Introduction
One of my hobbies that I absolutely adore is adventuring. I know this is quite a vague term so I will elaborate. When I say ‘adventuring’ I mean going to visit new shops, cafés, and the like, to discover places, make memories, or find somewhere to belong. Places that have community and culture, where good things happen. A particular café came to mind when this mini-series idea came about and it is called, The Night Owl. Now, I won’t say too much as you will be hearing a thorough amount of information in relation to said coffee shop but what I will say is this: My very first experience here was with my mom, we wanted to go out together and try something exciting. I remember we ordered a drink each and sat to soak in the open mic happening that night and from then on I was hooked. I have gone I believe six times since and don’t plan on stopping…
History
The owner of The Night Owl, Joe Rosati, opened its doors in 2011 and has held hundreds of events ever since, making that 14 years as of 2025. I was fortunate enough to talk to him and ask a few questions to get a deeper understanding of this café chantant:
How long have you owned The Night Owl?
“Fourteen years”
What was your inspiration for opening such a place?
“Well I was a bartender for forty years and I’m a musician, I’ve always had music at the bars that I run. So I just wanted to open a place of my own but I didn’t want to do the liquor thing, you know? I was kind of over that. I always wanted a place that was ‘after hours’. The Night Owl used to be open until three in the morning so everything would happen really after eleven o’clock and it was really for night owls. So, that was The inspiration, to build a whole place where you could go, chill out, listen to some good music, get a cup of coffee, meet somebody or not, and just have a good time.”
What Makes this Place So Special?
After the music industry became more and more digital like most other forms of media, live music became less accessible to the public. Big artists now charge hundreds of dollars and perform at humongous facilities where most seats barely even see the stage. The Night Owl provides so many opportunities for art to be showcased and shared with the world in a way that is rare these days. You can go here to share your own story or to just relish in other people’s creativity. Plus the additive of gorgeous aesthetics, coffee, and baked goods.
Ambience
*This section will be where I describe the overall vibe of the ‘hidden gem’ to portray its ambiance
Noises fill the air amidst the twilight sky. The bustle of scholarly work fluctuates; the smell of coffee beans aromatizes the cozy café and sparks inspiration within. Conversations churn into butter, forming and shaping the possibilities of the future. The spunk, the creativity, the perfect place to start something big, life-changing. Jazz is the constant stream of consciousness, the instruments make up the sound of me. I feel it vibrating in rhythms that speak to my soul.
Personal Accounts
To capture the multi-faceted elements of this wonderful café, I decided to conduct a few mini-interviews with key members of this community.
A barista, Alyssa Ortega:
How long have you worked here?
“I have worked at The Night Owl for around a year and a half.”
What is your favorite part about working at The Night Owl?
“It brings in so many musicians, it builds a great community, people always feel welcomed here, and it is a place for everyone to grow their skills.”
A drummer who performed in the jazz night I attended, Andrew Yanes:
How long have you been performing at The Night Owl?
“I’ve been performing at The Night Owl for about five years now.”
How did you discover The Night Owl?
“I had a friend reach out to me to play here during a session and I couldn’t make it at first and then I showed up all of a sudden and I got the gig… and after that, I got the owner’s number.”
How has your life changed ever since you have been performing or involved with The Night Owl?
“It has changed for many reasons, the community and friendships I’ve built out here. I went to school down the street at Fullerton College which helped out a lot because I am not really from here, I’m more from Downey but, I’d come out to Fullerton to The Night Owl. I’ve played in different bands, big bands, small bands, and orchestras have played here, and it’s been fun! I have my own band and an album coming out too, we’ll perform it here.”
The Night Owl
I hope after reading this you have opened your calendar and are actively planning a day to come visit this spectacular place. Because once I decided to check it out I was already calling up my Grandpa to tell him we had to go to the jazz night. Every time I have gone here has been extremely special. I have met so many unique and cool people, some of which I’m friends with today. I hope that one day I too will perform with my band and become a part of such a welcoming and kind community.
Events
The Night Owl has an assortment of different live music nights for you to attend! Here is their weekly and monthly schedule:
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday is the Open Mic starting at 7 pm (signups start at 6 pm); you must purchase something from the café and bring your receipt to sign up (you are free to just come and watch as well)
Wednesday – special events that change every week! This goes for almost every day because extra events always pop up so keep a look out on their Instagram.
Thursday is their Jazz Night starting at 7:30 pm!
Friday nights they host a Blues Jam that starts at 7 pm.
Saturday an Acoustic artist showcase is held, this starts at 7 pm!
Sunday – special events that change every week! This goes for almost every day because extra events always pop up so keep a look out on their Instagram.
If you would like more information on The Night Owl, here is some of their contact and address: