Parking can be a problem on the weekends during the summer, since the beach is right next door. Most of the pastries are from Companion Bakeshop. I tried two items: - 5/5: The Machiatto is excellent. They serve 11th hour coffee. - 3/5: The Mexican chocolate pie ($8/slice) is too sweet. All I can taste is sugar. read more

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We came here twice during our stay nearby. The first time was decent. Coffee was good, staff was ok, the food was tasty but inconsistent. (The meat pie and pastry we ordered were not warmed all the way, but the bagel was good) Then inside seating area was also sticky and slightly dirty looking. Our second visit was yesterday 6/20, and it sounds like we weren't the only unhappy customers based on other reviews. I'm not surprised to hear the lady in charge that morning rudely made customers leave because she "needed a reset". We asked about getting pizza around 10:45 am, which we acknowledged was early...but just asking to see what was possible. Instead of a real explanation, we got a snarky look at her watch and just an "um, noooo" with a bad attitude. If there was a real reason, like the dough wasn't ready or the oven wasn't on (it was, we could see the flames) I would understand. However, the lady was complaining to a coworker about an issue with the manager or something while we waited in line so there was already some unprofessional behavior beyond the lack of customer service. We left without getting anything at that point. We won't be back to Venus, The Pixie Deli down the street has good food and friendly service. read more

I love the coffee and food but in the middle of standing in line the staff asked everyone to LEAVE! This includes people who ordered and paid and were waiting for their food. The staff said that they needed a "reset" We were left standing outside with a group of upset customers. I think that they could of handled this totally different. Talk about entitlement.......... It was the attitude that struck me as so wrong read more

Decent coffee and great chocolate chip cookies. The service was a little less than friendly, though, and they upcharge milk alternatives by $1.00. (The upcharge is not noted anywhere on the menu and is not verbally said when making a purchase, but it is listed on the receipt. Considering oatmilk costs the same as or less then dairy milk, and lasts 3 times as long, the upcharge seems like an antiquated fee.) read more

The cappuccino is amazing. They make a traditional Cap that you would be served in Italy. The service is also warm and friendly. I will be back. read more

This is a favorite stop when we go to Rio del Mar. I love how there is a parking lot for the beach, and you can easily get breakfast (bagels, coffee, pastries) or lunch (pizza!). We try to go early to avoid 17 traffic and to get a parking spot. Then we can spend the morning and early afternoon at the beach while enjoying hot, fresh food. My husband loves the Mexican hot chocolate pie and he usually gets an extra slice to bring home. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Mexican hot chocolate and key lime pies at Rio Del Mar Beach - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Outstanding. We had an astonishing americano, heart-stopping hand held spinach potato pie, and quidazzling (ham gruyere) quiche. I mean seriously-who gets their food warmed in a wood fired oven. Absolute banger! Lovely staff, location, and vibes. Our go to with the bird boyz when we are in Aptos from now on. read more

After a positive experience the last time, we were sorely disappointed the second time around. We tried the pesto/ricotta, mootz and mushroom pies and they weren't as good as the last time... Since ours was a big order, it took 45mins to get ready. So if you're planning to make a big order, be ready for the wait - they make everything fresh and from scratch - that's why we chose this place again. I'm hoping this was a one off slip-up. read more

Cute little shop just across the parking lot from the beach. I was in town on a mini vacay. After dipping my toes in the ocean I wanted to grab a sweet treat before heading back to the resort. Venus Pie Trap sounded interesting so I popped in. I was greeted with a warm smile and friendly hello from the nice guy behind the counter. It was pretty late in the day so much of the items from the display case looked picked over which was good for them. Here's what I picked: SLICE OF PEACH PIE: Yummy! So tangy and delicious. The filling wasn't too sweet and the flavors were spot on and the crust was just as good. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE: really good and buttery. I nibbled on this for two days and it didn't get stale at all, so you know there was a lot of butter in that baby. I'll absolutely be back. read more

Venus pie trap is a coffee and pastry shop that is open from 7am-4 pm Monday-Thursday and Friday-Sunday from 7am-5pm then it turns into Venus with a dinner menu with drinks. My friends and I showed up around 11 am on a Sunday and had no problems finding outdoor seating. I ordered the Carmel latte which was delicious. 10/10 and I also ordered the avocado toast which was pretty good but it's difficult to justify $10 avocado toast. The bread itself was good but it was so crunchy and slightly painful against the roof of my mouth. I would 100% come back and try their pizza and pies. read more

