Steakhouses

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

STEAKHOUSES IN THE MOOD FOR A SAVORY, SEARED, JUICY SLAB OF PIPING HOT RED MEAT? Indy’s ever expanding slate of steakhouses make sure your cravings are satisfied. From the old guard eateries like St. Elmo to newcomers like Red, here’s everything you need to know about these prime spots.

BY BAILEY BRISCOE & SUMMER DAILY

FEBRUARY 2018 | IM

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Guide to Symbols: CHILDREN ’S MENU

EDDIE MERLOT’S 3645 E. 96TH ST., 317-846-8303, EDDIEMERLOTS.COM MON.–THURS., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.¬SAT., 5 P.M.–11 P.M.; SUN., 4 P.M.–9 P.M.

GRILL MASTERS

Eddie Merlot’s is an upscale American steakhouse with a twist. It offers outstanding cuts of Prime Beef, exceptional service, and an unparalleled atmosphere.

CARRYOUT AVAILABLE

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: All cuts of steaks, craft cocktails, and craft beers DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Cool and Relaxed

RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED

BAR SERVICE

Rarified Fare Q&A WITH CRAIG HUSE, PRESIDENT OF ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE

BYNUM’S STEAKHOUSE 3850 S. MERIDIAN ST., 317-784-9880, BYNUMSSTEAKHOUSE.NET SUN.–SAT., 11 A.M.–9:30 P.M.

Bynum’s is an Indianapolis staple that has been serving hand-cut angus steaks and slow-roasted prime rib for almost three decades. A family-owned restaurant that caters to people who want a great steak without the big prices of some of the downtown steakhouses.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Slow-roasted 32-ounce bone-in prime rib, Madagascar lobster tails, and even gourmet tater tots DRESS: casual COST: $$$-$$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Rustic

IM ST. ELMO HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE 1902.

WHAT’S YOUR SECRET? CH Our success is a combination of many different factors from our location to our spicy St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail and great steaks, but the most important ingredient to our success is our people.

IM HOW HAS THE RESTAURANT CHANGED

TO KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES?

Our menu looks much the same as it did 50 years ago, so although some things change, many stay the same. The addition of the 1933 Lounge has attracted a younger crowd for us. We see more young professionals now than we did 30 years ago.

CH

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR 8487 UNION CHAPEL RD., 317-466-0175, FLEMINGSSTEAKHOUSE.COM MON.–THURS., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 5 P.M–11 P.M.; SUN., 5 P.M.–9 P.M.

Fleming’s reflects an elegant evolution of the traditional steakhouse, providing a highly sophisticated yet comfortable environment, serving USDA Prime Beef cut by hand.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: 100 Wines by the Glass, hand-selected USDA Prime and Certified Angus Beef, and miso-glazed Chilean sea bass DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

IM WHAT’S THE KEY TO STAYING FRESH WITHOUT

LOSING WHAT MAKES ST. ELMO SO UNIQUE?

CHARBLUE STEAK & SEAFOOD 14 E. WASHINGTON ST., 317-986-7883, CHARBLUEINDY.COM MON.–THURS., 4:30 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 4:30–11 P.M.

With a commitment to high-quality ingredients, along with responsibly sourced local and global ingredients, CharBlue offers a menu that is creative yet approachable. Pairing outstanding service with the menu creates a dining experience that is not just another steakhouse atmosphere.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Blackened swordfish, bone-in short rib, and craft cocktails DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Farmhouse Chic

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CH We are diligent in listening to our guests and our staff, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve. But in the end, it is always good advice to not fix something that isn’t broken.

HARRY & IZZY’S 153 S. ILLINOIS ST., 317-635-9594; 4050 E. 82ND ST., 317-915-8045; HARRYANDIZZYS.COM DOWNTOWN HOURS: MON.–THURS., 11 A.M.–11 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 11 A.M.–12 A.M.; SUN., 12 P.M.–9 P.M. NORTHSIDE HOURS: MON.–THURS., 11 A.M.–11 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 11 A.M.–12 A.M.; SUN., 11 A.M.–9 P.M.

