The first time I walked into Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Friends had tried describing it to me – “It’s a pizza place with a giant organ,” they’d said, which honestly didn’t do it justice. What I discovered instead was a fascinating slice of American entertainment history that’s somehow survived and thrived for over fifty years.
Let me paint you a picture: Imagine walking into what seems like a regular pizza joint, only to find yourself in a vast space dominated by what can only be described as a musical marvel. The Mighty Wurlitzer organ, originally built in 1927, towers over the dining room like some steampunk fantasy come to life. With over 6,000 pipes, it’s not just an organ – it’s practically an entire orchestra in one instrument.
There’s something wonderfully anachronistic about the whole setup. The Wurlitzer is a relic from the silent film era, when these massive instruments provided the soundtrack to early cinema. But instead of gathering dust in a museum, this particular organ has found an unlikely second life accompanying diners as they eat their pepperoni pizzas.
The current organists handle this beast of an instrument with impressive skill. During my visit, I watched in amazement as the performer’s hands danced across multiple keyboards while their feet worked the pedals below. The music itself? Far from the stuffy classical pieces you might expect. One minute it’s a Broadway showtune, the next it’s the latest pop hit, each arrangement showcasing just how versatile this antique instrument can be.
What struck me most was how the music transforms the entire dining experience. Between bites of pizza (which, by the way, is actually pretty good – the thin crust has a nice crispiness to it), I found myself completely absorbed in the performance. The organ isn’t background music here; it’s the main event.
The crowd gets into it too. During my visit, I saw kids abandoning half-eaten slices to dance in their seats, elderly couples holding hands and swaying to familiar tunes, and more than a few phone cameras recording the spectacle. When someone requested the theme from Star Wars, the whole room erupted in cheers.
If you’re planning to visit (and I’d recommend it, if only for the sheer uniqueness of the experience), here’s what I learned:
The place gets busy, especially on weekends. Getting there early means better seating and shorter lines at the counter where you order your food. The setup is casual – think cafeteria-style seating with long tables. You might end up sharing space with strangers, but that’s part of the communal atmosphere.
The performances run on the hour, lasting about 40-50 minutes, with short breaks in between. This timing works well – enough time to enjoy both the music and your meal without feeling rushed.
Places like Organ Stop Pizza feel increasingly rare in today’s world. It’s neither a sophisticated concert venue nor a typical family restaurant, but something uniquely American in its blend of entertainment, food, and community. The fact that it’s survived since 1972 in Mesa (you can find it at 1149 E Southern Ave) speaks to its enduring appeal.
Sure, it’s touristy. Yes, it can be loud and crowded. And if you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, this probably isn’t your spot. But there’s something genuinely special about a place that can make a 95-year-old organ feel relevant and exciting to a room full of 21st-century diners.
In an age where so much of our entertainment comes through screens, there’s something refreshing about watching a live performer coax everything from classical pieces to Disney tunes out of this magnificent mechanical monster. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones that don’t quite fit into any category.
If you find yourself in Mesa, consider stopping by. Order a pizza, settle in, and prepare to experience something that feels both charmingly old-fashioned and surprisingly alive. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming along with a pipe organ rendition of your favorite song.
Photos
What it's about
The first time I walked into Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Friends had tried describing it to me – “It’s a pizza place with a giant organ,” they’d said, which honestly didn’t do it justice. What I discovered instead was a fascinating slice of American entertainment history that’s somehow survived and thrived for over fifty years.
Let me paint you a picture: Imagine walking into what seems like a regular pizza joint, only to find yourself in a vast space dominated by what can only be described as a musical marvel. The Mighty Wurlitzer organ, originally built in 1927, towers over the dining room like some steampunk fantasy come to life. With over 6,000 pipes, it’s not just an organ – it’s practically an entire orchestra in one instrument.
There’s something wonderfully anachronistic about the whole setup. The Wurlitzer is a relic from the silent film era, when these massive instruments provided the soundtrack to early cinema. But instead of gathering dust in a museum, this particular organ has found an unlikely second life accompanying diners as they eat their pepperoni pizzas.
The current organists handle this beast of an instrument with impressive skill. During my visit, I watched in amazement as the performer’s hands danced across multiple keyboards while their feet worked the pedals below. The music itself? Far from the stuffy classical pieces you might expect. One minute it’s a Broadway showtune, the next it’s the latest pop hit, each arrangement showcasing just how versatile this antique instrument can be.
What struck me most was how the music transforms the entire dining experience. Between bites of pizza (which, by the way, is actually pretty good – the thin crust has a nice crispiness to it), I found myself completely absorbed in the performance. The organ isn’t background music here; it’s the main event.
The crowd gets into it too. During my visit, I saw kids abandoning half-eaten slices to dance in their seats, elderly couples holding hands and swaying to familiar tunes, and more than a few phone cameras recording the spectacle. When someone requested the theme from Star Wars, the whole room erupted in cheers.
If you’re planning to visit (and I’d recommend it, if only for the sheer uniqueness of the experience), here’s what I learned:
The place gets busy, especially on weekends. Getting there early means better seating and shorter lines at the counter where you order your food. The setup is casual – think cafeteria-style seating with long tables. You might end up sharing space with strangers, but that’s part of the communal atmosphere.
The performances run on the hour, lasting about 40-50 minutes, with short breaks in between. This timing works well – enough time to enjoy both the music and your meal without feeling rushed.
Places like Organ Stop Pizza feel increasingly rare in today’s world. It’s neither a sophisticated concert venue nor a typical family restaurant, but something uniquely American in its blend of entertainment, food, and community. The fact that it’s survived since 1972 in Mesa (you can find it at 1149 E Southern Ave) speaks to its enduring appeal.
Sure, it’s touristy. Yes, it can be loud and crowded. And if you’re looking for an intimate dining experience, this probably isn’t your spot. But there’s something genuinely special about a place that can make a 95-year-old organ feel relevant and exciting to a room full of 21st-century diners.
In an age where so much of our entertainment comes through screens, there’s something refreshing about watching a live performer coax everything from classical pieces to Disney tunes out of this magnificent mechanical monster. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones that don’t quite fit into any category.
If you find yourself in Mesa, consider stopping by. Order a pizza, settle in, and prepare to experience something that feels both charmingly old-fashioned and surprisingly alive. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming along with a pipe organ rendition of your favorite song.
Location
Weather
Message Board
Checkout what else is around
Wadoo – It’s What to Do!
© Rosie Insights LLC.
Your opinion matters to us. Help us improve by sharing your thoughts and suggestions about our website. Whether it’s about user experience, content, or features, we’re all ears!
