Dinner and a show takes on a whole new meaning when the main act is a record-shattering, 8,000-pound pipe organ that rises from beneath the stage and fills an entire room with the sound of a full orchestra. Rather than a pizza shop with an organ in it, Organ Stop Pizza is an organ show that serves pizza — each night in Mesa, Arizona, the largest theater pipe organ ever created rises on a hydraulic elevator to sit 10 feet above the nearly always at-capacity 700-seat dining room, brought to roaring life by virtuoso theater organists while patrons dine on pizza, pasta, and sandwiches under disco balls and spotlights.
The first Organ Stop Pizza location opened in 1972 at the corner of 7th St and Missouri Ave in Phoenix, Arizona, with a second location opening in Mesa near Southern Ave and Dobson Rd in 1975. After changing hands in 1984, the mesa location was carried forward with a mission to continuously acquire rare parts and expand the organ — so much so that Organ Stop had to move to a new, larger location in 1995 to accommodate its new dimensions. Today, 42-foot-tall ceilings accommodate balcony seating for viewing the record-holding 1927 Wurlitzer console, insured for up to $5 million.
The Star of the Show: The Mighty Wurlitzer
This 1927 Wurlitzer Organ features 6,000 pipes, over a thousand keys, buttons, and switches linked to a series of xylophones, gongs, trumpets, pianos, and drums to create the sound of a full band and orchestra — all rolled into one. The sheer scale of it is genuinely hard to comprehend until you’re sitting underneath it. As the owner himself puts it, you’re essentially sitting inside the organ — it’s loud, you feel it, you hear it, and you see everything that’s going on.
Organists play a wide variety of music ranging from yesterday’s hits, today’s hits, classical, and movie soundtracks — all from memory, without sheet music. Requests are taken, so come prepared with a favorite and see if it gets played. The restaurant’s 300,000 annual dinner patrons enjoy timeless compositions such as “The Flight of the Bumblebee,” selections from The Sound of Music and The Lion King, the Star Wars opening theme, and “God Bless America.” The organists have also been known to blend requests together into creative medleys, a skill that musicians and non-musicians alike consistently describe as jaw-dropping.
Nightly shows also include dancing marionette cats, disco balls, and spectacular light shows that transform the dining room into something closer to a concert hall. It may take a while to soak in everything you’re hearing and seeing, as different parts of the instrument are activated at different times — and that sense of discovery is a big part of what keeps people coming back.
The Food & Drink Menu
You can build your own 8-inch, 12-inch, or 14-inch pizza from a wide variety of toppings including cheese, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, beef, ham, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, onion, and more. Specialty pies include favorites like the fully-loaded Combination, the classic Hawaiian, and the P.S.M. (Pepperoni, Sausage & Mushrooms). Gluten-free pizza is also available in a 12-inch size, made with a special blend of herbs and spices as the base.
Beyond pizza, the menu features pastas including spaghetti with tomato sauce, spaghetti with meatballs, and lasagna — each pasta order comes with garlic bread — along with appetizers like mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini, fried mushrooms, onion rings, and french fries. There’s also a beer and wine bar, a beverage station serving soft drinks by the glass or pitcher, and a beloved ice cream station. The food is honest, satisfying, and reasonably priced — don’t come expecting fine dining, but don’t be surprised if the pizza wins you over more than you expected.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space is huge, with seating for hundreds in a large two-story cinema-like venue. The mouthwatering aroma of fresh-baked dough fills the air as you enter through the double doors, immediately setting the tone for a casual, lively, and deeply nostalgic evening. The combination of exposed pipes, instrument displays, and theatrical lighting gives the interior a look that’s completely unlike any other restaurant you’ve been to.
The extensive display of musical instruments and vast array of pipes complement the beautiful Wurlitzer organ, creating an environment that feels part museum, part concert hall, and part family-friendly dining room. It is a very loud establishment with spontaneous group singing — the crowd regularly erupts into song along with the organist, and that communal energy is genuinely infectious. The restaurant has hosted over 7.3 million people, including celebrities, athletes, and notable figures from across American pop culture.
Other Considerations
How’s the pricing? Prices are reported to be affordable, especially considering the full entertainment experience included with every visit. Pizza prices are quite reasonable, and the thin crust pizza gets consistently high marks. There’s no cover charge for the show — the entertainment comes with your meal. It’s also worth noting that since the restaurant is self-service, there’s no tip expectation on card payments.
Is it good for kids? Organ Stop Pizza has been a destination restaurant for customers of all ages for over 50 years. It’s a lively spot perfect for kids to enjoy the music, dance, and even a small arcade, making it a unique family outing. The marionette cats, flashing lights, and the spectacle of the organ rising from the stage tend to leave younger visitors completely transfixed.
When should I go, and how busy does it get? Going on a Saturday at dinner time can mean a packed house, but after peak dinner time the restaurant tends to thin out — so arriving later in the evening is worth considering. A smart strategy is to send one person ahead to secure seating while others order, and upper-level seating offers particularly great views of the organ.
Is parking easy? The restaurant is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, and most visitors arrive by personal vehicle. It’s also a very reasonable drive from downtown Phoenix, making it a popular and easy side trip for visitors staying in the greater metro area.
Can I make song requests? Absolutely — and it’s one of the most fun parts of the experience. The organists love requests, and it’s a highlight for many visitors that adds to the unique experience. Come with a wish list, and you might just hear your favorite song performed in a way you’ve never heard before.
Organ Stop Pizza
📍 1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
Website: https://www.organstoppizza.com
