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    Emmy Squared Pizza - Durham

    4.3 (137 reviews)
    ModeratePizza, Burgers, Bars
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    Order Emmy Squared Pizza - Durham Takeout or Delivery

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    EMMY SQUARED PIZZA - DURHAM ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Tricia K.

    My folks were visiting from Ohio and we ended up at Emmy Squared for my dad's 85th birthday. It was our first time at E² which couldn't have been a better choice. Friendly service, cool atmosphere, and the pizza was phenomenal! I had a plant-based, gluten-free pizza (extra $4 for each) that was among the most memorable pizzas I've had. Pictures wouldn't do it justice. My dad went so far as to say it was the best pizza he's ever had - and that's 85 years of pizza eating, y'all! As an unexpected treat, they brought out a huge brownie with ice cream and a candle for my dear ol' dad. A week later I'm still smiling at what a great experience it was, and I can't wait to go back.

    VIP Gluten Free Pizza
    Laurie G.

    I stopped in Emmy Squared for a Deep dish gluten free pizza and it did not disappoint. I parked in Brightleaf Square and was able to get 2 hours free parking in the restaurant. You scan the QR code and put in your license plate and phone number and then give your phone number in the restaurant and it will validate your parking. It's right across from the restaurant and a simple walk in. I have always ordered the big Hawaiian but I was encouraged to get the VIP and I'm so glad that I did. It is a taste explosion and I highly recommend it if you like a little spice. The crust is thick and unlike another gluten free pizza crust. The atmosphere is quiet and cozy today but I came at 3pm. The waitress was very attentive and great with recommendations that were spot on. I highly recommend you try this out if you are looking for some fun flavor combinations for pizza with amazing crust.

    Jessica G.

    I heard a lot about this place in regards to its pizza, so we were excited to try it. We started with the brussels sprouts salad, which came out super fast. It was tangy with a strong blue cheese flavor but a little too salty. The cranberries were plump and added a nice balance though. That was the highlight of our meal though, because the pizzas were underwhelming. We tried 3 pizzas (the VIP, miranda, and one with honey) in the regular size, which gave us plenty of leftovers. The crust on all of them was much thicker and doughier than I prefer. They use a focaccia-like dough that they put toppings on top, which is their signature style. It just makes for a meal that's 90% bread. Regardless, staff were really nice and very attentive, and there was both indoor and outdoor seating. The vibes of the interior were nice and spacious. I just wouldn't come back for the pizza.

    The Good Paulie Pizza
    Danielle H.

    I love Emmy Squared! I've been a handful of times and it never disappoints. The Detroit style crust is perfectly buttery, chewy, and the cheese makes it deliciously crispy at the edges. You can't beat those corner slices. I usually get the Deluxe Pizza which has red sauce, sausage, mozzarella, mushrooms, and peppers - classic flavors executed just right. I've also had their Big Hawaiian Pizza, and on my most recent visit I tried the Good Paulie pizza. I loved both of these pizzas, but I think the Deluxe is my favorite by just a smidge. The seasonal watermelon burrata salad is phenomenal, bursting with fresh flavors that complement one another. I've always loved the Brightleaf Square area of Durham, and I'm so glad that Emmy Squared chose to set up shop there. The exposed brick interior, tall windows, and open layout make for an inviting atmosphere. When the weather is nice, one could take advantage of their outdoor seating. Service has always been friendly and efficient. Overall this is one of my favorite pizza places in the Triangle.

    MVP pizza
    Alison C.

    Delishhh!! I ended up in Raleigh for awhile without a car available so I ordered Emmy's squared pizza on Uber Eats. It came hot, freshly prepared and sooo tasty. I've never had a crust with sesame seeds on it but wow it works. It added simple flavor and crunchiness to an already perfectly baked pizza. I loved the combination of vodka sauce with the parsley pesto and red sauce. I absolutely would order again from Emmys, everything looks so good it was hard to decide what to get. Portion is fair for the pricing and pizza is filling.

    Gluten free pizza

    The homemade crust on the gluten free pizza was delicious! The staff was also super knowledgeable and helpful regarding allergies.

    William S.

