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Nightjar

4.6 (25 reviews)
Closed • 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

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Smoked Deviled Eggs
John D.

Finally got to enjoy Nightjar in Berea tonight. The food and drinks were fantastic. It's a small place, so plan ahead. We sat at the bar, which was fine for 3 of us. The bartenders were friendly and talkative. Our appetizer, Smoked Deviled Eggs came out quick and were delicious. Our main dish, Smashburgers and fries were very good, but the wait time was about 30 minutes. The Chuck Will's Widow cocktail was very good.

John B.

Operating out of a space which holds a bagel shop (which looks like a great bagel shop; that review is hopefully coming someday), the evening iteration of this place is more classic American food. They did offer a few vegetarian items, which convinced me to give them a try. Their version of a veggie burger is chickpea-based, but features artichokes and was quite freshly fried. It was good without the mustard I asked for on the side, but better with. They had a number of fixings that maybe I should have ordered more of. The fries were ample and delicious. Their online menu showed many other things, such as the option to substitute sides (not evident in person). I was a bit dismayed that I couldn't get a salad; I know I'm in the minority here, but of all the things that are easy to make vegetarian... I did splurge on a chocolate cherry cake, which I might not have gotten if I'd realized how the main meal would turn out. It was covered with cold preserved cherries, not my favorite way of doing them, but was suitably rich. If not perfectly aligned with my tastes, it was unique stuff presented in good faith, and definitely on the indulgent side. And as I consider what life might hold for me after I eventually leave the area, this seems like a very Kentucky place.

Sauerkraut Fritters
Fat Man Reviews K.

On a chilly Friday evening, Fat Man Reviews took a solo mission to visit Nightjar in Berea, KY. Nightjar, located inside Native Bagel, serves Pennsylvania Dutch-German inspired food, bird inspired craft cocktails, beer and wine. I sampled a cocktail called the Night Hawk. It was made with Old Forester bourbon, honey, rosemary, and lemon. The drink is served in a chilled rocks glass overtop a square ice cube. You can smell the honey right away with a hint of the rosemary, but the drink is not very sweet. The lemon is very forward and the bourbon is hidden until the end, coupled with the honey it adds a slight bite to the drink. I started with the Sauerkraut Fritters. This is prepared with mild sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, speckwurst sausage with honey mustard on the side. The fritters were fried to a perfect golden brown, and they were delicate. The sauerkraut was soft but still crunchy with light flavor. The cheese gave the inside an ooey gooey creaminess and helped bind the fritter. The surprise star was the sausage. It gives each bite a salty, fatty pork flavor. The mustard is stone ground and has a good tang to it, but I did not catch much honey in its flavor. The special burger of the day was a Bacon Blue Burger. This burger was made with two 6oz patties, bacon jam, blue cheese on a Martin's potato roll and served with hand cut fries. The fries were fried and seasoned well. The bacon jam was slightly sweet and there was plenty on the burger. The bacon reminded me of bacon bits and the onions were finely chopped too. The blue cheese was melted and added a nice saltiness, creaminess and sharpness to the burger. The bun was soft, fresh and the burger to bun ratio was great. The burgers had a very hard sear on them, and they were almost burnt. The burger was not bad at all but if they were a little juicer it would have been even better. Nightjar sources their ingredients locally, and their beef specifically from Berea College farm. They also have a small menu and have limited seating. A wait is possible. The service was pretty good as well. The Fat Man says that Nightjar is Fat Man Approved with 2 chins.

Bacon Blue Burger
Shana M.

Cocktails are so refreshing !!! I got the Cardinal and it was a valentines special. We got burgers (they are smashed style) and they are good quality meat! The fries are some of the best ever!!! They are hand cut & remind me of Five guys fries My husband tried the smoked bratwurst and it was one of the best brats we have tried!!! Perfect smoked flavor! Lastly the tiramisu was soooo good! They said it goes quick and I can see why! Such a cozy and cute spot!