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First time trying this place out we went here based on the yelp reviews. Over it was great we had hot Mexican chocolate pie first day and then blueberry muffins the second day . Service is great, but I felt the portion size of the pie was a bit small for a $36. Also, the crust was too sweet, a bit sugary. The blueberry muffins were great. I'll be back to try the pizza next time . read more

The words "Pie, Coffee, Pizza" on this sparkling white seaside coffee shop & eatery say it all. Venus Pie Trap is precisely what the name hints at, serving up great coffee, excellent pies (the coconut cream is my favorite), and New Haven-style pizzas. They source some fantastic local goods too. Bagels come from Holey Roller and pastries from Manresa, but they also make their own quiches and pies in-house! The pizzas are house-fired and true to the New Haven style, meaning thin crust, rustic, and not overloaded with cheese. If you love local coffee, they serve 11th Hour Coffee (also my favorite - better than Verve and Santa Cruz Roasting Co) and don't use generic syrups. Some syrups, chai, and matcha are made fresh daily. The only minor issue with this, is if you come in the afternoon sometimes a syrup is sold out! If you're a pizza person, try the hot Mootz pizza ($18), lightly topped with mozzarella, provolone, pecorino, romano, and a bright tomato sauce. It was easy to eat and even easier to enjoy. Outside seating is available on black wrought-iron tables, soaked in sunshine and beach views. Watching people grab their coffee and pastries to-go made it clear that Venus Pie Trap is really set up with beachgoers in mind. You'll loved the relaxed outdoor seating but next time we might just head straight to the sand. For dessert, Venus Pie Trap makes all of their pies in-house. My favorite is the coconut cream pie topped with whipped cream. It's a sweet tooth's dream! The whole place is the brainchild of Sean Venus (bonus points for the clever name), who also runs the cocktail bar and kitchen next door (also named "Venus"). He says pies should be enjoyed all day and honestly, I could not agree more. If you find yourself near Rio del Mar, this spot is absolutely worth a stop. P.S.: Parking is free - you don't pass through a state park pay station. read more

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I'm not sure if this was a flop but the spinach, mozzarella, parmesan & goat cheese hand pie tasted nothing like cheese and had a whole lot of potato in it lol (an ingredient not listed for this one). It was bad but not at all what I expected and kinda dry due to the seemingly lack of cheese. The pastry part was really flaked and good tho. The iced coffee is alright - I'm more partial to cold brew (which I knew it wasn't going to be). But pretty good as far as iced coffee goes. Husband got the broccolini quiche. I didn't try but looked good. A little small for $10 a slice but that's how it be in this economy! read more

Venus Pie Trap - spinach, mozzarella, parmesan & goat cheese hand pie (apparently lol). Had lots of potato and didn't taste like cheese. - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

The Venus Pie Trap by Rio Del Mar offers tasty food with a great presentation, a variety of baked goods, great coffee, a warm, welcoming atmosphere with good music and a friendly staff, with Sol, (Sol=sun; her name is appropriate because she is warm and welcoming) and Owen. Check it out if you're at the beach; you will totally enjoy it! -Susan in Santa Cruz read more

I actually love Venus. I come here every week to meet a group of friends. While with my baby i was rudely accused of using the bathroom without being a customer when I politely told the young girl with pink or purple highlights in her hair that I had come in earlier with a friend she laughed at me and said if you are not a customer, you need to use the bathrooms across the street. I told her again I came in earlier and she said ma'am you need to use the bathrooms across the street and was very rude dismissive and abrasive. Unnecessary behavior from a place that I visit frequently. Hopefully the owner who's there all the time will do some training on customer service with this employee. read more

This place is one our favorite morning stops. Great coffee and pastries. Old school brick pizza oven, so everything has a rustic quality to it that really works. Staff is always friendly and helpful! read more

Great little coffee spot in Rio Del Mar. Quick friendly service and ample outdoor seating in this quaint cafe. The little pie and coffee spot makes a great morning or lunch stop with a view. Sweet and savory whole pies or slices in a lovely display. We picked up a chorizo and a samosa hand pie. Great little Sunday post run treat! read more

Venus Pie Trap - Beachfront views - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

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The pies are to die for- especially the Mexican chocolate flavor. I've never had a bad experience.

