I have made a point to come here every year. The steak literally melts in your mouth. The sides are always on point. Bread is delicious. And I can't say enough about the shrimp cocktail. If you have never been to St. Elmos, make sure you add it to the list.
(5)
Brian H.
I'm giving this a 4 only because I had a not so great experience last time with my steak being a little over cooked and dry. This has not been typical and if it wasn't for that I would give it 5! Nothing to say that has not already been said but I do love this place, just make sure to make reservations and order the lobster mac side it's great!
(4)
Jon L.
It's St. Elmo Steak House. It's as good as it gets. A timeless classic, that makes you feel like a million bucks. Get the shrimp cocktail, get the steak, get a nice drink, and get dessert. It will be THE BEST meal you've had. Period.
(5)
Bob S.
Went here and dined off the Devour Downtown menu. It was amazing! Honestly, everything I ate was great - the shrimp, potatoes, green beans, perfectly cooked and seasoned filet, and cheesecake was all stunning!
(5)
Dan B.
The shrimp cocktail was awesome! I had the 32oz bone in prime rib and it was delicious. We also had the petit filet and it did not disappoint. Service was amazing, as expected.
(5)
Stephanie C.
Steaks were amazing! The server was touch and go but ended up fabulous! The shrimp cocktail is super spicy just FYI. The whole experience was amazing!
(5)
Zachary H.
The shrimp cocktail is great but the steaks are way under seasoned. Compared to a Vegas steak house its no contest. Steaks also have no crust to speak of.
(2)
Jon C.
I was lucky enough to visit St Elmo recently and had a seat at the best table in the house: the private dining room in the wine cellar. When I have an out of town guest who wants a taste of authentic Indianapolis, St Elmo is always on my short list. If they're paying, it moves right up to the top. More often than not, my guests have already heard about the place, and immediately start asking, "Is the cocktail sauce as hot as everyone says?" "Nahh.. here. Take this bite off my spoon. Disregard the evil laughs coming from the other people at the table. They don't know what they're talking about." The perfect meal for me starts with the Elmo Cola, a makers mark, cherry and cola creation that is potent yet amazingly mellow. Move on to the shrimp cocktail with it's wicked cocktail sauce. Yeah, it's hot." It's a quick burn though", says the people who also claim that 115 degrees in Las Vegas is okay because it's a dry heat. Liars. The wine selection is rather extensive, and I've never had anything except a nice hearty red here. Yum. A nice red wine and a steak. My mouth waters thinking about two. Moving on to the main course: I always stick with the filet. If I'm hungry, or want leftovers, I order the 12oz. If I'm not hungry (or paying myself) I stick with the 8oz. Either way, it's outstanding. Sides? Nope.. none come with that $40 piece of steak. Sides are ala cart, and the creamed spinach is always a must for me. Now comes dessert. I always struggle to make up my mind on whether or not I'm going to eat dessert, but truth be told, it's all an act. Of course I'm eating dessert! The blue and white bread pudding is out of this world, and the one thing on the menu I'll consider sharing, only because it's about the size of a loaf of bread. Yum-O! St Elmo also participates in Devour Downtown, which is held annually in the winter and summer. It's a great way to try a set menu at St Elmo for a lot less than you would pay any other time. Oh yeah, make sure you make a reservation too.. it's amazing that a place like this can be packed on a random Wednesday evening, but it happens!
(5)
Robyn W.
I love this place. If you like spicy, the shrimp cocktail is amazing. The wedge salad will be the best you've ever had. And of course the steaks are top quality. They have a 22 oz lamb porterhouse for those wanting something a little different. The service is always excellent and the staff is very genuine and friendly. Atmosphere is dark, homey and upscale.
(5)
J K.
A very fine establishment. My all time favorite for Shrimp and filet - always done to perfection. We come here annually and can't beat it. Head upstairs first for a cocktail.
(5)
Tiffany Y.
I can't say enough about how delicious the food is, and the service is some of the best I've received. St Elmo really lives up to the hype.
(5)
Pat D.
Fantastic experience all around. I had wanted to go here for years...and they did not disappoint. The service was beyond excellent. And the shrimp cocktail is the real deal. I questioned it's fame before visiting, but now I get it. Those are addictive shrimp indeed. The filet with a loading baked potato also delivered. Caeser salad was okay, but bonus points for having anchovies as an option! And lots of them! We were too full for dessert. But I foresee many more trips here in the future.
One of our favorite restaurants. Shrimp cocktails are spicer and delicious. Filet was tender. Highly recommend.
(5)
Daniel G.
One of the best steakhouses. You will pay a price for it though. I have found that going to marsh and buying the american kobe steak and ny strip prime is better then any steak they serve.
(5)
Megan N.
The third best meal I've ever had. The second best steak, making this the best steak I've tasted in the US. Everything here was delicious. The service was immaculate as well. The shrimp cocktail? You have to try it. It's an interesting experience when your food bites back.
(5)
Julie G.
Fantastic service and cool atmosphere. Basic high end steak house with a few other options. Loved the shrimp cocktail!! I would highly recommend St. Elmo's.
(4)
Monique N.
Came here as a quick fire decision after checking late into my hotel. Had the "World Famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail" w/ a side of green beans (wasn't really hungry, wanted something lite before I turned in for the night. The shrimp cocktail definitely lived up to its name, great flavor, a lot of kick, and super plump, fresh, and juicy shrimp smothered with their fiery sauce. I got the The Signature "Elmo Cola" but as an infusion shot over on the rocks -- bourbon w/ vanilla bean and luxardo maraschino cherries. Would go again to try a steak.
(4)
Laura J.
Went here a while back for devour downtown. Loved the shrimp cocktail (but the sauce is potent). The meal as good but not mind blowing. Honestly really loved the bread they served before the meal. I could have filled up on just that.
(4)
Kirk G.
It had been about 10 years since I was last at St. Elmo's, and, if it has changed, it's been for the better! Shrimp cocktail: shrimp were as good as ever and the sauce is great! A word to the wise, if it's your first St. Elmo's shrimp, try to scrape off all of the sauce (some will inevitably adhere) and start from there, adding a LITTLE more sauce as you go. Entree: During my previous visits to St. Elmo's, I don't remember a prime rib offering. (Perhaps it was there but I'd already made up my mind for the large filet.) But, tonight, there it was - all 32 oz of bone-in goodness. Oh my goodness (and, for you younger yelpers, OMG), the first bite of perfectly cooked juiciness was the best beef that I have ever eaten! One more time - the best ever. Entree: My wife had a seafood special that was "Awesome" (she said). A crab cake over a jumbo (6 oz) shrimp with a vanilla cream sauce that was "out of this world." "Not the usual crab cake, just outstanding!" Service: Impeccable. Dessert: Are you kidding me...that was a 32 oz prime rib!! But, they looked good! This place is worth a LARGE detour if you are anywhere near Indy.
(5)
Sarah C.
I'm not as sold on St. Elmo's as everyone else seems to be. Was the steak good? Sure it good, not mind blowing, but good and it was cooked correctly--and it definitely should be at these prices and that it is a "steakhouse." It's incredibly loud in this restaurant, making it difficult to carry on a conversation with the person sitting across from you. The ambiance is definitely lacking. It's crowded and hard to move throughout the restaurant which is kind of annoying and chaotic when you spend a few hundred dollars on a meal for two people. Maybe it's time for some expansion or renovations. Our server was pretty good. However, we did witness another server berate a busboy from across the dining room which is definitely in poor taste. All in all, I just feel like this is kind of a touristy spot for business travelers and convention attendees and there are better restaurants in Indy where the price is equal to the value and the ambiance. Kind of disappointed:(
(2)
M. Dinne F.
Good steak house and a nice change from all of the chain restaurants that are so prevallent in Indy. They do turn the tables over quickly so don't expect a leisurly european meal.
(4)
D A.
I had the ribeye, it was really good. Our waiter Dan was excellent. He introduced my friend to Sun King Wee Mac beer, which my friend loved. WARNING: If you do not like spicy, get your shrimp cocktail sauce on the side. It will bring tears to your eyes. I went to this place because it was in the Parks and Rec episode "Two Parties" and I had to try the steak. Worth a visit! Make reservations!
(4)
Tammy K.
Great steak! but more importantly amazing shrimp cocktail with the homemade horseradish sauce. Will be back! :)
(5)
Tom L.
Be prepared to spend $ and enjoy the experience. Great service, atmosphere and place to visit while in Indy!
Great food great experience and the Shrimp Coctail is the best which is hard to beleive this far from any sea. I had the surf and turf the steak was perfectly cooked and the lobster was just as good. If you get boarded just ask your waiter about high profile diners that they have server there.......all great stories to follow.
(4)
Scott B.
Wow!!! The food here was soooo good. We were very happy. The food and drinks were awesome and our waitress was great also. Of course it was expensive. But that was worth it.
(5)
Andy M.
Two words. Shrimp cocktail. That appetizer is reason alone for the 5 star rating @ St. Elmo. The steaks are divine and the service is outstanding!
(5)
Robert R.
This was my first visit. The staff was friendly and helpful. Ambience was good although a little dark for my taste. When making our reservations for three we asked for a nice table as we were coming for a birthday. We were seated at a small table for four which should have been a table for two in reality. We noticed there were larger tables with only two people at them and asked for a larger table. We were reseated at a round table directly in the middle of the room next to the waiters station. Our waiter was excellent, and was very friendly. He came to the table regularly to fill our drinks and see if we needed anything else but did not hover. The food was a bit of a different story though. We ordered the Shrimp Cocktail which other than being horseradish hot (not a big horeradish fan)was good. Shrimp were big and not rubbery. Asparagus was plentiful, but very tough. My girlfriend and I split the Prime Rib for two (32 oz .) This is monster of a steak! We ordered it medium but when we got it it was close to rare and did not have much flavor. When I started to cut it my first thought was they needed sharper steak knives. For the price I expected a piece of prime grade meat, what I got was choice at best. The Bean Soup was excellent as was the Lobster Bisque. We also ordered the Red Skin mashed potatoes. They were mashed potatoes; that is about all the more I can say. We ordered the King Crab Mac n Cheese but Jury is still out on that one though, we couldn't finish the meal we had. For all the hype it was a nice meal but certainly no Eddie Merlot's or Ruth's Chris Will I go back? Probably Next stop? Either Sullivans, Mortons, or Petersons.
(3)
Claudine V.
First time in Indianapolis for a business trip and was invited by our vendor to this lovely restaurant. Awesome service, great food, restaurant with alot of history. Shrimp Cocktail will DEFINITELY CLEAR YOUR SINUS! Plump shrimps but super strong horse radish. Ordered the Ribeye steak and it was delicious. Also tasted the crab mac n cheese, onion rings, green beans and mushrooms and they were all very tasty. The group ordered some pecan pie, bread pudding and they looked yummy as well. After 5 bottles of wine later, a round of GRAPPA, the group still had the urge to take Tequila shots. It sure was a FUN evening! This restaurant is expensive but you do get your money's worth for the food and service.
(4)
Mark G.
Ok my wife and I both decided that if we were on death row and we had one last meal we would be ordering the filet from St. Elmo's. This was THE BEST steak we have ever had. The flavor was fantastic and the tenderness of the steak was unreal. We went last night and I want to go back right now. Wife loved the shrimp cocktail and especially the cocktail sauce. Bought one to go. I made a mistake and should have gotten the baked potato because in my wife's opinion it was the best baked potato in the nation. I got fries so I feel cheated. I just had a craving but I regret it now. Always next time and there will be a next time. My only regret was I couldn't finish the 12 oz filet. I shouldn't of had lunch.
(5)
Kaitlin K.
shrimp cocktail was actually worth it. horseradish cocktail sauce was amazing. bread was amazing. filet was amazing. wine was amazing. service was slightly over the top but great vibe. Brought out a small slice of chocolate cake for me. Loved, loved, loved.
(5)
Kurt V.
Went to the upstairs lounge for first time last night for end-the-evening cocktail and desert. My new procedure!
(5)
J. B.
Seriously the best steaks around... Better than any of the high end chains, and twice the character. Shrimp cocktail is a must!
(5)
Adrienne G.
What can I say about St. Elmos that has not already been said? The filet is melt in your mouth good and the service is exceptional. The navy bean soup is delicious, although I would love if they offered a few more options other than the soup or tomato juice. Like I said, the filet mignon is delicious. Juicy, tender and it literally melts in your mouth. This a great steak house and an Indiana staple. Try it out, you won't be dissapointed.
(4)
Greg M.
A must stop in downtown Indy. One of the best steakhouses in town. Be prepared for a long wait, even with reservations, which are a must. This place is always crowded, but the service is excellent and the food is definitely worth the wait.
(5)
Alyssa M.
I visited during a business trip to Indianapolis with two of my coworkers, one of which had been before. We made reservations and were promptly seated in a quaint little area that we had to walk through the wine cellar to get to. We were seated near 4 other tables or so in this room. Service was impeccable, always making great recommendations and asking about your palate so they could match dishes to your taste. Solid drink recommendations to go with the dishes. The food was phenomenal. We started out with the famous shrimp cocktail appetizers and I loved the way the cocktail sauce was served. I also started with the navy bean soup which was the first time I'd ever had such a dish and it was great as well. The steak. Where do I even start? It was cooked perfectly and just about melts in your mouth. It could've easily been cut with a butter knife. It was quite honestly the best steak I have ever had and my dad is a master on the grill. Next time I'm in Indy, I'm dragging whoever is with me right back!
(5)
Rick L.
The "go to" old school steakhouse in Indianapolis and it is wonderful. St Elmo's has been around since 1902 for a reason. Professional service? Oh you bet! We were lucky enough to draw Brian Sebahar. Great recommendations and service from Brian. You couldn't ask for anyone better. Well, of course you must start with the Shrimp Cocktail....duh! Incredible and fantastic jumbo shrimp. That cocktail sauce...oh my does it have some heat...and I love heat. This is a great start and something to share between two people. The steaks are incredible and cooked perfectly. I normally go with a T-Bone or Bone In Ribeye and these are both offered and were both cooked to perfection. You also are given a few options to start your entree with and I recommend the Navy Bean Soup. Delicious! The wine list....a lot of depth. I'm confident you will find something that you will love and a your desired price point. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a round at the beautiful bar before your reservation. The Moscow Mules are amazing....
(5)
Jesse C.
I ate here for a work dinner Aug, 2015. Here's the breakdown: Ambiance - Old school vibe with several different dining areas, we ate downstairs. This has to be one of, if not the most popular steak house downtown so it was busy. Service - We had a reservation and were seated quickly. Our server was terrific. Very attentive and personable and the staff did a nice job of anticipating the needs of our group. Food - The shrimp cocktail is really great. The shrimp are jumbo sized and fresh and the cocktail sauce has a ton of kick. I recommend using the sauce sparingly at first because it can catch you by surprise! I had the filet and mashed potatoes. I ordered it medium-rare and it was cooked medium. It was a nice tender steak with good flavor and the potatoes were good, but I expected a little more from a nearly $50 entree. Two people in my party ordered the halibut cheek special. I tried it and it tasted okay but wasn't great, I would definitely recommend sticking to ordering steak when ordering at St Elmo's. Value - Ambiance and service are what you would expect at this price point. Food was good but expensive for what it is. Overall I'm glad I had the opportunity to eat here but I probably wouldn't be a regular if I lived in Indy.
Wow. The food is amazing as well as the service. Our server has worked there for almost 40 years and he was just a joy to have as part of our nice evening out. Our experience was great, we will be back whenever we're in town.
(4)
Joe P.
There's probably nothing left for me to cover with over 700 Yelp reviews of St. Elmo's - it's just plain good. This is an anchor of the Indianapolis culinary scene and the benchmark for a steak dinner in the Circle City. If you don't have the cash to go all-in on a full-fledged dinner, head upstairs to the 1933 Lounge. Great space and cool retro vibe.
(5)
Erik M.
We went here this past weekend for my 30th and had a great time. Food: 4/5 I ordered the 12 oz filet and shrimp cocktail and my fiance ordered the potatoes au gratin and caesar salad -- she is vegetarian. The shrimp cocktail was by far the star of the meal and was a welcome palatte cleanser. My steak was really juicy and flavorful though a little more undercooked than I would have prefered -- ordered medium-rare and was definitely closer to the rare side. The caesar salad left more to be desired but the potatoes and fries were great. Service: 5/5 Service was great. Our waiter was extremely attentive and helped us navigate the bar menu with ease. We had the russian mule and their makers mark bourbon drink which were both quite good. Table: 3/5 I didn't make the reservation so not sure how far in advance it was but we got stuck in the basement which was disappointing. The ground floor definitely had more character and felt like a lively restaurant whereas downstairs it felt stark and like where they shove the families with small children. It also didn't help that when we walked down the stairs it smelt like the chemicals used in an airplane bathroom...the bathroom was extremely clean but the smell permeated most of the basement. Overall, great food if not overpriced but make sure you on the ground floor otherwise don't bother.
(4)
Amy-Ni N.
This place is EXTREMELY overrated. We were so excited to see that this restaurant was listed as 4 stars, but man. We got bamboozled! It was Restaurant Week in Indy so the prefixed meal came with an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. I ordered the shrimp cocktail, the steak, and the creme brulee. The shrimp cocktail was just loaded, I mean, LOADED with horseradish. It gave you that water up your nose feeling every time you bit into it. As twisted as it sounds, I liked it. Only because I like brain numbing flavors. If this doesn't sound good to you, you may not want to order it. Per usual, I always order my steak, rare. What came was medium. Nooooooooooo! For the love of meat, I can't eat Medium! It's just way too cooked for my liking. I should have sent it back, but I always feel bad just even thinking about it, so I don't. I usually just suck it up and write a review. My husband ordered Medium Rare and his was done right, he offered to switch with me, but I declined. He's the sweetest! I knew I married him for a reason! So anyways, on to the dessert. Ahhhh, another disappointment. The creme brulee was not enjoyable. Lets just end it right here.
(2)
Andrew D.
Classic Steak House. While costing Indy we had to come here. We went to the upstairs lounge. 4 drinks, 1 shrimp cocktail and $100 later we had a good story to go home with. Wish they had a more engaging experience with the cocktail or served with some sides or bread, for $40 you'd hope for something a bit nicer. After checking it out in person I will stick to buying the sauce at the store and making my own at home.
(4)
Teal R.
An A+ for Elmo's! Stopped here tonight with co-workers and we received a great prix-fixe meal. Had the famous shrimp cocktail to start, a true way to kick off the meal! Warning: do not try a lot of the cocktail sauce at once. For the main course, I chose the New York strip with the mashed potatoes. I don't eat much red meat but this steak hit the spot. The potatoes were great as well. Lastly, we finished off with a taste of both the cheesecake and the chocolate cake. I would choose the chocolate cake if I were to come in again. Definitely a great spot in Indy!
(4)
Chad M.
I have eaten here a few times, and usually its very good, top noth food and excellent service. But the last time I ate here the steak was under cooked, at a medium rare, bloody in the center, when I ordered a medium well. So I sent it back, and it returned very well done, no pink, anywhere, and it was the same chunk of meat, but they left it on too long and over cooked it. I ate it anyway, even after telling and showing the server. I would have felt odd sending back my steak a 2nd time and having them toss it out and start fresh cooking me an all new steak to my medium well requests. The jumbo shrimp cocktail and sauce tasted great, the sides were excellent, and the service very good. But for my expectations for this place, which I put at the highest levels, were sadly below par for this meal. Other steaks on different occasions, have all been perfect, so maybe this was a busy night, or training a new chef, but the company I was with was already embarrassed enough at me sending food back at such a fancy place, I dare not make them any angrier at me. So I paid for everything in full, no discount, left a nice tip, and decided Ruth Chris' was a better choice for me next time. But would eventually come back here again too. For approx $50+ per person, high expectations are deservingly placed on a chef and the staff. Most of the time this place is a 5 star, but everyone can have off nights. I still recommend and will return.
(4)
Bradford K.
This place is a Indianapolis Institution. That being said the expectations were certainly high. The bone in rib-eye was priced at a typical steak house amount. The quality was good and it was cooked the way I asked. However, there was nothing special about this dish that made it stand out. It was just a well cooked piece of pretty good quality beef. The famous shrimp cocktail is certainly unique. Strong horse radish flavor that was fun to eat. Shrimp was fresh. A must have for true shrimp cocktail lovers. This was an as expected visit to a well known steak house. I prefer other steak house chains at this price range for a rib-eye.
(3)
Matt K.
Loved it. Just like everyone else, We had the champagne glass full of horseradish sauce. Mmmm. The ribeye was really good. I could not finish the smallest one. It was $38 for the steak, $17 for the appetizer and $20 for the pop. Each
(4)
Jennifer M.
This Restaurant deserves its reputation of excellence. We were seated right away and Mark, our server was excellent with recommendations. He arranged for the lobster bisque to be split between two bowls and even got a bag for our leftovers. My husband and daughter had the Filet with loaded baked potato and green beans. I had the special dry aged New York Strip with Mashed Potatoes. We had started with their excellent Shrimp Cocktail. They also have a world class wine list. We really enjoyed our entrees and even managed to try the 7 layer chocolate cake dessert.
(5)
Steven C.
As they say, "When in Rome..." so what trip to Indy would be complete without a stop at St. Elmo's? I had been here for the Superbowl in February but couldn't get near the place on that crazy weekend. It has a great decor with dark woods and a ample bar as you enter. The service was outstanding and began from the moment that I walked through the door. A warm greeting from the host staff, my coat was checked and I was settling in my seat before I knew it. Of course I read all the reviews before coming and saw all the comments about the shrimp cocktail. To be honest, it was good but I didn't see the "wow factor" in this dish. The shrimp are large, flavorful and lusciously moist throughout. It's served with a highly horseradished cocktail sauce that I really didn't get. Maybe at one time it was an unusual dish for this friendly midwestern town but times have changed and it maybe time to find something new. I'm sure it wasn't on the menu in 1903. On to the main course... I went with the 8oz filet. They started me off with a navy bean soup that was insanely good. I could taste that it began it's life with the rendering of some type of pork fat then complimented with a tomato and broth base. Amazing. My main course showed up next and it looked great. I could tell it was properly rested before serving as there wasn't a river of juice when I sliced it. It was also served warm which is a matter of attention to detail and respect for the food. The steak was prepared exactly how I asked. It was a superb cut with consistent velvet texture and outstanding flavor. Again, the service was outstanding, attention to detail was second to none. Quite expensive but quality has value that is worth paying for.
(5)
Amy P.
Just have to drop a line about the legendary shrimp cocktail. YES, it is really spicy!! LOVED IT!! The warning labels are valid! Oh yes, and the rest of the food is good too!
(4)
Elisa Z.
When I go out to an expensive dinner I always need to feel like I'm getting my money's worth so I am extremely critical of every detail. When I went to dinner here last Friday, I couldn't find one thing to be picky about (except the shrimp cocktail)! The table and place settings are all top notch and the restaurant has a romantic/loungey atmosphere. For an appetizer we ordered the shrimp cocktail. It was tasty and definitely "gives you a kick in the nostrils". However, I didn't really see the point of dousing perfectly good shrimp with an absurd amount of horseradish, which completely overpowers your taste buds and all other flavors. At this point, you can just skip paying $16 for the shrimp appetizer and buy the $9 bottle of the horseradish sauce to take home. It'll be cheaper and last much longer. The rest of the food was absolutely PHENOMENAL! I had the filet mignon and my bf had the ribeye. We both ordered our meat medium and it came out absolutely perfect. I wanted to stop talking, close my eyes, and savor every second of that steak. I daresay it was the best steak I've ever had. Oh and my baked potato and navy bean soup, which came with the steak and were amazing too. I would rave about them at any other place but the steak was definitely the highlight. Overall, I would say that this is a fantastic place to go if you want some amazing steak and don't mind splurging a little. It is well worth it!
(5)
Katie H.
One of our favorites! A must if you're visiting Indianapolis. Be sure and order the shrimp cocktail.
(4)
Vim I.
Being an out-of-towner, it was kind of fun to try out St Elmo's. Having heard that it was one of the best restaurants in the state of Indiana (if not the most expensive), I was intrigued. I was blown away by how busy the restaurant was at even 6:00. Another thing that surprised me was that it wasn't a stuffy, pretentious steakhouse--most of the diners were dressed in jeans. A very lively ambiance all around. The food was good. We were lucky enough to eat here during Devour Downtown week--so they had a prix-fixe menu--for $35 I got to try the famous shrimp cocktail (I have a high tolerance for spicy food--but the horseradish in this cocktail sauce cleared up my sinuses for weeks), salmon (yes, i'm the girl that goes to a steakhouse and orders seafood, but it was grilled perfectly), and creme brule (classic, delicious, a great end to the meal). Would I come back and pay the regular rates knowing what the food tastes like already? Probably not, I enjoyed my experience but I do think their dishes are overpriced--and they're probably banking on the name more than anything else.
(4)
Rivera M.
They have the best burger!
(4)
Mitchell S.
I was so impressed with the quality of the meal and service last night at St Elmo's. We took our customers (from Mexico) to eat last night after a very tiring week in Indiana I wanted them to have a nice dining experience before leaving Indy. St Elmo's really came through. My guests were on a tight time schedule and I advised the waiter accordingly. He said "ok, let's do it!" And he did it! Great job. The steaks were delicious and cooked to order. Our guests loved the shrimp cocktail with the sauce that has a kick to it. The desserts were equally delicious. Thanks St Elmo's!
(5)
William Q.
Sorry but this place doesn't hold a candle to Chicago steak houses. Steak was just ok, not that tasty. The wedge was delicious. The service is not very good, courteous but not very attentive. Would not go again.
(3)
Russell L.
The shrimp cocktail would be much better with the sauce on the side or 1/3 as much poured on it. The aged steak was average. Overall disappointed. Definitely overpriced and hyped for what I got.
(2)
Stacey M.
This was one of the best steaks I have ever had! Definitely give this place a try if you are in the area. We had the shrimp cocktail, which was just okay in my book, but the sauce was spicy and my boyfriend loved it. I used the sauce to liven up my bean soup. They give you a choice of bean soup or tomato juice with your meal, which is definitely different. I liked it, though. I got a blue cheese wedge salad and my bf got the Caesar. Both were good, but the star of the meal was the steak. It was cooked perfectly and was very flavorful. The service was outstanding, too. I can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)
Sean D.
A SHRIMP cocktail is the best thing at a STEAK house?
(3)
Thomas F.
First time visitors should make a trip to St. Elmos. The restaurant gets very crowded during the Indy 500 and on Friday before the race you will probably see one or more drivers/former drivers. Scott Dixon was two tables from our table. St Elmos is known for their shrimp cocktail which is very hot due to horse radish sauce. It costs $ 17.95 for five shrimp. Lobster bisque is very good. Prime rib is $53.95 for 32 ounce portion which is huge. However I was disappointed in quality of prime rib this year. I expected better meat for the price. One au gratin serving or one vegetable can feed thrèe. The staff is incredible . Good wine selection. Be prepared to spend over $200 for two people.
(4)
Jeff S.
St. Elmo is an "old school" steakhouse that consistently delivers classic service and fine fare in an environment featuring dark wood and that wonderful aroma found only in the finest of steak houses. The wait staff and support staff are true professionals, and I'm told that many have worked at St Elmo for years. Our waiter was one of those long-term professionals and it showed, from his thorough knowledge of the menu and wine list to the appropriate attentiveness he displayed throughout our meal. The service was great, and we never once felt rushed. A visit to St Elmo is not complete without trying the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp are always perfectly prepared, and served with a sauce featuring the spiciest horseradish I have ever put in my mouth. It is absolutely delicious and it certainly clears the sinuses. Unlike most very spicy foods, however, the heat does not linger so the rest of the meal is not spoiled by burnt out taste buds. For dinner I enjoyed the Cowboy Ribeye, a 20-ounce bone-in slab of very flavorful protein. Mine was cooked to a perfect medium rare and it was served with a side of fresh green beans that served as a nice accompaniment. This was my third visit to St Elmo, and I now look forward to visiting whenever my travels take me to the beautiful city of Indianapolis.
(4)
Adam B.
Ambiance and service is five star all the way. The food is more like 3. I was not impressed by my strip steak, the shrimp cocktail was a bit better - with the patented knock your socks off horseradish. Sides were normal steakhouse variety - my compatriots had ribeyes and were more impressed though, to me, they seemed smallish being in the 40+ dollar range. I know it's famous and I think that might make people a little starstruck.
(4)
Crystal K.
Who ISN'T a fan of St. Elmos. It has an interesting atmosphere, almost divey. The food was excellent. The servers were so nice. I had a great time.
(4)
Ron R.
A great steakhouse with consistent quality. This place is a staple for Indianapolis and if you live in Indy, you should experience it in order to say you are a native. If you are from out of town and looking for a perfect steakhouse, you cannot go wrong with St. Elmo's. That being said, it is still a high end steakhouse and you are still going to pay through the nose for it. The cost is purely for the prestige of the place and the white napkin type of service you receive. If it is a special occasion or entertaining important clients, go here! Otherwise, you can save money and get equal food quality elsewhere.
(4)
Lucas W.
I'd have to give my own steak 5 stars but my two friends both found their steaks to be of 3-3.5 star quality. I had the filet mignon and both friends had the bone-in ribeye. All of the steaks were cooked perfectly. The filet had a wondefully tender red center with delicious grilled flavor on the outside. The bone-in ribeyes were cooked fairly well, but at least one was incredibly fatty, and both steaks just seemed to be a lower grade of meat than expected for a $45 cut of steak. However, the rest of the meal was a great success. My friends reported that the shrimp cocktail in the famous horseradish-tomato sauce was great. Afterwards we had the white chocolate bread pudding and the chocolate pecan pie. The bread pudding was fine, but truly massive - enough for at least 3 people. The chocolate pecan pie was superb, though they don't make the pie there, it's from some local bakery which I forget the name of. But that pie was superb, great flavors and textures, would definitely get it again. The atmosphere is interesting, a very midwestern feel and a bit more home-y than a lot of more formal steakhouses. The service was fantastic and the server was very engaging, willing to participate in conversation and provide us the history of St Elmo's. Interestingly there are 6 or 7 different dining rooms which you would never guess based upon the tiny entrance-way. Overall, 4 stars seems appropriate, would go back.
(4)
Adam R.
I have to be honest, I just didn't enjoy myself here. I know everyone makes a huge fuss about St Elmo, and that it is the "must visit" steakhouse when making the trip to downtown Indy, but my wife and I went on a special occasion, and we felt like we were treated like second class citizens. When we were seated (we had reservations), we sat where we could look out on the rest of the restaurant and people watch, as we like to do in new places. We witnessed table after table of diners being treated Excellently, as St Elmo's is also known for their top notch service as well. When our waiter came to our table and saw we were younger (we're both in our early 30s), he almost immediately dropped his game. He didn't seem to care an inch about us, why we were there, or how he could provide any level of service to us at all. He forgot about us, carried on with other tables around us, rarely filled our waters or asked if we wanted anything else at all, and a few times we had to flag down some other waiter to get his attention to do his job with us. When he did come back to our table, he acted all snooty and as if we were pulling him away from something more important than serving his guests. All the while, we continued to watch all other tables around us being served generously. On to the food and drinks: My wife loved hers. We both ordered steaks and sides. The sides were good, nothing memorable that I can recall, but the steaks were interesting. While my wife enjoyed hers, mine was not well seasoned, and the cut was so thick that when it was split in two, the meat was extremely chewy and borderline raw. I like my steaks medium-well, and had expressed this to our non-caring server, who apparently didn't get the message. When all was said and done, I had a $50 steak that I just barely ate the outside of, and feel as though I was not-valued or heard. If we were to come back, we would most definitely frequent a different steakhouse and forego the cost, expense, and headache of this establishment.
(3)
Shayla W.
My boyfriend took me here to celebrate his new job and it was awesome! Watch out for the shrimp cocktail because the cause is very spicy but still good none the less!
(5)
Eric V.
It's THE iconic Indianapolis restaurant experience. The atmosphere is awesome, the service is top-notch, the only challenge, for me . . . the food has never really blown me away. I've been there probably four times and have yet to truly been blown away by the food. Wouldn't be a big problem if it wasn't for the fact I was dropping over $200 on dinner. I went in last night and ordered a filet 'medium' and the outer part of the meat was charred. I think 'medium' should be 'medium' throughout. I don't want my filet burned on the outside. I don't recall my other experiences there, I just recall them being very average which, again, compared to the price, just doesn't cut it. The lobster bisque was solid and the creamed spinach was excellent. The cabernet I ordered was great, but that's merely a tip of the cap to Clos du Val out in Napa. I don't eat shrimp and feel that their steak is very average so, that being their two signature items, I believe I'm out on St. Elmo. Very GOOD, but not worth the price.
(3)
Shannon M.
It was our 22nd wedding anniversary, and my hubby goes there quite often for business and has had GREAT service every time. My issue was being completely ignored, treated like we didn't belong there, and we were putting him out by having to wait on us. The bus boy. Andreas, did the serving. He was St. Elmo's only saving grace.....we had to flag him down THREE times to ask him to get our waiter. It wouldn't have been so bad, but he had a table RIGHT next to us. He served them EXCELLENTLY! I learned about his children, an Instagram site for some salvage store, several places to shop for estate items. (All by listening to him chat to those patrons from Chicago) He would have a nice 5 minute conversation with them and not even turn around to see if we needed anything. We waited over 30 minutes to even order our food. Empty drinks for over 20 minutes unless we flagged down the bus boy to ask for our waiter. That was the only way he would return to our table. We ended up getting someone else's meal served by another server. Our waiter shows up 10 minutes later with our food and is surprised by what happened. He didn't serve us the 3 hours we waited to eat unless we asked for him again by flagging down a bus boy. Then to put the cherry on the top, the Manager had the gall to say to us & I quote, "I've had tragedy in my life, and you two should just try and enjoy the moment." Are you serious?!?! I will NEVER go back. They treated us like trash. The enlightened manager picked up the tab of food we DID NOT EAT. We filled up on onion bread waiting to be served. We had a free dessert as well. Too little; too late.
(1)
Heekyung Y.
Best steakhouse ever. No need to mention the shrimp cocktail - the best. Got medium well fillet for entree. Amazingly soft with good crust and very flavorful. Green beans as a side weren't prepared with any seasoning but had natural flavor just from green beans onions and bell peppers. Lobster bisque was the best I've ever tried as it also had its natural flavor with lots of lobster chunks instead of too much salt or other artificial ingredients. Coming back again for sure.
(5)
Ben B.
Very meh experience. Placed in the very last table next to the kitchen in the basement, and then served a well done strip steak when ordered a mid rare. Service was fine, very nice actually, but wasn't impressed with the overall experience. For the price probably won't be back. Probably retains it's stars from years past. Meh.
(2)
Kailey O.
I'm pretty sure this is a staple in Indianapolis. If you're an older gentleman with a cigar, a stiff drink, and a fat wallet, this is your place. I am none of those things :) The atmosphere is very dated in a good way. I felt classy sitting at the bar. Since it was just me, no reservation, just trying to get an experience, I sat myself. I don't have a giant appetite, and I'm not a fan of wasting food. I ordered the petite filet oscar from the appetizer menu, which came with a 4 oz steak cooked to perfection, crab, and asparagus topped with the most amazing Bearnaise Sauce. So good i would not let them take my plate until i sopped it all up with bread. #guilty All in all, i had a low key and delicious dining experience; the price and portion was exactly what i wanted.
(4)
Steven L.
This is a totally overrated tourist trap. First of all, it's simply ketchup and a shit load of horseradish, that's it. Nothing special. The $59 steak was good, but the mashed potatoes were awful. To the point I had to replace them with the string beans, which had the stems mixed in. Not what you would expect from a "world famous steakhouse," world famous is a euphemisms for terrible. I gave the third star for the okay service and the ambiance. I would like to say try something else but Indianapolis does not have much to offer. Never mind, two stars is all they get. $650 for 3 people to have a okay meal is ridiculous.
(2)
John B.
Cowboy ribeye was probably the best steak I've had in a long time. Shrimp cocktail is powerful! Enjoyed the experience.
(5)
Jakeisha R.
I have been to St. Elmo's several times, the service is always consistent, the servers are charming and pleasant. I am not a fan of the shrimp cocktail, but many folks love it, it's a little too spicy for my tastes. Pick a steak, any cut....they are all divine! Only on one occasion was my steak under cooked, it was immediately corrected. It's great for a romantic evening, business meeting, or private party to celebrate accomplishments and milestones.
(4)
Lia L.
I love their cocktail shrimp! Take it slow if you've never had it before... I'm not a huge fan of steaks in general, but theirs is really good. Desserts we had (creme brule and cheesecake) were both delicious. Their prime rib is gigantic. Service was also great. Nothing to complain about really. I would come here again!
(5)
Lea G.
Not a big fan. I didn't like the popular and totally hyped shrimp cocktail. Personally I like the taste of shrimp; the cocktail sauce tasted like it had too much horseradish. If you like that sort of thing I understand. My steak was ok however I think I make it much better. I thought the atmosphere was dreary as well. I M sure it has good qualities; I didn't see them.
(2)
Bill D.
The food, drinks, atmosphere was outstanding. The service was over the top magnificent. Treat yourself to a pleasurable experience.
(5)
Jen F.
Okay, three stars is where it stays. You can see my roller coaster of previous and emotional St Elmo reviews below. We went last night for our 12th Anniversary. Our experience with staff was impeccable. Rick, our server was a real master at his craft. Bussers floated around keeping us happy while being seemingly invisible. Before our reservation, we spent a week hashing out what to order, because the last few steaks we had there had been of poor quality and not cooked to temperature. We decided to go back to our OG order of the regular 14 oz Ribeye, because we'd had luck with it previously. We were on a strict "no bone" rule as we'd been going bone-in for a while and thought that maybe that was the cooking issue. We would lay awake in bed and make each other promise not to get the bone in Prime Rib or Ribeye. My steak actually was okay (just okay), but Mr. Jen F's was, again, just full of silvery inedible sinew. Upon arrival, it actually looked like a sirloin, which isn't even offered at St. Elmo. Rick said he'd make it right, but we don't send food back. That's our deal, not St Elmo's fault. What I don't understand is that I can go to Kroger and identify a decent Ribeye, but the chefs at St Elmo cannot? (and for all of you snobs, I don't mean dry aged, antibiotic free top quality "decent", I mean cut-wise. Don't act like you've never bought a steak at Kroger). The shrimp cocktail is always awesome and last night didn't disappoint. It's glorious. My cheddar mashed potatoes were decadent. Mushrooms were good, but needed salt. Twice baked potato was kind of a disappointment, but we're glad we tried it. Dessert and coffee was excellent. He gave us both desserts on the house, of which one was for our anniversary and the other, I'm assuming, was because of the steak complaint. We, of course, tipped Rick based on what the full bill would have been. One thing I didn't love to see was that a table of young kids on their way to prom wasn't well serviced. Now, I'm sure that they didn't order $40 entrees and I'm sure they weren't tipping at least 20%, but that doesn't mean that they don't deserve premium service from a server. Instead they had their food dropped off by a busser. Come on St. Elmo's. Take one for the team, here. There's this German restaurant back home and is popular with tourists and locals. It's always packed and their reputation has grown with a recent super bowl sandwich win, but their food isn't that awesome. They stand on reputation and food quality has diminished greatly. I liken St. Elmo to having fallen into this. People are always going to go and have the shrimp cocktail or the experience, so save a few dollars here and there where food quality is concerned. Most of the people might not notice and those of us who do, aren't dumb enough to send food back. We enjoyed each other's company and we enjoyed reminiscing about our previous trips there. We've had some good times with friends. Fun experiences with servers. One of our favorite memories was being there for the first FDIC after the World Trade Center attack having the FDNY walk in to a round of applause and a feeling of pride. We have a lot of affection for St Elmo and I think we'll be back for the shrimp cocktail and the memories, probably not that often. We might try the filet to see if we can get a better steak experience.
(3)
Anthony N.
***St. Elmo Steakhouse is an old school steakhouse that features a very high quality dry-aged Prime special steak and very memorable as well as sinus clearing shrimp cocktail; it is also an Indianapolis institution*** St. Elmo Steakhouse is a real Indianapolis institution. This steakhouse has been in business for over 100 years and is primarily known for two things--their sinus clearing, horseradish laden shrimp cocktail and steaks. Though it is known for its steaks, St. Elmo is a little different than high-end steakhouses like Mastro's, Morton's and Fleming's. Steaks are not served a la carte here; they actually come with a side as well as a small bowl of navy bean soup or tomato juice. Their menu is much smaller too. While there are a fair number of sides, there are not that many starters. St. Elmo does not boast the quality of its beef on their menu either. I think that is because their steaks are not Prime. They are definitely not dry-aged, but they do feature one nightly dry-aged special and it was a good one. It was an 18-ounce bone-in Prime Kansas City Strip. The steak had a great char. It was a very good crust that was nicely seasoned but not salty. The flavor of the steak was good and strong and it was tender. In terms of the steak temperature, I ordered medium rare. While my server did say they undercook steaks here, I went ahead with medium rare. The steak was a true rare because only the edges of the steak had any cook on it. The rest of the steak was cool and a deep red. I do not mind a rare steak, but I prefer a warmer center as well as a little more cooking to release the steak's juiciness. Most of the steak was like an unseasoned beef tartare so you get a texture similar to the center of seared ahi and not the red and warm center where the juices really flow. Kansas City Strip is a lean cut though so maybe a little more cooking would have dried the steak out or made it tough (the steak was more tender than a lot of great Kansas City/New York Strips I have had). yelp.com/biz_photos/st-e… I opted for the loaded baked potato as a side and it was standard stuff, but the potato was cooked well and it had a good salt crust. The navy bean soup was decent (I do not see this dish in many restaurants) and it was helped by the leftover horseradish-rich cocktail sauce from the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp cocktail was truly distinct. The shrimp were good--big and plump--while the cocktail sauce was intense. I had to eat the shrimp in small bites because the horseradish was so prominent. The sauce had a really memorable flavor and it was a unique experience. yelp.com/biz_photos/st-e… Their dessert menu was not that exciting; I ended up opting for the Woodford Reserve chocolate bread pudding, which featured big chunks of halfway melted dark chocolate and strong cinnamon notes. The bread pudding had a little bit of crispness and it was also moist without being soggy (I would have liked a little more moisture though). yelp.com/biz_photos/st-e… The caramel bourbon sauce was good, but it could have used a little more burn to it. The vanilla ice cream was creamy with only slight iciness; it could have been a tad more dense though. Service by Steve was very good. He had a good friendly vibe and was very knowledgeable about the menu (he was knowledgeable about Indianapolis as well). Prices were good too. The shrimp cocktail seemed expensive on the menu, but each shrimp was very big. Their steaks are reasonably priced considering portion sizes and the fact that they come with a soup and a side. Even my dry-aged Prime steak was less expensive than what I would expect to pay at a high-end steakhouse and there was no drop-off in quality (even though I would have preferred a little more cook on the steak, the quality of the beef was similar and maybe even slightly better than the same cut at Mastro's). The atmosphere at St. Elmo is pretty old school, which is probably expected given its history. I did like the bar area though. With its classic as well as long and narrow look, it reminded me of old school San Francisco. St. Elmo in many ways was a lot like other high-end steakhouses, but with its old school look, friendly service and unique touches like its fiery shrimp cocktail, St. Elmo does stand apart from its steakhouse competition. I cannot speak for the quality of the regular steaks on their menu, but their dry-aged steak was very good and if they can cook the meat to your temperature preference, you might be in for a satisfying and memorable experience. I am not sure what the parking situation is around here.
(4)
Colin A.
I am originally from Indianapolis and have heard many a tale of the eminence of St. Elmo. Until a few weekends ago, it always seemed to be an unattainable goal to dine there at least once. This is easily the most expensive meal -- barring liquor on a bill, of course -- I've ever consumed, and it was worth every dollar. The service was excellent from the reservation checker to the host stand, kitchen staff and waiter. A packed house ensured we would wait even with a reservation, but the front lobby made for some interesting people watching. On to the table and the professional, witty waiter who offered the perfect amount of humor and utmost in gentlemanly service. His knowledge of each menu item was spectacular and I immediately wanted to try each special he listed and described with incredible detail. The shrimp cocktail will definitely take care of any stray nose hairs you were hoping to lose. I split one order with my better half; we raved over the plump and juicy Tyranno-shrimp and had to catch our breath. The navy bean soup -- quite delicious -- was a nice starter paired with hot bread and some sort of butter that was laced with either pepper or garlic or both oh goodness put all of that in my face right now! Let's talk about the pork chops and king crab mac and cheese. When I think pork chops, I think a couple of decent sized (3-4 oz.) chops and all is well. St. Elmo upped the ante -- three huge 7 oz. chops, bone in. Tender, juicy meat. Could I have eaten all three? Sure; but those chops combined with the side of house-made applesauce and a mutant baked potato (fully loaded, I'm no fool) ensured there'd be no room for everything in one sitting. The king crab mac and cheese was advertised as a "side" but there was enough for four people to share and take some home for leftovers. Fresh crab combined with three cheeses, light breading that added just a bit of crunch...slightly drooling here, so I'd better wrap this up... Absolutely decadent, and I didn't even have steak! If you enjoy meat and have a chance to eat at St. Elmo, do not pass it up.
(5)
Tony G.
We were seated right away at the time of our reservation. The wait staff were on spot always keeping our glasses full and our questions answered. Three of us had steak and one had the fish of the day- halibut. Everything was cooked to order and enjoyed by all. We were seated a couple of rooms away from the bar area, but our beverages were to our table almost immediately!! The atmosphere was great with photos all over. Even though the place was busy, we didn't feel it was noisy or crowded. I plan on returning to dine on my next visit to Indy.
(5)
Kim H.
Amazing place & ambiance. If you want an old boys steak house look no further. The St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail...just be prepared. The sides can easily feed 4 and they were amazing. Over all a great find, great service.
(4)
J C.
Had an outstanding meal. It was without a doubt the BEST steak I have ever had. Add that along with the great service, this was a terrific time. I can't wait to return!!!
(5)
Dr. E.
I feel like this is the kind of place you could come to 100 times and have a terrific dining experience 100 times. Delicious steak, wonderful shrimp cocktail, consistent and attentive service...a solid choice for a business dinner.
(4)
Tiana K.
Came here before my flight out of Indy. I was visiting for the weekend and running in the Indy mini, which was a great event. I was told that I had to eat at St Elmo's! And man was my friend right. I stopped in for a little happy hour treat before my 6 o clock flight. I had the world famous sinus clearing shrimp cocktail. It was delicious. You are served a whole spread with ice, large plump shrimp, the cocktail sauce, a lemon, and saltine crackers. Not to mention the whole bread basket that is provided as well and let me tell you that bread basket was necessary when I took a little too much cocktail sauce. The sauce is strong and it makes your eyes water and your sinus clear but it is a good pain! It is like a satisfying burn that really reminds you how good the sauce is and how nice it is to have clear sinuses. I also ordered the white sangria which was delicious! Next time I will definitely try the famous Bloody Mary ! But the sangria was perfect for cooling down the burn of the cocktail sauce. For dessert I was lucky enough to have a piece of the chocolate cake!! The cake was delicious, moist and decadent. It was rich but still had a light airy feel to it! The frosting was perfect, it complimented the dark chocolate cake, but did not make it too sweet.
(5)
Alister F.
Order at the bar they have apps for less than $15 bucks. I had the filet sliders (a 2oz filet in a bun), with Mac and cheese and the shrimp cocktail. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Jay R.
All we had time for was to stop for a bottle of their original cocktail sauce. It was worth the risk of triple parking on the adjoining street. Amazing.
(5)
Jeremy H.
i like spicy food, the shrimp cocktail was the megalodon of spicy food. However, its not habenero spicy more like wasabi spicy.. if you know what I mean. My shrimp cocktail consumption involved me eating a shrimp, crying for 1 to 2 minutes... repeat until it was gone. Maybe best to share this with someone and eat one or two shrimp. Filet was also very tasty, not a huge fan of the creamy spinach, however, if you are sick of chain restaurants this place is great.
(4)
Stacy C.
We had a great meal! Steak was delish! (Though a little under done considering we asked for medium well). But still really good! Wedge salad was wonderful and the French 75 cocktail was so different and I loved it! Highly recommend. Oh, make a reservation even on a week night.
(5)
Michael N.
Atmosphere: C+ Food: B- Service: C- I will start with the high point, the food was good. The shrimp cocktail, which I had twice over a four day period was very good, a strong contender with the near overpowering horseradish cocktail sauce. On one night I ordered the NY strip, medium rare and it was very good; however, the other night I ordered a ribeye medium and it came out medium well, bordering well done. This was a real disappointment, I like steak and cook it with some regularity at home. The experts at a place like St. Elmos should be flawless on "doneness." I would go back, but I would be careful. The atmosphere was a bit stuffy, but also more casual at the same time--an odd mix. The service was not strong, the true weak point of both meals. They didn't have the right glass one night for a beer--a good waiter would address that asap, but instead it was a "sorry" and shrug of the shoulder. But the next night was worse, a waiter should not have to be flagged down to request a coffee after dinner. On the whole, it was just okay. Would I go back? Yes, but only after trying more of what Indianapolis has to offer.
(3)
Jerry C.
We were really looking forward to going here. The service was above 5 star. We ordered their famous shrimp cocktail. It was great. I was really surprised that it was the exact same shrimp cocktail my wife makes. But hey, it was still great. I had the aged strip. Taste was fantastic and cooked well, but a little gristly, especially for the price. My wife had the filet and thought it was the best. She also said they served the best gin and tonic she has ever had. I drink my whiskey on ice. Hard to screw that up. We would definitely go back.
(4)
Shawna O.
My Husband and I love it here. Yes, the shrimp cocktail is good but primarily we patronize for the service. We've been dining here since we were in our younger married years when we could only visit on "special occasions". We were, and always have been, treated with much respect and appreciation for our business. The food is great but the service is wonderful! And, it's cool to dine in one of the oldest establishments in Downtown Indianapolis. So much history and a lot of fun pictures on the wall document that history.
(5)
Joe L.
Very cool restaurant/bar. Supposedly one of the oldest in Indy. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but nothing that knocked my socks off. We started with the world famous shrimp cocktail which was good and holy hell the sauce knocks you back a bit. After that, in walked Mario Andretti which was kind of cool. For my meal, I had the lamb which was pretty good, but not the best I've ever had by any means. My wife's steak was also good, but nothing amazing.
(4)
Glenn W.
It's an institution!!! Haven't eaten there in a while but it's great and so are the waiters, steaks, and bartenders. This is dining from the Guilded Age...Young people want modern and that's ok but this is an institution. The Shrimp cocktail is great and I ordered the sauce and gave it to friends that enjoy it. What a hit that was. It's been there since 1902 I think...not many businesses can say that...If you want modern got to Harry & Izzys next door...the same owners. You gotta love it here!!!!
(5)
Marcie M.
Well, it's been a LONG time since I visited - mostly b/c neither of my previous visits were WOW especially for the price. As I've gotten older and "more mature" in my food choices, I tended to avoid it for places closer to my home, new restaurants or those I haven't tried before. I love the IDEA of St. Elmo's but I think the price point for what you get is still a bit ....easy to replicate. I believe that at one time this was the PREMIER place to dine, have a great steak and good beverage and these things certainly are still important at St. Elmo's. The servers still wait tables wearing a full tux (and admittedly it feels BETTER dropping $250 on a meal when they are vs. the place I went recently, spend MORE and the waitress wore a bandanna - sigh). We were seated promptly at 7:30 (reservation for 4) on a Friday night. It wasn't very busy though - in general. We were given a GREAT serving experience. I love this about the restaurant especially considering my FIRST time here in 2008 was subpar. My hubby ordered an old fashioned and the waiter asked if he "trusted him" and brought him a very fun, fanciful beverage made from Maker's Mark that they keep a barrel in the back along with "real" maraschino cherries. Erich enjoyed it very much and had another. Loved and appreciated the suggestion. I started off with a house margarita that was VERY tasty and then finished with an Australian wine my friend, Andy chose. The food was good. My lobster bisque was incredible, filling and heavy. I would have appreciated the option to have a smaller bowl b/c NO ONE wants to waste good lobster chunks (and there were many to be eaten!). I thought that the food was good but not the best steak I've had ....I feel like I've eaten enough steaks in my life to know what is and is not GREAT but maybe not. Maybe I'm ordering the wrong temp. In any case, it was good and I would not complain but ...you know, for the price, I want to be BLOWN away. In addition, I think St. Elmo's needs to take it down a notch in the helping size of the side dishes. I received TWO ginormous scoops of mashed potatoes and one would have been more than enough even for someone with an overly healthy appetite. My hubby and friend Andy both got the dry aged bone in ribeye. It wasn't the "best" steak he ever had but he cannot pinpoint the "best" b/c he loves grilling his own. That being said, the chocolate cake that ended the meal was SOOOOOO good, I could have drown myself in the moist fabulousness of it all. There was enough and leftovers for the 4 of us. All in all it was a very nice, relaxing meal with friends that we would repeat. I truly think St. Elmo's can survive anything and will be around for many more decades!
(3)
Brian H.
Decided when in Indy to try St. Elmo - great vintage building and great staff! Doing the famous shrimp cocktail and filet slider!
(5)
Angel D.
Fantasic service and Fantasic food. Pricy but totally delicious. I loved my steak and am so excited for dessert. The only downside is that if it's busy it's really loud.
(5)
David C.
So the precursor is that I'm in the restaurant business. Most of the time a restaurant that's been open for over a hundred years fall victim to corporatization and turns into a common tourist trap. NOT SO with St. Elmo's. I sat at the bar tonight and had their fabulous shrimp cocktail, a perfectly cooked cowboy ribeye steak and a wonderful half bottle of Pinot. I was alone and the numerous bartenders took care of my every need and made me feel as welcome as anyone. So happy that this place is rocking and sticking to what made them an institution, great service, great steaks, great atmosphere. Well done guys and gals, I know how hard it is to stay on top for so long! BTW, they support a ton of local farms and that's a really good thing.
(5)
Mandy F.
The shrimp cocktail is a must-have experience even if you just share it and try one bite. Wow!!!!! Now that will take care if those puffy sinuses. Tomato onion salad (we said hold the onion and we received extra tomatoes instead) with vinaigrette and bleu cheese crumbles. This was excellent and refreshing. I had a rare filet. It melted in my mouth like butter. The style of steak is more "grilled" and less "charred" like other high-end steakhouses. There isn't that thick, seasoned, charred crust you may have at Morton's or Ruth's Chris. This is simply grilled and a nice change of pace. You are stepping back in time, a very tasty, pure time when the highest quality experience began with simple, high-quality basics. We had a five star experience.
(5)
David A.
I like this place, it's pretty good, though the prices for steak are a LITTLE steep, it's Indianapolis, not Chicago or NY. That said, the ambiance of the place is very nice. Most people don't know that there's also a cool lounge upstairs, great atmosphere to just hang it you don't want to be with the more uptight folks on the main level. The main dining room is down and to the right of the bar area and is always comfortable enough with really good servers and wait staff. They're always trying to push you to get the Shrimp appetizer because it's spicy - but here's the problem, it's spicyness level varies from day to day (I've been here on days where it's not spicy and on others where I'm on my bottom!) The other issue with the shrimp appetizer too is that they only bring 5 shrimp for 17 dollars! C'mon, that is way too steep. The steaks are always cooked exactly how you like it, the Filet don't look as sexy as some, but there are arguably more tender than other places in the Indianapolis area. Their T-bone steak and strips are also top notch and good enough for two. They've got really high quality sides, both carb and veggie!
(4)
Alex K.
Staff was friendly, most of my parties steaks were over cooked. Bread, shrimp cocktail, salads, and soup was very good.
(3)
C. L.
If you're in Indy and you want a superb expensive dinner with exceptional service, this is the place to go. The filet will melt in your mouth. The shrimp cocktail is spicy and delicious. I believe it is seasonal, but try the creamed corn, you won't regret it. No, it's not at all like the nasty stuff from a can. It's just simply amazing. Do you like scotch? Take a peek at the menu. The drinks are well mixed too. One of the things that I always like to observe here is the skill of the staff to be unobtrusive in making sure you have all the items you need and taking away all the dishes you are leaving behind. Love St Elmo, can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Tom B.
St Elmo's is an Indianapolis tradition. Yes, it's expensive, and yes, I would prefer that you not dine there dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. But, if you're at a place in your life where you appreciate the entire "package" that a true fine dining experience provides, then St Elmo's should be at the top of your bucket list. Entering the restaurant requires walking past the bar, which makes you feel like you've crossed into a new dimension of cool. Pictures of the hundreds of celebrities who have dined here are on the walls. The wait staff is dressed to the hilt, which adds to the experience. I had the 20oz Cowboy Ribeye (bone-in). My steak was cooked perfectly, as expected. It was very flavorful, with no additional seasoning (which is just the way you want it). The side of mushrooms and fries were also terrific, but the star of this show is the steak. The St Elmo's menu is noticeably short; if you're looking for a restaurant that has a menu resembling a phone book, then St Elmo's isn't the place for you. They do a very small number of items, and they do them well. This place hasn't changed much in 50 years, and I think that adds to the timeless quality of the overall experience.
(5)
Pauline C.
I was in town for vacation. I didn't think it would be so busy on a Monday so we didn't make reservations. After traveling to and from St. Elmo's and Harry and Izzy's we decided to just stay at St. Elmo's. The wait wasn't that long so we were lucky! What We Ordered: - Shrimp Cocktail - Ribeye - Prime Rib - Mashed Potatoes This is probably the only reason why I would go back to Indy. The Prime Rib is to die for!! There are limited quantities so if it's available, try it! It's big enough to share. 32oz! The Shrimp Cocktail is a must try. SCRAPE OFF THE SAUCE FIRST! Otherwise, you'll get a hugeeee kick in the face lol. It's super spicy but really good!
(4)
Lia K.
St. Elmo's has a name to uphold and it did by far!! From the atmosphere to the food I was blown away. I had the seared tuna with sticky rice and mashed potatoes. The proportions were worth the hefty price tag. My husband had the New York strip steak with a HUGE baked potato. The one set back was a bit of a language barrier with the waiter that had my husband's baked potato w/ butter only to come to the table as everything no butter. But he ended up loving it anyway. All the way down to the moist but cooked potato skin. *side note: if you do go to St. Elmos, you MUST go upstairs to the 1933 lounge for an after dinner drink and just feel the atmosphere that is true to it's name.
Such wonderful service. Make a reservation and get the steak! The shrimp cocktail had beautiful big shrimp but I'm too wimpy for the cocktail sauce that is HEAVY on the horseradish
(5)
Chuck W.
One of the best meals in one of the most professionally run restaurants I have ever been to. Folks, these people know how to properly run a restaurant! A fantastic experience. The service is the best I have ever experienced. Everyone orders their shrimp cocktail..so did we. Hot, hot hot and good, good, good! That's pure shredded horseradish from fresh root. It will blow your brains out, but it is sooooo good. Excellent..at a price, of course. $17.95. This is a steak house, but I have to tell you, I thought our meal was fairly priced. Their bread basket was terrific. I got the NY strip, $40 with two sides, perfectly cooked and it was incredibly flavorful. Unlike a lot of steakhouses who use upright broilers, this place uses open grate, ceramic or radiant broilers and you are getting a much more flavorful steak albeit they use top grade Choice. NY Strip lovers are looking for flavor first and tenderness secondly. That's what you get there. More than tender enough for my taste. My wife had the Alaskan Halibut and at $35 for 1/2 lb of beautifully prepared fish on a bed of mushroom risotto, it was very fair. It came with a vegetable as well. We shared a dessert (chocolate cake) that was not made in house, but terrific. Several desserts are made in house..others made elsewhere. The place is just terrific. Go here by all means, but one word of caution...Parking. I believe the number one industry in the City of Indianapolis is parking. Tons of parking lots and tons of meters that are watched religiously..especially as it nears 9:00 PM. Tickets are $20 each and they've set up a website to pay them! Just by the fact that they run their meters until 9:00 PM should tell you something.
(5)
A D.
Dynamite shrimp cocktail. Great ribeye steaks and awesome service. Having eaten in the best NYC steakhouses this one stands upto scrutiny.
(5)
Bryn K.
This is the most famous Steakhouse in the city of Indianapolis. The cocktail sauce is legendary (spicy) along with the steaks. Great service! Very pricey! Very classy! Very Delicious! Absolutely worth it! Will need to make reservations a few days ahead in most cases, It is a popular destination for visitors.
(5)
Leith A.
Years ago, when I was eating a lot of steaks on expense accounts, I made a specialty of visiting steak houses. We even made a contest out of seeing how many of the "Top Ten" a marketing guy could make in a year. (Nobody ever made all ten - some are in out of the way places.) St. Elmo's has all of the atmosphere and style of the best. On a recent visit we had a table full of filets. All just as expected. If you can stand the horseradish you have to start with a shrimp cocktail. If you're near downtown Indianapolis with a taste for steak, St. Elmo's is the choice I'd make.
(4)
Heather E.
I had the shrimp cocktail. It was not as good as I imagined it would be. Maybe I just don't like cold shrimp, but grinding up a bunch of horseradish and smothering 3 jumbo shrimp in it isn't my idea of "fancy dinning". People rave about it. I say, if you don't like horseradish normally then you won't like this either. We came here on a Sunday when they have their Sunday special. $30 for chicken or fish and $40 for the filet mignon. It was a great deal considering you got 2 sides, an appetizer, and desert included. Normally it's a la carte for everything here and a steak alone would run around $45. The service was absolutely impeccable. My water was never less than 1/2 full at all times. This is the kind of restaurant where your waiter has an assistant. Every need you have is fully address and you are taken care of hand and foot. They are so good that you don't even notice how casually they move in, take your plates, fill your water, clean your crumbs, and reset your flatware without even interrupting your conversation. Tip them well. They are masters of their craft here.
(4)
Paul P.
A new record was set tonight but not a good record. After years of coming to Indianapolis I finally got to visit the famous St Elmo's. Unfortunately I wished I had missed it again. This was without a doubt the most overrated, over priced and biggest disappointment of all highly rated restaurants I've ever visited, I mean ever. It started with a poorly made Manhattan followed by a decent wedge salad followed by a very poor cut of a very expensive steak. The bartender up sold me on what she called an incredible high end lean rib eye. I swear it was much more like a London broil. I asked for medium rare. It was not like rare and was outright cold. I asked for them to heat it up I got the plate came back hot but the meat barely warm. It was terribly touch and nothing like a tender rib eye. Taste was just ok not any better than your basic steak at Outback. With tip the bill was $120 for a wedge, 2 drinks and a terrible cut of meat. I was so excited but then so disappointed.
(2)
Amanda B.
St. Elmo's is a great spot for steaks and seafood in downtown Indianapolis. Their legendary horseradish cocktail sauce is worth a visit.
Not too many places will live up to the hype. Having been around for 110 years, St. Elmo has plenty of hype. I have eaten at St. Elmo 4 or 5 times over a 10-12 year span. Every time it is excellent. Obviously, you must be prepared to spend some money when you go, but I feel it's worth it for the occasional night out. The steaks are good, the cocktails are good and service is world class. Other steak places may have a better steak, but St. Elmo is no slouch and they have an atmosphere and heritage that others can't match. Every steakhouse has their own shrimp cocktail. None of them are anywhere near as good as what you get here. If you want to clear out your sinuses then get a big scoop of that cocktail sauce and take a bite. This place is worth going to. It provides the complete experience.
(5)
Thomas D.
It just don't get any better, from the parking service, to the shrimp cocktail to the steak that melts in your mouth!
(5)
Freud T.
Great atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is just WOW and the Halibut is amazing. The service is ok...
(4)
L C.
This is my second time at St. Elmo and sadly, the steak is mediocre at best. Ordered the bone-in rib eye - there was absolutely no flavor nor char on the meat. Side dishes were not great either - green beans and creamed spinach were both disappointing. The fries were good but nothing special. What is good there is the shrimp cocktail (their signature) and the navy bean soup. Service and atmosphere are top notch - unfortunate that the food does not live up.
(3)
Stu D.
The fillet: PERFECT The Shrimp Cocktail: As good as expected The Creme Brulee: WOW! Worth the price. St. Elmo's lives up to it's stellar reputation.
(5)
Amala A.
The dining experience and steak at St. Elmo were exceptional. YOU DO NOT NEED TO DRESS BUSINESS CASUAL: my boyfriend and I went on a Friday night and were surprised to see guests in sweats and t-shirts. I recommend dressing nicer than usual, but don't get caught up on the dress code (this is Indiana, after all.) I ordered a New York Strip with a side of mashed potatoes, and my boyfriend ordered a different steak with a loaded mashed potato side. Both of our steaks and sides were cooked to perfection. I can confidently say that I have never tasted better steak in my life. On top of this, our waiter (Laney), was very knowledgable and friendly. I would be happy to visit St. Elmo's again!
(5)
James D.
This was the 1st time i was there. It does meet the hype. Servive was 5 plus stars . My steak was perfect when you tell them how you want it cooked they cook that so you can make sure it is they wayyou like it. The creame berle was the best i have ever had :-). This is a place that you go for special times due to the prive it was 200 for 3 of usplus tax. We did have beers dinner then desert and coffee well worth it
(5)
Jordan W.
The steak was good and the sides were well portioned I went with a party of five and we'll set within about three to five minutes my server was outstanding and received a $30 tip and all in all I had an overall 5 out of 5 star experience but I would like to read it at 10 because it's one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.
(5)
Dennis J.
This is the best of Indy , the best of the best. Hands down this is a 5 star establishment !
(5)
Alexandra P.
First time in Indianapolis... this was by far the reason why I'll return! Great service and amazing food.
(5)
Doug S.
As previously covered in other reviews, the shrimp cocktail was marvelous. Three of the four of us ordered the ribeye. They were all disappointing! I can only conclude that the quality of the meat was sub par. The steaks were very gristly, and therefore very chewy. Basically the price paid was VERY disproportionate to what we were served. My sons ground steak, and king crab Mac-n-cheese, however, was excellent.
(2)
Erika K.
I have been to St. Elmo's numerous times for graduations, birthdays, and Devour Downtown. The food and service is always top-notch. I recommend asking for the filet with their blue cheese sauce on the side! They also have an extensive wine list and make a classic old fashioned.
(5)
Mick W.
If you want to pay a whole lot of money to eat in a garage and set your mouth on fire, this is your place. About as overrated as it gets!! Save yourself the trouble. Go to Ruths Chris for a better steak. Go to Palomino for a better atmosphere. And go to any other above average place for a better drink. Sole redeeming quality, the shrimp was fresh. The cocktail sauce.. meh..
(2)
Jeff S.
Completely overrated and overpriced! Restaurants with history, media attention and a connection to pop culture are easy attractions for noobs to think they had a great meal experience and deliver a positive review. This is not one of those. Our dinner of eight was decidedly average, and at an average ticket of ~$75/head in a medium size city in the midwest, that is horrendously overpriced. I've not spent much time in downtown Indianapolis but I am sure there are better meals to be had. The Positives... - attentive, albeit impersonal, service - historic, "old school" steakhouse atmosphere - location is close to major hotels and attractions in downtown The Negatives... - the "famous" shrimp cocktail is a gloppy mess of very hot horseradish sauce (posing as cocktail sauce) on top of standard shrimp...I honesty couldn't tell if the shrimp was fresh and well-prepared or overcooked and old because I couldn't taste them at all - one of the fattiest, gristle-laden Ribeye steaks I have ever eaten; and yes, I have eaten many of these, cut them myself for home use, and understand the fat content is the source of the flavor - very average Lobster Bisque - I have had the same quality bisque from a demonstrator at Costco on Saturday afternoons Our experience as a table seemed to be very much the same despite some others have the filet and the chops. Too bad, I really wanted this to be a great experience and can't help be feel my 2-stars are being generous based on what I wanted/hoped the experience was going to be. Don't get suckered - find another steakhouse.
(2)
Nate T.
This is a great old fashioned steakhouse. Nothing fancy or trendy. I had the 20oz bone in Ribeye, the wife had the 8 oz filet, both cooked perfect. We had the Shrimp App., and yes it is a lot of horseradish, but it also had flavor not just heat. My wife does not like horseradish, so she wiped a lot of it off hers, and still really enjoyed the flavor. (But yes it is hot) Wife had lobster bisque instead of navy bean, (very good) and I had the tomato juice, very interesting and different. I had a glass of the house cab, not bad. Service was top of the line and all and all the price was not that bad, especially since all entrees come with a side. Good service, great food and a lot less money that I would have thought!!
(4)
James B.
The biggest reason to come here is for the shrimp cocktail. The drinks are good. Despite it's reputation for being the best steakhouse in Indianapolis, I disagree. It's a wonderful experience and the staff is world class in every way. The food is, of course, very good. In many ways the hype surrounding St Elmo puts it in a position of having unattainable expectations because while I've enjoyed myself each visit, it's far from life changing as some fanboys and girls might have you believe. While the servers are very professional and well trained you don't get the same level of attention you would at some of the other top end restaurants simply because it's always so busy. It's a good thing for our city to have a signature steakhouse which seems to be loved by visitors and may locals and St Elmo carries that title well for our city.
(4)
Karen K.
I love an iconic steakhouse as much as the next gal. I love St. Elmo's boozy bar, the Lobster bisque, the red skin mashed. But the 14 oz Ribeye that was 60% fat that I had tonight? No love.
(2)
Briana J.
Totally worth the cost. This place is awesome. I love it. Come hungry because there is so much to eat. The best meal on earth is served at this place. Start with the shrimp cocktail---this place is famous for their sauce, the horseradish is awesome and fresh and awesome. Next, the wedge salad--- such a simple concept yet it is mastered by only a few. St Elmo's does it well. The prime rib is amazing. It has made St. Elmo's famous. It is as good as all the hype. I love it. After all of these delicious things, it is very important to eat the cheesecake - with raspberries- and a cappuccino. These are all such simple meals but they are so awesome and tasty. The waitstaff is awesome. Everyone has undergone lots of training and it shows. Everyone thing about this place rocks.
(5)
Tom K.
The 2 stars is not in any way saying the food was bad, just average at an above average price. The shrimp cocktail that everone raves about was perfect. As a master of hot food, the amount of horseradish was GREAT. The filet, mashed potatoes, and green beans were all cooked perfectly and had good flavor. The raspberry cheesecake for dessert was horrible. It tasted rubbery and the sauce was like a cheap canned syrup. The waiter was very arrogant, but his service was far from deserving of the right for the attitude. 2 meals w one glass of wine & one beer was $82 pre-tip. The reason for the low review was 99% based on the price to quality ratio and not the waiter's service.
(2)
Abe M.
Shrimp cocktail is the best thing about the restaurant. Too noisy at times and the dining room gets a bit crowded. Steaks are good. Better places to eat in Indianapolis.
(3)
Randall W.
Although I don't frequent Indianopolis all that much, my coworker and I explored downtown and came across St Elmos. The place was packed with patrons everywhere. The ambience was very rustic and they had alot of stuff hanging on the walls depicting a lot of history...unfortunately I dont remember when it opened. Upon seating at our table we were given water and bread...the waiter was dressed nicely and very attentive to us. We each ordered the famous Cocktail shrimp...they mentioned that the cocktail sauce was a kicker and boy was it a kicker... We each ordered a filet....it was the most devine thing I have eaten in a long while...made just to my liking with a super hot potato. We also had a cheese cake to top it off. I would highly recommend this place...great atmosphere and food...minus the pricey side...
(5)
Michael M.
Going solo then eat at the bar. A Bell's beer or 2 and the shrimp cocktail. What a wonderful existence. Then hit the surf and turf... You'll never look back....
(5)
Eric H.
Ate maybe the best meal of my life here. Started the meal with the best shrimp cocktail known to man. I don't like beans so I opted for the tomato juice. Nothing special there. I ordered the 32oz bone in prime rib. It was phenomenal. I ordered med rare. Temp was spot on. Never been to a restaurant before, where I couldn't find a complaint.
(5)
Lainie L.
Just seeing the name makes my eyes water. They are famous for their shrimp cocktail. Because the shrimp are sublimely fresh? Yes but No. Because the portion of shrimp is generous? Yes but No. Because the cocktail sauce will rupture your spleen with it's horseRADish-ness? Yes. God, yes. Good lord, I have never eaten anything as good yet at the same time as bad in my life. John Cougar Mellencamp (yeah, yeah, I know he got rid of the "Cougar" years ago but he's still Johnnie Cougar to me) must have eaten here and then written "Hurts So Good" The menu is short and sweet and if you go there and don't order the shrimp cocktail, why then you just haven't lived. It is quite literally the most exciting thing you can do in Indianapolis on a Friday night. My best friend and I go here just to eat the shrimp cocktail. She moved to Indy and all I got was some spine tingling good shrimp cocktail. We found a strange phenomena .. . if you eat buttered bread (and they have quite the lovely bread basket here) with the cocktail sauce, somehow the fat of the butter coating your tongue helps tame the heat of the horseradish so you don't get that eye watering sinus snap associated with tons of horseradish but you still get that amazing flavor. Weird. Remember when the guys in the Jackass movie snorted wasabi?. . .I dare, double, triple dare Steve O. to snort their cocktail sauce. He would drop dead (and the country's collective I.Q. would automatically shoot up 90 points). Bonus: Peyton Manning eats there all the time. I think it's his secret weapon . . he fuels his passing arm with the cocktail sauce.
(4)
Royce R.
There are two great places to be in Indy other than in the pits during The 500 or Brickyard 400, and similarly so, they are virtually the same locale: St. Elmo and The Canterbury Hotel. The former is simply the finest steakhouse in the country aside from the legendary Peter Luger's, and the latter is a charming, first rate abode right next to St. Elmo's that provides sumptuous personal service along the lines of the famous Morrison House in Alexandria, VA...but I digress... While the St Elmo's menu is limited, it doesn't matter as each offering is superior. The steaks are top rate and the side dishes supportively delicious. And as for the famous shrimp cocktail...well, usually don't care all that much for shrimp or spicy food but I simply cannot get enough of this incendiary delicacy. Be prepared to reorder again and again; your eyes and mouth will be watering. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable with service is superbly professional and Mid-west friendly (something yet-to-be learned by many of the self-ascribed "great" eateries on The Coasts). And if you happen to be a motorsports fan, you will be convinced that you are in heaven. There's a better chance of your being seated next to one of your idols here than anywhere else in the world--it's happened to me every time I've been there! Little wonder--as they're attuned to good performance and good performance is what St. Elmo's delivers.
(5)
Oscar R.
Love the shrimp cocktails...the spicy sauce keeps me coming back! The steaks are real good but lacks flavor...I do recommend the Yellow Fin...it's the best dinner on the menu!!! I will always be back to take clients.
(5)
Tony J.
went there last month for the very 1st time. the shrimp cocktail was amazing. the bean soup was great. quite disappointed though with the ribeye steak (my favorite cut) i ordered. for the price i paid, dont think it was worth it. had much better ribeye from other places that does not have the distinction of being 'best and must eat restaurant in indy'.
(3)
David B.
I am from Los Angeles and have been to St Elmo during each of my two business trips to Indianapolis. Each meal consisted of the shrimp cocktail and the filet mignon. Outstanding! Excellent service as well. I hope that I get the chance to return.
(5)
Sarah R.
