A popular south Scottsdale neighborhood pizza and beer hotspot will bring its signature laid-back vibe to Tempe.
Known for its hearty slices, brews, cocktails and pinball games, Night Owl Pizza and Drinks plans to open its second location in the former Golden Pineapple Craft Lounge space less than two miles from Arizona State University. The new spot is scheduled to make its debut in late summer.
The concept is a collaboration from the teams behind The Little Woody, Ziggy’s Magic Pizza Shop and Stardust Pinbar and draws inspiration from those Valley bars and eateries.
Night Owl fans can expect to find familiar features in Tempe. These range from the kicked-up pub grub and aura that inspires lingering over a pint from the 12 beers on tap to throwback games among friends. The Tempe Night Owl will open daily at 11 a.m. and stay open late.
“What makes us most proud is that we’re known for having a super friendly staff that attracts really friendly guests and regulars and that makes it their third place,” says Genuine Concepts co-founder and partner Tucker Woodbury.
Along with Woodbury, Chuckie Duff and Ariel Bracamonte are partners in the project. They are known for a bevy of nightlife hubs including Cobra Arcade Bar.
Night Owl’s presence will fill a void created in fall 2023, when the Golden Pineapple closed for kitchen repairs and never reopened. Initially launched in 2020, the cocktail bar quickly became a popular draw for both the ASU crowd and Tempe residents.
Since its closure, locals have been curiously waiting for something equally cool to move in. When fencing popped up around the building in late 2024, anticipation was high.
The space, located on Mill Avenue and Alameda Drive, has been an important neighborhood hub for decades. Prior to the Golden Pineapple, it was the home of the longtime Tempe staple, Riazzi’s Italian Garden.
The building itself spoke to Woodbury, who has an affinity for history and classic architecture. The elevated dining area with a glass vaulted ceiling and a nook off to the side are striking elements of the 1977 building.
“It was a cool ‘if these walls could talk’ thing,” Woodbury says.
A custom, lit-up bar crafted from vintage pinball machines will be among the cool features at Night Owl Pizza and Drinks’ Tempe location.
Night Owl Pizza and Drinks
Flatscreens throughout will ensure sports fans keep up with the action. The 2,000-square-foot dog-friendly patio promises to be a popular spot equipped with a huge shade tree and fireplace.
To create the signature modern-yet-retro vibe, the Tempe location will feature a quirky mix of barstools, tables and funky furnishings. Vintage skateboard artwork will come from Woodburry’s personal collection and thrift shop finds, joining pieces procured by Tim Douds of Sidewalk Surfer.
Woodbury promises design cues taken from the original Night Owl that will give the new bar a “broken-in and dog-eared from day one” feel with a “hodgepodge of things to make it feel like it’s been there forever.”
The menu will flaunt smash burgers and New York-style pies. There’ll also be alcoholic slushies and a few salads and pasta dishes as a nod to Riazzi’s.
When Woodbury, Duff and Bracamonte discovered the spot that would house the first Night Owl, they saw a great neighborhood with wonderful people, but not a lot of wonderful places to frequent, Woodbury recalls.
They faced a bit of skepticism over whether their late-night pizza-and-beer joint could succeed on the corner of McDowell and Hayden roads. But the trio banked on the belief of "if you build it, they will come."
Since making its debut in 2023, the thriving business has been fueled by a huge walk-in and bike-in crowd. The area around the former Golden Pineapple reminded Woodbury of the south Scottsdale neighborhood, he says. And he has the same faith for Night Owl Two, as he calls it.
“We expect the same support from a super loyal, very neighborhood-central clientele," Woodbury says. "We’ll deliver that same service, high-quality food and that welcoming place. And I’m sure they will do their part as well.”
Night Owl Pizza and Drinks
1645 N. Hayden Road, ScottsdaleComing this summer: 2700 S. Mill Ave., Tempe