Oh my the Pies - Key Lime and Mexican Chocolate, super Good and the crust was perfect. We really enjoy stopping by and being treated well, we always enjoy a return visit! read more

Simple little coffee shop with yummy food and drinks. The pizza is thick and the flavor is great. Beach front which is a huge plus. Service is great. Ambiance is casual. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Empanada, frittata and 2 iced lattes - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

oh hell naw... ts place gotta be a tourist trap. the "Caeser" salad is just dirty lettuce with watered down ranch dressing. They wasted their "bread" to make these crusty unseasoned croutons and couldn't make avocado toast. (how's a bakery out of bread). Instead of using their water to wash their lettuce they use it to add extra ice to your light ice lattes. ts salad taste like wet dirt with a hint of ranch bc that's all that's in it. they charging 25 cents for a cup and don't give straws #SaveTheTurtles? no #SaveTheTourists but idc the coffee tasted fine tho (very cold!!!!) but the pies are prolly good too, wouldn't know. B T W pigeons ain't even eating ts salad or croutons read more

Venus Pie Trap - "Caeser" "salad" and "light ice" latte - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

This place is a nice coffee shop, but also a good pizza place, baker of various types of pies, and even a little drinking area. I came by for a coffee and they do make a good selection of espresso based drinks, which can be sipped on while looking out at the ocean across the parking lot, and listening to the sounds of the beach. I did not get a pizza but I did notice that they looked pretty yummy, and would certainly get one when I'm in the mood for one. There is seating right in front of the place which has a coffee shop feel to it, then there's more seating down by the sidewalk which feels more like a pizza seating, then there's a courtyard next door with its own little bar in the corner - a good place to bring your pizza and enjoy some drinks. The pies looked decent, but I'm more interested in the coffee and the pizzas - though the quishes looks pretty good and I would probably enjoy one of those along with the coffee for breakfast. Everyone looked pretty industrious behind the counter, making sandwiches and cooking pizzas and preparing coffee. read more

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I preordered pie for Thanksgiving and took them to So Cal. I ordered online and received an email regarding a question I had in the comments and to coordinate the best date for pick up. The family was impressed with the pie and the name. We got the caramel apple and the bourbon pecan. Many went back for seconds. I also heard a few times that the pecan was the best they had ever had! read more

I can't explain why I like Venus Pie Trap so much when there is always a wait, my food isn't always heated entirely, I can't count on item availability (like pizzas, bread, and quiche have all been out), there usually isn't seating, and my drink order isn't always prepared correctly. With that said, it is a cute, clean, bougie cafe across from the beach, and it's dog-friendly. While waiting in the lines, I've always met friendly patrons so Venus Pie Trap attracts nice people. Parking is easy, and there's self-serve water by the entrance. Customer service is hit or miss. But did I mention it is right next to the beach?!! It's like with real estate, it's location, location, location! I give it an ecstatic 3.5 stars. read more

Great lattes and breakfast, friendly staff, and right next to the beach. There is limited seating, but you can just walk 20 steps and take your stuff to the beach! We loved the avocado toast and vanilla latte. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Mexican chocolate pie was incredible. Coffee was good. Would come again, love the name of the shop and want to try the coconut cream pie and some pizza next time! read more

I've been twice -- once for a latte and once for GF pie. This place is super sweet and has a prime location. The staff both times were warm and welcoming. If you're in the area, this is probably the best coffee shop. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Gluten free coconut cream pie. - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

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Super cute and right by the beach! Only grabbed a chai latte (something for the road) and it was pretty good! A little sweet but still tasty. The pizza also looked good. read more

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Wish I would've found Venus Pie Trap earlier in our stay because it looks delicious! We just stopped in for coffee & a chai tea, both were pretty solid. You can't beat a nice cuppa coffee and a walk along the beach, especially on a drizzly day. Will try to visit again soon! read more

Venus Pie Trap - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Stopped by again and pumpkin spice latte was good. Still tough to find parking mid Sunday morning but not bad. I would recommend the name of the order be put on the cups so customers know which order is theirs. I overheard others having the same issue as well. Also, inventory should be worked on as it was 9-10am and most breakfast items were already out of stock. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Pumpkin spice latte - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Counter service so good and friendly and the place is quaint and local fav. Location perfect Mocha was so delicious read more

The pie was delicious...even better than we remembered. Took out of town friends and was fun to sit outside under the mural! Quick service very friendly staff... read more

