Reviewing Organ Stop Pizza: Pizza and entertainment in Mesa, Arizona.

Many restaurants serve good pizza, but how many include nightly entertainment that appeals to customers of all ages? Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona, does. Locals and visitors come to enjoy pizza, salad, and pasta, but the main attraction is the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ. 

Home to the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in the world.

The Mighty Wurlitzer is the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in the world and is valued at over $8 million. It has almost 6,000 pipes and

1,074 individual keys, buttons and switches linked to xylophones, gongs, trumpets, pianos, and drums to create the sound of a full band and orchestra. 

Four organists keep Organ Stop Pizza customers entertained. Glenn Tallar and Brett Valliant are regulars, and two others—Seamus Gethicker and Donna Parker substitute when needed and play guest performances.  

The Mighty Wurlitzer Music Through the Ages

The Mighty Wurlitzer is on a stage 10 feet above the floor. While eating, customers enjoy Top 40 hits, Oldies, Disney and Broadway show tunes, movie soundtracks, and patriotic songs. Patrons can request songs and ask the organist to announce birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.  

Performances include flashing lights, dancing marionettes, and sound effects. “Chattanooga Choo Choo” features old-fashioned steam locomotive sounds. “Phantom of the Opera” and “Star Wars” are crowd favorites and include a colored light show. When the organist plays “Alley Cat” or the “Pink Panther Theme,” four cat marionettes keep time along with the music. 

Theatre organs were used in silent movie theaters to replicate the individual instruments of an entire orchestra and provide sound effects. As sound films became mainstream in the 1930s, many theater organs were dismantled or destroyed. Others were repurposed, and Organ Stop Pizza was lucky to acquire one of them. 

Celebrity sightings at Organ Stop Pizza

Organ Stop Pizza has hosted over 7.3 million people, including former Olympic diver Greg Louganis, former Arizona Diamondback Luis Gonzalez, “Wizard of Oz” Munchkin Margaret Pellegrini, and baseball legends Rod Carew and Johnny Bench.

Organ Stop Pizza Pays Homage to the Old Days

Organ Stop Pizza conjures up memories of pizza parlors from when I was a child. With family-style seating for over 700 people, it seems like a theater. However, there’s no mistaking that it’s a restaurant when you arrive.   

The mouthwatering aroma of fresh-baked dough fills the air as you enter through the double doors. If it’s busy, you’ll wait in line to place your order along with couples, families, birthday parties and sports teams celebrating their latest win.

Self-Service Pizza, Pasta, and more at Organ Stop Pizza

All ordering is self-service. You can choose pizza, sandwiches, pasta and appetizers such as mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini and fried mushrooms at the first counter. The salad bar is around the corner and features assorted greens, vegetables, and dressings. 

Drinks are at another counter and include beer, wine and soda by the glass or pitcher. If you saved room for dessert, order ice cream in a cone or dish, a sundae or an ice cream float.  

Combination Pizza does not dissapoint

Our Combination Pizza didn’t skimp on cheese and featured a variety of toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, black olives, mushrooms and onions on a thin, crispy crust. Other specialty pizzas include the Hawaiian with cheese, ham and pineapple and the Vegetarian with cheese,

mushrooms, black olives, onions, green peppers and diced tomatoes. You also have the option to build your own 8, 12 or 14-inch pizza or order a gluten-free pizza (12-inch size only).  

Crispy and tasty mozzarella sticks

Our mozzarella sticks were crispy and tasty. The garlic bread was covered with melted garlic butter and was thick enough to dunk in marinara sauce. The menu also includes ham, turkey and roast beef sandwiches, spaghetti with tomato sauce or meatballs and lasagna. 

Organ Stop Pizza Final Review

If you’re in the Greater Phoenix area and need a special place for a casual dinner with family or friends, plan a trip to Organ Stop Pizza for an Italian dinner and entertainment you’ll never forget.