Alexandra Hackett
Nightjar is the kind of cocktail bar that sneaks up on you—in the best way—and suddenly you’re like, wait… do I want to buy a house here and just fully commit to Peoria forever? Yeah. That kind of place.
Tucked into downtown Peoria, Nightjar doesn’t just serve drinks; it world-builds. Their menu constantly shapeshifts with new concepts, and the current one—Cryptids & Creatures—is an absolute trip. Think folklore, mythology, and mysterious beasts from all over the globe, reimagined as wildly thoughtful cocktails. Every drink feels like a tiny passport stamp, equal parts clever, nerdy, and genuinely delicious. Nothing is gimmicky; everything is intentional. You can tell the bar team is having fun, and that energy comes straight through the glass.
The vibe is effortlessly cool without trying too hard—low-lit, cozy, creative, and confident. It’s the kind of spot where you start the night saying “just one” and end it deep in conversation about your favorite cryptid, plotting your next visit to catch the next concept drop. Nightjar makes Peoria feel exciting, cultured, and rooted in something special.
Honestly? Bars like this are how cities win hearts. If Nightjar is the standard, I’m browsing Zillow and calling it home.
*no filters needed*
… moreP (K)
A nice place to get drinks with friends. They have a great selection of drinks you can get. I got The spirits of Peoria, Fun Fact (I guess), etc. they are very good!!! The staff is very nice and helpful. The atmosphere is very relaxing here. Me and my friends very much enjoyed it!!!
… moreGerry Branch
My wife and I love this place so much. It has become a go-to for us when we need a night out. Jessie and Cassy have put together such an amazing atmosphere with top notch and and great food to match. And the way they conduct themselves even with super busy crowds is something that stood out to me. They’re just super friendly and courteous to their customers. I hope this place becomes a Peoria staple for years to come.
… moreDan Church
My wife and I happened upon Night Jar and are so thankful we did! Everything was curated with great intention and a level of excellence. From the cocktails to the brewed beer to the food, everything was exceptional. I’m not always the easiest person to impress but all that the owners and team at Night Jar have accomplished thoroughly impressed me and my wife. Don’t hesitate to give this place a try. You might just become a regular.
… moreAmy Ehnle
My employer recently held an event at Nightjar, and Jessie and her team were fabulous! She conducted a mixology class for our group of 40+, then quickly brought out enough of their delicious pizzas to feed our group. We were there on a Wednesday, so we also got to play trivia, which they host every Wednesday. They kept the drinks coming quickly. We really enjoyed ourselves! Highly recommend!
… moreBen Hendrix
I’ve been coming here for a while now but my most recent visit really impressed me with the creative/fun cocktail menu. Solid beer selection and atmosphere as well. This is a staple spot for the riverfront.
… moreJose De Leon
We are from Peoria. And this little place is one little secret place that have a great amount of things that everyone should try. Go support local businesses. Awesome drinks. Just like the ones I make at home. With natural ingredients and great taste of Food. I will visit over and over again. Sometimes places in Peoria Open and we missed them. Come visit.
… moreLauren Yoder
Awesome place. Cool vibe. Loved the mocktail menu. Very impressed with the unique combination of flavors!
… moreD B
Unique experience! Very creative drinks that you won’t find in other establishments. The “Forbidden Sidecar” drink was excellent! We had a pizza and the pub cheese, both great. Plenty of parking, just around the corner from Kellehers. Will go back.
… moreNoah Starr
A True Gem in Peoria – Exceptional Craft Beer, Cocktails & Hospitality
This place is a rare find! The craft beer they brew in-house is outstanding, and their handcrafted cocktails are just as impressive—bold, creative, and perfectly balanced. It’s not often you find a spot that excels at both. The food is equally delicious, and the warm, attentive service makes every visit memorable. Whether you’re a craft beer lover, cocktail enthusiast, or just looking for a great night out, Nightjar is my favorite go-to spot in Peoria. Absolutely a must visit.
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