When it comes to restaurants, this is my #1, hands down, favorite place to be. I don't even live in Indy, but I try to make the trip down from Chicago at least twice a year for St. Elmo Steakhouse. Usually around my birthday, and then any random time I need to get a fix for St. Elmo. My family has been coming here my whole life and they don't live in Indy either. I'm not sure if it's the nostalgia, the amazing food, the dark, comfortable wood on the inside, or the extensive wine list that makes this place so special to me. It's been around for over 100 years, so they are doing something right. I get the same thing every single time. A bottle of pino noir, their famous, face melting shrimp cocktail, the navy bean soup (someone else at my table must get the tomato juice so we can share), the 14 oz. Ribeye, medium rare, a side of sauteed mushrooms, and creme brulee. I don't eat again until days later. It's worth every penny. The service is impeccable. I came here just the other day and the Pacers were having dinner. Probably trying to get their dinner on before the big NBA strike. Who knows. The walls are covered with pictures of famous, and semi-famous people expressing their gratitude for St. Elmos. No matter where my life takes me, I will always come back to St. Elmo.
(5)
Chris M.
Overall experience was fine, but found the food to be lacking, which is surprising considering the history and other positive reviews. The famous shrimp cocktail left something to be desired. No problem with the hot and spicy cocktail sauce, it was the shrimp itself that was totally lacking in flavor, perhaps they use the sauce to cover up less than flavorful shrimp. The navy bean soup was great as was the tomato juice and wedge salad. Both the filet and the strip, ordered medium, had to be returned to be fired to medium. The bartender told us they have to consistently return steaks because they tend to come out undercooked. Steak flavor was average at best. Service was great but definitely other places to go for a lower price point and better food.
(2)
nguyen d.
was here this weekend for the motoGP race. all of my contacts who've been to Indy reco'd this place. the place prides themselves on the shrimp cocktail. i'm a fan of strong cocktail sauce with bite. this one here does not disappoint. it's got serious horseradish in the sauce. the giant prawns were buried in the sauce, you'll have to fish 'em out. unlike other places where the prawns hang over the edge of the martini glass. i also reco the steaks. can't go wrong with the bone-in rib eye, and a nice bottle of red. after our dinner, we were given a tour of the wine cellar. nice time spent checking out their good stuff. will def go back again next year.
(4)
Stacy Q.
One of the few restaurants that still sits proudly in its original location since 1902. Named after St. Elmo saint of the sea by the original owner. This restaurant has an atmosphere you cannot find any where else in the city. Each room has so much history, from pictures of the city from years back, pictures of those to started the race years back, to pictures of famous people who have visited the restaurant. You walk in and can just feel the presence of the restaurant itself. You have to visit at least once! Ended up eating here for our two year anniversary and we were well taken care of! Their famous shrimp cocktail really does clear your sinsus, their Filet Migon was melt in your mouth good, and their New York style cheesecake was divine. Service was fast and detail oriented. Greatly enjoyed my stay!
(5)
Saman S.
Fantastic food and great atmosphere!
(5)
Mike M.
Whenever someone comes to town on business to see me, the first thing they ask is what night are we going to St. Elmo. It is awesome! Their service and quality are as good as in high end steak house in the country. It is worth it!
(5)
Mrs N.
A severely undercooked steak made this a ginormous disappointment. IMHO, when a restaurant specializes in steak, the steaks should be flawless. Mine was ordered between med-rare and medium but served raw. The server readily acknowledged the steak was not properly prepared and he immediately sent it back when he saw me cut into the bleeding, almost-mooing fillet. Unfortunately my dining companion was done with his meal by the time my plate was re-served. Nothing was offered to compensate us for the inconvenience. Boo, St. Elmo.
(2)
Andy W.
An Indianapolis original and one of the best steakhouses around. The shrimp cocktail is a must-try. The steaks are great and the atmosphere is nice. It gets pretty crowded so reservations are recommended, especially on the weekend. It is very expensive so expect to pay at least $50-60 per person with a bottle of wine. St Elmo has maybe lost a step over the years. I've had slightly better steaks for the price and the menu is a little limited. If you're looking for an experience unique to Indianapolis, however, and have the money to spend, this is the place to go.
(4)
Lydia H.
Delicious, delicious, and more delicious. The shrimp cocktail is, in fact, wonderful. I worked in Indianapolis a few years ago for a month or so, and I ate incredibly well. Would it be a stretch to say that Indy could be a foodie town?
(4)
missy a.
Must go if you are in Indy. Shrimp cocktail is great. Tell server type steak and temp you generally & they will help you have ultimate entree. Wine let is great! Worth the splurge.
(5)
Cathy D.
I've lived in Indy for 10 years and I keep wanting to love St. Elmo's. Every few years, we go back to give the staff "another shot." Alas, only once has my experience been good and that was because I was part of a large business group (i.e., large tip for the server). It makes me sad to read the reviews from people who think St. Elmo's is the best steakhouse in Indy. It is not. It is old, famous, and riding on its reputation. The location, bar decor, and shrimp cocktail sauce are indeed great, but the greatness ends there. First, unless you are there with a large group, the service is unattentive, rushed and even surly at times. Second, the steaks are fine, but no where near the quality one should expect for that price tag. If you are going to pay that much for a steak, walk up Illinois Street until you get to Capital Grille or head east on Washington Street to Morton's. You'll be much happier.
(1)
Kyle H.
The food is incredible. I loved the steak and shrimp cocktail. The bar had someone singing during the wait. You might find some famous people here too. I saw a few during my visit. Check it out, such a great place.
(5)
Nancy H.
honestly, i don't know much about steak. i went here and almost ordered pork chops. hahaha...then i wised up and thought this is a steak house and at a steak house you should eat steak. this place has the look of an old english house, it has lots of woodwork and the waiters are very snazzy. SHRIMP COCKTAIL...definitely unique and with a horseradish kick that hits you so hard you need a minute to recover. It needs to be eaten very slowly...it took me a long time. It is presented very well and I've never tasted a shrimp cocktail sauce like that before. STEAK. Yes, it is the best steak I have ever eaten (I haven't eaten steak very often though). Very big. Cooked to perfection, medium rare of course. Very pricey but definitely good. Juicy. I could only eat a quarter of it and took the rest home. Very good. This place taught me how good steak could be. This review is dedicated to the person who took me here :)
(4)
m b.
this should be 3.5 stars. pretty much as described- old-world steakhouse, very good steaks (not superior), not overly impressed. decor & service is old as expected. shrimp cocktail- sure enuff- the cocktail sauce was pretty hardcore- made my eyes & nose run a bit, but aside from that- no big deal. i think the owners of this place also own harry & izzies down the street- which is a much better place for food & atmosphere.
(4)
Josiana Janel L.
After 5 years of hearing my husband brag about how wonderful and beyond comparison St. Elmo's steaks were, I must have set my expectations too high. Food was good, but I've had much better filet mignons at other high end steakhouses. Prices was decent, ambiance was great, service was excellent. Overall it was good, I simply didn't leave that impressed.
(3)
J T.
My dad's favorite steak place. He likes that they can serve him an excellent steak and his favorite bourbon. Has an atmosphere that feels as though you've gone back to a time when men wore hats and overcoats, and sousing yourself with martinis before dinner was not only acceptable but expected. I kept feeling like Al Capone was going to walk in the door sucking a Cuban (the cigar, people).
(5)
Robert B.
Living on the North Side I haven't been to St. Elmo's for quite some time. It has been so long that I actually forgot why I haven't been back. Well, now I remember. Let me start by saying that I love the actual old steak house style ambiance. It reminds me of one of my favorites The original Peter Lugers in Brooklyn. Now down to the nitty gritty. We got there with no reservations and there was a 45 minute wait which was expected. The 45 minutes turned into over 1 1/2 hours. So more cocktails were had by all. Off the subject for a quick moment. Why the heck don't hosts & hostesses around here apreciate the concept of getting a little cash to sit you more qickly). Ok back on track. After sitting down we were greated by a very friendly waiter. The only problem was he hardly spoke english and with his accent we could hardly understand what he was saying. He was an older gentleman and spoke like he had marbles in his mouth, but he was very pleasant. Of course we had a few orders of shrimp cocktail which were excellent. I love that oxymoron Jumbo Shrimp! The menu is extremely limited and if you are not in the mood for red meat don't bother going. My wife had a tomato salad with blue cheese!! I ordered the NY Strip. It came out cooked perfectly to my order and it seemed like a nice enough cut of meat but it was utterly tasteless. I'm sorry but I can't understand the concept of no flavor but it really didn't have any distinct anything. After finishing we were in the mood for bread pudding which they were out of so that kinda put and end to my evening. I think St Elmos is worth the trip for the ambience and the shrimp cocktail and I'll end it there.
(3)
Jason K.
Over rated over priced... If you want real steaks and real great food go to Peterson's.
(2)
Rhonda C.
I've eaten at St. Elmo's on multiple occasions. I've had the filet, had the salmon, had the shrimp cocktail - it's all been great. In fact, I would venture to say the salmon was probably the best I've ever had. Is it a little on the pricey side? Sure, but I've had much more expensive in Indy. Is it a little old school and maybe a bit pretentious? Sure, but again not as much as some other places I could name in the same city. The shrimp cocktail is what it is - served with a cocktail sauce made with good, fresh, course-chopped horseradish. If that's not your thing, don't order it. I personally can't get enough.
(4)
TOMMY o.
i dropped (literally) in during the middle of summer (Race Weekend) with my ex-wife, i was in shorts, very casual, yet was treated like a king! we did stay in the bar love their Giant shrimp cocktail (famous) but watch that sauce, it's HOT
(5)
Jared S.
Skip all the chain steakhouses and places that look down on you for not being fancy. St Elmos has the greatest steak in Indiana and welcomes everyone.
(5)
Cale H.
One of the best restaurants in Indianapolis, no doubt. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. I miss being able to smoke in the bar.
(5)
jackie s.
This was one of the first restaurants I went to when I moved to Indy, and I really enjoyed the upscale feel and yummy dinner rolls. The food was good but nothing really stood out too much and the table was teeny and felt very cramped. If I had people to impress from out of town I would definitely consider St. Elmo again.
(4)
Max T.
So I am in town on business and not really familiar with the restaurant buzz in Indianapolis. I checked Yelp and read some pretty decent reviews on this restaurant. If you like spicy horseradish type cocktail sauce you cannot eat here without having the shrimp cocktail. It seems like every table was getting at least one so we did the same and damn it had a great kick and the shrimp was perfect. The restaurant has that old, expensive steakhouse feel. There is a large bar upfront that seems to be a pretty decent happy hour spot were people where eating and drinking on the bar and on a few side tables. Farther on are two dining rooms where we ate. I had a wedge salad with a creamy Italian dressing with crumbled blue cheese and the 10oz filet which was cooked exactly like I wanted it. My buddy had the same with a giant loaded backed potato. Both of our dinners were great and the service was attentive. A little tiny bit pushy trying to add on apps, deserts, coffees, but polite. The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is I reserve 5 stars for that out of this world type restaurant experience when you get something you have never tried before and the food and ambiance is unbelievable. The food was great, service great, and exactly what you would expect from a high end steak house like this one. If your in town give it a try!
(4)
Jen C.
Take your out-of-town guests here, they won't be able to stop talking about "that one amazing restaurant" you took them to. I second Jen F.'s advice- get your own shrimp cocktail.
(5)
Christopher Q.
Had my best meal in Indianapolis here. The steaks were excellent and the unusual touch (at least unusual to Californians) of the baked beans was great. Usually when you o to a steakhouse of this caliber, all the sides are +++/. Here they include baked beans , potato and a salad I think. Anyway, the cool thing was that I went before one of the colt games and it was filled with blue jerseys.
(4)
Daniel T.
You must try the shrimp cocktail!!!! Also if they have the bone on filet get it, you will not regret!!
(5)
Busy L.
Ate here for business trip. Was recommended by hotel. Didn't want to eat at the usual chain steakhouses like Ruth Chris or Capital Grille. What a mistake... The shrimp cocktail was ok at best. Just regular shrimp cocktail with alot of horseradish. Steak quality was poor. Tasted like brined meat. Had the NY Strip and my guess is wet aged choice steak. Should've went to Ruth Chris.
(2)
Dan H.
All I have to say is cocktail sauce! They have the most amazing shrimp cocktail on the face of the planet. Oh yeah, the steak is just as good.
(5)
Rob R.
Great steakhouse! Steaks are great. Shrimp cocktail is fantastic, if you like a kick in the face from the horseradish. That thing is no joke. If you are in Indy, you have to try this place out.
(4)
Nicole L.
I've been to numerous steakhouses, and this one was disappointing. I'm really shocked after reading the stellar reviews on this site. The shrimp cocktail was spicy, I'll give you that, but it wasn't necessarily good. And I do like spicy food, so that isn't my complaint. I thought the shrimp was too chewy. I ordered the filet and my husband got the ribeye and neither were worth writing home about. In fact, I had to ask for A1 which is never required for a good steak. I'm not going to sugarcoat my experience - I didn't enjoy the food, thought it was a supreme waste of money, and will never go back. The only positive thing I can say was the staff was extremely courteous and attentive.
(2)
Kristine L.
St. Elmo's is an amazing restaurant with a lot of tradition. First of all their shrimp cocktail is made from fresh-ground horseradish root daily and is the best shrimp cocktail I have ever had. The servers all wear tuxedos and are very traditional in their serving style. My dinner there had never been less than amazing. If you live in Indy and have not been to St. Elmo's you MUST make an effort to get downtown and have a nice dinner out. If you are visiting Indianapolis; you have to make sure you have the opportunity to visit St. Elmo's... even if it's just for the shrimp cocktail and a glass of wine!
(5)
Jason R.
My dad took me there once when he was visiting me at college, we didnt intend to order the shrimp cocktail, because quite frankly its normally just something to have when you have a small get together at the house; but the waiter talked us into it. I will never forget the sensation of breathing through my nose while the cocktail sauce was in my mouth, it temporarily scorched the inside of my nose. The bast damn Shrimp Cocktail ive ever had.
(5)
Louisa L.
Steak was good...but not great...Shrimp cocktail is AWESOME! Their cocktail sauce is soooo good. I heard they grate fresh horseradish, which gives it a strong kick.
(4)
Rob H.
The best Shrimp Cocktail known to man. It will bring tears to your eyes, literally. It's a loud, open, fantastic, New York Style steak house. Not a place for an intimate evening, but a great place to go and enjoy an over the top meal. They have a good winelist too. I seem to have the most fun there when I'm with a group of 4 or more people. Service is excellent.
(4)
Tom K.
This has to be one of the top steak places in the country! From the fantasic shrimp cocktail with the spicy sauce is so worth the price and then pick your choice of a great steak to eat only with a fork and it will be the best steak you have ever tasted!
(5)
Matt N.
It is comforting to know that my hometown can call this steakhouse home. St. Elmo has the best shrimp cocktail on this planet--May edge it's local rival "Mortons of Chicago" on app/atmostphere alone.
(4)
Kevin S.
I half expected Rob Lowe and Demi Moore to come bursting out from behind the bar, but it's a different St. Elmo's fire grilling up these steaks. This is Indy's oldest restaurant, dating to 1902. The steaks are dry-aged and very lightly seasoned and they are generally humungous. I had an outstanding ribeye here. My friend had a filet and thoroughly enjoyed it, but he was a Swiss exchange student and after months of bad host food I think he would have eaten a grilled shoe happily and with gusto. We were in town to catch a Pacers game (kid was a basketball fanatic, rap-singing Swiss boy) so we advised the server we needed a quick meal and he obliged happily and was very friendly and welcoming. I liked the old-school steak house atmosphere, too. One more note--the shrimp cocktail was fantastic.
(4)
Randy B.
Only been there twice, but both times I was disappointed. From the reviews and the money you pay to eat there I was really expecting to get my socks knocked off. Just didn't happen. I think because of its reputation, the celebrity / high end dining atmosphere and the money you drop in there people talk themselves in to thinking it was a better meal than it was. Just seems I've had as good steak dinners at half the cost. Not saying that it was a bad meal, just didn't live up to the billing (pun intended).
(3)
Lyndenise B.
Great food and great service! In town for a conference and everyone recommended this restaurant and I see why! The potatoes, crab Mac and cheese, and Ceasar salad are so fresh and so delicious! Everyone in my party had steak and they loved them.
(5)
Greg O.
Was in town for the game and been waiting to get here for the steak and shrimp cocktail. It was a 2.5 hr wait on Saturday night so we didn't get seated till 10:30, but it was so worth it. The inside is very nice and it's bigger that it looks outside. I like how they start you off with navy bean soup and stick with their roots, and it's great soup. The shrimp cocktail was just as good as I hoped it would be, but that cocktail sauce is super hot. No wonder why there is a big bottle of water and basket of bread and crackers on the table. My NY Strip and baked potato were cooked perfect, easily one of the top steaks and I ever had. The wait staff was super helpful and friendly, and you can beat the atmosphere.
(5)
Gene S.
My first time was the bomb! Second time, not so much. Filet overcooked at first. Undercooked the second time, then re-heated...which I turned down without taking a bite. Who recooks/reheats a $50 steak? The third time was acceptable but not a wow. No offer of a credit on the bill... $91 for two drinks on a discounted pre-fixed summer menu...I'll try some other places before another visit. Not saying I won't be back.
(3)
Al M.
In town for the 2014 Big 10 Basketball Championships, we had to check out St. Elmo for an early dinner before the evening's hoops session. The "Saint" stands apart from the Morton's, the Ruth's Chris' and others as one of the noteworthy independents in the Midwest. We were welcomed and seated within 90 seconds of walking through the front door. I was impressed that despite how busy this place was on a Friday night, one of their managers came over to our table and made small talk with us. These are the subtle things you don't even think about that turn good to great and that underscore the wild popularity of St. Elmo. You also gotta love the dim lighting throughout and the "New Yawker" feel of this old-school style steakhouse...long narrow dining rooms with tables lining both walls. Having read several Yelp reviews prior to arriving, our party of three got right into it starting with the heralded shrimp cocktails while sipping a good Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The Yelp reviews were right...the cocktail sauce, heaped on the 5 large juicy shrimp, is insanely hot - over the top. We did what everyone else does, scrape most of the sauce off and enjoy the shrimp. After sampling their signature Navy Bean, which got raves all around, our group ordered a pair of 8 oz. filet mignons and one specialty-of-the-house 32 oz. bone-in Prime Rib. The filets were cooked exactly as requested and allowed to rest perfectly before serving while the "Rib" was unbelieveable. I felt like a caveman! Our dessert order was strongly influenced by the wifester as we finished with a pair of outstanding sweets: the chocolate multi-layer cake and the chocolate bread pudding. What an evening! Great atmosphere...great food and wine...great company. Nothing but five stars all day long.
(5)
Kenneth D.
I love St. Elmos I always get the New York Strip medium rare and a old fashion. Its expensive but sooo worth it. I also get the Shrimp cocktail I love the horseradish in the cocktail sauce I could drink it and cry a little bit
(4)
Anthony C.
All the stars in this review of St. Elmo's goes to the sinus clearing spicy shrimp cocktail! We decided to visit this Indianapolis culinary staple based on reviews I've seen and Thrillist listing Elmo's as a top 25 steakhouse in the nation. With high expectations and coming from the lone star state, I will have to say we were a bit underwhelmed when it came to the meat. Lots of gristle and just overall tough even at medium rare. The flavor was less than spectacular as well. Not a horrible steak but whenever I shell out $40-$50 for a cut I expect top notch beef. Maybe we're spoiled with our Texas beef but we'll definitely just come back for the cocktail.
(3)
Roper S.
A co-worker recommended St. Elmo's and told me to get the shrimp cocktail. I was there on July 10, and the place is very classy and nice! Service was fantastic! My waiter was excellent, and the shrimp cocktails (I had 2) were the best ever! Fantastic place to eat!
(5)
Frank S.
Pretty much everything that can be said about St Elmo's has been said ... Just a few notes. My wife and I were in Indianapolis to visit family, and the two of us went out to dinner as a celebration. Elmo's is the quintessential steak house, replete with dark paneling and tux-clad waiters. Our service was excellent. The waiter had been there for 20+ years and showed us pictures of his much younger self on the wall. We had bone-in ribeye, at his suggestion. Expecting that the meal would be fine, we asked what looked best coming out of the kitchen that night, and we followed his suggestion. Check when you go, but if your experience is like ours, you will get an excellent steak with minimal fat and great flavor. Perhaps the best ribeye I've had. As for the shrimp cocktail ... Everyone has an opinion. Try it, if you've never had it. The horseradish is strong, but it's backed up by a surprising sweetness. If that's too much for you, remove some of the sauce. They shrimp really are quite good: tender and tasty. With drinks and desert we certainly paid a premium for the evening. Be prepared. But certainly, this is a must in Indy. You will have something to talk about and share with friends.
(5)
Joe L.
First time in the dining room. Chose the devour downtown menu with 3 courses. Each course has a couple of options to choose. I chose the shrimp cocktail, filet and creme brulee . The shrimp cocktail is sinus clearing in its goodness. Comes with 3 large shrimp covered in the horseradish laden cocktail sauce. If its your first time u recommend treading lightly on the sauce till you get a feel for the goodness. The filet was cooked medium per my request. Perfectly executed. The meat virtually melted in my mouth. Accompanying was mashed potatoes and green beans. Both were very tasty. The creme brulee was just fabulous. The ambiance and wait staff was above pare. Enjoyed this visit. Devour downtown is an excellent time to try this restaurant out
(4)
Paul F.
has been a go to spot in Indy, but in my view is slipping. I had the dry aged ny strip tuesday and it was not great. spinach salad was good, but you go there for steaks and this one was very average, chewy and not close to being worth $54. I will try a different spot next time I am in Indy.
(2)
Megan L.
I took my husband for his birthday, neither of us had been before. It was super busy and rather loud, we hadn't expected that. It definitely wasn't intimate dining as we had anticipated. But, the food was excellent. I had the special, crab stuffed shrimp and a cup of lobster bisque, both were fabulous. Hubby had a steak and baked potato. We indulged in the chocolate cake for dessert, incredibly rich and decadent, we couldn't finish it. All over, a nice dinner, good quality food, a bit pricey but that was expected.
(4)
Laura O.
I can't afford to eat here outside of the Devour Downtown menu, but when I do eat there, it's worth it. Strong drinks, great steaks, and a very classy atmosphere. If you're like me and can't do spicy, ask for the shrimp cocktail mild!
(4)
Tom B.
I consider myself a steak connoisseur and this place is selling the sizzle not the steak, very disappointing $230 meal for two. I have been here before, many years ago, and it made its reputation serving fine meat and now it is selling the grocery store weekly special at $40-$60 a steak (for Choice not Prime meat). The recommended crab mac and cheese is runny out of the box mac-n-cheese with small pieces of inexpensive snow crap dropped on top for $17 (consider this is a side). The one Prime steak they claimed to have was an "aged" rib eye, which they are selling for $60, but it does not taste or appear to be Prime or aged meat (spongy and not too tender). The one bastion is still the shrimp cocktail, but at $16 a pop, maybe that is all you should get if/when you try this place.
(2)
Tom S.
Over hyped. The great: Old world atmosphere. Outstanding shrimp cocktail (unless you don't like heat). Great deserts. Great server. Sides good but not exceptional. Disappointed with Prime rib. Very tough ....lots of gristle. Not worth $6 let alone $60.
(3)
Michelle W.
Amazing! If you happen to be in Indy for whatever reason, you have to come check this place out. Make sure you have a reservation, otherwise you will not be getting in and make sure you make that reservation way in advance! Don't expect your modern looking steakhouse, but expect an old time steakhouse that clearly shows how long its been around - in a good way. This place gets packed and the bar was busy all night, but when we finally got seated, I could not wait to order. Per everyone's review, you have to get the shrimp cocktail. Be prepared to get your butt kicked with spice, but well worth it. I recommend easing into it. At first it doesn't seem too spicy but all of a sudden it hits you like a brick wall. On to the most important part, the steak. I had the 18 ounce special with the must have, loaded baked potato. My steak was cooked perfectly and was seasoned so well. Every so often you'd get the delicious taste of garlic. It wasn't overly salted and tasted amazing. The baked potato is as good as it looks. Between the shrimp cocktail, the steak and the baked potato, I barely was able to leave the table. The service was impeccable, my cup of water never hit the halfway mark. The water did taste a little odd, so I opted for a soda. Maybe it's Indianapolis water and I'm used to NYC tap? Either way, service was great, we never waited long for our food and it was a table of 8. They definitely know how to crank out those meals.
(5)
Tom J.
One of the best meals I've ever had. The famous from cocktail lived up to it's billing. better like horseradish because there is a ton of it in the cocktail sauce but it's amazing. The breads are on point 3 different kinds. I got the lobster bisque it was silky-smooth with nice lobster flavor. But my star of the night has to be the Bone in Ribeye cooked to a perfect medium rare. All this while sippin on some Basil Hayden. What a night what a meal.
(5)
Liz S.
Another disclaimer: I do NOT like horseradish OR cocktail sauce, so this review will not include anything about their world famous cocktail sauce... I went for a work function but it also just happens to be Devour Downtown, where Indy's happenin' restaurants gather together for a pre-fixed menu for a "cheaper" price! Food: For $40, I received 3 Shrimp Cocktail, 6 oz. Filet Mignon with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, and Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee! WHOA. Since I didn't want the Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, our wonderful waiter Andy (St. Elmo loyal for 11 years!) was gracious enough to bring out melted butter for my shrimp-dipping experience... I mean, how good can melted butter be, to a person who doesn't care for melted butter with her seafood? DELICIOUS may I add!! So good, who know you can have so much flavor in melted butter?! The Filet was cooked and seasoned beyond perfection... and their mashed potatoes were buttery and smooth (even with skin in it!!) and I love fresh green beans with their butter (with fancy volcanic something something rock salt?! whatever, death by butter seems like a way to go, honestly...) Their Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee is on the small side (if you want a bigger dessert, definitely go for the Cheesecake or Chocolate Layer Cake)... big custard flavor but absolutely delightful. Experience: Nothing excites me more than food, but a close 2nd is being served by someone passionate about food. He explained the history of the restaurant.. I mean Andy is the REAL deal in service. When I asked him where the rest of my Crème Brulee was, after seeing how small the portion was, he laughed and came back with another serving for me. He also did a great job of topping off our drinks and definitely kept me happy with a new Darjeeling tea when I ran out. I honestly believe besides the food being delicious, Andy was my FAVORITE part of the experience. He made sure I was taken care of, was absolutely charming to my party, and he definitely took care of our guest from out of town, making sure he had a bottle of water next to him for when he tried their cocktail sauce for the first time... This is me, not knowing how to even begin expressing how much I loved my experience here!!! I heart Andy and St. Elmo so much. So so much.
(5)
Dan P.
Was in Indy for a seminar and went here with the wife. This place is not up to Chicago standards, but is good. She ordered bone in filet and I had the porterhouse. Steaks were good. Mine was perfectly cooked. Unusually, salt was not required. The wife said hers wasn't right, but it was a bone in filet. We also had soup and creamed corn side. Both were delicious. Service was excellent and the cocktails contained an appropriate amount of alcohol. I wanted to try this place because of its reputation and was not disappointed. I don't spend much time in Indy and don't go to a lot of steakhouses. I would go back.
(4)
Sam K.
I finally got to eat here with the Devour Downtown event going on. I have been wanting to go here but couldn't allow myself to spend so much for one meal. With this deal, I figured it was the best offer I was going to get. I got the 3 course meal with the filet mignon for $40 and it was absolutely amazing! I loved the shrimp cocktail even though I'm not a huge fan of shrimp. Although I would like to come here more often, my wallet won't allow it. Maybe next time the deal comes around!
(4)
Andrea S.
St. Elmo's is a stand alone steakhouse, unlike all the chain locations that it is surrounded by in the downtown Indy area. With a livelier ambience tha a lot of the more "stuffy" places like Ruth's Chris & Morton's, it is definitely a fun place to hang out in a group without having to worry about potentially disturbing others & feeling bad about it. Also, it just feels more casual as a whole. Not a lot of appetizer options in comparison, but then again, shrimp cocktail is the way to go! The horseradish in the cocktail sauce is strong enough to clear any bad sinus - trust me, this is first hand experience on multiple occasions! All in all, great service & food, but just seems to fall a little short compared to the likes of Ruth's Chris & Morton's. The biggest plus side is that St. Elmo's is easier on the wallet than the other two places listed above. Give it a try if you're in the area - it's an Indy local gem for sure!
(4)
Dr. S.
No reservation, but found a seat immediately for two. Nice setting and easy walk from the Hyatt. Will took care of us to perfection. We just handed him back the menu and followed his lead. Started with the shrimp cocktail. Delicious but not for the weak. His advice to ease into the horseradish cocktail sauce was right on. Everything was prepared as ordered. All good and plenty of it. When done, Will gave us a tour of the place including the wine cellar and private dining rooms. Nice touch. Definitely recommend it for the business dinner.
(5)
Steve G.
We went for my wife's birthday -- stayed next door at the Le Meriden, awesome hotel. Anyway, we both had the famous Shrimp cocktail. Very hot but good. I had the ribeye. It was cooked just like I like it. Wife had twin Lobster tails at market price. A little pricey for those but the best she's ever had. With drinks and tip, the bill came in north of $220. Not an every day place but great for special occasions. Service was good, leaning towards very good.
(5)
Jac H.
I ordered: 1. A french 75 - pretty good, thought it was strange to have st. germaine though 2. The shrimp cocktail - clears your nose! really liked it 3. NY Strip - cooked perfectly! 4. Creamed Spinach - so cheesey good 5. Green beans - fresh and refreshing 6. Asparagus - kind of salty, didn't care for the hollandaise 7. Tomato Juice (weird?) - pretty good... and I'm not a huge fan of tomato juice 8. Bread pudding - I got the last one, and it was divine! Didn't need all the whipped cream. The shrimp cocktail is possibly my favorite part of my meal. Scratch that, the bread pudding was really good too. I thought it was strange that they gave you tomato juice as part of the meal as well. But it was pretty good. I took home almost more than half of my meal because wanted to make room for the bread pudding... which I ended up eating for breakfast the next day. It was kind of expensive, but worth it for the "experience."
(3)
Pete F.
Another great stop for a wonderful meal.
(5)
Andy D.
I really enjoy the ambiance of St. Elmo's. It has a great old school Midwestern feel - particularly in the bar area. Definitely lived up to the hype of their shrimp cocktails. The navy bean soup is a nice touch, and something they have been offering for a very long time. Oh yeah - the steak is pretty good too. No complaints. Great for happy hour, business dinners, date night, etc. I would recommend.
(5)
Tim R.
Awesome fillet of steak. This was the most tender and juicy steak I have ever eaten. The shrimp cocktail is apparently world famous. The shrimp were very big and juicy but the whole thing was served in a super hot horseradish sauce which I was not expecting. It wasn't bad but I probably would not order the shrimp cocktail again.
(5)
Maya H.
We went again while my boyfriends family was in town, for their "Sunday dinner special"- again, I was underwhelmed. The steak is acceptable, but the portions are very small. The desserts tasted like they were store desserts, we tried the cream brulee and the chocolate cake. Very disappointing. Their shrimp appetizer is PURE HORSERADISH. I like horseradish, but dang. Our waiter was like "its super popular, its not TOO strong" HE TOTALLY LIED! I liked it but nobody else did, their noses were all running like crazy. Again, totally prefer Capital Grille or Harry and Izzy's. I gave them a pass since last time they were so busy, but I do not think we will be back again :/
(2)
Frank L.
Great place for steaks and their famous Shrimp Cocktail !!! The cocktail sauce will burn a hole in your olfactories but it was pure pleasure !!! The shrimp were big and crispy (not deep fried but presoaked in saline solution then boiled perfectly). I ordered the bone-in Rib Eye which was OK 7/10 but the baked potato was heavenly !!! The potato was re-stuffed with mashed potato chunks, butter, cream then topped with more butter, sour cream and freshly cooked chunks of bacon. A little pricey $48 for a 7/10 steak. Our waiter was amazing and very attentive yet not imposing. Very noisy atmosphere and hard to get a drink at the bar because it was so busy. Parking Valet staff were equally amazing and very responsive.
(4)
Lou S.
I have been here many times and this time all 6 dinners were cold. Then they just reheated the steaks, which resulted in dry incorrect temperature steaks. Correction was for the waitress to ignore out table and then just take off some money from the bill. Unacceptable from this "high end" steakhouse.
(1)
Nathan B.
The shrimp cocktail tastes like straight horseradish go for a different appetizer. The bone-in porterhouse was good, but not outstanding for 50+ dollars. The aged ribeye for 6+ was not as good as the bone in porterhouse. They tend to cook their steaks on the rarer side, which is how I like mine but others in our party were not happy.
(3)
Karen S.
I can climb the highest mountain Cross the wildest sea I can feel St. Elmo's Fire burnin' in me Burnin' in me Everytime I hear the name of this place, those lyrics automatically play in my mind. Visiting Indianapolis on a whim, I searched Yelpdom for where to go. Settling on classic American (rather than nouveau), St. Elmo's seemed to fit the bill, and they delivered. The decor was pretty standard upscale American steakhouse, and the servers did not disappoint with their formal accoutrements and impeccable service. I would say that the clientele were a bit on the casual side for an upscale steakhouse, so you can get away with dressy/business casual. I think I set my brain on fire with the cocktail sauce. They tout their shrimp cocktail as a signature dish, and while the jumbo shrimp was excellent, the sauce with freshly ground horseradish was unique. Horseradish is the hottest fresh from the ground, and loses heat over time. The steak was done excellently and does come with soup and a side, so I was fairly sated after the meal. Steakhouses across the country are fairly competitive, and the 4-star rating reflects my experience. If you are in Indy and in the mood for steak, I'd recommend this place.
(4)
Becky R.
This Indy landmark really takes you back into the 1920s when you come in the door. It has been around in Indy since 1920 and I can see why. The food was excellent. We were in town on business and it happened to be during Devour Downtown. Was glad that I was warned about the cocktail sauce. It still zinged me a bit! But, it was terrific. Our only disappointment was the service. The gentleman was not very attentive. We were finished w/our dinner and had to wait about 15 minutes before our dessert arrived. I was about halfway thru my dessert when he came back to see if my friend wanted dessert and my friend thought it was too late. Meanwhile, he was very attentive to a different table of 4 men. We watched another server who was working his ass off and we were wishing we had him taking care of us! The service will not deter my opinion of the food though. I would definitely dine there again.
(3)
Jarrod R.
I've lived in Indianapolis since 1981. Basically, my entire life, short of a few years in Okemos, Michigan and about 9 years in Ohio. So, I'm a Hoosier and will probably be here for the duration. That being said, there are a few things that bubble to the top when I think about Indiana Institutions - St. Elmo is one of them. It's the place that celebrities and visiting heads of state know. It's been around longer than, well, just about anything else in this city. First off, I do believe that Prometheus, on a side trip, grabbed some of the "Cocktail Sauce of the gods" and delivered it to S. Illinois Street. SPOILER ALERT! It has a kick and it is wonderful. Just wonderful. So please, order the shrimp appetizer. I'm quite sure I had the Filet the only two times I've visited and was presented with easily some of the best steak I've ever tasted. Yes, it's that good. The meals are evenly matched by a polished, professional service that makes one feel both at ease and special at the same time. St. Elmo is that good. A Gold Standard and in the upper echelon of great dining choices in Indianapolis or the United States. [In the interest of full disclosure, I am now a vegetarian, but am still comfortable providing them a stellar review]
Shrimp cocktail and navy bean soup my favorite. Good pieces of meat and excellent sides. Wait staff was more than helpful and attentive. Make a reservation, very popular place in the downtown area.
(4)
Brad D.
I think that it is really special to dine at a place that has been around for 112 years. It takes a lot to keep a place relevant for that period of time. This place is a BIG operation with lots of moving parts and just about everyone we came into contact with was extremely gracious and warm. One of the hostesses (Gabby) was so nice that I will be offering her a job when she finishes school and decides to move back down South. That being said, a fine - dining establishment must constantly be pushing the envelope to stay relevant and at the top of the mountain. It cannot rest on its "reputation" as all of the new kids on the block have a bullseye on your back. Our Server was a gentleman named Billy and while he was very competent, his demeanor was not overly warm, bordering on arrogant. We started off on the wrong foot when I asked if "they had a competent Bartender" at the begining of our visit. He looked at me as if I was insulting him and the establishment, so I took this as a "yes" and ordered a Vieux Carre. He had no idea what that was and obviously his Bartender didn't either, because I got a weak Old Fashioned with a cherry on top. There were two of us and we ordered the Shrimp Cocktail as an Appetizer, as this was clearly the play. We were both happy with the choice. That cocktail sauce is something man! I can't quite describe it, but it is unlike anything I have ever eaten. It would go great on some Gulf Coast Oysters. We then had the Wedge Salad and the Spinach Salad. Both were above average. When Billy explained the Specials to us, he mentioned a 12oz Prime NY Strip and I asked him "what he thought of that piece of meat and had he had a lot of happy customers that ordered that dish"? His response was "we have been in business for 112 years and we are not going to ruin our reputation tonight by serving you a poor piece of meat". Once again, I appreciate the pride and confidence....but you better be able to back that swagger up. I went with this Strip and my friend went with the Bone-in Ribeye. Also ordered the Crab Mac n Cheese. The Strip was perfectly cooked but 1/2 gristle. My friend's Ribeye was under - cooked and pretty bland...although a high quality piece of meat. The Crab Mac was OUTRAGEOUS, and we both agreed that we would come back for that alone. We would have both sent our steaks back, but relations were already a little strained between us and the server, so we declined to do so. That is on us and not the establishment. We were also kinda rushed out at the end for a private party, even though we came in 30 minutes early for our reservation. The Hostess was really cool about it and we were not offended at all, but that is one of those things that would have slid bye if our dining experience was of higher quality. This place is obviously legit...it just needs a tune-up.
(3)
Ben M.
A staple of Indianapolis, cannot be missed during a visit here. Get a martini, the shrimp cocktail and filet and enjoy the classic atmosphere.
(5)
Ken Y.
So . .. as you can see that this place is one of the top restaurant in Indianapolis and one of those restaurant you have to visit before you die type of place. Once again, everyone has different opinions and my opinion is just my side of the story. I hope that I can try this place one more time and I hope I get a better experience out of it. So reservations is a must, since it gets busy very quickly. Luckily my girlfriend and I did and you have 15min. past your reservation time to check-in. Parking is either a valet for $10 (Saturday night) or you can park across the street in a parking garage, which I paid for $3 (0-2hrs), which wasn't that bad. The ambiance of the restaurant was very nice. Since they have many patrons visiting their restaurant, they have many tables, and if you go to their website, you can get a virtual tour of the restaurant to see the other parts. We were seated in a library type of room, which was kind of awesome. Pretty much this restaurant is known for their famous shrimp cocktail. The cocktail sauce is packed with horseradish, and if you love horseradish or anything hot or sinus burning, then this is your dish! The shrimp are very large and meaty, which was well worth the price, and the cocktail sauce does pack a punch. It was at moments not tolerable because of how it burned your sinuses, but you couldn't stop eating. I found out that if you use your bread that you receive when you arrive, it kind of diminishes the heat a little bit (since shrimp is pretty bland in taste). Both my girlfriend and I ordered the ribeye, medium rare. It comes with a side, and either a soup (which is Great Navy Bean soup), tomato juice (which I was confused if it was actual juice or soup), or they would have specials of the day, which on this day was a Lobster Bisque (additional charges for these special of the day, I believe). The soup was very delicious and we were getting full by this point. Then came our steaks. So this is kind of where my rating of this placed dropped from a 4 star to a 3 star rating. This place is expensive in their cut of meat. Like their Sirloin strip was a $1 expensive and the same weight as the ribeye we ordered. I was kind of confused by that. They did cook our meat at the temperature that we requested, which was good. But the seasoning on the steak was . . . bland. Like I could only taste the grill that they use and the flavor from cooking other steaks on it that night. Like it wasn't a bad taste, but it didn't have depth to my likings. Maybe it was one of those night, that they were very busy and maybe few things were off?? Also the utensil that they gave us was not very sharp and I was working very hard to cut my meat. Of course I could have asked to get a new knife, but I had ribeye before and I know that I didn't have to work that hard to cut a medium rare steak. So it was kind of disappointing, when everyone here raves about this place being a great steakhouse. For sides, I had the red potatoes mashed potatoes with skin, and my girlfriend had french fries. Once again, my girlfriend is a french fries connoisseur, and she felt that the french fires were kind of lacking. So as you can see, our experience wasn't the greatest, and weren't wowed by this place. We almost would like to give it 2-stars, but the shrimp cocktail made us rate this place 3-star. I am up to give this place another try, but my girlfriend doesn't! lol The only thing I would say that this place is a very nice restaurant and have a lot of historic importance to it. I don't quite agree with the prices, since I have the same size and cut of meat elsewhere for a much reasonable price. Also, we had a light snack before we came, so maybe on our next visit, come in on an empty stomach, and maybe try it again. Please, don't take this review as the wrong way. We though this place was a very charming place and it is a must to dine at this place once before you kick the bucket or visiting Indianapolis. If you are not a huge meat fan and if you are wanting to try their famous shrimp cocktail, I highly recommend going to their sister restaurant, which is located right next to it, called Harry and Izzy's. They do serve some steak and a few items that they don't serve in their main steakhouse. But shrimp cocktail is there for sure!!! Thank you for taking the time to read this review and I hope you found this to be helpful, amusing, or just ridiculous that someone would go in such depth of reviewing a restaurant!! Cheers!!
(3)
Howard L.
We happened to be in town while Devour Downtown Winterfest was going on. That means $30 pp menu specials at participating Indy establishments including St. Elmo's. It's very similar to Chicago's Restaurant Week, except they do it twice per year. We had a 5 star dinner tonight - when factoring in value, meal quality, and the historic setting that is St Elmo's Steakhouse. The wife and I dined with son and a pal, and we all had the 7 oz filet mignon, a large 3-count infamously fiery shrimp cocktail, and a dessert (we chose creme brulee and chocolate-cherry bread pudding). The meat was more seasoned and flavorful than on our last visit, and it was nice to see that St Elmo's can do it! They did flip-flop two rares and a medium rare, but they were really great either way, and we didn't make a fuss. Other DDW entree choices were bourbon chicken and salmon, but why bother. We also learned that Indy downtown parking isn't always easy and cheap as we usually find. There was some Monster Car show in town and it was $20 special events parking everywhere, and no available street parking. We ended up using their $20 valet parking, so when possible, take note of other events in the area (we could have walked it).
(5)
Nick M.
St. Elmo's is my favorite steakhouse in the Midwest. Yes better than anywhere I've tried in Chicago. Let me explain- 1- the shrimp cocktail is phenomenal. Big fat juicy fresh shrimps with the homemade spicy horseradish....can't beat it. 2- the filet mignon melts in your mouth like butter, better than I've had at any of the chain steakhouses. Can't beat it. 3- wine selection is phenomenal, be sure to walk through the cellar - it's very extensive and impressive. Was not expecting such a thing in Indianapolis. 4- the bread served before dinner is very unique - some sort of poppy rolls with a garlicky filling- save room for dinner though! 5- ambiance is on point- old school vibe, great waiters. My only gripe with the joint is that it doesn't have a bar menu with sandwiches or a burger...all you can really order is steak and shrimp....which makes sense since the steak and shrimp are pure greatness. I dined one time at a table with friends and another time while in town on business at the bar- definitely a better deal/vibe at the table, probably won't go back to the bar. Next time I go I'd love to have a drink in the upstairs vintage cigar bar lounge- looks really cool.
(5)
Kari G.
I hate to give a bad review but I was really looking forward to trying this steak house after having such great food at Harry & Izzy's. I was disappointed. The filet mignon was over salted to the point that I couldn't eat it. I feel they over cooked it as well. We ordered the sugar pie for dessert and I was not a fan. But hey, you gotta try sugar pie when you're in Indy. The shrimp cocktail was awesome but like other reviews said, you have to like horseradish (a lot)! If you're in Indianapolis I recommend Harry & Izzy's over St Elmo. The filet at Harry & Izzy's was 100 times better. It was perfectly prepared and NOT over seasoned.
(2)
Elizabeth E.
An indianapolis favorite. Food "high-end steakhouse". Atmosphere in the bar is fun; dining room stuffy.
(3)
David W.
We visited this restaurant on a business trip, and they accommodated a rather large party of us. Everything was amazing our servers were very professional, and knowledgeable about their food and drinks. The wine seller was spectacular, and the drinks coming from the bar were spot on. Now to the food, we were told you have to try the shrimp, and you do it is amazing! I had the bone in fillet and it was seasoned and cooked perfectly, out of a group of sixteen, not a single complaint.
(5)
Brian L.
An old fashioned steakhouse, right here in Indianapolis. They only have the one real appetizer, the shrimp cocktail. Get it. Prepare yourself for the massive amount of horseradish. I didn't think it was that bad, but my brother thinks that it is tear inducing. Good nonetheless. The ribeye was good and flavorful. The outer ring was amazing, and I wish I could have 24oz of just that...alas, that isn't to be. Great service. Bearnaise sauce costs $4. Not complaining, but, if a steak is going to cost $45, I think a sauce should be free. Loading up a baked potato costs extra, but that's because you are getting a good deal of bacon at least. Overall, worth it for a once in awhile treat though.
Whenever asked, I consistently detail this as the best restaurant in Indy. The food is excellent, from the tear-jerking shrimp cocktails to the deliciously prepared steaks. The atmosphere is pretty high-class, but it also feels enough like a neighborhood place that it doesn't get out of control. The staff is very dedicated and they are extremely kind. This is a life long job for some of them. Great choice for special occasions or just a fancy dinner. Watch out for those prices though - this isn't your every week eatery. Thanks to the staff for such a great experience!
(5)
Stephanie W.
Love Devour Downtown!
(5)
Nathan C.
It has a good reputation but we didn't finish our meals. The waiter said (warned in hindsight?) that the famous shrimp cocktail had horseradish in its sauce, but we didnt expect all the shrimp to be covered by it. It was super hot. When we said we couldn't eat it, he brought more with the sauce on the side. The lobster bisque was pretty mediocre - I've had better from a can. The filet mignon was really so so. Neither my friend nor I felt like finishing it. The green beans were boring, i suspect frozen and not fresh. For the money, this place should be MUCH better.
A solid 4 stars for being a great restaurant that delivers a great meal with nice service, in a classy yet unpretentious atmosphere. My experience there was for my recent birthday dins with my padres, which happened to occur 2 weeks before the superbowl - right when all the corporate people started to come in. It was quite busy for a Tuesday night, but I didn't feel that we had a lower quality of service because of the crowd (we did, however, have a harder time hearing one another at our table). The shrimp cocktail was spicy (duh) but once my nose stopped running and I wiped off some sweat from the first bite, I couldn't stop eating it. Same goes for the rest of the meal (minus the spice, plus steaks cooked to perfection), especially the decadent cheesecake (complimentary for the bday girl! Always a plus). I loved it but overall had to knock it down a star because having to yell across the table wasn't really doing it for me in terms of atmosphere. I'm looking forward to coming back here for a few dinners while my work still has me in Indy.
(4)
Jenna L.
Loved it! Shrimp cocktail is to die for. Food was good. I have eaten in the upstairs lounge area and in the main dining area. I prefer upstairs because it is more casual.
(5)
Janet R.
"Lady Chiller". That was the guest name on my tab the first time I went to St. Elmo's, and my meal was even more awesome than the identifier the bartender chose for me: a lone lady sitting in front of the drink chiller at the famed St. Elmo's bar. (I'll admit that he rationale behind the cool name was a little anticlimactic). In any case, in my experience, St. Elmo's deserves the hype. When I was Lady Chiller, I had an incredible ribeye... It was perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and perfectly flavorful. I skipped the tomato juice or soup appetizer (why fill up on something I wouldn't love when there were so many other amazing choices). But I did order the best creamed spinach that I have ever had. And trust me, friends... I know from creamed spinach. My next trip to St. Elmo's was for Devour Downtown, so there was a prix fixe menu. I'm not normally a fan of such limited choices, but I wasn't paying, so I didn't want to be rude and order off-menu (okay, except that I did place a rogue order for the creamed spinach a la carte. It is seriously so good!!). The only steak available was the filet, which I wouldn't ordinarily have ordered, because I find filets a little deficient on the flavor side. This one, however, was awesome... The "like buttah" cliche was more than fitting; it was a ridiculously tender piece of meat. And it was TASTY! It was the first truly flavorful filet I can remember having. The only thing I didn't love about my second meal at St. Elmo's was that we were seated in the basement, which felt a little remote and basement-like. Our waiter was awesome, though, and gave us a tour of the wine cellar (we were practically sitting in the wine cellar, so it wasn't too big a distance for him, but still... It was nice of him to spend the time).
(5)
Lea R.
Ok - so they had our reservation but seated walk in's ahead of us???? We sat at the bar like they told us to & then stood at the line like they told us to. Honestly the only reason this place is getting 3 stars is because of our server Will Shipley. He was completely professional, was understanding of my diet restrictions and tossed in a restaurant tour in the end. He didn't have to but he did and and he definitely deserves a big bonus for that!
(3)
John M.
I feel like I am about to take a big dump on an Indianapolis legend, it's not intentional, but man.. this place is OVERRATED. It was a random weekday and I was in Indianapolis for work. It was late, I hadn't eaten dinner yet and I was hungry. So what better meal on a business trip then a big fat juicy steak and some beers. So I walk in to St Elmo's figuring this is the place to have a steak in Indy, and it's right across the street from my hotel. It was 20-30 minutes until they close. Now I know that is cutting it close but I figure A) if you don't want someone walking in 5 minutes before you close ... close earlier (I was in at least 20 minutes before they close) B) a couple walked in right before me and was seated in the dining room, I choose the bar as I was dining alone (as is the case 50% of the time I travel for work). I was promptly seated at the bar, which was pretty empty but there was about 2-3 other parties eating their dinner or having drinks. Because I knew I was cutting it close to closing I promptly ordered the shrimp cocktail so they could get that started and I could look at the menu. I took a few more minutes and ordered the Ribeye (not bone in) with green beans (trying to be carb conscious despite my beers...). Shrimp Cocktail - I guess I can now say I had their famous dish, but really I would save the cash and tummy room for something else. The shrimp was huge but not very flavorful by itself. The cocktail sauce is chock full of horseradish which I knew ahead of time it would be, but wow.. no need for allergy medicine after that. It was too overpowering. Like I said just ask for a side of their cocktail sauce and eat it like soup and you get the same taste sensation. Tomato juice - tastes like the canned stuff. nothing spectacular but it was an interesting addition. I would have done the beans but carb conscious remember. Ribeye - "Medium rare" - was not cooked medium rare. It was closer to medium or well. It had the great crust on the outside that I love so I thought yes this will be great but inside it was overcooked, tough and bland. I considered sending it back but 2 things stopped me. It was now closing time and I thought sure that is inviting trouble but the other main thing was my bartender/waiter was busy cleaning and closing up rather then checking in on me. I was not the only one at the bar. There were others (that were there far longer then I and taking a very leisurely stroll across their plate). The steak was really like sizzler quality if not worse. Not that good at all. The green beans were good though. So were the thin cracker type things that come in the bread basket (again carb fail). So since I was not digging the steak and I had some room in the stomach I thought I am having dessert (again more carbs) but I wasn't offered any. you see it was now 5 minutes passed closing time and I think they were tired of serving me. oh well they saved me a few pounds. but again this place is severely overated. go elsewhere for better food/service.
(2)
Rob S.
The shrimp cocktail will show you why this is one of the best and most historic restaurants in Indy. If you can't handle painfully hot then don't get the shrimp cocktail. Be sure to have your waiter give the history of he restaurant. While you can't go wrong with anything on the menu be sure to get one of their finely aged steaks. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Very popular place to eat in downtown Indy! The shrimp cocktail was delicious and very spciy - great if you need to clear your sinuses too! The filet with green beans was delicious too. Decent service and nice, old school steakhouse atmosphere.
(4)
Tamara H.
The atmosphere is top notch! How could it not be, it is over a hundred years old, and in the location of the War Memorial Monument in this hustle-bustle town, near the downtown mall. They have a great reputation! Steak, well you won't go wrong there! However, preparation too far in advance could lead to their undoing. Now my meal was quite good as I had the Surf and Turf, but my sister, who happen to be treating us, had the house special of "Scallops with Risotto and Lobster Sauce". Now as good as this sounds, the Risotto was refrigerator cold, and that is not cool for such a high brow locale. It really put a damper on the evening, as I was the one who suggested this place, all due to my Yelp friends! The shrimp cocktail is a national treasure and their claim to fame, thankfully it still is! Compliments to our waiter, he was excellent. I am still quite positive they can recover from this faux pas. If you desire the profits to keep coming, Elmo, (and this place is making them happen) ensure quality before quantity, and ensure freshness! Ensure the house eats all mistakes, it was NOT the waiters fault, it was the chef's fault! Remember Ruth Chris is next door! People have a habit of going with a chain over the locals for consistency so don't forget that! Stay on your Game Saints, no cold food if it is not supposed to be cold! However, I would still make this place a must visit in Indianapolis. I am sure they can recover...and they must. One of the few locally owned restaurants with atmosphere that is fantastic! Hopefully next time I am there they can earn the other two stars. For the price, it should be 5 stars all the way! Big $$ does NOT equate to quality! Earn it! Indianapolis must keep this local gem, in local hands!
(3)
indywife g.
Honestly, I've come here half a dozen times, most of them biz opportunities, where the ambience is just right for a group of professionals. Yet, each time, the steak I get leaves so much to be desired, arriving room temperature, dry and vastly under-cooked (I order medium and it arrives ruby red and slick inside). Flemings is at least consistent on this one fact: I always say we can grill our own or go to a less-costly steakhouse and get a much better steak. Not going on my dime there, ever.
(2)
Caroline L.
The customer service here is great. There wasn't a table available for a while so they took care of us at the bar until they could clear a table. The shrimp cocktail never disappoints. I ordered the chef's salad for my main course, but after trying a bite of their steak I quickly regretted not ordering that instead--it was perfect. Our waitress was very friendly and it was clear she did her best to get us our food in a timely manner. All in all, the dinner was great and I will be back in the near future!
(5)
Bryan W.
I wanted to give five stars, but there was one problem. first the good. the service is impeccable and the staff takes their job seriously. we even got a free tour after dinner. we were seated immediately and there was always someone available. second, the food and wine were spectacular, everything was spot on. now the bad. one person at our table ordered the fresh fish. it was overcooked, laughable overcooked. to the point it couldn't flake with a fork and needed a serrated knife to cut. she was too shy to say something, so she took it home and tossed it. if they can fix their fish issues, 5 stars easy. everyone had a great time.
(4)
Lori M.
Great dinner!!. Stopped in for our anniversary and we're not disappointed. Both of us had shrimp cocktail; very spicy but very good. Husband had NY strip well done; delish. I had the ribeye slightly overcooked for medium rare but still very good. Best redskin mashed potatoes every. I Loved the caramel cake but hubby, not so much. Overall, excellent. We set the bar pretty high with this one. Ask for Lorenzo, he is great.
(5)
Rob S.
The service at St. Elmo's was excellent from the reception crew to our waiter. Our seating in the basement dining area had an old school feel and was a nice departure from the busier upstairs dining areas. The food was very good, prepared just as asked, but from a critical standpoint closer to four stars than five in the sense that nothing in particular stood out in its preparation. I would, however, highly recommend St. Elmo's for a very good meal, an exceptional wine list, and friendly service if you are in Indianapolis.
(4)
Stacey L.
Pretty hard to dress up steak. We ordered medium and got a bright red center (instead of medium). Shrimp cocktails are small and there's nothing going on with the naked exposed shrimp. Cocktail sauce is horseradish based. I have heard that spice level can be very inconsistent based on the night. I enjoyed my meal, but I don't need to go back. Better steak in Indy can be had at Eddie Merlot, Sullivan's, or Capital Grille (get the kona rub). A-plus service but the ambiance is lacking and the interior seems ready for a refurbishing.
(2)
Nancy Q.
Came to this restaurant last year with my neighbors. We found friendly server, intimate ambience and tasty steak here. My Rib-by steak is roasted perfectly. We also order the dessert, so sweet for me, but it's okay. The waiter asked us to order the shrimp cocktail, but we didn't try that cause we had already got lots of dishes. People sit close to us ordered it, looks perfect. I will try that next time.
(5)
Sara Y.
A friend from out of town wanted to meet up for dinner and drinks. At his request, we went to St. Elmo's. I am a native Hoosier, so I had heard all the hype. Apparently, the hype traveled as far south as Atlanta. The restaurant is precious. I felt like I stepped back in time -- the mahogany bar, the adorable waiters who I wanted to adopt as my grandpa. It was good. Really, really freakin' good. We weren't even at our table and I was a fan. Wine menu? Awesome. Y'all know the shrimp cocktail is amazing. Steaks were good. Not to die for, but everything else made up for it. We topped off a long, leisurely dinner with the raspberry cheesecake. It did not disappoint. The food is good, but I was far more impressed with the service and atmosphere. I felt like I was at home and could enjoy the fabulous conversation I was having without feeling like I was getting rushed out the door. If you're in town, splurge on a trip here. You deserve it!
(4)
Bruce H.
Great Shrimp Cocktail, but things went down hill from there. Supposedly 48 day dry-aged bone-in prime steak was tough & butchered badly. The butcher cut through the bone in a way that made probably 30% of the strip inedible. The remaining part wasn't well seasoned, nor juicy / tender. For a "Steak-house" with only a few items on the menu, the steaks should be perfect. I've done a bunch of steakhouses (Vic & Anthony's in Houston, Mortons in probably 10 different cities, Palm in Dallas & L.A., Manny's, The Met in Seattle, Ruth's Chris in 10+ cities, John Howie, Spencers in a couple cities). All of them are much, much better. My dining companion said his filet was "OK", but not great. Fun to visit the famous place, but our experience didn't close close to matching the hype.
(2)
Deborah H.
My husband and I went there for New Years Eve. The dinner rolls were very salty. I've never had rolls that were overly salty before. The navy bean soup was very good. I didn't care for my Caesar salad. My steak and red potatoes were excellent. I had a lemon drop martini and it was good but very strong. I probably wouldn't eat there again. I prefer Ruth Chris. The shrimp cocktail is soooooo good. The service was top notch.
(3)
Barrett H.
Not much to write here that hasn't been said before. Ever been to one of those steakhouses that really knocks it out of the park and you leave saying, "that may have been the best steak I've ever had"? You'll do that here. The shrimp cocktail as the famous appetizer (and only app offered, in fact) was something I was curious about. I mean, it's shrimp and it's cocktail sauce... where can you really go with it? Well, what you can do is refine the process to the point of absolute mastery. They didn't reinvent the wheel, they just took it from the Flintstone's rock on a stick and took it to Goodyear levels.
(5)
Nyota W.
You've heard it in every review- the shrimp cocktail is a must have, though you should be prepared for your sinuses to be completely cleared out and slightly burned during the process. Next stop- cocktails. We ordered one of the specialty drinks recently added to the menu. 3 at my table ordered the Russian Mule, it arrived in a cool copper cup, but that's where the fun ended. No one finished theirs and the waiter ended up removing them from the check, which totally made up for the taste that 1 friend compared to moth balls. The bread basket had interesting options including a cheesy cracker that I greatly appreciated. You also get the option of navy bean soup or tomato juice with any entree (kinda random). I say go for the soup. Anything with bacon added is great and well, I pretty much hate tomato juice so i'm definitely biased. I ordered a medium filet which arrived well done. I immediately sent it back- some steaks just lose everything once it's well done. The waiter was great and immediately replaced it. We also ordered the Mac and cheese for the table. This was ok, though it felt like lobster was simply sprinkled on the top. Overall the service, piece of Indy history ( I believe this place has been around since the early 1900s) and old school ambience helped tremendously in the rating area for me. However, this place may be a bit overrated in the food category. Its definitely not a bad place, so if I were back in Indy and wanted steak, I'd consider it, ...but definitely after Mo's, another popular steakhouse.
(3)
Emily M.
The fillet I had was super burned (beyond charred), tough, and chewy. I've heard they have good shrimp cocktail, though.
(1)
Justin M.
The food was good. The shrimp cocktail that everyone raves about was just too darn hot. It's like they think to be the best the sauce has to have more horseradish in it than any other restaurant. I think it takes away from the flavor and makes it hard to enjoy. The atmosphere was decent. It seemed like they try to pack too many people into the place and it makes it a bit too crowded for my taste.
(3)
Travis U.
I had very high expectations of St. Elmo, given his strong reputation. Fortunately, he exceeded them handily. I really wanted to try the legendary shrimp cocktail--but wasn't crazy about A) spending $16 on a shrimp cocktail and B) 5 pieces of shrimp that big is essentially a full meal for me. Luckily, I went on a Sunday when they have an awesome dinner deal where you can get a smaller order of shrimp cocktail (or salad if you prefer), filet (or chicken or salmon), green beans, mashed potatoes and desert for only $35. This was right up my alley. The food was delicious. The shrimp cocktail lived up to its billing. I love horseradish and it's very hard to find it where every bite has the same, strong, consistent punch to it. St. Elmo has it in spades. The service was very attentive and friendly and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
(5)
Jeff J.
Call me a steak snob, but typically I only order steaks that are dry-aged. St Elmos is not a dry-aged beef establishment, but the steak I ordered (Grilled Ribeye) was definitely one of the best steaks I've ever had. I ordered my steak medium rare and they were on the money. The emphasis is not just on the well balanced seasoning but its on the high quality of the beef. I also recommend the spicy shrimp cocktail which you can feel the kick of wasabi that will definitely clear your sinuses.
Starting at 2 stars for the lack of attention sat for 15 with no menu or drinks finally a server comes up and tosses 2 menus on table and walks away.. Wow that was totally unprofessional, so he comes back and asks if We want shrimp cocktails. My husband is allergic so I said no thanks he's scuffs with a huh and walks away .. Finally comes back we order salads and each have steaks both steaks were very good it's just too bad the server was lackadaisical . So 2 stars for attitude and service 4 for the food if I come back I will sit at the bar
(2)
Jessica S.
Took my husband and grown sons to dinner here Sunday night for a birthday treat. Service was wonderful, ambiance is swanky but noise level was surprisingly high even in the back room where we were seated. Through most of the meal we had to raise our voices to carry on a conversation. Steaks were very good, king crab mac & cheese was superb. The biggest negative was the crying infant seated about 3 feet behind me. I can tolerate crying babies at Texas Roadhouse or Outback. But if I'm paying $100/person for a full meal and trying to enjoy a bottle of wine, I do not expect to be subjected to someone's screaming infant!
(3)
James R.
St. Elmo's is a quintessential example of an old-school steakhouse. High ceilings, dark wood, white tablecloths, and warm lighting. Everything about this place is classic, and that's a good thing. I came here alone on a Tuesday evening with high expectations (and a reservation) while on a business trip. Many other people there were like me. No dress code was evident except for the waitstaff, who were not just dressed formally but were dressed well and formally. No one was slovenly, no spots, no dirt, and all the clothes were well-fitting. Very nice. So let's do a run down of the food. Onion roll and a flat-bread with fresh butter from the bread basket, shrimp cocktail, navy bean soup, loaded baked potato, and a New York strip medium rare. I had a club soda to drink and a double espresso with a twist of lemon after. The onion roll was wonderful, warm and stuffed with julienne onions and poppy seeds. I also tried a flat-bread which was both crispy and chewy. Both were delightful. The shrimp cocktail was next. 5 large shrimp in a special steel ice container, covered in horseradish-heavy cocktail sauce that, true to advertising, is very, very hot.. Unlike hot peppers, however, the strength does not linger beyond a few moments. To be honest, my shrimp were boiled a little too long and had too much chew. Still, on the whole it was good. My advice is to use the lemon wedge in your cocktail sauce -- it makes things a little more dynamic. Bean soup was ok. It had good texture and consistency, but it was almost too smokey. I suspect liquid smoke was added, which pains me. Hopefully I am wrong. Once we hit the main course, we are golden. The steak was about an inch and three-quarters thick, seared perfectly and medium-rare to a tee. The flavor was pure, juicy beef. This was a fantastic New York strip. The accompanying potato was loaded with sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon bits and fine-cut chives. The potato flesh itself was tender but firm and backed just right. While initially is looks like there's too much topping for the amount of potato you have, it all worked out equal in the end. Wonderful. My double espresso was one of the best I've had. The lemon peel alongside was much appreciated. Service was friendly and attentive. They obviously care. St. Elmo's gets 4 stars, based mainly on the quality of the main course and potato. Personally, I would return to try the domestic lamb porterhouse as it is an unusual sight and the quality of domestic US lamb very good. They lose a star for the shrimp cocktail. I *love* shrimp cocktail, and theirs was good. However, if it is to be your signature item, you had better get it perfect. There's a little room for improvement.
(4)
gary l.
This place is WAAAAAY overrated! Yea it is a cool spot with lots of history...but for these prices expect great food and this definitely is NOT great food. Steaks cooked to perfection but lacking flavor and definitely needed a steak knife as neither of ours was "prime beef" tender.
(2)
James T.
Food = 5 (the famous shrimp cocktail is worth a try) Price = 4 (not cheap... but, what an experience) Experience = 4 (it's a little hard to get to... downtown is never that easy)
(4)
Dennis E.
Great food and great service! I cut through my Filet like it was butter. Best steak of my life!
(5)
David N.
Great service, very friendly staff, solid food, and believe it or not fairly kid friendly. Made reservations for dinner on short notice the other, and were seated right on time. Our server greeted us in seconds, and had water and bread to the table shortly after. Went the "Devour Downtown" route, and ordered the Shrimp Cocktail, Filet Mignon, and Bread Pudding. For $35 bucks, that's hard to beat. The wife and I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, but the sauce is not for the faint of hot. Their horseradish cocktail sauce pops, but definitely packs a spicy punch, just FYI. Our filets came out in a timely fashion. The temps were slightly off, my "medium rare" was alive and kicking, and my wife's medium was pretty red. Aside from that, they tasted great, and melted in your mouth. The desserts were fantastic. My co-diners and I all tried something different, and enjoyed every bit. The bread pudding was decadent, the cheesecake was worth of Eli's (if it wasn't Eli's already) and my wife's Creme Brulee definitely hit the spot. All in all, a very enjoyable albeit expensive experience, definitely worth future visits... Maybe just mom and dad next time!
(4)
Kayla B.
overrated food, great history.
(3)
Dan S.
I've been to St. Elmo twice now. I don't think I'll go back. My steak was cold. I don't understand the appeal of navy bean soup - why? The restaurant is overpriced for what you get. Honestly, you can go to any Outback steakhouse and get a much better steak cooked two different ways for much less money. I would give this restaurant a 1 star rating, but the staff is very attentive and the ambiance is interesting and different. Still, I am underwhelmed by the quality of the good. This steakhouse needs to get with the times and step up their game when it comes to serving excellent steaks. The food is not worth the money. The excellent service is. I feel bad for the staff here. They deserve better.
(2)
Catherine A.
I had a salad and oooomg so amazing! Shrimp cocktail was good to but very spicy!
(5)
Eric P.
Shrimp cocktail was superb but the steak was a disapointment. A steakhouse that charges $40 for a NY Strip should know how to cook a medium steak pink in the center, not red and raw. Service and dessert were great, but not likely to drop money here again.
(3)
Scott R.
Great shrimp cocktail and the steaks were awesome, our waiter, Vlad put it all together for a great experience.
(5)
Steve N.
I've eaten here two times. The steak was average. I got the porterhouse both times. The shrimp was good. I thought the place was over hyped.
(3)
Meghan M.
I've given this place two shots before writing a review which is relatively generous for me. Encounter #1: Sat in the bar area, drank a few too many glasses of wine, ate an unbelievably overcooked filet (ordered rare, came out medium-well), and chatted with a very charming restaurant manager. I held off on visiting Yelp on this one since I figured the overcooked steak might be a fluke and figured I'd get back here eventually to see if we could make up for that. Encounter #2: Late for reservations at Harry and Izzy's for a client meeting, we were stuck without a table and needed another place. Everything was packed but St Elmo's had a table for us...Shocker! Service here is stellar. There's definitely no denying that. Shrimp cocktail is epic and there's a crack-looking-cheesy thing in the bread basket that you MUST try. Dinner comes with a choice of navy bean soup or tomato juice (I like the tomato juice better as the soup has bacon which I don't care for) as well as a side order (green beans are fantastic). My filet, again, was a good piece of meat but overcooked. I asked for "very rare" this time after my last experience but again, it was maybe medium at best. Wine list is impressive with an incredibly fantastic Malbec on the "by the glass" menu for just $10. This place is an Indianapolis landmark. Their service is stellar, The decor is simple and adequate. The food is extremely tasty. But gosh-darnit, please cook my steak right next time!
(3)
Megan K.
Outstanding, absolutely outstanding. I wasn't expecting to find an exceptional steak house while on a business trip to Indianapolis after trying several average restaurants in the area. Being from Chicago, I've been incredibly spoiled when it comes to steak houses, so I went in with low expectations. We arrived 30 minutes before our reservation at 7:30 pm on a Wednesday and decided to grab a drink at the bar while we waited. I decided to go with a Manhattan, and it was mixed to perfection, not too sweet and had a nice balance of Whiskey and bitters. It was served in a martini glass which wasn't necessary, but it matched the atmosphere of the old school steak house perfectly. We were promptly seated at 7:30pm and knew that we had to order the infamous shrimp cocktail--err, make that two. After reading the reviews I knew that the shrimp cocktail would pack a spicy punch but I was blown away with my first bite. The cocktail/horseraddish combination was tasty but absolutely firey, bringing me to tears and thinking that my nasal cavities were about to collapse at any moment due to the inferno racing through. The spiciness grew with each bite, but I found that taking it in small bites and putting a fair amount of lemon juice over the top balanced it out. I nursed my five-shrimp shrimp cocktail for about thirty minutes, and had a love-hate relationship with it the entire time. For those who can't handle spice, consider yourself warned. While we were eating our shrimp cocktails, we were perusing the wine list which our waiter pointed out was the largest wine list in the midwest. It was impressive, and we went with a 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir to accompany the steaks. For those who are indecisive, I recommend just flipping through the book and picking a page and blindly picking a wine--you won't find any bad ones on this list. Now onto the important part: the steaks. I went with the bone-in filet mignon with a side of creamed asparagus and mushrooms. The filet mignon was cooked PERFECTLY, being more done along the boneless edge, and a rare warm deliciousness along the bone. I devoured the steak in a matter of minutes, picking the bone clean. As for the sides... these were some of the best that I've seen at a steak house. The creamed spinach was topped with handfuls of freshly grated parmesan and it reminded me of a spinach artichoke dip. The mushrooms were doused in butter and served with caramelized onions and I tasted a bit of balsamic. The sides were huge and we couldn't finish them between two people. As a side note, the entrees all come with bean soup or tomato juice and are served with a potato side, which was surprising as sides are rarely ever included. The bean soup was fantastic--it had large chunks of bacon in the broth and a great flavor. I can't comment on the potato sides as we both passed on them so we could fill up on the good stuff. The service was great, but I noticed the kitchen got a little backed up. Not a major issue though. I know that if I'm ever back to Indy, St. Elmo's will be at the top of my list.
(5)
Sarah F.
My fiance took me here on my birthday JUST for the shrimp cocktail. How big of a deal could it be? It's just shrimp cocktail, right? It will change your life. Try it. And breathe better afterward. We only had drinks and the shrimp cocktail because we were on an Indy restaurant tour since I have yet to experience much of the city; however, I can't wait to go back and try some of the amazing things I saw coming out to the other tables. Service was fabulous. Drinks were mixed just right. Atmosphere was romantic. Shrimp cocktail makes you want to make it to your next birthday to experience it all over again.
(4)
Deana B.
Best fillet ever. The hype is officially true. After living in Indy for 13 years I finally made it to St. Elmo. It was a wonderful meal. My husband had ribeye and I had fillet. Wonderful texture, wonderful flavor! We look forward to a return visit!
(5)
Bethany C.
Living in California I crave the shrimp cocktail with the cocktail sauce and it makes me want to go back for it!!!!
(4)
Bob L.
Lived up to the reputation , first class all the way , food, and service was phenomenal ...
(5)
James M.
Good food, poor value. I went for the Devour Menu and they obviously dont want folks coming just for that, because they did everything they could to squeeze money out of me. Dinner took two hours just to serve some steak and dessert. I suspect 40 mins between courses is so you can order more over-priced drinks. Small portions, shrimp cocktail and filet mignon was v good. Just not the best bc of their strategy of screwing the customer. Food 4 Service 2 Value 1 Atmosphere 4
(2)
Luke S.
Now this was a good steak. Done exactly as ordered. And the fries were good too. Didn't realize how large the place was inside. Really a bit of a circus. It's more of a train station atmosphere than anything else. We sat in the basement - which emanated a slightly musty odor. They have a thing for their shrimp cocktail. Apparently it's 'world famous'. I wasn't really in the mood for seafood, though, and it's Indianapolis, after all, not that there's an ocean close by.... They charge a hefty 15 bucks or so for the (from what I could tell, small) shrimp cocktail. The waiter added one to my bill, 'out of habit' I'm sure, but took it off when I pointed out I didn't have one. Steak, fries, green beans, and Pellegrino - 70 bucks. Don't remember if with or without tip.
(4)
Leah R.
No match to a true New York steakhouse (Old Homestead, Peter Luger, Sparks, S&W, etc). Although the waiter had the abrasive attitude of a New York steakhouse waiter, without the quality of service. If you really want a steak while in Indy, choose Capital Grill or Morton's instead. At least you know what you're getting, they're friendly and the food's consistent.
(1)
Mike L.
This review is based on only one visit. I was really, really impressed with so many things about this establishment. The entire wait staff was outstanding from the minute I walked into the door to the time I left. Our waiter was particularly outstanding, quite personable, and a waiter's waiter... i.e. a pro when it comes to food. Well I had a filet and green beans. The filet is as good at gets. The green beans I ordered only to be health conscious, and was not expecting much...but the beans were outstanding. Feeling good so I opted for the chocolate chip bread pudding. My goodness... I was in heaven. Not a cheap place, but did not expect this kind of food, service, and atmosphere to be cheap.
(5)
Jon A.
