We stopped for a look at the beach and parked in front of this great little coffee (and pizza and pie) shop. Ordered a black coffee and got a great tasting, strong cup. The friendly staff gave me tips on other beaches and did some humble bragging about their badass pizza oven. So yes, you can get both pizza pies and pie pies. Then take them out to the patio or over to the beach. Great stop for sustenance and substance! read more

Venus Pie Trap - Excellent Graphics! - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Reviews: 1. Sauce - super good, can tell it's homemade. Not overpowered by garlic, 2. Bread - nice and light, not too heavy and not dry. 3. Pepperoni - was not over cooked or oily Would definitely pair well with beer Out of 10, 10/10. He would drive from San Jose for that pizza read more

Really yummy quiche, but it could have used some more salt. Really good drinks. Cute whole bean packaging. Nice sitting area outside, not much seating inside. read more

Aptos finally has somewhere to get quality coffee near the beach. This is the perfect little coffee shop right off Rio Del Mar beach. You can enjoy your coffee at one of their tables or take it for a walk along the beach. They also have awesome quiche, which makes for the perfect breakfast on a Sunday morning. read more

Let me first start off by saying I am from STOCKTON and worked customer service for most of my adult life. When I say my jaw was floored by the rudeness of the barista making my mocha today I absolutely mean it. I simply ordered a mocha with whipped cream (50 cent up charge) and the very sweet redhead cashier must have forgot to indicate that on the cup. mistakes happen so I didn't think twice to ask barista to add whipped cream to which she looks at the writing at the cup and the cashier tells her that I did in fact pay for it. She obviously thought I was trying to get a freebie and I'm guessing she has already blamed what happened next on the cashier. HOWEVER, mistakes happen and only YOU are responsible for your disgusting attitude and lack of customer service skills. When I asked for whipped cream and the cashier confirms that I did pay for it, the barista really looked at me and said word for word with the most disgusting attitude and condescending tone "well as you can see I don't have any bigger cups *points at cups* so maybe you can drink a little bit and then I can add some" all while rolling her damn eyes at me. I politely told her she can poor the drink in another cup and leave room for whipped cream and expressed that I didn't mind if I lost some of the mocha in the process. She proceeds to pull out a 2 OUNCE CUP MEANT FOR ESPRESSO and looks at me like I'm the dumbass. Not to be the "I've worked at a coffee shop for 7 years" type of person but I did and she was obviously struggling to do her job. I told her that her customer service skills were A1 to which she mumbled something under her breath that wasn't loud enough for me to hear. Truly, she is a rain cloud over this business and I truly hope that management does something about her. Not to mention, she was super rude when someone asked for a box for their pizza too. NO CHILL, TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. Such a shame because this establishment is conveniently located to one of my favorite beaches. Picture is included but you can only see the back of her head as I just snapped a video for my story. I WISH I would have gotten her face so others can confirm is she is the rude worker. I'm assuming the hairy cream cheese eye roller was probably this girl and the only reason she hasn't been fired yet is bc she is the owner or it's a family business? I can't imagine why else you would let someone tarnish the reputation of your business with their disgusting attitude. She was quite tall, brown mid-lengthened hair, can't miss her attitude from a mile away. To clarify, redheaded cashier was extremely sweet and I can only imagine the hazing the is probably receiving from her bitch barista coworker. UPDATE: I can't make this up, she actually took the time to message me. I'm rude bc I asked for whipped cream and reacted to her stank ass attitude? Her name is Brisa. VENUS PIE TRAP, is this who you want your customers to interact with???? I called to let the manager know Brisa is personally replying to reviews regarding their business, she basically said she doesn't care what her employees do off the clock. However, I find that extremely bothersome as she is replying to Venus Pie Trap reviews off the clock. read more

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The workers are always so nice here , I love how you can walk up from the beach to grab a pizza they make good thin crust pizza. I'm a huge coffee drinker and their lattes are one of the best in town. They have strong coffee that doesn't taste burnt like a lot of other places overall really enjoy coming here when I come for a little beach day. read more

