First Look: Nightjar, Opening Friday at Eton Chagrin

To enter Nightjar, guests make their way down a quiet alleyway, cross the threshold, and push through a plush set of drapes. The short journey takes them from a generic shopping plaza and into a dimly lit cocktail and jazz bar that conjures memories of big-city nights on the town.

“My only goal is that I want people to have their world melt away, to forget their worries and be transported somewhere magical for a little while and enjoy it,” says owner Sam Friedman. “If I can achieve that, I’ve succeeded.”

Friedman and his team have done a remarkable job of transforming a fallow, out-of-the-way space at Eton Chagrin Boulevard in Woodmere into a sexy little club. With Nightjar, the owner aims to serve an untapped demand for a posh east-side destination that offers cocktails, dessert and live music.

“We know people want something special, something different,” he says.

The intimate space features a bar and main room on the first level and elevated but open mezzanine, which is home to a small stage and additional seating. Live jazz acts take to that stage on weekends and are replaced by vinyl records throughout the week. The acoustics and sound system are arranged in such a way as to not suppress conversation between guests.

Throughout the space, original artwork, custom wallpaper, French-style iron railings and stylish lighting combine to create a distinctive atmosphere. Nightjar is a full-service experience with cocktails, wine, snacks, small plates and dessert. The only hot food is the lusty Georgian cheese bread called khachapuri. That item is joined by a roster of creative cold skewers and an expansive tinned fish program, with tins being presented with complementary accoutrements.

In terms of sweet finishes, there is crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and seasonal cheesecakes paired with French-press coffee.

“We’re really going to be focusing on dessert and coffee service,” Friedman states. “That’s an area that Cleveland, in general, really drops the ball on. You can go to most other cities – small, medium, mid-level and high – and there are so many spots for coffee and dessert at late afternoon or certainly after dinner.”