"Cliches are cliches because they are strong." Who said that? I did, in the poetry collection you've never heard of or read (yet!). You might be thinking St Elmo is a bit of a cliche (the steak house every one knows about, that everyone seemingly loves, and, "oh!, oh! the cocktail sauce! You've just got to have the cocktail sauce!") Here's the deal: since 1902 we've had this place in our city, and the world knows about our city more because of this place. The better deal: for $30 I ordered their regularly $15 shrimp cocktail, their regularyly $30 filet and dessert I'd never order in the first place -- thanks to them joining Devour Downtown. Arriving an hour early, we bellied up to find a childhood friend tending bar, and that warmed me up immediately (considering I was cooled off by the flighty hosts and baffoonery of another guest who claimed, "what the F? You sat a guy in a Halloween costume the table we were suppose to be seated at?") After dealing with the hosts I'm not surprised... just an overall lack of coordination and consideration... like answering the phone twice when I'm standing right there ("for all you know I could be the personal court jester of Burma inquiring about the King's arrival). Just looking out for everyone else here... they should really just treat the guests in person all the same. While at the bar... we had the goat cheese bar menu app (deep friend inside of sweet peppadews); do it! Crazy, cozy & fun bar. I think I might be back pretty soon for the conversation & interesting folk that pony up for this place. I'm really glad I came with a stellar party of 9 (what up UYE-ers!) instead of being a pair, so i wasn't stuck in one of those walkway tables; instead we were seated in the wine cellar Director's Room. Yeah. With a chandelier that looked like it was from 1902. Spacious. Quiet. Flat Screen. Intense & Rich. The cocktail sauce is as strong as suspect. The shrimp wasn't skimpy... hallelujah! And nor were they light on the sauce, which calls to keep at the table to dabble into through dessert. The filet was what they said it was going to be (6-8 ozs), and I never order filets... but for the Devour menu... this was a treat. Mighty tender & mighty bloody at Medium Rare with a cool center -- real beef. Add onion rings to your steak order. Do it because... green beans, onion rings & a filet is exactly what a classy man or woman would do; and I bet you're classy. Strong, attentive service all night. I'm more proud of Indy now that I've experienced what many top flight travelers have experienced here...
(4)
Celia T.
Shrimp Cocktail - you will love if you like horseradish in pure form (which I did) You get five large ones and they were fresh and tasty. Got the special Tomahawk Ribeye Steak. It was dry aged DELICOUSNESS! Good flavor, Tender and cooked well. I got medium rare so there was a good crust and the beef was tender delicousness. The navy bean soup was surprisingly delicious considering how much I hate beans. We also got the twin lobsters, now they were EXPENSIVE, but i gotta say PERFECTLY COOKED DELICOUSNESS! The sides we ordered were not stellar, and we got mash, fries and mushrooms. They were ok, I think everything else made up for it. There was no room for desert, and i only tasted the bread, which for me I passed on to save room for the main course. Good thing!
(5)
Jessica I.
I'll get the only quibble out of the way right off the bat: The steaks are very good, but not great. They're cooked perfectly, but need more salt and are slightly bland. Dry aging would do wonders. That's the only reason I'm docking a star, and let me repeat: the steaks are very good. Now that I've gotten that bit of unpleasantness out of the way, let me begin to wistfully gush. Service, from door to bartender to perfect throwback waiter, was impeccable. The setting exudes old-school charm. The shrimp cocktail lives up to its reputation. The steak-centric wine list provides lots of options. I adored the tomato juice and navy bean soup options as starters. The sides were classic and perfectly executed. It all combined for a meal I won't soon forget. Honestly, considering that every second restaurant in downtown Indy seems to be a steakhouse, I'm willing to wager that you can get a better steak somewhere nearby. I cannot imagine any steakhouse delivering a better experience.
(4)
Steve L.
Best NY Strip I've had, ever. I thought I'd found the mecca of steaks in Chicago, but St. Elmo wins by a country mile. Ordered the NY Strip done rare-minus. Got exactly that - with an excellent potato, to boot! Steak was full of warm, sweet juice, and was aged perfectly such that it was just chewy enough to remind me that I should take time to enjoy a truly premium steak. Believe everything anyone's said about the shrimp cocktail. A good fifteen seconds of violence ensued after taking my first bite of enormous, succulent shrimp. Despite the pain, the sauce was actually so good that we ended up finishing it using forks, then finally our fingers. I don't care much about atmosphere, but if I did, this place has it. High ceilings, near-fawning waitstaff with good heads on their shoulders, and an overall air that stakes a claim as best meat establishment in the United States.
(5)
MJ W.
Food: 5 Stars Ambiance: 5 Stars Service: 5 Starts Noise: Energetic I've lived in Indianapolis for most of my life and I can't believe I have never been here. St. Elmo's Steakhouse is a downtown Indianapolis Gem. I really liked the little details. The hostesses wear classy dresses that are unique and their own. The servers were in tuxedos. There are famous people who have dined here on the walls. The classic old Indy city pictures are a great piece of history. The Shrimp cocktail is so good, but be warned it is so hot, it will make you cry. But it is so great, you want to go back for more! The asiago cheese is light and crispy and by far the best item in the bread bowl. The navy bean soup is very good and not at all salty. I had the 10 oz filet. They cook on the rare side, so I suggest medium. The beef was prime and very high quality. I loved every bite! I'll be back for more.
(5)
Miguel S.
It's always fun to take people here that know nothing about this place, and shock them with the shrimp cocktail. It really is fabulous with all of it's insanely spicy horseradish cocktail sauce greatness. Steaks are fantastic, too. Service is excellent. Wine list extensive. I like eating in the bar area which is probably too bustling for many, but some of the tables & rooms in the back are nice too. An Indy institution!
(5)
Joshua V.
This is a restaurant that had plenty of character, pictures, and one of the best steaks I've ever had. One thing to note is that it's been here for 108 years and is listed as one of the best steakhouses in the Delta Air magazine. The food was great and the service even better. The atmosphere reminded me of Carnegie Deli in NYC, ie there's a lot of history to it. These steaks are a touch on the spendy side, but well worth it. If you go there make sure you get the shrimp cocktail and a steak. I vote for getting the steak Medium Plus.
(5)
Ray W.
Shrimp cocktail cleared my sinuses, steak was good, very loud and crowded but fun
(3)
Kim R.
It's worth a visit. Only visited once while at school (and I only visited to see what the hype was about), but it was worth a look. It won't be cheap, but it was good.
(4)
Kristin M.
Amazing service, amazing atmosphere, incredible food. Wine list was great and generously poured. Shrimp cocktail is NOT to be missed, it will bring tears to your eyes it's so hot. But it hurts so good. Had the filet and huge baked potato... cooked to perfection and a true example of perfect Indy fare. I was reluctant to try this place every time I've been to Indy just because I thought it was a tourist trap - I'm sorry I waited so long! I'll absolutely be back... every time I'm in the area.
(5)
Ed Z.
A group of us came here for our friend's bachelor party dinner. Our server was nice, and the folks who ordered the shrimp cocktail remarked that it was the highlight of the meal. I'm not terribly impressed by an overabundance of horseradish, but I don't like shrimp so I passed. The bean soup was very meh. The french fries were lackluster. My steak was fine but forgettable. At no point did I look down at it and go "Wow, this is definitely worth $45!". The seating was very cramped and I got the feeling that we were eating in someone's living room. In a nutshell, you'll get better food and a less cramped dining experience a few blocks away at Fogo Da Chao. And you'll save a lot of money.
(2)
Ryan G.
St. Elmo's is bar-none the best steak place in Indianapolis. I've been there quite a few times and I always find the service and food to be excellent. The waiters are very accomodating and extraordinarily professional. Obviously, the famous shrimp cocktail is worth it if you're into spicy food. Otherwise, avoid it as the spice is powerful enough to clear your sinuses. The steaks are fantastic, as are the sides. I would recommend the mashed potatoes, as they are always creamy and tasty. Lastly, the wine list is extensive and you can even take a tour of the wine cellar to pick out your bottle. All in all, i've always had a fantastic experience with this establishment and would recommend to anyone looking for a high-class steak dinner.
(5)
Will E.
Great food, snooty waiters. Also, we were seated at a table that had food dropped on the floor and a dirty napkin. Once we pointed it out, the napkin was taken away, but the food on the floor was left all dinner.
(4)
Ryan L.
A buddy and I landed a 10:30 PM reservation this week and were really looking forward to the experience....it definitely exceeded expectations. It's been 13 years since I've been to this steakhouse and have to say it's pretty impressive the impression I was left with back then is the same I left with...EXCEPTIONAL!! First, the bone-in Cowboy was perfect...great taste, cooked perfectly rare. Of course, we had to have the world famous shrimp cocktail. There's nothing like it! The staff was absolutely wonderful. It's impressive to have multiple folks coming to the table and all being on the same page. Definitely one of my best experiences at a top notch steakhouse!!
(5)
JR J.
Probably the best restaurant in town. The steaks are amazing and the shrimp cocktail is legendary. I love the service all of the waiters in tuxedos and always on top of their game. The best steak I have had is the bone in filet. Amazing flavor and always prepared perfectly. If you live in or near Indianapolis you need to take a trip to St. Elmos for a great steak and a great night.
(5)
K E.
Shrimp Cocktail: A++++++++ Steak: A Ask to take the Wine cellar tour.
(5)
Al V.
Great steak and service. Need to get this on my rotation! Don't let the wall of suits scare you off when you walk into the bar. Tourists welcome. Maybe not kids though. Kind of tight.
(5)
Willie S.
OK - independence is great. The shrimp cocktail is iconic. The bean soup or tomato juice choice is unique. But please learn to cook my steak - I am not picky and I like pretty rare meat (on a medium rare scale) but I have had to send steaks back for being too rare. Have never had to do this anywhere else. Not on my go to list. Would love to give a higher rating.
(3)
Stacey K.
I was told by several people that St. Elmo's was a must. The shrimp cocktail got rave reviews. The shrimp cocktail was delicious, but needs a spice warning, the horseradish in the first bite cleared my sinuses. We got the Sunday special, which included the cocktail, choice of entree and dessert for $30. It was a good deal, the steak was cooked perfectly, but after the shrimp cocktail the rest of the food was well done, but didn't wow me. The dessert was a bit disappointing. The raspberry sauce on the cheesecake seemed like it was from a can. But the staff was courteous and moved the food out. No long waits, even during Final Four weekend.
(3)
Andrew S.
Great steaks. Very good service. My wife and I went there for dinner the night of our wedding.
(5)
Christine M.
First time to Indy and yelp did not steer me wrong! Got prime rib and mac and cheese, it was amazing!
(5)
mick v.
I was pleasantly surprised to be seated promptly for my reservation time through a sea of waiting guests. Nice. Our server Thule was a consummate pro - knowledgeable, experienced, and able to work a several levels (wine steward, butcher, funny guy). The bread was a treat in itself, various bakery specialties like a fresh baked kaiser with onion inside - wow. The shrimp cocktail lived up to the reputation, great. We did steakhouse classics... Wedge salads, bone in filet and ribeye. Both wet aged and dry aged were excellent. The wine list is exceptional. The creme brule was properly delicate, a sign of an experienced kitchen. There were no criticisms or annoyances with the entire experience. Highest marks this time.
(5)
Mia M.
The service was great, my steak was delicious, the shrimp cocktail is everything that everyone says it is... but what was with serving Campbell's Bean with Bacon Soup and trying to pass it off as something gourmet?
(4)
D. R.
Enjoyable place in the downtown area of Indy. Shrimp Cocktail rocks, and the steaks are fine enough....but I must say that the bar puts our one hell of a Makers Manhattan on the rocks.
(4)
FeastyKat E.
Filet mignon was WORTH IT.
(5)
Mark L.
Shrimp appetizer was spicy as promised. Steak was fabulous (I had filet med rare) and bean soup was tasty. Yes pricey but felt very authentic. Worth it as a treat.
(4)
Douglas K.
Shaking Payton Manning's hand is pretty cool - I got to do just that at St. Elmo's. St Elmo's isn't your typical posh steak house... if you want pretentious waiting staff, quiet surroundings, and no one to say hello - this isn't your place. If you want a packed bar, a shrimp cocktail with ground horseradish that could vacate the most clogged of sinuses and a great steak - this is your place. This is what Indiana is about! I read some other reviews of folks from outside Indiana and they just don't get it. St. Elmo's is a hoosier trademark, with hoosier followings. If you want your average 5-star steak house where you can brag about how much you get paid - take it down the road. Leave this treasure for the folks who appreciate it, the Hoosiers!
(5)
Joe S.
Get the shrimp and cocktail sauce. Nuff said! A must have steak whenever you have the opportunity!
(5)
Rick K.
Fantastic cut of porterhouse, navy bean soup was delicious, and you have to get the shrimp cocktail. If you are in Indianapolis this place is a must!
(5)
Cam B.
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bean soup was just so-so...the bread basket was great!!!....Ribeye was munch...Went the day after Ocho Cinco came. Waiter was funny and great...Erik.
(5)
Allison A.
Definitely worth a visit, even if only for a shrimp cocktail! When a friend found out I was coming to Indianapolis, she told me that I had to come to St Elmo for a shrimp cocktail. I wondered what could be so great, but definitely understood once I tried it... or at least my sinuses did! This stuff is like breathing fire through your nose. They use fresh ground horseradish, so while the spicy doesn't hang around in your mouth, it makes your eyes water and your nose BURN. It hurts so good. I would recommend going on a Sunday evening for the Sunday Dinner. It's a 3-course pre fixe for $30-$40 depending on your entree. For $40 I was able to get a 3-piece shrimp cocktail, filet with green beans and mashed taters, and creme brulee. While the portions per course of the Sunday dinner might be smaller that ordering a la carte, my boyfriend and I found it to be the perfect amount of food. It was a great deal. Lastly, and the real stand out for me, was the service. There were so many waiters and busboys assigned to the room where we happened to be seated, my water glass was never more than half empty before someone was coming to fill it up. Our waiter had also been working at St Elmo for 13 years, which to me goes to show what kind of establishment it is. So if you're in Indianapolis, be sure to try the shrimp "fire" cocktail at St Elmo!
(4)
Bill W.
St. Elmo's was great. The service was a little slower than normal but food was really good. Have to have the Shrimp Coctail.
(4)
Kila O.
Shrimp cocktail lived up to the hype. Cleaned my passages right out. Pricey though. In fact the whole meal was dripping with up charges for tasty additions. It was good but not the meal of my life that the bill seemed to imply.
(3)
Craig M.
Amazing shrimp cocktail. The cocktail sauce is addictively spicy. Might want to start getting your shrimp wild caught from the gulf. Filet was cooked perfectly just could have used a little more seasoning.
(4)
Karena M.
Not what I expected! We had horrible service (party of 8 and our bill was over 1K, waitress still looked at us as trash) had to send back an over cooked steak. Lobster tail on my surf and turf was rubber. My filet was cooked nicely though, and the size of the steaks were impressive. Tender and flavorful when they actually get it right. Won't be going back though, and won't recommend it to my friends. I've had more professional service at Applebee's.
(3)
Nancy K.
Okay, I know everyone RAVES about this place, and perhaps I'm a food snob, but I was underwhelmed. The shrimp cocktail was as advertised - tear inducing. But does that do anything to enhance the flavor? Or is the point just to make you cry? I had the dry aged Kansas City cut. It was, again, okay. Not as moist or flavorful as I'd imagined. Side dish of crab mac and cheese was good, but not great. The cocktail was great, the service was great, but I was certainly glad someone else was footing the bill. I'll give it another shot before I completely dismiss it.
(2)
Fakke N.
The food is overpriced. It's listed as one of the best restaurants in Indy, but I've had far better food elsewhere. The tables are crammed together and it's loud. We had a reservation for 6pm, but we had to wait an hour and half anyway... There are plenty of other places to eat in Indy that have more to offer. Save your money.
(2)
Mia C.
I read reviews and got a recommendation from Indy coworkers to stop at St. Elmo Steak House. It's insanely overrated. The service was good and our waiter was nice. It's worth having the shrimp cocktail once just to say you've had it. It does not make you cry as seen on reviews but it is potent. The lobster bisque was tasty, filled with chunks of lobster. The steaks were ok, nothing outstanding. Luckily I am on company time and dime.
(2)
Kathie C.
I was expecting fantastic food. I was not expecting the prices. Ultimately the price to fantastic ratio fell way short. The waiter didn't give us the daily specials to start with so we ordered off the menu. The only reason we knew that there were specials is because the table next to us with a different waiter offered them. The bean soup that I started with was thick, flavorful and delicious. The ridiculously large portion of prime rib (which was the only one available) was a total disappointment. Not a lot of flavor, lots of fat to carve around and most distasteful to me was carving around the stringy tough stuff. I have had prime rib for half the price elsewhere that melted in my mouth with minimal carving -- this was not even close. The prime rib came with garlic green beans which were very good. My husband got the filet mignon and like someone else said here, it was not very flavorful and he ended up dipping it in my prime rib au jus. I don't get what the rave about this place is. I'm not cheap but I want to feel like it was worth the money I spent. Not so much.
(2)
Amanda R.
If you want a classy steak joint, I recommend Ruth's Chris instead. The service here is pretty poor both at the lounge (bar tenders refusing to look at you and taking 20 minutes to cash you out) and the table (weird guy who picked out dessert for us and then charged us for it!). I think Ruth's Chris has better steaks, and better service, and an overall classier vibe. Don't waste your time at St. Elmo. If you want a nice unique Indianapolis restaurant, go to Black Market, Libertine, or Recess instead.
(2)
Scott H.
I picked St. Elmo Steak House to celebrate our son's college graduation. I am not from the area, so searched Yelp for a steak house and all signs pointed to St. Elmo Steak House. First let me start off with the only negative thing that happened. My reservation was at 9:00 PM for a party of 8, but our party was not seated until almost 9:40. Of course I was not too happy with this, and I voiced my concern several times. I understand they can't control how long people eat, but I do not feel enough was done to seat us. Now to the good: Our table was well taken care of, and we were given free shrimp cocktails that were out of this world. Every bite of our food was outstanding. From the steak, to the shrimp, OUTSTANDING FOOD!
(4)
Matthew P.
This is hands down one of the best steakhouses I have ever been to. I have had some of the most memorable steaks of my life here. They always seem to have a special aged steak option that is, well orgasmic...not kidding I've had to clean my shorts a couple times after this place. Before you even get to the steak, there is the most amazing shrimp cocktail ever. No joke, if you haven't had this, stop reading this and go right now. If you love history, this place is a must see. It has been in Indy for over 100 years! Fair warning: I would not suggest this place for a quiet, romantic dinner as it can be quite busy and loud.
(5)
V B.
Have you ever walked into a steak house wearing a tie only to have the staff cut it off? These steak places typically are not expensive, but once you slice down the middle of my brand new tie this has now become an expensive night out. The safe alternative is to hedge your bet and just head to a high dollar steakhouse. St Elmo came highly recommended by 24 friends. All 24 told me that I will not find a better dead cow grilled on an open flame than right here. They were right, the cuts of steak were about as spot on as you will find. St Elmo's makes it easy, no need to struggle between the Australian Wagyu grass fed filet or the ribeye from a small ranch in Uruguay. Your only decision is if you want your cut "boneless" or "bone in". My advice, get the "bone in" filet mignon. It's a cut of beef that you rarely see on any menu and is as tender as any filet but with the flavor of a ribeye. Why only four stars? Number one, four stars is an excellent rating so there is no need to feel like they failed. But we did have to wait for nearly an hour to be sat and felt rushed out at the end of our dinner. Granted, it was a busy time in Indy and what is considered normal can be tossed out the window. I get that, but to be made to wait for an hour and sat at 9:30 and then shown the door was kind of a let down. If I am ever back in town (and I will be soon), I will make a return visit. I'll just be sure to book an earlier table.
(4)
Boon K.
Hello Shrimp Cocktail, am I going to remember you forever. It was huge, perfectly cooked and wow what the cocktail sauce surprising. The Horseradish is super fresh and super strong, and it totally puts wasabi to shame. The cocktail sauces even goes great will their soups too. I love it and I didn't want to share. The Filet mignon was so perfectly cooked and it might be the best steak I had that didn't need anything to go with it. The crust was super crispy and the inside was so tender. It just melt in my mouth and this is person that does usually finish an 8 oz steak but I did this time.
(5)
Les G.
My favorite steakhouse in the world so far, and I've been to every state in the lower 48. St Elmos is classy, the food is great, but this isn't a snobbish place and the environment is comfortable. Wear shirt and slacks, a jersey or whatever, they will treat you the same which makes this a very cool place. You have to try the shrimp cocktail, and the King Crab Mac 'n Cheese.
(5)
G R.
Ordered Cowboy cut medium rare it was served bloody rare and had to be sent back. Creamed spinach had far too much sauce - it was more like cream with a little spinach. While the shrimp was good its not exceptional - there is nothing particularly inspired about adding a lot of fresh horseradish to cocktail sauce -although, as promised it certainly packs heat. The other diners at my table ordered the filet and lamp chop - again good but not outstanding. Service was attentive and friendly. Bottom line is its a long standing historic restaurant but the food is overpriced and lacks the culinary creativity and crispness I expect at this price point.
(3)
Beth C.
Fellow vegetarians do not fret, you CAN eat here! I was worried about this but when dining with four carnivores who were dying to dig in here I had to go with the flow. My dad had been requesting St. Elmo's gift cards for all holidays that behooved of him and finally decided it was time to cash in on a decent meal even though "your Mom makes the best steak I have ever had!"...wink wink. My mom, dad, sister, and boyfriend all opted for he Devour menu and all had the shrimp cocktail appetizer and filet with mashed potatoes and green beans. Everyone acted like he filet was the best they had ever consumed. Though I did not have the infamous shrimp cocktail, each piece looked big and juicy and was quickly devoured not long after it arrived at the table. I had a basily-pesto angel hair linguine with artichokes, tomatoes, and asparagus. It was absolutely delicious and probably one of the better pasta dishes I have ever had. It is not on the menu but if you mention you are a vegetarian they will offer you this dish. It's $25. You also get a basket of bread...divine! They make the flatbread in house and it is a cheesy delight. You also get some rolls stuffed with onions in some type of sauce/glaze. Quite a treat. Everyone got dessert with the Devour menu and I didn't want to be left out so I opted for the Blue and White Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream. It was the largest piece of bread pudding I have ever been served. Had everyone not gotten a dessert, this would have easily satisfied all five of us. I also tried the chocolate cherry bread pudding and the creme brulee, which I wasn't crazy about. Bread pudding is a definite must if you leave room for dessert! Loved the old school, low light ambiance but it seemed really loud. I was having a hard time hearing our waiter even when he was standing right next to me. Overall a great experience! I know it was a hit if my sister is still texting me four days later asking if I "remember when we ate that delicious meal at St. Elmo and I ate half of everyone's dessert?!"
(4)
Jenny K.
Oh St. Elmo's Steak House...you were the very first restaurant everyone raved about when I first moved to Indianapolis. You were also the very first restaurant I wanted to go to before I ever moved outta the state. Finally in 2012 (I know this review is totally dated) around August I went! I remember clearly going on a Sunday early evening to try their Sunday dinner special. The decor was very old world and all the waiters were dressed with bow ties and looked very professional. The dinner special is a great deal costing only $35/person, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. Since I am allergic to shrimp, I ordered the house salad instead. The waiter brought out what they called a house salad - a couple pieces of iceberg lettuce, carrot, and croutons. It was so sad looking that I knew this experience was head down hill. I know they are known for their shrimp cocktail sauce, but come on now don't have this sad little plate represent your restaurant if you can't even make a salad! For the entree, I ordered the filet (how can you go wrong with a filet?)! Once I received the filet, it looked like a little piece of burnt tar on my plate. I picked at it and pretty much left 60% of the meat on my plate because it was so bad. For dessert, I ordered the cheesecake. I don't remember much from it, so I guess it means it wasn't very memorable. After spending close to $50/person here, I'm never coming back and have concluded this place as a tourist trap. Very disappointing and definitely not worth the money or drive downtown. I will definitely post pictures of my sad little meal soon.
(1)
Ryan M.
Had one of the best steak dinners I've ever eaten here, and one that was just really good. The shrimp cocktail is a fun novelty thing, but a bit overrated in my opinion. It will knock the taste out of any wine or appetizer you're having otherwise. Though I did try a Starmont Cabernet that nearly held its own against the famous cocktail sauce. Every course is well done and tasty. They know how to apply the seasoning at St. Elmo's, whether on the bread, greens, or navy bean soup. Navy bean soup is recommended with the beans very light, blending well with the soup. Servings are generous - I actually think you get a good bang for the buck. The blue cheese sauce on the chopped steak was incredibly creamy, delicious. Both steaks I've had here were cooked a bit over medium (even ordered medium rare), which was surprising. However it is great quality beef that comes out very soft, with edges perfectly well done for my taste. Having tried the peppery pork chop, it's not as good as steak, but well cooked with crispy cooked edges. Also, from having tasted some of the other carnivore dishes, I wouldn't recommend anything other than steak if you're here anyways. The old time steak house vibe is pretty well preserved at St. Elmo's. It's a classic feel with nothing overdone (except perhaps our waitress on my second visit). Overall the service is superb especially for a more intimate group. Be prepared to wait a long time without reservations.
(5)
Evan T.
Yes, it is a $$$ range restaurant if you eat a steak and drink water. Otherwise, you're going to spend at least $60. The sirloin wasn't the best I've had in town. The waiters were very professional but a little pushy with their suggestions. "We're out of the chopped steak tonight, sir. Would you like to try the 12oz filet?" I'm sure that works most of the time considering their clientele.
(4)
Jeff B.
Wow!! I'm really starting to see why folks go to really good steakhouses. They are truly a cut above the rest. We, of course, had to try the shrimp cocktail. We each had our own. There are five jumbo shrimp covered in a sauce that will make you cry. It is spicy, but oh so tasty. For the meal, I had a bone-in fillet medium rare. It was cooked perfectly and tasted pretty good. The loaded baked potato was perfect. I had the creme brulee for dessert and a 20 year old port. Perfect meal and wonderful service. We had a great bottle of Muscato and ordered a second. The second bottle had gone bad (tasted like it was corked). No problem for the service staff - this is when I switched to the port. Very good meal and great service.
(5)
Tom D.
I've enjoyed hundreds of dining establishments across the U.S. and this just might be "The Best". And that's a BIG claim! Suffice to say - if your in Indy and you want a steakhouse experience, this 113 year old jewel is in a class by itself. How many 113 year old restaurants do you know of that are still packed every night? Don't miss it...and thanks Candace you were a great server!
(5)
Jorge S.
Great shrimp appetizer, nice meal, excellent service and wonderful ambience. A must if you are in Indy.
(5)
Daniel O.
When I visit a city the first thing I want to do is try the best restaurants. Well, I've seen Elmo's listed in airline magazines and have heard about the Payton Manning stories, so we were visiting Indy for the 500 and decided to try it. I wouldn't consider myself a real foodie, but I know food, cook regularly, and have been fortunate to travel many places and countries experiencing different foods and restaurants. This place was a total disappoint. Reservations were well managed and staff was extremely friendly, but the food was nothing better than your local Outback or even worse. Sure, like many have said, the shrimp cocktail was good but nothing unique or noteworthy. My steak was overcooked and my baked potato was mostly cold but cooked through. The veggie sides we ordered were less attractive than frozen from your local market. I wouldn't have appreciated this meal at any price much less the overpriced bill I was forced to pay. I can only assume this place has had better days and it now only surviving on yesterday's news.
(1)
Marc A.
Food was OK, not great. Service was very poor. Server tried to remember orders and failed miserably.
(2)
Jeremy D.
A friend and I visited Indianapolis recently and found this restaurant listed online as one of the "top rated" restaurants in the downtown area. So we decided to give it a try. We were greeted very warmly by the hostess and taken to a back dining room that was very intimate but had the feel of an old-fashioned parlor. Our server was very polite and helpful, offering us the specials and also suggestions on our dinner. The first suggestion was the house's famous shrimp cocktail. I had read reviews that said this would be the best shrimp cocktail that I had ever eaten, and I was not disappointed. Our server warned us that the cocktail sauce was not for the faint of heart. He wasn't kidding either! There was so much horseradish in the sauce that it brought tears to my eyes with every bite. But it was absolutely delicious. The shrimp were perfectly cooked. Just a note though: the shrimp are served coated in the sauce, but it was a fantasticly unique service! Each meal is served with your choice of tomato juice or navy bean soup. I thought this was a bit of an odd offering, but I opted for the soup. It was delicious as well. It was creamy and full of flavor, and I loved the hint of bacon in the background. It was a "cup" size portion so it was not overwhelming. I opted not to have a salad and instead went directly to the main course...the steak. This restaurant takes a very purist approach to their steaks. They use very little seasoning and prefer to use excellent cuts of meat and grill it to perfection. I chose the porterhouse steak. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was very tender. I typically prefer a rub or a sauce on my steak, but I will say that this steak was excellent quality, had the slightest hint of seasoning, was perfectly cooked. All-in-all it was was a very filling meal but was also very satisfying. I will definitely eat here again.
(4)
Ben B.
About as old school as a place can be. Very cool ambiance. Segregated into different rooms so a bit more quiet than a huge dining room. Must make a reservation.... Ours was at 4:45 which still took us until 7:00 to finish. The shrimp cocktail is pretty famous. Just be careful. The stuff that looks like chopped up seafood on top of the cocktail is actually a horseradish concoction that will clean out your sinuses in an instant! With your meal you get either a cup of navy bean soup or a cup of tomato juice. Strange options but I guess it goes back to the original owner. The soup was very good! Everyone at my table had steak.... Not many other options here. Everyone was more than satisfied. One guy I was with (who is from NY) said it was the best steak he's ever had. The waiters were very knowledgeable of the menu and wine selections. Water glass was never empty. Overall, expensive place but you get all you pay for. Enjoyed it and would go back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Whitnie E.
I was pleasantly surprised by my visit here. I had heard really great reviews, and then some not so great reviews, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I started off with a glass of Coppola Zinfandel, which was superb. When we were seated at our table (a group of 14 people, and service was still excellent, which is saying a lot), everyone ordered a shrimp cocktail. Holy moly, was this stuff addicting. It was so intense and full of horseradish heat, yet so so good, I couldn't stop punishing myself. I definitely cleared out my sinuses that night. I followed up with a filet and loaded baked potato, and chose the navy bean soup instead of the tomato juice. The navy bean soup was quite good, although quite filling. I was a bit sad when my juicy, delicious, melt in your mouth filet came and I was able to finish it all due to that darn soup. I would definitely order that filet again, medium rare, and enjoy every single bite. My side loaded baked potato was exactly what you want from an order like that, over the top and indulgent and so good. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and a lot of wine, and we had a very enjoyable meal. The service was excellent, and I would highly recommend this Indy landmark to anyone who has out of town company coming in.
(4)
Kate B.
St. Elmo's never disappoints. Very kind and attentive staff, delicious food, reasonable wine selection and a solid beer list. My husband and I sat in the bar and really enjoyed the laid back feel in a nice steak house setting.
(5)
S S.
Always a great meal. Bone in filet was incredible! Had au gratin potatoes as well. Shrimp cocktail always a favorite.
(5)
AV G.
Excellent. Hosted a work dinner for 5--got excellent service at prime time during a convention. Very, very fairly priced, extensive wine list. Food was as good as any of the SteakHouse ledgends. Good service. Just what i needed, without getting killed on cost. Good Job St Elmos!
(4)
Shawn B.
One of the places you HAVE to go to if you visit Indianpolis. The famous shrimp cocktail is not for the faint-of-heart but the food and service are impeccable.
(5)
Katherine K.
Me and a group of teachers were in town for a conference and decided to try St. Elmo's for a nice dinner since it was recommended. Steve was our waiter (and oddly he was also our waiter the previous day at Pattachou on the Park) and was AMAZING. He knew we needed seperate checks and took extra care in making sure there were no errors. He was attentive and exceptionally friendly to our group of 8. The food was great: I had fish and everyone else had a steak/chicken with assorted sides. I thought the prices were reasonable for the type of restaurant St. Elmo's is. I would definitely recommend this place if you want a great steak dinner and are willing to pay the appropriate price in downtown Indianapolis! Side note: some of us DID try the shrimp cocktail however, it is truly for someone who loves horseradish and wants to clear out their sinuses.
(4)
Mandy H.
So this is where everyone is hiding in Indianapolis!? Came here on a business visit to the city with a coworker after hearing rave reviews of the shrimp cocktail on both yelp and "Best Thing I Ever Ate". I'm not going to lie, I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about a shrimp cocktail. However, I was happily surprised with the cocktail sauce. It was perfectly horseradish-ed bringing tears to my eyes with every bite while simultaneously ridding my sinuses of any seasonal allergies. It definitely is pricy for an appetizer $16 for 5 shrimp or $19 for 1 extra to split evenly between two people. Judging by the fact that the shrimp cocktail is their sole appetizer, it was worth keeping it on the menu. I had the 8 ounce filet mignon which comes with navy bean soup, which was acceptable, especially with a nice sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Navy bean has never been my favorite soup, but I did eat a decent amount, keeping in mind my delicious filet which was on it's way to my table minutes later. The filet was perfectly cooked and the double scoop of mashed potatoes were perfectly fluffy redskinned potatoes mixed with creamy milk and cheddar cheese. I was in no way capable of eating all the food that I was given, but it was a very satisfying meal.The service was phenomenal and our waiter was really forthcoming with any questions we had about the menu. If I ever find myself in Indianapolis again, I would definitely stop in to St. Elmo's.
(5)
Hunger E.
NOTORIETY: Best Thing I Ever Ate (Shrimp cocktail) FOOD: Shrimp cocktail: This was tasty. Spicy, but tasty. You can't help but cry since it goes up your nose. The cocktail sauce was made up of something like horseradish/wasabi. When you put that plump & tender shrimp in you mouth, it starts out sweet, then becomes bitter, then it burns. OVERALL: St. Elmo's is a bit pricey but does serve tasty food, esp. the shrimp cocktail. The filet minon that I got was also good. I'd def. comeback, esp for the shrimp cocktail. RECOMMENDATION: Shrimp cocktail TIPS: 1. Mak a reservation, it gets busy at night.
(4)
Sean A.
I wanted to take my significant other out for a nice dinner on Friday night and I said, pick somewhere you've always wanted to go but haven't been to yet, so he chose St Elmo's. Now I do still find it funny being that we were both born and raised and have continued to live within 50 miles of Indianapolis but have yet to ever make it down to St. Elmo's. We decided to use OpenTable for reservations at 8 PM and got to the restaurant about 7:15 in hopes of hitting the bar for a cocktail. I walked up and asked the bartender for his recommendation of a great scotch. He was quite thorough in his return questioning of whether I wanted single malt, very peaty, not peaty, etc. You have to respect a bartender who know's his drinks after all so I went with his recommendation of a very fine Macallan on the rocks. Before I could even get my second sip in our table was ready for us at about 7:35. Once we sat down and met our waiter we ordered our first round of drinks and an appetizer. We then dove right into the very delicious bread and soon after their famous Shrimp Cocktail which by the way was mind-blowingly good thanks to the signature horseradish sauce (I highly recommend it!). After a little bit of conversation our first course arrived. He ordered a glass of tomato juice and I had a very tasty cup of Navy Bean Soup. I could have lived without the little carrot squares but that's just because I'm a picky eater. We finished those off just shy of our main course arriving which was an absolute sight to see! He ordered the massive Prime Rib which garnered some laughter from our neighboring table as we proceeded to gawk and take a picture of it. I personally ordered the Filet Mignon with a baked potato. Now let me set this up for you so you can understand how amazing these steaks are. I'm honestly and generally not a big fan of steaks. I haven't ordered a steak from a restaurant since Sizzler shut down in Indianapolis back in the 90s when I was a teenager (and I'm now in my early 30s). I've just always favored chicken and fish over beef.In saying that, St. Elmo's Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi was first my first choice, but I figured being at a world-renowned steakhouse I should give steaks a try again. The first bite of that Filet Mignon was about the equivalent of a first kiss or graduation or [insert any other life-changing positive moment]. It was like falling in love for the first time. The steak was so juicy, tender, and flavorful I was almost overwhelmed! Just thinking about it my mouth is actually watering. The potato was pretty great too, I couldn't tell what they did differently with the bacon but it was certainly tastier than any bacon I've ever had. The only thing I could possibly complain about from my dinner date was the steak was a little too red/bloody towards the middle (I ordered it medium-well) but after a few adult beverages I was easily able to overcome that. Next time I know to just order it well done. Again, I highly recommend St. Elmo Steak House, not that they need my recommendation since the restaurant has a long-standing history of excellence. It can be a little expensive but honestly it's really worth it.
(5)
Ed V.
Steak so so good. Horseradish tasty..nose hair burney.
(5)
B W.
Well we went for our traditional annual visit and the shrimp cocktail was excellent, but the steaks were OK, fair meat, one of our party sent back their rib-eye since it had to much fat and gristle. Service was good though, but not the place we have to come enjoy over the years.
Excellent service! The shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque and the surf & turf were all amazing. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Indy!
(5)
Gerald H.
Great atmosphere! Good food and excellent service. I went here for the steak. It's USDA Choice not Prime and wet aged not dry aged. It's pretty good. The seating is typical of an old fashioned steak house so intimate dining is difficult. To get to the main dining area one would need to navigate through the bar. Dress is pretty casual here with folks wearing t-shirts and jeans. I would definitely come back here again.
(4)
Patton C.
Wow. Terrible steaks. I haven't seen this consistently poor quality of food at any restaurant let alone one that has had great quality in the past. We did have great wine and good service Never did get a steak good enough to eat Other choices much better in Indianapolis. Don't be fooled to try this place
(1)
Francie G.
The shrimp cocktail was delicious and the ribeye and dry aged New York steak were both amazing. Our server, Kirk was by far the best server we have ever had. We never had to wait or want for anything. The peach and blueberry pie... There are no words. Pricey.... Yes, but well worth every penny.
(5)
Michele H.
My Anniversary was soooo amazing! My husband had mad reservations and from entry of restaurant to getting to table it was totally a "its your night and we are going to make it fabulous" The shrimp cocktail "Wow" , my Lemon drop Martini, was on spot and delicious! The steak was just sinful! Thanks and we will be back.
(5)
Bob S.
We had steak and chicken tonight. Extraordinarily good ribeye. The famous shrimp cocktail was very good but not nearly as hot & spicy as I expected from other comments posted. I would return but it's a long way from Oregon for dinner.
(5)
Gayle L.
St Elmo was an excellent experience. The shrimp cocktail was everything I heard about and the filet was fantastic. Being from Montana we are pretty spoiled regarding steaks but all I can say is wow!
Was in Indianapolis this past weekend for the Colts game and I knew this place was a must go to. Unfortunately I wasn't too hungry, but decided to get the shrimp cocktail (mandatory) and a petite filet (plus fries). Both of the dishes were AWESOME! The shrimp is as spicy as advertised and the filet was soft and the crab/asparagus on the top were perfect as well. I am hoping next trip I make, I have a bigger appetite to try one of their steaks. The fries were perfectly crisp and I believe they were seasoned with sea salt. I must say the service was amazing. The bartender, Chuck, was very friendly and helpful when I had questions about the menu. In addition, when I needed refills he was always available. I loved the ambiance of the place and everything about it. Will definitely be returning here when I come back to Indy.
(5)
Nick O.
Rated as one of the best Steak Houses in the country. Have never once been disapointed. You will be impressed!
(5)
John W.
We happened upon St Elmo's Steak House while attending the 2015 Final Four. It was packed but we found a seat at the bar in the upstairs lounge. Turned out to be a great meal and experience. The shrimp cocktail is one of the best I have had; very hot and great taste. The steak was cooked to perfection. The pita, cheese, flatbread was very good, as well as the beer. But, the best surprise was the Nob Creek Single Barrel made just for St Elmo's - best bourbon that has crossed our lips. It is worth the trip!
(5)
Steve I.
I must say that the food and service were exquisite! I really can't find the words to adequately express the awesomeness.
(5)
Meredith S.
My mouth has been salivating for years, thinking about the time I'll finally experience St. Elmo's in all its glory. Well folks, that happened last night. It was everything I'd ever dreamed of and more! Much better than gazing in the front window during Super Bowl XLVI and taking pictures of Jon Hamm... but that's another story for another day. This story is about a delicious dinner that began with a French 75 cocktail and fresh baked bread and ended with a leftover box full of food. Yes, that cocktail was yummy. I love gin & tonics, but thought I would do something a little different - it was good, refreshing, light. Perfect for my taste in cocktails. Also, the fresh baked bread.. the one filled with onions and some sort of seed... woah. That was delish. Of course, we ordered a shrimp cocktail and I'm not lying but my mouth is seriously watering just thinking about it. That cocktail/horseradish sauce. OMG YUMZ. So good. I could've just kept eating that all night. For my entree, I ordered the chopped steak which was served with blue cheese and carmelized onions and I also had a baked potato with chives. The chopped steak was, no lie, as bit as my head. I only ate 1/4 of it so I"m going to be having some delicious lunches and dinners this week! The baked potato was yummy as well. I love when they put salt on the skin.. and they did this and twas much appreciated. The atmosphere was just as great as the food. With the dark wood interior, you just feel like you've been transported into a different time. Our waiter was also exceptional. Didn't rush us through the meal and always made sure we had water and cocktails refilled. Still. My mouth is watering about that shrimp cocktail. That's enough to keep me coming back over and over.
(5)
Penny L.
Hands-down this is the most over-rated restaurant in Indianapolis. From beginning to end, we had a terrible experience. I gave it 2 stars ONLY due to the steak, which was indeed delicious. Unfortunately from the minute we arrived, ugh.... There is a horrible bar/waiting area that we had to jockey our way around for half an hour, even though we had a reservation. Once we were seated, our server quickly determined we weren't worth his time, as we look like a young group. (We are not & are all in the service industry.) The shrimp cocktail is good but come on, you're a fine dining establishment & you bring me crackers still wrapped in plastic? I expect that from the diner by my house. And I love horseradish but calm it down - it is just too much. The steak was great but I had to ask my server to even speak to me about wine. I ended up asking for his suggestion & was served the lowest end Pinot, which was OK but again - I'm sure he judged me as young & cheap. When I followed that up with an old-fashioned, I was served an almost CLEAR drink with jarred cherries in it. Disgusting, wrong & watered-down. What a disappointment! The waiters here are used to their percentage tip that they are going to get, regardless of their service standards. This was the third time I'd dined here because I like to give people a chance. But even with a decent steak & nice-sized shrimp, I won't spend my hard-earned tip money here again.
(2)
Mike M.
It's just Indy's classic restaurant that could hold it's own against any similar establishment anywhere in the world. You already know that you gotta try the shrimp cocktail, so do that.
(5)
Jemmie W.
This place is an Indianapolis institution. The service is impeccable. The food is very good but, honestly, other places in Indy have better steaks for one simple reason: Most of the steaks here are USDA Choice and not Prime. If you don't eat steak a lot and have never had Prime before, you probably can't tell the difference between Choice and Prime. But if you are in this category, you probably are not in St. Elmo's. If you eat steak a lot and have had Prime before, you can taste the difference. USDA Prime has a lot more marbling and is more tender and juicy. This is obviously a first world problem. And if St Elmo's had prime, prices would be even higher. Still, it's a little unnerving to bite down on a $45+ steak and find out it's more chewy than a $15 USDA Prime ribeye I can buy from CostCo. The shrimp cocktail is very good. The shrimp is nothing special but the sauce has lots of fresh horse radish and will clear your sinuses.
(4)
Stacy O.
In town for a conference and one of my favorite vendors offered to take me here for dinner. How could I say no? It's a staple of Indianapolis. It was surprisingly crowded on a Monday evening and despite having a reservation, we waited for our table. No worries, though, because the waiting area is located next to the bar, where they had several good beers on tap including local favorites from Sun King. I had the ribeye for dinner, which turned out to be an excellent choice. It was cooked perfectly and was very well seasoned. It's served with your choice of navy bean soup or tomato juice; I opted for the tomato juice. They have a variety of potato choices for a side -- and truthfully, I don't even remember what I picked because I was so focused on the steak in front of me. In total, a great experience. It's a little touristy/kitschy, but it was a fun night out.
(4)
Luisanna R.
I am adjusting my review however I think it's important to leave the old one too. I have adjusted the number of stars I gave them too. So I received a really nice apology from the manager and he invited me to return to the restaurant. I had some friends come in from out of town and they really wanted to go so I thought this would make a great opportunity. I had made a reservation for 8 and I arrived early. Most places will ask you to wait to be seated until most of your party arrives. That was not the case here everyone was very welcoming and they let me sit down to wait for my party. The wait staff was very attentive and this time around all of our steaks looked appropriately cooked. My filet was a perfect Medium Rare and I was super pleased with everything I ate as was the rest of the table. We did not have to wait on drink refills and everything was almost perfect. At the end of the meal the waiter dropped some A1 sauce on one of our party however he was super apologetic and he brought over some soda water lemon and towels for her. We also had a manager over right away to try to rectify the problem. This was the type of service I would expect from a restaurant with St. Elmo's reputation. Next time I will not hesitate to recommend St. Elmo's to a visiting guest. OLD REVIEW: I hate writing bad reviews however the one time I came here our steaks were all cooked incorrectly. I mean by that we all ordered a different temp steak and when they came out they all looked the same. I also ordered the bread pudding which came out cold, not room temp but cold. Also we ordered a bottle of wine and except for the first pour the waiter never came back to complete bottle service. It just left a very sour taste in my mouth and I will never go back to St. Elmo's. The reason I gave them 2 stars is because they do carry the most AMAZING cocktail sauce for their shrimp cocktail athough you can get this at Harry and Izzy's and I will go there every time to get it.
(4)
Brittany L.
It's refreshing to find a restaurant with such a straight-forward menu of high-quality food. I didn't have to get out my phone to Google one single word! Solid choice for pre-prom dinners, as no one will be confused or feel awkward. There are only 4 pieces of easily-identified silverware and others are brought with their respective courses if needed. Service was absolutely fantastic. Our server was great throughout the entire meal and used dishes were removed quickly by our server, a busboy, or one of the other members of the waitstaff. We came here kinda for our birthdays-ish, but mostly just because I'd never been and really wanted to have "THE Indianapolis steak house experience." We each had a filet mignon because...really...why would you take a chance on any other cut when this one is always perfect? Both steaks were perfect in every way. Tender, properly cooked to medium as requested, flavorful and lightly seasoned...just enough to bring out the flavor of the meat. On Sundays all year long, they offer the $40 "Devour" special, so I had that. It's not that we're cheap, it's that I'm incapable of eating more than 6 oz. of beef...and I wanted dessert! The Devour special is a choice of salad or 3-shrimp cocktail, choice of 3 entrees served with green beans and redskin mashed potatoes, and a choice of dessert (chocolate cake, creme brulee, or cheesecake). I talked about how good everything was throughout the meal...because I love food and this was all awesome. The steak was everything a filet should be. The potatoes probably had the proper ratio of butter:cream:potatoes because were heaven. The garlicy-buttery green beans were cooked exactly right...not mushy, not so crisp you can't gracefully fold them to get them into your mouth. The rolls and parmesan crisps were warm, fresh, delightful...maybe too delightful because I ate 2 rolls and 3 crisps. For my starter I had 3 shrimp...no sauce, no lemons, because I really like shrimp and don't want to ruin them by covering up the flavor. He had the 8 oz. filet off the regular menu, which comes with navy bean and ham soup (or tomato juice) and choice of potato. I tasted a bite of soup and a fresh-cut fry and both were great. His steak was perfect too, and also $40 for the meal. I don't understand how this somehow got the reputation of being the priciest restaurant in the city. Here, for $40, you get an entree, a starter, and a side...even off the regular menu. At many other places $40 gets you a plate of meat, sad and all alone. Our dessert was a delicious slice of chocolate cake. The cake part was fantastic but I thought the frosting could've been richer and less sweet. Personal opinion though. I drank a bourbon-lemon cocktail ($11) and he had a Sun King Wee Mac and an Arcadia Ales Witsun...both draft. My drink was great too...tasted nice and bourbon-y, not cloyingly sweet, and I'll be honest...I felt a little buzz. I can picture Ron Swanson eating here, admiring the photos of models, athletes, actresses, race cars, race horses, and other manly pursuits. If you are looking for innovation, you will be sorely disappointed by this institution, as it seems not much has changed in the past few decades. There is king crab mac and cheese available for $16.95...which sounds about right for a girl to order and eat at the bar alone with her bourbon cocktail. I'll be back.
(4)
Ken M.
On my Mt. Rushmore of USA steakhouses. Everyone says it... Shrimp Cocktail is best in USA... seems like it to me. Spicy! Definitely the best way to end a day at Indy 500 or a Colts game, but whenever we swing through Indy for meetings we always try to make a quick trip over to St. Elmo's.
(5)
Adam B.
The shrimp cocktail is awesome, but otherwise my opinion is that the restaurant is generally overpriced for what you get. I had the ribeye at almost $40 and I bet I could have cooked something tastier at home. The menu is very limited as well. If you really want the shrimp cocktail, go to Harry & Izzys. They have the same shrimp cocktail, and a much better menu.
(3)
Cherise B.
Had the most amazing meal with the outstanding server Andy! This place is a terrific dining experience.
(5)
Apple S.
Went to St. Elmo's Steak House for a New Year's Eve dinner with my coworkers since it was close to our hotel which was Downtown Marriott. Great atmosphere, great food, and great service. I ordered the chopped steak with red mashed potatoes. The rest of my guests ordered a 40 oz steak, lobster mac and cheese, asparagus, and we all shared as everything was family sized portion. The plus point is that we got seating right away despite the New Years. My boss made reservations 1 year prior to dining here so I guess we just got lucky. Next time I'm in town, I would most definitely come back.
(4)
Amanda W.
Enjoyed a great date night in the more causal lounge upstairs. Great food and excellent service. It's always a treat when the staff are interactive and less robotic. The sliders were as always fabulous. Next trip I'm trying the shrimp cocktail that's apparently to die for.
(4)
Jason B.
We just stopped in to try the famous shrimp cocktail and to relax with a drink. We didn't stay for dinner but the shrimp was excellent. Fresh and tasty and covered in the hottest cocktail sauce you'll ever eat! It is great if you are a horseradish lover but be careful if you get a good chuck - it will open up you nostrils for sure! They also have an extensive upmarket scotch list with some great selections.
(5)
James N.
We were told it was the best steak in USA. I would agree it was a wonderful experience. I would rank it in the Top 10 of places I have been. Went there after the Pacers win. It is a short walk from the Field House. The server: Jordan was excellent. Ambiance was good as we were stationed on the lower level. The Lobster Bisque was the best I have had- normally you have to search for lobster but the chunks were overflowing. The homemade shrimp cocktail sauce was great. The filet sliced like butter. Only downside is that my Medium Rare was more of a Rare. Also the highly ranked Lobster Mac and Cheese was not that great.
(4)
Frank M.
Just ok. I think I just didn't get the food. I wasn't impressed at all. The shrimp cocktail is worth ping back for but that's because the cocktail sauce was awesome. Other than that, I could leave it. I would go back to try it again and hope it was better but just didn't get the hype. The atmosphere is awesome though.
(3)
Colleen D.
So incredibly good. Our table ordered the shrimp cocktail and although I'm not a huge shrimp fan - it was really good! You have to like things hoy/spicy! I then got the petite filet and baked potato. The filet was like butter. The service is very good / they are very busy. Last time we came in at sat at the bar. Bartender was very nice and attentive. It is a very classic/classy place.
(5)
Anthony R.
St. Elmo's is a must-visit when you're in Indianapolis. I used to visit the city every year for GenCon, and a friend and I would always stop here the first night. St. Elmo's is over 100 years old and is a traditional steak house. The decor all looks early to mid-20th century, the wait staff are real waiters, not just "servers," and we've never had less than superb service. The martinis are excellent, the shrimp cocktail the best I've ever had (horseradish lovers rejoice), and the steaks are dry-aged perfection. They'll of course prepare them the way you want, but, if you have it done more than medium-rare, turn in your beef-lover's card. The New York Strip is my favorite cut. I've also had the pork chops, which are great. Sure, it's pricey, but, if you're traveling, why not treat yourself? I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Anthony G.
A "must-do" in Indy. Great old (independent) steakhouse. Standard steakhouse atmo, the waiters are all ancient dudes in tuxes. The bar is really noisy. The food was really good. You have to have the shrimp cocktail, it's their signature dish. That's due to freshly-made cocktail sauce containing a LOAD of fresh-ground horseradish. Sinus-clearing, and delicious. I had a 12-ounce filet, perfectly cooked. Very tender and tasty, and it's not drowning in Ruth Chris butter. I'll be back next time I'm in Indy. Recommended!
(4)
Dana M.
Came to St. Elmo's for Devour Downtown. Excellent service and menu. The shrimp cocktail (as so many others have said) will blow your mind. I literally felt a stinging heat go through my sinuses when I ate it. Pain is beauty! It was worth it. The mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever had. The lower rating is for an average steak. I had the filet mignon. Don't get me wrong; it was a beautiful cut of meat that was cooked perfectly to medium rare. But I didn't feel like it had a lot of flavor or seasoning. I still would go back and recommend others to try it, but it's not my favorite place for actual steak.
(3)
Mike S.
This review was from a visit in December. Service was awesome. Our server was very attentive and could carry a conversation when we engaged him. Shrimp cocktail was great, since they are known for it. Kind of odd to be the only appetizer. I ordered the bone in Filet, medium, and it was delicious. But, I would shudder to think what a medium rare or rare steak looks like. Mine was red, cool to the touch. I ate it, but would have enjoyed it more if it was actually medium. This was an issue with all three of our steaks. The only problem we had with the dinner was our seating and the atmosphere. We were one of the first people in the restaurant at 4:30, since we were headed to a Pacers game. We had a reservation and we were seated in the basement, almost as far back as you could go. Very odd, since we walked by the whole restaurant to get there. I'm sure they have their reasons, but it felt like we were whisked away to an unseen portion of the restaurant. It started to fill up as we sat there and the noise level grew. For a high end steakhouse, I thought too high. The worst part of the experience was the air circulation. At various times throughout the meal, the air conditioning seemed to kick in bringing a cold breeze (it was 20 outside) and an overpowering smell of a backed up drain. Since we were on a time schedule, we didn't request a change, but as we sat there, we were just waiting for the air to kick off every time it came on. Overall, the meal was good. I think our experience might not be typical.
(3)
Cher P.
We had dinner at St Elmo's tonight to celebrate my birthday. Though the food was good we had a horrible experience because the room was so noisy we could hardly talk to each other. Added to this was a large loud obnoxious group of people next to us. Instead of relaxing over dinner and dessert we had them pack up our food and we got out of there. I realize this is a touchy situation for a restaurant but these people were disturbing everyone in the room, something should have been done.
(1)
David I.
My wife and I just ate here for our anniversary and I have to say while the service is still excellent, but the food didn't seem as good as the last time I was here. My wife had a petite filet mignon and she enjoyed it. I had the bone-in filet mignon and while very flavorful, it was also very fatty. And while fat=flavor, there is a point where there is too much fat. I will eat here again but I will lower my expectations a little. And I still recommend that you do NOT order the shrimp cocktail. It's not worth burning your tastebuds before you eat the steaks.
(3)
Moistnchewie L.
If you've had and/or like Maestros / Flemings / Ruth Chris before, you'll want to pass on St. Elmo and save your money for a better tasting slab of meat. The shrimp cocktail was memorable, but the steak was just myeh. I can appreciate the history / tradition of the restaurant but don't quite understand why this place was so packed on a weekday! Ordered a rib eye, medium rare and tried the filet, medium rare as well. The meat wasn't that tender nor tasty (it tasted like a cut you could get at Outback for a fraction of the price). The bill came out to $160ish for 2 people which included 2 cocktails, apps, entrees, and a dessert.
(1)
Lauren H.
In a word: Overrated. I finally tried St. Elmo's, after living in Indy for 2 years, during Devour Downtown... and was sadly disappointed. The only upside was, I didn't pay full price for the experience! The "world famous" shrimp cocktail was slight torture, I literally had to dip them in water to wash the firey horseradish sauce off... note to self- order on the side in future. And I am not a wimp, looking at other diners everyone had tears in their eyes during this course- why? I longingly observed those eating the house salad. Move on to the main course, the steak was excellent, but it takes more than a great steak to impress. The potatoes tasted like wallpaper paste, thick and pasty & the green beans tasted like fish. Both my boyfriend and I had our plates cleared with the steak gone and most of the potatoes/beans remaining. The desert was decent enough, I had the creme brulee and he had the cheesecake with raspberry sauce. He claimed the creme brulee was too eggy and the cheesecake tasted still frozen... I had definitely had better. Now, the ambiance, the main experience- a main reason I go out to eat. We entered the restaurant, checked in with the main hostess after waiting in line, only to be directed to wait in line to check out coats (which was a disorganized mess), only to go wait in line again to see the hostess that would seat us... and this is all when he HAD a reservation! We wind through confusing hallways and pass multiple different dining rooms to finally be seated at our table. And the first thing I spot is a dirty bread plate... Gross! After being seating we were introduced to our awkward and stuffy waiter they always have at the fancy restaurants. The tables were so close together, I was thankful we sat down at 6pm before the dinner rush. Well by the main course, the table next to us arrived. Some "usuals" and the waiter chatted them up all throughout the time it took to eat my steak. The tables were so close, his butt was in our faces the whole time during said conversation. I moved the candle on the table to avoid his coat getting burned. Excuse me sir, you're in my bubble. I prefer a little more space while dining. The table was so far apart from my significant other, we either had to awkwardly side sit (no thanks) or sit across from each other and yell to speak! All in all, glad we experienced it but definitely will not go back. Even with the devour downtown deal, our bill was well over $100- we can have an enjoyable meal at Texas Roadhouse for $40!
(2)
Jonathan M.
Based on the reviews and the recommendation by our waiter, had to try the Shrimp Cocktail - awesome. Great kick to it and full of flavor. For the main dish had the rib-eye special, while my cut had quite a bit of fat on it, the flavor of the meat itself was amazing and cooked perfectly (medium rare). Our party ended the night sharing a slice of chocolate cake...good thing we did. The slice is huge, rich, and dense. Great service, easy to make reservations through Open Table.
(4)
Keith K.
Place is a absolute joke. If you enjoy tasteless filet, cold potatoes, a shot glass of tomato juice all for the ridiculous price of $45 go for it. The shrimp cocktail is good, nothing special. How loading on horseradish on top of cocktail sauce makes it fantastic is beyond me. Once was enough for me. Btw being seated in a corner were my view was a waiter station kinda summed the experience up.
(1)
Chris C.
There are two reasons to go to St Elmo's - Steak and the shrimp cocktail. Now, when I first heard of this restaurant, I knew I had to check it out. After all, how often do you get to go to one of the countries best steak houses? When I arrived I found a seat at the bar (if you read more of my reviews you may find this is a trend. It's not that I prefer the bar, but when you're dining alone, it's probably the best way to go), and the gentleman next to me told me to get the shrimp cocktail. Who am I to disagree? The shrimp were great, and the cocktail sauce had a good kick to it. I just wish the spicy flavor would stick around for longer. Maybe I'm a bit spoiled, because when I finally got the steak, I didn't think it was worth the hype. I can cook a better steak at home (although I do have to get a dry-aged cut from Ottomanelli's), so to pay $50 for it I felt a bit ripped off. Now, I'm not saying you won't get a good steak here. But, for the price, you could probably do better.
(3)
Gerald S.
Something very special about this place. All about steak, however the shrimp cocktail is the best I've had anywhere - but only because the sauce is the best. (think lots of horseradish) It will light you up. Great service and setting in a historical tradition.
(5)
Anthony K.
Excellent steaks, nice wine list and a very old school flare. Be sure to try the famous shrimp cocktail, be prepared it'll bite back.
(5)
Patrick W.
Great steak restaurant traditional in downtown. Must have the shrimp cocktail. Special dinner menu a great way to sample the fair if you're not in for the big steak.
(4)
T. J. K.
Two words: Shrimp Cocktail. That and whatever hunk of meat turns your fancy.
(4)
Erni M.
Must experience
(4)
E.C. W.
The food is alright, nothing special in my book, waaaaaaaayyyyy over priced for what it is.
(2)
Linda C.
Shrimp cocktails are spicy and wonderful!! Filet was like cutting through butter but slightly tasteless and room temperature. Mac and cheese with crab was not very good. Quite bland. The service was fantastic and the place was rocking!
(4)
Carli L.
For the price we paid, it was not worth it. I attended this restaurant moments after getting engaged right out front. The entire wait staff really killed the mood as they were really rude and seemed to have no time for us. The food was only OK. I really can't believe how over-rated this place is. Although I am from out of town, I won't be visiting again or recommending it to anyone.
(2)
Bryan W.
Atmosphere was noisy and crowded, minus one star. I went on a weekday evening around 6pm. Food was great. I had the filet and took the local recommended sugar cream pie for dessert; both out of this world! I would definitely return.
(4)
Jason R.
One of the oldest steak houses in the country established in 1903. The wait staff was really friendly and attentive all though our guy had a little bit of the shakes which had me on edge when he was pouring me my wine. The shrimp cocktail was well worth the price but definitely scrape the cocktail sauce off them first and then dip because it is very spicy and can be a little bit to much. The wine selection was good but our waiter was pulling reviews of it out of his ass when I asked him what he thought of it before I ordered. Not very knowledgeable of the wines. The steaks were perfectly cooked and seasoned which kept it at a 4 review. It is definitely a stop to take in Indianapolis but I would not put it anywhere near my top 25 in the country like I have seen it in a few places like buzzfeed
(4)
Michael M.
The service in this restaurant was very good. They were attentive and courteous especially on a very busy evening. The food was above average, but it wasn't very hot when it came out to the table which was disappointing. The flavor and quality of the Filet was excellent and it was cooked just as we requested. The highlight of the meal was the shrimp appetizer. It comes with a dipping sauce that knocks your socks off (like a heavy dose of horseradish) for about three seconds and then you completely recover. We also tried the calamari which came with an Asian type dipping sauce - it was good. Overall pretty good experience, but definitely more of a casual steak house than your typical high brow place and I think that's what they want to be. Prices were fair considering their location and the style of restaurant.
(3)
R. L. W.
So grabbed a reservation for yesterday, a Friday night, as there was nothing available on Saturday. Nice, darker surroundings and you just feel like this restaurant has been around awhile. It has, like 1908 or something close to that. We started with the shrimp cocktail, the only appetizer they offer, and it was top notch with very large and fresh shrimp. Warning on their cocktail sauce. It is unlike any cocktail sauce you've ever had before. Loaded with horseradish it literally clears out your sinuses but I like very spiced dishes so no issue on my part. Second was a wedge salad which was also very good and served like a traditional, steakhouse wedge. All of us ordered the filets, one an 8 oz. and the other a 12 oz.. The 8 oz was cooked to Medium perfection but the 12 oz, ordered well, was more medium than my other diners would have preferred. Still enjoyable but not quite as enjoyable as it could be. Sides of Baked potatoes and green beans accompanied the meat. The baked potato was a monster, slathered in salt, and was fully loaded and just right. The green beans were flavorful but nothing out of the ordinary. Service was top notch and not overly intrusive. Our waiter seemed to have a knack for showing up at just the right time. A little overpriced by today's restaurant standards but worth a splurge I would say.
(4)
Mrs S.
The steaks are excellent and if you go the shrimp cocktail is a must have, best I've ever eaten. The wait staff could be friendlier and more attentive. But the food is exceptional.
(4)
Alison B.
Classic steakhouse fare, well executed for the most part. This is a huge sprawling space (with a seemingly endless warren of rooms) with expensive high quality steaks, but happily they are large enough to share. We thought that everything needed a bit more seasoning at the table though, from the ribeye itself to the sinfully rich au gratin potatoes which managed to come off a bit bland despite the copious cream and cheese layers. Wine list is massive and varied, with the cheapest bottles starting at close to $50 and skyrocketing to more than $1300. Average seemed to be in the $80-$100 range. Service was adequate and reasonably skilled, but not warm or memorable in any way.
(3)
Angel B.
I LOVE this place. Old school feel, i don't even like manhattans, but was compelled to order one just because of the atmosphere. The asparagus was on point, and the steaks were fabulous.
(5)
Austin K.
I love the steak and shrimp cocktail. They also have amazing soups and sides (mashed potatoes, lobster mac and cheese). It's obviously very pricy, but it's probably my favorite place to eat in Indianapolis!
(5)
jacob b.
OK. This place is understandably iconic as far as Indianapolis eateries go. It's decor hits 88mph with the flux capacitor blazing as you enter. A complete package of nostalgia to the late 30's. Steak, staff and wine selection are all 5 stars...but what prevents this chap from clicking that 5th star/perfect rating: The Shrimp Cocktail. It is famous for reasons beyond my comprehension. The waitress practically already had it ordered before I mentioned it, as she probably usually does. It is terrible! It is an injection of horseradish directly into your mouth that hits all 5 senses with it's blast radius. Maybe it is a matter of personal preference, but unless you want to expunge a number of fluids from your nose, eyes and sweat glands into a white linen napkin.....SKIP IT! Otherwise....this wise guy eatery embodies all the old world steakhouse values one looks for, but imitators so often miss these days as the copies of the copies have skewed too far from the original.
(4)
Lisa M.
You can't beat the filet or the history at St Elmo. The service is top notch, the food isn't fancy but it is incredible, and of course the famous shrimp cocktail is worth the trip all on it's own. I take all my out of town friends here to kick off their Indy experience because it sets the tone perfectly. Great cocktails, and the crispy cheese bread pieces in the bread basket are a little bonus goodness but worth the mention.
(5)
Ryan M.
In Indianapolis its hard to do much better. This is the place for steak. I LOVE the shrimp cocktail!!
(5)
Kevin M.
Top tier restaurant in Indy. Known for the shrimp cocktail, but also does a good job on the grill. Great location and atmosphere.
(5)
Michael B.
Came here to celebrate a birthday for my third visit to St. Elmo. Once again had a great dining experience. The atmosphere is right up my alley - old school steakhouse vibe and decor with a very attentive staff that makes the meal feel more important than your usual night out. The service was extremely good the first time I was here, but neither waiter since that initial visit has neared the high bar set by our first server. Sometimes it seems the larger parties overwhelm the staff and get the bulk of the attention relative to smaller parties or couples. The food has been consistently excellent every time. The shrimp cocktail is an awesome experience - a unique taste that will catch you off guard and have you thinking about it the next day. Definitely worth ordering every time. Each entree also comes with a choice of navy bean soup or tomato juice (which seems kind of odd) - I went with the tomato juice and it was an interesting side to sip on during the shrimp along with a nice Malbec. I went with the New York strip and the steak was extremely well prepared. It was exactly how I ordered it (medium rare), juicy, and seasoned the perfect amount - not overwhelming but perfectly complementing the natural flavor of the cut. Every bite justified the steep price for me. My fiancee ordered the Sunday special (mini shrimp cocktail/small cut of filet/dessert for $35 if I remember right - a solid deal) so I shared some of her raspberry cheesecake which was also quite good. Overall a great steak dinner in a good environment. Would give it 4.5 stars, but rounded down slightly this time because the service was a little sub par for St. Elmo standards this time - rather ho hum throughout the entire meal. We had to prompt him to tell us about the Sunday special and the experience there was very transactional - which is fine most places , but I'd expect a little more here.
(4)
Bill G.
A fine Indy tradition and a special occasion type of place. Never disappointed here. Had the 8 oz filet last night and it was perfect. Of course, you have to get the shrimp cocktail. And a fabulous wine list. $6000 bottle of wine? Yeah they have that but we had a spectacular $60 Cabernet. Topped off the meal by splitting the best cheesecake I've ever had. And the service is amazing. I hate those places with the "you're not good enough to eat here" snooty waiters. This isn't one of those places. The wait staff is wonderful and really adds to the experience. Great place that lives up to the hype!
(5)
Erin D.
The steaks here are amazingly yummy! The shrimp cocktail is awesome too! Be careful though, the cocktail sauce has some major kick to it! Service is excellent too! Every Sunday they have the Devour Downtown menu :)
(5)
Brittany C.
First off, shrimp cocktail...5 stars! The sauce will light you up but it's such a good burn and the shrimp are HUGE! That is obviously my favorite part of my St Elmos experience and why I continue to go back. For me, a steak is a steak for the most part. I recognize the difference between an Outback Steak House steak vs a St Elmos (it's better) but I don't enjoy steak enough to pay the extra dough so that's why the three stars from me. Service is always great as well. If you are a steak lovers, great steak but I don't think it's anything special compared to the other high end steak houses. It's the shrimp cocktail that sets them apart!
(3)
Angie B.
I think there was way too much hype over this restaurant. I'm sure a lot of it comes from the fact that it's been around Indy for a very long time, which is great, but it just wasn't as great as I expected. The service was wonderful. Everyone wished us a happy anniversary and the server recommended a great bottle of wine. However, I was very disappointed in the steak. I have definitely had better. Save your money and go somewhere else.
(2)
Brooke M.
A great experience. I love the steak and throw back atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is a must try.
(5)
Dani D.
I wanted to love it, but it's insanely overrated. I like Ruth's Chris MUCH better (although not the one we have in Indy). It's worth having the shrimp cocktail once just to say you've had it, but as a steak lover, I'm bummed that was the highlight of my visit.
(2)
Jolanda B.
Great expereince
(4)
Adam C.
REALLY overrated. People rave and rave about this place.... why? We may never know! So they have some cocktail sauce thats really spicy... that's about it. Save yourself and go to Morton's or Ruth's Chris.
(3)
Lesley S.
Sweet juicy goodness popping in your mouth. You know those commercials on TV. Searing steak that pops in your mouth with a dash of salt and a little spice. Yes, absolutely. That is exactly what happens when you come to St. Elmos. You know the waiter... the one that knows you but doesn't know you? The one that knows you have a pink sparkly VS thong on, BEFORE you put it on? Yep. That's the waiter we had. I came in and he knew what I wanted to order and how I wanted it. God, why can't you bless me with a man like this? Oh sweet Jesus! Did he try and sell me with the Shrimp appetizer? Yes. But, I am one of those water wenches who doesn't eat seafood unless it's a hundred miles from the water. Capiche? When I want it good and right, this is the place in Indy to come. Honestly, I didn't' think it was too pricey. Then again, it wasn't my dollar.
(5)
Kristen Y.
Beautiful building, with historical charm. Not big on steak, so that is important to know when reading my review. I must say, the menu seems a bit limited in terms of other options - including poultry and seafood. I would much rather head next door to their sister restaurant, Harry & Izzy's. Big fan of that place - it's less pricey too.
(2)
Andy R.
Ok but not as good as I was expecting. Ambience is fine. Service excellent. The $45 dry aged ribeye was mediocre. I've had better steaks at Ruth Chris' for less money.
(2)
Ramsey B.
I have dined at St. Elmo's numerous times. I am not from Indy, but I make sure to dine there whenever I'm in Indy and in the mood for steak. The steaks are amazing and cooked to perfection according to your preferred temperature. The shrimp cocktail is a must!
(5)
Yina W.
Best shrimp cocktail in the city. I recommend this to everyone! I got the filet and this was awesome as well. The atmosphere and staff was amazing. I have been here twice in the past few months and love it.
(5)
Jason M.
Awesome Food! Really great atmosphere, and competent staff.
(5)
Mike P.
one of the best in the universe if you eat a chicken here you are kind of an idiot
(5)
Katie B.
Delicious shrimp cocktail, great service, will definitely return!
An Indianapolis classic, this restaurant is the perfect place for a bar dinner or meeting with its dark woods and traditional steak house atmosphere. But it's the shrimp cocktail is why the patrons keep returning. It was spicy, but definitely worth the trip.
My wife and I always go here to celebrate special occasions. Food is wonderful and sevice is great. Never had a bad meal here.
(5)
Michelle W.
Why did we wait so long to come here? Amazing! All around. My husband never touches a bread basket(can't say the same for myself!) and it was demolished. Shrimp cocktail was delicious(spicy!) and navy bean soup was to die for. Filet and bone in ribeye was on par for some of the best steaks I have had. Don't even question it...go for the king crab Mac and cheese. Not a fan of creamed spinach.. But I have to say it was quite delicious. Now come, get lost in the wine list and eat a scrumptious cut of meat. Don't say I didn't warn you.
(5)
Christy C.
Cocktail shrimp were amazing! Great food and service all around!
(5)
Lisa G.
This place is renowned for a reason. They get it right every time. Service is great. Food is great. Atmosphere is great. It is a must-do when in downtown Indy. Don't forget to enjoy the horseradish shrimp cocktail.
(4)
Laura S.
great steaks, great shrimp cocktails, great service. indy landmark for a reason.
(5)
DiMenna J.
The customer service was fantastic, The food was excellent I had the bone in ribeye and the shrimp cocktail, the atmosphere was down to earth fun, and our waiter Scott was top notch professional he made our evening perfect.
(5)
Kalie A.
Went to St. Elmo this past weekend with my boyfriend. I live in Chicago which is well known for great food, and I was hopeful Indy would provide us with similar quality food and service. The entire dining experience was completely amazing. The service was top notch and the food was divine. We went a bit later than the usual Saturday crowd and it was pleasantly quiet allowing us to actually be able to talk. Our waiter, David, was awesome! If you get the chance to sit in his section - do it. He steered us in the right direction in regards to the perfect wine and food ... and dessert :) I am not a big and avid "Yelper" but I wanted to let you know that this place is really good. I even claimed that it was the best meal of the year - and I meant it.
(5)
Tom W.
An Indianapolis favorite! A must stop every time I'm in town. If you like steak, You'll love St. Elmo's. And for the shrimp cocktail lovers...this is your place! But beware...it's not for the faint of heart. The horseradish cocktail sauce will put hair on our chest and definitely clear our sinus'. My absolute favorite is the cowboy ribeye. It's a perennial favorite and a delight to the pallet. The wine list is extensive and perfectly paired to your meal too, but don't feel intimidated...they have a full bar and plenty of selections on tap also. A business travelers favorite but my first stop also! Definitely worth the trip every time.
(5)
Garrett J.
I really love to come here for the food. The cocktail is a must but do not put too much sauce on your shrimp because you'll regret it. There steaks are delicious and the desserts are as well. In just not to thrilled with the service. I went the other day for devour downtown. It was my first time being there for devour. Once we told the server we were going to order the special his whole demeanor changed like he knew our bill wasn't going to be very high so his tip wasn't going to be big either. Really disappointing because I top based on the service and not the bill size.
(3)
James B.
Not worth it. Flavorless steak. Hour wait for that. Just too expensive for what you get. Cool atmosphere. Shrimp cocktail was ok. Overall. Skip it.
(2)
Scott C.
Stopped by myself and ate at the bar on a Tuesday at 6pm. Had a long drive from Chicago on business trip. No time for lunch so was starving. Bar was packed and noisy - fine by me. Had heard about the shrimp cocktail so gave it a try. Also ordered the cowboy steak with green beans, and a side of mushrooms. Couple of glasses of wine. Steak was really, really good, cooked to perfect medium rare - among the best I have had from Morton's, Cap Grill, and high-end independents in Chicago like Gibson's, Chicago Cut, etc. I am glad i tried the shrimp cocktail but would not order again. I don't really get the thrill of atomic cocktail sauce, although it does cover the taste of very mediocre, supper-club quality shrimp- but it seems as if others do. I see why they push it, though - inexpensive sauce poured over six modest -quality shrimp at $16 a pop must be a huge, huge money-maker. Good service from both bartenders. Wine list is massive and deep; by-the-glass list just OK. Kudos for having a nice list of half-bottles - so few places do. The high-end wines by the bottle (or mag or double-mag) and there are many, are massively over-priced, even by restaurant standards. But, they have some older vintages of the good stuff that are bargains (relatively speaking, of course), if you like aged wine and really want to splurge. I'd like to come back and do that sometime. Can't wait to come again. Not to be rude, and I can understand the bummer when steak is over- or under-cooked - but I can't imagine what the people who compare a steak here to Outback are eating. If you think Outback has good steak, why go to a place like this? Never been a Ruth's Chris fan, either, as I find the steaks a cut below the best houses but with the same high prices. The one in Indy seems to rate high so maybe I'll try it.
