Spot Check: Larger Than Life Murals with Joe Nix
Seattle artist Joe Nix brings large-scale murals to life with his rattle can realism. That’s right, he uses spray paint. With over 15 years of experience, Joe’s murals are some of the most celebrated in the city. You have to see it to believe it. Go explore around town and check out these five locations throughout Seattle. Luckily most of these spots are great places to stop and have a drink or play some pinball, especially his bar Jupiter in Belltown. Don’t live in Seattle? Check him out @joenix
photo: @johndomine1
Jupiter Bar
2126 2nd Ave A, Seattle, WA 98121
Co-owned by Joe Nix himself, Jupiter Bar has an art gallery and an entire game room dedicated to pinball and pool. This place is all about the fine details from the bar top to the artwork on the walls. Often times you can find featured artists doing live onsite art! Grab a baked sandwich, an ice-cold tallboy, and get your pinball wizard on!
Photo: @joe.nix
Add-A-Ball
315 N 36th St #2b, Seattle, WA 98103
Located in the Fremont neighborhood, this barcade feels like you traveled back in time to the arcade golden area. Tons of pinball machines, classic standup arcade games, and cheap drinks. Go play the Indiana Jones pinball game specifically to unlock multiball. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Photo: @wiseknave
Magic Touch Mopeds
902 NW Leary Way, Seattle, WA 98107
This ain’t your grandma’s electric scooter repair shop. We are talking about a two-stroke engine classic moped garage. These guys are dedicated to say the least. You can find Joe Nix ripping around the streets on his classic Puch Magnum. Check out their Instagram and get a moped of your own! @MTM.Seattle
Photo: @wiseknave
Sodo Track
3434 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Joe Nix and over 60 different artists from around the world have helped create a free and accessible mural art gallery, spanning over two miles, in which it can be seen from the Ride Sound Transit light rail, the Ride Metro Transit bus, or even walk or bike along the SODO trail in South Seattle. The SODO Track spans 5th Ave South between Royal Brougham Way and Spokane Street. Go take a ride on any one of these ways of transportation and gaze at the murals as they go by, to experience something unique and special to the city. Learn more at sodotrack.com
Photo: @joe.nix
Neon Boots
2224 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
This psychedelic desert–themed cocktail bar in Belltown Seattle is all about the incredible atmosphere. Think Palm Springs on acid. Light hues of Pink, Purple, and Turquoise are dominant throughout the bar. Joe Nix adds his touch of artwork with a large mural in the back patio space. Every Tuesday night they feature a Soul Night! This is definitely a place where you come and stay for a while. Go check out Neon Boots and bring your dancin’ shoes!