Tempe’s dining scene is about to get a whole lot more flavorful. Opening November 19, Night Owl Pizza & Drinks is bringing its distinct blend of pinball, pizza, and late-night energy to a revamped space on the southwest corner of Mill and Alameda. This marks the brand’s second location, expanding its reputation as a hangout where diners can settle in for a slice, a cocktail, and a round of arcade classics all under one roof.
What awaits guests at this new hub is the full Night Owl experience, complete with New York-style pizzas, smashburgers, wings, and pub fare alongside cocktails, draft beers, and nostalgic shots. True to its name, the spot opens daily at 11 a.m. and stays lively until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends. Oversized TVs keep sports fans in the loop, while a sprawling patio shaded by towering trees and anchored by fireplaces offers an inviting place to unwind from day to night.
The 5,500-square-foot space once housed Riazzi’s Italian Garden, a neighborhood landmark. Rather than erase its history, the Night Owl team infused the building with its own personality. A central bar made from vintage pinball machine playfields sets the tone, glowing beneath the shuffle of drinks and conversation. On either side, guests can roam between a dedicated dining room, the pinball and arcade zone, or the greenery-filled outdoor patio. The entrance itself has become a talking point; when the doors are closed, it resembles an owl, hinting at the quirky character found throughout.
A mix of mismatched bar stools, retro furnishings, and vintage skateboard art brings a casual, slightly nostalgic vibe. Even the host stand, built with actual skate wheels, plays into the venue’s playful aesthetic. Elevated dining areas offer birds-eye views, while a private 12-top room features a live-edge table crafted from an original bar top. Outside, the garden patio’s fireplace ensures cozy gatherings.
Of course, the food is where Night Owl’s personality really comes through. Chef Greg Ziegler has built a crowd-pleasing menu designed for casual grazing, meals, and late-night cravings. Signature smashburgers come hot off the griddle, wings arrive in flavors like Bourbon BBQ, Wise Style, and Honey Hot, and pizzas showcase clever names such as Pretty Fly for a White Pie, The Wise Pie, and Sidewalk Surfer. Starters like Garlic Knots, Mac Bites, and Meatballs help kick things off.
Arizona-inspired cocktails include the Saguaro Slammer, Little Woody, and Moonage Daydream. Local beers, approachable wines, and throwback “Bell Ringer” shots round out a beverage selection that fits the restaurant’s relaxed vibe. Behind the concept is a team of nightlife veterans: Tucker Woodbury, Chuckie Duff, Ari Bracamonte, and Logan Purser, whose combined influence includes Little Woody, Cobra Arcade Bar, and Ziggy’s Pizza. Their first Night Owl location opened in South Scottsdale in 2023 and drew a loyal following.
“After years of building dining and nightlife concepts across the Valley, we finally found our Tempe home,” Woodbury says. “This space reminded us of the original, and with the City of Tempe’s support, it all came together. We’re thrilled to open our doors and bring a neighborhood gathering spot back to life.”
Night Owl Tempe is located at 2700 S. Mill Ave. More information is available at nightowlaz.com.
