Right in the heart of Henderson’s historic Water Street District, Water Street Pizzeria is the kind of neighborhood gem that reminds you exactly why you’ll always choose a family-owned restaurant over a chain.
Run by a husband-and-wife team with a deep love for authentic, made-from-scratch Italian food, this cozy little pizzeria has become a beloved anchor of downtown Henderson’s dining scene — one fresh-dough pizza at a time. 🍕
How Water Street Pizzeria Won Henderson’s Hearts
Jim and Jan Hawkins, the sole proprietors of Water Street Pizzeria, opened their doors in 2019 with a clear and unwavering mission — to create a place where everyone feels welcome, and to serve food made entirely from personal, house-crafted recipes. ❤️
The couple proudly introduced their secret weapon early on: Chef “Magic” Juan, a talented kitchen maestro who makes the pizza dough, marinara sauce, pizza sauce, Italian meatballs, and Nonna’s lasagna completely from scratch every single day.
That daily commitment to freshness — in a city dominated by flashy casino buffets and fast-casual chains — immediately set Water Street Pizzeria apart as one of Henderson’s most authentic dining experiences. 🏆
Locals discovered that tucked along South Water Street sat a genuine Italian-American pizzeria where the owners knew your name, the dough was made fresh before you even walked in, and the pizza sauce was crafted from a personal recipe that no chain restaurant could ever replicate.
The couple’s hands-on approach — personally responding to customer feedback, engaging with their community, and continuously refining their menu — created the kind of loyal, passionate regular base that most restaurant owners only dream about.
And then there’s the detail that’s become almost legendary among regulars — you can ask for your pizza to be made in a heart shape, a sweet little touch from Jim and Jan that perfectly captures the love baked into everything they do. 💕
For anyone exploring the best pizzerias in Henderson, NV, this is the one that makes you forget every other pizza you’ve ever had.
Food Highlights 🍕
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All Meat Pizza: The ultimate carnivore’s dream and one of the most-ordered pies on the menu — a generously loaded pizza packed with a hearty combination of meats on a freshly made, hand-tossed crust. 🥩
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Chicken Ranch Style Pizza: A best-selling crowd favorite that swaps traditional marinara for a creamy ranch base, topped with seasoned chicken. 🐔
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Milan Pizza: Another top best-seller on the Water Street Pizzeria menu, the Milan is a standout combo pie that keeps diners coming back specifically to reorder it. 🇮🇹
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Margherita Pizza: A true test of any great pizzeria — fresh, simple, and stunning when done right. 🍅
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The Tuscany Pizza: Part of the signature Waterstreet Combos, the Tuscany brings rustic Italian inspiration to every bite. 🌿
- The Aloha Pizza: A sweet-meets-savory tropical favorite that delivers a taste of the islands right in downtown Henderson. 🍍
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Anacardi (Cashew) Pizza: Possibly the most uniquely named and intriguing pie on the entire menu — this distinctive Waterstreet Combo specialty incorporates cashews for a surprisingly rich, nutty flavor profile. 🥜
- Raging Buffalo Chicken Pizza: For those who like their pizza with a serious kick 🌶️ — tangy, fiery, and loaded with flavor, it’s the pie that spice lovers make a special trip for.
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Pesto Pizza: Rounding out the Waterstreet Combos, the Pesto Pizza trades the traditional red sauce for a vibrant, herb-forward pesto base — a sophisticated, aromatic alternative. 🌱
Atmosphere
Water Street Pizzeria is warm, intimate, and refreshingly unpretentious — the kind of place that feels like it was built with neighborhood regulars in mind from the very first brick. 🧱
The cozy indoor space flows out to a charming outdoor patio where guests can dine al fresco in the pleasant Henderson air, with a rotating mix of music genres setting the perfect relaxed mood.
Big groups, date nights, solo lunch breaks — Water Street Pizzeria accommodates them all with the kind of effortless hospitality that only a couple-owned, community-first restaurant can truly deliver. ❤️🍕
Bottom Line
Five reasons Water Street Pizzeria deserves a spot on your Henderson must-visit list: 100% scratch-made dough, sauce, and meatballs daily; a creative specialty pizza menu with something for every palate; a warm, couple-owned atmosphere that chains simply can’t replicate; a charming outdoor patio perfect for Henderson evenings; and a level of personal hospitality that makes every visit feel like a homecoming. 🍕✨
Address:
139 S Water St, Henderson, NV 89015
📞 (702) 463-1511
🕔 Open Tue–Sun, 11 AM–9 PM (closed Monday)