(4)
Robbie R.
Went to St Elmos with a group of 5 for Devour Downtown. We were seated right away with water and bread waiting on us. Service was amazing, the shrimp cocktail was out of this world (as always), the filet could be cut with a fork, I would eat the mashed potatoes everyday and the creme brulee finished it off perfectly. The only thing I was not impressed with was the salad. However everything else more than made up for it. Great place to go anytime.
(5)
Charley C.
Shrimp cocktail was delicious waiter was great. a little loud the bean soup with the cocktail sauce was very good . Filet was tender melt in your mouth . Creme brulie was delicious. Have to go if your in town
(3)
Kevin S.
Fantastic!! Lives up to the hype.
(5)
Brenton A.
Some of the best food in Indy. A perfect place for a fancy night out. I've not sampled much of thier menu, so others will have more to say than I will, but let me repeat what everyone already knows: Shrimp cocktail. Oh my god. These are so intensely spicy (horseradish that bites like wasabi) you might as well be doing shots. Everyone brace yourself, pop one in, and ride the wave. You might want a chaser. (Actually, a lemon wedge chaser would be fantastic.) So go, dress nice, bring cash, and have fun.
(5)
Jackie K.
Over-rated. Sure, the shrimp cocktail is something special. One bite feels like you've been punched in the nose from the inside out. The horseradish tastes fresh, and you get 5 large shrimp that's doused in the cocktail sauce. But the steaks...they were just OK. For a steakhouse, I was expecting more. I ordered one of the specials of the day: Bone-In Strip. I ordered mine medium, but it came out medium well. I know they say you can send back your order, but when I'm with 2 other people for dinner, the last thing I want to do is send back my order and sit in my seat for another 10 minutes watching other people eat their steaks while I'm waiting for them to correct my order. Maybe it was because my steak was overcooked, but it just wasn't juicy enough or flavorful enough for me. However, my friend ordered the filet mignon and loved it...so maybe I ordered the wrong cut. Regardless, my experience here wasn't all that great. St Elmo's is such a staple in Indy, I'll probably end up finding myself back here, but I don't think I'll be rushing over here any time soon.
(3)
Katie M.
Went here last night for my birthday, which coincided with Devour Downtown. Our waiter was quite possibly the best one I've ever had, but that didn't make up for the pretty average food. It was a cool experience because the restaurant has so much history, but I'd maybe go for a drink and the shrimp cocktail and then skip the rest. Nothing terrible, but nothing fantastic. Save your $$ and go to Ruth's Chris.
(3)
Tobin B.
This is one of the finest steak houses in Indy. My food has aways been prepared perfectly. Now my soon to be mother-in-law did not enjoy hers this trip but I cant speak to it since my filet was perfect. The King Crab Mac and Cheese was to die for. Now for the warning that should always be given at St. Elmos....beware the shrimp coctail!!! I always get it and love it but if you are not a fan of a lot (and I mean LOT) of horseraddish then beware!!!
(5)
Randall F.
Meh. That is what I have to say about ST. ELMO. I suppose I went in with expectations that were way too high as I had been looking forward to dining there for months when I learned I was going to Indy, but the steak was really not impressive. I ordered their special which happened to be a dry-aged, then wet-aged KC Strip. The steak lacked flavor and I actually had to ask for steak sauce (something I NEVER do in a steak restaurant)... The highlight of the meal was by far the Shrimp Cocktail... that cocktail sauce will burn your face off (AMAZING horseradish)... but I am sad to say it went down hill from there. Service was excellent, Wine was excellent... steak was moderately ok which to me is unacceptable with a $48 price tag.
(2)
Jared T.
Good whiskey, great shimp, outstanding steak! One of the best steakhouses in the Midwest! Worth every penny.
It's all been said about their infamous shrimp cocktail. I have nothing more to add except that my MIND IS SUFFICIENTLY BLOWN. What a tremendous take on something so extraordinarily simple as shrimp and cocktail sauce. It was an experience. I was also delighted by the Navy Bean Soup and hope to also figure out a copy cat recipe for winter Sunday nights. My tomahawk cut ribeye steak, however, didn't deliver on the $54 price tag. It was a much tougher cut than I expected, and full of tendon tissue which made it a difficult chew. The au gratin potatoes were the most decadent part of our meal, and noteworthy also. Before leaving, we took a quick look at the new speakeasy bar upstairs, the 1933 Lounge. Wow. If we weren't spent from a massive dinner, I'd have very easily settled in there. Something cool to look forward to on a return visit. I wished more from my steak, but the wonderful service and delightful turns made for a great night out with my wife.
(4)
John K.
A local friend told me about this place, and was in town for the F1 Race back in 2005/2006 I had to try it. I must say, this is one of my top 5 Steakhouse's in ALL of the US. I could not stop eating even after I was full! They talked up the shrimp cocktail and I was going to pass (you've had one shrimp cocktail you've had them all), However the homemade cocktail sauce was simply amazing. They grow their own horseradish and it makes a difference! Indy should be very proud to have this establishment there. We have honestly contemplated going back simply for dinner (and we're from So. Cal). Cows raised in Illinois are NOT the same as we get in California. . .A must.
(5)
Ron R.
The steak was perfectly prepared and melted in my mouth. The have only one appetizer, but when you have something so good why bother with anything else. A warning to those that can't handle the heat, you may need to pass on the cocktail sauce. It will light you up, but the burn is so worth it. The place is much larger on the inside than it looks from the street. There are multiple floors and room after room on the lower levels. Great place for a special occasion.
(5)
Otis H.
Honestly, I was a little disappointed by this place. I was here at a conference for work and was looking for one of the old standby institutions of Indianapolis. This is apparently one of them. First of the good stuff: -Great wine selection; not even obscenely expensive. -The bread and butter was actually really good. A dark salted rye with high quality butter. -Shrimp cocktail, OK seriously, I am a snobby New Englander born and bread. This means I look at seafood in the mid-west with suspicion at best and open contempt at worst. This shrimp cocktail was the best I'd ever had. Huge fresh shrimp, sinus clearing cocktail sauce and just the right size. The not so good: -Steak, this is why I only gave this place 3 stars with the best shrimp cocktail I've ever had. I had their special which was apparently the end cut of a boneless Delmonico. It was supposed to be more tender and flavorful. Unfortunately...this steak was so salted you couldn't taste it. Also, I ordered medium rare (asking for more on the rare side) and this was definitely medium. If you're MO is steak...these are two cardinal sins. -Potato, not terrible, but just a big mushy baked potato. Again, this should have been the perfect compliment to the steak, but it was over salted and just had me plowing through glasses of water. Overall, I may try this place again if I'm ever in Indy, but was pretty let down. Hopefully they were just having an off night.
(3)
Michael C.
I have had the pleasure of eating at St Elmo three times now. What an amazing dining experience. From the moment you walk in the door, to the moment you leave, be prepared to be pampered and waited on in the best manner imaginable! This place offers service that makes your dining experience all it can be. Must try the Shrimp Cocktail, very spicy. I also recommend the Filet Mignon, aged and cooked to perfection. For dessert try the Creme Brulee, perfect way to end the dinning experience.
(5)
Tracy H.
Loved our steaks! We all got the Cowboy Ribeyes and I would recommend them over the filet any day. We also had the salad, shrimp appetizer, lobster mac and cheese, the mash potatoes. The dessert was AMAZING. I loved the bread pudding. Do not hesitate getting this dessert. I could eat this every day I loved it so much. The wine selection was great! As well as the bear selection. Positives: the food (of course), dessert, the atmosphere, the staff Cons: it gets chilly in the restaurant, they were able to get a small space heater to help, but I gather it is due to it being an older building.
(5)
Ruben L.
I am sad if this is the best Indy has to offer. The wife and I came here last Saturday during Indy's "Devour Downtown" (basically a restaurant week for Indy). I've heard only great things about this place, so it was inevitable that this place miss those expectations, right? AMBIENCE- this place is somewhat deceptive. When you first come in, there is a bar area with high tables. Every time I've walked by, I thought this was the only room, so I thought it was rather small, but it turns out they have a few separate dining areas in addition to this area. My wife and I were seated in a smaller, "cozier" room that looked somewhat like a person's actual dining room. The room was well lit, and had old books on the shelves. The other dining rooms were much bigger, and were dimly lit. I think between the two, we were glad to be in a quieter area. SERVICE- our server was friendly and attentive for the most part. The only complaint I really had was I wish he had warned us about the "fiery sauce" that comes on the shrimp cocktail (more on that later). Otherwise, not bad, not great. MENU- This place is known for it's steak, and that's pretty much all they had for entrees. The steaks ranged in price from $30-$50, and unlike most finer steak places, entrees came with side dishes instead of having to order a la carte. They also had a HUGE selection of wine. I don't drink, so this was of no interest to me. FOOD- We had come specifically for their 3 course, $30 deal. We both started with their "world famous" shrimp cocktail with fiery sauce. When they say fiery, they sure do mean it. That sauce was LOADED with horseradish. I came to find this out, AFTER I had my first shrimp. Seriously, I was brought to tears. Where's the heads up hombre?? Next course- filet mignon with mashed potatoes and beans. The steak was cooked perfectly, though a tad on the bland side. Most steak enthusiasts will say that you should be able to eat a steak as is. While I did enjoy it, I felt it could've been a bit more flavorful. The mashed potatoes had a fair amount of sour cream in them, and the beans were just ok. Dessert- here's where they lost some points. They had 3 options- creme brulee, cheesecake, and bread pudding. The wife went with the creme brulee, while I went for the cheesecake. Turns out, the only thing they had left was cheesecake. My wife was fairly disappointed, but what can you do, right? The cheesecake was ok, nothing special by any means. OVERALL- not worth the hype in my opinion. Considering they had their deal going, it was a decent meal, though I couldn't see myself dropping tons of money on a regular meal. I think you'd be better served going to Fogo or Peterson's. Movie Star Rating- Keira Knightley
(3)
Joe P.
Most people know about St Elmo's so I will spare you the long winded review. It's an old school steakhouse. The bar is cool with old wood which gives it a classy setting right when you walk in. Of course you need to try the shrimp cocktail, which they are famous for. After that, move on to a steak which are phenomenal as well. Bottom line: Food is amazing and you certainly get what you pay for. Just be prepared for that bill because it's not going to be cheap.
(5)
Fred O.
History and tradition and even better food. The shrimp cocktail is a must have. I had the bone in filet and it was delicious. Bread pudding was incredible as well. If you're looking for a great steak this tops Ruth's Chris and Morton's.
(5)
Eric B.
St Elmo is a must stop for me on my annual pilgrimage to bourbon country from Chicago. I highly recommend it for your journeys, as well, for it can go toe to toe with any steakhouse in Chicago. The decor is all old school steakhouse. You enter into a gorgeous 40+ foot long shotgun bar in the front room, and settle into acres of wood panelling, heavy chairs, and thick carpeting in the dining rooms. Hallway walls are filled with photos of muckety mucks from far and wide, and an experienced, professional waitstaff expertly navigates you through the steaks that dominate the menu and a wine list bursting at the seams with excellent Old and New World offerings. The last time we were here, our waiter was from Chicago and we spent some quality time reminiscing of Delilah's and other fixtures of the north side bar scene. He was well versed in the wine list, which was key because, it pleases me to announce, over our first two visits we drained them of their Cote Rotie collection. So, our waiter, the impeccably named Eric, was able to guide us out of the Rhone so we could savor an excellent cabernet exhibiting Old World earth. He urged us to Go West to California for Orin Swift's Papillon offering. We are not fans of New World fruit bombs, but here we were not disappointed. It was pure earth, with hardly a hint of fruit; in fact, the predominant flavor was a deep dark chocolate. It was wonderful, and paired excellently with our steak. St Elmo is known for its shrimp cocktail sauce, and it is indeed a kick in the teeth. A full bore assault of horseradish sauce, which while indeed unique and enjoyable, actually tends to overwhelm the flavor of the shrimp, which are large, tender, and meaty. Of course we always share an appetizer of the shrimp cocktail when we visit, but the focus here is always on the steak. And speaking of steaks, always go for the special. Every time we have been here, they have had a special cut that has been aged for thirty days or more. The last time we were here we had the 22 ounce bone in ribeye. We split it, and it came out with the bone frenched with a handle of about eight inches - just enough to grab it and slap anyone who would be so rude as to interrupt our dinner with a faceful of meat. Fortunately, no such aggression was required. The steak was a gorgeous purple color, more akin to venison than steak, and tasted like meat -- raw and unbound, unlike any steak I have eaten before. Being close to bourbon country, the whiskey list is excellent, and certainly affordable, especially in comparison to Chicago prices. If you are a local, you've probably already been here many times (if not, mend that malfunction, pronto!). If you are driving through, I strongly urge you to edit your itinerary to make room for a dinner at Elmo's.
(5)
Jeanne Z.
Boyfriend and I were visiting Indianapolis and decided to try St Elmo Steak House. So worth the trip! My bf is a steak fanatic and he says it was the best steak he's ever had so far :) The decor is nice, lots of seating. The waiter was very courteous. He suggested the shrimp cocktail, which was yummy. The steak was super tasty, as well as the cheesecake we got for dessert. Overall, great food and a great experience.
(4)
Martha D.
We had the shrimp cocktail (spicy) but very good, filet minion, and cheesecake. Hands down the best steak I have every had
(5)
Jane M.
I've been here a few times, every time I go to a race at Indy we always make a stop. I SURVIVED the shrimp cocktail. The food is pretty good, but the flat cheese bread is amazing. They do bring refills of just that to, if requested.
(5)
Jason B.
shrimp cocktail is hot. check service was on point, nice job Adam. Wine list is legit. but lots of hype for a limited menu and flavor. solid experience seem accurate.
(3)
J T.
With acknowledged redundancy...the shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo's is the signature food item for Indianapolis, for Indiana and perhaps much of the Midwest. The shrimp are cooked perfectly. The sauce has large flecks of freshly ground horseradish that provide a significant "jolt" to the sinuses. The physical reaction, I believe, releases endorphins and is therefore highly addictive - I know I've experienced episodic flashbacks anyway?!? The presentation on ice with four saltine crackers and a lemon wedge is classic. Maybe its just that its so visually stimulating...I don't know. I just know the whole experience is a rare and beautiful thing...anyway...where was I...oh yeah... One of my favorite things in the world is to go to St. Elmo early - say around 5PM and sit at the bar with good company and enjoy a shrimp cocktail and some nice wine - just one of the good things in life. As far as the steak - some of the best around - really. But for me, its small traditions that set St. Elmo's apart. Its been around for over 100 years and some things just "are". For example: + all entrees come with your choice of tomato juice or navy bean soup - I don't ask them why, so don't ask me. I just accept this a the way it is. + The bread basket always has this cheese encrusted bread that is to die for. + The bone-in cowboy ribeye is their signature steak. + The waitstaff all wear white shirts and bow ties - many have been part of the establishment for years. Gotta be the classiest steak joint I've ever had the good fortune to visit.
(5)
Mike B.
Dropped in for a martini and discovered a killer shrimp cocktail. They said it is the oldest steakhouse in the city for a reason. I love the atmosphere so will try one of their steaks next time.
(4)
Lisa K.
First, make a reservation for dinner. Then walk into St. Elmo's and you'll be in a classic old school steakhouse with lots of dark woods, low lighting and sure to get some tasty steak. My date and I shared the rich and creamy king crab mac 'n cheese. Very delish and a wise idea to share as you'll want to save room for your steak. The tomato juice is a lovely way to start off your meal. I had one of the smaller cuts of meat, 10 oz filet mignon, which was the perfect amount and cooked perfectly medium raw with potatoes. Attentive service. All in all a very satisfying meal.
(5)
Mark F.
Not as good as Jeff Ruby spots in Cincinnati but as good as it gets in Indianapolis!
(4)
Jason W.
By far THE BEST bone in filet I have ever had. If you are in the area, you must stop in and try. Also, the shrimp cocktail is a must. Don't miss it.
(5)
Lauren W.
We are from Cincinnati, and we decided to take a little weekend getaway trip. Once we decided on Indy, we knew where we HAD to eat... the famous St. Elmo's. We had gotten dressed up, since we were celebrating a birthday, but you could easily get away with nice jeans and a dress shirt. Our server was very friendly and attentive, but not over kill. I ordered a glass of wine and before my boyfriend could say what he wanted, the server said "you look like a beer guy, we have some awesome craft beers I think you would like", suggested one, and my boyfriend LOVED it! We also decided on the shrimp cocktail, which from the warning, while hot, it was delicious! (I ordered two bottles for him for Christmas!) Meanwhile... The table next to us had a bottle of red wine, which while their waiter was taking away plates accidentally spilled and it got a little on the man's suit jacket at the table. The waiter was more than apologetic, and the best part?? The manager came out, again apologizing, and offered to pay for the dry cleaning. The customers were not at all concerned about the jacket but were very thankful. I know they bought them a new bottle of wine and I'm not sure what else they did for them. Back to our meal... We each got the filet and asked for it medium rare. Our server said, "I have to tell you we do a TRUE medium rare here", we both smiled in excitement, that's exactly what we wanted. Our steaks were juicy and tender...and the best part...MEDIUM RARE! They were delicious. Since we were celebrating he brought us a dessert that was delicious as well. There isn't anything that went wrong/bad or we could complain about. Everything from the ambiance, food, service, as well as the mishap next to us was nothing more than superb. The one thing that we don't like?? Is that we have to drive a little ways to visit!! We are actually planning a trip in about a month with friends that have never been and are EXCITED to go!
(5)
CK A.
I can't think of a thing to add that has not already been said. Great steak. I did not taste any salt on mine and shook the dickens out of the salt shaker to get it tasting right. The cocktail sauce was the sinus clearing experience that I have come to expect. The navy bean soup was excellent and seasoned with just the right amount of ham. The dinner salad I had dressed with their homemade blue cheese dressing. Mistake. I should have ordered the house vinaigrette. That salad was full of blue cheese. The dessert was too large to eat. One would have been plenty for two people.
(5)
Tim W.
Of course St. Elmo has it all worked out. They've been a high-end restaurant for so long, they know how to please their guests. I went with a group of 9 and the service was superb. The staff missed nothing to make the experience special. It was as if everything we could have wanted was only a few feet away for the staff and they made anything needed appear instantly. What can I say that hasn't already been said about the shrimp cocktail? The large, meaty shrimp go so well with the horseradish-laden cocktail sauce. The stuff really clears out your sinuses! My ribeye was perfectly prepared as was the baked potato. I recommend a side of asparagus. It's fresh and prepared properly with a tasty sauce to pour over it.
(5)
Chuck K.
I live in Dallas and decided to check out St. Elmo during a recent visit to Indy, as I'd heard so much about it. The restaurant itself has a nice, warm astmosphere full of history and character. I'd read so much about the shrimp cocktail, and though it was good, there is really only so much you can do with shrimp cocktail. Yes, it's very potent, but there's nothing particularly special about loading up cocktail sauce with extra horseradish. I found it odd that when we ordered the shrimp cocktail, the waiter automatically brought one for each of us. Maybe this was my mistake by not specifying, but I just assumed he would bring us one to share. The quality of the steak was very good, but I don't think it was seasoned at all. The creamed spinach was good. However, I was sorely disappointed in the king crab mac and cheese. I had checked out the menu a week before and was very excited about the mac and cheese all week prior to my visit, only to have my hopes and dreams shot down. It was very dry and had almost no flavor. For $16.50, I was not happy about that. For dessert we had the chocolate cake, which was good but nothing special. Being from Dallas and having dined at several higher end steak houses here (Pappas Bros., Bob's, III Forks, Del Frisco's, Perry's), I found St. Elmo to be just so so. By the way, if you're ever in Dallas and find yourself at Perry's, try the lobster mac and cheese. To die for.
(2)
Sean C.
One of the best restaurants in Indy. Love the steaks and my all time favorites is the shrimp cocktail... Watch out for the after bite from the cocktail sauce!!! Ouch!
(5)
Thuy T.
It was good but not up to par with it's reputation. We have made our way to some of the best steakhouse in Indianapolis and St. Elmo just did not WOW me. The restaurant is quite small and the tables are really close together but that's not really a big deal to me. The ambiance is not exactly quiet, but loud and engaging with an old fashion feel. We really didn't have any problem with the waitstaff, sufficient for the price we pay. Now let's get to the most important part, the food. I'm not a fan of their bread spread, did not really dig the taste and it was stale. We ordered their famous shrimp cocktail. Can you really do wrong with shrimp cocktail? They were really plump shrimp serve with their homemade cocktail sauce with a large dose of horseradish. Go easy with the cocktail sauce because I did tear up a bit with my first bite. For our entree we ordered the Bone-In Prime Rib. Their Prime Rib was good but l have had better. For being such a landmark for Steak and Indianapolis, I would have expected more.
(3)
Princess D.
I went to St. Elmo about three years ago with a friend who lives in IN. I didn't know what to expect, but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is definitely reminiscent of what a typical "Chicago" steak house should be. The shrimp cocktail was excellent. I believe that's the hottest cocktail sauce I've ever had. The steaks were excellent and service couldn't have been better. This is as good as any restaurant from a big city.
(4)
Kristen G.
I was in town for a conference and heard that we had to go here. It was a great suggestion because the food was AWESOME!!! The shrimp cocktail is hot, but its a quick burn then cool from the horseradish if you eat it with bread. The navy bean soup, delish! I wish I wouldn't have eaten the entire bowl, left minimal room for the star of the night. The steak was PHENOMENAL!!! I've had my share of good steaks from every where from Applebee's, don't judge me, to Ruth Chris and Smith and Wollensky. This steak ranked in my top 3 hands down. Perfectly cooked and well seasoned. I even got some of the cocktail sauce to go!
(5)
Danny C.
The classic old-fashioned looking steakhouse. The shrimp cocktail is a must have for appetizer. 5 large chilled shrimps smothered in a blend of cocktail sauce and chunks of horseradish. If you don't like spicy or the burn up your nose then I wouldn't recommend it but if you love horseradish like I do its great. I'm not a fan of beans but the navy bean soup is terrific. Ask the waiter to put some of the horseradish sauce in there which they recommend and its "winning." 10oz filet mignon was one of the leanest, tender piece of filet I've had. Cooked medium rare and your knife will cut right through it with ease. If you're in Indy, this place is a must go.
(4)
Kennis W.
Great classic steakhouse. Food was just ok but they get lots of stars for customer service and atmosphere.
(4)
Tony P.
I regard this place as one of the best steakhouses in the country. It's pretty much a regular stop for me and my friends at every year's GenCon event. Classic steakhouse decor with dark woods and leather. You know you're in a serious steakhouse when you come here. The jumbo shrimp appetizer in horseradish laden cocktail sauce is really a great start. They are really good size shrimps and the cocktail sauce will pretty much clear out your sinuses. The tomato juice is a bit watery, opt for the navy bean soup. My favorite cuts is either the cowboy or the porterhouse. The flavor really shines with the bone-in. The sides are decent, but nothing to write home about. This place is all about the meat. There are some nice wine selections in their menu. One year they had Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-pape at a very reasonable prices. There are a few good gems if you know to look for them.
(5)
Brandon F.
Great food, atmosphere and service. You have to like horseradish if you get the famous shrimp. It has a little bite to it. The ribeye, was amazing and I normally don't even order steaks when I go out anymore. If I'm ever anywhere close to Indianapolis again I will be coming back!
(5)
Yvette F.
First, thank you Yelp for allowing me to make reservations via your website. I was glad that I did as the restaurant was crowded when we arrived. My boss was most impressed with my initiative. I was in Indianapolis on a business trip with my boss and we decided on Steak for dinner after a long day in the office. The restaurant came highly recommended. Drinks at the bar first, then off to the dinning area. Fir starts, we tried the shrimp cocktail. It was great (if you like spicy). We were both happy with our steaks. They were cooked to perfection. The waitstaff was great as well. I will put this on my list of places to visit when I am in town again.
(4)
scott g.
I went into this place expecting the best steak I've ever has and it wasn't too far off. Walking in on a Thursday night at 7pm without a reservation was a horrible idea in hindsight but after waiting about 15 minutes we decided to sit at the high-top tables in the bar area. Service was still top of the line and we were able to watch the MLB playoffs on their multiple TVs which was a plus. This is a very fast paced steakhouse and they really worked hard on the service. Your drink was always topped off and the table was clean without even noticing the waitstaff. Pre-meal salads can easily be split between two people (as per the waiters recommendation). We didn't have the cocktail but everyone says that's a must have app. The 12oz filet ($41) was massive and probably the most tender steak I've ever had. The side of green beans (included) were pretty good as well, but nothing super out of the ordinary. While St Elmo is pricey, you do get a lot of bang for your buck. Since this is a top of the line steakhouse, do not expect anything adventurous on the menu.
(5)
Stephen C.
St Elmo's is mostly great. Have had over 100 dinners there over the past years. At times 3 to 4 times a week. Indy 500 time. The Shrimp Cocktail is top notch with an unfair amount of heat in the sauce for the weak. Not for children. There is a light version by request for the weak. To have a light dinner with a cocktail, bean soup, shrimp cocktail with a bone-in Ribeye works just fine. Wash it down with nice Pinot Noir and if any room left a coffee. Has to be my most favorite Steak House. Over 100 years old and will make another 100. Make sure to tour the basement and the upstairs bar. Donald Draper would not even complain here. ( waiters are true professionals).
(5)
Kim H.
We are in town for a convention and tried out St. Elmo's for dinner. The atmosphere is fabulous! Neat little steak-house, super nice staff. They have a relatively small menu. The steaks are HUGE, so come with a large appetite for some red meat. My colleagues had the shrimp cocktail and said it was yummy (I'm not a fan of cold shrimp nor horseradish). Being from Texas I get a lot of good steak so, I can't rave about the steak, but it was very good. I would definitely go back.
(3)
Aaron P.
My friend had been to Indy before, but I hadn't. He remembered getting spicy shrimp cocktail somewhere, but couldn't remember where. Everywhere we asked, people immediately replied, "St. Elmo." So we went. I ordered their signature "Elmo Cola" without the cola, just as an infusion on the rocks. It was rich and sweet, and I really savored it. The drunken cherries were so flavorful! Then we ordered the shrimp cocktail. All i can say is that it's no wonder my friend remembered this little dish. They grind (or shred?) fresh horseradish onto every dish, and you can certainly tell. After a brief warning about the intensity from the server, we dug and quickly had our minds blown. I love strong foods, and this was strong! A real humdinger. It cleared my sinuses right out, and I went back in for more until they were polished off. I wish we had ordered two, or three, or 1,000. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to get some steak here and see how they do with that, but the drink and shrimp experience itself gets five stars from me.
(5)
Katie S.
This place is everything I imagined it would be. Great style, great food and great service. I ordered the shrimp cocktail,navy bean soup, the filet mignon and redskin mashed potatoes. As for the shrimp cocktail, VERY SPICY. MY NOSTRILS WERE BURNING!!!! Yet the shrimp was still satisfying to say the least. HUGE shrimp...The navy bean soup was delicious!! The filet was honestly nothing special. Very tender and juicy but not very memorable. I've had a similiar steak at Cheesecake Factory. I had ordered the Filet Mignon cooked medium and it came to me rare to medium-rare, which really wasnt a big deal. They just took it back and cooked it a little longer and gave it back to me with a complimentary order of green beans. All in all, I would come back but I'm stil looking for that special restaurant I can give a 5 star rating too.
(4)
Deborah B.
An Indianapolis institution that is a MUST for anyone coming to Indy for the first time. This is the king of all restaurants in Indy. The best steaks cooked to perfection, You open the doors and walk through, check your coat and walk past the bar upfront to your table. Dark wood, classic and old school charm, the kind of place where all the men should be smoking cigars and drinking whiskey straight. St. Elmo's is a timeless classic that makes me feel like I've gone back in time, where someone is always holding the door open and white linen tableclothes were de riguer. The food-An absolute must is the shrimp cocktail, with all it's hot-hot-hot horseradishy goodness. (Full disclosure: I LOVE horseradish and too much is never enough for me) For dinner, I usually order a filet mignon and it never dissapoints. I also really love the sides, my favorites are the creamed spinach and the KING CRAB MAC AND CHEESE is too die for. Bottles of wines in varying price ranges as well as by the glass excellent cocktail list as well as beers are offered. (I also should note there is a great bar upstairs-the 1933 Lounge-also not to be missed!) You cannot go wrong with the deserts, and while I don't often eat desert, when at St. Elmo's I cannot evade the waiter's inevitable request for "a little something else to finish off the meal". I am a Pecan Pie kinda girl, and St. Elmo's is the best- with all it's bourbon infused goodness. Also, I would probably always force the person I am with to get the yummy blue and white bread pudding and make them share at least half with me, and maybe a bit of my Pecan Pie.
(5)
Chirag P.
I'm not the biggest steak fan, so I can't say this place has amazing steaks or looks amazing, since it looks just like most of the places in Chicago with the dim lit rooms and autographed pics of "celebrities" all along the walls. But I will say this... the shrimp cocktail might be the greatest appetizer i've ever had (some exaggeration), but I would go back there just to have that and the mashed potatoes. SERIOUSLY. That horseradish cocktail sauce is soooooooo good. Give it a try if you're in the area.
(4)
Jason H.
Amazing shrimp cocktail, one of the best steaks I've ever had and really fine cocktails. What more do you want?
(5)
Kevin T.
I took a co-worker here last night. Service was excellent, the steak was very good, and the potatoes were excellent. I can't give St. Elmo five stars, though, simply because nothing seemed extraordinary. We had the shrimp cocktail and I was underwhelmed. It was overly spicy, but not all that flavorful.
(4)
Dave Y.
Traveling to Indy from Los Angeles, I have eaten here many times. The bone in dry aged ribeye is maybe one of the best cuts of meat available. Anywhere. Even compared to Maestros in Beverly Hills (next to Spagos), this cut edges them out. The reason is the dry aging. Most aged steaks are wet aged, sealed in plastic. Wet aging provides size (and profit). Dry aging is like a port- a highly concentrated flavor. You will not have a roast sized steak. What you will have is a huge steak bursting with flavor. I've had steaks from Buenos Aires (grass fed on the pampas) to Belgium and this particular steak at St Elmo's is in my top 3. You really can't get any better. Service is exceptional. Yes, if your by yourself at the bar you're not getting the same attention as a table dropping a grand- big surprise. Shrimp cocktail is very good but, IMHO, nothing truly remarkable. I get it when I'm there - it's good - but don't understand the AMAZING comments from many. It's fresh ground horseradish. Wine selection is fantastic. If you're a first timer, ask for a tour of the cellar. Cocktails are poured VERY generous. You've been warned... People who give this a one or two stars are, I assume, just deeply unhappy people. One star is simply ridiculous. If you complain about price, you should have looked at the menu posted outside before coming in; there is a Steak and Shake two blocks over. Enjoy - get the dry aged bone in ribeye!
(5)
Michael G.
One of the best steak houses in the MidWest. I have had more than a dozen occasions to be in Indianapolis for some of the works I am engaged in over the years and I do not pass up an invitation from friends and colleagues to meet at "Elmo's." Searingly, spicy shrimp cocktail is certain to clear your sinuses! I love this place! The 22 ounce porter house and 32 ounce bone in prime rib is heavenly! This coming from a man that eats red meat sparingly. Forbes named St. Elmo among the ten classic restaurants in the United States. The Charles Beard recognizes this classic worthy of the praise. Enjoy the history adorned on nearly every inch of the walls of this beloved MidWest institution.
(5)
Jeff S.
The only limitation here is, their menu has always been fairly limited. My wife loved the lobster bisque, and I thought the navy bean was fantastic. She raved about the friend shrimp, and my filet mignon was outstanding. Our server was a wee bit strange, but overall the service was good. When I made the reservations, the gal asked if it was a special occasion, and I said it was our 24th anniversary. So we had an excellent table next to the window, with a little card welcoming us, and they threw in a chocolate cake for dessert. Been here before on business, but first time for personal. Got to show the wife an excellent time. Best steakhouse in the world? No. But a very good, Indy experience. Yeah, definitely not cheap. With tip, $130. But if I was going to splurge on her anywhere in town, this was the place.
(4)
Chad P.
Holy cocktail sauce. Have allergies? Are you congested? Go to St. Elmo's and order shrimp cocktail and a few bourbon cocktails. Walk out the door satisfied and breathing the stale Indianapolis air. Rinse and Repeat.
(5)
Tim S.
Best. Steak. Ever. I got to go here for a work function and was super impressed. The food was delicious, as advertised. The "world famous shrimp cocktail" was worth it - huge shrimp and a tasty, sinus-clearing cocktail sauce with a ton of horseradish. My steak (I got the ribeye) was perfectly cooked and seasoned as well. The only reason(s) I didn't give it 5 stars are because the price (I probably wouldn't frequent this place on my own) and the service. The service was very good, but it was one of those places where the wait staff interacted too much - our waiter talked a lot and often seemed to cut off our conversations. I know they're supposed to give you the details about the menu and history, but it was a little too much for my taste. That being said, I would love to come back, as long as someone else is helping with the bill! :)
(4)
Ji L.
I had high hopes given the stellar reviews. Pros: 1) Extensive wine selection 2) Attentive staff - the waiters/waitresses ensured my drinks were topped off 3) Shrimp cocktail - loved the 5 perfect jumbo shrimp and the robust heat of the horseradish cocktail sauce (caution for the heat-adverse; it definitely has a kick!) Cons: 1) Disappointed in my steak - I ordered a ribeye (medium-rare "plus"); It was cooked to perfection but I was highly disappointed - it was cold upon arrival; perhaps it was because I was part of a party of 8? I suspect my dish was left astray cooling while the other meals for my table were prepared; Had superior steak at Mortons and Ruth's Chris 2) Dessert - cherry pie was uninspired but satisfying; the bread pudding had the same temperature issues as my steak. I expect bread pudding to be warm, soft, laced with all things comforting. Unfortunately, it too came out cold and tough 3) Despite making reservations 2 months in advance, had to wait 1 hour to get seated (and we arrived on time for our reservation) Conclusion: Overrated
(3)
Greg T.
I enjoyed a meal here tonight with 2 friends and we didn't have reservations. We had to sit in the bar but the service was still good and our steaks were prepared very well. The flavor was sublime and the cut quite tender. I would also recommend the navy bean soup. Even though our meal was quite good, I still have to go with 4 stars as the price was a little high. I would recommend this place even so just for the fact the steak was so well prepared.
(4)
Christopher C.
Filet sliders are the best I've ever had. A must have!!!
(5)
Lindsay R.
Went to the upstairs lounge for drinks after work. It was a little pricey but a good atmosphere. It was nice you could order food there.
(4)
Scotty Z.
Yes, I know it's "tradition". Yes, I know it's local. Yes, I know everyone raves about it. But, I tried it again (not during Devour Downtown...not as though it should matter) and it's just.....meh. You can get a better steak at Ruth's Chris, a better overall experience at The Capital Grille, and the Shrimp Cocktail is so hot, it's practically a caricature -- very overrated. Sigh. This disappoints me because I love living local, but it's not an end unto itself. it loses a star for the hype as well (I'm a talkin to you, Harry & Izzy's). Quite simply, downtown Indy has better destinations for its fine dining customers.
(1)
Karen L.
The food was good but... We were seated by the kitchen at the worst table in the restaurant- we heard dishes clanking the whole time - When we asked the hostess, gabby to move us, she said they were busy and there were no more tables- and she had an attitude. They proceeded to seat about 6 tables of 2 next. Then the entrees came out cold - the steak was barely room temperature, the mashed potatoes were cold and so were the string beans. Our waiter was very nice and was apologetic but it wasn't his fault. Anyway, then my boyfriend told the manager about the seating issue, he moved us. He was very accommodating and sincere. Gabby the hostess heard we were moved and laughed about it with another girl that worked there. She should be fired. The biggest part of her job is customer service and she has a huge attitude and she is openly rude.
(2)
David W.
Coming from Chicago I can get a good steak anytime I want. This steak house was really great. The only appetizer they have is the shrimp cocktail and it didn't disappoint. I love spicy food and I even picked up a bottle of their cocktail sauce at the airport. The steak was cooked perfectly and the whole dinner was great. The wine list was extensive as was their selection of after dinner drinks (whiskey, bourbon, etc.)
(5)
Lisa E.
Atmosphere is worth a visit. Very attentive, good is well done for a upper scale place. If you have a party of ten-12, ask for the wine room in the basement. Secret entrance and amazing history. Must try the shrimp spicy with a good taste. Steak of course a specialty, tender and tasty.
(4)
Peter G.
I popped in at St Elmo's during the Indianapolis 500 weekend after hearing that it was _the_ hot spot. We settled in at the new upstairs bar and lounge. The atmosphere, cocktails, and world famous shrimp cocktail did not disappoint. The waitresses were lovely, the decor is speak-easy lush and absolutely gorgeous, and the shrimp cocktail cleared our sinuses as expected. The only reason I did not give 5 stars was the price -- it's a bit above what you would expect for the drinks and food (cocktails and appetizers for 2 of us was near $100), but worth a visit nonetheless.
(4)
Jesus R.
Classy place with great cuts. They have a nice selection of wine, and the service is top-notch. Some places are famous for good reason!
(4)
Jim W.
W O W .... Fantastic ... great service - great food ... wish this were a chain with location #2 back in Oregon! The bread was fantastic - the onion rolls to die for, and LOVED the pumpernickel! Everyone is spot-on regarding the shrimp cocktail. Wonderful! Had the bean soup. I could have had a bowlful and ended there and be happy with my meal. Delish! I had the boneless ribeye - perfectly cooked - seasoning was superb. Baked potato was fantastic. We shared and bread pudding. It was ok .. maybe would have been better had I not eaten so much before it arrived. High on my recommendations for anyone in town!
The hype is real. Cocktail shrimp is a must. Steaks were all cooked with precision. Service was great. The T-bone was T-aste!
(5)
Sam S.
I would put this in the top 5 stake houses in the country. Don't miss out on the shrimp cocktail. The bone in filet is the best I have ever had.
(5)
Brad P.
Not what it once was. Seems to be more interested in moving a mass of people through the place instead of putting good food on the plate. Individual table service was very good, however the kitchen killed it for the sever. Timing was off from the kitchen, baked potatoes were cold, steaks were not cooked as ordered. I ate the tomahawk bone-in ribeye. Steak alone was $54. We won't be back. Too many other options at that price point. If you do go, try the cocktail lounge upstairs instead of the galley bar on the main floor.
(3)
Michael Z.
As a long time native to the fine Hoosier state, I had always known that St. Elmo is the place where the power players roam. This is where Ron Swanson grew his mustache on scotch and great beef. And, the horseradish would make weaker men cry. Unfortunately, the opportunity to enjoy St. Elmo did not come earlier in my life. I always thought St. Elmo was never really meant for children. I was a bit teary-eyed when I realized how great it is that St. Elmo is in Indianapolis. I think some might find the basement tables an easy expansion into the wine cellar which used to hold their enormous wine list. I prefer to imagine this is where the less-than-savory business got done. The meat was beautifully prepared, and I took home a bottle of cocktail sauce. I now make sure to have a martini and shrimp cocktail when I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go. Good characters are found beyond the waitstaff. I do like to keep the full experience for the right occasion, though. I can prepare a pretty mean steak myself.
(5)
Dave P.
WOW! This is an amazing old time steak house. The steaks are always 5 star, but before the steak there us oh so much to try. The wedge salad is my choice. Too much to eat if you want your steak so be careful. My wife loves the shrimp cocktail, bit to spicy for me but seems out of all my friends I'm the only one. I personally would suggest the NY Steak always great marble of meat with little fat. Someday I Want To Try The Wine Cellar.
(5)
Maggie H.
The staff was extremely rude! When the hostess sat us she literally just pointed to our table. The steak was no better than any other upscale restaurant. Their wine glasses smelled so bad-- must be from something they clean them with. Ruined the wine. My potatoes had been sitting all day, they were hard. They only get two stars for the atmosphere and the bread.
(2)
David M.
Went here during devour downtown recently. Filet mignon was perfect. Right size, cooked medium as I wanted. The bread offering was the best I've had anywhere. Obviously the shrimp cocktail, as everybody knows by now, was an experience to the senses, much like a daring ride at an amusement park. They could have improved on the green bean side dish quite a bit. Potatoes were good though. My only beef was the waiter had a bad attitude, a bit of a snob. Although he was very prompt on service and professional. He seemed a bit agitated when I asked for more bread, but in his favor it came quickly by one of his assistants.
(4)
Scott T.
I LOVE THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL. I have heard so much about this restaurant and holly shrimp cocktail horseradish. I am still in a little sticker shock on a few shrimp being $16...but the sauce makes it so worth it. I would put that sauce on everything (but be careful...it could cause burning). The filet was top notch and cooked just as I asked for it. And guess what I had on top of it...that is right...some more shrimp cocktail sauce. I would not say it is the best steak I have had, but it was up there and very good. They also give you a cup of navy been soup with your order (and don't forget to mix in the shrimp cocktail sauce). Now if you get sticker shock, this may not be the place for you. But if you don't mind paying a lot for a good meal, you have to try this (don't forget the shrimp cocktail sauce). Go for it and remember to ask for a side of shrimp cocktail sauce for your morning breakfast.
(5)
Jordan W.
The Good: -Awesome Atmosphere: Walking into the St. Elmo is like stepping through a time portal into the 1940's. With its dark wood and classic style, walking through this steak house felt like being transported back in time. I absolutely loved it. -Excellent Food: I am not a steak person, so my options on their menu were limited, but I did find the Amish Chicken which was delicious. While not abundant with seasoning, the chicken was still very delicious and unbelievably moist and juicy. Each entree comes with a side, a cup of soup (or glass of tomato juice- very old school). I had the fries, which weren't bad, but nothing to write home about. The Meh: -Prices: St. Elmo's definitely isn't a bargain, but it isn't a rip off either. Average price for an entree on the menu is roughly $35-40. My chicken was the cheapest at $26. I am of the personal opinion that practically no food is good enough to warrant a price tag over $25, so for me St. Elmo's is way too pricey. -Service: While nothing horrible, for the price tag of the meal I was expecting to be more impressed by the wait staff. Our server wasn't extremely attentive or friendly.
(4)
Scott M.
A classic American Steakhouse. From its 40's inspired storefront, to the bar, to the basement vaults and intimate dining settings, St. Elmo's hits the mark for all Americana enthusiasts. The food is spectacular, with the featured shrimp cocktail and its trademark sauce living up to high expectations. Featured cuts are brought to the table during the ordering process, and the finished product is a Midwest classic. A substantial wine list, followed by an equally impressive port list. Didn't do dessert, simply couldn't. I wish all steakhouses delivered the same experience on the food quality, service professionalism, and atmosphere. A high bar in the steakhouse category.
(5)
Anthony I.
2 words, SHRIMP COCKTAIL. 3 more, BONE-IN RIBEYE! Great place for a solid steak and amazing shrimp cocktail, I was also pleasantly surprised by the house special, navy been soup! You owe it to yourself to get the shrimp cocktail!
(4)
Kent B.
This was great!!!! I made reservation on the yelp app and told them it was my 20th anniversary. My wife and I arrived to a greeting of happy anniversary and then at the table was a card telling us the same, Then the food was amazing!!!! All was great and fresh. I highly suggest this place!!!!
(5)
Michelle L.
I went back to the old days when I stepped into this place. I learned about their shrimp cocktail from the Food Network's TV Show (The best thing i've ever ate). So yes, I had the shrimp cocktail and it was definitely fiery! But I have to say, the steak here was divine. I had the porterhouse - and it was f---ing awesome. It's cooked to perfect medium rare. Juicy. Tender. Flavorful. It delivers every component of a piece of perfectly cooked steak. The dessert, I had the bread pudding. It's not bad; but the texture wasn't my expectation (it's more like, hm, muffin shape and it's not as moist as my preference). As part of the meal, we were offered tomato juice or bean soup. I chose the soup and it was hearty and delicious. I loved the bacon in the background. I also shared the mac and cheese; it's delicious (creamy and everything you want from an old fashion traditional mac and cheese). But I just don't get the crab meat in the mix. My mouth is watering whenever I think of the porterhouse. *yum*
Dined here for a business dinner the other week. My thoughts are as follows: -The service was very attentive and my water never went empty. -Our waiter was nice, but clearly was pushing us into the shrimp cocktail which we didn't want -There is a pretty good drink selection and the waiter gave decent recommendations -My steak was cook properly and a good cut of meat, but mostly devoid of all seasoning and not very flavorful Overall, it was not the meal I was expecting given the price and reputation.
(3)
Rachael B.
St. Elmo is upscale and elegant! We chose to go to St. Elmo for a rare, baby-free dinner out. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was cozy and traditional. You feel a bit like you've been transported back in time to when St. Elmo was first opened. The service is incredible. Our waiter was well-spoken, organized, and charming. The pricing was steep, but it's worth it for the experience. Get the shrimp! It's exceptional!
(5)
Phil H.
Meat-gasm! An institution in downtown Indianapolis for over 100 years, and a testament to testosterone driven meat eaters everywhere. This is one of those old school spots that are a must to visit in each city. Dark wood everything, high ceilings with ornate stucture, faded and recent celebrity pictures on the wall, and always crowded. If you could go back in time you could just picture men in fedora hats smoking cigars here while eating a steak and drinking a whiskey. As I travel to Indy for business each year I have eaten here many times and just love this old fashioned steakhouse. The staff has always been top notch, and the service impeccable from the hostess, to the bartenders, to the waitstaff. I make sure to book a client dinner here each time and it has always been an enjoyable experience. We had a group of eight eating the other night and it was again, terrific. A few highlights - - Some nice beer and wine options at the bar. Tried out a glass of a featured Argentinian Malbec at the bar ($10) and ended up ordering three bottles of it for the table. Terrazas del los Andes. Terrific wine. - The bread basket. Dig into the bottom of it and pull out these cheesy flat bread thingies. Wow. - Navy bean soup was thick and extemely tasty. Bits of bacon in it. Yum! - The famous house shrimp cocktail. Tear inducing and awesomely hot horseradish cocktail sauce. Nuff said. It's a must. - The steak, oh the wonderful steak. Had the filet mignon medium rare. Cooked perfectly with a nice redness in the middle and char on the ouside. Tender and flavorful. Have never had a bad steak or meal here. - Huge baked potato that was amazingly soft and sprinkled with what seemed to be sea salt on it. One of the best I have had. Just a wonderful meal, and a terrific place to bring clients or co-workers for a business dinner. Don't pay attention to the naysayers here - just go and order a steak dinner at this downtown landmark. It is a bit pricey but worth it. Dress is casual, and it's a boisterous and fun atmosphere.
(5)
Kinsey C.
What can I say that hasn't already been said in 300+ reviews? Delicious steak, great service, yummy vino and RON SWANSON ate here so you know it's primo.
(5)
Morris N.
I went here on a Wednesday for a business dinner. We had reservations so we didn't have to wait. For a Wednesday night, the dining room was packed when we got there at 6:30. The crowd seem to be mostly business people. The shrimp cocktail was good but I think given more hype than it deserves. Navy bean soup was good. The special was a 12oz aged strip steak for 52 bucks. I had that and a loaded baked potato. Both were great and ranks up there with Ruth's Chris, Sullivans, Gibsons, etc. It was pricey so I would recommend it for special occasions or if you are on an expense account. It was also noisy so if you are looking for something more intimate or need to discuss business, this is not the place.
(4)
Steve L.
Overpriced and hugely over rated.........try Sullivan's instead. St Elmo's shrimp cocktail was ridiculous. All prepped and on counter for hours before serving. We could see them when we arrived. Horseradish sauce was just crazy and not even enjoyable. Shrimp nothing special. Service was slow and sloppy. Room was freezing cold. Wine was good and affordable, but that was on ly positive. Steaks were ok, but again not worth $40 a piece. Cocktails were weak too. Valet service was excellent!!! Will not go back to this place. Had such high expectations and was very disappointed for a very special visit.
(1)
Carl F.
Without doubt, one of the top 10 steaks I've had in my life. We'd heard the hype concerning St. Elmo's and on a recent weekend getaway to Indy my wife and I decided to give it a try....GREAT decision and we will come back again. We were in Indy on a Saturday night and thanks to a very helpful staff member we were able to get reservations on short notice NOTE: I called on a Friday night for reservations the following night.....at first, they had nothing (OpenTable had nothing either), but after discussing with the young lady on the phone she managed to find us a 7pm, bar table for Saturday night. By good fortune from the steak gods, they found a table for us when we arrived Saturday evening. The place was packed. I had the Ribeye steak and my wife did the special New York stirp....both preparred exactly the way we requested. The quality of the meat and the preparation was impeccable and well worth the steep prices you will gladly pay at St. Elmo's. We of course started the meal with the Shrimp Cocktail appetizer....shrimp are nothing special (if you don't count the size), but the fresh horsradish cocktail sauce is what makes the dish. If you don't do well with spicy/hot/sinus clearing horseradish dishes you should stay away from this appetizer. If this is your thing....drive on and you will LOVE it. The Red Skin mashed potatos made an excellent side for the Ribeye and provides something a bit different from the traditional Baked Potato my wife had....nothing exceptional with the sides, but they were obviosuly fresh preparred and plentyful. I probably woudl have given and overall rating of 4 stars, but the deserts pushed this rating to a 5 (six if I could have done it). I had the blue and white bread pudding with ice cream....a helping so large I was unable to finish it (I NEVER leave a plate unfinished). Wife had a slice of their Chocolate cake (if forget the specific name), but it too was a monster slice and the wife could not stop ooh'ing and ahh'ing over the flavor. She's a pretty picky chocolate cake eater and to get her repeated comments makes the cake (and St. Elmo's) a star for her. Bottom line: if you're in Indianapolis, and can get reservations, treat yourself to a meal you will not soon forget! It don't get much better than St. Elmo's.
(5)
Joshua S.
Best Steak I've ever had. Amazing Shrimp Cocktail. Words can't describe!
(5)
Drew K.
Great Steak and Great Shrimp!! Cool Laid back atmosphere. Too expensive?.....Try it during Devour Downtown, it's only $30/person then.
(5)
Steve R.
Great restaurant. Had the NY Strip. Cooked perfectly. Great service. Well worth the money. I'd go back any time.
(5)
Mark W.
Great steak house! Had the shrimp cocktail. Yes, the cocktail sauce has lots of horseradish, wonderful. Had the tomato and onion salad, great, both my mother and I had the filet, again perfect, finished with the bread pudding and barely could walk out. Great wait staff, only negative is the atmosphere feels rushed, next time will sit in one of the smaller rooms. Best steak house in Indy!
(4)
Chris W.
Their world famous shrimp cocktail lived up to the hype. I wasn't all that impressed with the steak however.
(4)
Christine B.
This place is always a favorite among the visitors that come to visit my husband and I. While I'm not a big fan of a small menu, the food quality makes up for it. I'm not a big beef eater, but when I do eat it, I prefer for it to be the best. The last two times here I've had the chopped steak with blue cheese and onions. It's very good and has a lot of flavor. The drinks and wine are always good and it is definitly a must-go for anyone visiting Indianapolis, especially for the first time. The shrimp cocktail with fresh horseradish is incredible but I prefer not to order it every time because it always makes my eyes water. The walls are covered with autographed photos of celebrities who have dined here. It's been open since the 1900's. A place with this long of tenure, can't go wrong. It's classic, and classy, great for special occassions. Just do me a favor and have some class; please don't go to St. Elmo's wearing jeans. They might not care, but I do. If you are going to spend over $30 on a steak, you can at least afford to wear dress pants. Stay Classy Indianapolis!
(5)
Graydon M.
Came here on the recommendation of a friend and I wasn't disappointed. This is a top end Steak House with all the traditional trappings. There isn't much more to say about it. My steak came ordered as was very, very good. I had the bone in rib eye with a side of creamed spinach and a baked potato. Not very imaginative I know but why mess with perfection.
(4)
Nichole H.
I went here for Devour Downtown last weekend. St Elmo's is spendy - and with everyone trying to cut back, I figured the $30 menu would be a great time to try it. I will say our waiter seemed a little... distant? when we first sat down. I imagine that they don't love restaurant week, since the 3 course meal costs what normally your steak alone would cost. I can understand, but really, you should treat the people who come in for a drink and appetizer with the same level of service as those who drop hundreds of dollars. My fiance and I will frequently stop in for a drink/dessert and judge a place based on that alone. We may never go back and spend the big bucks. I digress. The food was excellent. I enjoyed everything. I didn't love the dessert (I ordered the chocolate cherry bread pudding) but I love bread pudding and I'm very picky about it. The meat was cooked perfect, the veggies were wonderful, and of course... the shrimp cocktail appetizer was fabulous. Aaron had the prime rib which he said was really good (it had better be for the $40!) I'm a little sad that the waiter didn't offer me blue cheese olives in my dirty martini, but now I know I need to ask.
(4)
N M.
Shrimp cocktail, location and history. Steaks are good, but not the best you will find in town.
(4)
Julie B.
Came here last weekend during a visit to Indy, read that it's a famous local spot so decided to try it. The shrimp cocktail is so tasty, super heavy on the horseradish. And the filet was cooked perfectly and tasted fantastic. Thought the mashed potatoes and crab mac n cheese were just so-so. There's a special menu for $35, maybe it's just on Sundays? that includes shrimp or salad, filet or a couple other entree choices, and dessert. Not bad. The waiter chose a cabernet for us, was an excellent choice. And he gave us a bunch of recommendations of places to go - really nice guy, great service. And we were entertained by the intoxicated people at the table next door. All in all, a great night!
(5)
S Y.
Gigantically overrated. We only went (reluctantly) bc we received a gift certificate from a business, giving what they thought was a charitable, thoughtful gift by patronizing a local business. St elmos is an institution in indpls, but...you can finish this sentence. Shrimp cocktail is always reliably rubbery & sour. Steak is reliably gristly. And the waitstaff talks way too much, especially the bartenders but the waiters are too! how are you supposed to tell the restaurant you didn't come to have dinner with the bartender? Oh, that's right, via yelp!
(1)
Des B.
mmmmmmmmm. We easily made a reservation from Yelp's App.
(5)
Mark M.
In town with KC and thought wifie and I would go This is most Likely my tenth time there and this was by far the worse The shrimp cocktail was not on ice it was in melted ice, that's right cold water The fries were great The steaks a disappointment They claim to be a great steak house but serve substandard choice meat The service was great as usual but overall quality bad I hate to say it but SKIP IT !!!
(3)
JC O.
Bracing shrimp cocktail! And best lobster I've ever ever had!
(5)
Jeff P.
Great steaks and great atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is amazing even for someone who lives on the gulf coast where the best shrimp comes from
(4)
William r.
Way Over priced, If you like over paying for dinner This is the one for you, But also if you drive a BMW or a Rolls you really don't care what things cost then this is your place and you are welcome to it.. What funny is I have eaten St Elmo, Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and Dollar for Dollar I find the steak I get at IHOP the best deal,
(2)
Anne R.
They filleted by filet mignon without asking! I wanted it well done but not charred. The cocktail sauce was not even mildly hot. Soup ok- potatoes so so. Cheesecake good.... We will not be back.
(1)
Lora R.
My husband I are huge foodies and had been looking forward to St. Elmo's for months. After several trips to Indy, and meals at places such as The Oceanaire, we decided it was time. We were in town for the NCAA tournament and made reservations weeks in advance. Seriously- we were so excited it was all we could talk about! Our reservations were for Saturday night at 8 pm. The restaurant was packed, but we were promptly seated in the main (well lit) dining room at a small table in the back. Bread (delicious) was delivered immediately with water. It took our server, Rico, several minutes to even acknowledge us. Once he finally noticed us, he asked if we would like the shrimp cocktail (yes!). Not only did he neglect to go over the menu, we had to request drinks ourselves. I had the French 75 and my husband had the dirty martini. My cocktail was overly sweet but his martini was perfect. Once they were delivered, out came the deliciously spicy shrimp cocktail. Rico immediately asked for our order. My husband ordered the bone in prime rib and I requested the chopped salad and the king crab mac and cheese. 10 minutes later, our server returned and stated they were sold out of the prime rib. I understand it's a popular dish, but there should be more communication between the kitchen and the servers. My husband decided on the 12 oz filet (ordered medium well) and lobster tail with au gratin. We also ordered more drinks, beer this time, and Rico assured us they would be out shortly. Another 15 minutes pass and Rico states they are out of the beer we requested. The food arrived shortly after. My husband's filet came out medium rare at the most, but his lobster tail was enormous and delicious. Rico forgot his requested horseradish twice and came out with it when we were almost finished. The king crab mac and cheese was not as rich as I had hoped. It was mostly pasta with melted cheese, bread crumbs and small, dry pieces of crab meat on top. I suppose i was hoping for a creamier dish. That being said, it is pasta with cheese so it was good enough to eat. Overall, the food was enjoyable and for the most part well prepared. My husband and I travel frequently and are not afraid to spend money on a good meal. But the overall experience/service at St. Elmo's did not warrant the $300 bill. I'm glad we finally visited St. Elmo's, but I can't imagine going back unless it's to pick up a $10 bottle of their amazing cocktail sauce.
(3)
Kay O.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, so it was a dressy affair for us. We are both huge foodies, and steak is one of our loves. I was looking up tips on foursquare and 7/10 tips said GET THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL. We did. The shrimp cocktail is the best I've ever had anywhere. I had the filet mignon with a side of green beans and it was heavenly. I cannot eat any other steak now without comparing it to the tender, melt in your mouth steak I had here. Oh my goodness! I would DEFINITELY come back. Can't wait!
(5)
Dalila H.
My husband and I split the shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, 28 oz. porterhouse and chocolate cake. Everything was FAB. Wait staff GREAT! Wine Wonderful! Steak melt in your mouth!!! Been here before and always YUM!!!
(5)
Adriana K.
Ah, classy oldschool steakhouse. Too bad I don't eat red meat. That being said, even in a landlocked state, the shrimp cocktail is pretty colosal. I tried their chicken, which was tasty as well - and had to have someone else assist with a wine selection as our waiter was clueless to the binder that held their selections (he may have been new?!?). Cocktails are classic, and of course bread tasty, and ambiance classy. Keeping true to what is rarer to come by with so many food trends, a classic standby.
(4)
H T.
I had the signature shrimp dish, and I thought it was okay. I also had a tuna dish, and it was relatively good. However, the tuna dish came out somewhat rare if you prefer it that way. As for the atmosphere, dinnertime was kind of dark, and the server did a great job of serving us. The place is overpriced. Overall, it is overrated.
(2)
Steve H.
Atmosphere is stellar. Great old world throwback to the way a real steakhouse restaurant should be. Staff is outstanding. Waiters very professional and hostesses always very accommodating. They make you feel right at home and make you feel like you're the most important person in the restaurant. Fillet mignon always my top choice. Don't forget the shrimp appetizer. Off the charts. If you have room for dessert the raspberry cheesecake is the way to go. I would do this again and again and again. As a matter fact I have.
(5)
Steve S.
Classic place - drinks and appetizers at the bar - excellent! Not cheap, but what do expect for great service, food and drinks! Fun crowd too!
(4)
Anne B.
Very rarely do ALL of my friends, upon asked for recommendations in an unfamiliar city, all choose the same place. When I mentioned to people I was going to Indy and had one night to eat out, every single person said I need to come here. They were right. And I'm a twice-a-year-Keen's-or-grill-it-myself gal. You don't have to go far to read all the plusses. I'll say this much - this was an exceptional filet mignon. They know 'black and blue' from rare and gave me an extraordinary cut of the former, which I could cut with a fork (that NEVER left my hand). This came courtesy of Dana, a WONDERFUL server with encyclopedic knowledge of the menu, including the wine list (had a GORGEOUS pinot noir they serve by the GLASS. WOW!), and a sense of humor I really appreciated. I also can't recommend their navy bean soup enough - LOADED with bacon, smoky and perfect. Maybe the best I've ever had. I said 'bacon'. Which leads me to the two reasons I withhold that fifth star: #1: This may be a regionalism, but I don't think so. Steak and an iceberg wedge go together like a horse and carriage so to speak and to ME, an iceberg wedge means BACON - LOTS of it - and BLUE CHEESE. The bacon on my salad was SUPERB... and... almost an afterthought. A garnish. NO-NO. And the dressing - I can't understand this - it was almost all buttermilk, with just a trace of Roquefort. I was really dismayed by this, as was the person I shared the salad with. #2: YES, it seems the shrimp cocktail is their signature dish. Personally, I don't get it, and don't think they need the gimmick (maybe they do; I honestly don't know). I'll say this much - it's all about the horseradish heat and having grown up in eastern european households, heat doesn't impress me. When I have a shrimp cocktail, I'm in it for the tenderness of the shrimp - given the terrible news unfolding about the shrimping/slave trade, it's going to take a lot to get me to order this dish anyway, so I'd like to really taste what I've ordered. As for the sauce - yeah, it's hot, and the two people at my table who ordered it enjoyed it a great deal. But I personally just don't like having "signature" ANYTHING foisted upon me (NOT that they did, but they REALLY extolled its virtues) - it just seems the meat needed no support. I went for the steak. I had the steak. I was blown away by the steak (BTW, another friend had the rib eye which was rare and marbled to perfection - honestly, GREAT beef...). I was with six people and we closed the place, though we NEVER felt rushed. EVERYone enjoyed themselves and their meals, and if I lived in Indy I think I'd weigh about four hundred pounds. Caveats aside, I say it's worth the price.
(4)
Indy D.
I come here when I'm feelin fancy. I'd describe the place as Dope McNasty. Hope this review helped so much it hurt
(5)
Dick A.
Steak and shrimp cocktail don't get any better that at St Elmo's. Busy, cramped, loud and incredible food and service. The best.
(5)
Rand P.
3rd time here in last ten years and it keeps getting better. From Gabi the hostess to Our waiter Fart the service was exemplary. The shrimp cocktail and sirloin are top notch. Highly recommended.
(5)
Kim W.
It's all been said before: the shrimp cocktail rocks your socks off and the cow meat is good. What stood out for me on this trip was that the mashed potatoes weren't too salty (that is rare in the mashed potato world) and the chocolate cake was to die for. Really, the chocolate cake was like a fudgy brownie that must have crack or other secret ingredients to make it so good. I'm salivating just thinking about it. Devour Downtown is the best time to enjoy a night here in a less financially burdensome environment. I ate all the things above for less than the regular cost of the filet alone. I'll come back when it's full price but I may skip the cow and just double fist the chocolate cake.
(4)
Roberto N.
Starched white tablecloths,waitstaff in tuxes, outstanding Shrimp Cocktail, and the best bread I've ever had to boot. Normally, I only consume quality at this level when it's my birthday, or It's "Big Date Night" with my Hun. But a longtime friend raved about it SO hard, I was given no choice at all. (Twist my arm. No, a little more; make it look like you're forcing me!) I opted for my favorite- the Ribeye. Please!!! Spend some time and check out their definitions of done-ness- why ruin a magnificent slab of beef????? Mine was, well, very good. You could taste the difference. I'll be back, I promise you. Now, I just gotta find someone to twist my arm again...
Unbelievably terrible experience all around. Price is high, food is average, service is poor. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Jason N.
Doesn't even touch Peter Luger. At St. Elmo, it's $$$$ prices for ** food. I was really disappointed here. The atmosphere on a late Monday night was completely dead and the bartender/server acted like I was putting her out to have pulled up a chair to eat at the bar. The best food I had was the complimentary bread basket, which contained a variety of rolls and a piece of flatbread-- all were awesome. The much-hyped shrimp cocktail ($15.95) was definitely full of mentholized (i.e., freshly grated horseradish) heat. The shrimp were half-cleaned, however, with intestinal tracts hanging out of at least a couple of the shrimp. The shrimp were a bit rubbery, as though they had been sitting around too long. The 8oz. petite filet ($34.95) was cooked nicely but barren-- not a speck of sauce or shred of spice in sight... just a hunk of meat, so if you are Fred Flintstone you will probably love it. I subbed grilled asparagus as a vegetable for an additional $8. It was good enough but monstrous in portion size. The bartender could have advised it would be a bit much. I got a couple glasses of wine but it took ordering the most expensive red available by the glass ($15/glass) in order to find some that was half decent. I was looking for authentic old school midwestern steakhouse charm with incredible food and instead found lackluster ambiance/hospitality coupled with mass-produced quality food that one might expect at a chain steakhouse. After spending $120+ on my meal, I was full inside but the experience left me empty. I'll skip this landmark next time I'm in Indy.
(2)
Kathleen C.
Fantastic service. I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, salad and artisanal cocktails. I've heard the steak is divine but did not have it this visit. On my way out the waiter insisted on walking me to my car. Great atmosphere and very happy to have the pleasure to visit this place on my short visit.
(5)
Kevin C.
There's wonderful ambience at this mainstay in the Indianapolis area. We had reservations for 3 @ 6:30 and were seated right away. The service was great and we of course had to start with the world famous shrimp cocktail. We had some fabulous wine which were swiftly followed by some amazing steak and fish. We ended the night by going to the upstairs bar. Over all, a great experience.
(4)
Grace P.
The shrimp cocktail was everything everyone has raved about! Just wasn't impressed with the sides. Double date with my BFF from college. We got the King Crab Mac n' Cheese and Creamed Spinach. They were just too rich - a lot of cheese on both dishes. My ribeye was decent. I just don't know if I'd be making a special trip to dine there again. I guess living in Chicago has spoiled me with some of the best steak places!
(3)
Stan B.
Outstanding food and service. Plan to spend a bunch of $, but you will be rewarded by an outstanding experience.
(5)
Eric B.
Food was expecting for a 3-4 star joint, but the service was lacking for a 2* place. Not sure who the owners are, but the rumor is they are failing on multiple levels.
(2)
Jennifer S.
Great steaks. However, service was not as top notch as I imagined it would be.
(5)
Autumn S.
It's been a LONG time since I've been to St. Elmo's but the experience I had was great. I tried the famous shrimp cocktail and that sauce will definitely clear the sinuses! My steak was cooked perfectly with a crispy char on the outside. The salads come loaded with bleu cheese and are fresh. Service was on point and they made every attempt to assure our table was happy and satisfied. If I'm ever in the Indy area looking for a great steak, I know just where to go!
(4)
Sam C.
Best shrimp cocktail I've ever had. Need I say more? This place is a must if you are in town for the weekend or are just looking for a great place for dinner. Food and atmosphere are wonderful. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Martin H.
Steakhouse. Found this steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis while staying at the nearby Hyatt Hotel. We wen't in without reservation and got seated right away. Started off with a Martini (of course) with wonderful stuffed olives. Then the shrimp cocktail. And yes! It was so good. They have a lot of horseradish in it which makes it even more tasty. Had the NY strip as main course with mashed potatoes. Perfect. Service was good - a waitor with good sense of humor and very alert. I might give this place a five star, but there are steakhouses that are better so a four star will do. Recommended!
(4)
David G.
If I go out for steak, this is where I go. Their navy bean soup is a great starter. The prime rib is huge. You will have leftovers. Where else can you get a potato or veg. Included at a fine steakhouse. For sides, I like their creamed spinach and onion rings. Go old school at this place and you will be disappointed.
(5)
Matt E.
This is the best steak I've ever had. I am a big fan of high end steakhouses and this is by far and away the best. The food, the service, the wine selection are all sensational and the shrimp cocktail is worth writing home about. I dine here every chance I am in town and agree that is is worthy of the praise it gets in the national media.
(5)
Erik T.
WOW, this place is good!!! I was in town for a conference last week and our friends took us to this place. Upon first glance, looks like your average steakhouse, dimly lit, dark wooden tables and pictures across all the walls. I have been to a number of steak houses and this didn't look like it stood out any...that is until I tried the food. First off, the shrimp cocktail literally made me cry! not in a bad way, but lets just say that my sinuses are clear and my stomach is full. Definitely worth the try, but fair warning to the spicy sensitive palates out there. So on to the steak...a 28 oz. Porter House done rare... It was so good and cooked to perfection, however in this battle of man vs. food....Food Won. I was not able to finish this mini dinosaur on my plate, but i did give it a respectable fight, but in the end, FOOD WON... I am hoping I am town next year for a conference, because this time, I am going all the way. If you are in town... I vote you go for it. I definitely recommend this place, you will not be disappointed.
(4)
Ashlee W.
Came here on a recommendation of a friend and I was not disappointed. My medium rare steak was cooked perfectly and there was a ton of flavor in it! The sides were fresh and delicious! I can't wait to come back and try it again!
(4)
Kevin K.
This place is very fancy but not to my taste. The house salad dressing is interesting. If you know what a steak should taste like then this is not the place. Cooked right just no flavor, almost asked for a1 sauce, a $40 steak should melt in your mouth
(2)
Rachel F.
Yum! Anytime a place is well known it is hard because you walk in with these high, and often unattainable expectations. With St Elmo, it still lived up. Best meal I've ever had? Maybe not. But pretty damn good. The service was incredible. About as good as it could possibly get. My Pinot Noir was wonderful. The filet was delicate and lovely and the mashed potatoes were quite flavorful. The shrimp cocktail was very good, though crazy heavy on the horseradish. I looove a good kick but this straight up had my eyes watering and luckily I had been warned not to get a scoop of the cocktail sauce or I might have started choking. That being said the taste was spicy and nice, just a touch too much. Sooo close. All in all, I was really impressed and would highly recommend checking this place out for a lovely, fancy night out.
(4)
Eugenia T. F.
Must try the shrimp cocktail. This place is so iconic, and it definitely lives up to the hype. I'm a bit of a filet mignon conoissuer, and this is one of the best.
(5)
Lord B.
Pacers Special! 'nuff said!... but I'll continue anyways... We were going to a Pacers game and saw that they had a Pacers Special on the night of the games. We ordered the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer (amazing), we also got some bread (amazing). The steak was cooked at a perfect medium-rare, the greenbeans were excellent, and the red skin mashed potatoes were killer! We finished the night with a piece of the Raspberry Cheesecake; which was probably the best I have ever had! It gives the cheescake factory a run for its money! (unless that's where they get it! lol) The service was prompt and I never went without a drink! Keep up the good work guys!
I finally had the opportunity to try this Indianapolis staple during Devour Downtown. The set menu included choice of shrimp cocktail or salad, entrees were the legendary Filet, Salmon, and Chicken, and for dessert they offered creme brulee, chocolate cherry bread pudding, and cheesecake. I had the shrimp cocktail, filet, and cheesecake. Best restaurant in town?? I'm not sure. But pretty damn good, it is. I'm not usually a horseradish fan, but I did enjoy the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were nice and big, and delicious. The filet was tender, juicy, and flavorful. Unfortunately the cheesecake was blah and nothing special; it tasted like something I could pick up from the grocery store. Some other touches that added to the meal were the yummy, unique rolls and house Cabernet. In all, it was a very nice dinner shared with great friends, and an overall great dining experience.
(4)
Sarah L.
This restaurant has been in Indianapolis since 1902 - longer than the racetrack - now that's saying something! I was happy to try out this local favorite during my short visit. They rave about their "world famous" shrimp cocktail...but coming from some amazing seafood cities...I couldn't imagine what would make it world famous...BUT WOW! Do they sure know how to make a cocktail sauce. Quite fitting to the name St. Elmo..it was on fire! TONS of fresh horseradish is what will keep your memory alive about the cocktail(sauce) for many years to come. With much luck, we arrived on the last night of Devour Downtown and got the shrimp cocktail, a huge filet with a side of green beans and smashed potatoes and a dessert (creme brulee) for only $30?? Killer deal. The filet mignon was amazing...as was the prefix menu! A true dining experience complete with history, great photos of Indy drivers on the wall, I'd gladly return on my next visit.
(4)
James M.
Very good.
(4)
No S.
omg yes please. all of it. thank youuuu.
(5)
Miguel M.
I was out in Indy for business...all the locals said St. Elmos was a must for a Seattle guy like me. Apparently Peyton Manning who is like a god around Indy goes to St Elmos after every home game. After hearing all the hoopla I decided I would ante-up the corporate card to spend the $60+ per head for the dining experience. I started with a caprese salad. The salad had a decent balsamic dressing and the tomatoes were of great quality. My only gripe with the salad would be that it was over dressed...making the salad soggy and visually unappealing. Next up the sides. I chose the bean soup and veggies. I'm not a huge fan of bean soup but I guess it was ok. I feel like you could probably get something on par in a canned product from Progresso. As for the veggies, they were pretty standard. Nothing bad, nothing great about them. Now for the main course...the steak. I had the 14 oz New York cut ordered medium rare. The quality of the meat seemed to be fine and the center temp was was also ok. Where it falls apart for me is the seasoning and char. The meat was bland and did not have that nice char that really sets off a steak in my mind. If I was served a steak like this at The Keg or Black Angus I would be ok with it but at a premier steak house I expect a lot more. I might give St Elmos another try if someone twists my arm but I will definitely check out many other Indy restaurants first.
(2)
Ralph G.
So not worth the money. The steak special was les than special
(3)
Evan S.
Upon entering the dimly lit and bustling tavern, I immediately encountered the strangest thing: mobs of citizens, businessmen, big wigs and your everyday Joe cheerfully partaking in their delicious cocktails, telling jokes, carrying on and...crying. Crying? Something was off. These folks looked happy, nay, exuberant, yet tears were flowing like Long Island Iced Teas at an open bar. Surrounded by walls of beautifully aged wood and joyous folks, I took my seat and began to dive in to the list of cuisine that lay before me. Upon my lady friend's ordering, my journey into cuisine legend began. The bow-tied waiter placed before me a shining, immaculate cauldron filled with six, enormous decapod crustaceans bathing in their own version of the Red Sea. Without a word, I tossed one in to my mouth and a stream of tears, none like I have ever seen, began to pour. This was it. The legend. The St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail. The feeling of your sinuses clearing in an instant and the jolt that shoots through your entire body is almost indescribable. Like a painful sore in your mouth that you just can't leave alone, I went back for more. In the fewest words possible, this shrimp cocktail is amazing. Everyone has seen it on TV, read and heard about it, but there is nothing like experiencing it in person. The shrimp are amazing, huge and tender while the flaming sauce is spicy and delicious. Imagine taking a bite off of a horseradish root marinated in wasabi and then chasing it with the finest shrimp around. It shocks you, but only for a few seconds, and then you crave more. Whenever I am downtown and have a few bucks to spare- I grab this delight. If you live in Indianapolis and normally need a cup of coffee to keep you going, try the cocktail instead. It will surely jumpstart your day. It's the true working man's meal.
(5)
Jack H.
