How to Find a Steakhouse in Indianapolis

Having a craving for red meat? In Indianapolis, you have plenty of options, from national steakhouse chains to outstanding local steakhouses. In Indiana’s capital city, it isn’t hard to find a steakhouse – but it is hard to choose one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A hearty appetite
• Your own automobile or a rental car

1. If you eat at only one steakhouse in Indianapolis, it should be St. Elmo Steak House (127 S. Illinois St.). The downtown gem is more than 100 years old, but it still packs in the crowds. Diners are served by old-school, bow-tied professional waiters, some of whom really can remove a tablecloth without knocking over the dishes. Try the famous shrimp cocktail, but start with a small bite – the sauce has quite a kick!
2. In downtown Indianapolis, you can have your pick of national steakhouse chains, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House (45 S. Illinois St.), Shula’s (50 S. Capitol Ave.) and Morton’s (41 E. Washington Ave.). Located in the basement of the building that houses the Indianapolis Business Journal, Morton’s has a clubby, cigar-bar atmosphere, and the desserts are excellent.
3. If you need a steak before or after an Indiana Pacers game, try Mo’s A Place for Steaks, located just half a block from Conseco Fieldhouse (47 S. Pennsylvania St.). The original Mo’s is in Milwaukee, so it’s technically a two-location chain, but the unique wall art and setting in a historic building make Mo’s feel local. The signature dessert is chocolate bread pudding, but the homemade shortcake with seasonal fruit is also a favorite.
4. On the north side, try Peterson’s, a local steakhouse that is consistently voted one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis (7690 E. 96th St.). Its desserts are legendary, and its pastry chef can’t seem to stop winning awards. The staff happily accommodates dietary restrictions, including vegetarianism, and diners have reported personal apologies from the chef when a steak isn’t cooked properly.
5. The north side is home to several national steakhouse chains, including another Ruth’s Chris Steak House (9445 Threel Road) and Sullivan’s (3316 E. 86th St.). A recent addition to the Indianapolis steakhouse scene is Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, located near the Fashion Mall at Keystone (8487 Union Chapel Road). It’s a good place to see and be seen, but it also works for dates and nights out with friends. Don’t miss the best side dish, chipotle macaroni and cheese.
6. North-side steakhouse Eddie Merlot’s is part of a small, Indiana-based steakhouse chain (3645 E. 96th St.). Its décor is more feminine than at other steakhouses, and its appetizers and side dishes are tantalizing. Most restaurants in Indianapolis have gone smoke-free, in accordance with a local ordinance, but Eddie Merlot’s has chosen the alternative, allowing smoking while denying access to customers younger than 18.
7. If you prefer the trendy Broad Ripple neighborhood, head to Broad Ripple Steakhouse (929 E. Westfield Blvd.). You’ll enjoy a small, intimate dining room, as well as the excellent martini bar on the building’s second floor. The lobster bisque is a popular appetizer, but the restaurant also has excellent daily soups.
8. Not the high-end steakhouse type? Indianapolis is home to many casual steakhouse chains, such as Texas Roadhouse and Outback Steakhouse. But if you’re planning a meaningful date, or you’re a visitor to Indiana’s capital city, opt for something more special.