Tomato Jakes has been selling their interestingly named pizzas in Durham since 2005. Started by two friends with a dream, this pizza shop has become a beloved establishment for college students, families and more in the Bull City. Order a “Mafia Meats” or a “Mobster Mushroom” or create your own by choosing from their extensive list of toppings. Tomato Jake’s offers calzones, pasta, wings and more as well.
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Hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Good pizza! They make their own ranch on-site. Great casual spot. Will be back.
Robert Dixey
Aug 30, 2025
5
Overall Score – 6.1 out of 10
A good experience overall. The atmosphere felt clean and welcoming, with a spacious layout and attentive staff. The presence of merch up front was a fun and unique touch that added some character to the place.
Cheese Pizza – 6.1 out of 10
Very cheesy—maybe just a little too much. A touch less cheese and a crispier crust would’ve balanced it better. The sauce had a good flavor, and the quality and price felt right. Solid pizza overall.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo – 5.3 out of 10
It was okay. The chicken seemed more like cubed, pre-cooked chicken rather than freshly grilled. The sauce was average and lacked any standout flavor. Nothing bad, just not memorable.
Daniel Weiner
Jul 8, 2025
5
Edit after reply from restaurant: thankfully stickiness of tables is due to needed revarnishing - not dirty. We had the Pete's pasta with chicken (vodka sauce) and the meatballs with red sauce and rigatonis. The red sauce was excellent as were the huge meatballs. We both had leftovers. And if you love cheesy bread this is your place. Our only negative was that we felt the tables were sticky and needed a deep cleaning. But the food was so good we still rated this a 5.
JustSay Jackie
Jun 13, 2025
4
I ordered the Abe Froman out of curiosity, but I don’t think it was the right pizza for me. It was decent, but only true sausage lovers will appreciate this specialty pizza. I could tell the crust and sauce were still good, so I would definitely try another pizza from here.
Heather Ling
May 24, 2025
5
Gluten free pizza is safe for a celiac. Jake is a super great guy. Fantastic food and easy going atmosphere.
Pearl “Sweetie” Kennedy
May 13, 2025
5
The pizza here is absolutely delicious!!! We tried sausage/onion and I'm totally hooked. They also have very good chili in the fall.(It's seasonal)
Breanna Puryear
May 9, 2025
5
Delicious pizza, huge slices for a great price (~4-4.50 a slice depending on the topping or if it is a speciality slice.) The ranch was so good, cold, and herby!!
The only complaint was that the table/floor could have been cleaner. I always love a local pizza joint!
Tina Ritter
Apr 12, 2025
5
First time trying their pizza and hooked already. Had them make me a cheesesteak pizza with grilled shrimp and BAM! Crust is just how I like it! I will be back!
Mark SULLIVAN
Mar 28, 2025
4
Tried the Abe Froman specialty pizza - surprisingly good! Crust was just right / lightly charred and tasty - the meats of the Abe Froman and the abundant cheese baked to perfection - satisfied my hunger - only downsides were fake flowers out front and .,. / definitely going to visit here again!
Matthew Trn
Nov 15, 2024
5
Some of the best pizza and wings in the area. Prices are generally slightly higher than a usual chain, but the food is leagues ahead in quality. They sell both by the pie and slice. Toppings run the gambit from your usual to things I uncommon (grilled chicken and hamburger style are both particularly tasty).
Staff have always been polite and efficient. They work quickly in an open kitchen, for me always a good sign of confidence in their quality.
The interior is just a sort of basic pizza joint. Nothing to write home about, but nothing to detract from the experience.
Parking lot is very accessible and one can go in and out with the light to save on fighting traffic -- great for swinging by for takeout on the way home from work.
Highly recommend if you are looking for pizza outside the usual big chains!
丽莎
Nov 12, 2024
5
Love their pizza by the slice options! I enjoy their key lime pie and garlic bread rolls (“garlic knuckles”) as well. Consistently good quality and service. The only thing is I’d prefer not to use playing cards as my order assignment since the cards begin to feel a little grimy after having been through so many other customer’ and staff hands without being wiped down. Minor complaint, though.
Kyle Johnson
Oct 13, 2024
5
Been coming here since 2019. Service has always been prompt, courteous, and friendly.
Their prices are reasonable and their pizza is always consistent. I have never tried any of their specialty pizzas, or anything else on the menu yet as I am a creature of habit. . . but anytime I am in the area, I always make a little detour to knock back a slice of their cheese and pepperoni. Always hits the spot!
