Story by Alyssa Riley 

 

Nomads Trailside, half-brother to Wake and Bake and Nomads Southtown, a college student favorite – due to mimosa pitchers and “tailgating” ambiance – opened its doors in May 2019.  

Owned by Jeremy Brown and Brittany Cusanek – the owners of Nomads Southtown – and Brian Duncan and Jason Kindall, it is quickly becoming a popular dining experience.  

With there being many brunch spots located in northwest Arkansas, Trailside is a fantastic choice that sets itself apart with nomadic décor, friendly faces behind the bar, the Razorback Greenway in its backyard, and entertainment that brings customers back for more.   

If you live in the Northwest Arkansas area and are a fan of stacked waffles, sausage, bacon crumbles, over-easy eggs, and a saucer of syrup to tie it all together – or a tray of pretzel sticks with hot mustard dip to pair – this is a must-stop brunch spot for all foodies alike.  

“We used to have comedy at Southtown and after COVID shut everything down we decided to not stay open late any longer and just focus on brunch,” Brittany Cusanek said. “Trailside was open later so it made sense to push all our nightlife to Trailside.”

Trailside hosts live entertainment and open-mic comedy shows that never disappoint. After one visit to the eclectic kitchen and bar to witness the weekly, Tuesday night comedy show, it is quite obvious that Fayetteville locals much prefer the noteworthy atmosphere that provides not only top-notch brunch food but performers who know how to make a full restaurant erupt in laughter.  

Colorful string lights hang from every corner in different directions, old license plates are nailed to the walls and local artists’ work is scattered throughout to spread the word that ‘This is not a place for commonality,’ provides an unmatched environment for events. 

The comedians and artists are mostly local, but some drive from surrounding cities and states to perform on the Trailside stage. Tables are arranged in no particular fashion, but it is no question that every chair will be filled.  

Now, it is open mic, so top-notch comedy is not always promised, but regardless, customers can be assured of a good time and genuine chuckles throughout the night.

Cusanek said, “There is a group of comedians that we befriended and they do the open mic on Tuesday which allows people to try out new jokes and get up in front of people.”

A few favorites of the Feb. 15 show were the diss track that included a shameless man wearing overalls and strumming a guitar, and the following comedian who gave an outstanding bit on Missouri and its lack of “Any noteworthy city, besides the one that belongs to Kansas” and the qualms of attending a mortician school for college.  

He explained that he was a part of the fraternity, Sigma Alpha Die, where they would play numerous jokes on each other – mostly ones that included death and inside jokes only morticians would have. The crowd died laughing, pun intended, and he continued on reliving his “glory days.”

The comedians ranged from an early 20-something-year-old who joked about never getting caught for the right things and lacking full development, to a 70-year-old Caribbean man who is an “Original Gangster.” With this being said, the shows provide entertainment for all backgrounds, ages, and senses of humor.  

 

How could one go wrong? 

 

The restaurant celebrates holidays big and small, like Valentine’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and even Black Friday. In the past year, they have hosted an assortment of bands that have attracted more customers, some of which include: Heather the band, a heavy neo-psych trio; TownHouseFire, a rock band with two albums; City Grey, a half pop-punk, half indie rock band located in Fayetteville.  

 

In May of this year, the restaurant will celebrate its third anniversary with, none other than, a keg party – no one is too surprised to hear of this. 

“We used to have comedy shows with touring comedians on Friday nights,” Brittany said. “But with COVID still a thing, they were a bit leery and decided to just do the open mic.”

 

Trailside has earned a 4.8-star review, with customers praising the food, atmosphere, and experience. “This place is a refreshing unique off beaten path delicious restaurant – love the eclectic atmosphere and tongue pleasing food … this place is worth a return visit,” said one customer on their Facebook page. 

 

“Wow! I had one of the best burgers in NWA, Ridin Dirty! The menu did not disappoint. This place is kid-friendly for lunch … Can’t wait to come back!” another said.  

 

So, if one might be interested in delicious food, creative drinks, entertaining comedy, live music, friendly people, and unbeatable vibes, they can find it all at Nomads Trailside, a place where everyone is welcome to come and enjoy themselves.