    I finally made it to Emmy Squared, 905 West Main Street, Durham, after meaning to visit since they opened here over a year ago. I had heard of them. With 28 locations worldwide, how couldn't you. But last night I got to taste it for myself. Our table ordered an MVP, a meat lovers, several pepperoni pies, and one with a kick from chili peppers. Each with that crisp‑edged crust, deep dish, and fulfilling. We also had wings, cheesy bread, and cheese sticks. All spot‑on in flavor. Daven, MaryBeth, and the rest of the crew worked the entire restaurant with energy, warmth, professionalism, and efficiency. Their attention never felt rushed, yet nothing lagged. We'll be back.

    Cheesy Garlic Sticks
    Nyla H.

    I got the sixer roni supreme and the cheese sticks and they were amazing! The service was great and the bartender made sure I was enjoying my time there and enjoying my food!

    Matthew H.

    Detroit style deep dish heaven. I've had this pizza before in other cities, but this was the first time in Durham. I love the restaurant location with old-town vibe feels in downtown Durham. The pizza. Phenomenal! Pineapple and bacon was the choice this time. Sweet and savory with a drizzle on top. The outside sitting area was quaint with plenty of shaded options. Definitely passed the vibe check and the pizza was amazing!

    Natasha R.

    This place has such delicious pizza! It is a little bit pricey, but every single pizza we ordered was delicious. The servers were super nice and knowledgeable about their menu, and I definitely would love to come back to this place. There is also validated parking (two hours) for the lot next to the restaurant.

    Makayla P.

    The pizza here is so good!! I get the founders and the combo of the pepperonis, jalapeños and honey is to die for. Service is great, super friendly but sometimes when you walk in you end up waiting at the front for a second before being greeted. I have been on a Tuesday around 4:30 and there was no one there and I've also been on a Sunday at 2p and there was also no one there maybe it's just the days I go I'm not sure why I haven't seen more people. Anyways the pizza is a deep dish style and you could eat a whole sixer by yourself. Outdoor and indoor seating and you can order alcoholic beverages. I love Emmy squared.

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    8 months ago

    Had the Meatsiah pizza and it was delicious. Service was awesome too. Love the music/ambiance. Will definitely be returning soon.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Wife and I loved it and will be back soon. Vibes, food, drinks, people. All great. Great desserts too.

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    1 year ago

    Amazing food and service. The specialty pizzas are well executed. The VIP pizza is a must. Definitely recommend.

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    2 years ago

    Excellent food, service, and ambiance. Would definitely return. The Detroit style pizza was exactly what I was looking for.

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    2 years ago

    If you're looking for Detroit style pizza...you are in luck!!! The service was great and the FOOD was amazing! Will definitely return

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Stellar. Looking forward to my next trip. Burgers - amazing. Drinks - amazing. Can only imagine what the pizza is going to taste like.

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    2 years ago

    Great pizza! It definitely lived up to the hype I'm looking forward to trying it again.

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    Page 3 of 4

    Emmy Squared Pizza - Durham Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Emmy Squared Pizza - Durham

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

    The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge

    4.5
    (105 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Great small bites. I recommend you trying the Elote dip it was AMAZING and perfect for sharing with…read moretwo or more friends! They have great drink specials for different days of the week! Very speedy service all of their bartenders are very sweet and will fix whatever drink to your liking The vibes are disco balls on the ceiling very open very Miami Beach vibes they have an indoor and an outdoor seating area not only that they have fireplaces. If you get a little too far from their heated porch area! The vibes just don't stop. They have an aesthetic fireplace in side as well as a fake tree in the middle beautiful for taking pictures Their bathrooms are adorable, but you might have to wait a little bit on a busy day. But this is the same problem with every bar. Very glad that they have more than one bathroom.

    Okay, so wow. Durham has upped its game in terms of its social scene. We got to the VH at like 9?…read more9:30? on a Friday night and the line to get in was down at least one flight of stairs to the second floor. It did move fast for us so we were able to get in about 10 minutes later or so. It was latin night so the music was tailored to that so I won't comment on what that was like. The outdoor patio was wonderful. Not too loud. Some good seating options. You can access the bar from out there too. Took awhile to get to order while waiting in line. I had something purple... french 75? It was just okay. Jell-o shots were made with MEZCAL that night which my group found sooo gross. So beware. Overall I see the hype. But when we left around 10:30 or so the line was down the stairs, out the door, and down the block. I don't know if it was worth THAT.

