Peacock Alley

Amazing restaurant with historical pictures and f the area and building itself. The staff was really kind and polite and was able to recommend the best options and ready to propose variants to the dishes to fit the request from a colleague of mine. The food was superb (especially the Hanger steak which was the first time I ate) and quantities were good as well... It was hard to finish everything. Would for sure dine there again if I ever go back to Bismarck.

While sitting in the dining area, we were able to see the cooks and the expeditors working the food line. While watching we saw the front of the house manager/host helping to expedite and serve food. He was standing at the food serving line calling orders directly over the food and was grabbing food off of plates with his bare hands(not washed). He also proceeded to touch the middles of several of the plates with his hands to show the cooks where food needed to go. As if this wasn't bad enough, we then watched the cooks touching and handling food with their bare hands, picking it up off the serving counter when it fell off a plate and either throw it back on the plate or eat it. We watched them touching their faces, mouths, and hair and then handle food. They were also wiping their hands on their clothes. Not once did we see anyone use the handwash sink in the grill area the whole time we were there. When our food came, the order of sweet potatoes waffle fries were way over done.(burnt) Then our steaks were barely warm, definately not fresh off the grill. Not very pleased with our experience this time at the restaurant. We paid too much for food to have this kind of experience. We told the waiter our concerns about people touching food with bare hands and he said he was sorry and that they washed their hands. He never told the front end manager or the cooks to stop. Not a good response to a customer's concerns.

Wait staff was super friendly and helpful with menu. Food on menu often includes mushrooms, which I don't eat, but I was able to customize a burger order. The menu is rather limited, but their emphasis is on beef cuts. I regret not trying one of their beef cuts if not to have tried their specialty. My hamburger was not the best. The patty was dry and not tasty but the burger stack was good with the BBQ sauce, cheese, and bacon. Be aware they nickle and dime you for everything. I didn't realize the sides were a separate charge for lunch meal and they charged $0.50 for my mayonnaise for fries. For COVID, this was the least COVID aware stop on our entire trip. If you are concerned, there was absolutely no masks in sight, staff or patrons. The restaurant is in a historic location. It is not apparent exactly how. I believe the restaurant is in the lobby of the old hotel? The theme is fairly nondescript and dark (example of the times?) except for the original ceiling and one wall with historic photos. I might return to try their beef cuts and for the friendly staff and ask more questions about the menu when ordering.