Organ Stop Pizza is a locally owned and one-of-a-kind business in Mesa, Arizona. Is it a pizza place, or is it an attraction? It's both!
You'll come to eat, but mostly to experience the unique musical experience of the grand Wurlitzer organ at Organ Stop Pizza. It isn't only about the incredible sound at this venue that was built specifically to house this instrument. It is also a visual treat, watching how it works and all the moving parts.
At some point during your visit you'll get a brief explanation about what you are seeing and how the organ works. Brochures in the lobby offer a history of the Mighty Wurlitzer and outline the contents of the chambers that you are seeing.
Come prepared to make requests. The organists here have a huge repertoire of songs of all styles and eras.
Organ Stop Pizza is a popular spot for special group outings -- churches, schools, reunions, corporate parties, civic organizations, etc. can arrange for special group programs, including daytime programs when the business is normally closed to the public.
Organ Stop Pizza - The Details
When: Every day, hours from early evening to 9 or 10 p.m. Organ Stop Pizza is not open to the public for breakfast or lunch.
Where: 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204. That's on Southern, just west of Stapley. Take U.S. 60 to Stapley, turn north on Stapley. This is a strip mall on your left, and you can enter off Stapley just before you get to Southern.
How much: The cost of your meal.
Cash and checks only -- no credit cards or debit cards accepted! Parking is free.
What you need to know:
Five Things You Might Not Know About the Wurlitzer Organ at Organ Stop Pizza
Contact Organ Stop Pizza
Phone: 480-813-5700
Online: www.organstoppizza.com
Twitter: @OrganStopPizza
Facebook: www.facebook.com/organstoppizza
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary meal for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. 06/14
You'll come to eat, but mostly to experience the unique musical experience of the grand Wurlitzer organ at Organ Stop Pizza. It isn't only about the incredible sound at this venue that was built specifically to house this instrument. It is also a visual treat, watching how it works and all the moving parts.
At some point during your visit you'll get a brief explanation about what you are seeing and how the organ works. Brochures in the lobby offer a history of the Mighty Wurlitzer and outline the contents of the chambers that you are seeing.
Come prepared to make requests. The organists here have a huge repertoire of songs of all styles and eras.
Organ Stop Pizza is a popular spot for special group outings -- churches, schools, reunions, corporate parties, civic organizations, etc. can arrange for special group programs, including daytime programs when the business is normally closed to the public.
Organ Stop Pizza - The Details
When: Every day, hours from early evening to 9 or 10 p.m. Organ Stop Pizza is not open to the public for breakfast or lunch.
Where: 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204. That's on Southern, just west of Stapley. Take U.S. 60 to Stapley, turn north on Stapley. This is a strip mall on your left, and you can enter off Stapley just before you get to Southern.
How much: The cost of your meal.
Cash and checks only -- no credit cards or debit cards accepted! Parking is free.
What you need to know:
- Organ music begins at about 30 minutes after opening.
- Seating is at long picnic-style tables, benches with no backs.
- You are welcome to get up, walk in and out while the organist plays.
- As you can imagine, there will be lots of young kids, and quite a few older folks. Teens might get bored after the first ten minutes, and there is a game room for them.
- The pizza here is not really of the gourmet variety. You'll find decent pizza at reasonable prices with a typical assortment of topping choices. There are some appetizers of the deep fried variety, a few Italian pasta dishes. You can get a sandwich. A small selection of beer and wines is offered. It's pretty basic. There is an ice cream bar. Tip: Not interested in the menu? How about just going in for some ice cream?
- You can purchase recordings made at Organ Stop Pizza online, including one with documentary details. What a unique gift for someone who visited OSP on a trip to the Valley of the Sun!
Five Things You Might Not Know About the Wurlitzer Organ at Organ Stop Pizza
- The first location of Organ Stop Pizza was in Phoenix (1973). The Mesa location followed (1975). In the 1990s a new location in Mesa was built, allowing for an increase in the size of the organ. The second Mesa location opened in 1995.
- The organ is considered a work of art, with a special unique console, a replica of the largest console ever built by Wurlitzer.
- This organ has about 6,000 pipes, in addition to all the other special features and instruments. It has so many pieces and parts that are one-of-a-kind that it could never be truly reproduced.
- There are two primary organists, as well as some visiting musicians.
- This organ, the largest Wurlitzer in the world, was designed to play all the instruments of an entire orchestra, including brass, percussion, strings and an amazing array of sound effects.
Contact Organ Stop Pizza
Phone: 480-813-5700
Online: www.organstoppizza.com
Twitter: @OrganStopPizza
Facebook: www.facebook.com/organstoppizza
As is common in the industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary meal for review purposes. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy. All prices and offerings mentioned herein are subject to change without notice. 06/14