    Photos
    Holiday Decor!
    Holiday Decor!
    Tap & Unwrap
    Tap & Unwrap
    Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas

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    Avocado toast with chopped egg, tomato, onion, and pepitas
    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

    4.8
    (43 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Veteran-owned & operated
    Locally owned & operated

    If you're looking for a fun weekend date that feels cozy, elevated, and a little different, Weldon…read moreMills in Durham is such a standout. My husband and I visited recently for a bourbon tasting, and the entire experience exceeded our expectations. Our mixologist, Berkay, was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He shared the history behind each spirit and walked us through the tasting notes in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely enjoyable. The food menu was another big win, especially as someone who eats vegan. They offered vegan options, which made the experience feel inclusive and well thought out This is a fantastic spot for date night, a girls' night, or celebrating something special. They also host tastings, cocktail classes, private parties, and bachelor or bachelorette events, which makes it a great option for future plans. Highly recommend if you're looking for a memorable experience in Durham that feels both fun and thoughtfully done.

    Came here for lunch on a Sunday. Did a flight and had some lunch. The staff were nice. Not many…read morepeople in there. Nice location and nice bar. Plenty of seating. The apple flavor whiskey was not good. Too syrupy and the peach flavor is insanely sweet; may be good in a mixed drink. The sweet potato was good. I could sip that easily. For food I had deviled eggs and brisket nachos. The deviled eggs weren't that good. The nachos tasted good and a nice portion. Though it's not bad, it also wasn't good. Glad I tried it off my list, but won't be back.

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    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham
    The Tasting Room
    The Tasting Room
    Weldon Mills Distillery Durham

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    The Waiting Room

    The Waiting Room

    4.6
    (32 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    This cozy bar & lounge set between the American Tobacco Campus and the DPAC is a great place to…read moreunwind and chill. Got a show coming up? You can come here for a pre-show drink. There is waiter service at the lounge tables. I enjoy the bar service: plenty of seats and friendly bartenders. Old Bull Apartments residents have it best. They can hang out here, steps from their homes.

    I was very excited to try this place based on so many wonderful yelp reviews and I am thrilled to…read moresay that you were all absolutely correct. We LOVED our visit to The Waiting Room. I took off early and came here early on a Wednesday night with my aunt (we were going to try another restaurant on Tobacco Road later that evening for dinner.) This is a very definite speakeasy vibe here...the art deco decor is amazing. My eyes were thrilled before we even sat down. We had our pick of places since we got there right as they opened. Our waitress came over and was so pleasant and extremely knowledgeable. I cannot wait to bring my uncle back to enjoy some new bourbons. I started with a Wake Up Holland and my aunt had a chocolate martini (not on the menu but the bartender understood the assignment!) Wake Up Holland is 100% worth the hype. I LOVED IT. But since I was worried about the caffiene, I tried The Smoking Jacket next. It wasn't really my favorite...it tasted like a campfire which I know some people enjoy but it wasn't my jam. The waitress was very astute and mentioned that they could make the Wake Up Holland in decaf and I rejoiced!!! And ended the evening with that. The service, ambiance, and drinks were all stellar and I cannot wait to return to this establishment!

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    The Waiting Room
    Rose
    Rose
    Wake Up Holland, YUM!

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    Wake Up Holland, YUM!
    Alley Twenty Six

    Alley Twenty Six

    4.3
    (428 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    We had an extremely memorable experience at Alley Twenty Six, in large part to our amazing server,…read moreAnthony! We made a reservation for a Saturday night dinner and he made sure we were well taken care of all night. We started the night with their James Bears award winning cocktails, and every drink we ordered was a hit! Spiced strawberry mule, Sunset Sipper, and the table favorite: Earl Please. The latter two drinks were mocktails and they were still standouts! As for the food, the Alley burger was perfectly cooked: juicy patty paired with truffle cheese and simple toppings that really highlighted the burger itself. And shoestring fries are always a good choice with a delicious burger. Ricotta gnocchi was also very good. As our server Anthony said, let's get this burger nominated!

    Nestled right next to an alley is a modern restaurant/bar mixing innovative drinks (non-alcoholic…read moreavailable) and preparing tasty morsels to share along with your drink. If you like tinned fish, the smoked trout with chimchurri sauce is flavorful and fun. They have a large variety of tinned fish to choose from, but they also have traditional dishes if you're not feeling gastronomically adventurous. The service was quick, and the servers were engaging. Just what you want when you're feeling social. There is seating both indoors and outdoors to suit your fancy.

