FIRE by Henri Najem — Restaurant in Indianapolis

Beautiful decor and vibe. Art Deco big oval bar, loved the furniture and the space. I’m happy we have a place like this in Indy. The issues though I feel are staffing and experience of the staff and execution in total. Ordered a Negroni which is the simplest cocktail to make and it’s also featured on their menu as one of their main cocktails, this was the worst Negroni I’ve ever tasted. I drink them all the time and it was unbearable. They also served it neat which was odd and it was only about 2oz worth. We sent it back to have it remade, 2nd one was just as horrible so we gave up and drank water. Staff was very friendly but drinks coming from the bar were very very slow. A lot of the tables set dirty and uncleaned after people left during our entire meal. Ordered the steak tartare and ‘big plate’ cauliflower. I eat tartare often and have never had it been chewy like this one, not good. The cauliflower was delicious but shouldn’t be listed under big plates, it was 2 slivers, big plates are supposed to be meals that are shareable for at least 2 people, this did not qualify. After being disappointed with dinner and the try at the Negroni decided to go upstairs to rooftop. The location/space itself is a great idea. As a woman who wears heels the floor is completely non walkable with weird large paver stones meant for an outback deck. The staff here as well didn’t have knowledge in cocktail making and to mention the cocktails are 16$!! That’s ludicrous. I would rather enjoy a cocktail at The Exchange, Ball n Biscuit, Commodore, or Bluebeard where they are only $11-$13 and trust me best in the city. Both places have a long way to go to match what’s already existing in Indy, I hope they can make it and make the needed improvements because the concept is fabulous but their execution is...

I think it’s important to realize this is a hotel restaurant. If you want mediocre everything at a higher price point, you’ll love this spot! The service was one of the worst experiences I’ve had dining out. We had a large group which I get can be intimidating. I’ve worked in the industry, I get parties can throw you off your game. I don’t think the table was addressed at any point. I didn’t even realize we were ordering when they came to me and just looked at me without saying anything. Didn’t write anything down. One meal didn’t come out until the rest of the table was done eating. Water glasses were consistently empty on the table to the point of me getting a spare glass so when they refill I could last a little longer. I had the burger and it was actually fire 🔥 that’s what gets the extra star. The person sitting next to me had the short rib spacatelli and it was okay, mainly just short rib. The bar did an okay job with drinks. Martinis were not garnished and when I asked for blue cheese olives I was met by the waiter with a blank stare and when they returned i had a skewer of regular olives.

Overall, a bizarre experience. The vibes are immaculate and this spot has so much potential. It’s a shame the team was not set up for success. I’d recommend checking this spot out now because I can’t imagine it being there...

We haven’t been back since our initial visit there but for some reason got an email requesting me to write another review. My initial review focused on how the steak tartare was inedible and I had to excuse myself to the bathroom to vomit and pull stringy beef out of my teeth. I was contacted about my review and asked if I would consider returning for a complimentary meal to make up for it to give them another chance, and that I would receive a follow up email with a voucher of some kind. Not only did I have an inedible dish that had me running to the bathroom with a mouth full of beef, but any opportunity to give the restaurant a second chance went out the window when they dropped the ball on their own offer. I would go back for cocktails because the millionaire cocktail was delightful and we were there celebrating a special occasion and it was a lovely drink to celebrate with, but between the worst beef tartare I’ve ever had (that menu item was why I picked that restaurant in the first place) and the empty promise of an invitation back, I’m not sure why they asked us to write another review but oh well! Please follow through on your...