I don't come to Indianapolis often enough. The last time I was here was in 2002 for a camping gear show at the convention center and I had such a good time, it really doesn't make sense that I haven't come back. Luckily I met a lovely lady online about a year ago and used the convenient excuse of an irate client in nearby Cincinatti to swing by and take her out for a nice dinner. Glad I did. The St Elmo Steak house is a gem. We were treated like royalty. My date works in the cosmetics world and is used to a pretty high standard of living and even she exclaimed "I feel like Diana Ross and Berry Gordy!" That's how how quality the service is! Jordan, our server was perfection. The guy knows a thing or two about steaks, not to mention sides and he took our order without writing anything down. The food arrived promptly and we felt like family the whole time. The shrimp cocktail is delicious but the sauce is a 9 on the hot scale and I ended up drinking close to a dozen glasses of water during the course of dinner. Jordan was so quick and attentive I don't remember waiting for even a micro-second before my glass was filled to the rim. They only use high quality cloth napkins and I happened to use 3 or 4 in all the excitement. Jordan never batted an eye. The steaks are top quality. I'm not sure if they are grass fed or whatever but I got a large porterhouse and my date and I shared a cowboy (bone in) rib eye and they were both fantastic. The King Crab Mac and Cheese tasted like it had just come out of the ocean and the loaded baked potato didn't disappoint. Like I said, the shrimp cocktail sauce has a extra kick of zing, so be warned, but nothing a few extra glasses of water or a glass of milk can't take care of.
(5)
Lisa S.
I've been here a few times. The famous cocktail sauce is killer. It's nice for special occasions but is a bit pricey for frequent dining. The food has always been delicious and the service has been great.
(4)
Karla G.
Went with bf while on vacation. He got the special and I got the 8oz. His was way better...if you can, get the special, it was amazing. Like eating a freshly killed cow...yum. We also had the shrimp cocktail. They warn you that it will clear the sinuses because of the horseradish and they do not undersell it. It really has a kick. Never got around to tasting the dessert...
(4)
Phillip H.
The restaurant is real nice but the cook seemed to have trouble cooking my steak I sent it back to the kitchen and it still came back under cooked. For the price you would expect the chefs to be able to cook. Over all I was not impressed besides the cooking the waiter didn't bring our starters out until after our main course
(2)
Christina G.
Was in town for an event (came from San Francisco) and was told I had to try St. Elmo's. So glad I did ! I had a filet mignon that was cooked perfectly and so seasoned it was great on its own. No grabbing for steak sauce. Very tender. I paired it with a mashed red potato that was delicious. For desert I had the reserve bread pudding that was NOT the bread pudding I am used to being given and which I usually turn down. This was awesome! I could see just coming here for the desert and a beverage. The service was great and the ambiance was very special. It was truly a wonderful dining experience.
(5)
Laura M.
Daaaaang, shrimp cocktail, you're hot! That is what I would say to this succulent starter if it were a sentient being right before I devoured it. My first experience with St. Elmo's was when my fiance told me that it was the inspiration for Ron Swanson's Indianapolis steakhouse obsession on Parks and Rec. I don't know if this is true or not, but digging in to a perfectly tender hunk of beef definitely makes me feel a.) Swanson-esque and b.) like everything is right with the world. It's very expensive normally, but during Devour Downtown and on Sundays they have a $30 dinner that lets you enjoy an app, entree, and dessert without breaking the bank. There are options other than the filet (chicken, or fish maybe) but seriously, why even look at them? They also sell bottles of their famous cocktail sauce, so you never have to suffer from congested sinuses again.
(4)
John P.
We were in town for a conference and went to St. Elmo's based on prior reviews and local recomendations. Needless to say we were not disapointed. Being on per diem we chose the "Devour Indy" menu, which gets you the famous shrimp cocktail, choice of petit filet or salmon and one of three different desserts. Good deal($35) based on menu prices. Prior to dinner we ventured upstairs to the vintage 30's bar which had great atmosphere and impecable service. There was a bit of a misfire from the dinning room hostess who told us there would be a one hour wait for dinner seating....it was only 10 minutes, just in time for the pager to go off and our drinks and appitizer to arrive in the upstairs bar. The hostess staff let us put off being seated for 30 minutes and when we were ready for dinner, we were promptly seated. No explanation or appology for not really knowing what the wait would be. Not a big deal and we quickly forgot once those huge shrimp arrived. Yes the cocktail sauce is hot, but it's a "fresh" hot and you can gage how much sauce to includle with each bite of those sweet shrimp. Now on to the filet that was perfectly cooked (medium rare). One of the best steaks I have ever had the pleasure of eating. One in our group opted for the salmon which was similarly presented with perfection. All entrees came with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans that still had some "snap" in them. Dessert was chocolate tort, cheese cake and cream brulee. Since there was three of us, we had one of each and shared. Overall a good foodie experience made affordable by the "Devour Indy" summer special (thru August 12).
(4)
Lee T.
St. Elmo's makes me look forward to a trip to Indy - no offense to the natives. Its old school vibe, superior service and quality food make it a "must" in downtown. Their shrimp cocktail is famous for a reason and if you have a cold, as I did on my most recent visit, it is useful for opening up the sinuses. I was impressed that the waiter was genial about my husband and I sharing a 28 oz bone-in rib-eye, which when split was still a healthy portion! The side of creamed spinach was excellent as was the meat - a little undercooked, but again, no frazzled expression when we asked for a minute under the broiler. What surprised me on this visit was dessert; I'm pretty sure I haven't had it there before. The waiter recommended the special blueberry bread pudding and it was SO good that I ate way more than I intended to. I'm pretty sure they were trying to single handedly raise my cholesterol in one evening. One word about wine: the imports were not marked up as aggressively as the domestic wines. We enjoyed a Barolo that was off the beaten path of the wine list and it was a much better value than the California Cabs of equal price.
(5)
Virginia L.
Excellent food Supreme service Fantastic atmosphere The shrimp cocktail is world famous for a reason. Don't leave without trying it!
(5)
Joe P.
I dined at St. Elmo Steak House on Saturday, March 30. I was in a party of 4 and the evening started off on track. We were seated promptly upon our arrival and the waiter shortly followed to take our orders. All 4 of us ordered the Filet Mignon. I was the only one to order the 12 oz. steak. This is the point when things turned sour. My wife informed the waiter that this was our 1st experience at St. Elmo and asked for the history. The waiter, though not rude, clearly expressed apathy in providing us with a 15 second run down of St. Elmo's history. Not exactly what I had in mind based on the glowing reviews I've read about the waiters. The waiter, however, was prompt to refill my coke when I finished my glass. Once the meal arrived, I knew something wasn't right with my steak on first bite. It was lukewarm on the outside and cold on the core. Yes, I ordered the steak medium-rare but this is my first experience at an upscale restaurant where the steak was cold. I expressed my concern to the waiter who in return, expressed his sympathy for me. Yet, he didn't offer to rectify the problem. In the end, I was able to eat ~1/2 of my steak before I couldn't enjoy it anymore. At some point, no matter the cost, I decided it wasn't worth my displeasure to continue eating a cold steak. When the waiter asked again about my experience at the end of the meal, I again expressed my displeasure with the steak. I believe seeing my 1/2 eaten steak should've been a dead giveaway. As a consolation, he offered us creme bulee on the house. Frankly, I expected a lot more from this place given all the rave reviews. Unfortunately, my experience with St. Elmo left a lot to be desired from the food to the service.
(2)
Jeremy B.
WOW that's how I wanted to start this review off since this is the first time my wife and I have been here and we have lived in Indy for over 6 years. We came to St Elmo's to celebrate my wife's birthday with her dad and his wife. I have the surf n turf and she had the double lobster tails and both were absolutely delicious. The Filet was cooked to perfection and the staff was spot on and very professional and friendly. DON'T FORGET TO GET THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL!!
(5)
Vincent V.
If I'd had no advance knowledge of what to expect of St Elmo beforehand, I would have known the instant I walked in the door: the embodiment of classic steak house cool and a real sense of tradition and attention to detail. The history of the restaurant is apparent as you walk through to your table, but it doesn't feel stale or old-timey. It';s great to go to a place with 100 years of history that feels vibrant at the same time. Everything about the meal was spot on. The food and the atmosphere were great, and the service was just the right level of attentiveness without hovering. The kind of service where they're appearing out of thin air right at the instant before you think you need anything. The shrimp cocktail is everything you've heard. It's blisteringly fresh horseradish, which you're either going to love or hate. If you like sinus clearing, eye watering pop (which I do), you'll find yourself thinking about it days, even weeks later. No clue when I'll be back in Indianapolis, but I can't imagine another visit without stopping in. And given the history, I feel pretty confident St Elmo will be there for me whenever that is.
(5)
Ed J.
The best steak in the Midwest. Last night we enjoyed surf and turf. Freakin' awesome! The horseradish in the shrimp cocktail sauce will bring you to your knees-be warned.
(5)
Matthew F.
I love the style of this old school steak house. The atmosphere has a definite machismo to it that I enjoy. I like the oak paneled room that is the first one you cross through after walking through the bar. Service is attentive. The wine list is extensive. The famed shrimp cocktail is fun to order, to me its mostly a novelty. I like to watch people eat it and grimace as the horseradish invades their sinuses. And then they watch me do the same. Its fun but its not my favorite in terms of flavor. I still order it though. As for the steaks, I really wish this place had the best steaks in Indy but they don't. Don't get me wrong, they're very good but just not the best. I like dry aged ribeyes and strips cooked rare. Last time I went I ordered the dry aged KC strip. The steak was cooked to the correct temperature and seasoned appropriately. The steak had great flavor but was a bit tougher than I would expect a strip to be, especially since the dry-aging breaks down some of the collagen. I had to do quite a bit of sawing with the knife (no, I wasn't using a butterknife, haha). Still it was delicious and I had a great dinner. For dessert, I would recommend the bread pudding. Overall, a great place to have a steak and I'll be back.
(3)
Donovan M.
Decent shrimp, A+ sauce. Downtown is filled with chains....Elmo is Indys own. It's a great place to take people from our of town.....bit make reservations because this place is ALWAYS packed.
(4)
Krista F.
We made reservations for 9pm on July 3rd. Were promptly seated. Had the shrimp cocktail, of course. We also split a wedge salad that was too die for. Tons of real bacon crumbles, blue cheese and topped with a very nice vinaigrette. Both of us had the filet cooked medium and medium rare. Perfectly cooked. Service, as always, was terrific. Very helpful and accommodating.
(5)
Vaughn C.
Great staff, amazing food. Started with shrimp cocktail, the sauce was horseradish hot and amazing. The steak was great, I love a place that does not overcook it's meat. Cheesecake for desert was very good. Excellent wait staff, very professional. Price is high but worth it.
(5)
Bridget F.
After all the hype I heard about this place, I was really expecting a great experience. Ultimately, I was let down. The food was decent, but not spectacular. The service was generally great (although one server was a little snarky). Elmo's is rich in history, which makes it a classic Indianapolis spot; I think the history not the food makes it a staple.
(2)
Talisha M.
This places makes me a steak fan!! So I am not a red meat eater but I always make an exception here! Best filet mignon I ever had! Lightly salted and grilled to perfection (always under cooked so order "up"). Great mac & cheese. As you know you HAVE to have the tear jerking Shrimp app w/cocktail sauce (seriously eat w/caution) b/c its a mouthful of WOWWWWW! Ended w/the best blueberry bread pudding. This is probably one of the nicest places to eat in this city and is a must do! The service is impeccable.
This restaurant was highly recommended by friends as well as numerous web sites so it was a must visit on our trip to Indy and it surely did NOT disappoint. Starting off with the house bread...our basket had actually several different types of bread in it which was a refreshing change from most places which just have one standard bread. The onion bread and lavosh in particular were nice starters for the palette. For appetizers we tried the shrimp cocktail which was highly recommended. Shrimp was awesome but be warned if you have low tolerance for spicy as the cocktail sauce was imbued with horseradish. For my main entree I took on the 28oz porterhouse steak with mashed potatoes. It was easily one of THE BEST steaks I've ever had in my life easily showing me why this place is a legend in steak houses. I finished off my meal with the Sugar Cream Pie which is touted as the State Pie of Indiana. It was absolutely delish. Prices here are pricey (entrees run anywhere from $25 - $40) but it's worth it for the treat. High quality food worthy of the price tag.
(5)
Ben S.
I went here with two co-workers for happy hour ONLY because one of them has dreamed of the shrimp cocktail since she last went to St. Elmo's over four years ago. So in order to satisfy her craving, we went to go get ourselves one of their famous shrimp cocktails... All patrons of St. Elmo's enter through the bar. The host/ess station is at the end of the bar, which runs the length of the restaurant, and right in front of the kitchen. So for those of us seated at the bar, all the foot traffic is a minor inconvenience, but this luckily does not negatively impact the ambiance of this upscale steak and seafood joint. As I said, we came here for the shrimp cocktail. So upon sitting down at one of the tables behind the bar and having our waitress come over, we eagerly ordered our shrimp cocktails (one each) and drinks. In that order. We would also order a side of the king crab mac-n-cheese to share. The shrimp cocktail is nicely plated in a very traditional steakhouse style. The silver bowl is an inset which sits inside a larger bowl filled with crushed ice. Nice touch. Rather than filling the bowl with cocktail sauce and setting the poached shrimp on the edge, the shrimp are inside the bowl, pre-doused in cocktail sauce. An inverted shellfish fork stuck with a lemon wedge is stuck in the ice beside the inset bowl like a flag at the top of Mt. Everest as if to claim "I am the best shrimp cocktail you will ever eat." And this IS the best shrimp cocktail you will ever eat...IF you like REAL cocktail sauce. St. Elmo's cocktail sauce is not for the faint of heart, the weak-kneed, or those who do not enjoy simultaneously having their sinuses cleared, their eyes water and the front of their brain throb. This red sauce does not have a "touch" or a "hint" of horseradish. No, this is for people who like a hint of sauce to go with their freshly-ground horseradish. Take your first bite carefully and then get progressively ambitious. Not the other way around, or this sauce will knock you off your seat. 5 stars. As a side note, we also had the king crab mac-n-cheese. In hindsight, skip it and order another shrimp horseradishtail. I mean, shrimp cocktail. I didn't find any semblance of real cheese in the mac, and the king crab was poached meat sitting atop the breadcrumb crust. Blah. I could make better mac-n-cheese at home even without king crab. 1 star. The moral of the story here is the same as that of my co-worker: I will dream about this shrimp cocktail until the day I return to Indianapolis. At which time I will return to St. Elmo's for the shrimp cocktail an nothing else. Unless I'm rich, because boy is their regular menu pricey! 3.5-4 stars overall.
(4)
Sharlene C.
no steaks were eaten but a cocktails were consumed. the lounge upstairs is cozy and dim. they make a mean gibson martini too.
(4)
Jorgen M.
This is a top 5 steak house in the country for me. I think they have been around for over 100 years...old school all the way. Great old bar, waiters in tux's and lot's of classic Indy pictures throughout. The meats are all prime and cooked to perfection and you have to get the shrimp cocktail to understand why the entire dinning room has tears flowing from their eyes...Awesome...The best cocktail sauce in the country bar none. If you are ever in this town, this is a must do place
(5)
Cara L.
St. Elmo's is an Indy landmark and an entire dining experience. You must have dinner here at least once if you come into town. Even better if you are on an expense account. (Extra bonus if you are there on Jerry Jones' expense account.) From the moment you step in the door, everyone from the hostess to the coat check girls to the bartender is a true professional, gracious and polite without being pushy, cheesy, or overly familiar. Yes, the shrimp cocktail is a must and yes there will be the jokers in your party who find it hilarious to tell the new person in the group that they MUST try it, snickering and chortling like morons as they watch the unsuspecting poor soul's eyes water and twitch. Personally, I enjoy spicy foods and have never quite understood all the fuss, but if you must do it the sissy way, you can ask for the cocktail sauce on the side. However, you probably won't satisfy your peers that you have been truly initiated so proceed with caution. St. Elmo's is as much about the experience as what you order. I have always enjoyed a jovial vibe with a fun group as opposed to going here for an intimate dinner. I am sure their seafood is fine, but go here for the steak. While I would not recommend stealing Jerry Jones' favorite reserved wine unless you have recently coached your team to a Super Bowl victory, I can assure you that there are hundreds and hundreds of wonderful selections in a very cool wine cellar, including my favorite Cakebread reds. Lovely assortment of desserts and after dinner spirits. Impeccable service. Hopefully your hotel has a nice wake up service and an early opening Starbucks to help you recover from a truly memorable dining experience.
(5)
Tom P.
St Elmo's is a required stop when I am in Indy. Went last night after telling co-workers all week about the shrimp cocktail and super hot horseradish. Decor is very old school, but in a real cool nostalgic kind of way. Waitstaff all wear bowties etc.. We sat in a back dining room away from the bar. Our waiter was outstanding and very knowledgable. The wine list is HUGE and he knew it inside and out... Had the aforementioned shrimp cocktail which was as great as I recalled... When I say the horseradish is hot, I am not screwing around - it's blazing. Very tasty though - not just hot to be not if you know what I mean.. My KC steak was very good - but I have to say it wasn't as good as the last few times. I really had to grip my knife to cut through some parts closer to the bone. One collegue had a porterhouse and said it was great; the other is a vegatarian (yes, i know...) and she had a pasta which she also said was excellent. They give you a choice of sides and between that and the bread and the shrimp and of course the 42oz steak, I was spent! no dessert.... Anyway - food was somewhere between a 3 star and 4 star night, service helped to round it up to a solid 4.
(4)
Deuce D.
So, when did too much horseradish become a claim to fame? This place has not been good for almost ten years now. It's riding on an outdated reputation and doing nothing new or exciting. I was sucked into eating here with a business associate and couldn't believe how lackluster everything was. My companion ordered the shrimp cocktail, and forced me to try it despite my insistence that I've had it before, and it was the same over-spiced nonsense it was years ago. I say that as a lover of spicy foods, but if I wanted to eat a chunk of horseradish, I'd eat a chunk of horseradish. One can't even taste the shrimp: it's just a spoon for the sauce. Steak were...fine? At these prices I expect better than fine. There are too many great restaurants in Indy to waste your time here.
(1)
Shoshana K.
I love the legacy this place has. It is a fancy steak house, you don't necessarily have to be dressed up when you dine here, but the prices on the menu sure reflect something classy! The steaks I'm happy to report are cooked great. I did not indulge in any meats, but instead decided to try some famous steak house sides - mushrooms, potatos au gratin, and a salad. The mushrooms were disapointing, but I happen to be a mushroom fiend and did not care for the way they were cooked. The potatoes were rich and blistered on the top - yum! Salad was good and indulgent, like it should be with a steak dinner. My friends had the fillet - both of their plates came out cooked tenderely and exactly how they asked. I wonder what food you can order if you sit at the bar here instead of the restaurant...some places offer a similar bar menu to their sit down restaurant but for less because you're dining in the bar....worth a look. Bathrooms were nice. There is vallet parking here....
(3)
Brian K.
Extremely impressed with the service and food here. Shrimp cocktail is a must. Steaks are well prepared. Wife had a filet. I opted for the mahi mahi in a spicy tomato sauce over cous cous and wow is all I can say. If I'm down in Indy again this will be a must stop again.
(4)
Rajiv I.
So far the service has sucked ass - I like to think that in 2014 in Indy people have come across folks that are not just white. But obviously I am wrong - it has been quite a while since I have been in a place where the lady beside my wife decides to clutch to her purse and the waiter pays no attention to us but is really attentive to all the white folks around. The Malbec that CB had was sour but we did not want to say anything in light of I want to be sure they are not spitting on my food. CB's filet was a little more on the well done side and chewy. my rib eye although very tasty was more on the rare side. The navy bean soup was pretty good. In a nutshell if u r in LA just go to Jar, pay half the price for the food, get superior service, wine, and steaks done to perfection. 1 star only for pretending to be a high class joint
(1)
Troy P.
Classic historic steakhouse! Over 100 years old. If you have not been yet, you must check it out! And the shrimp cocktail is a must!
(5)
Jahanah M.
I hate to be a naysayer here, but the 2 stars accurately reflect my experience. My sweetie and I visited this legendary steak house with admittedly high expectations. I mean, every brochure you see for Indianapolis lists this as a local institution, not to be dismissed by anyone looking for an excellent dining experience. So I definitely feel justified in having super high expectations. We went during Devour Downtown in the summer of 2014. I ordered the often-praised shrimp cocktail and found it to be almost unbearably spicy. It felt gimmicky. The appetizer was tasty enough otherwise, but certainly not tasty enough to live up to its reputation. The main course was a steak (I can't remember the cut) cooked medium rare. It was also, well, meh. I won't go back. If it was overpriced for me even with the Devour discount, I can't imagine paying the regular price for something that was, in my opinion, mediocre.
(2)
Dalia M.
How good is this place? Halfway through my meal, I was so satisfied with everything, I took a break to take it all in, closed my eyes and dozed off for a split second before my boyfriend said, "Dalia, don't fall asleep!". I was utterly happy and content with the experience and I wasn't even done. My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday because I have an obsession with steak (and really all things delicious). We had later reservations but arrived a bit early to grab cocktails at the lounge upstairs and then got to our table. Everyone working there is friendly and cheerful, including our server. He was always on, always checking in. We sat in the room all the way in the back, in nice corner table. The decor is quintessential steakhouse - dark woods, dim lights, bowties and so on. We wanted a NAPA cab to go with our steaks but the list is so overwhelming (10,000 wines) with a healthy price range to select from that we asked for a recommendation. Our waiter brought us a nice bottle (it's featured in Forgetting Sarah Marshall) that was below or price limit and went great with our meal. We were both going to get steaks. Each steak comes with two sides. We had been told there was a lobster bisque available and sure enough, it was special substitutable for a side for an additional charge of $5. We both subbed it in. I got a loaded baked potato with my 8 oz rare filet, he got cheddar mashed potatoes with his 14 oz medium rare NY strip. In addition (we shouldn't have), we got the King Crab mac 'n cheese as an appetizer. CARB OVERLOAD. Everything that came out was delectable. We just kept eating and eating. Huge lobster chunks in the bisque that was perfectly creamy, an abundant amount of King Crab in a cheesy mac 'n cheese, and steaks that were cooked as ordered and seasoned beautifully. For my birthday, they gave us a complimentary dessert. We got the cheesecake - a massive slice of heaven our overfull bellies struggled to eat. Oh, I want to go back, but now I know the portions are much better than other steakhouses and that I need to refrain from ordering the world :) YUM. Perfect birthday meal.
(5)
Trevor H.
Crazy Tuesday night; 8:00, place is totally full. Downstairs bar is full. Head upstairs to the lounge. Ordered the house chop salad, petite bone-in filets, and choc cake. Service did not disappoint. Steak was great, as was salad. The tequila-whisky-ginger beer cocktail was tasty. But the highlight was the outrageously good (and large) cake. Took leftovers home, on plane no less, just to let wife try it. Even the next day (and 1,000 miles later) --the cake was something special.
(4)
Bob S.
There are many people who say that St. Elmo is just another great steakhouse and gets way too much attention - but I say they deserve every ounce and pound exposure from local media to national sports legends. Why? Outstanding service mixed appropriately with candor, humor, sizzling (but not artificially so like at a Ruth's Chris) steaks, mouth-watering (and eye-watering) shrimp cocktail sauce and decadent mashed potatoes. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Christopher F.
Martinis and shrimp cocktail. Enough said!
(5)
john h.
Just had a great, but very expensive, dinner at the restaurant after the Indy 500. Went to the bar afterwards for drinks and to watch a hockey playoff game. The cocktail waitress, Steph, was rather aloof and only interested pushing more overpriced cocktails. All of a sudden, they changed the sports channel on the TV from hockey to basketball after we were watching for 2 periods. We politely asked to have the hockey game returned but we're literally ignored by this incompetent server. When confronted, she stated "someone asked first" - ignoring the fact we were watching for more than an hour. I understand that Indy is a 2nd tier city without a hockey tea but after spending $300 you would think they would accommodate both. I'll be back for Indy next year - but I will eat and drink at Ruth's Chris, Mortons, or the Capitol Grille for a lot less money. Poor customer service and consideration. trumps an Indianapolis tradition. Why pay 25% over market to opportunists? The funny thing is the rube waitress did not understand we were upset!!!
(1)
Nathan M.
Sunday menu. Steak was slightly pinker than expected but the waiter warned us and the steak was deliciously cooked anyway - like butta. Service was how it should be - customer focused.
(5)
Rick W.
We had a great meal here for Christmas Eve. Everyone was very pleased with their meals. Let's say the shrip cocktail was the best. Steaks were great and so was the service. Suger cream pie topped off the meal. We will be back. Can't go wrong.
(5)
Beth H.
Classic. Plain and simple....shrimp coctail to die for ..... if you go to Indy this is a must.
(4)
Paul L.
I went to St Elmo's on a recommendation from a friend. I was in Indiana for a business trip and it was the first place he recommended. I made reservations although it was a Sunday, and I'm glad I did. It seemed pretty busy, but we got seated right away and proceeded to check out the menu. I ended up ordering the shrimp cocktail, which they are well known for. This was about 6 or so very large shrimp, with a spicy, homemade cocktail sauce. It was GREAT! The bean soup came out next and was a nice prelude to the main course, a 32oz prime rib. It was cooked perfectly, and was honestly one of the best prime ribs and/or steaks I've ever had. Overall the food, and service were excellent. You're going to pay for it, but when a place truly delivers, price does not seem so important.
(4)
Staci F.
The breads before the meal were amazing! The filet was a bit flavorless, but cooked perfectly and very tender so I was a happy camper. Cozy atmosphere, good for a date night! Definitely make reservations, there were a lot of people waiting around for a table when we were leaving.
(4)
Jonathan N.
Came in at 9pm on a Thursday and the place was still pretty full. The place is HUGE - 7,000sq ft was what the hostess told me. There's some really good bread that I wish was served warm, but still good. Shrimp cocktail - delicious. The horseradish cocktail is not as potent as Harry and izzy's, which I can enjoy more. It still clears the sinus. Navy bean soup - was okay, but then again I'm not a huge bean person. I liked the sausage bits in there. Bone-in filet - COLD. They brought it out and it was almost colder than room temp. We had to ask the server to reheat it for us. Didn't get a single apology. Whatever. The steak itself had no flavor. We added salt and it was delicious and super super tender. I wish the steak was brought out warmer.. Nice ambience, okay service, mediocre food. I might lean more towards Harry and izzy's or capital grille.
(2)
Joshua W.
Definitely good but not a place I will go often mainly because of the price. It is definitely a great special occasion restaurant.The service was amazing and the food was spectacular.
(4)
John L.
Dropped in for a late dinner on a motogp weekend. Atmosphere was cool in the upstairs lounge, with a great appetizer/lite menu. Really good service there. Thereafter, headed downstairs for a 10PM dinner. Service remained excellent and atmosphere was what you'd expect from a place that has a long history and is an institution at Indy. Famous diners on the wall (racers, Hall and Oates, etc.). Food: Only one appetizer. Shrimp cocktail covered in a spicy, cocktail sauce with a significant amount of horseradish. It was much better than I thought it would be, given presentation was heavy on the sauce. Had the small filet with a baked potato. Filet was quite tender and cooked perfectly. Potato was excellent. With that said, the meat was very salty. All in all, I'd say worth a visit.
(4)
J J.
I don't have any "bad" things to say. I don't feel the steak was the best I ever had flavor wise but it was cooked perfect. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The shrimp cocktail even though insanely spicy really had a amazing flavor
(4)
Elee W.
I found it interesting that the reviews for St. Elmo Steak House were either really positive or really disappointed. That pretty much says to me that people have some preconceived notions about a place. I went into this knowing that 1) it is a steak house and 2) it has been in Indianapolis for a long time. Result? This is about as old school steak house as I suppose you can get. Everything feels somewhat over the top in the way that only steak houses can be. The long and short of it is, that St. Elmo's is old school, old timey, the place my grandpa Andy would have eaten in the 1960s kind of a joint. The place where people probably had (and maybe still do on the DL) 3 martini lunches and "business" lunches. Made reservations for Christmas Eve on Open Table, and had no problem when we go there early. Had one 5pc shrimp cocktail to split. Lovely. The shrimp cocktail--it is their claim to fame. Let them revel in that. It isn't great, but seriously how does one make a stellar shrimp cocktail anyway? Salads--one Caesar, one wedge- with bacon. Both, as expected, solid and tasty. Steak? Yes, that's what they do well, and that's what one should expect to be done well (or rare, medium rare and so forth).One petite fillet, medium rare--lovely and just right; one bone-in fillet, rare, and rightly so. Mashed potatoes with the one, "loaded" potato with the other, and a side of creamed spinach on the side. (Probably didn't need that.) All in all, just what it was--meat and potatoes, no flashy, no fancy, no artsy fartsy, and no expectations otherwise. The service is really where you should think about the value of your experience. This is a tuxedo'd server place (though I saw all of ONE woman amongst the servers!) and our guy had been there something like 20 years! Swift, up-selling but not pushy, focused. That's what you get for service. Seemed about right. We'll probably go back; bring out of town-ers, use it as special occasion, etc. Not a go-to for local bistro-innovation, but why would you want that when you can eat steak and potatoes?
(4)
Jerome C.
Much talked about - expectations are high and St Elmo fell short. Didn't have a bad meal, just another steakhouse steak. Had the "world famous" shrimp cocktail - huge disappointment. Then comes the check, and as all steak houses I visited in Indy: overpriced.
(3)
Mike B.
I think St. Elmo's is living more off of urban legend than actual top quality food. It maybe just me but I've eaten there multiple times and it has a really nice atmosphere and feel but overall I don't see why it is so popular. I'm guessing it is more of an icon of Indianapolis that people want to be the top of the line. Again, I've never had a bad meal at St. Elmo's I also can say I've never had a great one either. If your visiting town you need to eat here just to try the shrimp cocktail.
(3)
Mitchell K.
My girlfriend and I had a wonderful time here on New Year's Eve. The famous Shrimp cocktail was full of freshly grated horseradish and made for some hilarious faces after particularly zesty bites. The 10 oz filet was cooked a perfect medium, flavorful and very tender. Our waiter was excellent - the right balance of attentiveness, humor and yet discretion. His service was much appreciated on what was a special night out. All in all a great, classic steak house. Veggie burgers need not apply.
(4)
Howard C.
I gave this place two stars because my valet ended up being free, but only because the kid wanted to go home, we stayed pretty late past close. Since the price keeps out idiots, the atmosphere is a winner. The meal however was plagued by a poorly mixed attempt at bourbon lemonade. Both my and my friend's steak was undercooked, obviously the chef didn't have any experience cooking the tomahawk cut they trotted out on special. The king crab mac&cheese was less than stellar as well. $320 for 4 should have been memorable, instead i lost all credibility with my friends for picking dinner. Sigh
(2)
Michelle A.
I've been here quite a few times since I've moved to downtown Indy. The shrimp cocktail is the best I've ever had. I usually get the filet mignon which is always very good. However, recently I tried the ahi tuna with wasabi and rice and it was amazing! It reminded me of deconstructed sushi, but the tuna was cooked perfectly. I will definitely get it again next time!
(5)
Chuck M.
This is a good, but by no means a great restaurant. It has a comfortably-shabby appearance, and acceptable food. The service was fine. The food was fine. The selection was small. They have one appetizer, shrimp cocktail with horseradish. Pretty spicy. We were satisfied, but I wasn't impressed enough that this place would be on my list if I ever return to Indianapolis.
(3)
Michael T.
great food awesome sights great history. get the shrimp!
(5)
Craig E.
First of all mike at the bar was attentive on point and great. The food!!!!!! Shrimp cocktail with horseradish. CHECK. The ribeye was prepared perfect. The atmosphere fantastic. If you are ever in Indy a must stop.
This high end steak house was an amazing way to celebrate my big event. It is high end and curated. Our server, Jordan, was awesome. He made us feel pampered and at ease. He had answers for everything. Everything about the meal was amazing. For heaven's sake, we had three different kinds of potatoes on the table and they were all great! The steaks were all cooked to our order and extremely good. I'm not much of a steak person and I highly enjoyed my steak dinner. Now, this shrimp cocktail that they're famous for was surprising. They warn you that the cocktail sauce is spicy because of extra horseradish and they are not kidding. It has a swift kick to the sinuses before quickly residing. It was like riding a culinary roller coaster and I giggled after every bite. But I think that will be the only time I pay $15 to take the ride. My money might be better spent on custom cocktails and infusions.
(5)
Eric R.
Had the Lobster bisque, shrimp cocktail, and prime rib. And all was amazing, the prime rib was some of the best I have ever had. The service was some of the best I have ever had as well.
(5)
John M.
I wanted to write a one word review but the app would not let me. So I'm going to write these two lines and then my full review. Flawless.
(5)
Rachel C.
I really enjoyed this restaurant. I love good steakhouses and I will admit I was a little skeptical at first because of it's antique look. I didn't want like a chicken fried steak and gravy place. I was pleasantly surprised once we walked in. The shrimp cocktail was a little too spicy for me. The steak was the most tender steak I have ever ate. Service was great. A little pricey.
(4)
T V.
Sat down at the bar at about 10 PM the night before the Indianapolis 500. The place was rockin' and people were still ordering food. I went there at the recommendation of a friend who was an Indiana native whose name you would recognize at a famous downtown museum. I texted him a photo of my cold bottle of Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, to let him know I took him up on his recommendation. He told me to order the Shrimp Cocktail. I did; sent him a photo, and took a big bite of a large shrimp (oxymoron) covered with St. Elmo's cocktail sauce. Holy Cow! Talk about St. Elmo's Fire! That shrimp cocktail was hot! Cleared my sinuses! Cut a whole through my gut! But it was good. I cut the remaining shrimp up into pieces I could handle, and washed that hot goodness down with a second Nut Brown Ale. The bartender brought me a basket of tasty warm rolls and bread/crackers. I paid my tab and made my way upstairs to the lounge, where I found another bar, a packed lounge area, and live music. Ordered another Nut Brown, and noticed a prep area for that hot shrimp cocktail. My stomach was still on fire as I cooled the flames with my cold beer, and people watched the Indianapolis 500 or so people who came and left St. Elmo's that night.
(5)
William G.
I clearly don't get to Indianapolis enough, because I'd never heard of this 'world famous' place. And I confess I had a pile of doubt I would walk away from the restaurant believing it. Seeking a quiet lunch spot during Gen Con, and a steak sounding ideal to members of our party, we ducked into this rather nice restaurant. On entrance, you find yourself in a bar area, where you undoubtedly will see a few people enjoying a drink and a shrimp cocktail. This was our first clue the shrimp cocktail was special, as everyone will be eating it. Getting a table likely leads you to a corridor in the back leading to two more rooms. The restaurant itself is surprisingly sizable, and can seat many people. The staff is well dressed and friendly, and further talked up the shrimp cocktail as they led us to our table. While I'm on the subject, I am very surprised to read other reviews not raving about the service. Mine, from the front door to the end of the meal, was absolutely exceptional. For a few guys who took a table just to have a beer and the shrimp cocktail, we were treated as important customers, never rushed, and good chatter and frequency of checking on us. Maybe I came on a good day, or maybe it has been stepped up recently, but none of our waiters had the slightest attitude. Ah, now we come to the shrimp cocktail. The place only has one appetizer, and they do it right. First off, this beast is not for everyone. If you don't like spicy food, specifically horseradish, you will not enjoy this. On the other hand, if you've ever done a spicy food challenge for pleasure, this is Mecca. I must admit to you that my eyes did water, as did those of my companions. The shrimp is sizable and nicely peeled, so you can dive right in, and it will hit you right away. This is not the kind of heat that burns the tongue, but rather goes straight to the sinuses, where it promptly declares nuclear war. I made it through, and loved every bite, whilst being constantly entertained by all of the other patrons trying the delicacy and gasping desperately for relief. The menu had a number of steaks, which were pricey but were sizable cuts of meat. I cannot speak for these, as we refrained. But the bread was good, the beer was fairly priced, and the shrimp cocktail was everything advertised and more. This will become a yearly tradition for us, and I hope some new friends come next year. I'm looking forward to seeing their reaction to the sauce, which, by the by, you can buy a bottle of to take home. I really, really should have done that...
(5)
Chad F.
The food here is very good! Came with the family and enjoyed ever bite. The prices are on the higher side but worth every penny. Had a 32 ounce Prime rib for $50 and three of us spilt it. It was worth the price and cooked to perfection. Shrimp cocktail is worth trying if you like it spicy. If not tell them to hold the sauce and place it on the side. This is a true old school steak house with great service and attention to detail. Can't wait to come back.
(5)
Jim R.
ok there is a lot of rave about this place. I ordered the aged steak. I have had dry aged steaks before but this was lacking all the way around. Tough, lacking flavor just like the sides. Asparagus and mushrooms were boring. Skip the hype and go to Shulas.
(2)
Kate A.
As Yelp puts it: "Meh. I've experienced better." We had never been here before tonight, so my husband called to make a reservation for our anniversary. When we arrived, they sat us in the middle of a aisle so servers were swooping plates of food over our heads as they walked by to deliver food to other tables (what??! Are you kidding me?? This is supposed to be a nice place, or so I thought...). We immediately told the hostess that sat us that we did not want to sit in the middle of an aisle, that it was our anniversary, and we made reservations as such. She said our reservation was made online (which it was definitely not) and they usually wouldn't sit reservation guests at a "bad table." ...A "bad table"? ... If it is a "bad table" why is it even be a table to begin with? Oh that's right - to maximize profits by cramming as many people into a small space as possible. Except... If your guests are paying $200 for a meal, shouldn't ALL guests have an EQUAL experience? This just does not fit the bill of what a nice restaurant should be in terms of how they treat their guests. The hostess insisted we made a reservation online, to which we insisted, we did not because we know how reservations work. We called to ensure it went through and was taken because it was a special occassion and we didn't want to risk the reservation not going through online. Here's a thought: Maybe the person on the other end of the phone taking the reservation input it as an online reservation?! Just taking a gander here... Moving on. We spoke to the manager and his solution was to find us a table that was not in the middle of the floor. One of the servers told us there was an area that is much less noisey they could seat us, but the manager said it wasn't available. And that was that. No other solutions. They didn't even try to keep our business because they simply don't value their customers' business. So we left and took our business to Oceanaire instead (to which I give 5-stars). Will we be back to St. Elmo? Probably not. Staple shrimp cocktail or not, I expect to not have to shout across the table to my husband or dodge serving trays all night if a place touts to be a fine dining establishment. This isn't a bistro. It is a steakhouse. Pick an atmosphere and stick with it. Luckily for us, Oceanaire was able to salvage our anniversary dinner. I'm giving 2 stars because the manager did make a feeble attempt to fix the situation by trying to find us a new seat, but could not deliver on a more quiet location because they dropped the ball on our reservation. He didn't even try to offer a free dessert or ANYTHING to offset the fact that we just wasted a bunch of time and they were ruining our anniversary dinner. The hostess had an attitude problem. The server that called on our table for a split second was the most nice out of them all. She is the other reason this place gets 2 stars instead of just 1.
(2)
Rick R.
In town for the sweet sixteen and grabbed a reservation on open table a week before my trip. Was told all about the burn-your-mouth shrimp cocktail and white chocolate blueberry bread pudding leading up the dinner. Everything was spot on. Not an uppity joint, but a good atmosphere, comfortable, classic, and cool. The food was excellent. I could have asked my my prime bone in Kansas City dry aged strip to be cool a little longer (I ordered medium and the meat towards the bone was rare), but I didn't because the quality of the meat was so good I ate it all anyway. If I'm back in Indy soon, I will def be back.
(5)
Cindy M.
Terribly disappointed in this family favorite. We booked our reservation months in advance as the adults in our family were having a celebration dinner with everyone coming into town for the Indianapolis 500. Our reservations were confirmed by st Elmo's the day prior, and upon arrival we were told that we were being seated in the cellar room BUT we had to be done with our meal and out the door by 7:45! We were stunned and actually we still are! We have never been treated like this before and as such we will never be back. Apparently A driver and his entourage were coming to dinner as we were leaving so we safely assumed that was the small group taking over the cellar room. Our recommendation is to not eat at the establishment during the month of May UNLESS you are connected to the racing community because obviously your meal, service and reservation simply don't matter. We won't be back and we cannot in good conscience recommend this restaurant ever again
(1)
Charles Z.
I so want to rave about St. Elmo's because there's a lot to like -- I love the history, the old-school steakhouse atmosphere and much of the food. The service is usually spot on, and the shrimp cocktail is justifiably famous. But the steaks have disappointed on my last few visits. Yes, I have had great steaks here, but it's been a few years since my last really good one. Just recently I ordered the bone-in ribeye and my son had the bone-in prime rib, both medium rare. Both were just OK -- tougher than they should be, underseasoned for my taste, and the prime rib seemed excessively fatty. At about $50 each, I expect a much better, tender steak. Is St. Elmo getting prime beef? It doesn't seem like it. I keep going back about once a year because I still love the place, and I always think they'll raise their game on the steaks. But I'm starting to wonder if they are coasting on their reputation. I'm taking off two stars because a steakhouse with this reputation should be serving consistently outstanding steaks.
(3)
Tennyson M.
I eat here very often, and always on Sunday. Why? On Sunday they have an unadvertised special. Fillet with shrimp coctail, side and desert. Great deal at half the regular cost. Am I cheap? No. But when I see a good deal, why not take advantage?. At any hoot, the food is great as is well documented. Also, the waiters own the tables they wait on, so the service is always wonderful. I am a steak eater. You go to Manny's in Minneapolis for NY Strip, but you go to Elmo's for fillet. Excellent fillet. One of the most consistently good fillet houses in the states. Oh, and yes, order the shrimp coctail and enjoy the nose clearing head rush. Excellent restaurant, but again, for the money conscious, go there on Sunday and ask for the specials menue. They will not offer it up unless you ask for it.
(5)
Ray S.
The shrimp cocktail certainly packs a "little" kick, and I like spicy food. However, it was great. The filet was as tender as could be and cooked to perfection. The service was also great. The only negative, if you view it as such, was that when I was there, the crowd was a bit geriatric. Still, all in all, I would recommend highly.
(4)
Abby V.
Yummy as always! I had the prime rib and it was HUGE! Way bigger that the bone in ribeye my husband got. And we both agreed the pribe rib was the better of the two. In fact it was the best prime rib I've ever had and I'm a beef snob. The shrimp cocktail is a must! We also had the creamed spinach which was great as well! Overall it was very good!
(5)
Sharee M.
My review is limited to the upstairs lounge, but it was really nice 'after hours' spot during a double date. There was no cover for the lounge; we just walked upstairs. The bar was in the next room, but waitress came around every once and awhile. I do not remember what kind of drink I had, but I do know it was made great. There was live music (soulful R&B), which was cool. I'm not sure if you can order food in this section. Hubby and I enjoy our time at the lounge; we plan to come back soon.
(5)
Clint E.
This is the best steakhouse I've visited in the United States. The food quality, the service, the way you're treated like royalty just for stopping in there, and the history of the place creates a very unique and special dining experience. They have guys frequent the room, nearly running to refill your glass of water should it be low. They have a butler-like guy come to your table and take your order, and he checks in several times to make sure everything is perfect. I had the New York strip and it was tender like a filet but had all the flavor you want. The wedge salad was the best I've ever had. The wine list was extensive. One of the few places you ever visit where you get what you pay for. Be sure to ask your server for a few stories because lots of famous people stop in here. He had tales for me of Peyton Manning and a lot of other famous clientele. I didn't get to try the famous shrimp cocktail, and I'm regretful for that. I don't know when I'll be back to St. Elmo, but it was a bucket list item in the way of a restaurant that is now crossed off my list. I hope this review is my thanks to them for the one night experience they provided me with. The Gem of Indianapolis which is already a great restaurant town!
(5)
Jacob M.
It was amazing..... I really enjoyed it all
(5)
Jordan J.
St Elmo Steak House is hands down the best steakhouse in Indianapolis! I have eaten here multiple times and never have I been even a little disappointed. The filets are always cooked to perfection, the side dishes are delicious, and the shrimp cocktail is one of a kind! Paying approximately $50/person usually seems crazy to a budget-conscious person like me, but St Elmo is worth it!
(5)
Tony F.
Very good food and the portions are huge. Jakey ordered onion rings that would feed 5 people. Good service as well. Go Wildcats.
(5)
Dan C.
great food, spectacular service, and a fantastic history. it's THE place to go in downtown Indy...
(5)
David K.
The beauty of this place is in its simplicity. The sole appetizer is the shrimp cocktail which is unique. It is like any other good shrimp cocktail except the cocktail sauce hits you in the back of the skull from inside your head when you eat it. However, I mean this in the most positive way as the cocktail sauce is great. I had a filet cooked to a perfect medium rare with green beans. The dish was nice and simple but delicious. For dessert it was plain but perfect cheesecake with graham cracker crust. Definitely worth checking out in a downtown area full of upscale restaurants.
My wife and I stop here a couple times a year. The service is always great, the atmosphere is amazing, and the steaks can't be beat.
(5)
Katie F.
This place is quintessential traditional steakhouse at its best. Service is fantastic and food is beyond wonderful. Always a classic and a go to restaurant.
(5)
Jeff R.
Argh. Dragged here by friends. This place is like any other 100 year old place still hawking its "tradition" to tourists. Pushy waiters trying to get your group to order 10 apps. Famous shrimp cocktail? Based on what? Want to spend $30 or more on a big piece of meat. Ok. Not me. Not my style.
(2)
Dave C.
We visited St. Elmo's steak house with my 16 year old and 10 year old. I'd recommend you go on Sunday. They have a prix-fixe option for a low price that provides excellent food. Some might want to go beyond (I did) - but for my kids it was great. As many have mentioned, the shrimp cocktail is a big draw. Very spicy - not for everyone - but great for those who like spice - unique among restaurants. The atmosphere is a bit loud, but not raucous. My kids were great with it. I could see it for a business setting or couples as well. For smaller kids... not so much. The wine complemented the steak well. The location is great. The steaks were cooked perfectly. I like medium rare and my wife likes (ugh) well done - and we were both thrilled.
(5)
Zack M.
Finally made it to st. Elmos, what have I been waiting for? It lived up to everything I've ever heard. I had the shrimp cocktail fresh horseradish had me tearing up and it was fantastic. Filet was great, but where is Filet not great? Then creme brulee, please help me help you and do not pass on this to finish your meal. It was phenomenal. I heard it was expensive, but for what you get I think its well worth it. Play to spend 50-60 a person. I can't wait to go back!!! Next time I'm tackling the 32oz bone in ribeye.
(5)
Carey D.
I know that everyone else LOVES St. Elmo, but it's not one of my top picks for fine dining in Indianapolis. For the price, I don't really think the food or service is entirely worth it. I prefer the buttery goodness of Ruth's Chris filets, and while I know that their shrimp cocktail is practically world-famous, it is just too spicy for me and I end up practically in tears with a runny nose... and that doesn't exactly make me feel upscale! Last time I was here, we went during one of the Devour Downtown weeks, when they offer a prix fixe menu at a discounted price and proceeds go to charity. When the waiter found out we were ordering from that menu, he turned a little snooty. I can understand why other people love this place, but it's just not my cup o' tea.
(3)
Bryan J.
A good Steak House. A busy place, very old school, but kind of cool too. like the reviews say here, try the Shrimp Cocktail. (Spicy!) If you are Indy, this is the a place to try.
(4)
Darcy D.
One of my favorite steakhouses in America and the hands down best option in Indy. Had dinner there Monday and Tuesday. The special dry aged KC Strip was epic.
(5)
Jen M.
I hadn't been to St. Elmo's in 10 years. Good things haven't changed in that time span. Why mess with a great thing? Legendary shrimp cocktail with clear-out-your-nasal-passages chili and horseradish sauce and Prime cut steaks. Service is always flawless. And how great is it to see men in tuxes serving your food? This place will always be a class act and always a great destination for a meal before a game at Lucas Oil.
(4)
Stacia S.
This is our absolute favorite restaurant! April and Kerry are excellent managers! Troy is the best waiter ever - in fact, we've even changed our reservations to ensure we sit with him!
(5)
Robert J.
I chose this place over Ruth Chris to see if this steakhouse is better than them. To be honest, it wasn't the best experience. My steak was ok, but my girlfriend's steak was charred pretty bad. We didn't want to send it back because we didn't have time to wait another 35 minutes for a new one. The waiter was also not very friendly and personable. Overall, I don't have to come back here and am pretty mad I didn't go with my gut and go to Ruth Chris, which by far is my favorite.
(2)
Andrea Y.
Very good steaks- huge portions.... enough for 3 meals. As a life long hoosier, I've always had steak- tonight was different. Rack of lamb. May I say, it was supurb. Ask for chefs' preparation. Yum! Onion rings were also new to me. The order fed a table of 7 + take home. Very pricey, but great for a special night out. Mostly business people. I realized our table was the only family table in our area. If you take kids, either feed them before you go or share a plate. NO kids specials. Enjoy! A Hoosier gem!
(5)
Brent D.
St Elmo's is a local steakhouse. Filet is very tender. service excellent. Upscale in price but worth it. Just go.
(4)
Amanda B.
I really love this restaurant for its history and for its dedication to excellent service. The owners, Steve and Craig Huse, are really nice people and they have tried to maintain the level of excellency that St. Elmo's is known for. The shrimp cocktail here is fantastic as is the Navy Bean soup. Love both! The steaks that my husband and I had were both cooked perfectly and the wine our waiter suggested was a perfect complement. Private parties in the wine cellar are very cool and the service is even better in this situation. Overall, a great restaurant find in Indy!
(5)
Margie M.
The restaurant has been in business for over 100 years. Excellent service by very experienced waiters. Choice of navy bean soup (very tasty) or tomato juice--salad extra. We ordered the rib eye, bone in steak. My husband's steak was undercooked--the steaks are thick. My steak was difficult to cut. Good flavor but for the price, you would be better off with Morton's Steakhouse. However, we ordered creamed spinach that was one of the best we have every had. Lots of history in this restaurant but not worth the cost when there are so many other great steakhouses in Indianapolis.
It's true...you MUST try the shrimp cocktail. Be aware, it's dangerously addictive and very spine tinglingly paralyzing. The steaks are perfect. Tasty drinks...and a large bourbon and wine selection. This place does ooze of history and it can be quite the loud, frat-boy, businessman hangout.
(4)
Tommy L.
The shrimp cocktail is to die for!
(5)
Ryan H.
The most classic and famous of Indy's steakhouses, St. Elmo serves up delicious steak dinners in one of the classiest atmospheres that Indy has to offer. Known by people all around the country and world as the place to go while you're in Indy, St. Elmo's is constantly busy, especially on the weekends. The restaurant has an old-school style, and the service is as good as it gets. Most servers and bartenders have somewhat of a long tenure there. Additionally, the restaurant is located right downtown, just south of the Circle-Center Mall. A good portion of St. Elmo's fame comes from its eye-opening shrimp cocktail, which is served with a horseradish cocktail sauce that will open your sinuses up like never before. This appetizer is ordered by nearly everyone who eats there, and it's even been mentioned by national sportscasters during Colts games. The steaks are excellent, the bar and its staff are capable of serving up awesome drinks, so this is the place to order a Manhattan, martini or a good scotch. They will know what they are doing, you can count on that. Whether you're traveling to Indy, or you are a local, St. Elmo is a must-try at some point. Its reputation is well-deserved.
(5)
David F.
My wife and I had a great dinner here for my birthday. The shrimp cocktail is very delicious and different. They load up on the horseradish and have nice fresh shrimp. My wife went with the NY Strip which was seasoned very well and cooked perfectly. I opted for the Bone In Prime Rib which was truly the best steak I have ever had. It was tender and succulent. Overall, this is a very nice place for special occasions that have great steak and shrimp cocktail.
(5)
Mark J.
St. Elmos. Their real claim to fame is being the most expensive place to eat in Indy. And, on that account, they do not disappoint. Their ability to charge money is outstanding. The food, wine and service are excellent, hold no worries there, but all of it just doesn't quite feel excellent enough for the price. Really, if it were, say, $10 cheaper, it'd be worth the price of admission. The environment is surprisingly fun for such an upscale and potentially stodgy joint. In many ways it does feel like stepping back in time. If you're looking for the nicest place in town, then this is probably it. Graduations, weddings, and other such things that happen occasionally and warrant celebrating are the exact kind of things that call for this place. Anything less and the price will probably stop you dead. Anniversary that is a multiple of five? Yes, it's perfect. Just got rid of the ants in your kitchen? Probably go elsewhere.
(4)
Tracey M.
This place definitely gives my favorite steakhouse a run for it's money! If it were close to where I lived I'd have a hard time trying to decide where to go for a great steak dinner. I'm going to be upfront and tell you this St. Elmo's isn't cheap. I would guess done right (appetizer, steak, dessert and wine) it costs about $70 - $80/person - at least. I wouldn't know for sure since I this was treated to this wonderful meal as a show of appreciation. The meal itself --- Come hungry! There is a lot of food served with this meal and it's all good. . . The Wine: If you can't find a wine you like you're not looking hard enough. This particular evening a nice Pinot Grigio was the wine of choice. The Food: We went full-force on the meal (well for the most part). The Appetizer: For starters we had the shrimp cocktail. The horseradish in the cocktail sauce is freshly ground daily. Though the horseradish was a bit potent at times, the cocktail sauce, overall, was perfect. To accompany this fine treat I had an onion roll. That was good as well. Not to over-bearing in taste. The Soup: I got the Navy Bean (a first for me). Yum! That is all I have to say about that. The Steak and Potato: By the time the main course arrived I felt as though I've already had my dinner and dessert so I was hopeful I wouldn't waste the eye catching filet that was placed in front of me. I was warned ahead of time they have a tendency to cook things on the rare side so if you like your meat medium order it medium well . . . which I did and it came out perfect. Just enough pink. And the taste - OMG! So good! It was everything it was built up to be and more. I accompanied my steak with a good ol' fashion, plain jane baked potato swimming in butter (hey, if I was going to do it right no corners would be cut this evening and for me that meant lot of butter on my potato). Dessert: The only look at dessert our table got was across the room at someone else's table. By the time dessert came around we were both full though the thought of Creme Brulee was tempting. Not a usual choice for me, but it sounded really nice this particular evening. However, I passed. The Service: Outstanding service. Impeccable. Our waiter had been there 9-years and treated us as if we were his first customers. He was on the ball at all times and anticipated our every request. Not something I've experienced often. The Atmosphere: When the suggestion of St. Elmo's came up I was told it had the feel of an " Ol Boys Club." Funny enough, I would later learn from a good friend of mine that once upon a time that presumption was fairly accurate. How did I find that out? Turns out the grandfather of one of my close friends was an original owner of St. Elmo's. Further into the discussion about St. Elmo's in the past, it turns out the kitchen use to be in the front of the restaurant however that has since changed. The front now sports a dark wood feel in the front with minimal lighting. In the back of the restaurant a well lighted, open dining area. Take a look at the photographs that adorn the wall of the main dining area. It's cool to see whose been there to eat. All in all, dining at St. Elmo's is well worth the cost.
(5)
Ed B.
Very good place in downtown Indy that is NOT a chain restaurant.. Steaks are awesome but perhaps my favorite is the King Crab Mac and Cheese (to even put their dish in the same category isn't fair). Excellent special occasion meal spot!
(5)
Joshua B.
This place is the best steakhouse I've ever been to. The history behind the place is great and the food is amazing. yes the shrimp cocktail is amazing and i highly recommend the prime rib. 32ounces! order it medium rare and its perfectly cooked every time. Plus as an added bonus Peyton manning dines there after every home game win. I personally met Dallas Clark there one time. my favorite restaurant. period.
(5)
allison s.
We dined here to celebrate our anniversary during devour downtown. Not only did we get an exceptional meal with fabulous service, we got it at a great price. We will be back to pay full price in the near future! The BLT salad was phenomenal, The filet perfect, and the service exceptional.. oh and the shrimp cocktail was perfectly fiery. Be sure to say hi, to Duck the bartender. We used to visit him at the Front Page and he has been at St. E's now for 4 years. Our server, David, had been there 22 years and was the best server I have ever had. period. Forget the chains, check out an Indy classic!
(5)
Tracy R.
It's been over two years since my husband and I have dined at the most famous steakhouse in Indy. It would come up occasionally in the "where are we going for dinner" conversation but was always met with "nah, it's an icon but the food isn't that great." Then recently we had some guests that wanted to see all that is Indianapolis so off to St. Elmo's we went and, wow, am I glad we did! We opted for a pre-dinner libation at the bar so we could show off the turn of the century back bar. While we sat sipping, we were able to give a short history lesson on the notable guests that adorn the walls. Numerous racers, actors, sports stars and more gave us plenty to talk about. After the walk down memory lane we were shown to our table and greeted by our dapper and knowledgeable waiter. We, of course, had to order the famous Shrimp Cocktail as our starter. These large shrimp swimming in the signature cocktail sauce are always delicious. It used to be the only reason we went back to Elmo. But our guests came for steak and these cuts did not disappoint! My husband and his sister devoured their Filet Mignon and my brother-in-law managed his entire New York Strip with much delight. My mother-in-law raved about the Halibut and as for me, Salmon! At a steakhouse? You bet! This line caught Salmon was cooked to perfection. Flaky and flavorful, it really did melt in my mouth. The generous sides served with each dish were traditional options made the Elmo way. I highly recommend the Redskin Mashed Potatoes. Dessert is not something we usually go for but since we had others to split with us, why not. This may be the best chocolate cake I've EVER had. Needless to say, I am so glad that the oldest Steakhouse in Indianapolis is serving outstanding food. The next time St. Elmo's comes up in the "where to go for dinner" conversation it will be a definite YES! How could they get me there more often? Expand the beer list! Sun King cans are available but the draft selection is pretty boring. A few decent micro bottles are also on the menu. I know wine is your thing but we beer geeks must eat too!
(4)
Suzanne B.
David our waitor was awesome. Shrimp cocktail great and desserts were awesome.
(4)
Scott P.
Let me say that the service was impeccable... almost like an "old school" style of steakhouse where everyone double checks that your food is to your liking. In addition, they were very busy on a weeknight and my water glass never went below 2/3's full... I was impressed... by the way, I needed some of that water to deal with cocktail sauce on the shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were fantastic but the cocktail sauce had a ridiculous amount of horseradish in it. I enjoyed the bone-in rib-eye and topped it off with a nice glass of cab.
(3)
Devin S.
They could have punched me in the throat as soon as I walked in the damn door and I'd still have to give 5 stars based on the shrimp cocktail alone. My wife's prime rib was so big we ended up giving 20+ ounces of it to a homeless guy. No way we were gonna carry it around for the rest of the night but couldn't waste it. On second thought that probably is wasting it.
(5)
Sue S.
Admittedly, we had the "special" promotion meal of filet, garlic mash and green beans. Food was not hot and filet was not juicy, although it was a nice cut of meat and good flavor. I'll take Ruth's Chris over this place. The "famous" shrimp cocktail was good, but as much as I like spicy, the horsey sauce was a bit overwhelming. Let's not forget we want to taste the shrimp. They offer a nice Malbec by the glass.
(3)
Tao Tao W.
I have been wanting to go here ever since I saw the shrimp cocktail on best thing i ever ate with Duff Goldman. We went this past weekend for a graduation dinner. We got the Sunday menu which includes appetizer of which oen of the choices is the shrimp cocktail, choice of main course, and choice of dessert. The shrimp cocktail is sooo good. It is spicy for sure but it's still so delicious. Even though it was with the sunday menu, there was still 3 pieces that were of good size. The main course choice I got was the filet mignon which was equally as good. The steak was cooked just right and soft. The dessert i got was creme brulee which was a little sweet but I'm more sensative to sweet stuff. overall, the place did not dissapoint and well worth the wait
(5)
David F.
Most places like this will rarely live up to the hype but St. Elmos is a definite exception. I have eaten at this place probably 20+ times and it nearly always exceeds my expectations. Great atmosphere, service, and steaks. Make sure you order the shrimp cocktail and keep your eyes peeled for celebs.
(5)
John Y.
Came to Indianapolis for work and we decided to have dinner here. Old School steakhouse vibe with friendly and extremely helpful servers. The steaks were cooked to order and I felt they were seasoned well. I had the bone-in filet with cheddar mashed potatoes on the side. The mash was just eh - standard steakhouse side dish. I also ordered a shrimp cocktail and let me say the cocktail sauce rocks! Enough horseradish to cure you of any nasal problem. Definitely worth a try. I probably would've given this place 3 stars because it was just an average steakhouse overall. Nothing too special about the food, but the service is good and the prices are extremely reasonable.
(4)
Kelly J.
A cocktail waitress ripped us off. I wish i would have said something to the mgr when this happened to us. A group of 20 from out-of-town sat in the upstairs lounge for a drink on Nov. 1. The group poured in separately and sat in two different seating areas past the bar. Long story short - we all ordered drinks some specifying certain types of alcohol some not. When we got our separate receipts, we were all charged 20% gratuity for a large party and if we didn't specify our alcohol she rang us up for the most expensive kind. For example, a group that ordered tequila shots didn't specify what kind (assuming we would get house liquor) she rang up Patron for $17.50 per. I ordered a house chardonnay and got Coppola for $16.50. My advice, not a bad place, just a bad cocktail waitress. Be specific and check your receipt. I feel taken advantage of.
(2)
Scott J.
I have eaten here many times including earlier this week. I had a reservation and the restaurant was running a little late. I did not make a big deal about it. The server came to the table and volunteered a couple of appetizers because they were running late. It is a great restaurant with very good food and great service. Plan to get there early and look at the pictures on the walls. A great dining experience every time!
(5)
Stephen A.
I came here on an interview a couple years ago, and believe it or not the company guys I was with insisted I start with the shrimp coctail without mentioning the heat. Luckilly I love spicy food and thought the appetizer was fantastic. Also the steaks and wine, absolutely top notch. I heard it's the best place in Indy and I would agree. Less so the guys who thought they'd have a nice joke at the interview. I work somewhere else now.
(5)
Sam G.
After hearing so much about St. Elmo's, I was really looking forward to it. Had the shrimp cocktail and a ribeye steak. All was good, but nothing was excellent (which I was expecting). It was average fare. I've had much better for the same money.
(3)
Rod I.
Steak was fantastic!!!! Shrimp cocktail was even hotter than I remember from last time:) My one negative would be that the tables are crowded too close together. the waiter from the table next to us kept bumping into our table! Other than that it was a very pleasant experience!!
(4)
Ben R.
I make it to Indiana about once a year to visit my little sister and brother-in-law and to hang out with my best friend Jake. Jake and I have started to make the pilgrimage to St. Elmo's a yearly tradition (well, he probably goes more than once a year)... And seriously, there is no place closer to Steakhouse Heaven than when you get their filet mignon slathered in blue cheese with a loaded potato on the side. Throw in the shrimp cocktail appetizer, with the killer cocktail sauce, and you have my last meal. I kid you not... it does not getter better. Not anywhere.
(5)
Dee Z.
Everyone who is anyone who's been to Indianapolis says you have to eat at St. Elmo. OK...I can say I've been there. Even better, I was a guest of a small group so I could have had anything I wanted...a mighty enticement in an expensive macho-looking establishment with a fine tuned bar and all male servers. Why is it always steakhouses and male servers? Anyway, you bet the service was first rate. If you have been to any of the steakhouses on Van Ness - it is comparable. Frankly, established steakhouses everywhere are going to have good meat - that's what they base their reputation on. But St. Elmo is also famous for their shrimp cocktail. "You have to order the shrimp cocktail" - and that we did. Coming from the Bay Area, it's difficult to think that a shrimp (prawns actually) cocktail could be better in Indianapolis. It was tasty and spicy like they say but not unique in its flavor or fiery-ness even if there are teeny chunks of fresh horseradish. What was surprisingly good was the silver oak salad topped with a piece of beef carpaccio and crispy fried onions. It was a molded salad of chopped romaine, blue cheese, chunks of thick, meaty bacon and I think it was fresh basil - its presentation was dramatic because you didn't expect it standing up - my friend was about to take a picture before I smashed it down to be able to eat it...sorry about that; I was starving. To describe the "mold" - it was like they put it through a large soup can to make it stand on its own - which is pretty impressive since it's a lot of lettuce. Once you smash it onto the plate, it's a pretty substantial salad AND It was one of the the tastiest salads I have eaten in a long time that was flavorful without being drowned in some kind of dressing. It was yummy to the last bite!!! They also had a mac and cheese that was rich and creamy tasting - you need to share that one if you want to eat other things. Unfortunately, they are only open in the evening...so if you would like the salad at lunch...you (meaning me) are out of luck.
(4)
Stacy T.
Hands down the best steaks and service in the city! It's not just dinner, it's an experience!
(5)
Fred H.
April and I have been here a few times, and the experience is great. Recommended for special occasions, staff and service are top of the line. Very large dining room with private tables to enjoy some alone time with someone special. Can be a little pricey, but more more than worth it. Anything on the menu is excellent dining on any night. Located near Circle Center in downtown Indy. St. Elmo's is a must for dinner and a night on the town.
(4)
joey d.
Can't believe this is the first time I've ever eaten here. It's sort of like the movie Dumb and Dumber...I've never thought I really needed to eat here just like I thought I never needed to see the movie because I feel like everyone else has filled me in on the plot so much that I don't need to waste my time watching it...or eating it. But...St. Elmo's is actually pretty delicious..and I feel like I should watch Dumb and Dumber now. Or replace with the Titanic.
(4)
Tim F.
It is hard to imagine a restaurant with the staying power of St. Elmo's without being good. Does it really need my review? Fantastic wine list with diversity for a steak house. Outstanding quality cuts flawlessly cooked. Shrimp Cocktail: this is what separates them from good steakhouses. Professional Service. Lots of veterans taking care of you. They know their craft.
(4)
Adelbert B.
This was our second visit to St. Elmo. During our first visit two years ago, we had a great experience with wine and shrimp cocktails at the bar. This time we ate in the dining room. It was loud and freezing cold. I ordered the NY Strip medium rare, my son ordered the special KC cut medium rare and my wife ordered the Filet medium. My steak was fine, not the best I have had but very good. Both my son and my wife had to send their steaks back however, they were barely cooked, dark, bloody red center, almost raw. My son had to send his back twice. Maybe it was because we were at the tail end of the hours. We went after a night football game and arrived around 9:45. At this price however, you don't get a second chance. If you have to go, (the shrimp cocktail, ambiance and history are worth it), stick with the bar side.
(2)
Timothy C.
Old school and expensive. If you think bigger and astronomically expensive for questionable quality is appealing, then this is the place for you. If you value high quality that is sensibly priced, don't bother. Pros: Good Service, Great cocktail, Old school (masculine business) decor Cons: Steaks were underseasoned, bland, not good, famous shrimp cocktail had huge shrimp that were tough and stringy - bigger is NOT better all the time, sides were undercooked and bland, wine list was marked up beyond belief. I know wines (I'm from the CA wine country) and the mark ups on the lesser bottles were anywhere from 400 to 500 percent. I felt pissed off just opening the wine list. Summary. If you know food and wine, don't go. If you just want to spend a lot of money and have a great cocktail with good service, give it a shot. P.S. The famous shrimp cocktail was $14.00. Sauce was very hot, which was nice, but something that you could have done yourself by asking for more horseradish to any old sauce. The shrimp were huge and tough. For the price, this is just a gimmicky rip off.
(2)
Joe N.
Great Shrimp cocktail, old school steakhouse, pricey but good. Had the dry aged NY Strip ($44), when they say rare, they mean it....order two steps above your usual order for doneness.
(4)
Angela U.
There is no other restaurant that has such an outstanding Shrimp Cocktail....be ready for a blast! This is a classic old fashioned steak house. Wait staff is great. The atmosphere is quaint and refined. We always go here as soon as they open for the day. No crowd, but the best food in Indianapolis.
(5)
Mr H.
I don't see the hype in this restaurant. I am visiting Indy for my first time, and wanted to visit this "authentic" spot. From the get go, things were good. Easy valet, quick service at the bar. It was all downhill from there. Once we were seated, we were sitting for AT LEAST 15 minutes before our waiter showed up. Once he showed up, he was very pushy about the shrimp cocktail. Dude, I'm sure it's great but you don't have to ask me 4 times if I want a shrimp cocktail. Are you on shrimp cocktail commission ? Salads arrived shortly, waiter twisted pepper onto salad without asking first. Not acceptable. The steak was good. Great ? No. Good. Sides were plain, nothing exciting. I am a Chicagoan, and I like to eat at family owned steakhouses rather than chains like Ruths Chris or Sullivans or McCormick & Schmicks. If I ever make it back to Indy, I'll head to a chain, as I was not impressed one bit by St Elmos.
(2)
Mark K.
One of the best steakhouses I've experienced. NY Strip cooked med rare, tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned. Attentive staff. Good wine list. Well worth the money, and this place was hopping on a Wednesday night.
(5)
Gerald S.
Great food and service, I've been there about 4 times now over the years. I like the waiters they were professional yet casual and would just chat with you. Some steak houses have snooty or uptight waiters. Excellent Single Malt Scotch list. Of course you must try the shrimp, great steaks. Good sides and great desserts. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Barry T.
reading all the shrimp cocktail reviews I knew I needed to at least check this place out - despite having dinner plans elsewhere. stopped in for a quick app and a drink. coat check at the door was very convenient. bar area gets a lot of action, but I staked myself out here for an hour or two, enjoying a glass of wine and their shrimp cocktail. my bartender was very careful to warn me about the horseradish. comes out on ice - 5 very large, awesome quality, very fresh, shrimp, and a smearing of horseradish with a touch of the red sauce. at first, it can be overwhelming - then you realize smaller bites may help you out - then you realize it's overwhelming regardless but oh so tasty, and then all you taste is horseradish - which isn't that bad of a thing... if i ever find myself in Indy again wanting a steak - I might pay for the premium this old establishment seems to offer - but considering their volume, seems like it's worth it. i'm definitely a fan.
(4)
K C.
I have traveled to Indy for 2 years now, and have read about this place many times. Have heard about the place from friends and colleagues, and wanted to try out this classic dining establishment in the city. Located in the dining district downtown, St. Elmo is easy to find. All the rumors were true. Drinks were flowing-served by a friendly bar staff. We were seated in a classic high-ceiling room with sports paraphernalia hung on the wall, and our server was a guy whom had some history with the place. His knowledge of the menu was awesome, and we ordered the classic shrimp cocktail. Horseradish was the key component to this appetizer, and was amazing. The servers are all over the place, clearing the table, pouring water, refilling wine, etc. I had the lamb Porterhouse, which was overcooked. The family style starches and veggies were great, but not awesome. The dessert assortment was very sparse, but exactly what I would expect from a classic steak place......bread pudding, creme brulee, etc... Ambiance is the winner, and would encourage anyone to dine at this old school dining establishment.
(3)
B. B.
I went to St. Elmo's for a college graduation dinner for my aunt, and I must say that you don't always get what you pay for. I didn't try the "Signature" Steaks that everyone raves about, because I am not a huge steak fan. However, I did try other menu items such as they're Indiana Amish Chicken, and I wasn't too impressed. My chicken came out dry and cold, and I ended up sending it back. I did however vote to keep my Red-skin Mashed Potatoes which were very good.I knew St. Elmo's was expensive, but when you charge 7 bucks for a house salad, I think that is pushing it. I don't think I will ever return here, unless someone would like to treat me to dinner one day.
(2)
S G.
This is a "must stop for shrimp cocktail" every time I visit Indy! The cocktail sauce is not for the timid. Always have eaten in the bar...the only time I ate in the actual restaurant....the service was awful. But I cannot discount anything due to the shrimp. It's all about the shrimp cocktail baby!
(5)
Adam L.
St Elmo's is an institution. It's legendary. Even if you go in and just sit at the bar, have a drink, and savor the ridiculously hot shrimp cocktail, it's worth it for the ambiance. You're almost bound to run into a celebrity here, be in one of the Colts, Pacers, or one of the city's heavy hitters.
(5)
M. M.
My absolute favorite steak house on the planet. Best horseradish you have ever had too!
(5)
Mary J C.
St Elmo is a very traditional steak house. We are yet to try the famous shrimp cocktail, however, our steak was perfect, we enjoyed freshly baked bread. They have a very good wine list. The service is perfect. I recommend making a reservation for weekend nights, they do get busy. We will be back!
(4)
Phil A.
Perfection. If a genie told the employees, "screw up the next entree or I'll make you disappear" then nobody would be working. This place has no clue what a bad entree is. I've been taking customers here for years. The one time they served me a medium well filet mignon and I ordered a medium rare the waiter UNPROMPTED AND UNPROVOKED took the steak away and replaced it after I had eaten a quarter of the steak. Capital Grille has slightly better beef but then again what is infinity plus ten? About the same. So St. Elmo's is just fantastic.
(5)
Nicole B.
While on a work trip in Indy, my colleagues and I dinned at this darling restaurant. The history is literally written on the walls, so make sure you take a little stroll on your way to the restrooms! Atmosphere is nice, place is huge, and you can come dressed casual or fancy. Steaks are very good. Not the best ive ever had but, very good. I suggest ordering the blue cheese and grilled onions as an add on to your steak, its amazing!
(4)
Daniel J.
The food was good but our waiter asked for a bigger tip. No joke! He brought our check back and asked us to rethink it. Five stars if that didn't happen. One star because it did.
(1)
Robert S.
St. Elmo was recommended to me by two locals, and I had a late night (by Indy standards) dinner reservation for just myself. Nice ambiance...sat on the first floor. First off, those same two people that recommended St. Elmo also said I HAD to get the shrimp cocktail, which I must report was an absolute waste of $14.95. 4--count them--4 jumbo shrimp smothered with an overly spicy horseradish/honey/cocktail sauce concoction which made the shrimp barely edible without scraping most of the goo off. I noticed a table close to mine that ordered one shrimp cocktail for the three at the table, and they got a much larger clump of shrimp & goo. Nice to know I paid for their larger portion size. Not! The soup course was some kind of simple, out-of-the-can bean soup with bacon. The waiter brought Tabasco sauce along with the soup. What the f...? Tabasco sauce for a simple bean soup? Is this the way they serve bean soup in Indy? Yuck. The 12 ounce fillet mignon was just ok..nothing spectacular. And the waiter brought it out while I was barely halfway through the bean soup. Yep...I could tell it was getting close to kitchen closing time. You can get fillet mignon anywhere, and as long as they cook it correctly, it's a difficult piece of meat to screw up...except they did. I ordered it medium well, butterfly cut so the edges wouldn't burn. Came out rare-the middle was as red as a beet. Back to the kitchen for another 10 minutes, and it was fine. I forgot my cardinal rule of ordering steak: do NOT tell them rare/medium/whatever. Tell the waiter EXACTLY what color you want the middle to be. "No pink whatsoever" is what I should've said. No dessert...just wanted to leave & hit the Steak'n'Shake across the street for a milkshake. Oh, and by the way...St. Elmo, if you're reading this: I don't care if your restaurant closes in 20 minutes and some of your employees are waiting inside near the bar for their ride or just hanging out. The bar area where customers walk through IS NOT A GOOD PLACE FOR SOMEONE TO DISASSEMBLE THEIR BIKE AND CHANGE OUT THEIR TIRE INNERTUBE!! So much for ambiance.
(3)
Matt I.
I was in Indianapolis on business and I heard rumors that St Elmo Steak House was the place to get an awesome steak. They were right!! I liked the atmosphere, I ate in the back part of the building in a small room, it was elegant and you could definitely feel the history of the restaurant. (As they say there, a tradition since 1902). I ordered the Filet Mignon. It was one of the best steaks I have ever had, just melted in your mouth. Aging of steak has become a lost art, and luckily places like St. Elmo's still exist. The sides were good as well, I don't remember exactly what I had, but I know I loved the bean soup and the potatoes were good. I finished off with a rich piece of cheesecake. Side Note: The waiters even had business cards, which you don't see very often. The only downside was the price, but you need to treat yourself to a nice dinner every now and then!