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    Pimento cheese & pepper jelly
    Pimento cheese & pepper jelly
    Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny
    Deviled eggs - lifewithhanny
    House-made tonic soda mocktail

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    House-made tonic soda mocktail
    Killer Queen

    Killer Queen

    4.9
    (33 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I was excited to try Killer Queen for a downtown girls' night. We don't make it downtown very…read moreoften, so I've been enjoying exploring some of Durham's newer spots -- and this one was absolutely worth the visit. The wine list is broad and thoughtfully curated, with options that feel approachable whether you're a casual wine drinker or someone looking to try something new. The sommeliers were welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about helping us find something we loved. The space itself is adorable, with eclectic décor and cozy lighting that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's a great spot for conversation and a relaxed evening with friends. The only downside is that the space is fairly small, and I would have loved to see one or two more lower seating options for small groups rather than mostly high tops. That said, I could absolutely see us coming back for a pre- or post-theater glass of wine or an easy catch-up night.

    Love this place! It's definitely a bit on the pricey side when it comes to the wine, but the…read moreoverall experience makes up for it. The service is awesome--our server was super friendly and gave me a great drink recommendation when I wasn't sure what I wanted. It ended up being perfect. My friend and I shared a glass of the 2023 Cederberg Bukettraube (sweet white wine) and got the charcuterie board for one with the truffle salami. That board was so good--I can't stop thinking about it. The toasted baguette slices with truffle salami and mustard? Unreal. It was the perfect little snack to share. We also had the citrus lavender crème brûlée, which was surprisingly delicious. I don't usually go for crème brûlée, but this one was light, not overly sweet, and just had a really nice flavor. I've also tried their shepherd's pie before and loved it--wish it was still on the menu! The vibe inside is moody and cozy, and they've got a cute outdoor patio too. Overall, such a great spot. A little pricey, but I'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend checking out Killer Queen.

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    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen
    Killer Queen

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    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

    Liberty & Plenty Distillery

    4.8
    (16 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    What a lovely surprise to find this gem tucked away in downtown Durham! I had heard great things…read moreabout their espresso martini, so when we finally visited, we had to try it. And, it truly lived up to the hype. One of the best we've ever had! I also tried two other cocktails made with their house-distilled rum and gin, and both were delicious and perfectly balanced. The seasonal menu is creative and reasonably priced, we were genuinely impressed. The ambiance is charming and cozy despite a bit warm inside (the AC was pretty weak), but quiet and tastefully decorated with velvet couches, exposed walls, vintage touches, and fresh flowers on each table. We had fun flipping through their amazing cocktail book collection on the shelf too. The bartenders were very friendly and offered us focaccia from Ninth Street Bakery to pair with our drinks for free, which was such a thoughtful and tasty addition. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and are so happy to see a micro-distillery thriving in the heart of Durham. Can't wait to return for an official tour and to sample more of their spirits!

    Really fun cocktail bar- that specializes in rums! First impression- I called ahead to see if our…read moredog was allowed to sit on the outside patio, and they told me not only is she allowed, but we aren't allowed to come without her. That response will get a smile every time. Super dog-friendly, to say the least, both outside and inside. Outside has several tables under a covered area, and inside has a few couches (with tiny tables) and a long bar you can sit at. We've been a few times now, and the service is super friendly and helpful, every time. It's small and intimate inside, but we never have a problem finding a seat! I love that they have snacks you can help yourself to, in airtight jars at the bar (peanut butter filled pretzels, sour worms, etc). Also important to note- the inside is NOT air conditioned. We stopped in on a HOT day, and it's brutal inside, with cloth couches and just one small fan. Love this bar, all of their cocktails (wine available too), and all of the staff! Will be back (a lot)!!