Excellent vibe, really good coffee, pie was tasty and fresh, and their pizza oven looks legit! Normally beach side cafes are overpriced and underwhelming but I am pleasantly surprised by how quality this little gem is! Gonna be hanging out here a lot more this summer... read more

Venus Pie Trap - Coconut cream pie and mocha - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Good coffee, nice servers. Morning bun was very good, but hand pies were quite disappointing. Greasy, flat, quite skimpy on filling. The place is very pricey, just like its sister restaurant next door. read more

Been here twice. The coffee is fine. Pie is what ever. Only went a second time because the location is convenient. Both times I have interacted with the same woman at the register. She is rude. Eye rolls, for what I'm not sure? Acts like an order is a huge inconvenience. Just all around seems miserable both times. Which I get it, not every moment has to be smiles and butterflies but damn. The barista has always been nice and receptive. read more

OK. I'm from Brooklyn. My wife's from Brooklyn. We're transplants here from the East Coast. I have thousands of dollars invested in pizza ovens/equipment. I have been told my artisan pizza's rival some of the best hole in the wall joints in New York City. I've been at the craft for a long time...probably longer than a lot of you reviewer's have been on planet earth. So let's just say I know pizza. So here goes. The pizza at Venus Pie Trap is without question, end of discussion, next subject, bar none the absolute best pizza I have ever had. This includes Brooklyn...and this includes MINE! The dough is a masterpiece. It's light and airy. Crisp, but chewy. The perfect amount of leopard spots. The sauce is just flat out to die for. Sweet but not too sweet. It has these layers of authenticity and textures that you only get from your grandmother's kitchen. Fresh grated cheese. Not too much, not too little. The perfect amount for the perfect bite. My wife and I got two tomato pies. I noticed Sol took great pride in making our pizzas. Lifting the pie and bringing it near the heat for the perfect outcome. After our first bite, we looked at each other as if we had just witnessed the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ! It was as if the ocean right before our eyes had parted ways and Moses was about to cross the parking lot! I now know that I have done something good in my life as God has answered my prayer's in putting the single best pizzeria in the country less than a mile from my home in Aptos, California! Thank you God and thank you Sol! I can now die with a big fat smile on my face! read more

Venus Pie Trap - Tomato Pies - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

This hidden gem in the parking lot of the Rio Del Mar beach served up excellent pizza for our lunch on the beach. The pesto pizza had a nice kick to it. My only complaint is that they only have one size! I could have had the whole pizza myself but had to share it with the rest. Service was quick. They have outdoor seating, but we carried out pizzas to the beach. I didn't clock any pictures - we were to hungry and busy eating. Perhaps I could have snapped the empty boxes. Next time! read more

Absolutely love this spot! From the location (right across the street from the beach) and lots of outdoor patio seating to the super friendly staff, I loved my experience here. We tried a bunch of their pizza pies and pie pies . Everything is made in house and delicious. We tried the Pesto Ricotta, clam and garlic, and the sausage leek. Each pizza was excellent. Great distribution of toppings, good quantities of toppings, and great taste! We also tried the chopped salad which is a great to go option that they make each morning and have in their fridge. We are on their patio area where they also have a cocktail bar. We did try two of their cocktails as well. Excellent balance and taste but the spritz was a little small for the price. The mai tai was awesome! Lastly we tried the pies and they were outstanding. They heated up the apple pie and topped with cream. But my favorite was definitely the Mexican chocolate pie which was gluten free too! I can't wait to come back and try more next time. They also have coffee, pastries, and quiches that I didn't try but will next time! I would recommend any day. read more

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Decent drip coffee. Very tasty bear claw. Nice small interior, some outdoor seating but better to take the drink for a stroll on the beach .