Harry & Izzy’s is an independent, upscale American Grill that exudes class and sophistication in a comfortable setting with a lively bar and unique dining rooms. This companion restaurant to the famous St. Elmo Steak House, shares a few classic dishes, while also offering more menu variety.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Filet Sliders and the St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail DRESS: Casual to Formal COST: $$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

HYDE PARK

New Kid on the Block

51 N. ILLINOIS ST., 317-536-0270, HYDEPARKRESTAURANTS.COM MON.–THURS., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 5 P.M.–10:30 P.M.

Relax among the restaurant’s rich décor, featuring comfortable leather seating, colorful fabrics, wood-paneled walls, and two fireplaces. Hyde Park’s chef-driven menu features variations of its legendary aged prime steaks and names its signature dishes after local sports celebrities, like the Steak Luck and Steak Andretti.

Q&A WITH TONY RICCI, OWNER OF TONY’S STEAKS AND SEAFOOD

GRILL MASTERS

IM YOUR NEWEST RESTAURANT IS SLATED TO OPEN IN INDY

SOMETIME THIS SPRING. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

Tony’s is going to have a vibrant atmosphere—the kind of place where you have fun at the dinner table. Whether it’s a couple, a family, or a business dinner—no matter the occasion—the dinner table is where we solve the world’s problems. We talk over great food, exceptional service, and a good drink.

TR

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Smoking colossal shrimp cocktail, Steak Andretti (a 32-ounce Australian Wagyu longbone tomahawk ribeye), and lobster mashed potatoes DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

IM WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE OTHER STEAKHOUSES? TR Our exceptional service. We are so focused on cell phones and looking down and communicating with phones that we forgot how to shake hands and have a conversation. When people come into my steakhouse, they’ll feel like they are entering the dining room of my home.

IM WHEN PICKING THE LOCATION FOR

YOUR NEW RESTAURANT, WHY DID YOU CHOOSE INDIANAPOLIS? TR Indy is making the city shine like a city upon a hill. There’s so much business that comes to Indianapolis, and the other steakhouses have all had such great success.

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE 41 E. WASHINGTON ST., 317-229-4700, MORTONS.COM MON.–THURS., 5:30 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 5:30 P.M.–11 P.M.; SUN., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.

Morton’s The Steakhouse prides itself on quality and consistency, featuring USDA Prime-aged steak and fresh seafood.

Every guest is treated like a VIP. HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Porterhouse, lobster macaroni and cheese, Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

Modern Veal Q&A WITH JONATHAN GROSS, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF RED, THE STEAKHOUSE

GRILL MASTERS

IM IT FEELS LIKE THERE’S A MILLION STEAKHOUSES IN INDY AND

MORE OPENING EVERY DAY. WHAT MAKES RED UNIQUE? JG We take traditional steak house dishes and serve them in a contemporary way. The only thing not made from scratch is our ketchup.

NOAH GRANT’S GRILL HOUSE & OYSTER BAR 91 S. MAIN ST., ZIONSVILLE, NOAHGRANTS.COM TUES.–THURS., 4 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 4 P.M.–11 P.M.; SUN., 4 P.M.–9 P.M.

Noah Grant’s offers casual sophistication with East Coast charm in quaint downtown Zionsville on the brick street. It serves five different Certified Angus Beef steak varieties and offers $25 Steak Night on Wednesdays.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Scallops with sweet corn puree and the fresh oyster bar DRESS: Casual or dressy casual COST: $$$ ATMOSPHERE: East Coast Sophistication

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IM YOUR RESTAURANT’S ATMOSPHERE IS STUNNINGLY

SLEEK AND CONTEMPORARY. IS THAT KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS? JG There’s room in the market for different approaches. If we were a hole in the wall and our food was exactly the same, I’d still think people should eat here. I like the approach that we take, but I don’t think it’s a necessary ingredient for success. But for us, it’s part of our recipe.

IM AND IT SEEMS LIKE YOU’VE HAD SUCCESS LURING

INDY’S HIPSTERS THROUGH YOUR DOORS, TOO.

You don’t normally think of a steakhouse as a trendy place. But when you combine our unique atmosphere and made-from-scratch food, I think those do make us a great foodie restaurant.

