - They have fun games to play - Pizza Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

Absolutely love the pizza! Very different. Not your run of the mill stuff. Reminds me of a little place in New York City I loved. The Pizza is so Thick and it's my guilty pleasure I get from all the oils and grease! Sooooo good! read more

The pizzas are a little pricey but worth it. My husband likes their variety of beers. The service is very good and all staff are nice. Outside is dog friendly too. read more

This is the best pizza I have ever eaten! Fluffy, focaccia style and absolutely amazing! It's hard to find seating, only downside.

I have eaten here twice now & this first time one of my colleagues ordered (via DoorDash) & wish I could recall what they had ordered, because their two choices were absolutely amazing. So I went back the other night & ordered the Pepperoni Pizza & Mushroom & Nettle, the latter was a very different taste, but loved it for sure! I did not take any photos, sadly, I was starving & inhaled the two pizzas with my family (three men). The quaintly of the food is light, fresh, filling, & crazy as this may be to say about a pizza, I did not feel overly full & stuffed after eating & felt great. I was satisfied & cannot wait to go back & try more of their pizzas. The size of the pizza looks small, but it is very filing - even for three grown men. I have never eaten here, however the inside is very well done & need to try their beers on top. Looks like a killer place to go - especially during the summer time. Didn't interact with any of the employees since I ordered online & when I walked in nobody greeted me & just figured out on my own where to go. Once I physically am in house eating I'll know more about the ambience and service, but will deathly be back for the delicious flavorful pizza. read more