Woodmere is getting its own late night hideout this week, as Nightjar, a New Orleans-influenced cocktail and jazz lounge, opens Friday inside Eton Chagrin Boulevard. Tucked away in a dim interior, the space is built for after-dark cocktails, vinyl spinning, intimate live sets and lingering over snacks and desserts. Co-owners Sam Friedman and Michael Paley are billing it as a hidden city-style lounge where the focus is firmly on the music. The venue will stay dark on Sundays and Mondays.
Where To Find It
Nightjar is listed at 28867 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 113, with the bar’s own site flagging this Friday as the grand opening, according to Nightjar. A ribbon-cutting with the Chagrin Valley Chamber is on the calendar for Friday afternoon, per the chamber’s event listing at Chagrin Valley Chamber. The team is also rolling out founding VIP memberships and a handful of early perks for those who want to lock in status from day one.
Music Nights And Cover Charge
Live music will be the main draw on Friday and Saturday nights, with evening sets and a modest cover charge for shows. As reported by Crain's Cleveland Business, bands are expected to play roughly from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and organizers have pegged the standard cover at $10.
Menu And Vibe
The food program is built around cocktail-friendly small plates: tinned-fish-centered charcuterie, khachapuri, skewers and classic bar snacks, along with a strong emphasis on desserts and coffee service for those stretching the night. Cleveland Scene describes the design as chasing an old-world, French Quarter intimacy, complete with a mezzanine level and a vinyl rotation spinning on weeknights when the stage is quiet.
Behind The Bar
Crain's Cleveland Business reports that cocktail consultant Maxwell Britten helped shape Nightjar’s drink list, while Fiamma owner Mendel Segal will send over two kosher desserts for the menu. The same reporting notes that the main room seats about 65 guests, with an outdoor patio sized for roughly 20 to 24 people, and that the entrance is tucked into an alley behind Heritage Steak & Whiskey.
Why It Matters Locally
Developers say Nightjar is intended to widen Eton’s after-hours options and tap into the plaza’s Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) to extend beverage service outside. As outlined by Eton Chagrin Boulevard, Stacie Schmidt of Stark Enterprises called Nightjar “an invigorating draw that complements and enhances Eton's experiences.”
What To Know Before You Go
According to the bar’s site, Nightjar plans regular hours Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m., with the lounge closed on Sunday and Monday, per Nightjar. The team is nudging early VIP signups, and walk-ins can expect capacity limits once the small room fills up. Contact details and membership information are listed on the bar’s website.
