It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these.  But I just discovered a new thing that makes me love living near Downtown Fullerton even more (if that’s even possible)!  Since I work from home most of the time, once in a while I like a change of scenery.  It’s really nice to take my laptop to a coffee place and get some work done.  Only problem…. Fullerton hasn’t has a really cool coffee place.  I mean, there’s one on my street, but they close at 3:00 pm, right when I’m starting to get in my “work grove”.  There’s another one that I was really excited about when I first saw it, but it just wasn’t the right vibe.  Just not uber comfy, you know?  And there’s Starbucks, but, whatever.  Why doesn’t Fullerton, such a fun area with so many college students, have a cool coffee place???

Well they do now!

About three weeks ago The Night Owl opened.  ”A true Bohemian style coffee lounge devoted to showcasing music and art”, is how they describe themselves and their vision.  I went in about a week ago to do a little journaling and brainstorming for the new year.  As I sat in one of their comfy stuffed chairs, I ended up having conversations with both of the masterminds behind the Night Owl, Joe Rosati and Bob Anderson.  These childhood friends share my love for the Downtown Fullerton area and have a desire for it to reach its true potential.  Joe has been in the restaurant business for many years and Bob has a construction business.  They’ve dreamed for years about opening a business together and finally all the pieces have fallen into place.

Here’s what I like about it.  It’s got that true BOHO feel that a coffee joint should have (in my opinion).  The art on the walls, which will be changing every few months, is actually good (again, my opinion… but hey, I’ve got a degree in art, so that counts for something, right?)!  They’ve got a little stage for live music performances that’s super cool.  Joe, a musician himself, has come up with an idea to “play it forward”.  All musicians perform for free, but guests are encouraged to tip the musicians and whatever the amount of tips at the end of the night, “The Night Owl will then match dollar for dollar the amount that the musicians were tipped and convert it into a grocery store gift card and anonymously donate it to a local family in need.”  I love that idea!  What a great way to give back to the community.

Their pastries are made by a local gourmet chef and they look amazing.  I’m actually sitting next to the counter as I write this and I’ve been staring at the salted caramel chocolate bar and the chocolate croissant.  I’m staying strong, though and just enjoying my tropical tea.  I can’t comment on the coffee since I’m not a coffee drinker, but the ice tea is great!

So far, every time I’ve been in here there’s been a constant flow of people which makes me happy.  I want these guys to be around for a long time!  So go try them out!

They’re open from 10am to LATE (2, 3, 4 am… they play it by ear)

I love all of the owl stuff.

With tears in her eyes,Bob’s wife told me about the painting on the right.  A little girl that they know had a dream and saw a cup of coffee with an owl sitting on it and told her mom that she had to paint it for the Night Owl.   So sweet.

Their super awesome stage.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Night Owl!!!!!!

On a jog one morning I came across this building and just about burst with excitement!  I knew I had to bring someone here to take photos.  When I knew that I was going to meet up with Todd and Alisa in Downtown Fullerton, they said they were game for anything, so we went on over to the little gem I had found.

I’m so excited for their wedding next weekend, which is also in the Fullerton/Brea area (I have been very spoiled lately!).  Alisa found a super cool place for us to take photos so stay tuned for that!  We are all in for a treat!