Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa is one of our top favorite places to take visiting family or friends. It’s a unique musical experience that all ages will love, from toddlers to grandparents. Where else can you listen to a professional organist play movie soundtracks or 50’s favorites or patriotic songs — literally with all the bells and whistles? We’ve visited half a dozen times with our children and they always talk about the evening for days!
The organ itself is a Wurlizter, a theatre organ used to accompany silent films in the 1920’s. It’s sound is incredibly impressive, aided by the skill of the organist; there are nearly 6,000 pipes, 82 ranks, 17 percussions (which are actually in the huge eating area) and is the largest Wurlitzer theatre organ in the world. You don’t have to be a musician to appreciate this amazing instrument.
When you arrive at Organ Stop, you’ll hear the music immediately! Order food first, then find a table in the great hall. Menu items range from pizza to salads to sandwiches to appetizers, ice cream and drinks and more. (Cash and check are only accepted.) You’ll be given a number with your order and that number will light up on the huge boards when your food is ready. No need to miss any songs!
Speaking of songs, be sure to take advantage of the request cards by the organist. You can list up to three of your favorites and it’s highly likely that if you wait long enough, you will hear it being played! This is especially fun for kids, as the organist will always oblige with variations of popular Disney tunes or simple “You Are My Sunshine”. But it’s hard to beat “Mission Impossible” – that’s one of our top favorites. You’ll also hear familiar songs depending on the season, such as Christmas or the 4th of July.
There really is no bad seat in the house, especially on the main level. In the balcony, you won’t be able to see the organist from the furthest chairs, but you can definitely hear from anywhere in the building! We usually sit in the main level, either in the middle or on the far sides. On this note, Organ Stop has open seating and can be difficult to find immediate seating. But keep in mind there is a 15 min music break every hour, during which many groups leave so you can usually snag a table or get your whole group together at this point. Most people stay around 2hrs.
Remember: the music will be loud. It’s a powerful organ playing in a huge room! Some children may find the sound overwhelming. This is not a critique by any means, of course, just a full disclose that your visit to Organ Stop may not include lots of dinner conversation.
Organ Stop Pizza is open seven days a week with varying hours: M-TH 4-9pm, Fri 4-10pm, Sat 3-10pm, Sun 3-9pm. See their online menu for food pricing. This is great place to take visitors, or meet up with friends for a weekend activity!
Getting There
Organ Stop Pizza
1149 E Southern Ave
Mesa, AZ 85204
https://www.organstoppizza.com
One Response