Landing this summer, 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 premium 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 an even larger, tree-filled and fireplace-lined patio, all while welcoming fellow night owls till 2 am nightly.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Night Owl’s second location to Tempe this summer,” says Tempe Mayor Corey Woods. “Our city has always been known as a place to gather with friends, grab a late-night bite or drink and enjoy entertaining venues. We’re excited to see what Night Owl brings to our community, whether it’s a quick lunch or an after-hours slice of delicious pizza.”
Housed inside the former home to the longtime local landmark, Riazzi’s Italian Garden, the Night Owl team is set to fully revamp 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 2,000 sq ft garden patio. Plus, the larger kitchen will also allow this new location to offer additional features and other expanded menu options.
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, and Ari Bracamonte 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.
“In all our years of creating dining and nightlife experiences across the Valley, we’ve never had the right opportunity in Tempe. This new spot reminded us so much of the original Night Owl, and the City of Tempe has been an incredible partner in making this a reality,” Woodbury says. “Not only was it a longtime neighborhood Italian joint, but it’s an underserved neighborhood as far as local hangouts where you can bring the family during the day, get happy hour after work, or meet up for late night eats.”
According to Woodbury, this new nest will have 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.
“Small businesses are vital to our economy and community,” said Tempe’s Economic Development Director Mike DiDomenico. “Vibrant spaces like this one will add character to our neighborhoods and provide important gathering places while infusing local dollars back into our economy. We are excited to welcome Night Owl into the mix.”
Night Owl Tempe will be located on at 2700 S Mill Ave.
