Landing on Wednesday, November 19, Night Owl Pizza & Drinks is bringing its signature mix of pinball, pizza and all-day/all-night patio fun to a new neighborhood nestled in the heart of South Tempe. Perched on the SW corner of Mill Ave and Alameda, this second-ever location will feature the same kicked back vibe, pairing classic New York-style pizzas, smashburgers, and punched up pub grub with craft cocktails and beers, plus classic bar games, including arcade and pinball machines. Open daily at 11 am with plenty of oversized TVs for sports, this new location boasts a tree-filled and fireplace-lined patio, all while welcoming fellow night owls till midnight from Sunday – Thursday and 1 am on Friday and Saturday.
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Housed inside the former home to the longtime local landmark, Riazzi’s Italian Garden, the Night Owl team has fully revamped the 5,500 sq. ft. space, including adding a central bar with trademark light-up bar top crafted from vintage pinball machine playfields, aka the colorful, hand-painted playing surfaces that entertained generations of pinball wizards. On either side of the bar, guests can choose their own adventure between the dedicated dining room, the pinball and arcade, or step outside onto the sprawling, shaded garden patio.
This new nest also has the same dog-eared design ethos, modern but also proudly retro with a broken-in feel from day one. This includes a quirky mix of barstools and tables and funky furnishings, plus fun details such as vintage skateboard artwork on the walls. Guests are greeted at a host stand constructed with skate wheels, setting the tone for the venue’s playful yet polished aesthetic. The entrance, designed to resemble an owl when the doors are closed, creates an unforgettable first impression. The outdoor area also features a cozy fireplace, perfect for gatherings. Inside, elevated dining areas allow guests to take in the full venue, while a private 12-top dining space showcases a live-edge table crafted from an original bar top, combining sustainability with style.
The menu is a playful and crave-worthy mix of comfort food classics, shareable bites, and creative drinks designed for all-day dining and late-night hangs. The food lineup, created by Chef Greg Ziegler, brings together signature smash burgers, crispy wings in flavors like Bourbon BBQ, Wise Style, and Honey Hot, and inventive pizzas with cheeky names like Pretty Fly for a White Pie, The Wise Pie, and Sidewalk Surfer. Guests can kick things off with approachable starters like Garlic Knots, Mac Bites, and Meatballs, or snack on loaded fries and hearty salads that balance the indulgence.
On the beverage side, the bar program features Arizona-inspired cocktails such as the Saguaro Slammer, Little Woody, and Moonage Daydream, alongside local draft beers, approachable wines, and nostalgic “Bell Ringer” shots. Together, the menu captures Night Owl’s fun, laid-back energy, which is equal parts neighborhood pizzeria, burger joint, and nightlife lounge, perfect for family lunches, after-work happy hours, and late-night eats all in one place.
Best described as a welcoming neighborhood watering hole, Night Owl is led by an all-star flock of local nightlife pros: Tucker Woodbury, Chuckie Duff, Ari Bracamonte, and Logan Purser known collectively for Phoenix landmarks like Little Woody, Cobra Arcade Bar, and Ziggy’s Pizza. Originally opening in South Scottsdale in 2023, Night Owl was an immediate hit thanks to its unique mix of high-quality, craveable food and craft drinks served in a casual, neighborhood-centric setting where guests can socialize over retro games, or simply lounge around with friends.
“After years of building dining and nightlife concepts across the Valley, we finally found our Tempe home,” Woodbury says. “This space instantly reminded us of the original Night Owl, and with the City of Tempe’s support, it all came together. We’re thrilled to open our doors and bring a true neighborhood gathering spot back to life.”
Night Owl Tempe is located at 2700 S. Mill Ave. For more information on Night Owl, visit https://nightowlaz.com/.