(5)
Neal T.
There's a lot of great eating to be done in Indianapolis, more than our fair city gets credit for, but there isn't an abundance of great restaurants. From chops and pizza to Thai and Indian and street-style tacos, people are doing great things with food here. But the Hoosier state's general lack of pretense works against the restaurant scene. The thinking of too many restauranteurs seems to be that if the food is good it doesn't really matter if the rest of the experience (design, service, etc) is underwhelming. That's why St. Elmo continues to loom large in the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike. It's more myth than restaurant, a powerful story that is passed down from one generation to the next. St. Elmo's stewards are smart enough not to monkey with that story, ensuring that Indy's young turks will enjoy more or less the same St. Elmo experience that our parents and grandparents did. If you aren't familiar with the St. Elmo story, here's the condensed version; Founded by Joe Stahr in 1902 and named for the patron saint of sailors, St. Elmo has be in operation ever since. The restaurant has been under the control of just three owners: Stahr, Harry Roth and Isadore Rosen (see: Harry & Izzy's), and the Huse family. The servers wear black jackets and bowties - many of them have worked there for decades. The menu is early 20th century American; huge steaks, chicken, lobster tail, potatoes, asparagus, etc. When Indy was a provincial outpost with a pharmaceutical company and a racetrack, visiting big wigs posted up at St. Elmo. They still do. Sports casters mention it when broadcasting nationally-televised Pacers and Colts games. The shrimp cocktail is famous. It's also awesome. If you take a large bite of the horseradish-filled sauce you'll get a sensation approximating that of having an icepick rammed into your brain through your nostril. Some see it as forever beyond their means. To others, dining at St. Elmo is an aspirational benchmark. The reality is that while St. Elmo is an expensive place to eat by any measure, the sticker shock that young professionals or middle-income types might feel when at a $26 chicken entree or $50 steak can be assuaged by the simple fact that one dish will feed two people comfortably. The sides can stretch even further. The Wife and I spilt the Amish chicken, a side of green beans and the King Crab mac'n'cheese and left with enough chicken and mac'n'cheese to feed her lunch the next day. Our server told us with regret that there was no more pie or cobbler so we opted for white chocolate & blueberry bread pudding. Half of THAT ended up going home with us as well. The only dishes that got completely crushed were the shrimp cocktail and complimentary bread. If you can't swing splitting an item from the regular menu, St. Elmo offers a bar menu of sliders and small plate options that run $5 to $12 and begs the question, "if you're going to drop $25 on beer and a snack at a cheesy chain bar and grill, wouldn't you rather spend the same amount of money at St. Elmo?" The answer is obvious to me. The bar servers are more casually dressed than those who patrol the dining room but they are no less skilled or attentive, and there's just enough hustle and bustle to make the restaurant feel like a living organism. The bar's walls are covered with autographed photos and newspaper stories featuring several eras-worth of national and local celebrities that offer silent testimonial to St. Elmo's decades-long A-list status. It may seem obvious, and some locals might be tired of hearing it, but the story is true; St. Elmo is a great restaurant. In Sept. 2011 work will be completed on the new second-floor 1933 Bar that in my estimation will feel brand new like its always been there. An extension of the St. Elmo story, framed photos will evoke jubilation on the day that prohibition ended and drinks will be served across an antique bar made by the same manufacturer that made the original bar downstairs. I'm looking forward to taking my firstborn there in 2031.
(5)
Richard H.
We visited for Devour Downtown, and first of all, it really is a good deal at the Devour Downtown prices -- which, by the way, are offered every single Sunday. And second of all, it was a delightful experience from beginning to end. We did have to wait for a few minutes even though we had a reservation, but we were treating exceptionally. It was an especially nice touch when one of the chefs greeted us as we walked by the kitchen. it actually seemed like a place where people enjoyed working. Is it the best steak ever in the entire world? Probably not, but it was quite good. Perhaps cooked a little unevenly, but delicious all the same. The green beans were a little undercooked for my taste, but the flavor was excellent. I am not a big fan of shrimp cocktail, but I tasted someone else's, and the cocktail sauce is indeed quite good. And the service was friendly and mostly attentive throughout. All the diners appeared to be having a good time, and we did not notice the tables being too close together, or an unusually high noise level (we were in the basement). All in all, a very fun time. I am not sure I would pay the extremely high full prices for the steaks. Also, the Devour Downtown filet is the perfect size -- their other steaks are quite large -- even the filet is regularly 10 ounces. And whoever said the dress was "dressy" has apparently not been there in awhile.
(4)
Chad B.
Very over rated. Just visited two weekends ago. Tuna appetizer was outstanding as was the wedge. My wife's steak was very over-cooked and my strip could hardly be eaten it was so tough. If that wasn't bad enough the potatoes were room temperature. The bartender replaced the steaks and brought two potatoes to eat while we were waiting. Those were also room temp. The steaks finally returned. My wife's steak was cooked correctly but I still could not chew the strip it was so tough. Now while I don't want a free meal I think at least offer to comp a drink or the appetizer but there was no attempt. What makes this frustrating is that we ordered a $207 Groth Cab which was essentially wasted on the poor quality. I email the "proprietor" but he never responded. They get so much convention traffic I guess they don't have to worry. I would seriously steer clear of this place. There are other good steak options in DT Indy.
(1)
Michele B.
Excellentlly prepared steak this is a mans restaurant and you know it when you walk in the door no frills staff was knowledgable on all things steak related
(3)
David G.
I always go to St Elmo when I am in Indy and have a day/night off. The service is always good and the steaks are great. And you can't go wrong with their famous shrimp cocktail.
(5)
Casey R.
My favorite thing to do at St. Elmo's is sit in the bar, drink margarita's and eat shrimp cocktail. Seriously, one of the BEST margarita's I have ever had!
(4)
Noah W.
Totally worth the trip going there. Great food and fantastic atmosphere. Their horse radish is to die for. Though I should warn you it is very spicy and sure to clear any sinus problems you are having. So if I like this place so much, why 4 stars. The price. I know that is a bit picky and it is a higher end restaurant, but I would go there WAY more often if the pricing there was a little lower. But if that doesn't bother you, then it is a 5 star restaurant all the way and you are sure to have a wonderful time.
(4)
Mia D.
The cocktail sauce really lived up to the hype. Such a pleasure/pain experience. The owners of the restaurant own the horseradish farm that is used to make their special sauce. It is so potent that the people grinding it up need to wear masks! We had the opportunity to sit in the unofficial Payton Manning room. It was a gorgeous private room for our group with our own waitstaff. They cook all their steaks on the rare side, so a medium rare steak was almost rare but that filet was like butter in my mouth. We ordered the creme brule, chocolate cake, and bread pudding for dessert and I couldn't stop eating even though I was stuffed. Amazing doesn't even adequately describe how good they were. They have an extensive wine selection and we were given a private tour. Gorgeous wine cellar! Such a great experience.
(5)
Tim S.
I would say this place is living on its reputation and longevity. I'll make this simple: Reasons to go here: shrimp cocktail (more specifically the cocktail sauce), the old prohibition feel and the tomato juice that you can sneak some vodka in. Reasons not to go here: steaks are average and overpriced, drinks are much of the same. Also, the seating is horrible and packed in like sardines.
(3)
Jean D.
Went here quite a while ago to the lounge about St. Elmos. We had the famous Shrimp Cocktail and it lived up to its reputation of being very spicy but delicious. It was fun to dress up and have some "fancy" food. If you are looking for something special while in INDY I suggest this as a great place to try.
(4)
Marina C.
Great steaks but terrible service. Servers are rude and unpleasant. Did I mention steaks are great?!?! :)
(4)
Tamara C.
If you eat here, prepare to eat fantastic food at the price it should be. The only thing I can disagree with is their "reknown" shrimp cocktail. It is FILLED with horseradish, which isn't a bad thing - however, the big shrimp we got (5 for the shared one) was a bit less tasty but meaty. I almost felt cheated since the cocktail sauce was the only tasty that was really there for me. I did get a chance for their special of the night...I will tell you it was the most awesome taste for a stuffed prawn. I can not believe how huge it was and how tasty. Good heavens. Entrees are ala carte so we had sides of Asparagus. The dessert was creme brulee (gluten free!) and chocolate cake. Our waiter was awesome, we had two people who were gluten sensitive so we asked what was gluten free to ensure they had no problems. The other three had some form of beef cuts and they too, loved their meal. For drinks, I decided on the signature drink, Elmo Cola. It was tasty, but I think I should have stretched my alcohol with more Diet Coke (not a diet coke fan though so that was rough). Their basic red was tasty and there wasn't anyone who left the restaurant unhappy nor hungry. Incredible time and they let us stay as they were closing the dining area (last to leave but the bar was still open). I will return again when I have the money saved. A definite special treat! don't forget the sister restaurant next door, they're great too!
(5)
Kristy K.
Ah, the golden standard of steak houses in Indy. How can you go to St. Elmo and not have a great time? It's posh, it's throwback, it's classic, it's tradition in Indy. The menu is simple and steak house standard -- surf, turf, chicken. Wedge and ceasar salads and the world-famous shrimp cocktail. By the way, try the shrimp cocktail just so you can say you've had it, but remember that ish is potent. What is surprising about St Elmo is the expansive wine list and the specialty cocktails. The tables are somewhat crowded in the rooms, but the service is always spot on with recommendations, refills and chit-chat. Not too much, not too little. It's a place where you can celebrate a milestone or swing by before a night on the town. You can be causal or classy.
(4)
Allen K.
We celebrated our 5 year anniversary here just two weeks before the birth of our first child. It was the perfect place to get away and take in those last few moments alone and free. Wonderful food and wonderful staff!
(5)
Jake K.
Where do I begin? It's a great bunch of chow for, well, you guessed it, a rather rich price. But it's one that you won't regret. If you're by yourself and are afraid to eat there, don't be. You can get to the bar and have a complete menu of "bar bites" that really are just normal sized portions. I highly recommend the shrimp cocktail - you'll get 5 extra jumbo chilled shrimp slathered in their signature cocktail sauce. You can also get bone-in filet mignon medallions which taste amazing and are just the right amount of meat. Two (9oz total weight) medallions will run $16. If you're feeling hungry, you can add one more for $8 - a little cheaper than a larger cut of filet at the same weight. The king crab mac and cheese is pretty rich as well - but it's well worth the try. I split one with a co-worker to ensure I didn't go into a total food coma while there. Also, the tomato and onion salad is worth mentioning - the onions aren't too spicy which was a plus. Bon appetit!
(5)
Haleigh C.
I've lived in Indianapolis for almost three years and had never been to St. Elmo. When my mom told me she was coming to town and wanted to celebrate an award I'd recently received she said we should go some place nice that I'd never been. We, of course, started with the shrimp cocktail -- I love spicy, so I thought it was absolutely PERFECT. My mom had a glass of the red Zinfandel and I had the Bourbon Trail Lemonade. I had the lobster bisque, which was creamy and delicious. We split the Surf 'n Turf with the 8oz filet (cooked medium, a perfect hot, pink center) and ended the meal with the creme brulee! I will definitely come back and would recommend it to anyone!
(5)
Earl M.
A staple in Indy, surf and turf times two. Both fillets were prepared to perfection. Accompaniments were the famous shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque soup, and green beans. A must for steak when in Indianapolis. Hats off to meal well done.
(5)
T I.
Decent steak, but honestly I've had a better filet mignon - it had no taste albeit it was extremely tender.
(3)
Chris C.
It's been many years since I've been to St. Elmo. And as you can see by my other reviews, I don't hand out five stars unless the place really is five stars - and this place is, or at least was on the night of our visit. We made an OpenTable reservation, and when we checked in, our table wasn't quite ready - but there were seats at the bar, and they text you when your table is ready - pretty cool. When we got to the table (with our drinks in hand), our waiter was just great - he'd obviously been around the block before (since he told us that he'd been there for thirty years), and almost immediately established a rapport with him. The food was spot-on. The steaks (we had filet) were perfect. We didn't have the famous shrimp cocktail - can't speak for that. The sides were good. We found a Cotes du Rhone on the wine list that was quite drinkable and very reasonable in price. I don't think we could have had a better time.
(5)
Jerry M.
St Elmo Steak House is certainly a landmark to downtown Indianapolis due to the many years in business. On a Monday night, the place was packed. One person had the shrimp cocktail. It was large but the extra hot horseradish was too much. Had to scrap some off. Another person ordered a filet and said it was excellent. My friend and I had the ribeye. We both felt it was TERRIBLE. Tough to cut. Was not worth $38! Would have retuned it but after appetizers, etc was not hungry enough to eat another steak.
(2)
Steph W.
St. Elmo's is probably one of my favorite Indy restaurants. Yes, it's pricy. But it is a delicious steakhouse. My family and I have enjoyed many celebrations at St. Elmo's. We were even able to enjoy a tour of their extensive wine cellar several years ago. I also order a filet, medium well accompanied by some sort of vegetable side. If you are visiting Indy or looking for a nice night downtown Indy, I highly suggest this gem.
(5)
Paul R.
Love it!!!!!! Great service, great atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is amazing. Steak was perfect.
(5)
Francine C.
Love St. Elmo's steak house. Great food, great service and wonderful place to celebrate anything and everything!
(5)
John G.
Was a walk in on a busy night. Ate in the bar area and just had appetizers. The server was great and offered great tips on what to order, since I had never been there. They get 5 stars just on the cocktail sauce for the shrimp. Best nose opening horseradish I've ever had! I had the sliders with Mac and cheese, another winner. Finished with their own cheese cake.
(5)
Cora A.
THE BEST cocktail sauce ever! The shrimp cocktail is to die for! And the crab mac & cheese looks fabulous!!
(4)
Melanie R.
My husband took me here for my birthday dinner. We had been wanting to try it for a while after hearing everyone in Indy rave about it. We loved the atmosphere when we walked in... we had a reservation (definitely make one) so we went straight to our table. We ordered drinks, and I opted for the St. Elmo's Cola - very good! We don't eat shrimp, so when we passed on the shrimp cocktail our server brought some of the sauce with crackers. It was spicy and delicious, even on a cracker. We also put it in our bean soup, which gave it a nice kick. The bread basket and butter was also delicious! We both ordered a filet, and I had the loaded potato and he had the green beans. Everything was delicious, though my husband's steak was not medium well as requested. He thought about sending it back, but he didn't want us to eat our steaks separately so he made do. It was a very thick cut, so we think they just didn't realize it wasn't as cooked in the middle as medium well requires. The meal was great, but our service was subpar. Our waiter was not very attentive, and he almost seemed annoyed anytime we asked for something. We saw another waiter nearby and noticed he provided far better service than ours. Maybe our server was having an off night, but either way it certainly made our experience less enjoyable.
(4)
Kevin D.
The shrimp cocktails were amazing, lots of fresh hot horseradish. I had the navy bean soup, ribeye, redskin mashed potatos and bread pudding. The service was excellent and the food was really good.
(4)
Kim E.
This restaurant is iconic and a must try when in Indianapolis. It's a man's steakhouse that harkens back to when steak was prime. We go there every year for our anniversary and I adore the ribeye, rare. I have a baked potato with creamed spinach which is a meal in itself. I will warn you: the spinach has cheese in it so if you're a purist it won't be for you. My husband had the half roast chicken which has an Asian vibe to it with a bed of noodles. It was delicious but this is a steakhouse so it wouldn't be anything I would recommend unless you don't enjoy red meat. Now...let's cut to the chase...two words...shrimp cocktail. It's their deal, their draw, their mainstay. It's what makes St. Elmo St. Elmo. If you don't get it you won't understand why this restaurant is what it is. It WILL clear anything disturbing your sinuses so be prepared. It's delicious and well worth the price. We were delighted to receive a complimentary creme brulee for our anniversary which was such a thoughtful touch. Plus, the brulee was delightful and I would order it again. This is such a great place to go for special occasions and the staff is 100% knowledgeable, competent and gracious.
(5)
Shawn M.
Do I really need to write a review of this place? Its probably world famous, and is the must go to place for steaks if you are in Indianapolis. Its a step back into the 1890's with a very masculine vibe, always crowded and kinda loud, but I like that and obviously others do to. Often hard to get a table so definitley call ahead and on big convention nights be prepared to wait- its worth it. The best steaks in town the shrimp cocktail will make you cry the service is excellent the atmosphere is one of a kind it an instituion we are lucky to be able to call our own
(5)
Angela G.
Your paying for the history of the place. They have a twenty page wine list but only basic drinks and no drink menu whatsoever. The menu is extremely limited. What's with the tomato juice? I ordered the two lobster tails to share with somebody else and tried a bite of the filet-bland and unexciting. The Shrimp cocktail is very good. But all in all I didn't think it was anything special foodwise. I've had better food at other locations. The Basement is freezing-bring a sweater. Service of course was excellent. I personally thought it was a waste of money but I wasn't paying and others chose it. This is supposedly the best Indianapolis has to offer. If that's the case then Indianapolis is certainly lacking in the gastronomy department.
(3)
John W.
We celebrated our 43rd anniversary here and the experience could not have been better. Our server, Andy, was super. He was extremely helpful and friendly. The steaks were perfect. The shrimp cocktail was, lets just say, when they say its hot, they're not kidding. It will get your attention. It was delicious! We will absolutely come back here again.
(5)
Jennifer S.
Great steak, and great service! One of the best wedge salads I ever had.
(4)
Michael G.
Service was great. Go here only if your craving a steak!!! Menu short, allot of old school pictures on walls. Also very quite !!
(3)
art s.
Overall Impression: St. Elmo's is an old school steakhouse serving some very good food. The place is massive. Capacity has to be north of 400 people with all the different rooms. It is also pricey, but they deliver on the quality end of the equation, so it is worth what you layout. The vibe is traditional, with semi-formal service and a comfortable clientele (at least on Colts Sunday afternoons where Manning and Harrison jerseys are badges of cool no matter where you are). Highlights / Lowlights: What was great Food - I had an excellent filet mignon, getting the 10oz. medium well. They say they cook it a little light, so medium well still has some pink in the center. I found it perfect for my tastes. Still juicy, flavorful and not butterflied, which I often see with filets ordered medium well. Nicely done. Also good was the tomato, onion and bleu cheese salad with vinaigrette dressing. Add a couple of pints of Guinness and yes, I am getting ready for some football. Atmosphere - If you like old school joints, you'll love St. Elmo's. They do the same walls-of-fame photo arrangement that you tend to see at most steak places. I don't know if it was because I didn't expect it here in Indianapolis or because they just do it better than other places, but I was amazed by both the number and variety of pictures on display. e.g. A young Lee Corso from his Indiana days, or local legend 'Dick the Bruiser' (check Wikipedia if you don't know him). Hundreds of others I can't recall. Over their ~100 years of service they have certainly accumulated an impressive array of star shots. You dine at St. Elmo's and you join the long line of storied guests who have also polished off a fine steak at these tables. What wasn't great Sitting downstairs - While still nice enough, the downstairs dining area definitely has a kids-table-at-Thanksgiving kind of feel to it, especially after you trek through a couple of the spiffy upstairs rooms on your way there. We were there on a high volume day, as it was Patriots - Colts game day, so we didn't have a lot of room to negotiate on table choices. The Scorecard: Two Critical Questions Would I eat there again? Sure, but I would definitely want to be upstairs. Was it good value? It is pricey. 10oz. fillet is $36. But it was a damn good fillet. So the value for money is there. But it didn't hurt that this was a business related lunch and was therefore expensable. Essentials Food - Excellent Service - Good. Random note: Waiters are in tuxedos and apparently the Colts game day tradition is blue bow ties. Kind of corny with a prom-like feel, but nice show of school spirit, right? Amenities Decor - Classic. Private party room - While downstairs I glimpsed what appeared to be a set up for a bunch of big hitters to watch that day's NFL schedule in a small room with a table set for 8 or 10 people and a flat screen TV on the wall. Not a bad way to spend a special Sunday, I suppose. Star scoring key: 5 = Spectacular 4 = Better than average, really enjoyed it 3 = Average, don't regret it 2 = Disappointing 1 = Abysmal For more of my reviews, see travelcasserole.blogspot…
(4)
Sara L.
Another day, another work dinner. We started with wine, which was good and not too pricey. The bread basket was lovely, hot onion rolls filled with butter are never a bad thing. My filet mignon was perfectly cooked and very tasty. The mashed potatoes and asparagus were also very good. We ended with a great cheesecake. Overall a nice steakhouse with great energy and a good atmosphere. I'd go back if I was in Indy again.
(3)
Lynn J.
A must if ever in Indy
(5)
Chuck C.
One of the best place to get a steak, but get the smallest one! This may make me sound crazy but you have to understand one thing. The salad and soup are so good you will not be able to stop eating them. So if you order one of the Fred Flintstones size steaks you will have over done it for sure. A beside you have to get the Shrimp cocktail just to say you eat it, the shrimps are OK but the sauce is the real deal here lots of horse radish in it, it will clean out your head! It may not be the best of the best but it is right up there. The place is history and needs to be looked at like that. It's a grand old building with lots of charm and grace!!!And it's not a chain, it's home town all the way! Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chains!
(5)
Tracey J.
Awesome, Loved this place! The service=excellent. Food=excellent. Ambiance=awesome. What makes St. Elmo's great is it's simplicity and no nonsense menu. They have a decent wine selection. I would definitely recommend to others and I can't wait to go back myself!
(5)
Eric D.
What do they say...when in Rome? BTW, where is Demi (am I dating myself w/ that comment)? St Elmo Steak House was recommended as the place to go. So we went. It is definitely the hot spot, as it took over 45 min to be seated. Atmosphere - Old school (1902), Woody, Narrow, Crowded, Noisy, Eclectic (people in suits, people in shorts), Happening. Food - Tasty, Basic, Simple. I started with a basic salad that was really basic, some iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes w/ Italian dressing. The dressing was good but the salad, for the price was not ($9). For the main dish I chose to ask, as I eat out a lot, so I the waiter recommended the NY Strip. It was served with a side of whipped red potatoes that had some cheddar cheese mixed in for flavor and color. Also included was either Navy Bean soup or Tomato Juice. I choose the juice. The steak arrived a little over cooked from medium. I was disappointed, but it was still good. I am sure it would have been great if it was at medium. They lost a star there for that one. Before even receiving the dessert menu I knew it was going to have cheesecake, breads pudding, chocolate cake, rice pudding and crème brulee. I was correct, except for the rice pudding. This place is so old school, like I could see my grandfather eating here. So I went with what is definitely an old school steakhouse choice, the cheesecake (I know, it should have been the BP). The cheesecake, plain, was excellent!! It was pretty creamy for a baked NY style cheesecake. Service - Friendly, prompt and relatively attentive, as they should have asked if my steak was cooked correctly!! Price - The place is pretty pricey, as it was over $60 with tip ... for one. Overall - Nice place to visit every once in a while as it seemed to be the hot spot of Indy. I would go again, but would skip the salad to save a few bucks. "I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin' sky...Take me where my future's lyin', St. Elmo's Fire" (Come on, I had to add THAT!!)
(3)
Stephen F.
My wife and I went there for our anniversary last weekend. I have been hearing about how good it was for a few years. We ordered shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. Everybody told us to get the shrimp cocktail because it was sooo good. I don't know if they were trying to play a mean joke on us, but it was one of the hottest things I have ever eaten and I grew up in South Louisiana. They are good, but be warned, they are SUPER spicy. My wife had the filet and it was hands down one of the best steaks I have ever tasted. I would say the 2nd best steak I have ever tasted. I had a halibut on top of pasta. The pasta was great and very flavorful. The halibut was a little bland but still good. Definitely a restaurant you should try if you are in Indianapolis.
(4)
Joanna E.
I must say this restaurant came highly recommended by several people but I was disappointed overall. The restaurant was tired and dated - obviously, they had not reinvested in updating decor or creating a different ambience. The tables were jam packed in the room, it was loud and the waiter did not speak very good English. The food was marginal although their cream spinach was one of the best. The steak was tough and not very appetizing. I would not return to St. Elmo's unless they make some changes. There are too many other choices for high end restaurants that make the overall experience worthwhile.
(2)
Chad B.
How can you say this place isn't excellent? Everything from my entrance to exit was pure class. The shrimp cocktail is AMAZING. It is almost worth it just for this. I ordered filet mignon. It was probably the best I've ever eaten. So tender. Even the bread was delicious. Literally this was worth every penny. I went there on Sunday and they had a combonation special for $30. I don't know if this always happens, but it was great!
(5)
Lucy F.
When my husband and I want steaks and a fancy night out we head to St Elmo. This place has an old charm, excellent service and amazing steaks! I always get the filet mignon, and it never disappoints. The shrimp cocktail is amazing, you can't come here and pass that up. It's very spicy but it's delicious, you must try it. My husband and I love it so much. Sometimes there can be a bit of wait, so I'd suggest making reservations. Yes, this place is expensive but you can easily split a meal with an appetizer and be satisfied. We can never go without dessert too, when we come here, we tend to go all out. It's definitely a one-of-kind restaurant in Indy with literally the best steaks I"ve ever had and whether you're a tourist or a local, you'll agree, this place is fantastic.
(5)
Chris P.
Shrimp cocktail...Awesome! Tomahawk cut steak...Amazing! Crab Mac and cheese...Outstanding! Blueberry bread pudding...Best ever!
(5)
Michael S.
You get what you pay for. St. Elmo's is the gold standard for small town eateries. The servers are pros. The white tablecloth service is pristine. The food is completely consistent. The shrimp cocktail is a meal in itself, as is the Navy Bean Soup. Steaks of all kinds abound. The Porterhouse I had was something like 30 ounces. With dessert and cocktails, you will leave St. Elmo's about $80-$100 per person lighter. in a food coma and the Food Baby will come.
(5)
Des C.
Arguably the best steak I have ever had. We know that there's a handful of meat processors that all of the top steakhouses buy from, so it's the spices, service and ambiance that really lead to a great experience. The service is always spot on with waiters that are typically long timers at SE. The house made spices they sprinkle on their steaks are phenomenal. Lastly the ambiance is a mix between fine dining and old school tavern. The shrimp cocktail sauce is very mild. Be sure to sop up as much as you possibly can on the first bite!!
Truly legendary and classic! This restaurant is an absolute must for anyone visiting Indianapolis. I came to know of it through 'parks and rec' season 5 when they come to visit Indianapolis and Ron Swanson gets treated here! The ambience is formal, warm and low lit. It is loud because all three floors are always jam packed. This restaurant is huge! Service is refined and very efficient. I have had dinner twice here and I come to the conclusion that their food is always the same and they do very well to keep the standards! They are famous for their shrimp cocktail with the horseradish sauce, I feel there is nothing special about it since all steak houses serve very similar appetizers. Would recommend the filet mignon over the new York strip. You can not go wrong with it. However they make it slightly more tender than other places, so your medium rare will be a little bit more well done. Their desserts are phenomenal, one order is good for three people in my opinion. Have had the double chocolate cake, blueberry bread pudding and the carrot cake, Amazing!
(4)
John M.
There are a lot of things about this place I like - not a chain, historic, super friendly staff, ambiance, classic upstairs lounge, great service and spicy shrimp cocktail. See my picture but this is one of the best steaks I've ever had. The cut i hadn't heard of the the waiter described it perfectly. The sides were solid and we weren't pushed to move along. A great night for sure.
(5)
Cammie W.
Oh my gosh, their portions are huge! Four of us (my parents, my brother, and I) shared 2 dishes and a dessert. Really, we didn't even need the dessert. But like one of my friends once told me 'regular food is for your stomach but dessert is for your heart'. We got the 32oz bone-in prime rib, the ribeye with the bean soup, greens beans as one side, and mashed potatoes as our second side. The sides were good but not amazing. We ordered both steaks medium rare and they came out perfect doneness. My mom wasn't a fan of the prime rib's au jus. She didn't like the taste of it but I felt that it just didn't have much taste. The cheesecake was so rich and smooth. Personally, I don't think it needs the extra raspberry puree or the fudge because it's flavorful enough by itself. Our server was fantastic. Helpful with our questions and very attentive. If the portions weren't so large, I would definitely come back for a special dinner or date night. But steak just isn't something that I like having leftovers of.
(5)
Ed L.
Hi All. I love this place. The food is wonderful, the staff is some of the best I have encountered anywhere, and the old school atmosphere is something to be savored and mulled over like a '49 Yquem. One other thing - I bring my Noble M400 here every year when I work the race and the valet people are simply gallant in making sure the thing isn't hurt. Way to go guys. This last time, I ordered the "must have" shrimp cocktail and it was heavenly as usual. I don't know what makes me salivate so much in anticipation, but, dang, Big Larry sure do miss this thing when he's gone. I don't eat a lot of steak, but I must admit, just the smell of the food moving through the restaurant is enough to un-veganate the most stoic veg-eater. Personally, I love the chopped steak - it's easier on Larry's stomach than a full cut and the thing is so huge I can eats off of it for a month or so. Had an interesting experience here this last time as I asked about some details on one of the more obscure wines on the expansive wine list and the sent the Cellar Master over to converse. A few minutes in, and I was invited for a private tour - something I am sure happens rarely. The cellar was a marvel, and I hope I'm not getting the guy in trouble for showing me the back room here, but rest assured that any bottle you request is lovingly laid down. I know you can get a private tour upon request, but I'm pretty sure the "special" areas are off limits for most - kind of like the Pits right before the fueling rig rolls through Have been here about a dozen times over the years and these folks have never let me down. Even with a crazy schedule I have never eaten a dessert. Just been too dang full. Sure they are expensive and hard to get in to, but just chill, have a martini, watch the race celebrities and prep your tummy for a real treat.
(5)
Mark G.
Great place to get a steak at a long time standing iconic place downtown. When you walk in they are very friendly and you can see all the pictures on the wall. Great vibes all around and it does have that steakhouse feel to it. We started off with the shrimp cocktail which boasts its fame. It is famous for a reason. The sauce is unique in its spicy hit and run, if you are a rookie don't try a lot at once! When you take a bite of shrimp with the sauce it almost feels like you are being water boarded, the horseradish kicks you in the face to the point of tears. Yet you love it at the same time? It is weird, but delicious. Food never hurt so good. Please try it while you are here. The steak I got was the ribeye, it comes with a side and a soup! I know if this was another high end place this would have cost a ton extra since most steak houses are ala carte. The navy bean soup option is a great one. As for the steak, it was cooked right, had a nice flavor, and was all around quality. The server was excellent throughout the whole night, really was very down to earth and worked their for several years. Very genuine person and made our time there very pleasant. Nice old school steakhouse that has been around for a very long time with a good reputation and tradition. Would come back again while in town for a different cut of steak.
(4)
Tom M.
My wife and I went to St. Elmo's because of its reputation, and we just wanted to try it once. And for some, the price of two meals may mean you try this only once. The service is far and above any I have experienced at any restaurant anywhere. The shrimp cocktail is the best (although the horseradish in the cocktail sauce could be dialed back a bit). Everything about St. Elmo's is four-star. Calling it a "steakhouse" is kind of an insult. The atmosphere is casual, but you'll walk in thinking, "Hm, should I have dressed up a little?" Don't worry. It's a steakhouse atmosphere with a fine dining experience. But be prepared to spend over $100 for dinner for two. This is where people with money go to eat. People like Colts football players, local celebrities, big businessmen, politicians. You will see somebody who is somebody here. Peyton Manning had a private room here when he played for the Colts. It's that kind of place. And you should experience it at least once in your life. And if you can afford it, go again. Once I get done paying my youngest daughter's college tuition, I think I'll go here to celebrate financial freedom.
(5)
Luckie D.
I got a woddy ! Wish I could give more than 5 stars.......? The overall experience at St. Elmo's was off the charts! Located in downtown Indianapolis is a place I've had bookmarked but just never seemed to make it to until I needed a special place to take my mother to celebrate her 89th Birthday. Food The bone in rib-eye, twice baked potato, green beans, mushrooms and creamed spinach was the order. The sides were memorable but the steak was HEAVENLY. If I'm ever on death row this will be my last meal. I simply cannot explain the depth of flavor, tenderness and the absolutely perfect way the steak arrived. We started with the lobster bisque which had ample lobster pieces and was not runny and thin nor was it overly creamy and offered a balanced taste which needed no additional anything. The shrimp cocktail lived up to the warning with regard to the fresh horseradish. It too proved worthy of the near wood causing experience as the steak did. Ambiance It was like stepping back in time to the days when John Herbert Dillinger roamed the streets of Indy and getting a private invitation to join Alfonse Capone for dinner. This place drips history, pride and quality. From the stenciled gold lettering on the large glass windows which light the main bar to the dark wood and tiffany lined wall sconces in the main dining room to the rich wood tones and appropriate low music this place screams old school class. Service The waiters here are what it means to be a professional waiter. They are welcoming, knowledgeable, gracious and above all else extremely professional. No wannabes working their way through undergrad at this place. Clad in black suits with bow-ties and speaking in clear but hushed tones as if not to disturb the pleasant elegant vide all manner of options were shared. Attention was more vigilance than hovering and always timely, respectful and on point. Having earned the Meathead Yelp badge I know meat and have had the good fortune to eat at some of the best places around the country. Peter Luger, Delmonicos, The Double Eagle Dallas and The Met in Seattle. Indy should take pride knowing they are holding their own as arguably the best steakhouse in the country. On a sad note it was disappointing to order a $17 Lagavulin 12 at their sister restaurant just down the street while waited for them to open at 4pm only to order another at St. Elmo's for $25!
(5)
Victor H.
My 100th review that I've written and it happens to be for one of the most elegant and wonderful establishments I've ever been too. I first heard about this place after reading stories about the Colts having team dinners here. This is also where Peyton Manning signed his rookie contract after the Colts drafted him. It's the one and only St Elmo and it was everything that I expected it to be. After arriving and having our table ready for us (make reservations if you're going to come here), our server Rico came and gave us the specials. He was very attentive and professional and did an awesome job. I ordered an Ol Fashioned for my drink which came with coke in a glass bottle. Vintage yet elegant. I started with the shrimp cocktail which is a must order according to the patrons. Shrimp is large and the sauce has a huge kick due to the horseradish. Delicious and full of flavor. My dinner was the cowboy ribeye steak with the navy bean soup along with a wedge salad. Salad was a nice portion, I shared some of it with my buddy so I could save room for the entree. The soup was a nice tune up for the steak. It had a nice pork flavor, I believe they use ham hocks in the soup. Nonetheless delicious. The steak arrived cooked at a perfect medium temperature with a loaded baked potato. The steak was the best steak I've ever had. The perfect amount of fat and flavor and tenderness. While everything was awesome, I wish I saved room for dessert since those looked appetizing as well. While my meal/experience was expensive, it was worth every penny. This won't be my last visit. I recommend this place for any steak lover, foodie, or wine sommelier. It's a landmark in Indianapolis and definitely should be on your list of places to dine!
(5)
Eric M.
Will wash dishes for Food Service: 5/5 * Very personable waiter who took the time to get to know you. Treated you like a friend. Also, I left my phone and he went out of his way to get it back to me!!! Food: 5/5. * Steak was amazing. Very soft, juicy, loaded with flavor. * Shrimp cocktail was ok. People talk it up like it's a Foodgasm. Not worth the $20. Price: Very expensive but well worth it. Between my brother and I, I paid about $140 with tip. Environment: 4/5 * Feels like your in an old fashioned Sopranos restaurant. Tables are well set, very clean. Staff Hotness: 5/5 Beautiful Ladies ;-) Overall: A must go to steak house. Lots of history here. My brother and I were celebrating our Indy Mini Marathon finish and this was a perfect treat. Excellent for dates, anniversaries, any celebrations.
(5)
Nancy Ann S.
Probably one of the best steak dinners I have ever had. St Elmo's has been in the same spot since the early 1900s. According to their waiter who has worked there for 30+ years they made it through prohibition and just about everything else. They have a wonderful lounge upstairs. Pricewise it's a little high. They serve a shrimp cocktail for $17.95 and it's really just five shrimp covered and horseradish cocktail sauce. Wait staff was super friendly, extra accommodating, very informed about the area and the goings-on of the convention I was attending. Our waiter Steve suggested a couple of drinks which were delicious. He also made sure that my steak was cooked exactly the way I wanted and I truly appreciated it. This is a great date night or special dinner place.
(4)
Paul V.
First time here and very impressed. Great local place with a ton of history since 1902! Been to many fine steak houses all over the country and this rates with the best. Not as stuffy as Capital Grill and doesn't try to be trendy. They just keep doing what they're known for. We had a party of five on a Sunday night at 7:00. No delay getting seated although the place was packed. Our waiter Dave has been there over 20 years and took superb care of us, including my 90 year-old mom and my three sisters. Steaks were perfect. Sides were generous. Their signature shrimp cocktail did not disappoint and the cream corn was to die for. Timing impeccable. Never felt rushed. We decided we needed to adopt Dave and take him back to Florida with us to show restaurants back home how it's done. Very enjoyable evening. Thanks Dave and thanks St.Elmo's.
(5)
David Y.
I don't eat alot of steak -- maybe a couple times a year on special occasions. But I heard St. Elmo Steakhouse is the place to eat in downtown Indianapolis, so on a recent conference trip my wife and I checked it out. All things considered, it was a good meal. We began, of course, with the shrimp cocktail with famous spicy cocktail sauce. It was as advertised - each shrimp somehow getting more spicy until my eyes were watering. It hurt so good. I had the ribeye and my wife had the petit filet, both with green beans. Both were good as expected and cooked just right. The king crab mac-n-cheese was just OK -- the crab being chopped up more finely than I would prefer (seemed like they were trying to make it seem like there was more crab in there than there was -- I would have preferred a few larger pieces to really taste the crab). I liked out waiter. He was an old ethnic guy (Italian, maybe?), not some young hispter. The kind of waiter who half asks and half tells you what you are having for dinner. For me this is a bucket list restaurant. Glad I went. Don't know that I will go again.
(4)
Brad H.
Not sure this place could get it more right. The service is the best. It's a fun comfortable place with awesome steaks. The cowboy ribeye is fit for a king and the kitchen always gets the steak perfect. Some of the old traditions of tomato juice and bean soup for starters is quirky but adds to the fun. If your in town stop by. You run into celebrities a lot here.
(5)
Dee O.
The reviews don't lie. A must visit if you are in Indy. Great service, very good food. Yes, try the shrimp cocktail but go easy cause it is as hot as they say it is. Cheers!
(4)
Rich L.
Based on the reviews of my Yelp amigos I had the pork chops and crab Mac and cheese and they were fab. All were served piping hot and as you know nobody gets 5 stars from me unless the hot food is hot and the cold food is cold. St Elmo hit the mark!! I realize the shrimp cocktail is a signature dish for them but I was kinda disappointed when i received 4 average to large size shrimp that were not bad but didn't pop with the fresh ocean taste that I would expect for a nearly $18 shrimp cocktail. Even with the mildly disappointing or maybe more accurately described as way over hyped shrimp cocktail, St Elmo is a solid 5 star establishment.
(5)
Tara Q.
Confession: Sometimes I feel like I'm not cool or rich enough to dine here. I think it goes along with the whole hype that St. Elmo's is where the celebrities go when they visit, well guess what? I may not be famous or have a lot of money, but St. Elmo's is something you want to treat yourself and your family to during special occasions, so on this visit, we were celebrating my husband's 29th birthday and I thought 'why not go all out?!'. I was surprised that I got a reservation about a week out through Open Table and I made mention that we were planning on celebrating my husband's birthday. Upon arrival, we were shown immediately to our table on a busy Saturday night and on the table was a note from the restaurant wishing my husband a happy birthday. I was so excited to see that! Great service! Our waiter was wonderful, always checking on us, but not too hoveriffic. The bread and butter served before the meal was delish along with the lobster chowder we had. You can't come here and not get their most popular menu item which is their Shrimp Cocktail. The sauce was on high alert hotness the night we were there, so I did scrape most of it off so that I could actually keep my taste buds in tact for the meal! The shrimp are huge! You really feel like you're getting your money's worth with this selection. A must if you come here! For the main meal, I opted for the filet mignon (cause duh!) along with red-skinned mashed potatoes. As soon as I sliced into the meat, it separated like butter. The most tastiest filet mignon I've had! Cooked to perfection, juicy, but not too much. The perfect bite when forked with the mashed potatoes. Expect a bill that garners heart palpitations upon arrival, but know it's totally worth it! I think next time I visit, I'd love to sit at the main bar and people watch while enjoying my Shrimp Cocktail.
(5)
Micheal M.
I was there recently on a belated anniversary dinner and it was worth the wait, there shrimp cocktail is amazing and the steaks the we had were cooked to perfection. Can't wait for my next visit there.
(5)
Randy T.
I was staying in Castleton with coworkers and the concierge recommended St. Elmo's! It is definitely a place you have to go while in Indy, the food was amazing. Step back in to a traditional steak house, the decor of St. Elmo's resembles elegance and class. However, the staff was not stuffy and provided an exceptional level of service. You have to try to shrimp cocktail, with the fiery sauce... sure it's just a lot of horseradish, but isn't that what shrimp cocktail is all about... it brought tears to my eyes and for a solid 10 seconds, I thought I was dying, then I took bite number 2 and started it all over again! Everyone's steak was cooked to perfection, and everything was delicious! Stop here, you won't regret it!
When I visit Indy, St. Elmo's is a place I must dine. Their famous cocktail shrimp with fresh horseradish will about burn your nostrils out but so well worth every bite. They have the best steaks and best first class service. The bartenders go the extra mile to make you feel at home and provide hat extra special service. Their wine selection is impeccable. If you don't know what wine to try, ask for a suggestion and they will not disappoint.
(5)
Laurie D.
Stopped here for a late lunch. Shrimp, lobster bisque, and caprese were incredible. Chopped salad was average. Service was impeccable.
(5)
Molly S.
Does St. Elmo's really need another review? The number of reviews and the many lists it finds itself on is pretty telling. It's your classic steakhouse. I had a filet during Devour Downtown and it was phenomenal. Perfectly cooked, perfect sides of potatoes and asparagus, but nothing overpowering the main attraction- as it should be. The service is absolutely incredible. Everything about the experience was wonderful. Pro-tip: get a dirty vodka martini. They are as classic as St. Elmo's itself.
(5)
Jet K.
There's a reason that St. Elmo Steak House is the most talked about restaurant in Indy even after being opened for over a century. Awesome service. Classic, warm atmosphere. Is it possible to review St. Elmo Steak House without mentioning their world famous shrimp cocktail? The shrimp that bites back! They should just add the shrimp to the price of every meal because you are going to order it anyways. Rumor has it, it's against city code to not order the shrimp when visiting St. Elmo ;) Incredible steaks, perhaps some of the best in the world, but that comes with a premium price. St. Elmo makes a great place for special occasions or business clients or if your backyard money tree is in full bloom.
(5)
Steve A.
Good but not as good as I remembered. Really came for the shrimp cocktail which did not disses point. We love to laugh at ourselves from the horseradish burn running through our sinuses. Strip steak was not melting in my mouth quality. Salad was good. Waiter was interesting. He told us how he brings his own vacuum and his own pepper cracker to work so he doesn't have to share otherwise it would slow him down. This visit 3 star.
(3)
Shon M.
I was not impressed at all. We sat in the bar upstairs - not the main dining room. They do not serve their full menu at the bar and they will not even serve bread at the bar! I am a vegetarian so this review may not even faze you, but the food I ordered was very disappointing. I started with the chopped salad. Side salad for almost $10 was a little pricey but what was worse was the dressing. The salad was about tasteless. I had to ask for ranch dressing just to give it some flavor. Next I had the spinach dip. It was hardly a dip. It was more like creamed spinach. Again very disappointing. On the other hand my husband did try their famous shrimp. He said there was nothing great about the shrimp but if you love horseradish then the shrimp cocktail is for you! He also ordered the sliders with mac n cheese. He said it was good, but the smoked gouda cheese could have been left out. Overall it was Extremely expensive and disappointing.
(2)
Angelus K.
Whenever I'm traveling and I meet someone who has visited Indianapolis, they always want to talk about St. Elmo's. The sad truth is, if you want to eat somewhere historical and upscale, this is about your only choice in Indy. This certainly your best shot to see a celebrity in Indianapolis. There are lots of pictures of Peyton Manning and Indy car drivers on the walls. So is all the hype worth it? Some people are skeptical that the signature dish in a restaurant in Indianapolis is a shrimp cocktail. Well, we may not have the ocean here, but we do grow horseradish and the sauce is pretty good--if you like horseradish. They buy quality shrimp, too. The steaks are pretty solid--frankly better than a lot of famous steak houses in other cities and certainly better than most chains. (though probably not better than Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, or the Cattlemen's Club in Oklahoma City) The ambience is dark wood on the walls and leather on the seats. You can imagine Eli Lilly execs or state representatives sitting in the corners and hammering out big deals. If you're in town for the race or a game and want to eat somewhere nice, this is your go-to.
(4)
Jennifer B.
There is something nostalgic about an old time steakhouse that brings me back to my childhood and sharing a meal with my grandfather.. this is that kind of place. What a great meal - my filet was PERFECTLY cooked, baked potato seasoned outside that made the inside flavorful without all the fabulous sides they offered. Chopped salad and a filet was a perfect combo. Super crowded - but I sat at the bar and got excellent service! Looking forward to my next meal there!
(5)
Dave M.
We went here for a lite dinner and drinks before a concert on 8/8/15 and it was awesome! A few people had recommended the shrimp cocktail which is apparently their signature item - it was spectacular with the fresh horseradish cocktail sauce. For dinner I had the sliders with Mac and cheese and it was delicious as well! The atmosphere was very nice - we sat in the lounge - and the bartenders were very efficient and friendly. Only drawback to the lounge was that they don't serve bread in the lounge. We will definitely be back next time we are in Indy!
(5)
Anthony D.
This review is based on my recent experience eating in the upstairs lounge bar. I should have read the reviews but I wanted to eat here. First off, the staff was awful. A bartender with no personality and no recommendations. A very interesting combination. I had to try the world famous shrimp cocktail. The cocktail sauce was awesome. However the five U18 shrimp was far from my expectations. I have to admit the steaks were good and the king crab mac and cheese was spectacular. Perhaps, it was the ambience and lousy service that made the experience disappointing. The meal was good. Take my advice, don't eat at the bar!
(2)
Rachel W.
Reservations are a must on a Saturday night! We had a 9:45pm reservation but got in around 9:00pm since we went early because our party size changed. They do push the shrimp cocktail... In a way they made it sound like its included in the meal because as he asked out side selection it was the last question. My husband has a shellfish allergy which I disclosed before we ordered and he still asked if he wanted it. The bread basket was a nice surprise with 3 types of bread.We had a party of three. My husband got the navy bean soup unsure of what to expect and was pleasantly surprised! It was delicious and I do not like beans so I ate around them. My husband and friend ordered the filet's which came out perfect. I had the pork chops and they were amazing!! Three bone in chops... With a great flavor. I took two home because I was full. We had smashed red potatoes that were just average... In fact they came out at room temperature which was a bummer. My friend got a side of au gratin potatoes that were amazing and steaming hot!! Over all it was a great meal. Service was mediocre... parts of the meal fell short but the important part.. The meat... Was amazing!
(4)
Fern G.
As many times as I have been here, I have nothing bad to say. An icon of our Indianapolis heritage that everyone must experience.
(5)
Arianna D.
If you're waiting to try their infamous cocktail sauce and don't want to settle for the bottles on Costco shelves, then it's an Indianapolis must have for sure! I made a reservation here on a little weekend getaway for my fiance's birthday and they were sweet enough to have a sign printed for him on our table. So sweet of them! However, we were seated in the basement where it smelled like the bathroom, albeit recently cleaned - but full of chemicals, and my salad was sub par.
(3)
Steve V.
I came to Indianapolis to enjoy my 50th birthday present- tickets to the 500! Afterward we had dinner here. The Ruth's Chris down the street must be quiet enough to hear crickets chirping because St. Elmo rules this region for steaks! Our server was telepathic and all-business. You can tell he was slammed dealing with race-day nuttiness yet we never felt rushed or underserved. His was the unseen hand filling our drinks, bringing us bread, clearing the crumbs from the table and, when called upon, advising us on our steak choices. The bone-in ribeye I had was amazing and perfect. I got a taste of the other plates, too. The dry-aged New York strip was likewise a wonder but then came the shocker. A table full of regulars next to us advised that somebody needed to get the pork chops. Two of us did this. Each got two humongous chops that were done the way all pork chops should be- juicy and tender with just a trace of pink and a beautiful, flavorful char on the outside! One friend was so full I got almost a whole chop to eat on top of my steak! Truly, the pork chops are the unsung heroes at St. Elmo! The shrimp cocktail was a lovely, spicy thing with giant shrimp (5 of them!). Both the soups we had- navy bean and lobster bisque, were excellent and the potatoes are done the same way they're done at my favorite place back home and just as large. Because it was my birthday I jumped on dessert; perhaps unwisely, I was thinking at the time! I needn't have worried. The Blue and White Bread Pudding was an inspied creation- kind of like a custardy blueberry muffin with a side of awesome! I got a bite of a friend's Southern style caramel cake and it was good, too- he loved it. The best part? You get all of this along with the ambiance that can only come from history, tradition and tons of racing memorabilia on the walls, and while not cheap, certainly a better value than that "other place" down the street!
(5)
Jordan N.
Have been to St. Elmo's twice and both times had an incredible meal. Dinner is an experience (also, the 1933 lounge is a really neat prohibition inspired bar). The steak is great, the shrimp cocktail is delicious (it clears the sinuses), and the king crab Mac and Cheese is a little slice of heaven. It's really expensive, but totally worth it in my opinion. Great for a special occasion.
(5)
Steve W.
When I checked in here I was shocked to see that I hadn't reviewed it previously. St. Elmo is an Indianapolis staple and a hoosier tradition. The first thing you should know: MAKE A RESERVATION. St. Elmo is always packed full of people. Tuesday night at 6:30 and they had at least 75% occupancy. St. Elmo makes an amazing steak, but the shrimp cocktail and amazing service steal the show. Be warned going in to the shrimp cocktail...it is going to clear your sinuses. The remainder of the food is delicious, but probably not the best steak you've ever had. One time I branched out and ordered the fish special, which was halibut. It was, without a doubt, the best piece of fish I've ever had in Indy. Don't be afraid to break away from your typical steak. Food aside, you really go to St. Elmo for the atmosphere. The atmosphere is welcoming for a business dinner, and the waitstaff knows just how to provide everything you need without being overbearing on your dinner conversation. Go. Get a shrimp cocktail. Prepare yourself. Enjoy and support the Indianapolis institution.
I had a filet and ordered bernaise sauce. It was delicious. Good quality and what I would expect from a fine steakhouse. I actually ate at the bar so I can't really speak to the service other than say the bartender was good and friendly as was the hostess who was sweet and accommodating. I would recommend this place. That said, though I enjoyed it and would come again, I did not give it five stars because I had very high expectations and it just didn't meet them. That might have been on me and the fact that I did not 'dine' but ate at the bar. It might have been all on me. Very expensive...surprised to see 3 dollar signs 'cause my impression was it was 4 dollar signs.
(4)
Christopher M.
What can you say that has not been said by so many others! St. Elmo's lives up to its reputation, a must visit place while in Indianapolis! Pork Chops are fantastic, Porterhouse was cooked splendidly! Service was spot on, our server Juan was patient and knowledgable. Great wine list and of course the world famous shrimp cocktail was just as advertised! Spicy and sweet!
(4)
Scott A.
Went to St. Elmo's for a work event. Had some steak, which was on par with some of the better steaks that I've had. But the real show-stopper was the shrimp cocktail. Giant shrimp paired with atomic horseradish that will make you cry harder and faster than you did at your grandmother's funeral. Seriously, if you've got a cold and haven't been able to smell anything for days, just order the shrimp cocktail and that sucker will clear those sinuses right up!
(4)
Elizabeth M.
First, I'd like to say the staff behind the bar are excellent, I'm from California and never been treated better. Not only one bartender but 4 of them tend to my every need. When my water glass was half full someone made sure they refilled it without me asking. They always beat me to my next order and offered me something else before I can ask myself. The food, excellent. I ordered the famous shrimp cocktail, the bartender warned me it's spicy, I didn't think so before I tried, but beware. If your not used to spice, don't order. If you have a high tolerance for spice, take off slowly. You will be surprised by fire to your nose. I also ordered the king crab Mac n cheese , highly recommended.
(5)
Marjorie K.
The experience has lived up to the reputation. The coworkers and I went here after a big win. We tore the menu up, although none of us has the shrimp cocktail. Truthfully, we only went here for one reason. In every Delta sky magazine they have been listed as one of the ten best steakhouses in the US. Obviously we know that they pay for this listing, but we needed to test it. The steaks were good obviously expensive cuts and dry aged, and we all received very good service.
(5)
Heather P.
Was upstairs in the bar. On no less than three occasions did I have to yell down a bartender. First to order drinks and food. Second for wine with my food. Third for my check. Thankfully the food was great because no one ever checked back once it was delivered.. Great food. Great atmosphere. Deplorable service. I felt like I was putting them out to place an order. On a weekday. Shameful.
(1)
Dan R.
What a wonderful old school steakhouse. Great atmosphere. Impeccable service. Terrific food. Six of us from the office had dinner here tonight and it was a totally enjoyable experience. We were a little surprised to hear that their shrimp cocktail was a house specialty, and we were even more surprised to hear that St. Elmo sells more shrimp per year than any restaurant in the US. Three of us opted to give the shrimp cocktail a try -none of us were put off by the $15.95 price tag, instead we were tantalized by the description which read "5 Jumbo Shrimp with Plenty of Fiery Sauce". Fiery sauce was not an exaggeration. It was a lava like explosion of horseradish that was just about to my limits of spice tolerance. But man were those shrimp good- five huge perfectly plump shrimps. A co-worker and I split a 14 oz NY Strip $38.95 and a fish and mussel special that was not on the menu. The steak was amazing. The fish was very good, as were the mussels, broth and julienned vegetables. All meals are served with your choice of Navy Bean soup or tomato juice appetizer- as curious an option as I have ever seen. The soup was the unanimous choice at our table and it was heavenly -smooth, creamy, full of flavor and delectable chunks of ham. The entreees came with one side- a baked potato, mashed potatoes, green beans or fries. If you wanted extra sides, you could order them a la carte. We ate like kings and queens. Our cut was $79 per person before tip, and that included a lot of martinis and mixed drinks. This is without doubt a special event kind of place. It made our night out a great experience.
(4)
Samantha M.
I love St. Elmo it's one of my favorite places to eat. I always get the rib-eye, twice baked potato, and the shrimp cocktail(it's sooooooooo good). I always receive great food and great service. I love it and I definitely recommend it if you haven't tried it.
(5)
Maeghan P.
Currently, I am in a wine class at IUPUI and we recently did a wine dinner at St. Elmos. It was an awesome and very intimate experience. The wait staff did a fantastic job and really wanted my group to enjoy ourselves and get the most out of this experience. I had been to St. Elmos before but I had no idea that they had a big room that could accommodate much larger parties. It is closed off from the rest of the restaurant and is a great asset for large groups of people. We had four courses and the chef picked a different wine to go with each course that paired beautifully. I am very familiar with the signature shrimp cocktail that clears the sinuses with that amazing dose of fresh horse radish, but I found that having a nice glass of brut or champagne with it pairs with it amazingly. I believe it was their Piper Sonoma Brut that was paired with the shrimp cocktail and it was incredible! The Piper Sonoma Brut really cut the shrimp cocktail well, and took away a little bit of the powerful initial bit of fresh horse radish. I would recommend to allow the wait staff to pair wines for each course, they have a knack for that and it really adds an entire new element to the meal. The service is exemplary and I would most certainly go back as soon as I have the opportunity. It is a little expensive, and for me I would go there for a special occasion to make the occasion more meaningful. They do a wonderful job of creating meaningful experiences.
(5)
Suzanne Z.
The shrimp cocktail is spectacular. Everything else is just mediocre.
(2)
Mike O.
This was our first time here. It was recommended by a friend and it did fail to amaze me.had to have the shrimp cocktail, awesome. Followed that with the bone in rib eye. It was so tender and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere was like back in the 50's or early 60's. Serving tomato juice prior to dinner. I can remember this being done at the old steak houses in Detroit in the 50's and 60's. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the Indianapolis area.
(5)
Jim W.
First of all the atmosphere in this place is amazing, I love both the 1930 upstairs and the restaurant itself. As soon as you walk in the restaurant you will be surprised by the dark wood semi casual environment st. Elmo provides. Don't get me wrong you won't feel out of place wearing a suit and tie, but it certainly isn't required. The services level is top of the line. I have been there both times and each servicer I encountered there show amazing conversing skills. In addition they are excellent at describing what the menu are if you are a first timer. Now for the food part: some of the best steaks in indy and shrimp cocktail is a must try. Although I must warn you ahead of time those cocktail sauce is like Japanese wasabi, therefore, must be taken carefully. Don't want you to make the same mistake I did ;) Bone in filet mignon it was cooked medium, meats were great one of the best and most expensive steak cut. For my personal opinion I liked a little more flavored to a steak so I could only give it a 4/5.
(4)
Jody D.
Love, love, love as a special treat.
(5)
Eldwin L.
GO GO GO GO GO GO GO !!! I don't know what else to say I drove an extra hour and a half both ways just to come here for a shrimp cocktail it is by far the best thing that has touched my lips in a long time I look for reason to come here at least once a year just for the cocktail there's no way to describe how perfect it is balanced and even for the price of 15 dollars I would pay 20 just because oh how perfect this is this should be on a foodie's bucket list without a doubt make it a weekend trip and go here it needs to be a priority once you go you'll know why I don't know how much more clear I can be if you would have stopped reading this review and started driving you would have already been five minutes closer get going!!!!!
(5)
Lou R.
This was my second visit to St Elmos in the past two years and it was more glorious that the last time. Awesome server by the name of Jason who was calm and cool the whole time we were there even though there was a seat left empty. The shrimp cocktail was as deadly and tasty as ever. We went with the upcharge and got the lobster bisque which was chock full of lobster. The amazing bone in ribeye was cooked perfectly with great red skin mashed taters and the best creamed spinach this side of Chicago. My wife loved the bread basket assortment which we had to get refilled of course. Amazing restaurant with amazing service... a true class act!
(5)
Stacy J.
Love this place... but I think the clout of the patron who frequent seems to overshadow the quality of the service... Food is good as always, it IS a quality steak house when it comes to the food served. Yes, had the famous shrimp cocktail, as always. And a nice cut of steak and wonderful tasting sides, yet again... But I was hoping AGAIN for better service than in the past... but again this well dress, tuxedo wearing service team let me down!!! After waiting at the table for a little while we were REALLY getting thirsty!!! SO, got our drink order but seemed a little too 'busy' to go ahead with our dinner order until he got our drinks served to us... by the time we ordered we were not only thirsty but our growling stomaches much of clued him in to our readiness to order!! Then most of our drinks ran dry, even our water glasses. To which we then had three bust boys try and fill our water within 3 minuets... DON'T interrupt our table to ask and each and everyone at the table if we need more water if you can plainly see it was JUST filled 30 seconds ago!! The remainder of dinner went alright (I guess letting us finish our meal doesn't take much effort), brought us our desserts and coffee. Had to ASK for our bill to please be delivered as we had been finished a good 8-10 minutes. Then once delivered and ready to be picked back up to be charged, we sat and waited and waited and waited and didn't see our server for a good 10+ minutes... we were about to try and go find someone when he showed up and mildly apologized and proceeded to collect and process our bill. For such a renowned, upstanding, classy establishment... I SO expect the service to get better (we will probably be back at some point) each time we stop in!! PLEASE work on this and try to parallel high class service with the high class persona.
(3)
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Address :127 S Illinois St
Indianapolis, IN, 46225
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Nick S.
I have made a point to come here every year. The steak literally melts in your mouth. The sides are always on point. Bread is delicious. And I can't say enough about the shrimp cocktail. If you have never been to St. Elmos, make sure you add it to the list.
(5)Brian H.
I'm giving this a 4 only because I had a not so great experience last time with my steak being a little over cooked and dry. This has not been typical and if it wasn't for that I would give it 5! Nothing to say that has not already been said but I do love this place, just make sure to make reservations and order the lobster mac side it's great!
(4)Jon L.
It's St. Elmo Steak House. It's as good as it gets. A timeless classic, that makes you feel like a million bucks. Get the shrimp cocktail, get the steak, get a nice drink, and get dessert. It will be THE BEST meal you've had. Period.
(5)Bob S.
Went here and dined off the Devour Downtown menu. It was amazing! Honestly, everything I ate was great - the shrimp, potatoes, green beans, perfectly cooked and seasoned filet, and cheesecake was all stunning!
(5)Dan B.
The shrimp cocktail was awesome! I had the 32oz bone in prime rib and it was delicious. We also had the petit filet and it did not disappoint. Service was amazing, as expected.
(5)Stephanie C.
Steaks were amazing! The server was touch and go but ended up fabulous! The shrimp cocktail is super spicy just FYI. The whole experience was amazing!
(5)Zachary H.
The shrimp cocktail is great but the steaks are way under seasoned. Compared to a Vegas steak house its no contest. Steaks also have no crust to speak of.
(2)Jon C.
I was lucky enough to visit St Elmo recently and had a seat at the best table in the house: the private dining room in the wine cellar. When I have an out of town guest who wants a taste of authentic Indianapolis, St Elmo is always on my short list. If they're paying, it moves right up to the top. More often than not, my guests have already heard about the place, and immediately start asking, "Is the cocktail sauce as hot as everyone says?" "Nahh.. here. Take this bite off my spoon. Disregard the evil laughs coming from the other people at the table. They don't know what they're talking about." The perfect meal for me starts with the Elmo Cola, a makers mark, cherry and cola creation that is potent yet amazingly mellow. Move on to the shrimp cocktail with it's wicked cocktail sauce. Yeah, it's hot." It's a quick burn though", says the people who also claim that 115 degrees in Las Vegas is okay because it's a dry heat. Liars. The wine selection is rather extensive, and I've never had anything except a nice hearty red here. Yum. A nice red wine and a steak. My mouth waters thinking about two. Moving on to the main course: I always stick with the filet. If I'm hungry, or want leftovers, I order the 12oz. If I'm not hungry (or paying myself) I stick with the 8oz. Either way, it's outstanding. Sides? Nope.. none come with that $40 piece of steak. Sides are ala cart, and the creamed spinach is always a must for me. Now comes dessert. I always struggle to make up my mind on whether or not I'm going to eat dessert, but truth be told, it's all an act. Of course I'm eating dessert! The blue and white bread pudding is out of this world, and the one thing on the menu I'll consider sharing, only because it's about the size of a loaf of bread. Yum-O! St Elmo also participates in Devour Downtown, which is held annually in the winter and summer. It's a great way to try a set menu at St Elmo for a lot less than you would pay any other time. Oh yeah, make sure you make a reservation too.. it's amazing that a place like this can be packed on a random Wednesday evening, but it happens!
(5)Robyn W.
I love this place. If you like spicy, the shrimp cocktail is amazing. The wedge salad will be the best you've ever had. And of course the steaks are top quality. They have a 22 oz lamb porterhouse for those wanting something a little different. The service is always excellent and the staff is very genuine and friendly. Atmosphere is dark, homey and upscale.
(5)J K.
A very fine establishment. My all time favorite for Shrimp and filet - always done to perfection. We come here annually and can't beat it. Head upstairs first for a cocktail.
(5)Tiffany Y.
I can't say enough about how delicious the food is, and the service is some of the best I've received. St Elmo really lives up to the hype.
(5)Pat D.
Fantastic experience all around. I had wanted to go here for years...and they did not disappoint. The service was beyond excellent. And the shrimp cocktail is the real deal. I questioned it's fame before visiting, but now I get it. Those are addictive shrimp indeed. The filet with a loading baked potato also delivered. Caeser salad was okay, but bonus points for having anchovies as an option! And lots of them! We were too full for dessert. But I foresee many more trips here in the future.
(5)Nolando T.
If I could describe my experience here in one word it would be...underwhelmed. We came here for Devour Downtown and had the "Devour" filet mignon special. Aside from the shrimp cocktail nothing really stood out. And actually, the cocktail sauce is something I could make myself. You just need an over abundance of horseradish, add it to regular cocktail sauce, throw in a few shrimp and there you go...St. Elmo's infamous shrimp cocktail! My wife and I each had the filet. She ordered hers rare and I ordered mine medium rare. What we got was medium rare and medium. Hey, at least they got one right. Woo hoo! The filet was ok. But I've had much, much better filet mignon at other restaurants. And the sides, mashed red potatoes and green beans, were bland and not very tasty at all. Lastly, the creme brûlée was...gross. I recently had the best flan/creme brûlée of my life at Fogo de Chao and was hoping this would compare. Not even close. It was nasty, actually. Aside from the ambiance here, I'm not really sure what the hype is all about. If you're going to spend this kind of money on a steak dinner you're better off going to Ruth's Chris or Flemings where the food is actually delicious and not mediocre. Sorry, but St. Elmo's just isn't worth it...for anything.
(2)John H.
One of our favorite restaurants. Shrimp cocktails are spicer and delicious. Filet was tender. Highly recommend.
(5)Daniel G.
One of the best steakhouses. You will pay a price for it though. I have found that going to marsh and buying the american kobe steak and ny strip prime is better then any steak they serve.
(5)Megan N.
The third best meal I've ever had. The second best steak, making this the best steak I've tasted in the US. Everything here was delicious. The service was immaculate as well. The shrimp cocktail? You have to try it. It's an interesting experience when your food bites back.
(5)Julie G.
Fantastic service and cool atmosphere. Basic high end steak house with a few other options. Loved the shrimp cocktail!! I would highly recommend St. Elmo's.
(4)Monique N.
Came here as a quick fire decision after checking late into my hotel. Had the "World Famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail" w/ a side of green beans (wasn't really hungry, wanted something lite before I turned in for the night. The shrimp cocktail definitely lived up to its name, great flavor, a lot of kick, and super plump, fresh, and juicy shrimp smothered with their fiery sauce. I got the The Signature "Elmo Cola" but as an infusion shot over on the rocks -- bourbon w/ vanilla bean and luxardo maraschino cherries. Would go again to try a steak.
(4)Laura J.
Went here a while back for devour downtown. Loved the shrimp cocktail (but the sauce is potent). The meal as good but not mind blowing. Honestly really loved the bread they served before the meal. I could have filled up on just that.
(4)Kirk G.
It had been about 10 years since I was last at St. Elmo's, and, if it has changed, it's been for the better! Shrimp cocktail: shrimp were as good as ever and the sauce is great! A word to the wise, if it's your first St. Elmo's shrimp, try to scrape off all of the sauce (some will inevitably adhere) and start from there, adding a LITTLE more sauce as you go. Entree: During my previous visits to St. Elmo's, I don't remember a prime rib offering. (Perhaps it was there but I'd already made up my mind for the large filet.) But, tonight, there it was - all 32 oz of bone-in goodness. Oh my goodness (and, for you younger yelpers, OMG), the first bite of perfectly cooked juiciness was the best beef that I have ever eaten! One more time - the best ever. Entree: My wife had a seafood special that was "Awesome" (she said). A crab cake over a jumbo (6 oz) shrimp with a vanilla cream sauce that was "out of this world." "Not the usual crab cake, just outstanding!" Service: Impeccable. Dessert: Are you kidding me...that was a 32 oz prime rib!! But, they looked good! This place is worth a LARGE detour if you are anywhere near Indy.
(5)Sarah C.
I'm not as sold on St. Elmo's as everyone else seems to be. Was the steak good? Sure it good, not mind blowing, but good and it was cooked correctly--and it definitely should be at these prices and that it is a "steakhouse." It's incredibly loud in this restaurant, making it difficult to carry on a conversation with the person sitting across from you. The ambiance is definitely lacking. It's crowded and hard to move throughout the restaurant which is kind of annoying and chaotic when you spend a few hundred dollars on a meal for two people. Maybe it's time for some expansion or renovations. Our server was pretty good. However, we did witness another server berate a busboy from across the dining room which is definitely in poor taste. All in all, I just feel like this is kind of a touristy spot for business travelers and convention attendees and there are better restaurants in Indy where the price is equal to the value and the ambiance. Kind of disappointed:(
(2)M. Dinne F.
Good steak house and a nice change from all of the chain restaurants that are so prevallent in Indy. They do turn the tables over quickly so don't expect a leisurly european meal.
(4)D A.
I had the ribeye, it was really good. Our waiter Dan was excellent. He introduced my friend to Sun King Wee Mac beer, which my friend loved. WARNING: If you do not like spicy, get your shrimp cocktail sauce on the side. It will bring tears to your eyes. I went to this place because it was in the Parks and Rec episode "Two Parties" and I had to try the steak. Worth a visit! Make reservations!
(4)Tammy K.
Great steak! but more importantly amazing shrimp cocktail with the homemade horseradish sauce. Will be back! :)
(5)Tom L.
Be prepared to spend $ and enjoy the experience. Great service, atmosphere and place to visit while in Indy!
(4)Chuck P.
Hands-down the best steakhouse around. Ever since my first visit here I cannot bring myself to go anywhere else for a steak. The years of service at this one restaurant and knowledge that each server has about each cut of meat is amazing. As an appetizer you have to get the shrimp cocktail, it is what they are known for (other than steaks). For a perfect meal here choose any cut of steak prepared how you like it, don't be rude and ask for steak sauce, your slab of awesomeness was prepared perfectly for you. With you steak comes an amazing cup of navy bean soup and a side of smashed potatoes that are to die for. Add a spoonful of cocktail sauce to your soup to spice it up a bit. As an additional side the crab Mac and cheese is delicious, I try M&C at every steakhouse and this place does it right. Finally for dessert choose anything, it is all great, but I love the crême brûlée.
(5)Jeff B.
Great food great experience and the Shrimp Coctail is the best which is hard to beleive this far from any sea. I had the surf and turf the steak was perfectly cooked and the lobster was just as good. If you get boarded just ask your waiter about high profile diners that they have server there.......all great stories to follow.
(4)Scott B.
Wow!!! The food here was soooo good. We were very happy. The food and drinks were awesome and our waitress was great also. Of course it was expensive. But that was worth it.
(5)Andy M.
Two words. Shrimp cocktail. That appetizer is reason alone for the 5 star rating @ St. Elmo. The steaks are divine and the service is outstanding!
(5)Robert R.
This was my first visit. The staff was friendly and helpful. Ambience was good although a little dark for my taste. When making our reservations for three we asked for a nice table as we were coming for a birthday. We were seated at a small table for four which should have been a table for two in reality. We noticed there were larger tables with only two people at them and asked for a larger table. We were reseated at a round table directly in the middle of the room next to the waiters station. Our waiter was excellent, and was very friendly. He came to the table regularly to fill our drinks and see if we needed anything else but did not hover. The food was a bit of a different story though. We ordered the Shrimp Cocktail which other than being horseradish hot (not a big horeradish fan)was good. Shrimp were big and not rubbery. Asparagus was plentiful, but very tough. My girlfriend and I split the Prime Rib for two (32 oz .) This is monster of a steak! We ordered it medium but when we got it it was close to rare and did not have much flavor. When I started to cut it my first thought was they needed sharper steak knives. For the price I expected a piece of prime grade meat, what I got was choice at best. The Bean Soup was excellent as was the Lobster Bisque. We also ordered the Red Skin mashed potatoes. They were mashed potatoes; that is about all the more I can say. We ordered the King Crab Mac n Cheese but Jury is still out on that one though, we couldn't finish the meal we had. For all the hype it was a nice meal but certainly no Eddie Merlot's or Ruth's Chris Will I go back? Probably Next stop? Either Sullivans, Mortons, or Petersons.
(3)Claudine V.
First time in Indianapolis for a business trip and was invited by our vendor to this lovely restaurant. Awesome service, great food, restaurant with alot of history. Shrimp Cocktail will DEFINITELY CLEAR YOUR SINUS! Plump shrimps but super strong horse radish. Ordered the Ribeye steak and it was delicious. Also tasted the crab mac n cheese, onion rings, green beans and mushrooms and they were all very tasty. The group ordered some pecan pie, bread pudding and they looked yummy as well. After 5 bottles of wine later, a round of GRAPPA, the group still had the urge to take Tequila shots. It sure was a FUN evening! This restaurant is expensive but you do get your money's worth for the food and service.
(4)Mark G.
Ok my wife and I both decided that if we were on death row and we had one last meal we would be ordering the filet from St. Elmo's. This was THE BEST steak we have ever had. The flavor was fantastic and the tenderness of the steak was unreal. We went last night and I want to go back right now. Wife loved the shrimp cocktail and especially the cocktail sauce. Bought one to go. I made a mistake and should have gotten the baked potato because in my wife's opinion it was the best baked potato in the nation. I got fries so I feel cheated. I just had a craving but I regret it now. Always next time and there will be a next time. My only regret was I couldn't finish the 12 oz filet. I shouldn't of had lunch.
(5)Kaitlin K.
shrimp cocktail was actually worth it. horseradish cocktail sauce was amazing. bread was amazing. filet was amazing. wine was amazing. service was slightly over the top but great vibe. Brought out a small slice of chocolate cake for me. Loved, loved, loved.
(5)Kurt V.
Went to the upstairs lounge for first time last night for end-the-evening cocktail and desert. My new procedure!
(5)J. B.
Seriously the best steaks around... Better than any of the high end chains, and twice the character. Shrimp cocktail is a must!
(5)Adrienne G.
What can I say about St. Elmos that has not already been said? The filet is melt in your mouth good and the service is exceptional. The navy bean soup is delicious, although I would love if they offered a few more options other than the soup or tomato juice. Like I said, the filet mignon is delicious. Juicy, tender and it literally melts in your mouth. This a great steak house and an Indiana staple. Try it out, you won't be dissapointed.
(4)Greg M.
A must stop in downtown Indy. One of the best steakhouses in town. Be prepared for a long wait, even with reservations, which are a must. This place is always crowded, but the service is excellent and the food is definitely worth the wait.
(5)Alyssa M.
I visited during a business trip to Indianapolis with two of my coworkers, one of which had been before. We made reservations and were promptly seated in a quaint little area that we had to walk through the wine cellar to get to. We were seated near 4 other tables or so in this room. Service was impeccable, always making great recommendations and asking about your palate so they could match dishes to your taste. Solid drink recommendations to go with the dishes. The food was phenomenal. We started out with the famous shrimp cocktail appetizers and I loved the way the cocktail sauce was served. I also started with the navy bean soup which was the first time I'd ever had such a dish and it was great as well. The steak. Where do I even start? It was cooked perfectly and just about melts in your mouth. It could've easily been cut with a butter knife. It was quite honestly the best steak I have ever had and my dad is a master on the grill. Next time I'm in Indy, I'm dragging whoever is with me right back!
(5)Rick L.
The "go to" old school steakhouse in Indianapolis and it is wonderful. St Elmo's has been around since 1902 for a reason. Professional service? Oh you bet! We were lucky enough to draw Brian Sebahar. Great recommendations and service from Brian. You couldn't ask for anyone better. Well, of course you must start with the Shrimp Cocktail....duh! Incredible and fantastic jumbo shrimp. That cocktail sauce...oh my does it have some heat...and I love heat. This is a great start and something to share between two people. The steaks are incredible and cooked perfectly. I normally go with a T-Bone or Bone In Ribeye and these are both offered and were both cooked to perfection. You also are given a few options to start your entree with and I recommend the Navy Bean Soup. Delicious! The wine list....a lot of depth. I'm confident you will find something that you will love and a your desired price point. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a round at the beautiful bar before your reservation. The Moscow Mules are amazing....
