We finally made it to Nomad after seeing so many mouth-watering social posts! A product of pandemic-times, its opening may have seemed like a sleeper, but Nomad should be at the top of your list for picture-worthy boozy milkshakes!
A great place to gather with friends
Located at 225 Fairfield Avenue, the outdoor patio space is cute, comfy, and conducive to gathering. And the interior of the restaurant is no different.
We loved the lounge area room, complete with a trunk full of board games. I could totally hang out here, drinking milkshakes and playing games til my heart is content. We opted to sit inside during our visit since the outside temperature exceeded 90 degrees, but we can’t wait to return and have a shake on the patio.
Food at Nomad
Those who’ve ever shared a meal with me know that my eating habits are like those of a child. No, really, my young kids (8, 6, and 3) all eat more healthily and more adventurously than I do. So when I heard about Nomad and their menu of tacos, tater tots, and milkshakes, my eyes lit up. I mean, what a combination! And combinations they have–all with witty menu names. Being a lover of words, I took several minutes to just read the menu and giggle at the plays on words.
After much debate, I settled on the Naughty Nati tot basket. A nod to Cincinnati-style chili, this would be a great way for visitors to sample the Cincinnati delicacy if the thought of chili on spaghetti repulses them. It’s literally tater tots smothered in Cincinnati-style chili and topped with onions, mustard, and cheese. While the cheese was a bit different than the traditional shredded cheddar you’d see from Skyline, Gold Star, and the like, the Naughty Nati tots were tasty and exactly as I expected they’d taste.
My friend ordered the blanco taco (smoked chicken, mozzarella, onion and pico) and the Korean BBQ taco (Korean style short rib, mozzarella, onions, house-made kimchi) and enjoyed both. While they may not be the top pick if you’re looking for traditional tacos, they’re certainly a solid choice. And when the hankering hits for tacos and tots or tacos and milkshakes–you know where to go!
Milkshakes at Nomad
Drumroll, please…. The moment we’ve all been waiting for–the boozy milkshakes! The menu names of these are all so cheeky! (S’more than a feeling, Oreo speedwagon, Dough you want me baby, Go Nutell-it on the mountain, etc.) But the shakes are serious business. So. Good!
My friend opted for the “Ba-Duh Duhduhduh Duh-Dumdum! Tequila!,” a lemon sorbet blended with Jose Cuervo tequila & blueberries, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit. I sampled hers and it was incredible! Much more of a berry base than I expected from the description, which I loved. It would be perfect on a hot day, sitting on the patio. So refreshing!
If you’re like me and looking for a more “traditional” milkshake, there are several options. I opted for the “Build me up peanut butter cup,” which is ice cream blended with bourbon, Ghirardelli chocolate sauce & peanut butter, topped with whipped cream, Reese’s Cups, Hershey bar, and cherry. Yum–what’s not to love?! One of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had!
And if you aren’t into milkshakes, they also have several other cocktail options, including margaritas, sorbet spritz, hot toddy, Kentucky mule, and more.
If you’re looking for a different dessert option, I’m intrigued by the tot fudge sundae–cinnamon sugar tossed tater tots, three scoops of vanilla ice cream, Ghirardelli chocolate & caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry. I have never seen a concoction quite like that on a menu anywhere else and it sounds appetizing!
Explore Bellevue
Once you’ve gorged enough on the treats at Nomad, you can saunter over to Darkness Brewing across the street, or venture down Fairfield Avenue to explore more of Bellevue. From the cute shops, other restaurants & bars, and chill patios (think Three Spirits Tavern, also a B-Line stop!), there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained in Bellevue!
Written By: Dot Crane, MeetNKY
