Many bars in North Dakota have come and gone, but there is one that has been around longer than any other in the state. Not only is it simply the oldest one, but it also has an absolutely fascinating history that makes it special. If walls could speak, this bar would definitely have a lot to say. Head over to the capital city of the Peace Garden State and discover its story for yourself:
Peacock Alley is North Dakota's oldest bar and it's located right in the state capital. It is located in what used to be the Patterson Hotel right in the heart of downtown Bismarck.
It is in a building built in 1911 as a hotel, and the bar itself was established in 1933 and has been running strong ever since.
This hotel and bar saw a lot of interesting history and patrons in its time. Before the bar opened, right at the end of the prohibition, the hotel was secretly and illegally serving alcohol.
There are rumors that during the time it was illegally operating, there was a complicated alarm system to warn of unwanted visitors — like the police — and a secret underground tunnel that went all the way to a train station.
Peacock Alley has served an interesting list of people, including multiple presidents — Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon Johnson just to name a few — and others such as Jack Dempsey, a famous boxer.
Today, more than a century since the building was constructed, Peacock Alley still serves an amazing menu of beer, wine, and other drinks, and are nationally-renowned as a restaurant that serves the best steaks you can find.
Peacock Alley is located at 422 E Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501. For a full menu, hours, and more information, you can visit their website.
One of this bar's customer's favorites is their fantastic Bloody Marys. If you can't make it here to try one, don't fret - there are a lot of places in North Dakota you can get one, and they're all delicious.
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