(5)Jesse C.
I ate here for a work dinner Aug, 2015. Here's the breakdown: Ambiance - Old school vibe with several different dining areas, we ate downstairs. This has to be one of, if not the most popular steak house downtown so it was busy. Service - We had a reservation and were seated quickly. Our server was terrific. Very attentive and personable and the staff did a nice job of anticipating the needs of our group. Food - The shrimp cocktail is really great. The shrimp are jumbo sized and fresh and the cocktail sauce has a ton of kick. I recommend using the sauce sparingly at first because it can catch you by surprise! I had the filet and mashed potatoes. I ordered it medium-rare and it was cooked medium. It was a nice tender steak with good flavor and the potatoes were good, but I expected a little more from a nearly $50 entree. Two people in my party ordered the halibut cheek special. I tried it and it tasted okay but wasn't great, I would definitely recommend sticking to ordering steak when ordering at St Elmo's. Value - Ambiance and service are what you would expect at this price point. Food was good but expensive for what it is. Overall I'm glad I had the opportunity to eat here but I probably wouldn't be a regular if I lived in Indy.
(4)Leyia C.
In town for work & after a quick Yelp review I decided to check this place out. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was restaurant week! Thankfully I was dining alone as there was an hour wait for a table. I quickly grabbed a seat at the bar & a glass of wine. All of the bartenders were very friendly & attentive. The restaurant week menu included the famous (spicy) shrimp cocktail. After a quick nostril burn & a single tear drop I was able to savor the shrimp. I ordered the filet cooked medium. I'm glad I didn't pay the regular price for my steak. Very little flavor & surprisingly dry. Perhaps that my steak was from the restaurant week cut. Luckily I still had one more course to get in my belly. You can never go wrong with creme brûlée. All in all it was a good dinner for the devour downtown special at an Indianapolis staple.
(4)Cecelia K.
If you want to dine at St. Elmo's make sure to make a reservation! It was packed for a Tuesday night. I can't imagine what the weekends are like. Even with a reservation for 7:30pm we didn't get sat until 8:00pm. Once we got sat the waiter was a little slow to get around to our drink orders and menu. We ordered the famous Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer which comes with 5 jumbo shrimp in their spicy cocktail sauce. The waiter described it well. It is kick in the mouth with spicy horseradish but it goes away. It's definitely an experience in your mouth and all throughout your face. Definitely gives you a "whoa" moment. The smallest cut of meat they have is an 8oz Filet. All other cuts are 12oz or more! I ordered the filet medium rare and they cooked it perfectly. A lot of other restaurants tend to cook medium rare more medium but it was the perfect warmth with red/pink center and the filet was very tender and flavorful. All entrees come with a choice of Navy Bean Soup or Tomatoes Juice and a choice of Fries, Mashed Potatoes or Green Beans. I chose green beans and they were sautéed and flavored very well! The greens beans had a good crisp to them while a slight sweet/savory taste to it. I'm not sure how they sautéed them but it was definitely a new twist to your every day green beans. I thought it was interesting to offer Navy Bean Soup (not vegetarian friendly) or Tomatoes Juice. Not really knowing what Navy Bean Soup I ordered it and it was a nice small bowl with a mix of white beans, carrots, and bacon. We did have a vegetarian in our group and they offered a vegetable linguini that wasn't on the menu in addition to a few other items, so don't be afraid to ask about the off menu items. Overall despite a slow start to the meal it was a delicious meal and everyone left very satisfied. We were so full we all had to pass on dessert! Maybe next time :)
(4)Sarah S.
Wow. The food is amazing as well as the service. Our server has worked there for almost 40 years and he was just a joy to have as part of our nice evening out. Our experience was great, we will be back whenever we're in town.
(4)Joe P.
There's probably nothing left for me to cover with over 700 Yelp reviews of St. Elmo's - it's just plain good. This is an anchor of the Indianapolis culinary scene and the benchmark for a steak dinner in the Circle City. If you don't have the cash to go all-in on a full-fledged dinner, head upstairs to the 1933 Lounge. Great space and cool retro vibe.
(5)Erik M.
We went here this past weekend for my 30th and had a great time. Food: 4/5 I ordered the 12 oz filet and shrimp cocktail and my fiance ordered the potatoes au gratin and caesar salad -- she is vegetarian. The shrimp cocktail was by far the star of the meal and was a welcome palatte cleanser. My steak was really juicy and flavorful though a little more undercooked than I would have prefered -- ordered medium-rare and was definitely closer to the rare side. The caesar salad left more to be desired but the potatoes and fries were great. Service: 5/5 Service was great. Our waiter was extremely attentive and helped us navigate the bar menu with ease. We had the russian mule and their makers mark bourbon drink which were both quite good. Table: 3/5 I didn't make the reservation so not sure how far in advance it was but we got stuck in the basement which was disappointing. The ground floor definitely had more character and felt like a lively restaurant whereas downstairs it felt stark and like where they shove the families with small children. It also didn't help that when we walked down the stairs it smelt like the chemicals used in an airplane bathroom...the bathroom was extremely clean but the smell permeated most of the basement. Overall, great food if not overpriced but make sure you on the ground floor otherwise don't bother.
(4)Amy-Ni N.
This place is EXTREMELY overrated. We were so excited to see that this restaurant was listed as 4 stars, but man. We got bamboozled! It was Restaurant Week in Indy so the prefixed meal came with an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. I ordered the shrimp cocktail, the steak, and the creme brulee. The shrimp cocktail was just loaded, I mean, LOADED with horseradish. It gave you that water up your nose feeling every time you bit into it. As twisted as it sounds, I liked it. Only because I like brain numbing flavors. If this doesn't sound good to you, you may not want to order it. Per usual, I always order my steak, rare. What came was medium. Nooooooooooo! For the love of meat, I can't eat Medium! It's just way too cooked for my liking. I should have sent it back, but I always feel bad just even thinking about it, so I don't. I usually just suck it up and write a review. My husband ordered Medium Rare and his was done right, he offered to switch with me, but I declined. He's the sweetest! I knew I married him for a reason! So anyways, on to the dessert. Ahhhh, another disappointment. The creme brulee was not enjoyable. Lets just end it right here.
(2)Andrew D.
Classic Steak House. While costing Indy we had to come here. We went to the upstairs lounge. 4 drinks, 1 shrimp cocktail and $100 later we had a good story to go home with. Wish they had a more engaging experience with the cocktail or served with some sides or bread, for $40 you'd hope for something a bit nicer. After checking it out in person I will stick to buying the sauce at the store and making my own at home.
(4)Teal R.
An A+ for Elmo's! Stopped here tonight with co-workers and we received a great prix-fixe meal. Had the famous shrimp cocktail to start, a true way to kick off the meal! Warning: do not try a lot of the cocktail sauce at once. For the main course, I chose the New York strip with the mashed potatoes. I don't eat much red meat but this steak hit the spot. The potatoes were great as well. Lastly, we finished off with a taste of both the cheesecake and the chocolate cake. I would choose the chocolate cake if I were to come in again. Definitely a great spot in Indy!
(4)Chad M.
I have eaten here a few times, and usually its very good, top noth food and excellent service. But the last time I ate here the steak was under cooked, at a medium rare, bloody in the center, when I ordered a medium well. So I sent it back, and it returned very well done, no pink, anywhere, and it was the same chunk of meat, but they left it on too long and over cooked it. I ate it anyway, even after telling and showing the server. I would have felt odd sending back my steak a 2nd time and having them toss it out and start fresh cooking me an all new steak to my medium well requests. The jumbo shrimp cocktail and sauce tasted great, the sides were excellent, and the service very good. But for my expectations for this place, which I put at the highest levels, were sadly below par for this meal. Other steaks on different occasions, have all been perfect, so maybe this was a busy night, or training a new chef, but the company I was with was already embarrassed enough at me sending food back at such a fancy place, I dare not make them any angrier at me. So I paid for everything in full, no discount, left a nice tip, and decided Ruth Chris' was a better choice for me next time. But would eventually come back here again too. For approx $50+ per person, high expectations are deservingly placed on a chef and the staff. Most of the time this place is a 5 star, but everyone can have off nights. I still recommend and will return.
(4)Bradford K.
This place is a Indianapolis Institution. That being said the expectations were certainly high. The bone in rib-eye was priced at a typical steak house amount. The quality was good and it was cooked the way I asked. However, there was nothing special about this dish that made it stand out. It was just a well cooked piece of pretty good quality beef. The famous shrimp cocktail is certainly unique. Strong horse radish flavor that was fun to eat. Shrimp was fresh. A must have for true shrimp cocktail lovers. This was an as expected visit to a well known steak house. I prefer other steak house chains at this price range for a rib-eye.
(3)Matt K.
Loved it. Just like everyone else, We had the champagne glass full of horseradish sauce. Mmmm. The ribeye was really good. I could not finish the smallest one. It was $38 for the steak, $17 for the appetizer and $20 for the pop. Each
(4)Jennifer M.
This Restaurant deserves its reputation of excellence. We were seated right away and Mark, our server was excellent with recommendations. He arranged for the lobster bisque to be split between two bowls and even got a bag for our leftovers. My husband and daughter had the Filet with loaded baked potato and green beans. I had the special dry aged New York Strip with Mashed Potatoes. We had started with their excellent Shrimp Cocktail. They also have a world class wine list. We really enjoyed our entrees and even managed to try the 7 layer chocolate cake dessert.
(5)Steven C.
As they say, "When in Rome..." so what trip to Indy would be complete without a stop at St. Elmo's? I had been here for the Superbowl in February but couldn't get near the place on that crazy weekend. It has a great decor with dark woods and a ample bar as you enter. The service was outstanding and began from the moment that I walked through the door. A warm greeting from the host staff, my coat was checked and I was settling in my seat before I knew it. Of course I read all the reviews before coming and saw all the comments about the shrimp cocktail. To be honest, it was good but I didn't see the "wow factor" in this dish. The shrimp are large, flavorful and lusciously moist throughout. It's served with a highly horseradished cocktail sauce that I really didn't get. Maybe at one time it was an unusual dish for this friendly midwestern town but times have changed and it maybe time to find something new. I'm sure it wasn't on the menu in 1903. On to the main course... I went with the 8oz filet. They started me off with a navy bean soup that was insanely good. I could taste that it began it's life with the rendering of some type of pork fat then complimented with a tomato and broth base. Amazing. My main course showed up next and it looked great. I could tell it was properly rested before serving as there wasn't a river of juice when I sliced it. It was also served warm which is a matter of attention to detail and respect for the food. The steak was prepared exactly how I asked. It was a superb cut with consistent velvet texture and outstanding flavor. Again, the service was outstanding, attention to detail was second to none. Quite expensive but quality has value that is worth paying for.
(5)Amy P.
Just have to drop a line about the legendary shrimp cocktail. YES, it is really spicy!! LOVED IT!! The warning labels are valid! Oh yes, and the rest of the food is good too!
(4)Elisa Z.
When I go out to an expensive dinner I always need to feel like I'm getting my money's worth so I am extremely critical of every detail. When I went to dinner here last Friday, I couldn't find one thing to be picky about (except the shrimp cocktail)! The table and place settings are all top notch and the restaurant has a romantic/loungey atmosphere. For an appetizer we ordered the shrimp cocktail. It was tasty and definitely "gives you a kick in the nostrils". However, I didn't really see the point of dousing perfectly good shrimp with an absurd amount of horseradish, which completely overpowers your taste buds and all other flavors. At this point, you can just skip paying $16 for the shrimp appetizer and buy the $9 bottle of the horseradish sauce to take home. It'll be cheaper and last much longer. The rest of the food was absolutely PHENOMENAL! I had the filet mignon and my bf had the ribeye. We both ordered our meat medium and it came out absolutely perfect. I wanted to stop talking, close my eyes, and savor every second of that steak. I daresay it was the best steak I've ever had. Oh and my baked potato and navy bean soup, which came with the steak and were amazing too. I would rave about them at any other place but the steak was definitely the highlight. Overall, I would say that this is a fantastic place to go if you want some amazing steak and don't mind splurging a little. It is well worth it!
(5)Katie H.
One of our favorites! A must if you're visiting Indianapolis. Be sure and order the shrimp cocktail.
(4)Vim I.
Being an out-of-towner, it was kind of fun to try out St Elmo's. Having heard that it was one of the best restaurants in the state of Indiana (if not the most expensive), I was intrigued. I was blown away by how busy the restaurant was at even 6:00. Another thing that surprised me was that it wasn't a stuffy, pretentious steakhouse--most of the diners were dressed in jeans. A very lively ambiance all around. The food was good. We were lucky enough to eat here during Devour Downtown week--so they had a prix-fixe menu--for $35 I got to try the famous shrimp cocktail (I have a high tolerance for spicy food--but the horseradish in this cocktail sauce cleared up my sinuses for weeks), salmon (yes, i'm the girl that goes to a steakhouse and orders seafood, but it was grilled perfectly), and creme brule (classic, delicious, a great end to the meal). Would I come back and pay the regular rates knowing what the food tastes like already? Probably not, I enjoyed my experience but I do think their dishes are overpriced--and they're probably banking on the name more than anything else.
(4)Rivera M.
They have the best burger!
(4)Mitchell S.
I was so impressed with the quality of the meal and service last night at St Elmo's. We took our customers (from Mexico) to eat last night after a very tiring week in Indiana I wanted them to have a nice dining experience before leaving Indy. St Elmo's really came through. My guests were on a tight time schedule and I advised the waiter accordingly. He said "ok, let's do it!" And he did it! Great job. The steaks were delicious and cooked to order. Our guests loved the shrimp cocktail with the sauce that has a kick to it. The desserts were equally delicious. Thanks St Elmo's!
(5)William Q.
Sorry but this place doesn't hold a candle to Chicago steak houses. Steak was just ok, not that tasty. The wedge was delicious. The service is not very good, courteous but not very attentive. Would not go again.
(3)Russell L.
The shrimp cocktail would be much better with the sauce on the side or 1/3 as much poured on it. The aged steak was average. Overall disappointed. Definitely overpriced and hyped for what I got.
(2)Stacey M.
This was one of the best steaks I have ever had! Definitely give this place a try if you are in the area. We had the shrimp cocktail, which was just okay in my book, but the sauce was spicy and my boyfriend loved it. I used the sauce to liven up my bean soup. They give you a choice of bean soup or tomato juice with your meal, which is definitely different. I liked it, though. I got a blue cheese wedge salad and my bf got the Caesar. Both were good, but the star of the meal was the steak. It was cooked perfectly and was very flavorful. The service was outstanding, too. I can't say enough good things about this place!
(5)Sean D.
A SHRIMP cocktail is the best thing at a STEAK house?
(3)Thomas F.
First time visitors should make a trip to St. Elmos. The restaurant gets very crowded during the Indy 500 and on Friday before the race you will probably see one or more drivers/former drivers. Scott Dixon was two tables from our table. St Elmos is known for their shrimp cocktail which is very hot due to horse radish sauce. It costs $ 17.95 for five shrimp. Lobster bisque is very good. Prime rib is $53.95 for 32 ounce portion which is huge. However I was disappointed in quality of prime rib this year. I expected better meat for the price. One au gratin serving or one vegetable can feed thrèe. The staff is incredible . Good wine selection. Be prepared to spend over $200 for two people.
(4)Jeff S.
St. Elmo is an "old school" steakhouse that consistently delivers classic service and fine fare in an environment featuring dark wood and that wonderful aroma found only in the finest of steak houses. The wait staff and support staff are true professionals, and I'm told that many have worked at St Elmo for years. Our waiter was one of those long-term professionals and it showed, from his thorough knowledge of the menu and wine list to the appropriate attentiveness he displayed throughout our meal. The service was great, and we never once felt rushed. A visit to St Elmo is not complete without trying the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp are always perfectly prepared, and served with a sauce featuring the spiciest horseradish I have ever put in my mouth. It is absolutely delicious and it certainly clears the sinuses. Unlike most very spicy foods, however, the heat does not linger so the rest of the meal is not spoiled by burnt out taste buds. For dinner I enjoyed the Cowboy Ribeye, a 20-ounce bone-in slab of very flavorful protein. Mine was cooked to a perfect medium rare and it was served with a side of fresh green beans that served as a nice accompaniment. This was my third visit to St Elmo, and I now look forward to visiting whenever my travels take me to the beautiful city of Indianapolis.
(4)Adam B.
Ambiance and service is five star all the way. The food is more like 3. I was not impressed by my strip steak, the shrimp cocktail was a bit better - with the patented knock your socks off horseradish. Sides were normal steakhouse variety - my compatriots had ribeyes and were more impressed though, to me, they seemed smallish being in the 40+ dollar range. I know it's famous and I think that might make people a little starstruck.
(4)Crystal K.
Who ISN'T a fan of St. Elmos. It has an interesting atmosphere, almost divey. The food was excellent. The servers were so nice. I had a great time.
(4)Ron R.
A great steakhouse with consistent quality. This place is a staple for Indianapolis and if you live in Indy, you should experience it in order to say you are a native. If you are from out of town and looking for a perfect steakhouse, you cannot go wrong with St. Elmo's. That being said, it is still a high end steakhouse and you are still going to pay through the nose for it. The cost is purely for the prestige of the place and the white napkin type of service you receive. If it is a special occasion or entertaining important clients, go here! Otherwise, you can save money and get equal food quality elsewhere.
(4)Lucas W.
I'd have to give my own steak 5 stars but my two friends both found their steaks to be of 3-3.5 star quality. I had the filet mignon and both friends had the bone-in ribeye. All of the steaks were cooked perfectly. The filet had a wondefully tender red center with delicious grilled flavor on the outside. The bone-in ribeyes were cooked fairly well, but at least one was incredibly fatty, and both steaks just seemed to be a lower grade of meat than expected for a $45 cut of steak. However, the rest of the meal was a great success. My friends reported that the shrimp cocktail in the famous horseradish-tomato sauce was great. Afterwards we had the white chocolate bread pudding and the chocolate pecan pie. The bread pudding was fine, but truly massive - enough for at least 3 people. The chocolate pecan pie was superb, though they don't make the pie there, it's from some local bakery which I forget the name of. But that pie was superb, great flavors and textures, would definitely get it again. The atmosphere is interesting, a very midwestern feel and a bit more home-y than a lot of more formal steakhouses. The service was fantastic and the server was very engaging, willing to participate in conversation and provide us the history of St Elmo's. Interestingly there are 6 or 7 different dining rooms which you would never guess based upon the tiny entrance-way. Overall, 4 stars seems appropriate, would go back.
(4)Adam R.
I have to be honest, I just didn't enjoy myself here. I know everyone makes a huge fuss about St Elmo, and that it is the "must visit" steakhouse when making the trip to downtown Indy, but my wife and I went on a special occasion, and we felt like we were treated like second class citizens. When we were seated (we had reservations), we sat where we could look out on the rest of the restaurant and people watch, as we like to do in new places. We witnessed table after table of diners being treated Excellently, as St Elmo's is also known for their top notch service as well. When our waiter came to our table and saw we were younger (we're both in our early 30s), he almost immediately dropped his game. He didn't seem to care an inch about us, why we were there, or how he could provide any level of service to us at all. He forgot about us, carried on with other tables around us, rarely filled our waters or asked if we wanted anything else at all, and a few times we had to flag down some other waiter to get his attention to do his job with us. When he did come back to our table, he acted all snooty and as if we were pulling him away from something more important than serving his guests. All the while, we continued to watch all other tables around us being served generously. On to the food and drinks: My wife loved hers. We both ordered steaks and sides. The sides were good, nothing memorable that I can recall, but the steaks were interesting. While my wife enjoyed hers, mine was not well seasoned, and the cut was so thick that when it was split in two, the meat was extremely chewy and borderline raw. I like my steaks medium-well, and had expressed this to our non-caring server, who apparently didn't get the message. When all was said and done, I had a $50 steak that I just barely ate the outside of, and feel as though I was not-valued or heard. If we were to come back, we would most definitely frequent a different steakhouse and forego the cost, expense, and headache of this establishment.
(3)Shayla W.
My boyfriend took me here to celebrate his new job and it was awesome! Watch out for the shrimp cocktail because the cause is very spicy but still good none the less!
(5)Eric V.
It's THE iconic Indianapolis restaurant experience. The atmosphere is awesome, the service is top-notch, the only challenge, for me . . . the food has never really blown me away. I've been there probably four times and have yet to truly been blown away by the food. Wouldn't be a big problem if it wasn't for the fact I was dropping over $200 on dinner. I went in last night and ordered a filet 'medium' and the outer part of the meat was charred. I think 'medium' should be 'medium' throughout. I don't want my filet burned on the outside. I don't recall my other experiences there, I just recall them being very average which, again, compared to the price, just doesn't cut it. The lobster bisque was solid and the creamed spinach was excellent. The cabernet I ordered was great, but that's merely a tip of the cap to Clos du Val out in Napa. I don't eat shrimp and feel that their steak is very average so, that being their two signature items, I believe I'm out on St. Elmo. Very GOOD, but not worth the price.
(3)Shannon M.
It was our 22nd wedding anniversary, and my hubby goes there quite often for business and has had GREAT service every time. My issue was being completely ignored, treated like we didn't belong there, and we were putting him out by having to wait on us. The bus boy. Andreas, did the serving. He was St. Elmo's only saving grace.....we had to flag him down THREE times to ask him to get our waiter. It wouldn't have been so bad, but he had a table RIGHT next to us. He served them EXCELLENTLY! I learned about his children, an Instagram site for some salvage store, several places to shop for estate items. (All by listening to him chat to those patrons from Chicago) He would have a nice 5 minute conversation with them and not even turn around to see if we needed anything. We waited over 30 minutes to even order our food. Empty drinks for over 20 minutes unless we flagged down the bus boy to ask for our waiter. That was the only way he would return to our table. We ended up getting someone else's meal served by another server. Our waiter shows up 10 minutes later with our food and is surprised by what happened. He didn't serve us the 3 hours we waited to eat unless we asked for him again by flagging down a bus boy. Then to put the cherry on the top, the Manager had the gall to say to us & I quote, "I've had tragedy in my life, and you two should just try and enjoy the moment." Are you serious?!?! I will NEVER go back. They treated us like trash. The enlightened manager picked up the tab of food we DID NOT EAT. We filled up on onion bread waiting to be served. We had a free dessert as well. Too little; too late.
(1)Heekyung Y.
Best steakhouse ever. No need to mention the shrimp cocktail - the best. Got medium well fillet for entree. Amazingly soft with good crust and very flavorful. Green beans as a side weren't prepared with any seasoning but had natural flavor just from green beans onions and bell peppers. Lobster bisque was the best I've ever tried as it also had its natural flavor with lots of lobster chunks instead of too much salt or other artificial ingredients. Coming back again for sure.
(5)Ben B.
Very meh experience. Placed in the very last table next to the kitchen in the basement, and then served a well done strip steak when ordered a mid rare. Service was fine, very nice actually, but wasn't impressed with the overall experience. For the price probably won't be back. Probably retains it's stars from years past. Meh.
(2)Kailey O.
I'm pretty sure this is a staple in Indianapolis. If you're an older gentleman with a cigar, a stiff drink, and a fat wallet, this is your place. I am none of those things :) The atmosphere is very dated in a good way. I felt classy sitting at the bar. Since it was just me, no reservation, just trying to get an experience, I sat myself. I don't have a giant appetite, and I'm not a fan of wasting food. I ordered the petite filet oscar from the appetizer menu, which came with a 4 oz steak cooked to perfection, crab, and asparagus topped with the most amazing Bearnaise Sauce. So good i would not let them take my plate until i sopped it all up with bread. #guilty All in all, i had a low key and delicious dining experience; the price and portion was exactly what i wanted.
(4)Steven L.
This is a totally overrated tourist trap. First of all, it's simply ketchup and a shit load of horseradish, that's it. Nothing special. The $59 steak was good, but the mashed potatoes were awful. To the point I had to replace them with the string beans, which had the stems mixed in. Not what you would expect from a "world famous steakhouse," world famous is a euphemisms for terrible. I gave the third star for the okay service and the ambiance. I would like to say try something else but Indianapolis does not have much to offer. Never mind, two stars is all they get. $650 for 3 people to have a okay meal is ridiculous.
(2)John B.
Cowboy ribeye was probably the best steak I've had in a long time. Shrimp cocktail is powerful! Enjoyed the experience.
(5)Jakeisha R.
I have been to St. Elmo's several times, the service is always consistent, the servers are charming and pleasant. I am not a fan of the shrimp cocktail, but many folks love it, it's a little too spicy for my tastes. Pick a steak, any cut....they are all divine! Only on one occasion was my steak under cooked, it was immediately corrected. It's great for a romantic evening, business meeting, or private party to celebrate accomplishments and milestones.
(4)Lia L.
I love their cocktail shrimp! Take it slow if you've never had it before... I'm not a huge fan of steaks in general, but theirs is really good. Desserts we had (creme brule and cheesecake) were both delicious. Their prime rib is gigantic. Service was also great. Nothing to complain about really. I would come here again!
(5)Lea G.
Not a big fan. I didn't like the popular and totally hyped shrimp cocktail. Personally I like the taste of shrimp; the cocktail sauce tasted like it had too much horseradish. If you like that sort of thing I understand. My steak was ok however I think I make it much better. I thought the atmosphere was dreary as well. I M sure it has good qualities; I didn't see them.
(2)Bill D.
The food, drinks, atmosphere was outstanding. The service was over the top magnificent. Treat yourself to a pleasurable experience.
(5)Jen F.
Okay, three stars is where it stays. You can see my roller coaster of previous and emotional St Elmo reviews below. We went last night for our 12th Anniversary. Our experience with staff was impeccable. Rick, our server was a real master at his craft. Bussers floated around keeping us happy while being seemingly invisible. Before our reservation, we spent a week hashing out what to order, because the last few steaks we had there had been of poor quality and not cooked to temperature. We decided to go back to our OG order of the regular 14 oz Ribeye, because we'd had luck with it previously. We were on a strict "no bone" rule as we'd been going bone-in for a while and thought that maybe that was the cooking issue. We would lay awake in bed and make each other promise not to get the bone in Prime Rib or Ribeye. My steak actually was okay (just okay), but Mr. Jen F's was, again, just full of silvery inedible sinew. Upon arrival, it actually looked like a sirloin, which isn't even offered at St. Elmo. Rick said he'd make it right, but we don't send food back. That's our deal, not St Elmo's fault. What I don't understand is that I can go to Kroger and identify a decent Ribeye, but the chefs at St Elmo cannot? (and for all of you snobs, I don't mean dry aged, antibiotic free top quality "decent", I mean cut-wise. Don't act like you've never bought a steak at Kroger). The shrimp cocktail is always awesome and last night didn't disappoint. It's glorious. My cheddar mashed potatoes were decadent. Mushrooms were good, but needed salt. Twice baked potato was kind of a disappointment, but we're glad we tried it. Dessert and coffee was excellent. He gave us both desserts on the house, of which one was for our anniversary and the other, I'm assuming, was because of the steak complaint. We, of course, tipped Rick based on what the full bill would have been. One thing I didn't love to see was that a table of young kids on their way to prom wasn't well serviced. Now, I'm sure that they didn't order $40 entrees and I'm sure they weren't tipping at least 20%, but that doesn't mean that they don't deserve premium service from a server. Instead they had their food dropped off by a busser. Come on St. Elmo's. Take one for the team, here. There's this German restaurant back home and is popular with tourists and locals. It's always packed and their reputation has grown with a recent super bowl sandwich win, but their food isn't that awesome. They stand on reputation and food quality has diminished greatly. I liken St. Elmo to having fallen into this. People are always going to go and have the shrimp cocktail or the experience, so save a few dollars here and there where food quality is concerned. Most of the people might not notice and those of us who do, aren't dumb enough to send food back. We enjoyed each other's company and we enjoyed reminiscing about our previous trips there. We've had some good times with friends. Fun experiences with servers. One of our favorite memories was being there for the first FDIC after the World Trade Center attack having the FDNY walk in to a round of applause and a feeling of pride. We have a lot of affection for St Elmo and I think we'll be back for the shrimp cocktail and the memories, probably not that often. We might try the filet to see if we can get a better steak experience.
(3)Anthony N.
***St. Elmo Steakhouse is an old school steakhouse that features a very high quality dry-aged Prime special steak and very memorable as well as sinus clearing shrimp cocktail; it is also an Indianapolis institution*** St. Elmo Steakhouse is a real Indianapolis institution. This steakhouse has been in business for over 100 years and is primarily known for two things--their sinus clearing, horseradish laden shrimp cocktail and steaks. Though it is known for its steaks, St. Elmo is a little different than high-end steakhouses like Mastro's, Morton's and Fleming's. Steaks are not served a la carte here; they actually come with a side as well as a small bowl of navy bean soup or tomato juice. Their menu is much smaller too. While there are a fair number of sides, there are not that many starters. St. Elmo does not boast the quality of its beef on their menu either. I think that is because their steaks are not Prime. They are definitely not dry-aged, but they do feature one nightly dry-aged special and it was a good one. It was an 18-ounce bone-in Prime Kansas City Strip. The steak had a great char. It was a very good crust that was nicely seasoned but not salty. The flavor of the steak was good and strong and it was tender. In terms of the steak temperature, I ordered medium rare. While my server did say they undercook steaks here, I went ahead with medium rare. The steak was a true rare because only the edges of the steak had any cook on it. The rest of the steak was cool and a deep red. I do not mind a rare steak, but I prefer a warmer center as well as a little more cooking to release the steak's juiciness. Most of the steak was like an unseasoned beef tartare so you get a texture similar to the center of seared ahi and not the red and warm center where the juices really flow. Kansas City Strip is a lean cut though so maybe a little more cooking would have dried the steak out or made it tough (the steak was more tender than a lot of great Kansas City/New York Strips I have had). yelp.com/biz_photos/st-e… I opted for the loaded baked potato as a side and it was standard stuff, but the potato was cooked well and it had a good salt crust. The navy bean soup was decent (I do not see this dish in many restaurants) and it was helped by the leftover horseradish-rich cocktail sauce from the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp cocktail was truly distinct. The shrimp were good--big and plump--while the cocktail sauce was intense. I had to eat the shrimp in small bites because the horseradish was so prominent. The sauce had a really memorable flavor and it was a unique experience. yelp.com/biz_photos/st-e… Their dessert menu was not that exciting; I ended up opting for the Woodford Reserve chocolate bread pudding, which featured big chunks of halfway melted dark chocolate and strong cinnamon notes. The bread pudding had a little bit of crispness and it was also moist without being soggy (I would have liked a little more moisture though). yelp.com/biz_photos/st-e… The caramel bourbon sauce was good, but it could have used a little more burn to it. The vanilla ice cream was creamy with only slight iciness; it could have been a tad more dense though. Service by Steve was very good. He had a good friendly vibe and was very knowledgeable about the menu (he was knowledgeable about Indianapolis as well). Prices were good too. The shrimp cocktail seemed expensive on the menu, but each shrimp was very big. Their steaks are reasonably priced considering portion sizes and the fact that they come with a soup and a side. Even my dry-aged Prime steak was less expensive than what I would expect to pay at a high-end steakhouse and there was no drop-off in quality (even though I would have preferred a little more cook on the steak, the quality of the beef was similar and maybe even slightly better than the same cut at Mastro's). The atmosphere at St. Elmo is pretty old school, which is probably expected given its history. I did like the bar area though. With its classic as well as long and narrow look, it reminded me of old school San Francisco. St. Elmo in many ways was a lot like other high-end steakhouses, but with its old school look, friendly service and unique touches like its fiery shrimp cocktail, St. Elmo does stand apart from its steakhouse competition. I cannot speak for the quality of the regular steaks on their menu, but their dry-aged steak was very good and if they can cook the meat to your temperature preference, you might be in for a satisfying and memorable experience. I am not sure what the parking situation is around here.
(4)Colin A.
I am originally from Indianapolis and have heard many a tale of the eminence of St. Elmo. Until a few weekends ago, it always seemed to be an unattainable goal to dine there at least once. This is easily the most expensive meal -- barring liquor on a bill, of course -- I've ever consumed, and it was worth every dollar. The service was excellent from the reservation checker to the host stand, kitchen staff and waiter. A packed house ensured we would wait even with a reservation, but the front lobby made for some interesting people watching. On to the table and the professional, witty waiter who offered the perfect amount of humor and utmost in gentlemanly service. His knowledge of each menu item was spectacular and I immediately wanted to try each special he listed and described with incredible detail. The shrimp cocktail will definitely take care of any stray nose hairs you were hoping to lose. I split one order with my better half; we raved over the plump and juicy Tyranno-shrimp and had to catch our breath. The navy bean soup -- quite delicious -- was a nice starter paired with hot bread and some sort of butter that was laced with either pepper or garlic or both oh goodness put all of that in my face right now! Let's talk about the pork chops and king crab mac and cheese. When I think pork chops, I think a couple of decent sized (3-4 oz.) chops and all is well. St. Elmo upped the ante -- three huge 7 oz. chops, bone in. Tender, juicy meat. Could I have eaten all three? Sure; but those chops combined with the side of house-made applesauce and a mutant baked potato (fully loaded, I'm no fool) ensured there'd be no room for everything in one sitting. The king crab mac and cheese was advertised as a "side" but there was enough for four people to share and take some home for leftovers. Fresh crab combined with three cheeses, light breading that added just a bit of crunch...slightly drooling here, so I'd better wrap this up... Absolutely decadent, and I didn't even have steak! If you enjoy meat and have a chance to eat at St. Elmo, do not pass it up.
(5)Tony G.
We were seated right away at the time of our reservation. The wait staff were on spot always keeping our glasses full and our questions answered. Three of us had steak and one had the fish of the day- halibut. Everything was cooked to order and enjoyed by all. We were seated a couple of rooms away from the bar area, but our beverages were to our table almost immediately!! The atmosphere was great with photos all over. Even though the place was busy, we didn't feel it was noisy or crowded. I plan on returning to dine on my next visit to Indy.
(5)Kim H.
Amazing place & ambiance. If you want an old boys steak house look no further. The St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail...just be prepared. The sides can easily feed 4 and they were amazing. Over all a great find, great service.
(4)J C.
Had an outstanding meal. It was without a doubt the BEST steak I have ever had. Add that along with the great service, this was a terrific time. I can't wait to return!!!
(5)Dr. E.
I feel like this is the kind of place you could come to 100 times and have a terrific dining experience 100 times. Delicious steak, wonderful shrimp cocktail, consistent and attentive service...a solid choice for a business dinner.
(4)Tiana K.
Came here before my flight out of Indy. I was visiting for the weekend and running in the Indy mini, which was a great event. I was told that I had to eat at St Elmo's! And man was my friend right. I stopped in for a little happy hour treat before my 6 o clock flight. I had the world famous sinus clearing shrimp cocktail. It was delicious. You are served a whole spread with ice, large plump shrimp, the cocktail sauce, a lemon, and saltine crackers. Not to mention the whole bread basket that is provided as well and let me tell you that bread basket was necessary when I took a little too much cocktail sauce. The sauce is strong and it makes your eyes water and your sinus clear but it is a good pain! It is like a satisfying burn that really reminds you how good the sauce is and how nice it is to have clear sinuses. I also ordered the white sangria which was delicious! Next time I will definitely try the famous Bloody Mary ! But the sangria was perfect for cooling down the burn of the cocktail sauce. For dessert I was lucky enough to have a piece of the chocolate cake!! The cake was delicious, moist and decadent. It was rich but still had a light airy feel to it! The frosting was perfect, it complimented the dark chocolate cake, but did not make it too sweet.
(5)Alister F.
Order at the bar they have apps for less than $15 bucks. I had the filet sliders (a 2oz filet in a bun), with Mac and cheese and the shrimp cocktail. Great atmosphere.
(5)Jay R.
All we had time for was to stop for a bottle of their original cocktail sauce. It was worth the risk of triple parking on the adjoining street. Amazing.
(5)Jeremy H.
i like spicy food, the shrimp cocktail was the megalodon of spicy food. However, its not habenero spicy more like wasabi spicy.. if you know what I mean. My shrimp cocktail consumption involved me eating a shrimp, crying for 1 to 2 minutes... repeat until it was gone. Maybe best to share this with someone and eat one or two shrimp. Filet was also very tasty, not a huge fan of the creamy spinach, however, if you are sick of chain restaurants this place is great.
(4)Stacy C.
We had a great meal! Steak was delish! (Though a little under done considering we asked for medium well). But still really good! Wedge salad was wonderful and the French 75 cocktail was so different and I loved it! Highly recommend. Oh, make a reservation even on a week night.
(5)Michael N.
Atmosphere: C+ Food: B- Service: C- I will start with the high point, the food was good. The shrimp cocktail, which I had twice over a four day period was very good, a strong contender with the near overpowering horseradish cocktail sauce. On one night I ordered the NY strip, medium rare and it was very good; however, the other night I ordered a ribeye medium and it came out medium well, bordering well done. This was a real disappointment, I like steak and cook it with some regularity at home. The experts at a place like St. Elmos should be flawless on "doneness." I would go back, but I would be careful. The atmosphere was a bit stuffy, but also more casual at the same time--an odd mix. The service was not strong, the true weak point of both meals. They didn't have the right glass one night for a beer--a good waiter would address that asap, but instead it was a "sorry" and shrug of the shoulder. But the next night was worse, a waiter should not have to be flagged down to request a coffee after dinner. On the whole, it was just okay. Would I go back? Yes, but only after trying more of what Indianapolis has to offer.
(3)Jerry C.
We were really looking forward to going here. The service was above 5 star. We ordered their famous shrimp cocktail. It was great. I was really surprised that it was the exact same shrimp cocktail my wife makes. But hey, it was still great. I had the aged strip. Taste was fantastic and cooked well, but a little gristly, especially for the price. My wife had the filet and thought it was the best. She also said they served the best gin and tonic she has ever had. I drink my whiskey on ice. Hard to screw that up. We would definitely go back.
(4)Shawna O.
My Husband and I love it here. Yes, the shrimp cocktail is good but primarily we patronize for the service. We've been dining here since we were in our younger married years when we could only visit on "special occasions". We were, and always have been, treated with much respect and appreciation for our business. The food is great but the service is wonderful! And, it's cool to dine in one of the oldest establishments in Downtown Indianapolis. So much history and a lot of fun pictures on the wall document that history.
(5)Joe L.
Very cool restaurant/bar. Supposedly one of the oldest in Indy. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but nothing that knocked my socks off. We started with the world famous shrimp cocktail which was good and holy hell the sauce knocks you back a bit. After that, in walked Mario Andretti which was kind of cool. For my meal, I had the lamb which was pretty good, but not the best I've ever had by any means. My wife's steak was also good, but nothing amazing.
(4)Glenn W.
It's an institution!!! Haven't eaten there in a while but it's great and so are the waiters, steaks, and bartenders. This is dining from the Guilded Age...Young people want modern and that's ok but this is an institution. The Shrimp cocktail is great and I ordered the sauce and gave it to friends that enjoy it. What a hit that was. It's been there since 1902 I think...not many businesses can say that...If you want modern got to Harry & Izzys next door...the same owners. You gotta love it here!!!!
(5)Marcie M.
Well, it's been a LONG time since I visited - mostly b/c neither of my previous visits were WOW especially for the price. As I've gotten older and "more mature" in my food choices, I tended to avoid it for places closer to my home, new restaurants or those I haven't tried before. I love the IDEA of St. Elmo's but I think the price point for what you get is still a bit ....easy to replicate. I believe that at one time this was the PREMIER place to dine, have a great steak and good beverage and these things certainly are still important at St. Elmo's. The servers still wait tables wearing a full tux (and admittedly it feels BETTER dropping $250 on a meal when they are vs. the place I went recently, spend MORE and the waitress wore a bandanna - sigh). We were seated promptly at 7:30 (reservation for 4) on a Friday night. It wasn't very busy though - in general. We were given a GREAT serving experience. I love this about the restaurant especially considering my FIRST time here in 2008 was subpar. My hubby ordered an old fashioned and the waiter asked if he "trusted him" and brought him a very fun, fanciful beverage made from Maker's Mark that they keep a barrel in the back along with "real" maraschino cherries. Erich enjoyed it very much and had another. Loved and appreciated the suggestion. I started off with a house margarita that was VERY tasty and then finished with an Australian wine my friend, Andy chose. The food was good. My lobster bisque was incredible, filling and heavy. I would have appreciated the option to have a smaller bowl b/c NO ONE wants to waste good lobster chunks (and there were many to be eaten!). I thought that the food was good but not the best steak I've had ....I feel like I've eaten enough steaks in my life to know what is and is not GREAT but maybe not. Maybe I'm ordering the wrong temp. In any case, it was good and I would not complain but ...you know, for the price, I want to be BLOWN away. In addition, I think St. Elmo's needs to take it down a notch in the helping size of the side dishes. I received TWO ginormous scoops of mashed potatoes and one would have been more than enough even for someone with an overly healthy appetite. My hubby and friend Andy both got the dry aged bone in ribeye. It wasn't the "best" steak he ever had but he cannot pinpoint the "best" b/c he loves grilling his own. That being said, the chocolate cake that ended the meal was SOOOOOO good, I could have drown myself in the moist fabulousness of it all. There was enough and leftovers for the 4 of us. All in all it was a very nice, relaxing meal with friends that we would repeat. I truly think St. Elmo's can survive anything and will be around for many more decades!
(3)Brian H.
Decided when in Indy to try St. Elmo - great vintage building and great staff! Doing the famous shrimp cocktail and filet slider!
(5)Angel D.
Fantasic service and Fantasic food. Pricy but totally delicious. I loved my steak and am so excited for dessert. The only downside is that if it's busy it's really loud.
(5)David C.
So the precursor is that I'm in the restaurant business. Most of the time a restaurant that's been open for over a hundred years fall victim to corporatization and turns into a common tourist trap. NOT SO with St. Elmo's. I sat at the bar tonight and had their fabulous shrimp cocktail, a perfectly cooked cowboy ribeye steak and a wonderful half bottle of Pinot. I was alone and the numerous bartenders took care of my every need and made me feel as welcome as anyone. So happy that this place is rocking and sticking to what made them an institution, great service, great steaks, great atmosphere. Well done guys and gals, I know how hard it is to stay on top for so long! BTW, they support a ton of local farms and that's a really good thing.
(5)Mandy F.
The shrimp cocktail is a must-have experience even if you just share it and try one bite. Wow!!!!! Now that will take care if those puffy sinuses. Tomato onion salad (we said hold the onion and we received extra tomatoes instead) with vinaigrette and bleu cheese crumbles. This was excellent and refreshing. I had a rare filet. It melted in my mouth like butter. The style of steak is more "grilled" and less "charred" like other high-end steakhouses. There isn't that thick, seasoned, charred crust you may have at Morton's or Ruth's Chris. This is simply grilled and a nice change of pace. You are stepping back in time, a very tasty, pure time when the highest quality experience began with simple, high-quality basics. We had a five star experience.
(5)David A.
I like this place, it's pretty good, though the prices for steak are a LITTLE steep, it's Indianapolis, not Chicago or NY. That said, the ambiance of the place is very nice. Most people don't know that there's also a cool lounge upstairs, great atmosphere to just hang it you don't want to be with the more uptight folks on the main level. The main dining room is down and to the right of the bar area and is always comfortable enough with really good servers and wait staff. They're always trying to push you to get the Shrimp appetizer because it's spicy - but here's the problem, it's spicyness level varies from day to day (I've been here on days where it's not spicy and on others where I'm on my bottom!) The other issue with the shrimp appetizer too is that they only bring 5 shrimp for 17 dollars! C'mon, that is way too steep. The steaks are always cooked exactly how you like it, the Filet don't look as sexy as some, but there are arguably more tender than other places in the Indianapolis area. Their T-bone steak and strips are also top notch and good enough for two. They've got really high quality sides, both carb and veggie!
(4)Alex K.
Staff was friendly, most of my parties steaks were over cooked. Bread, shrimp cocktail, salads, and soup was very good.
(3)C. L.
If you're in Indy and you want a superb expensive dinner with exceptional service, this is the place to go. The filet will melt in your mouth. The shrimp cocktail is spicy and delicious. I believe it is seasonal, but try the creamed corn, you won't regret it. No, it's not at all like the nasty stuff from a can. It's just simply amazing. Do you like scotch? Take a peek at the menu. The drinks are well mixed too. One of the things that I always like to observe here is the skill of the staff to be unobtrusive in making sure you have all the items you need and taking away all the dishes you are leaving behind. Love St Elmo, can't wait to go back again.
(5)Tom B.
St Elmo's is an Indianapolis tradition. Yes, it's expensive, and yes, I would prefer that you not dine there dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. But, if you're at a place in your life where you appreciate the entire "package" that a true fine dining experience provides, then St Elmo's should be at the top of your bucket list. Entering the restaurant requires walking past the bar, which makes you feel like you've crossed into a new dimension of cool. Pictures of the hundreds of celebrities who have dined here are on the walls. The wait staff is dressed to the hilt, which adds to the experience. I had the 20oz Cowboy Ribeye (bone-in). My steak was cooked perfectly, as expected. It was very flavorful, with no additional seasoning (which is just the way you want it). The side of mushrooms and fries were also terrific, but the star of this show is the steak. The St Elmo's menu is noticeably short; if you're looking for a restaurant that has a menu resembling a phone book, then St Elmo's isn't the place for you. They do a very small number of items, and they do them well. This place hasn't changed much in 50 years, and I think that adds to the timeless quality of the overall experience.
(5)Pauline C.
I was in town for vacation. I didn't think it would be so busy on a Monday so we didn't make reservations. After traveling to and from St. Elmo's and Harry and Izzy's we decided to just stay at St. Elmo's. The wait wasn't that long so we were lucky! What We Ordered: - Shrimp Cocktail - Ribeye - Prime Rib - Mashed Potatoes This is probably the only reason why I would go back to Indy. The Prime Rib is to die for!! There are limited quantities so if it's available, try it! It's big enough to share. 32oz! The Shrimp Cocktail is a must try. SCRAPE OFF THE SAUCE FIRST! Otherwise, you'll get a hugeeee kick in the face lol. It's super spicy but really good!
(4)Lia K.
St. Elmo's has a name to uphold and it did by far!! From the atmosphere to the food I was blown away. I had the seared tuna with sticky rice and mashed potatoes. The proportions were worth the hefty price tag. My husband had the New York strip steak with a HUGE baked potato. The one set back was a bit of a language barrier with the waiter that had my husband's baked potato w/ butter only to come to the table as everything no butter. But he ended up loving it anyway. All the way down to the moist but cooked potato skin. *side note: if you do go to St. Elmos, you MUST go upstairs to the 1933 lounge for an after dinner drink and just feel the atmosphere that is true to it's name.
(5)Jill J.
Clearly a downtown Indianapolis landmark. Classic old school steakhouse from the décor and wait staff to the wine list and menu. They have the whole thing down perfectly. One of the best deals is their Sunday menu special. It's the perfect amount of food and I thoroughly enjoy the filet mignon option with mashed potatoes, green beans and chocolate cake for dessert. You even get a shrimp cocktail appetizer--just a little smaller, but still plenty. That's the way to do it.
(5)Alethia H.
Such wonderful service. Make a reservation and get the steak! The shrimp cocktail had beautiful big shrimp but I'm too wimpy for the cocktail sauce that is HEAVY on the horseradish
(5)Chuck W.
One of the best meals in one of the most professionally run restaurants I have ever been to. Folks, these people know how to properly run a restaurant! A fantastic experience. The service is the best I have ever experienced. Everyone orders their shrimp cocktail..so did we. Hot, hot hot and good, good, good! That's pure shredded horseradish from fresh root. It will blow your brains out, but it is sooooo good. Excellent..at a price, of course. $17.95. This is a steak house, but I have to tell you, I thought our meal was fairly priced. Their bread basket was terrific. I got the NY strip, $40 with two sides, perfectly cooked and it was incredibly flavorful. Unlike a lot of steakhouses who use upright broilers, this place uses open grate, ceramic or radiant broilers and you are getting a much more flavorful steak albeit they use top grade Choice. NY Strip lovers are looking for flavor first and tenderness secondly. That's what you get there. More than tender enough for my taste. My wife had the Alaskan Halibut and at $35 for 1/2 lb of beautifully prepared fish on a bed of mushroom risotto, it was very fair. It came with a vegetable as well. We shared a dessert (chocolate cake) that was not made in house, but terrific. Several desserts are made in house..others made elsewhere. The place is just terrific. Go here by all means, but one word of caution...Parking. I believe the number one industry in the City of Indianapolis is parking. Tons of parking lots and tons of meters that are watched religiously..especially as it nears 9:00 PM. Tickets are $20 each and they've set up a website to pay them! Just by the fact that they run their meters until 9:00 PM should tell you something.
(5)A D.
Dynamite shrimp cocktail. Great ribeye steaks and awesome service. Having eaten in the best NYC steakhouses this one stands upto scrutiny.
(5)Bryn K.
This is the most famous Steakhouse in the city of Indianapolis. The cocktail sauce is legendary (spicy) along with the steaks. Great service! Very pricey! Very classy! Very Delicious! Absolutely worth it! Will need to make reservations a few days ahead in most cases, It is a popular destination for visitors.
(5)Leith A.
Years ago, when I was eating a lot of steaks on expense accounts, I made a specialty of visiting steak houses. We even made a contest out of seeing how many of the "Top Ten" a marketing guy could make in a year. (Nobody ever made all ten - some are in out of the way places.) St. Elmo's has all of the atmosphere and style of the best. On a recent visit we had a table full of filets. All just as expected. If you can stand the horseradish you have to start with a shrimp cocktail. If you're near downtown Indianapolis with a taste for steak, St. Elmo's is the choice I'd make.
(4)Heather E.
I had the shrimp cocktail. It was not as good as I imagined it would be. Maybe I just don't like cold shrimp, but grinding up a bunch of horseradish and smothering 3 jumbo shrimp in it isn't my idea of "fancy dinning". People rave about it. I say, if you don't like horseradish normally then you won't like this either. We came here on a Sunday when they have their Sunday special. $30 for chicken or fish and $40 for the filet mignon. It was a great deal considering you got 2 sides, an appetizer, and desert included. Normally it's a la carte for everything here and a steak alone would run around $45. The service was absolutely impeccable. My water was never less than 1/2 full at all times. This is the kind of restaurant where your waiter has an assistant. Every need you have is fully address and you are taken care of hand and foot. They are so good that you don't even notice how casually they move in, take your plates, fill your water, clean your crumbs, and reset your flatware without even interrupting your conversation. Tip them well. They are masters of their craft here.
(4)Paul P.
A new record was set tonight but not a good record. After years of coming to Indianapolis I finally got to visit the famous St Elmo's. Unfortunately I wished I had missed it again. This was without a doubt the most overrated, over priced and biggest disappointment of all highly rated restaurants I've ever visited, I mean ever. It started with a poorly made Manhattan followed by a decent wedge salad followed by a very poor cut of a very expensive steak. The bartender up sold me on what she called an incredible high end lean rib eye. I swear it was much more like a London broil. I asked for medium rare. It was not like rare and was outright cold. I asked for them to heat it up I got the plate came back hot but the meat barely warm. It was terribly touch and nothing like a tender rib eye. Taste was just ok not any better than your basic steak at Outback. With tip the bill was $120 for a wedge, 2 drinks and a terrible cut of meat. I was so excited but then so disappointed.
(2)Amanda B.
St. Elmo's is a great spot for steaks and seafood in downtown Indianapolis. Their legendary horseradish cocktail sauce is worth a visit.
(5)Andy S.
Had a lot of recommendations to go to this place in Indy. As you likely hear, the shrimp cocktail is famous. We had a cool experience with the group I went to St. Elmo's with as we were 8 total and got to sit in the wine cellar room in the basement of the restaurant. Apparently that is called the "Peyton Manning room" because he always eats in there when he goes there. Service was great and you got a really cool sense of the history of the place. When you order an entrée you get a choice of soups. One is a navy bean soup that they have made since they opened in early 1900s and it's very good. Our group was actually a bit underwhelmed by the special steak - a dry aged NY strip. We are more of filet mignon people we suppose. Of the sides we ordered the best by far was the creamed spinach. King crab mac n' cheese was a bit underwhelming as well. By Chicago standards this place is on par with other steak houses. May be considered expensive by Indy standards, not sure though. Steaks ranged from $35-$49. Dessert was delicious! Ordered the creme broulee and white chocolate blueberry bread pudding. Delicious!
(4)Nathan B.
Not too many places will live up to the hype. Having been around for 110 years, St. Elmo has plenty of hype. I have eaten at St. Elmo 4 or 5 times over a 10-12 year span. Every time it is excellent. Obviously, you must be prepared to spend some money when you go, but I feel it's worth it for the occasional night out. The steaks are good, the cocktails are good and service is world class. Other steak places may have a better steak, but St. Elmo is no slouch and they have an atmosphere and heritage that others can't match. Every steakhouse has their own shrimp cocktail. None of them are anywhere near as good as what you get here. If you want to clear out your sinuses then get a big scoop of that cocktail sauce and take a bite. This place is worth going to. It provides the complete experience.
(5)Thomas D.
It just don't get any better, from the parking service, to the shrimp cocktail to the steak that melts in your mouth!
(5)Freud T.
Great atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is just WOW and the Halibut is amazing. The service is ok...
(4)L C.
This is my second time at St. Elmo and sadly, the steak is mediocre at best. Ordered the bone-in rib eye - there was absolutely no flavor nor char on the meat. Side dishes were not great either - green beans and creamed spinach were both disappointing. The fries were good but nothing special. What is good there is the shrimp cocktail (their signature) and the navy bean soup. Service and atmosphere are top notch - unfortunate that the food does not live up.
(3)Stu D.
The fillet: PERFECT The Shrimp Cocktail: As good as expected The Creme Brulee: WOW! Worth the price. St. Elmo's lives up to it's stellar reputation.
(5)Amala A.
The dining experience and steak at St. Elmo were exceptional. YOU DO NOT NEED TO DRESS BUSINESS CASUAL: my boyfriend and I went on a Friday night and were surprised to see guests in sweats and t-shirts. I recommend dressing nicer than usual, but don't get caught up on the dress code (this is Indiana, after all.) I ordered a New York Strip with a side of mashed potatoes, and my boyfriend ordered a different steak with a loaded mashed potato side. Both of our steaks and sides were cooked to perfection. I can confidently say that I have never tasted better steak in my life. On top of this, our waiter (Laney), was very knowledgable and friendly. I would be happy to visit St. Elmo's again!
(5)James D.
This was the 1st time i was there. It does meet the hype. Servive was 5 plus stars . My steak was perfect when you tell them how you want it cooked they cook that so you can make sure it is they wayyou like it. The creame berle was the best i have ever had :-). This is a place that you go for special times due to the prive it was 200 for 3 of usplus tax. We did have beers dinner then desert and coffee well worth it
(5)Jordan W.
The steak was good and the sides were well portioned I went with a party of five and we'll set within about three to five minutes my server was outstanding and received a $30 tip and all in all I had an overall 5 out of 5 star experience but I would like to read it at 10 because it's one of the best restaurants in Indianapolis.
(5)Dennis J.
This is the best of Indy , the best of the best. Hands down this is a 5 star establishment !
(5)Alexandra P.
First time in Indianapolis... this was by far the reason why I'll return! Great service and amazing food.
(5)Doug S.
As previously covered in other reviews, the shrimp cocktail was marvelous. Three of the four of us ordered the ribeye. They were all disappointing! I can only conclude that the quality of the meat was sub par. The steaks were very gristly, and therefore very chewy. Basically the price paid was VERY disproportionate to what we were served. My sons ground steak, and king crab Mac-n-cheese, however, was excellent.
(2)Erika K.
I have been to St. Elmo's numerous times for graduations, birthdays, and Devour Downtown. The food and service is always top-notch. I recommend asking for the filet with their blue cheese sauce on the side! They also have an extensive wine list and make a classic old fashioned.
(5)Mick W.
If you want to pay a whole lot of money to eat in a garage and set your mouth on fire, this is your place. About as overrated as it gets!! Save yourself the trouble. Go to Ruths Chris for a better steak. Go to Palomino for a better atmosphere. And go to any other above average place for a better drink. Sole redeeming quality, the shrimp was fresh. The cocktail sauce.. meh..
(2)Jeff S.
Completely overrated and overpriced! Restaurants with history, media attention and a connection to pop culture are easy attractions for noobs to think they had a great meal experience and deliver a positive review. This is not one of those. Our dinner of eight was decidedly average, and at an average ticket of ~$75/head in a medium size city in the midwest, that is horrendously overpriced. I've not spent much time in downtown Indianapolis but I am sure there are better meals to be had. The Positives... - attentive, albeit impersonal, service - historic, "old school" steakhouse atmosphere - location is close to major hotels and attractions in downtown The Negatives... - the "famous" shrimp cocktail is a gloppy mess of very hot horseradish sauce (posing as cocktail sauce) on top of standard shrimp...I honesty couldn't tell if the shrimp was fresh and well-prepared or overcooked and old because I couldn't taste them at all - one of the fattiest, gristle-laden Ribeye steaks I have ever eaten; and yes, I have eaten many of these, cut them myself for home use, and understand the fat content is the source of the flavor - very average Lobster Bisque - I have had the same quality bisque from a demonstrator at Costco on Saturday afternoons Our experience as a table seemed to be very much the same despite some others have the filet and the chops. Too bad, I really wanted this to be a great experience and can't help be feel my 2-stars are being generous based on what I wanted/hoped the experience was going to be. Don't get suckered - find another steakhouse.
(2)Nate T.
This is a great old fashioned steakhouse. Nothing fancy or trendy. I had the 20oz bone in Ribeye, the wife had the 8 oz filet, both cooked perfect. We had the Shrimp App., and yes it is a lot of horseradish, but it also had flavor not just heat. My wife does not like horseradish, so she wiped a lot of it off hers, and still really enjoyed the flavor. (But yes it is hot) Wife had lobster bisque instead of navy bean, (very good) and I had the tomato juice, very interesting and different. I had a glass of the house cab, not bad. Service was top of the line and all and all the price was not that bad, especially since all entrees come with a side. Good service, great food and a lot less money that I would have thought!!
(4)James B.
The biggest reason to come here is for the shrimp cocktail. The drinks are good. Despite it's reputation for being the best steakhouse in Indianapolis, I disagree. It's a wonderful experience and the staff is world class in every way. The food is, of course, very good. In many ways the hype surrounding St Elmo puts it in a position of having unattainable expectations because while I've enjoyed myself each visit, it's far from life changing as some fanboys and girls might have you believe. While the servers are very professional and well trained you don't get the same level of attention you would at some of the other top end restaurants simply because it's always so busy. It's a good thing for our city to have a signature steakhouse which seems to be loved by visitors and may locals and St Elmo carries that title well for our city.
(4)Karen K.
I love an iconic steakhouse as much as the next gal. I love St. Elmo's boozy bar, the Lobster bisque, the red skin mashed. But the 14 oz Ribeye that was 60% fat that I had tonight? No love.
(2)Briana J.
Totally worth the cost. This place is awesome. I love it. Come hungry because there is so much to eat. The best meal on earth is served at this place. Start with the shrimp cocktail---this place is famous for their sauce, the horseradish is awesome and fresh and awesome. Next, the wedge salad--- such a simple concept yet it is mastered by only a few. St Elmo's does it well. The prime rib is amazing. It has made St. Elmo's famous. It is as good as all the hype. I love it. After all of these delicious things, it is very important to eat the cheesecake - with raspberries- and a cappuccino. These are all such simple meals but they are so awesome and tasty. The waitstaff is awesome. Everyone has undergone lots of training and it shows. Everyone thing about this place rocks.
(5)Tom K.
The 2 stars is not in any way saying the food was bad, just average at an above average price. The shrimp cocktail that everone raves about was perfect. As a master of hot food, the amount of horseradish was GREAT. The filet, mashed potatoes, and green beans were all cooked perfectly and had good flavor. The raspberry cheesecake for dessert was horrible. It tasted rubbery and the sauce was like a cheap canned syrup. The waiter was very arrogant, but his service was far from deserving of the right for the attitude. 2 meals w one glass of wine & one beer was $82 pre-tip. The reason for the low review was 99% based on the price to quality ratio and not the waiter's service.
(2)Abe M.
Shrimp cocktail is the best thing about the restaurant. Too noisy at times and the dining room gets a bit crowded. Steaks are good. Better places to eat in Indianapolis.
(3)Randall W.
Although I don't frequent Indianopolis all that much, my coworker and I explored downtown and came across St Elmos. The place was packed with patrons everywhere. The ambience was very rustic and they had alot of stuff hanging on the walls depicting a lot of history...unfortunately I dont remember when it opened. Upon seating at our table we were given water and bread...the waiter was dressed nicely and very attentive to us. We each ordered the famous Cocktail shrimp...they mentioned that the cocktail sauce was a kicker and boy was it a kicker... We each ordered a filet....it was the most devine thing I have eaten in a long while...made just to my liking with a super hot potato. We also had a cheese cake to top it off. I would highly recommend this place...great atmosphere and food...minus the pricey side...
(5)Michael M.
Going solo then eat at the bar. A Bell's beer or 2 and the shrimp cocktail. What a wonderful existence. Then hit the surf and turf... You'll never look back....
(5)Eric H.
Ate maybe the best meal of my life here. Started the meal with the best shrimp cocktail known to man. I don't like beans so I opted for the tomato juice. Nothing special there. I ordered the 32oz bone in prime rib. It was phenomenal. I ordered med rare. Temp was spot on. Never been to a restaurant before, where I couldn't find a complaint.
(5)Lainie L.
Just seeing the name makes my eyes water. They are famous for their shrimp cocktail. Because the shrimp are sublimely fresh? Yes but No. Because the portion of shrimp is generous? Yes but No. Because the cocktail sauce will rupture your spleen with it's horseRADish-ness? Yes. God, yes. Good lord, I have never eaten anything as good yet at the same time as bad in my life. John Cougar Mellencamp (yeah, yeah, I know he got rid of the "Cougar" years ago but he's still Johnnie Cougar to me) must have eaten here and then written "Hurts So Good" The menu is short and sweet and if you go there and don't order the shrimp cocktail, why then you just haven't lived. It is quite literally the most exciting thing you can do in Indianapolis on a Friday night. My best friend and I go here just to eat the shrimp cocktail. She moved to Indy and all I got was some spine tingling good shrimp cocktail. We found a strange phenomena .. . if you eat buttered bread (and they have quite the lovely bread basket here) with the cocktail sauce, somehow the fat of the butter coating your tongue helps tame the heat of the horseradish so you don't get that eye watering sinus snap associated with tons of horseradish but you still get that amazing flavor. Weird. Remember when the guys in the Jackass movie snorted wasabi?. . .I dare, double, triple dare Steve O. to snort their cocktail sauce. He would drop dead (and the country's collective I.Q. would automatically shoot up 90 points). Bonus: Peyton Manning eats there all the time. I think it's his secret weapon . . he fuels his passing arm with the cocktail sauce.
(4)Royce R.
There are two great places to be in Indy other than in the pits during The 500 or Brickyard 400, and similarly so, they are virtually the same locale: St. Elmo and The Canterbury Hotel. The former is simply the finest steakhouse in the country aside from the legendary Peter Luger's, and the latter is a charming, first rate abode right next to St. Elmo's that provides sumptuous personal service along the lines of the famous Morrison House in Alexandria, VA...but I digress... While the St Elmo's menu is limited, it doesn't matter as each offering is superior. The steaks are top rate and the side dishes supportively delicious. And as for the famous shrimp cocktail...well, usually don't care all that much for shrimp or spicy food but I simply cannot get enough of this incendiary delicacy. Be prepared to reorder again and again; your eyes and mouth will be watering. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable with service is superbly professional and Mid-west friendly (something yet-to-be learned by many of the self-ascribed "great" eateries on The Coasts). And if you happen to be a motorsports fan, you will be convinced that you are in heaven. There's a better chance of your being seated next to one of your idols here than anywhere else in the world--it's happened to me every time I've been there! Little wonder--as they're attuned to good performance and good performance is what St. Elmo's delivers.
(5)Oscar R.
Love the shrimp cocktails...the spicy sauce keeps me coming back! The steaks are real good but lacks flavor...I do recommend the Yellow Fin...it's the best dinner on the menu!!! I will always be back to take clients.
(5)Tony J.
went there last month for the very 1st time. the shrimp cocktail was amazing. the bean soup was great. quite disappointed though with the ribeye steak (my favorite cut) i ordered. for the price i paid, dont think it was worth it. had much better ribeye from other places that does not have the distinction of being 'best and must eat restaurant in indy'.
(3)David B.
I am from Los Angeles and have been to St Elmo during each of my two business trips to Indianapolis. Each meal consisted of the shrimp cocktail and the filet mignon. Outstanding! Excellent service as well. I hope that I get the chance to return.
(5)Sarah R.
When it comes to restaurants, this is my #1, hands down, favorite place to be. I don't even live in Indy, but I try to make the trip down from Chicago at least twice a year for St. Elmo Steakhouse. Usually around my birthday, and then any random time I need to get a fix for St. Elmo. My family has been coming here my whole life and they don't live in Indy either. I'm not sure if it's the nostalgia, the amazing food, the dark, comfortable wood on the inside, or the extensive wine list that makes this place so special to me. It's been around for over 100 years, so they are doing something right. I get the same thing every single time. A bottle of pino noir, their famous, face melting shrimp cocktail, the navy bean soup (someone else at my table must get the tomato juice so we can share), the 14 oz. Ribeye, medium rare, a side of sauteed mushrooms, and creme brulee. I don't eat again until days later. It's worth every penny. The service is impeccable. I came here just the other day and the Pacers were having dinner. Probably trying to get their dinner on before the big NBA strike. Who knows. The walls are covered with pictures of famous, and semi-famous people expressing their gratitude for St. Elmos. No matter where my life takes me, I will always come back to St. Elmo.
(5)Chris M.
Overall experience was fine, but found the food to be lacking, which is surprising considering the history and other positive reviews. The famous shrimp cocktail left something to be desired. No problem with the hot and spicy cocktail sauce, it was the shrimp itself that was totally lacking in flavor, perhaps they use the sauce to cover up less than flavorful shrimp. The navy bean soup was great as was the tomato juice and wedge salad. Both the filet and the strip, ordered medium, had to be returned to be fired to medium. The bartender told us they have to consistently return steaks because they tend to come out undercooked. Steak flavor was average at best. Service was great but definitely other places to go for a lower price point and better food.
(2)nguyen d.
was here this weekend for the motoGP race. all of my contacts who've been to Indy reco'd this place. the place prides themselves on the shrimp cocktail. i'm a fan of strong cocktail sauce with bite. this one here does not disappoint. it's got serious horseradish in the sauce. the giant prawns were buried in the sauce, you'll have to fish 'em out. unlike other places where the prawns hang over the edge of the martini glass. i also reco the steaks. can't go wrong with the bone-in rib eye, and a nice bottle of red. after our dinner, we were given a tour of the wine cellar. nice time spent checking out their good stuff. will def go back again next year.
(4)Stacy Q.
One of the few restaurants that still sits proudly in its original location since 1902. Named after St. Elmo saint of the sea by the original owner. This restaurant has an atmosphere you cannot find any where else in the city. Each room has so much history, from pictures of the city from years back, pictures of those to started the race years back, to pictures of famous people who have visited the restaurant. You walk in and can just feel the presence of the restaurant itself. You have to visit at least once! Ended up eating here for our two year anniversary and we were well taken care of! Their famous shrimp cocktail really does clear your sinsus, their Filet Migon was melt in your mouth good, and their New York style cheesecake was divine. Service was fast and detail oriented. Greatly enjoyed my stay!
(5)Saman S.
Fantastic food and great atmosphere!
(5)Mike M.
Whenever someone comes to town on business to see me, the first thing they ask is what night are we going to St. Elmo. It is awesome! Their service and quality are as good as in high end steak house in the country. It is worth it!
(5)Mrs N.
A severely undercooked steak made this a ginormous disappointment. IMHO, when a restaurant specializes in steak, the steaks should be flawless. Mine was ordered between med-rare and medium but served raw. The server readily acknowledged the steak was not properly prepared and he immediately sent it back when he saw me cut into the bleeding, almost-mooing fillet. Unfortunately my dining companion was done with his meal by the time my plate was re-served. Nothing was offered to compensate us for the inconvenience. Boo, St. Elmo.
(2)Andy W.
An Indianapolis original and one of the best steakhouses around. The shrimp cocktail is a must-try. The steaks are great and the atmosphere is nice. It gets pretty crowded so reservations are recommended, especially on the weekend. It is very expensive so expect to pay at least $50-60 per person with a bottle of wine. St Elmo has maybe lost a step over the years. I've had slightly better steaks for the price and the menu is a little limited. If you're looking for an experience unique to Indianapolis, however, and have the money to spend, this is the place to go.
(4)Lydia H.
Delicious, delicious, and more delicious. The shrimp cocktail is, in fact, wonderful. I worked in Indianapolis a few years ago for a month or so, and I ate incredibly well. Would it be a stretch to say that Indy could be a foodie town?
(4)missy a.
Must go if you are in Indy. Shrimp cocktail is great. Tell server type steak and temp you generally & they will help you have ultimate entree. Wine let is great! Worth the splurge.
(5)Cathy D.
I've lived in Indy for 10 years and I keep wanting to love St. Elmo's. Every few years, we go back to give the staff "another shot." Alas, only once has my experience been good and that was because I was part of a large business group (i.e., large tip for the server). It makes me sad to read the reviews from people who think St. Elmo's is the best steakhouse in Indy. It is not. It is old, famous, and riding on its reputation. The location, bar decor, and shrimp cocktail sauce are indeed great, but the greatness ends there. First, unless you are there with a large group, the service is unattentive, rushed and even surly at times. Second, the steaks are fine, but no where near the quality one should expect for that price tag. If you are going to pay that much for a steak, walk up Illinois Street until you get to Capital Grille or head east on Washington Street to Morton's. You'll be much happier.
(1)Kyle H.
The food is incredible. I loved the steak and shrimp cocktail. The bar had someone singing during the wait. You might find some famous people here too. I saw a few during my visit. Check it out, such a great place.
(5)Nancy H.
honestly, i don't know much about steak. i went here and almost ordered pork chops. hahaha...then i wised up and thought this is a steak house and at a steak house you should eat steak. this place has the look of an old english house, it has lots of woodwork and the waiters are very snazzy. SHRIMP COCKTAIL...definitely unique and with a horseradish kick that hits you so hard you need a minute to recover. It needs to be eaten very slowly...it took me a long time. It is presented very well and I've never tasted a shrimp cocktail sauce like that before. STEAK. Yes, it is the best steak I have ever eaten (I haven't eaten steak very often though). Very big. Cooked to perfection, medium rare of course. Very pricey but definitely good. Juicy. I could only eat a quarter of it and took the rest home. Very good. This place taught me how good steak could be. This review is dedicated to the person who took me here :)
(4)m b.
this should be 3.5 stars. pretty much as described- old-world steakhouse, very good steaks (not superior), not overly impressed. decor & service is old as expected. shrimp cocktail- sure enuff- the cocktail sauce was pretty hardcore- made my eyes & nose run a bit, but aside from that- no big deal. i think the owners of this place also own harry & izzies down the street- which is a much better place for food & atmosphere.
(4)Josiana Janel L.
After 5 years of hearing my husband brag about how wonderful and beyond comparison St. Elmo's steaks were, I must have set my expectations too high. Food was good, but I've had much better filet mignons at other high end steakhouses. Prices was decent, ambiance was great, service was excellent. Overall it was good, I simply didn't leave that impressed.
(3)J T.
My dad's favorite steak place. He likes that they can serve him an excellent steak and his favorite bourbon. Has an atmosphere that feels as though you've gone back to a time when men wore hats and overcoats, and sousing yourself with martinis before dinner was not only acceptable but expected. I kept feeling like Al Capone was going to walk in the door sucking a Cuban (the cigar, people).
(5)Robert B.
Living on the North Side I haven't been to St. Elmo's for quite some time. It has been so long that I actually forgot why I haven't been back. Well, now I remember. Let me start by saying that I love the actual old steak house style ambiance. It reminds me of one of my favorites The original Peter Lugers in Brooklyn. Now down to the nitty gritty. We got there with no reservations and there was a 45 minute wait which was expected. The 45 minutes turned into over 1 1/2 hours. So more cocktails were had by all. Off the subject for a quick moment. Why the heck don't hosts & hostesses around here apreciate the concept of getting a little cash to sit you more qickly). Ok back on track. After sitting down we were greated by a very friendly waiter. The only problem was he hardly spoke english and with his accent we could hardly understand what he was saying. He was an older gentleman and spoke like he had marbles in his mouth, but he was very pleasant. Of course we had a few orders of shrimp cocktail which were excellent. I love that oxymoron Jumbo Shrimp! The menu is extremely limited and if you are not in the mood for red meat don't bother going. My wife had a tomato salad with blue cheese!! I ordered the NY Strip. It came out cooked perfectly to my order and it seemed like a nice enough cut of meat but it was utterly tasteless. I'm sorry but I can't understand the concept of no flavor but it really didn't have any distinct anything. After finishing we were in the mood for bread pudding which they were out of so that kinda put and end to my evening. I think St Elmos is worth the trip for the ambience and the shrimp cocktail and I'll end it there.
(3)Jason K.
Over rated over priced... If you want real steaks and real great food go to Peterson's.
(2)Rhonda C.
I've eaten at St. Elmo's on multiple occasions. I've had the filet, had the salmon, had the shrimp cocktail - it's all been great. In fact, I would venture to say the salmon was probably the best I've ever had. Is it a little on the pricey side? Sure, but I've had much more expensive in Indy. Is it a little old school and maybe a bit pretentious? Sure, but again not as much as some other places I could name in the same city. The shrimp cocktail is what it is - served with a cocktail sauce made with good, fresh, course-chopped horseradish. If that's not your thing, don't order it. I personally can't get enough.
(4)TOMMY o.
i dropped (literally) in during the middle of summer (Race Weekend) with my ex-wife, i was in shorts, very casual, yet was treated like a king! we did stay in the bar love their Giant shrimp cocktail (famous) but watch that sauce, it's HOT
(5)Jared S.
Skip all the chain steakhouses and places that look down on you for not being fancy. St Elmos has the greatest steak in Indiana and welcomes everyone.
(5)Cale H.
One of the best restaurants in Indianapolis, no doubt. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. I miss being able to smoke in the bar.
(5)jackie s.
This was one of the first restaurants I went to when I moved to Indy, and I really enjoyed the upscale feel and yummy dinner rolls. The food was good but nothing really stood out too much and the table was teeny and felt very cramped. If I had people to impress from out of town I would definitely consider St. Elmo again.
(4)Max T.
