Indy Must-Eat｜St. Elmo Steak House｜A Guide to the Iconic Century-Old S

Opened in 1902, this legendary steakhouse is a true classic — awarded the James Beard America’s Classics Award, the Oscar of the food world! Still located in its original spot in Indy downtown, the interior has been preserved with historic charm. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time over a hundred years. ℹ️ TL;DR: A must-visit for the experience, but keep expectations realistic — it’s about tradition, not innovation. Dinner reservations are essential on weekends. Must-orders: Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Bisque, and dry-aged steak! ❤️ Shrimp Cocktail A signature dish since 1902 — features huge, firm, sweet shrimp 🍤… but the horseradish sauce is INTENSE. Seriously spicy 🌶️😭 — you’ll cry but you’ll love it. Dip with caution! ❤️ Lobster Bisque A hidden gem — originally a steak side, now upgraded. Rich, creamy, and loaded with chunks of lobster. So comforting! 🦞 ✅ Dry-aged USDA Prime Tomahawk Ribeye A two-pound bone-in ribeye — impressive presentation! Charred outside, tender inside 🥩🔥. Seasoned simply to highlight the meat. Lean cut, slightly dry — not quite Peter Luger level, but still satisfying. ❤️ Mashed Potato Classic-style with skins and chunks — hearty and nostalgic 🥔. ✅ Elmo Cola A classic cocktail — vanilla bourbon served with a mini Coke bottle and a boozy cherry 🍒🥃. Classy and fun! ✅ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📍 St. Elmo Steak House, Indianapolis, IN Featured in Eater Indianapolis’ Top 38 Essential Restaurants 🏆 James Beard America’s Classics Award winner 💲 Average $100+ per person (pre-tax & tip) 🗓 Visited: May 2025 #Indiana #Indianapolis #IndyFood #Steakhouse #PurdueUniversity #IUB #FoodIsLife #IndyEats #IndianaFoodie