Very tasty pizza with a lovely chewy crust that was giving me sourdough vibes. The pie was decadent and delicious! Lovely staff working on a slow Thursday afternoon. read more

We were strolling down the sidewalk and saw their cute sign. Popped in to get some coffee... but boy was the service TERRIBLE. The gal didn't greet us, barely said a word and didn't say goodbye or thank you. The chai and coffee were also just ok. Save yourself the annoyance and go to Starbucks/Peets up the street. read more

The service here is as bad as it can get. Not sure if it's lack of training or just the fact that they hire young people that can really care less about what they are doing. So many other choices in the area to spend your money at. Cappuccino was terrible and the was pizza just alright. To top it off there was flies in the pie case and a completely empty drink cooler. read more

Ian recommended the streak with duck fat potatoes and it was great thank you so much Ian

We went very excited to try and were extremely disappointed We got a Mootz and a Clam & Garlic pizza. We could tell by the amount of clams that they were canned before even tasting. I was excited since the brick oven pizza wasn't burnt but then I ate it and the entire bottom was black. I'm told that the hand pies are the way to go so we'll go back. But sadly, the cheese pizza wasn't any better. We were excited to see the patio had a bar open but the drinks were no better! Hopefully, they can work out the kinks and improve both. We were both burping greasy clams all night. The teens working inside may have extended the time our food would be ready in hopes it would turn us away. ‍ Very sad first experience. Crossing our fingers the experience will improve since dining is so limited here in this area. read more

My first visit to Venus Pie Trap in Aptos was yesterday. Sunday, July 21st. I had a good first experience with the calm, polite, and courtesy young female who took my coffee order. The coffee was also good. However, my second visit to Venus Pie Trap today, Monday, July 22nd, was not pleasant. There were only two people working when I arrived around 1:15. A male working at the pizza oven and the only female there working the counter and register . She took the orders and rang up the purchase. I found her to be passive-aggressive and rude. And, her behavior was the complete opposite when a regular female customer walked in after I placed my order. The regular customer asked about her punch card as the female employee was making my two coffees. I didn't know they offered such cards for purchases. So, I inquired about it to the female employee still making my coffees. She ignored me. Didn't look at or respond to me at all, but continued to sugar it up with the regular customer that arrived while my order had been placed. So, when the employee punched the regular customer's card, I again spoke up and said I would also like a punch card. She seemed aggravated by the look on her face as she grabbed a punch card and punched without looking at me or saying a word. I had let her know that I was there yesterday and asked if I could also get a punch on the card for it. She had an attitude when she looked at me and said that she's couldn't because she didn't see me there (Venus Pie Trap) yesterday. My niece was with me and heard all that was said, and agreed that the female employee had a rude attitude to put I nicely, and how she showed favoritism towards the regular customer, as she lit up and asked thecustomer if she wanted her regular order. I can see why people have posted on differential media forums of their EXPERIENCES of RUDE service at Venus Pie Trap. The only young female working there today must be one of the THORNS who have kept some people from returning. The owner(s) needs to either have her trained on what actual customer service entails or removal of her presence at the front counter. Pizza oven may be best for her lack of people friendly skills. Let me know, owner of Venus Pie Trap, the days that your RUDE with an attitude female employee does Not work there, and maybe I'll return with new customers as I brought my niece there for her first Venus Pie Trap EXPERIENCE. Support Local Business, yes, when everything aligns, such as good vibes, good food, good beverages, reasonably priced, and friendly, courtesy employees with a professional attitude. Not for employees giving attitude to one customer and favoritism to another. read more

I love the concept - coffee shop with pastries + pizza, pies, and cocktails in the evening!? The food though is expensive, and service is ok. read more

Food is great most of the time, service is extremely rude. I brought back a bagel that had a thick hair in the cream cheese to be remade and she took it rolled her eyes said "sure" and when they were done she threw it on the counter and didn't say anything. read more

Great little place. Don't plan on eating there since it's very small. The food selection is great and I'm sure we will go back again many times. read more

For the love of god, you should have fruit pies!!!! What about sourcing from Beckmans?

I ordered the Samosa hand pie which they "heated up". It was incredibly bland and stone cold in the center. Definitely not enough staff to keep things moving along either. There were only two people working and one of them had to keep running around to restock the coffee bar so often there was no one at the register for at least five minutes. The view is great but not worth the long wait for mediocre coffee and cold, bland food. read more

Got to finally try the pizza and bagels. Having lived in nyc, these bagels are the best I've had on the west coast! Pizzas are great too, my new go-to for breakfast and lunch. read more

The food is very good. The price point on a few items is on the high side. The salads could be a little less, while the price on the pies of every style is good. The service is good but they could use a third person behind the counter. There are errors made due to amount of patrons in the small space. Thank you. read more

Great service and yummy Quiche. The view is perfect. I can't wait for the main restaurant to open.