JG

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PRIME 47

ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE

47 S. PENNSYLVANIA ST., 317-624-0720, PRIME47.COM MON.–SAT., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.

127 S. ILLINOIS ST., 317-635-0636, STELMOS.COM MON.–FRI., 4 P.M.–11 P.M.; SAT., 3 P.M.–11 P.M.; SUN., 4 P.M.–10 P.M.

Prime 47 prides itself as a classic steakhouse in a historic building with the best food money can buy and a genuine focus on service.

St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902. It is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location, and has earned a national reputation for its excellent steaks, seafood, chops, and professional service.

GRILL MASTERS

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Prime steak, Australian Wagyu, and Japanese Wagyu DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail DRESS: Casual to Formal COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

A Cut Above

RED, THE STEAKHOUSE

Q&A WITH JOHN STANLEY, GENERAL MANAGER OF SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE 14 W. MARYLAND ST., 317-757-3144, REDTHESTEAKHOUSE.COM MON.–THURS., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 5 P.M.–12 A.M.; SUN., 4 P.M.–9 P.M.

For those who believe all steakhouses are created equal, Red, the Steakhouse proves otherwise. Esquire, Forbes, and USA Today rank RED among the best steakhouses in the country. All of their food, from salad dressings to desserts, are 100 percent made in-house.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES:

Locally brewed beers, fresh local produce, and the Lemon Garlic Shrimp DRESS: business casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Contemporary

IM WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER INDY STEAKHOUSES? JS Sullivan’s stands out due to our award-winning wine list.

When it comes to food, all of our menu items are made completely from scratch and have truly unique flavor profiles.

IM INDY’S RESTAURANT SCENE HAS EXPLODED IN RECENT

YEARS. HOW DO YOU KEEP PEOPLE COMING IN THE DOOR?

Steakhouses have really stepped up their game in order to stay ahead of the culinary trends constantly emerging. With the recent re-emergence of bone-in steaks, we launched a selection of seven bone-in cuts on our menus.

And to stay one step ahead, we now offer a bone-in longbone Berkshire pork chop, since we’ve noticed the pork chop making a comback in some restaurants, too.

JS

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE INDIANAPOLIS 3316 E. 86TH ST., 317-580-1280, SULLIVANSSTEAKHOUSE.COM MON.–FRI., 11 A.M.–11 P.M.; SAT., 4:30 P.M.–11 P.M.; SUN. 4 P.M.–9 P.M.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse is a distinguished steakhouse providing a relaxed dining experience with high-quality service and a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: An extensive menu of bone-in selections, the Knockout Martini, and the Sidecar Martini (served with a small glass shaped as a side car on the side.

DRESS: Casual/Dressy Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Upscale, lively bar area and a sleek, polished dining room

IM WHAT DO YOUR PATRONS LOVE MOST ABOUT SULLIVAN’S?

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 45 S. ILLINOIS ST., 317-633-1313; 2727 E. 86TH ST., 317-844-1155; RUTHSCHRISINDY.COM MON.–THURS., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 5 P.M.–11 P.M.; SUN., 4 P.M.–9 P.M.

For over 50 years, Ruth’s Chris Steak House has been specializing in customaged USDA Prime Midwestern beef broiled at 1,800 degrees. Each steak is served on a sizzling 500-degree plate so that your last bite is as good and as sizzling as the first.

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: USDA Prime sizzling steaks, world-class wine list, seasonally crafted cocktails DRESS: Business casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Classic and Timeless

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JS Guests are not only coming back for the food but also for the experience, including tableside preparation of menu items such as the Tableside BLT Salad and Chocolate Meltdown.

TONY’S STEAKS & SEAFOOD 110 W. WASHINGTON ST., 317-638-8669, TONYSSTEAKSANDSEAFOOD.COM SUN.–MON., 5 P.M.–9 P.M.; TUE.–THURS., 5 P.M.–10 P.M.; FRI.–SAT., 5 P.M.–11 P.M.

The Tony Ricci brand delivers a unique experience to the guest in terms of food, service, ambiance, and personal touch. Along with steakhouse favorites, Tony’s serves an extensive line of seafood and pastas. Says Mr. Ricci, “I’m bringing the old-fashioned steakhouse into the 21st century.”

HOUSE SPECIALTIES: Prince Edward Island mussels, Prime ribeye, and jumbo lump crab cake DRESS: Business Casual COST: $$$$ ATMOSPHERE: Spacious and Upscale