The Organ Grinder, which was located on SE 82nd in Portland, opened it's doors to the public in 1973 and was a huge hit with families around the area. It's building alone was very modern-looking for the time period it stood out from other businesses along the street. If you had never been there, you would see just the outside and think, "what in the world is that?"

Not your run-of-the-mill pizza parlor, it generated a fun atmosphere. A large Wurlitzer organ with pipes jetting up to the ceiling sat in the center front of the the dining room. It's been a long time, so pardon my memory, but I believe that the seating was staggered on a couple different levels for ultimate viewing of the surroundings. But, what was there really to see except other patrons around you, stuffing their faces with pizza? Silent movies, if you must know! ;)

These classic old picture shows would play during your meal and the man at the Wurlitzer organ would accompany. It was the coolest in entertainment!

I would visit the Organ Grinder with my friends for pizza, video games and, of course, silent movies every month or so. The pizza wasn't bad (not the best I've had), but it wasn't about the food. It was about the movies, the music and the fun. The food quality was an afterthought and pretty much a moot point.

In February of 1996, the Organ Grinder closed it's doors for good and the Wurlitzer was sold off. The end of a very special era.

At least I still have my memories of the famous Organ Grinder Pizza in Portland, Oregon. Good stuff. ;)

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