Peacock Alley In Bismarck: North Dakota’s Oldest Restaurant
In the heart of downtown Bismarck, where 5th Street meets Main, stands a living piece of North Dakota history—Peacock Alley. As the state’s oldest restaurant and bar, Peacock Alley has been a cornerstone of the community since 1933, when Prohibition was repealed. Housed in the former Patterson Hotel lobby since 1984, this establishment has not only stood the test of time but has thrived, serving generations of patrons with quality, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Peacock Alley’s reputation extends far beyond its rich history. It has hosted four U.S. presidents—Teddy Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson—adding an extra layer of prestige to its already storied past. But the restaurant isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about innovation. Recognized as a Top 100 Independent Restaurant in the U.S. and awarded the National Beef Innovator of the Year by the National Cattlemen’s Association, Peacock Alley has cemented itself as a leader in both hospitality and quality beef.
A standout feature of Peacock Alley is its dedication to real, natural, and fresh ingredients. The restaurant has operated without a microwave since 2015, ensuring that every dish is cooked the right way. More recently, it has taken another bold step in redefining its culinary approach—eliminating seed oils from its kitchen. All fryers now use beef tallow, and only olive oil or butter is used in cooking. As proud ambassadors of Certified Angus Beef (CAB), Peacock Alley sources its ground beef and briskets directly from a local, CAB-approved ranch. This means every burger served is free from growth hormones, locally raised, and processed with care.
Peacock Alley In Bismarck: North Dakota’s Oldest Restaurant
In a state known for its agriculture, Peacock Alley is leading the charge in keeping North Dakota’s bounty within its borders. Over the past six months, the restaurant has prioritized purchasing as much food as possible from North Dakota farms and producers. As owner Dale Zimmerman puts it, “If we don’t support our farmers and ranchers, who will?” This philosophy culminated in the launch of the Dakota Burger on January 1, 2025. Every ingredient in this mouthwatering creation hails from North Dakota—the smashburger patties from Drake, the bun from Dickinson, bacon from Mandan, cheese from Carrington, and fries from Jamestown. Even the sauces—ND BBQ, ND honey mustard, and ND hot honey—are crafted with locally sourced honey from just north of town.
The reception to this hyper-local approach has been overwhelmingly positive. North Dakotans appreciate the difference, recognizing the superior taste and quality that comes from supporting local agriculture. This deep connection to the community is what has allowed Peacock Alley to endure through the Great Depression, the Great Recession, COVID-19, oil booms and busts, and countless economic shifts. No matter what challenges arise, Peacock Alley remains a beacon of resilience, quality, and North Dakota pride. For those looking to experience a piece of history while enjoying the freshest, most thoughtfully sourced meals in the state, Peacock Alley is more than a restaurant—it’s a tradition that continues to thrive, serving up excellence one plate at a time. Read more about Peacock Alley in The Best Burger Restaurants in Every U.S. State: 2025 Editor's Picks!