Visiting here this Memorial day weekend for 3 days DAY ONE... 2 STARS We were excited to Rio del mar and have new haven-style pizza at Venus pie trap. We ordered the Mootz pizza. The results... Doughy Sauce, no seasoning Cheese. too much Bake, undercooked-no crunch End result. Flavor, need more please, like salt which I had to ask for... Just not what I expected from the reviews. DAY TWO... 2.5 STARS The pepperoni pizza was a bit better but only because of the meat. I want to like this pizza because the staff are so friendly but it's just football bar pizza...and not new haven style. (still doughy) DAY THREE... 3 STARS We did not order a full round pizza this time. Today I ordered the "pizza-by-the-slice", square pepperoni pizza slice. They put it back in the oven to warm it up and boy is it good! Much better-3.5 stars Note: Could easily have been 4 stars but still needed to add some salt. I make New York style pizza at home and can only suggest getting the square pizza-by-the-slice. Whoever is making their square pizza in the morning has got some talent. That same person should be the one making the fresh round pies all day! imho read more

Venus Pie Trap - The mooz? Aka the under cooked dough ball - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

The staff here are so welcoming and helpful! The ham, leak and gruyere cheese quiche was the best I've ever had!! They make it in house and their pastries are pretty darn good too! You can't beat the tables outside in the sun or shade right across from the ocean!! Definitely happy to have this in my neighborhood!! read more

I've always thought this was an amazing location for a cafe, right by the beach in Rio Del Mar. A location of untapped potential. The arches carved into the patio give it a lovely Mediterranean coastal feel. Though the view is marred by the cars in the parking lot, it's still a pleasant spot to soak up beachside sun at a cafe table. We were excited to see Venus take over the cafe and the neighboring restaurant. Venus, a popular restaurant and distillery on the West Side, has a reputation for quality. The menu is still in development for now. Seems like they are working out kinks. But as a foodie I appreciate their efforts to curate gourmet coffee and baked goods. My oat milk latte tasted great. We tried a caramelized onion quiche and a spinach and goat cheese hand pie. Both were superb, especially the lemony hand pie, with a rich, flaky crust. The pizza menu is limited for now. The chef was experimenting with other flavors when we visited, so I hope that means the menu will expand in the future. He helped us out with an off-menu addition of jalapeño to the basic Mootz which we appreciated. With pizza I like to have the option to choose toppings. And we like everything to be spicy. It's a pet peeve of mine when pizzerias don't allow topping additions or substitutions. The pizza showed some promise. The crust was tasty, though I prefer a thinner crust. The sauce seemed a little sweet and could have been more acid. The cheese was too bland. Yet it was enjoyable. We ate it all. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

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Pie was yummy! Coffee was also good but did not really taste the vanilla . $14 for these two items. In the afternoon they sell pizzas & it's right next to the beach read more

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Went in close to closing time for coffee and homemade pie. Both excellent and it was lovely to sit outside and watch the sunset. The lone staff person was prompt and kind, especially considering we were there so late. read more

The Food is Delicious and the Service is great. Great Coffee as well. It Is a cool cafe in front of the Beautiful ocean view.

I love pie! I saw this place at the beginning of my long walk on the foggy beach, and began to imagine ending up with a nice slice of apple pie a la mode and a hot cup of coffee. Imagine my disappointment to find they don't have ice cream! Who serves pie without ice cream? One star lost. Nor did they have apple pie. How unAmerican. Ended up getting what was probably more nutritious for me. Ham and cheese quiche. Quite tasty! They took 10 minutes to heat it up, so I sat at a tablet, but then they didn't call me or bring it to me. (Perhaps because I didn't tip when making the order. I tip for good service AFTER I've received some.) Ended up eating it cold anyway. read more

Venus Pie Trap - Ham and cheese quiche - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Pizza and Quiche! We came here for lunch and loved all the different fresh baked goods, pizza, savory pies, quiche and chia pudding! We ordered a slice of pepperoni pizza and bacon quiche. They heat it up in their wood fired pizza maker. Everything was so good! I had the bacon quiche and it was amazing! Tons of bacon, egg and the crust was so buttery!! Decent portions overall. The pizza was good and my daughter loved the crust and plenty of toppings. The prices were a little expensive with Chia pudding costing $8 dollars. But they had outdoor seating which was really nice. Tons of coffee options and drinks in the fridge. You can order entire pizzas, salads and cream pies and those looked decent. Service was good and pretty fast! read more