- Attraction: Organ Stop Pizza
- Location: 1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://organstoppizza.com/
For over 50 years, this Mesa institution has combined two unlikely elements—pizza and pipe organs—to create what many consider the most unique dining experience in America.
Home to the world’s largest Wurlitzer theater organ, this 700-seat auditorium restaurant serves 300,000 visitors annually who come to witness the mighty 1927 Wurlitzer rise from the floor on its rotating platform while professional organists make the walls literally shake with music.
The Mighty Wurlitzer Experience
World’s Largest Theater Organ: This isn’t your grandmother’s church organ. The 4-manual, 82-rank Wurlitzer features over 6,000 pipes, 1,074 keys, buttons, and switches, creating an instrument that sounds like an entire orchestra.
Rotating Console: The 8,000-pound console sits on a hydraulic platform that dramatically rises from the floor and rotates during performances, creating theater magic that captivates audiences of every age.
Visual Spectacle: Dancing cats reveal themselves behind curtains, lights flash in synchronized patterns, and percussion instruments mounted throughout the auditorium join the symphony at the organist’s command.
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Keep Exploring →Massive Pipes: The largest pipes stretch 32 feet tall and weigh a ton—so large that four people could fit inside. The smallest pipes measure just 7 inches tall and weigh only 4 ounces.
Sound System: Three Spencer turbine blowers spinning at 1,800 RPM pump 10,000 cubic feet of air through the pipes every minute, creating sound powerful enough to rattle your pizza.
Musical Entertainment
Professional Performances: Talented organists play 363 days a year, making this the most-played organ in the world. The musicians perform without sheet music, playing everything from memory and taking audience requests.
Diverse Repertoire: From Bach to rock, Disney classics to Broadway hits, Star Wars themes to “Phantom of the Opera”—the musical variety ensures something for every taste and generation.
Contemporary Requests: Today’s kids hear Frozen and Moana soundtracks alongside classics like “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “The Flight of the Bumblebee.”
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Discover MoreInteractive Elements: The organ controls percussion instruments, sound effects (car horns, bird calls), and visual effects throughout the auditorium, creating a fully immersive experience.
Performance Schedule: Music starts 30 minutes after opening daily, with evening entertainment featuring different programs and seasonal favorites.
Family-Friendly Dining
Pizza Focus: Build-your-own pizzas in 8-inch, 12-inch, or 14-inch sizes with extensive topping options. Specialty pizzas feature creative combinations that please various tastes.
Gluten-Free Options: Now serving gluten-free pizza crusts to accommodate dietary restrictions without missing the experience.
Pasta Selection: Spaghetti with tomato sauce, spaghetti with meatballs, and lasagna all come with garlic bread for hearty comfort food.
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Keep Exploring →Salad Bar: Fresh variety of salad items provides lighter options for health-conscious diners or those wanting to balance heavier entrees.
Ice Cream Station: The beloved self-serve ice cream bar creates the perfect ending to your musical meal, especially popular with children.
Full Bar: Beer and wine selection complements the dining experience for adults wanting to pair beverages with the entertainment.
Unique Atmosphere
Theater-Style Seating: The 700-seat auditorium includes main floor dining and balcony seating, all positioned for optimal viewing of the organ performances.
Educational Value: Clear panels allow guests to see many of the 6,000 pipes in action, while displays throughout explain how theater organs work.
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Discover MoreFamily Tradition: Multiple generations gather here, with grandparents sharing childhood memories while introducing grandchildren to this uniquely American entertainment form.
No Rush Dining: Unlike typical restaurants, the pace encourages lingering to enjoy multiple musical sets. The entertainment schedule dictates the rhythm rather than quick table turnover.
Historical Significance
50+ Year Legacy: Opening in 1972 in Phoenix before moving to the current purpose-built Mesa facility in 1995, Organ Stop represents a surviving piece of American entertainment history.
Theater Organ Heritage: Originally built for Grauman’s Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, the organ carries the tradition of silent movie accompaniment into the modern era.
Last of Its Kind: As far as experts can determine, this is the only full-service restaurant in America centered entirely around nightly live theater organ performances.
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Keep Exploring →$6 Million Investment: The organ’s current insurance value reflects both its rarity and the extensive restoration work maintaining this mechanical marvel.
Planning Your Visit
Pricing: Entrée prices generally range from $10 to $20, with specialty pizzas, pasta dishes, and salad bar options fitting within this bracket. Beer, wine, and desserts add modestly to the overall cost, keeping the experience affordable for families.
Arrival Strategy: Arrive 10-15 minutes early as lines form quickly, especially on weekends. The theater-style ordering system requires patience during peak times.
Ordering Process: Order food at the counter upon arrival, receive a number, then find seating while waiting for your order number to light up on the display board.
Seating Tips: Balcony seating provides excellent views of the organ console and pipes, while main floor seating offers the full acoustic experience.
Special Offers: Tuesday BOGO pizza deals and seasonal promotions make this elaborate entertainment surprisingly affordable for families.
Group Accommodations: Private group performances available before regular hours, making this perfect for birthday parties, school field trips, and special celebrations.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout with level entrance and elevator access to balcony seating.
Organ Stop Pizza
📍 1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
