Nestled in Seattle’s University District is the Night Owl hookah bar, a dim-lit and nicely ventilated place to kick back with friends. The building is decorated with interesting artwork, often from Seattle artists, their ever-evolving murals hugging the outside of the facility.
The music is loud, filling the whole building, but if you huddle together conversations can be had. If you’re in the mood for bumping hip-hop sounds, this is your place. If you’re interested in anything else, don’t go here. There are other hookah bars around that allow guests to play their own music within their secluded section of the place, which is a far better option for anyone looking to enjoy their own jams.
Night Owl offers upwards of 30 different flavors of infused tobacco called shisha, which can be combined or purchased separately.
In order to use any of the hookahs, guests must first purchase a one-time $5.50 membership. The pricing starts at $20 for a regular, which includes the hookah with two hoses and one bowl of shisha. I found the hookah to be a bit overpriced for what you get, but who knows what it takes for the company to break even.
As the closing time grew near, songs from artists such as Tech N9ne informed guests to “Get the Fuck Outta Here.” The University Way location is open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 8-3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Though no event was going on when we went, the hookah bar does occasionally host local hip hop shows, open mics and beakdancing competitions, which are posted on their Facebook page.