Oklahoma Cheeseburger
Paul S.

We finally visited Nightjar this evening for a delicious burger. We were greeted by Katie the owner who said that a few years ago she wanted to open a place in Berea that sells great burgers and she has accomplished it very well! Nightjar shares its space with Native Bagel which is open in the mornings. Nightjar is proud to use local and Animal Welfare Approved Berea College Farm beef for our burgers. Served on a Martin's potato roll. We both had the Oklahoma Cheeseburger. This was a 6 ounce double patty smash burger with caramelized fried onions and topped with American cheese which included a generous portion of their hand cut French fries. The burger could have use a little more seasoning for my personal taste (maybe some seasoned salt) but it was a very delicious meal! Their hours are Wednesday - Saturday from 5:00pm - 9:00pm and is a very popular place with the locals. If you don't want a burger, there are other items available on their menu. Definitely a great place to visit while in Berea!

Sauerkraut Fritters.  (Comes with more, but I ate em before I could stop myself.)

I've eaten at the morning operation (Native Bagel Co) a number of times, but this was my first chance to try the evening concept (Nightjar). I was sure the experience would be good and I wasn't disappointed. I got there at opening to meet some friends for drinks before dinner. We found a table in a corner and cruised the menu. Ordering of food and drinks is done at the bar. I ordered a signature cocktail "Whip-poor-Will" (gin, pear, egg white) and it was positively delightful. I'd happily drink three or four more. I also ordered the sauerkraut fritters - balls of kraut, bacon, and swiss breaded and fried, served with a honey mustard dipping sauce. I could have eaten a dozen - they are excellent. Not greasy, just excellent. My friends ordered the bacon cheese fries. They were a large order, filling up the pie plate they were served in. Hand cut fries, big pieces of bacon, and a nice melty cheese. Probably my new "go-to" for cheese fries. My dinner companions showed up and we switched to dinner. I ordered the Apple Orchard Sangria cocktail and it was the best sangria I've ever had. Not overly sweet, and a perfect blend of apple, wine, and apple brandy. I drank three. (don't judge me) Two friends ordered the Baby Burger (single patty, side of fries.) It was a standard plain smashburger style, and looked good. The side of fries was huge. Two others ordered the Vegan Artichoke Burger, which they said was good. (They're not vegan, either. But they'd had it before and it was worth ordering again.) I had the Roast Beef dinner special. Local beef, sliced, and served with green beans and mashed potatoes with gravy. It was good, and I enjoyed it. I don't typically love sliced roast beef, but this was quite tasty. The horseradish sauce they served on the side was a good addition. On reflection, I wish I'd ordered a burger since that's the mainstay, but another time! We left just before closing, but after last call. It was a great atmosphere to sit and linger and visit with my friends. There are several pros: The size of the operation lends itself to a very local feel. The folks will know your name and the service is good. The food was amazing. And the bartender named Leslie who is coming up with the special drinks is doing a great job. (Again, that sangria!) The cons: The limited hours / days of operation are a bummer, no matter how understandable they are. They are Wednesday to Saturday, 5-9. I want to eat this food earlier in the day, and more days. The only other thing I can think of is the size of the space and the need for counter service. (Again, very understandable.) It can make it feel cramped when folks are waiting at the bar to order and others are seated at the tables in the middle of the room. Thankfully, we were tucked away in a corner spot, which kinda kept us apart some. I would travel the two hours from my home to Berea just to eat at Nightjar. I'm ready to go back now.

Watermelon Mojito and an Old Fashioned with pretzel bites and beer cheese

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5 months ago

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8 months ago

Good service taps and food. Small but cozy. Try the friend green tomato's! Locals eat there.

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

Great casual dining in the evening. Also coffee in the am. Good selection prepared quickly

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2 years ago

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

The best burger in Berea. Employees are always friendly, and the food is consistently great.

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4 years ago

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