This is a good place for a quick bite at the beach. The coffee is terrific, and the pie is wonderful. We had the coconut cream and we're not disappointed. The pizza was good just not great. The dough although crunchy and delicious suffered from a soggy middle. The toppings were wonderful, so I'm not sure how the combo went wrong. We also got a Caesar salad which is premade and good but not great. We'll be back for breakfast! read more

amazing pastries and services. the person working was also so sweet and food and coffees came out so fast. read more

Venus Pie Trap - ambiance - Cafes Near Me - Aptos, California

Great coffee and lattes. We picked up beans yesterday for our espresso machine. I can't wait to come back for some bagels. Really nice and friendly people working behind the counter. read more

Bad news: the pies at Venus Pie Trap are no longer the incredibly delicious Edith's Pies. Ordered coconut pie for dessert at Venus Westside, and were served a flat, sad pie with no flavor. Craving the real deal, we took ourselves back to the Pie Trap the next day, where we had previously been served the Holy Grail of pies...only to find more deflated, dispirited offerings. If your business is called The Pie Trap, you'd better have some good pies - just sayin'. Sean Venus, please bring back Edith's! read more

Love this place! They have my favorite bagels. Also they have my favorite pastries from Manresa bread! And great coffee!!

I'd post a picture but the bagel and scallion cream cheese are gone. Fantastic coffee, fresh pastries- friendly counter staff. Great way to start my morning! read more

Excellent pizza! Thin crust and fresh toppings...hot from the oven in minutes! Try it you won't be disappointed:)

Went back for a second time for pizza. Can I just say O-M-G! SOOOOO good! We tried both the pepperoni and the sausage and fennel pizza and both were equally delicious. The pizza dough had that perfect "chew" to it. The toppings too were equally fresh and tasty. VPT is perfect spot at the beach to enjoy coffee, breakfast and/or lunch! read more

One star for the lame response to my two star review. I wasn't "bummed" about not being able to substitute the sauce on a pizza, I thought the notion of preselected toppings and sauces with no allowance of substitutions to be laughable. Enough so to never return and write a review about, which I hoped would help a rigid management and/or ownership to change their ways. read more

Something about the sauce was off. It was sort of clumpy and too garlicky. The crust was good, though. I got the Mootz which wasn't cheesy enough, although it was advertised as having mozzarella, provolone, and pecorino romano. read more

Pizza was great! Also tried several slices of pie that were good too. Nice sitting in the adjacent patio/ dining area - and had a lunch cocktail to enjoy the day! read more

I decided to try out Venus Pie Trap for lunch. I got a chocolate chip cookie and a slice of quiche. The cookie was fine and then I waited for my quiche and the bread it came with to be heated. And waited. And waited some more. Friends, if you are looking for a quick lunch spot, this is not it. After waiting 25 minutes, it was ready to go. The bread is really unnecessary, I've never thought "What my quiche is missing is bread on the side!" Unless you're eating it first, you'll also be spreading cold butter on cold, but toasted bread. The crust on the quiche is good, and the quiche was also tasty but I don't think I'll be getting another slice in the future. read more

Had a too good to go order and was the first of 4 other people behind me for the same thing. The workers were complaining about making the bags because of how much money they were losing because of it. They kept saying "look at how much money we are losing, I just gave away 20+ dollars worth of stuff. How much was it at that app like 5 bucks? I hate doing this, we could be making so much more money if we had kept those pastries." We bought a coffee because it smelled so good inside as we walked in but I wish I hadnt. Also the pastries were good but being called out by the barista and guy washing dishes in the back was kind of ridiculous. I very very rarely write bad things but I've never had felt so crummy picking up a too good too go. I use it because I can't afford goodies for my home all the time and these are nice treats for my kids and family. I'll never come here again. This business should stop using this app if the workers don't want to deal with it. read more