There’s a lot of dissonance in the world these days, but I think we can all agree that it’s been a weird few years.

Between the global pandemic, the murder hornets, and whatever happened to come up in our personal lives, we all but buried one of our most bizarre ledes.

In early 2023, the Pentagon UFO chief (yeah, we have one of those) announced that an alien mothership might be hanging out in our solar system, firing off smaller probes as “scouts.” Because waking up in Bird Box back in 2020 just wasn’t enough—we had to go and recreate E.T. as well.

What does it say about the state of humanity that the Pentagon admits, “We think aliens might be real,” and we just nod? Like, “Yeah, that checks out.”

Three words, my friends: weird few years.

Now, I don’t know if I’m fully on board with the mothership-in-our-solar-system bit (pun intended), but if it is out there, is it too much to hope that it’s as great as the Mothership in Springdale?

Oh, yes—we have our own Mothership right here in Northwest Arkansas. Except, rather than dishing out probes, ours is a brewhouse that serves fantastic sandwiches and burgers.

My go-to order is the Cali Coast Club, which is so piled with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato that it takes a third slice of bread in the center to hold it all together. It’s the perfect lunch, especially paired with fries.

Another thing I love about Mothership is that it doubles as an art gallery, featuring eclectic pieces by local artists. So, if a full belly isn’t enough, you can also leave with a beautiful painting! (Are the aliens offering that kind of hospitality? I think not.)

If a weird few years call for anything, it’s a cool, casual atmosphere you can rely on—and that’s what I find at Mothership. As a realtor in NW Arkansas, I can’t get enough of their small business friendliness and community spirit.

So, even if sandwiches aren’t your thing, drop in for Taco Tuesday or one of their live music events. You’ll be glad you did.