    Photos
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery
    Liberty & Plenty Distillery
    Damn good Espresso Martini

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    Damn good Espresso Martini
    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    Aaktun Coffee & Bar

    4.4
    (167 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    English: TL;DR: Beautiful atmosphere, fantastic coffee and…read morefood, thoughtful modern Latin flavors, amazing breakfast/dinner spot, and Fernando, the manager, is awesome. We've been to Aaktun in Durham multiple times for both breakfast and dinner, and it's honestly become one of our favorite spots. I'm Peruvian and grew up with Peruvian cuisine, so seeing lomo saltado -- a classic Peruvian dish -- on the menu immediately made me happy. Having also grown up in Mexico and lived in places like Miami, I really appreciate what they're doing with the menu: a modern, delicious take on Latin flavors that feels creative without losing what makes those cuisines special. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. You walk in thinking it's a stylish little coffee shop, then head toward the back and the whole place opens up -- gorgeous bar, tropical touches, cozy alcove seating, really cool vibe. One time we went with friends for a special dining experience they were offering, and it was excellent. The food, drinks, and whole experience were made even better by Fernando, the manager, who has always been incredibly warm, helpful, and accommodating. Highly recommend Aaktun for breakfast or dinner. Still haven't made it there for lunch somehow, but at this point we'd be shocked if it wasn't great too. Spanish: TL;DR: Lugar precioso, café y comida excelentes, sabores latinos con un toque moderno muy bien logrado, y Fernando, el gerente, es increíble. Ya hemos ido varias veces a Aaktun en Durham para desayuno y cena, y sinceramente se ha vuelto uno de nuestros lugares favoritos. Soy peruano y crecí con la cocina peruana, así que ver lomo saltado -- un plato clásico peruano -- en el menú me hizo muy feliz. Además, habiendo crecido en México y vivido en lugares como Miami, me encanta reconocer cómo integran sabores latinos con una propuesta moderna y de fusión. Se siente creativa, diferente y sobre todo riquísima. La atmósfera además es espectacular. Entras pensando que es una cafetería bonita y acogedora, pero luego caminas hacia atrás y el lugar se abre por completo: un bar hermoso, detalles tropicales, mesas tipo alcove... una vibra buenísima. Una vez fuimos con unos amigos para una experiencia especial de cena que estaban ofreciendo y la pasamos increíble. La comida, las bebidas y toda la experiencia fueron aún mejores gracias a Fernando, el gerente, que siempre ha sido súper amable, atento y servicial. Recomendamos muchísimo Aaktun para desayuno o cena. Todavía no hemos ido para almorzar, pero honestamente nos sorprendería mucho que no estuviera igual de bueno.

    "Part Dos - Mostly great, with a few exceptions"…read more Food temp is major in my book. While many of the food options were hot, several were not, and I believe that impacted the overall dining experience. We ordered classic breakfast and jerk chicken lunch options. For drinks: Cappuccino and Mango Refreshers. The good: (1) Fried rice - which accompanied the jerk chicken (served hot). While simple, the slightly earthy and bitter (in the best way possible) from the braised/steamed baby bok choy perfectly accompanied the earthy mushroom, and complex soy inspired fried rice. So good - this could be a vegan or meat side entree unto itself - IMO. (2) Scrambled Eggs - If you enjoy large curds of gently scrambled eggs - this is for you. While we enjoyed the remaining options for portion size and flavor, we did note that the temperature was cool to mid - which impacted overall flavor. Jerk Chicken: we understand this is a jerk inspired interpretation. With that being said, the most interesting flavor was limited to the crispy skin. Perhaps the chicken was immersed in a salt brine and basted with a jerk flavoring? We loved the white (perhaps mayo based sauce), and accompanied pickled red onion. But baby, the food temp. Yucca fries - if you're unfamiliar - are the baby of a green plantain and white potatoes. While good, they were not hot. Maybe could have benefited from a unique sauce? Food service good. But the biggest miss was the cheese hash browns and Mango Refresher. Hash brown (cheese) room temp, and tough - Mango Refresher - too tart and not worth the cost. As far as ambience: Customers were Hip, sexy, multi ethnic , and included old and young. We loved our waiter. Overall, a little disappointing especially considering we loved our first coffee breakfast visit so much. Not sure if it was an off day or we just prefer other menu options. However, we'd definitely visit again! Brunch/lunch: 4.2

    Photos
    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Iced autumn blaze latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny
    Jerk chicken
    Jerk chicken
    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

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    Iced dulce de leche latte with cold foam - lifewithhanny

    Emmy Squared Pizza - Durham - pizza - Updated July 2026

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