So I am in town on business and not really familiar with the restaurant buzz in Indianapolis. I checked Yelp and read some pretty decent reviews on this restaurant. If you like spicy horseradish type cocktail sauce you cannot eat here without having the shrimp cocktail. It seems like every table was getting at least one so we did the same and damn it had a great kick and the shrimp was perfect. The restaurant has that old, expensive steakhouse feel. There is a large bar upfront that seems to be a pretty decent happy hour spot were people where eating and drinking on the bar and on a few side tables. Farther on are two dining rooms where we ate. I had a wedge salad with a creamy Italian dressing with crumbled blue cheese and the 10oz filet which was cooked exactly like I wanted it. My buddy had the same with a giant loaded backed potato. Both of our dinners were great and the service was attentive. A little tiny bit pushy trying to add on apps, deserts, coffees, but polite. The only reason I am not giving them 5 stars is I reserve 5 stars for that out of this world type restaurant experience when you get something you have never tried before and the food and ambiance is unbelievable. The food was great, service great, and exactly what you would expect from a high end steak house like this one. If your in town give it a try!
(4)Jen C.
Take your out-of-town guests here, they won't be able to stop talking about "that one amazing restaurant" you took them to. I second Jen F.'s advice- get your own shrimp cocktail.
(5)Christopher Q.
Had my best meal in Indianapolis here. The steaks were excellent and the unusual touch (at least unusual to Californians) of the baked beans was great. Usually when you o to a steakhouse of this caliber, all the sides are +++/. Here they include baked beans , potato and a salad I think. Anyway, the cool thing was that I went before one of the colt games and it was filled with blue jerseys.
(4)Daniel T.
You must try the shrimp cocktail!!!! Also if they have the bone on filet get it, you will not regret!!
(5)Busy L.
Ate here for business trip. Was recommended by hotel. Didn't want to eat at the usual chain steakhouses like Ruth Chris or Capital Grille. What a mistake... The shrimp cocktail was ok at best. Just regular shrimp cocktail with alot of horseradish. Steak quality was poor. Tasted like brined meat. Had the NY Strip and my guess is wet aged choice steak. Should've went to Ruth Chris.
(2)Dan H.
All I have to say is cocktail sauce! They have the most amazing shrimp cocktail on the face of the planet. Oh yeah, the steak is just as good.
(5)Rob R.
Great steakhouse! Steaks are great. Shrimp cocktail is fantastic, if you like a kick in the face from the horseradish. That thing is no joke. If you are in Indy, you have to try this place out.
(4)Nicole L.
I've been to numerous steakhouses, and this one was disappointing. I'm really shocked after reading the stellar reviews on this site. The shrimp cocktail was spicy, I'll give you that, but it wasn't necessarily good. And I do like spicy food, so that isn't my complaint. I thought the shrimp was too chewy. I ordered the filet and my husband got the ribeye and neither were worth writing home about. In fact, I had to ask for A1 which is never required for a good steak. I'm not going to sugarcoat my experience - I didn't enjoy the food, thought it was a supreme waste of money, and will never go back. The only positive thing I can say was the staff was extremely courteous and attentive.
(2)Kristine L.
St. Elmo's is an amazing restaurant with a lot of tradition. First of all their shrimp cocktail is made from fresh-ground horseradish root daily and is the best shrimp cocktail I have ever had. The servers all wear tuxedos and are very traditional in their serving style. My dinner there had never been less than amazing. If you live in Indy and have not been to St. Elmo's you MUST make an effort to get downtown and have a nice dinner out. If you are visiting Indianapolis; you have to make sure you have the opportunity to visit St. Elmo's... even if it's just for the shrimp cocktail and a glass of wine!
(5)Jason R.
My dad took me there once when he was visiting me at college, we didnt intend to order the shrimp cocktail, because quite frankly its normally just something to have when you have a small get together at the house; but the waiter talked us into it. I will never forget the sensation of breathing through my nose while the cocktail sauce was in my mouth, it temporarily scorched the inside of my nose. The bast damn Shrimp Cocktail ive ever had.
(5)Louisa L.
Steak was good...but not great...Shrimp cocktail is AWESOME! Their cocktail sauce is soooo good. I heard they grate fresh horseradish, which gives it a strong kick.
(4)Rob H.
The best Shrimp Cocktail known to man. It will bring tears to your eyes, literally. It's a loud, open, fantastic, New York Style steak house. Not a place for an intimate evening, but a great place to go and enjoy an over the top meal. They have a good winelist too. I seem to have the most fun there when I'm with a group of 4 or more people. Service is excellent.
(4)Tom K.
This has to be one of the top steak places in the country! From the fantasic shrimp cocktail with the spicy sauce is so worth the price and then pick your choice of a great steak to eat only with a fork and it will be the best steak you have ever tasted!
(5)Matt N.
It is comforting to know that my hometown can call this steakhouse home. St. Elmo has the best shrimp cocktail on this planet--May edge it's local rival "Mortons of Chicago" on app/atmostphere alone.
(4)Kevin S.
I half expected Rob Lowe and Demi Moore to come bursting out from behind the bar, but it's a different St. Elmo's fire grilling up these steaks. This is Indy's oldest restaurant, dating to 1902. The steaks are dry-aged and very lightly seasoned and they are generally humungous. I had an outstanding ribeye here. My friend had a filet and thoroughly enjoyed it, but he was a Swiss exchange student and after months of bad host food I think he would have eaten a grilled shoe happily and with gusto. We were in town to catch a Pacers game (kid was a basketball fanatic, rap-singing Swiss boy) so we advised the server we needed a quick meal and he obliged happily and was very friendly and welcoming. I liked the old-school steak house atmosphere, too. One more note--the shrimp cocktail was fantastic.
(4)Randy B.
Only been there twice, but both times I was disappointed. From the reviews and the money you pay to eat there I was really expecting to get my socks knocked off. Just didn't happen. I think because of its reputation, the celebrity / high end dining atmosphere and the money you drop in there people talk themselves in to thinking it was a better meal than it was. Just seems I've had as good steak dinners at half the cost. Not saying that it was a bad meal, just didn't live up to the billing (pun intended).
(3)Lyndenise B.
Great food and great service! In town for a conference and everyone recommended this restaurant and I see why! The potatoes, crab Mac and cheese, and Ceasar salad are so fresh and so delicious! Everyone in my party had steak and they loved them.
(5)Greg O.
Was in town for the game and been waiting to get here for the steak and shrimp cocktail. It was a 2.5 hr wait on Saturday night so we didn't get seated till 10:30, but it was so worth it. The inside is very nice and it's bigger that it looks outside. I like how they start you off with navy bean soup and stick with their roots, and it's great soup. The shrimp cocktail was just as good as I hoped it would be, but that cocktail sauce is super hot. No wonder why there is a big bottle of water and basket of bread and crackers on the table. My NY Strip and baked potato were cooked perfect, easily one of the top steaks and I ever had. The wait staff was super helpful and friendly, and you can beat the atmosphere.
(5)Gene S.
My first time was the bomb! Second time, not so much. Filet overcooked at first. Undercooked the second time, then re-heated...which I turned down without taking a bite. Who recooks/reheats a $50 steak? The third time was acceptable but not a wow. No offer of a credit on the bill... $91 for two drinks on a discounted pre-fixed summer menu...I'll try some other places before another visit. Not saying I won't be back.
(3)Al M.
In town for the 2014 Big 10 Basketball Championships, we had to check out St. Elmo for an early dinner before the evening's hoops session. The "Saint" stands apart from the Morton's, the Ruth's Chris' and others as one of the noteworthy independents in the Midwest. We were welcomed and seated within 90 seconds of walking through the front door. I was impressed that despite how busy this place was on a Friday night, one of their managers came over to our table and made small talk with us. These are the subtle things you don't even think about that turn good to great and that underscore the wild popularity of St. Elmo. You also gotta love the dim lighting throughout and the "New Yawker" feel of this old-school style steakhouse...long narrow dining rooms with tables lining both walls. Having read several Yelp reviews prior to arriving, our party of three got right into it starting with the heralded shrimp cocktails while sipping a good Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. The Yelp reviews were right...the cocktail sauce, heaped on the 5 large juicy shrimp, is insanely hot - over the top. We did what everyone else does, scrape most of the sauce off and enjoy the shrimp. After sampling their signature Navy Bean, which got raves all around, our group ordered a pair of 8 oz. filet mignons and one specialty-of-the-house 32 oz. bone-in Prime Rib. The filets were cooked exactly as requested and allowed to rest perfectly before serving while the "Rib" was unbelieveable. I felt like a caveman! Our dessert order was strongly influenced by the wifester as we finished with a pair of outstanding sweets: the chocolate multi-layer cake and the chocolate bread pudding. What an evening! Great atmosphere...great food and wine...great company. Nothing but five stars all day long.
(5)Kenneth D.
I love St. Elmos I always get the New York Strip medium rare and a old fashion. Its expensive but sooo worth it. I also get the Shrimp cocktail I love the horseradish in the cocktail sauce I could drink it and cry a little bit
(4)Anthony C.
All the stars in this review of St. Elmo's goes to the sinus clearing spicy shrimp cocktail! We decided to visit this Indianapolis culinary staple based on reviews I've seen and Thrillist listing Elmo's as a top 25 steakhouse in the nation. With high expectations and coming from the lone star state, I will have to say we were a bit underwhelmed when it came to the meat. Lots of gristle and just overall tough even at medium rare. The flavor was less than spectacular as well. Not a horrible steak but whenever I shell out $40-$50 for a cut I expect top notch beef. Maybe we're spoiled with our Texas beef but we'll definitely just come back for the cocktail.
(3)Roper S.
A co-worker recommended St. Elmo's and told me to get the shrimp cocktail. I was there on July 10, and the place is very classy and nice! Service was fantastic! My waiter was excellent, and the shrimp cocktails (I had 2) were the best ever! Fantastic place to eat!
(5)Frank S.
Pretty much everything that can be said about St Elmo's has been said ... Just a few notes. My wife and I were in Indianapolis to visit family, and the two of us went out to dinner as a celebration. Elmo's is the quintessential steak house, replete with dark paneling and tux-clad waiters. Our service was excellent. The waiter had been there for 20+ years and showed us pictures of his much younger self on the wall. We had bone-in ribeye, at his suggestion. Expecting that the meal would be fine, we asked what looked best coming out of the kitchen that night, and we followed his suggestion. Check when you go, but if your experience is like ours, you will get an excellent steak with minimal fat and great flavor. Perhaps the best ribeye I've had. As for the shrimp cocktail ... Everyone has an opinion. Try it, if you've never had it. The horseradish is strong, but it's backed up by a surprising sweetness. If that's too much for you, remove some of the sauce. They shrimp really are quite good: tender and tasty. With drinks and desert we certainly paid a premium for the evening. Be prepared. But certainly, this is a must in Indy. You will have something to talk about and share with friends.
(5)Joe L.
First time in the dining room. Chose the devour downtown menu with 3 courses. Each course has a couple of options to choose. I chose the shrimp cocktail, filet and creme brulee . The shrimp cocktail is sinus clearing in its goodness. Comes with 3 large shrimp covered in the horseradish laden cocktail sauce. If its your first time u recommend treading lightly on the sauce till you get a feel for the goodness. The filet was cooked medium per my request. Perfectly executed. The meat virtually melted in my mouth. Accompanying was mashed potatoes and green beans. Both were very tasty. The creme brulee was just fabulous. The ambiance and wait staff was above pare. Enjoyed this visit. Devour downtown is an excellent time to try this restaurant out
(4)Paul F.
has been a go to spot in Indy, but in my view is slipping. I had the dry aged ny strip tuesday and it was not great. spinach salad was good, but you go there for steaks and this one was very average, chewy and not close to being worth $54. I will try a different spot next time I am in Indy.
(2)Megan L.
I took my husband for his birthday, neither of us had been before. It was super busy and rather loud, we hadn't expected that. It definitely wasn't intimate dining as we had anticipated. But, the food was excellent. I had the special, crab stuffed shrimp and a cup of lobster bisque, both were fabulous. Hubby had a steak and baked potato. We indulged in the chocolate cake for dessert, incredibly rich and decadent, we couldn't finish it. All over, a nice dinner, good quality food, a bit pricey but that was expected.
(4)Laura O.
I can't afford to eat here outside of the Devour Downtown menu, but when I do eat there, it's worth it. Strong drinks, great steaks, and a very classy atmosphere. If you're like me and can't do spicy, ask for the shrimp cocktail mild!
(4)Tom B.
I consider myself a steak connoisseur and this place is selling the sizzle not the steak, very disappointing $230 meal for two. I have been here before, many years ago, and it made its reputation serving fine meat and now it is selling the grocery store weekly special at $40-$60 a steak (for Choice not Prime meat). The recommended crab mac and cheese is runny out of the box mac-n-cheese with small pieces of inexpensive snow crap dropped on top for $17 (consider this is a side). The one Prime steak they claimed to have was an "aged" rib eye, which they are selling for $60, but it does not taste or appear to be Prime or aged meat (spongy and not too tender). The one bastion is still the shrimp cocktail, but at $16 a pop, maybe that is all you should get if/when you try this place.
(2)Tom S.
Over hyped. The great: Old world atmosphere. Outstanding shrimp cocktail (unless you don't like heat). Great deserts. Great server. Sides good but not exceptional. Disappointed with Prime rib. Very tough ....lots of gristle. Not worth $6 let alone $60.
(3)Michelle W.
Amazing! If you happen to be in Indy for whatever reason, you have to come check this place out. Make sure you have a reservation, otherwise you will not be getting in and make sure you make that reservation way in advance! Don't expect your modern looking steakhouse, but expect an old time steakhouse that clearly shows how long its been around - in a good way. This place gets packed and the bar was busy all night, but when we finally got seated, I could not wait to order. Per everyone's review, you have to get the shrimp cocktail. Be prepared to get your butt kicked with spice, but well worth it. I recommend easing into it. At first it doesn't seem too spicy but all of a sudden it hits you like a brick wall. On to the most important part, the steak. I had the 18 ounce special with the must have, loaded baked potato. My steak was cooked perfectly and was seasoned so well. Every so often you'd get the delicious taste of garlic. It wasn't overly salted and tasted amazing. The baked potato is as good as it looks. Between the shrimp cocktail, the steak and the baked potato, I barely was able to leave the table. The service was impeccable, my cup of water never hit the halfway mark. The water did taste a little odd, so I opted for a soda. Maybe it's Indianapolis water and I'm used to NYC tap? Either way, service was great, we never waited long for our food and it was a table of 8. They definitely know how to crank out those meals.
(5)Tom J.
One of the best meals I've ever had. The famous from cocktail lived up to it's billing. better like horseradish because there is a ton of it in the cocktail sauce but it's amazing. The breads are on point 3 different kinds. I got the lobster bisque it was silky-smooth with nice lobster flavor. But my star of the night has to be the Bone in Ribeye cooked to a perfect medium rare. All this while sippin on some Basil Hayden. What a night what a meal.
(5)Liz S.
Another disclaimer: I do NOT like horseradish OR cocktail sauce, so this review will not include anything about their world famous cocktail sauce... I went for a work function but it also just happens to be Devour Downtown, where Indy's happenin' restaurants gather together for a pre-fixed menu for a "cheaper" price! Food: For $40, I received 3 Shrimp Cocktail, 6 oz. Filet Mignon with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans, and Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee! WHOA. Since I didn't want the Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, our wonderful waiter Andy (St. Elmo loyal for 11 years!) was gracious enough to bring out melted butter for my shrimp-dipping experience... I mean, how good can melted butter be, to a person who doesn't care for melted butter with her seafood? DELICIOUS may I add!! So good, who know you can have so much flavor in melted butter?! The Filet was cooked and seasoned beyond perfection... and their mashed potatoes were buttery and smooth (even with skin in it!!) and I love fresh green beans with their butter (with fancy volcanic something something rock salt?! whatever, death by butter seems like a way to go, honestly...) Their Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee is on the small side (if you want a bigger dessert, definitely go for the Cheesecake or Chocolate Layer Cake)... big custard flavor but absolutely delightful. Experience: Nothing excites me more than food, but a close 2nd is being served by someone passionate about food. He explained the history of the restaurant.. I mean Andy is the REAL deal in service. When I asked him where the rest of my Crème Brulee was, after seeing how small the portion was, he laughed and came back with another serving for me. He also did a great job of topping off our drinks and definitely kept me happy with a new Darjeeling tea when I ran out. I honestly believe besides the food being delicious, Andy was my FAVORITE part of the experience. He made sure I was taken care of, was absolutely charming to my party, and he definitely took care of our guest from out of town, making sure he had a bottle of water next to him for when he tried their cocktail sauce for the first time... This is me, not knowing how to even begin expressing how much I loved my experience here!!! I heart Andy and St. Elmo so much. So so much.
(5)Dan P.
Was in Indy for a seminar and went here with the wife. This place is not up to Chicago standards, but is good. She ordered bone in filet and I had the porterhouse. Steaks were good. Mine was perfectly cooked. Unusually, salt was not required. The wife said hers wasn't right, but it was a bone in filet. We also had soup and creamed corn side. Both were delicious. Service was excellent and the cocktails contained an appropriate amount of alcohol. I wanted to try this place because of its reputation and was not disappointed. I don't spend much time in Indy and don't go to a lot of steakhouses. I would go back.
(4)Sam K.
I finally got to eat here with the Devour Downtown event going on. I have been wanting to go here but couldn't allow myself to spend so much for one meal. With this deal, I figured it was the best offer I was going to get. I got the 3 course meal with the filet mignon for $40 and it was absolutely amazing! I loved the shrimp cocktail even though I'm not a huge fan of shrimp. Although I would like to come here more often, my wallet won't allow it. Maybe next time the deal comes around!
(4)Andrea S.
St. Elmo's is a stand alone steakhouse, unlike all the chain locations that it is surrounded by in the downtown Indy area. With a livelier ambience tha a lot of the more "stuffy" places like Ruth's Chris & Morton's, it is definitely a fun place to hang out in a group without having to worry about potentially disturbing others & feeling bad about it. Also, it just feels more casual as a whole. Not a lot of appetizer options in comparison, but then again, shrimp cocktail is the way to go! The horseradish in the cocktail sauce is strong enough to clear any bad sinus - trust me, this is first hand experience on multiple occasions! All in all, great service & food, but just seems to fall a little short compared to the likes of Ruth's Chris & Morton's. The biggest plus side is that St. Elmo's is easier on the wallet than the other two places listed above. Give it a try if you're in the area - it's an Indy local gem for sure!
(4)Dr. S.
No reservation, but found a seat immediately for two. Nice setting and easy walk from the Hyatt. Will took care of us to perfection. We just handed him back the menu and followed his lead. Started with the shrimp cocktail. Delicious but not for the weak. His advice to ease into the horseradish cocktail sauce was right on. Everything was prepared as ordered. All good and plenty of it. When done, Will gave us a tour of the place including the wine cellar and private dining rooms. Nice touch. Definitely recommend it for the business dinner.
(5)Steve G.
We went for my wife's birthday -- stayed next door at the Le Meriden, awesome hotel. Anyway, we both had the famous Shrimp cocktail. Very hot but good. I had the ribeye. It was cooked just like I like it. Wife had twin Lobster tails at market price. A little pricey for those but the best she's ever had. With drinks and tip, the bill came in north of $220. Not an every day place but great for special occasions. Service was good, leaning towards very good.
(5)Jac H.
I ordered: 1. A french 75 - pretty good, thought it was strange to have st. germaine though 2. The shrimp cocktail - clears your nose! really liked it 3. NY Strip - cooked perfectly! 4. Creamed Spinach - so cheesey good 5. Green beans - fresh and refreshing 6. Asparagus - kind of salty, didn't care for the hollandaise 7. Tomato Juice (weird?) - pretty good... and I'm not a huge fan of tomato juice 8. Bread pudding - I got the last one, and it was divine! Didn't need all the whipped cream. The shrimp cocktail is possibly my favorite part of my meal. Scratch that, the bread pudding was really good too. I thought it was strange that they gave you tomato juice as part of the meal as well. But it was pretty good. I took home almost more than half of my meal because wanted to make room for the bread pudding... which I ended up eating for breakfast the next day. It was kind of expensive, but worth it for the "experience."
(3)Pete F.
Another great stop for a wonderful meal.
(5)Andy D.
I really enjoy the ambiance of St. Elmo's. It has a great old school Midwestern feel - particularly in the bar area. Definitely lived up to the hype of their shrimp cocktails. The navy bean soup is a nice touch, and something they have been offering for a very long time. Oh yeah - the steak is pretty good too. No complaints. Great for happy hour, business dinners, date night, etc. I would recommend.
(5)Tim R.
Awesome fillet of steak. This was the most tender and juicy steak I have ever eaten. The shrimp cocktail is apparently world famous. The shrimp were very big and juicy but the whole thing was served in a super hot horseradish sauce which I was not expecting. It wasn't bad but I probably would not order the shrimp cocktail again.
(5)Maya H.
We went again while my boyfriends family was in town, for their "Sunday dinner special"- again, I was underwhelmed. The steak is acceptable, but the portions are very small. The desserts tasted like they were store desserts, we tried the cream brulee and the chocolate cake. Very disappointing. Their shrimp appetizer is PURE HORSERADISH. I like horseradish, but dang. Our waiter was like "its super popular, its not TOO strong" HE TOTALLY LIED! I liked it but nobody else did, their noses were all running like crazy. Again, totally prefer Capital Grille or Harry and Izzy's. I gave them a pass since last time they were so busy, but I do not think we will be back again :/
(2)Frank L.
Great place for steaks and their famous Shrimp Cocktail !!! The cocktail sauce will burn a hole in your olfactories but it was pure pleasure !!! The shrimp were big and crispy (not deep fried but presoaked in saline solution then boiled perfectly). I ordered the bone-in Rib Eye which was OK 7/10 but the baked potato was heavenly !!! The potato was re-stuffed with mashed potato chunks, butter, cream then topped with more butter, sour cream and freshly cooked chunks of bacon. A little pricey $48 for a 7/10 steak. Our waiter was amazing and very attentive yet not imposing. Very noisy atmosphere and hard to get a drink at the bar because it was so busy. Parking Valet staff were equally amazing and very responsive.
(4)Lou S.
I have been here many times and this time all 6 dinners were cold. Then they just reheated the steaks, which resulted in dry incorrect temperature steaks. Correction was for the waitress to ignore out table and then just take off some money from the bill. Unacceptable from this "high end" steakhouse.
(1)Nathan B.
The shrimp cocktail tastes like straight horseradish go for a different appetizer. The bone-in porterhouse was good, but not outstanding for 50+ dollars. The aged ribeye for 6+ was not as good as the bone in porterhouse. They tend to cook their steaks on the rarer side, which is how I like mine but others in our party were not happy.
(3)Karen S.
I can climb the highest mountain Cross the wildest sea I can feel St. Elmo's Fire burnin' in me Burnin' in me Everytime I hear the name of this place, those lyrics automatically play in my mind. Visiting Indianapolis on a whim, I searched Yelpdom for where to go. Settling on classic American (rather than nouveau), St. Elmo's seemed to fit the bill, and they delivered. The decor was pretty standard upscale American steakhouse, and the servers did not disappoint with their formal accoutrements and impeccable service. I would say that the clientele were a bit on the casual side for an upscale steakhouse, so you can get away with dressy/business casual. I think I set my brain on fire with the cocktail sauce. They tout their shrimp cocktail as a signature dish, and while the jumbo shrimp was excellent, the sauce with freshly ground horseradish was unique. Horseradish is the hottest fresh from the ground, and loses heat over time. The steak was done excellently and does come with soup and a side, so I was fairly sated after the meal. Steakhouses across the country are fairly competitive, and the 4-star rating reflects my experience. If you are in Indy and in the mood for steak, I'd recommend this place.
(4)Becky R.
This Indy landmark really takes you back into the 1920s when you come in the door. It has been around in Indy since 1920 and I can see why. The food was excellent. We were in town on business and it happened to be during Devour Downtown. Was glad that I was warned about the cocktail sauce. It still zinged me a bit! But, it was terrific. Our only disappointment was the service. The gentleman was not very attentive. We were finished w/our dinner and had to wait about 15 minutes before our dessert arrived. I was about halfway thru my dessert when he came back to see if my friend wanted dessert and my friend thought it was too late. Meanwhile, he was very attentive to a different table of 4 men. We watched another server who was working his ass off and we were wishing we had him taking care of us! The service will not deter my opinion of the food though. I would definitely dine there again.
(3)Jarrod R.
I've lived in Indianapolis since 1981. Basically, my entire life, short of a few years in Okemos, Michigan and about 9 years in Ohio. So, I'm a Hoosier and will probably be here for the duration. That being said, there are a few things that bubble to the top when I think about Indiana Institutions - St. Elmo is one of them. It's the place that celebrities and visiting heads of state know. It's been around longer than, well, just about anything else in this city. First off, I do believe that Prometheus, on a side trip, grabbed some of the "Cocktail Sauce of the gods" and delivered it to S. Illinois Street. SPOILER ALERT! It has a kick and it is wonderful. Just wonderful. So please, order the shrimp appetizer. I'm quite sure I had the Filet the only two times I've visited and was presented with easily some of the best steak I've ever tasted. Yes, it's that good. The meals are evenly matched by a polished, professional service that makes one feel both at ease and special at the same time. St. Elmo is that good. A Gold Standard and in the upper echelon of great dining choices in Indianapolis or the United States. [In the interest of full disclosure, I am now a vegetarian, but am still comfortable providing them a stellar review]
(5)Hwan H.
Stuffy, crusty but you know that as far as legacy steak houses . waiter was knowledgeable, friendly and super attentive. Everyone was friendly now that I think about it. Was there for devour so the price was incredibly reasonable. The filet was perfect. Something about the grill just puts a superb finish on everything. Shrimp cocktail had some crazy heaps of fresh horseradish. Was like a big old dollop wasabi...but equally as good as the steak. Potatoes were mashed to exquisite texture. Buttery salty goodness. Lastly creme brulé was on point. Perfect size. Online reservations made it easy to make sure a table was ready. Overall good stuff
(5)G C.
Shrimp cocktail and navy bean soup my favorite. Good pieces of meat and excellent sides. Wait staff was more than helpful and attentive. Make a reservation, very popular place in the downtown area.
(4)Brad D.
I think that it is really special to dine at a place that has been around for 112 years. It takes a lot to keep a place relevant for that period of time. This place is a BIG operation with lots of moving parts and just about everyone we came into contact with was extremely gracious and warm. One of the hostesses (Gabby) was so nice that I will be offering her a job when she finishes school and decides to move back down South. That being said, a fine - dining establishment must constantly be pushing the envelope to stay relevant and at the top of the mountain. It cannot rest on its "reputation" as all of the new kids on the block have a bullseye on your back. Our Server was a gentleman named Billy and while he was very competent, his demeanor was not overly warm, bordering on arrogant. We started off on the wrong foot when I asked if "they had a competent Bartender" at the begining of our visit. He looked at me as if I was insulting him and the establishment, so I took this as a "yes" and ordered a Vieux Carre. He had no idea what that was and obviously his Bartender didn't either, because I got a weak Old Fashioned with a cherry on top. There were two of us and we ordered the Shrimp Cocktail as an Appetizer, as this was clearly the play. We were both happy with the choice. That cocktail sauce is something man! I can't quite describe it, but it is unlike anything I have ever eaten. It would go great on some Gulf Coast Oysters. We then had the Wedge Salad and the Spinach Salad. Both were above average. When Billy explained the Specials to us, he mentioned a 12oz Prime NY Strip and I asked him "what he thought of that piece of meat and had he had a lot of happy customers that ordered that dish"? His response was "we have been in business for 112 years and we are not going to ruin our reputation tonight by serving you a poor piece of meat". Once again, I appreciate the pride and confidence....but you better be able to back that swagger up. I went with this Strip and my friend went with the Bone-in Ribeye. Also ordered the Crab Mac n Cheese. The Strip was perfectly cooked but 1/2 gristle. My friend's Ribeye was under - cooked and pretty bland...although a high quality piece of meat. The Crab Mac was OUTRAGEOUS, and we both agreed that we would come back for that alone. We would have both sent our steaks back, but relations were already a little strained between us and the server, so we declined to do so. That is on us and not the establishment. We were also kinda rushed out at the end for a private party, even though we came in 30 minutes early for our reservation. The Hostess was really cool about it and we were not offended at all, but that is one of those things that would have slid bye if our dining experience was of higher quality. This place is obviously legit...it just needs a tune-up.
(3)Ben M.
A staple of Indianapolis, cannot be missed during a visit here. Get a martini, the shrimp cocktail and filet and enjoy the classic atmosphere.
(5)Ken Y.
So . .. as you can see that this place is one of the top restaurant in Indianapolis and one of those restaurant you have to visit before you die type of place. Once again, everyone has different opinions and my opinion is just my side of the story. I hope that I can try this place one more time and I hope I get a better experience out of it. So reservations is a must, since it gets busy very quickly. Luckily my girlfriend and I did and you have 15min. past your reservation time to check-in. Parking is either a valet for $10 (Saturday night) or you can park across the street in a parking garage, which I paid for $3 (0-2hrs), which wasn't that bad. The ambiance of the restaurant was very nice. Since they have many patrons visiting their restaurant, they have many tables, and if you go to their website, you can get a virtual tour of the restaurant to see the other parts. We were seated in a library type of room, which was kind of awesome. Pretty much this restaurant is known for their famous shrimp cocktail. The cocktail sauce is packed with horseradish, and if you love horseradish or anything hot or sinus burning, then this is your dish! The shrimp are very large and meaty, which was well worth the price, and the cocktail sauce does pack a punch. It was at moments not tolerable because of how it burned your sinuses, but you couldn't stop eating. I found out that if you use your bread that you receive when you arrive, it kind of diminishes the heat a little bit (since shrimp is pretty bland in taste). Both my girlfriend and I ordered the ribeye, medium rare. It comes with a side, and either a soup (which is Great Navy Bean soup), tomato juice (which I was confused if it was actual juice or soup), or they would have specials of the day, which on this day was a Lobster Bisque (additional charges for these special of the day, I believe). The soup was very delicious and we were getting full by this point. Then came our steaks. So this is kind of where my rating of this placed dropped from a 4 star to a 3 star rating. This place is expensive in their cut of meat. Like their Sirloin strip was a $1 expensive and the same weight as the ribeye we ordered. I was kind of confused by that. They did cook our meat at the temperature that we requested, which was good. But the seasoning on the steak was . . . bland. Like I could only taste the grill that they use and the flavor from cooking other steaks on it that night. Like it wasn't a bad taste, but it didn't have depth to my likings. Maybe it was one of those night, that they were very busy and maybe few things were off?? Also the utensil that they gave us was not very sharp and I was working very hard to cut my meat. Of course I could have asked to get a new knife, but I had ribeye before and I know that I didn't have to work that hard to cut a medium rare steak. So it was kind of disappointing, when everyone here raves about this place being a great steakhouse. For sides, I had the red potatoes mashed potatoes with skin, and my girlfriend had french fries. Once again, my girlfriend is a french fries connoisseur, and she felt that the french fires were kind of lacking. So as you can see, our experience wasn't the greatest, and weren't wowed by this place. We almost would like to give it 2-stars, but the shrimp cocktail made us rate this place 3-star. I am up to give this place another try, but my girlfriend doesn't! lol The only thing I would say that this place is a very nice restaurant and have a lot of historic importance to it. I don't quite agree with the prices, since I have the same size and cut of meat elsewhere for a much reasonable price. Also, we had a light snack before we came, so maybe on our next visit, come in on an empty stomach, and maybe try it again. Please, don't take this review as the wrong way. We though this place was a very charming place and it is a must to dine at this place once before you kick the bucket or visiting Indianapolis. If you are not a huge meat fan and if you are wanting to try their famous shrimp cocktail, I highly recommend going to their sister restaurant, which is located right next to it, called Harry and Izzy's. They do serve some steak and a few items that they don't serve in their main steakhouse. But shrimp cocktail is there for sure!!! Thank you for taking the time to read this review and I hope you found this to be helpful, amusing, or just ridiculous that someone would go in such depth of reviewing a restaurant!! Cheers!!
(3)Howard L.
We happened to be in town while Devour Downtown Winterfest was going on. That means $30 pp menu specials at participating Indy establishments including St. Elmo's. It's very similar to Chicago's Restaurant Week, except they do it twice per year. We had a 5 star dinner tonight - when factoring in value, meal quality, and the historic setting that is St Elmo's Steakhouse. The wife and I dined with son and a pal, and we all had the 7 oz filet mignon, a large 3-count infamously fiery shrimp cocktail, and a dessert (we chose creme brulee and chocolate-cherry bread pudding). The meat was more seasoned and flavorful than on our last visit, and it was nice to see that St Elmo's can do it! They did flip-flop two rares and a medium rare, but they were really great either way, and we didn't make a fuss. Other DDW entree choices were bourbon chicken and salmon, but why bother. We also learned that Indy downtown parking isn't always easy and cheap as we usually find. There was some Monster Car show in town and it was $20 special events parking everywhere, and no available street parking. We ended up using their $20 valet parking, so when possible, take note of other events in the area (we could have walked it).
(5)Nick M.
St. Elmo's is my favorite steakhouse in the Midwest. Yes better than anywhere I've tried in Chicago. Let me explain- 1- the shrimp cocktail is phenomenal. Big fat juicy fresh shrimps with the homemade spicy horseradish....can't beat it. 2- the filet mignon melts in your mouth like butter, better than I've had at any of the chain steakhouses. Can't beat it. 3- wine selection is phenomenal, be sure to walk through the cellar - it's very extensive and impressive. Was not expecting such a thing in Indianapolis. 4- the bread served before dinner is very unique - some sort of poppy rolls with a garlicky filling- save room for dinner though! 5- ambiance is on point- old school vibe, great waiters. My only gripe with the joint is that it doesn't have a bar menu with sandwiches or a burger...all you can really order is steak and shrimp....which makes sense since the steak and shrimp are pure greatness. I dined one time at a table with friends and another time while in town on business at the bar- definitely a better deal/vibe at the table, probably won't go back to the bar. Next time I go I'd love to have a drink in the upstairs vintage cigar bar lounge- looks really cool.
(5)Kari G.
I hate to give a bad review but I was really looking forward to trying this steak house after having such great food at Harry & Izzy's. I was disappointed. The filet mignon was over salted to the point that I couldn't eat it. I feel they over cooked it as well. We ordered the sugar pie for dessert and I was not a fan. But hey, you gotta try sugar pie when you're in Indy. The shrimp cocktail was awesome but like other reviews said, you have to like horseradish (a lot)! If you're in Indianapolis I recommend Harry & Izzy's over St Elmo. The filet at Harry & Izzy's was 100 times better. It was perfectly prepared and NOT over seasoned.
(2)Elizabeth E.
An indianapolis favorite. Food "high-end steakhouse". Atmosphere in the bar is fun; dining room stuffy.
(3)David W.
We visited this restaurant on a business trip, and they accommodated a rather large party of us. Everything was amazing our servers were very professional, and knowledgeable about their food and drinks. The wine seller was spectacular, and the drinks coming from the bar were spot on. Now to the food, we were told you have to try the shrimp, and you do it is amazing! I had the bone in fillet and it was seasoned and cooked perfectly, out of a group of sixteen, not a single complaint.
(5)Brian L.
An old fashioned steakhouse, right here in Indianapolis. They only have the one real appetizer, the shrimp cocktail. Get it. Prepare yourself for the massive amount of horseradish. I didn't think it was that bad, but my brother thinks that it is tear inducing. Good nonetheless. The ribeye was good and flavorful. The outer ring was amazing, and I wish I could have 24oz of just that...alas, that isn't to be. Great service. Bearnaise sauce costs $4. Not complaining, but, if a steak is going to cost $45, I think a sauce should be free. Loading up a baked potato costs extra, but that's because you are getting a good deal of bacon at least. Overall, worth it for a once in awhile treat though.
(4)Beth B.
Here's the deal. You're going to St Elmo's for the history, the service, and the shrimp cocktail. Right? I joined in the fun for the "Parks and Rec" viewing party. This was my first trip in about 12 years to Elmo's. The shrimp cocktail was as nose blowing as the last time I visited. My steak was fine, my companions steak was fine both cook as ordered. The wedge salad is delicious. I actually prefer Elmo's wedge to a traditional just blue wedge. Downside, my green beans would have benefited from another moment or two in the sauté pan and my side of mushrooms were bland to say the least. Service, as always, was the jewel of the meal. Will be back when I have a reason...or a head cold,
(4)Casey B.
Whenever asked, I consistently detail this as the best restaurant in Indy. The food is excellent, from the tear-jerking shrimp cocktails to the deliciously prepared steaks. The atmosphere is pretty high-class, but it also feels enough like a neighborhood place that it doesn't get out of control. The staff is very dedicated and they are extremely kind. This is a life long job for some of them. Great choice for special occasions or just a fancy dinner. Watch out for those prices though - this isn't your every week eatery. Thanks to the staff for such a great experience!
(5)Stephanie W.
Love Devour Downtown!
(5)Nathan C.
It has a good reputation but we didn't finish our meals. The waiter said (warned in hindsight?) that the famous shrimp cocktail had horseradish in its sauce, but we didnt expect all the shrimp to be covered by it. It was super hot. When we said we couldn't eat it, he brought more with the sauce on the side. The lobster bisque was pretty mediocre - I've had better from a can. The filet mignon was really so so. Neither my friend nor I felt like finishing it. The green beans were boring, i suspect frozen and not fresh. For the money, this place should be MUCH better.
(2)Jonathon M.
St. Elmo's Steak House is Indianapolis. If you ask any out of town visitors or business travelers what they think of when the topic turns to Indy dining options there is always one restaurant that sets on top of the list, and this is it. I work for a trade show that takes place here in Indy during December and this steak house is the first to book up and the hardest to get into during our 4 day show that brings 25,000 people from all over the country into this city. The question this brings is "Is St. Elmo's Steak House worth the hype or is it overrated?" I am here to tell you that after dining at best of the best in Indy and eating at many fine dining establishments across the country and abroad I can feel justified in saying that St. Elmo's Steak House is the very definition of a five star restaurant and one that Indy can be proud to call its culinary flag ship. The St. Elmo's experience begins when you open the doors into a crowded vintage bar area straight out of the turn of early 1900's. The host, waiters, and bar tenders are all dressed professionally and provide service with classic elegance. After you make your way through the crowded bar to your table in one of the dining rooms ( The Hulman Room being the most famous ) you can make your drink selection and receive you variety bread basket. All styles are very tasty and sure to please any palate. TIP: If you ask and the night is right, there might be a staff member on duty that can do the table cloth pull. There are curtain members of the St. Elmo's staff that are trained to pull a table cloth from under a fully set table and leave the plating and table décor standing in place. Next comes the biggest moment of any trip to St. Elmo's Steak House. The Famous Shrimp Cocktail is absolutely my favorite part of the meal and is hands down one of my favorite offerings of all time. It's the dish that made St. Elmo's world famous and it is sure to please. It comes with large flavorful shrimp and the greatest cocktail sauce you will ever put in your mouth, but watch out because this sauce bites back! The sauce ups the horseradish bite and spicy flavor to a degree that will make you tear up after the first bite. I always end up using the extra crackers they bring to scoop up a big bite of the sauce independent of the refreshing shrimp so that I'm sure to get the full effect. They have other appetizers options also and they are good but nothing can compare to this monster of a dish. The next decision you will make is the bean soup or tomato soup option. They are both wonderful and I especially like the bean soup while my wife prefers the tomato. I also found out from a waiter that putting a spoon full of cocktail sauce in the bean soup can be a fun and flavorful pairing. The name sake of the establishment is of course the steaks. They are all fork tender and cooked to whatever levels you prefer. They always sure to please and can go toe to toe with any meat selection in the city. I have always been a Filet guy and this rings true here also. The Filets are heavenly and require no sauce or extra flavoring, it's all in the beef and that's all you need. The sides usually consist of baked potatoes and such but recently they added crab macaroni to the menu and it is a little piece of heaven. On the right night you could make a meal of this dish by itself. It is thick and cheese and the flavors burst in your mouth like you've never experienced with macaroni. The meal comes to a close after amazing flavors and impeccable service with the knowledge you've experienced the true taste of Indy and it's a taste worth savoring and revisiting again and again.
(5)Liz K.
A solid 4 stars for being a great restaurant that delivers a great meal with nice service, in a classy yet unpretentious atmosphere. My experience there was for my recent birthday dins with my padres, which happened to occur 2 weeks before the superbowl - right when all the corporate people started to come in. It was quite busy for a Tuesday night, but I didn't feel that we had a lower quality of service because of the crowd (we did, however, have a harder time hearing one another at our table). The shrimp cocktail was spicy (duh) but once my nose stopped running and I wiped off some sweat from the first bite, I couldn't stop eating it. Same goes for the rest of the meal (minus the spice, plus steaks cooked to perfection), especially the decadent cheesecake (complimentary for the bday girl! Always a plus). I loved it but overall had to knock it down a star because having to yell across the table wasn't really doing it for me in terms of atmosphere. I'm looking forward to coming back here for a few dinners while my work still has me in Indy.
(4)Jenna L.
Loved it! Shrimp cocktail is to die for. Food was good. I have eaten in the upstairs lounge area and in the main dining area. I prefer upstairs because it is more casual.
(5)Janet R.
"Lady Chiller". That was the guest name on my tab the first time I went to St. Elmo's, and my meal was even more awesome than the identifier the bartender chose for me: a lone lady sitting in front of the drink chiller at the famed St. Elmo's bar. (I'll admit that he rationale behind the cool name was a little anticlimactic). In any case, in my experience, St. Elmo's deserves the hype. When I was Lady Chiller, I had an incredible ribeye... It was perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and perfectly flavorful. I skipped the tomato juice or soup appetizer (why fill up on something I wouldn't love when there were so many other amazing choices). But I did order the best creamed spinach that I have ever had. And trust me, friends... I know from creamed spinach. My next trip to St. Elmo's was for Devour Downtown, so there was a prix fixe menu. I'm not normally a fan of such limited choices, but I wasn't paying, so I didn't want to be rude and order off-menu (okay, except that I did place a rogue order for the creamed spinach a la carte. It is seriously so good!!). The only steak available was the filet, which I wouldn't ordinarily have ordered, because I find filets a little deficient on the flavor side. This one, however, was awesome... The "like buttah" cliche was more than fitting; it was a ridiculously tender piece of meat. And it was TASTY! It was the first truly flavorful filet I can remember having. The only thing I didn't love about my second meal at St. Elmo's was that we were seated in the basement, which felt a little remote and basement-like. Our waiter was awesome, though, and gave us a tour of the wine cellar (we were practically sitting in the wine cellar, so it wasn't too big a distance for him, but still... It was nice of him to spend the time).
(5)Lea R.
Ok - so they had our reservation but seated walk in's ahead of us???? We sat at the bar like they told us to & then stood at the line like they told us to. Honestly the only reason this place is getting 3 stars is because of our server Will Shipley. He was completely professional, was understanding of my diet restrictions and tossed in a restaurant tour in the end. He didn't have to but he did and and he definitely deserves a big bonus for that!
(3)John M.
I feel like I am about to take a big dump on an Indianapolis legend, it's not intentional, but man.. this place is OVERRATED. It was a random weekday and I was in Indianapolis for work. It was late, I hadn't eaten dinner yet and I was hungry. So what better meal on a business trip then a big fat juicy steak and some beers. So I walk in to St Elmo's figuring this is the place to have a steak in Indy, and it's right across the street from my hotel. It was 20-30 minutes until they close. Now I know that is cutting it close but I figure A) if you don't want someone walking in 5 minutes before you close ... close earlier (I was in at least 20 minutes before they close) B) a couple walked in right before me and was seated in the dining room, I choose the bar as I was dining alone (as is the case 50% of the time I travel for work). I was promptly seated at the bar, which was pretty empty but there was about 2-3 other parties eating their dinner or having drinks. Because I knew I was cutting it close to closing I promptly ordered the shrimp cocktail so they could get that started and I could look at the menu. I took a few more minutes and ordered the Ribeye (not bone in) with green beans (trying to be carb conscious despite my beers...). Shrimp Cocktail - I guess I can now say I had their famous dish, but really I would save the cash and tummy room for something else. The shrimp was huge but not very flavorful by itself. The cocktail sauce is chock full of horseradish which I knew ahead of time it would be, but wow.. no need for allergy medicine after that. It was too overpowering. Like I said just ask for a side of their cocktail sauce and eat it like soup and you get the same taste sensation. Tomato juice - tastes like the canned stuff. nothing spectacular but it was an interesting addition. I would have done the beans but carb conscious remember. Ribeye - "Medium rare" - was not cooked medium rare. It was closer to medium or well. It had the great crust on the outside that I love so I thought yes this will be great but inside it was overcooked, tough and bland. I considered sending it back but 2 things stopped me. It was now closing time and I thought sure that is inviting trouble but the other main thing was my bartender/waiter was busy cleaning and closing up rather then checking in on me. I was not the only one at the bar. There were others (that were there far longer then I and taking a very leisurely stroll across their plate). The steak was really like sizzler quality if not worse. Not that good at all. The green beans were good though. So were the thin cracker type things that come in the bread basket (again carb fail). So since I was not digging the steak and I had some room in the stomach I thought I am having dessert (again more carbs) but I wasn't offered any. you see it was now 5 minutes passed closing time and I think they were tired of serving me. oh well they saved me a few pounds. but again this place is severely overated. go elsewhere for better food/service.
(2)Rob S.
The shrimp cocktail will show you why this is one of the best and most historic restaurants in Indy. If you can't handle painfully hot then don't get the shrimp cocktail. Be sure to have your waiter give the history of he restaurant. While you can't go wrong with anything on the menu be sure to get one of their finely aged steaks. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Jennifer S.
Very popular place to eat in downtown Indy! The shrimp cocktail was delicious and very spciy - great if you need to clear your sinuses too! The filet with green beans was delicious too. Decent service and nice, old school steakhouse atmosphere.
(4)Tamara H.
The atmosphere is top notch! How could it not be, it is over a hundred years old, and in the location of the War Memorial Monument in this hustle-bustle town, near the downtown mall. They have a great reputation! Steak, well you won't go wrong there! However, preparation too far in advance could lead to their undoing. Now my meal was quite good as I had the Surf and Turf, but my sister, who happen to be treating us, had the house special of "Scallops with Risotto and Lobster Sauce". Now as good as this sounds, the Risotto was refrigerator cold, and that is not cool for such a high brow locale. It really put a damper on the evening, as I was the one who suggested this place, all due to my Yelp friends! The shrimp cocktail is a national treasure and their claim to fame, thankfully it still is! Compliments to our waiter, he was excellent. I am still quite positive they can recover from this faux pas. If you desire the profits to keep coming, Elmo, (and this place is making them happen) ensure quality before quantity, and ensure freshness! Ensure the house eats all mistakes, it was NOT the waiters fault, it was the chef's fault! Remember Ruth Chris is next door! People have a habit of going with a chain over the locals for consistency so don't forget that! Stay on your Game Saints, no cold food if it is not supposed to be cold! However, I would still make this place a must visit in Indianapolis. I am sure they can recover...and they must. One of the few locally owned restaurants with atmosphere that is fantastic! Hopefully next time I am there they can earn the other two stars. For the price, it should be 5 stars all the way! Big $$ does NOT equate to quality! Earn it! Indianapolis must keep this local gem, in local hands!
(3)indywife g.
Honestly, I've come here half a dozen times, most of them biz opportunities, where the ambience is just right for a group of professionals. Yet, each time, the steak I get leaves so much to be desired, arriving room temperature, dry and vastly under-cooked (I order medium and it arrives ruby red and slick inside). Flemings is at least consistent on this one fact: I always say we can grill our own or go to a less-costly steakhouse and get a much better steak. Not going on my dime there, ever.
(2)Caroline L.
The customer service here is great. There wasn't a table available for a while so they took care of us at the bar until they could clear a table. The shrimp cocktail never disappoints. I ordered the chef's salad for my main course, but after trying a bite of their steak I quickly regretted not ordering that instead--it was perfect. Our waitress was very friendly and it was clear she did her best to get us our food in a timely manner. All in all, the dinner was great and I will be back in the near future!
(5)Bryan W.
I wanted to give five stars, but there was one problem. first the good. the service is impeccable and the staff takes their job seriously. we even got a free tour after dinner. we were seated immediately and there was always someone available. second, the food and wine were spectacular, everything was spot on. now the bad. one person at our table ordered the fresh fish. it was overcooked, laughable overcooked. to the point it couldn't flake with a fork and needed a serrated knife to cut. she was too shy to say something, so she took it home and tossed it. if they can fix their fish issues, 5 stars easy. everyone had a great time.
(4)Lori M.
Great dinner!!. Stopped in for our anniversary and we're not disappointed. Both of us had shrimp cocktail; very spicy but very good. Husband had NY strip well done; delish. I had the ribeye slightly overcooked for medium rare but still very good. Best redskin mashed potatoes every. I Loved the caramel cake but hubby, not so much. Overall, excellent. We set the bar pretty high with this one. Ask for Lorenzo, he is great.
(5)Rob S.
The service at St. Elmo's was excellent from the reception crew to our waiter. Our seating in the basement dining area had an old school feel and was a nice departure from the busier upstairs dining areas. The food was very good, prepared just as asked, but from a critical standpoint closer to four stars than five in the sense that nothing in particular stood out in its preparation. I would, however, highly recommend St. Elmo's for a very good meal, an exceptional wine list, and friendly service if you are in Indianapolis.
(4)Stacey L.
Pretty hard to dress up steak. We ordered medium and got a bright red center (instead of medium). Shrimp cocktails are small and there's nothing going on with the naked exposed shrimp. Cocktail sauce is horseradish based. I have heard that spice level can be very inconsistent based on the night. I enjoyed my meal, but I don't need to go back. Better steak in Indy can be had at Eddie Merlot, Sullivan's, or Capital Grille (get the kona rub). A-plus service but the ambiance is lacking and the interior seems ready for a refurbishing.
(2)Nancy Q.
Came to this restaurant last year with my neighbors. We found friendly server, intimate ambience and tasty steak here. My Rib-by steak is roasted perfectly. We also order the dessert, so sweet for me, but it's okay. The waiter asked us to order the shrimp cocktail, but we didn't try that cause we had already got lots of dishes. People sit close to us ordered it, looks perfect. I will try that next time.
(5)Sara Y.
A friend from out of town wanted to meet up for dinner and drinks. At his request, we went to St. Elmo's. I am a native Hoosier, so I had heard all the hype. Apparently, the hype traveled as far south as Atlanta. The restaurant is precious. I felt like I stepped back in time -- the mahogany bar, the adorable waiters who I wanted to adopt as my grandpa. It was good. Really, really freakin' good. We weren't even at our table and I was a fan. Wine menu? Awesome. Y'all know the shrimp cocktail is amazing. Steaks were good. Not to die for, but everything else made up for it. We topped off a long, leisurely dinner with the raspberry cheesecake. It did not disappoint. The food is good, but I was far more impressed with the service and atmosphere. I felt like I was at home and could enjoy the fabulous conversation I was having without feeling like I was getting rushed out the door. If you're in town, splurge on a trip here. You deserve it!
(4)Bruce H.
Great Shrimp Cocktail, but things went down hill from there. Supposedly 48 day dry-aged bone-in prime steak was tough & butchered badly. The butcher cut through the bone in a way that made probably 30% of the strip inedible. The remaining part wasn't well seasoned, nor juicy / tender. For a "Steak-house" with only a few items on the menu, the steaks should be perfect. I've done a bunch of steakhouses (Vic & Anthony's in Houston, Mortons in probably 10 different cities, Palm in Dallas & L.A., Manny's, The Met in Seattle, Ruth's Chris in 10+ cities, John Howie, Spencers in a couple cities). All of them are much, much better. My dining companion said his filet was "OK", but not great. Fun to visit the famous place, but our experience didn't close close to matching the hype.
(2)Deborah H.
My husband and I went there for New Years Eve. The dinner rolls were very salty. I've never had rolls that were overly salty before. The navy bean soup was very good. I didn't care for my Caesar salad. My steak and red potatoes were excellent. I had a lemon drop martini and it was good but very strong. I probably wouldn't eat there again. I prefer Ruth Chris. The shrimp cocktail is soooooo good. The service was top notch.
(3)Barrett H.
Not much to write here that hasn't been said before. Ever been to one of those steakhouses that really knocks it out of the park and you leave saying, "that may have been the best steak I've ever had"? You'll do that here. The shrimp cocktail as the famous appetizer (and only app offered, in fact) was something I was curious about. I mean, it's shrimp and it's cocktail sauce... where can you really go with it? Well, what you can do is refine the process to the point of absolute mastery. They didn't reinvent the wheel, they just took it from the Flintstone's rock on a stick and took it to Goodyear levels.
(5)Nyota W.
You've heard it in every review- the shrimp cocktail is a must have, though you should be prepared for your sinuses to be completely cleared out and slightly burned during the process. Next stop- cocktails. We ordered one of the specialty drinks recently added to the menu. 3 at my table ordered the Russian Mule, it arrived in a cool copper cup, but that's where the fun ended. No one finished theirs and the waiter ended up removing them from the check, which totally made up for the taste that 1 friend compared to moth balls. The bread basket had interesting options including a cheesy cracker that I greatly appreciated. You also get the option of navy bean soup or tomato juice with any entree (kinda random). I say go for the soup. Anything with bacon added is great and well, I pretty much hate tomato juice so i'm definitely biased. I ordered a medium filet which arrived well done. I immediately sent it back- some steaks just lose everything once it's well done. The waiter was great and immediately replaced it. We also ordered the Mac and cheese for the table. This was ok, though it felt like lobster was simply sprinkled on the top. Overall the service, piece of Indy history ( I believe this place has been around since the early 1900s) and old school ambience helped tremendously in the rating area for me. However, this place may be a bit overrated in the food category. Its definitely not a bad place, so if I were back in Indy and wanted steak, I'd consider it, ...but definitely after Mo's, another popular steakhouse.
(3)Emily M.
The fillet I had was super burned (beyond charred), tough, and chewy. I've heard they have good shrimp cocktail, though.
(1)Justin M.
The food was good. The shrimp cocktail that everyone raves about was just too darn hot. It's like they think to be the best the sauce has to have more horseradish in it than any other restaurant. I think it takes away from the flavor and makes it hard to enjoy. The atmosphere was decent. It seemed like they try to pack too many people into the place and it makes it a bit too crowded for my taste.
(3)Travis U.
I had very high expectations of St. Elmo, given his strong reputation. Fortunately, he exceeded them handily. I really wanted to try the legendary shrimp cocktail--but wasn't crazy about A) spending $16 on a shrimp cocktail and B) 5 pieces of shrimp that big is essentially a full meal for me. Luckily, I went on a Sunday when they have an awesome dinner deal where you can get a smaller order of shrimp cocktail (or salad if you prefer), filet (or chicken or salmon), green beans, mashed potatoes and desert for only $35. This was right up my alley. The food was delicious. The shrimp cocktail lived up to its billing. I love horseradish and it's very hard to find it where every bite has the same, strong, consistent punch to it. St. Elmo has it in spades. The service was very attentive and friendly and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
(5)Jeff J.
Call me a steak snob, but typically I only order steaks that are dry-aged. St Elmos is not a dry-aged beef establishment, but the steak I ordered (Grilled Ribeye) was definitely one of the best steaks I've ever had. I ordered my steak medium rare and they were on the money. The emphasis is not just on the well balanced seasoning but its on the high quality of the beef. I also recommend the spicy shrimp cocktail which you can feel the kick of wasabi that will definitely clear your sinuses.
(5)AaronErin D.
Make a reservation in advance! This place is always packed!! Dinner was very good. My fiancé ordered the 8oz filet with mashed potatoes along with the lobster bisque. He loved all of it. I personally wasn't starving after drinking all day watching football so I ended up getting the tomato and onion salad which was very good and a loaded baked potato. Very friendly service, and we were able to be sat right away for our reservation. I honestly don't have much to say other than you won't be disappointed. Make sure you enjoy eating steak, the menu is very limited.
(5)Laurence K.
Starting at 2 stars for the lack of attention sat for 15 with no menu or drinks finally a server comes up and tosses 2 menus on table and walks away.. Wow that was totally unprofessional, so he comes back and asks if We want shrimp cocktails. My husband is allergic so I said no thanks he's scuffs with a huh and walks away .. Finally comes back we order salads and each have steaks both steaks were very good it's just too bad the server was lackadaisical . So 2 stars for attitude and service 4 for the food if I come back I will sit at the bar
(2)Jessica S.
Took my husband and grown sons to dinner here Sunday night for a birthday treat. Service was wonderful, ambiance is swanky but noise level was surprisingly high even in the back room where we were seated. Through most of the meal we had to raise our voices to carry on a conversation. Steaks were very good, king crab mac & cheese was superb. The biggest negative was the crying infant seated about 3 feet behind me. I can tolerate crying babies at Texas Roadhouse or Outback. But if I'm paying $100/person for a full meal and trying to enjoy a bottle of wine, I do not expect to be subjected to someone's screaming infant!
(3)James R.
St. Elmo's is a quintessential example of an old-school steakhouse. High ceilings, dark wood, white tablecloths, and warm lighting. Everything about this place is classic, and that's a good thing. I came here alone on a Tuesday evening with high expectations (and a reservation) while on a business trip. Many other people there were like me. No dress code was evident except for the waitstaff, who were not just dressed formally but were dressed well and formally. No one was slovenly, no spots, no dirt, and all the clothes were well-fitting. Very nice. So let's do a run down of the food. Onion roll and a flat-bread with fresh butter from the bread basket, shrimp cocktail, navy bean soup, loaded baked potato, and a New York strip medium rare. I had a club soda to drink and a double espresso with a twist of lemon after. The onion roll was wonderful, warm and stuffed with julienne onions and poppy seeds. I also tried a flat-bread which was both crispy and chewy. Both were delightful. The shrimp cocktail was next. 5 large shrimp in a special steel ice container, covered in horseradish-heavy cocktail sauce that, true to advertising, is very, very hot.. Unlike hot peppers, however, the strength does not linger beyond a few moments. To be honest, my shrimp were boiled a little too long and had too much chew. Still, on the whole it was good. My advice is to use the lemon wedge in your cocktail sauce -- it makes things a little more dynamic. Bean soup was ok. It had good texture and consistency, but it was almost too smokey. I suspect liquid smoke was added, which pains me. Hopefully I am wrong. Once we hit the main course, we are golden. The steak was about an inch and three-quarters thick, seared perfectly and medium-rare to a tee. The flavor was pure, juicy beef. This was a fantastic New York strip. The accompanying potato was loaded with sour cream, shredded cheddar, bacon bits and fine-cut chives. The potato flesh itself was tender but firm and backed just right. While initially is looks like there's too much topping for the amount of potato you have, it all worked out equal in the end. Wonderful. My double espresso was one of the best I've had. The lemon peel alongside was much appreciated. Service was friendly and attentive. They obviously care. St. Elmo's gets 4 stars, based mainly on the quality of the main course and potato. Personally, I would return to try the domestic lamb porterhouse as it is an unusual sight and the quality of domestic US lamb very good. They lose a star for the shrimp cocktail. I *love* shrimp cocktail, and theirs was good. However, if it is to be your signature item, you had better get it perfect. There's a little room for improvement.
(4)gary l.
This place is WAAAAAY overrated! Yea it is a cool spot with lots of history...but for these prices expect great food and this definitely is NOT great food. Steaks cooked to perfection but lacking flavor and definitely needed a steak knife as neither of ours was "prime beef" tender.
(2)James T.
Food = 5 (the famous shrimp cocktail is worth a try) Price = 4 (not cheap... but, what an experience) Experience = 4 (it's a little hard to get to... downtown is never that easy)
(4)Dennis E.
Great food and great service! I cut through my Filet like it was butter. Best steak of my life!
(5)David N.
Great service, very friendly staff, solid food, and believe it or not fairly kid friendly. Made reservations for dinner on short notice the other, and were seated right on time. Our server greeted us in seconds, and had water and bread to the table shortly after. Went the "Devour Downtown" route, and ordered the Shrimp Cocktail, Filet Mignon, and Bread Pudding. For $35 bucks, that's hard to beat. The wife and I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, but the sauce is not for the faint of hot. Their horseradish cocktail sauce pops, but definitely packs a spicy punch, just FYI. Our filets came out in a timely fashion. The temps were slightly off, my "medium rare" was alive and kicking, and my wife's medium was pretty red. Aside from that, they tasted great, and melted in your mouth. The desserts were fantastic. My co-diners and I all tried something different, and enjoyed every bit. The bread pudding was decadent, the cheesecake was worth of Eli's (if it wasn't Eli's already) and my wife's Creme Brulee definitely hit the spot. All in all, a very enjoyable albeit expensive experience, definitely worth future visits... Maybe just mom and dad next time!
(4)Kayla B.
overrated food, great history.
(3)Dan S.
I've been to St. Elmo twice now. I don't think I'll go back. My steak was cold. I don't understand the appeal of navy bean soup - why? The restaurant is overpriced for what you get. Honestly, you can go to any Outback steakhouse and get a much better steak cooked two different ways for much less money. I would give this restaurant a 1 star rating, but the staff is very attentive and the ambiance is interesting and different. Still, I am underwhelmed by the quality of the good. This steakhouse needs to get with the times and step up their game when it comes to serving excellent steaks. The food is not worth the money. The excellent service is. I feel bad for the staff here. They deserve better.
(2)Catherine A.
I had a salad and oooomg so amazing! Shrimp cocktail was good to but very spicy!
(5)Eric P.
Shrimp cocktail was superb but the steak was a disapointment. A steakhouse that charges $40 for a NY Strip should know how to cook a medium steak pink in the center, not red and raw. Service and dessert were great, but not likely to drop money here again.
(3)Scott R.
Great shrimp cocktail and the steaks were awesome, our waiter, Vlad put it all together for a great experience.
(5)Steve N.
I've eaten here two times. The steak was average. I got the porterhouse both times. The shrimp was good. I thought the place was over hyped.
(3)Meghan M.
I've given this place two shots before writing a review which is relatively generous for me. Encounter #1: Sat in the bar area, drank a few too many glasses of wine, ate an unbelievably overcooked filet (ordered rare, came out medium-well), and chatted with a very charming restaurant manager. I held off on visiting Yelp on this one since I figured the overcooked steak might be a fluke and figured I'd get back here eventually to see if we could make up for that. Encounter #2: Late for reservations at Harry and Izzy's for a client meeting, we were stuck without a table and needed another place. Everything was packed but St Elmo's had a table for us...Shocker! Service here is stellar. There's definitely no denying that. Shrimp cocktail is epic and there's a crack-looking-cheesy thing in the bread basket that you MUST try. Dinner comes with a choice of navy bean soup or tomato juice (I like the tomato juice better as the soup has bacon which I don't care for) as well as a side order (green beans are fantastic). My filet, again, was a good piece of meat but overcooked. I asked for "very rare" this time after my last experience but again, it was maybe medium at best. Wine list is impressive with an incredibly fantastic Malbec on the "by the glass" menu for just $10. This place is an Indianapolis landmark. Their service is stellar, The decor is simple and adequate. The food is extremely tasty. But gosh-darnit, please cook my steak right next time!
(3)Megan K.
Outstanding, absolutely outstanding. I wasn't expecting to find an exceptional steak house while on a business trip to Indianapolis after trying several average restaurants in the area. Being from Chicago, I've been incredibly spoiled when it comes to steak houses, so I went in with low expectations. We arrived 30 minutes before our reservation at 7:30 pm on a Wednesday and decided to grab a drink at the bar while we waited. I decided to go with a Manhattan, and it was mixed to perfection, not too sweet and had a nice balance of Whiskey and bitters. It was served in a martini glass which wasn't necessary, but it matched the atmosphere of the old school steak house perfectly. We were promptly seated at 7:30pm and knew that we had to order the infamous shrimp cocktail--err, make that two. After reading the reviews I knew that the shrimp cocktail would pack a spicy punch but I was blown away with my first bite. The cocktail/horseraddish combination was tasty but absolutely firey, bringing me to tears and thinking that my nasal cavities were about to collapse at any moment due to the inferno racing through. The spiciness grew with each bite, but I found that taking it in small bites and putting a fair amount of lemon juice over the top balanced it out. I nursed my five-shrimp shrimp cocktail for about thirty minutes, and had a love-hate relationship with it the entire time. For those who can't handle spice, consider yourself warned. While we were eating our shrimp cocktails, we were perusing the wine list which our waiter pointed out was the largest wine list in the midwest. It was impressive, and we went with a 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir to accompany the steaks. For those who are indecisive, I recommend just flipping through the book and picking a page and blindly picking a wine--you won't find any bad ones on this list. Now onto the important part: the steaks. I went with the bone-in filet mignon with a side of creamed asparagus and mushrooms. The filet mignon was cooked PERFECTLY, being more done along the boneless edge, and a rare warm deliciousness along the bone. I devoured the steak in a matter of minutes, picking the bone clean. As for the sides... these were some of the best that I've seen at a steak house. The creamed spinach was topped with handfuls of freshly grated parmesan and it reminded me of a spinach artichoke dip. The mushrooms were doused in butter and served with caramelized onions and I tasted a bit of balsamic. The sides were huge and we couldn't finish them between two people. As a side note, the entrees all come with bean soup or tomato juice and are served with a potato side, which was surprising as sides are rarely ever included. The bean soup was fantastic--it had large chunks of bacon in the broth and a great flavor. I can't comment on the potato sides as we both passed on them so we could fill up on the good stuff. The service was great, but I noticed the kitchen got a little backed up. Not a major issue though. I know that if I'm ever back to Indy, St. Elmo's will be at the top of my list.
(5)Sarah F.
My fiance took me here on my birthday JUST for the shrimp cocktail. How big of a deal could it be? It's just shrimp cocktail, right? It will change your life. Try it. And breathe better afterward. We only had drinks and the shrimp cocktail because we were on an Indy restaurant tour since I have yet to experience much of the city; however, I can't wait to go back and try some of the amazing things I saw coming out to the other tables. Service was fabulous. Drinks were mixed just right. Atmosphere was romantic. Shrimp cocktail makes you want to make it to your next birthday to experience it all over again.
(4)Deana B.
Best fillet ever. The hype is officially true. After living in Indy for 13 years I finally made it to St. Elmo. It was a wonderful meal. My husband had ribeye and I had fillet. Wonderful texture, wonderful flavor! We look forward to a return visit!
(5)Bethany C.
Living in California I crave the shrimp cocktail with the cocktail sauce and it makes me want to go back for it!!!!
(4)Bob L.
Lived up to the reputation , first class all the way , food, and service was phenomenal ...
(5)James M.
Good food, poor value. I went for the Devour Menu and they obviously dont want folks coming just for that, because they did everything they could to squeeze money out of me. Dinner took two hours just to serve some steak and dessert. I suspect 40 mins between courses is so you can order more over-priced drinks. Small portions, shrimp cocktail and filet mignon was v good. Just not the best bc of their strategy of screwing the customer. Food 4 Service 2 Value 1 Atmosphere 4
(2)Luke S.
Now this was a good steak. Done exactly as ordered. And the fries were good too. Didn't realize how large the place was inside. Really a bit of a circus. It's more of a train station atmosphere than anything else. We sat in the basement - which emanated a slightly musty odor. They have a thing for their shrimp cocktail. Apparently it's 'world famous'. I wasn't really in the mood for seafood, though, and it's Indianapolis, after all, not that there's an ocean close by.... They charge a hefty 15 bucks or so for the (from what I could tell, small) shrimp cocktail. The waiter added one to my bill, 'out of habit' I'm sure, but took it off when I pointed out I didn't have one. Steak, fries, green beans, and Pellegrino - 70 bucks. Don't remember if with or without tip.
(4)Leah R.
No match to a true New York steakhouse (Old Homestead, Peter Luger, Sparks, S&W, etc). Although the waiter had the abrasive attitude of a New York steakhouse waiter, without the quality of service. If you really want a steak while in Indy, choose Capital Grill or Morton's instead. At least you know what you're getting, they're friendly and the food's consistent.
(1)Mike L.
This review is based on only one visit. I was really, really impressed with so many things about this establishment. The entire wait staff was outstanding from the minute I walked into the door to the time I left. Our waiter was particularly outstanding, quite personable, and a waiter's waiter... i.e. a pro when it comes to food. Well I had a filet and green beans. The filet is as good at gets. The green beans I ordered only to be health conscious, and was not expecting much...but the beans were outstanding. Feeling good so I opted for the chocolate chip bread pudding. My goodness... I was in heaven. Not a cheap place, but did not expect this kind of food, service, and atmosphere to be cheap.
(5)Jon A.
"Cliches are cliches because they are strong." Who said that? I did, in the poetry collection you've never heard of or read (yet!). You might be thinking St Elmo is a bit of a cliche (the steak house every one knows about, that everyone seemingly loves, and, "oh!, oh! the cocktail sauce! You've just got to have the cocktail sauce!") Here's the deal: since 1902 we've had this place in our city, and the world knows about our city more because of this place. The better deal: for $30 I ordered their regularly $15 shrimp cocktail, their regularyly $30 filet and dessert I'd never order in the first place -- thanks to them joining Devour Downtown. Arriving an hour early, we bellied up to find a childhood friend tending bar, and that warmed me up immediately (considering I was cooled off by the flighty hosts and baffoonery of another guest who claimed, "what the F? You sat a guy in a Halloween costume the table we were suppose to be seated at?") After dealing with the hosts I'm not surprised... just an overall lack of coordination and consideration... like answering the phone twice when I'm standing right there ("for all you know I could be the personal court jester of Burma inquiring about the King's arrival). Just looking out for everyone else here... they should really just treat the guests in person all the same. While at the bar... we had the goat cheese bar menu app (deep friend inside of sweet peppadews); do it! Crazy, cozy & fun bar. I think I might be back pretty soon for the conversation & interesting folk that pony up for this place. I'm really glad I came with a stellar party of 9 (what up UYE-ers!) instead of being a pair, so i wasn't stuck in one of those walkway tables; instead we were seated in the wine cellar Director's Room. Yeah. With a chandelier that looked like it was from 1902. Spacious. Quiet. Flat Screen. Intense & Rich. The cocktail sauce is as strong as suspect. The shrimp wasn't skimpy... hallelujah! And nor were they light on the sauce, which calls to keep at the table to dabble into through dessert. The filet was what they said it was going to be (6-8 ozs), and I never order filets... but for the Devour menu... this was a treat. Mighty tender & mighty bloody at Medium Rare with a cool center -- real beef. Add onion rings to your steak order. Do it because... green beans, onion rings & a filet is exactly what a classy man or woman would do; and I bet you're classy. Strong, attentive service all night. I'm more proud of Indy now that I've experienced what many top flight travelers have experienced here...
(4)Celia T.
Shrimp Cocktail - you will love if you like horseradish in pure form (which I did) You get five large ones and they were fresh and tasty. Got the special Tomahawk Ribeye Steak. It was dry aged DELICOUSNESS! Good flavor, Tender and cooked well. I got medium rare so there was a good crust and the beef was tender delicousness. The navy bean soup was surprisingly delicious considering how much I hate beans. We also got the twin lobsters, now they were EXPENSIVE, but i gotta say PERFECTLY COOKED DELICOUSNESS! The sides we ordered were not stellar, and we got mash, fries and mushrooms. They were ok, I think everything else made up for it. There was no room for desert, and i only tasted the bread, which for me I passed on to save room for the main course. Good thing!
(5)Jessica I.
I'll get the only quibble out of the way right off the bat: The steaks are very good, but not great. They're cooked perfectly, but need more salt and are slightly bland. Dry aging would do wonders. That's the only reason I'm docking a star, and let me repeat: the steaks are very good. Now that I've gotten that bit of unpleasantness out of the way, let me begin to wistfully gush. Service, from door to bartender to perfect throwback waiter, was impeccable. The setting exudes old-school charm. The shrimp cocktail lives up to its reputation. The steak-centric wine list provides lots of options. I adored the tomato juice and navy bean soup options as starters. The sides were classic and perfectly executed. It all combined for a meal I won't soon forget. Honestly, considering that every second restaurant in downtown Indy seems to be a steakhouse, I'm willing to wager that you can get a better steak somewhere nearby. I cannot imagine any steakhouse delivering a better experience.
(4)Steve L.
Best NY Strip I've had, ever. I thought I'd found the mecca of steaks in Chicago, but St. Elmo wins by a country mile. Ordered the NY Strip done rare-minus. Got exactly that - with an excellent potato, to boot! Steak was full of warm, sweet juice, and was aged perfectly such that it was just chewy enough to remind me that I should take time to enjoy a truly premium steak. Believe everything anyone's said about the shrimp cocktail. A good fifteen seconds of violence ensued after taking my first bite of enormous, succulent shrimp. Despite the pain, the sauce was actually so good that we ended up finishing it using forks, then finally our fingers. I don't care much about atmosphere, but if I did, this place has it. High ceilings, near-fawning waitstaff with good heads on their shoulders, and an overall air that stakes a claim as best meat establishment in the United States.
(5)MJ W.
Food: 5 Stars Ambiance: 5 Stars Service: 5 Starts Noise: Energetic I've lived in Indianapolis for most of my life and I can't believe I have never been here. St. Elmo's Steakhouse is a downtown Indianapolis Gem. I really liked the little details. The hostesses wear classy dresses that are unique and their own. The servers were in tuxedos. There are famous people who have dined here on the walls. The classic old Indy city pictures are a great piece of history. The Shrimp cocktail is so good, but be warned it is so hot, it will make you cry. But it is so great, you want to go back for more! The asiago cheese is light and crispy and by far the best item in the bread bowl. The navy bean soup is very good and not at all salty. I had the 10 oz filet. They cook on the rare side, so I suggest medium. The beef was prime and very high quality. I loved every bite! I'll be back for more.
(5)Miguel S.
It's always fun to take people here that know nothing about this place, and shock them with the shrimp cocktail. It really is fabulous with all of it's insanely spicy horseradish cocktail sauce greatness. Steaks are fantastic, too. Service is excellent. Wine list extensive. I like eating in the bar area which is probably too bustling for many, but some of the tables & rooms in the back are nice too. An Indy institution!
(5)Joshua V.
This is a restaurant that had plenty of character, pictures, and one of the best steaks I've ever had. One thing to note is that it's been here for 108 years and is listed as one of the best steakhouses in the Delta Air magazine. The food was great and the service even better. The atmosphere reminded me of Carnegie Deli in NYC, ie there's a lot of history to it. These steaks are a touch on the spendy side, but well worth it. If you go there make sure you get the shrimp cocktail and a steak. I vote for getting the steak Medium Plus.
(5)Ray W.
Shrimp cocktail cleared my sinuses, steak was good, very loud and crowded but fun
(3)Kim R.
It's worth a visit. Only visited once while at school (and I only visited to see what the hype was about), but it was worth a look. It won't be cheap, but it was good.
(4)Kristin M.
Amazing service, amazing atmosphere, incredible food. Wine list was great and generously poured. Shrimp cocktail is NOT to be missed, it will bring tears to your eyes it's so hot. But it hurts so good. Had the filet and huge baked potato... cooked to perfection and a true example of perfect Indy fare. I was reluctant to try this place every time I've been to Indy just because I thought it was a tourist trap - I'm sorry I waited so long! I'll absolutely be back... every time I'm in the area.
(5)Ed Z.
A group of us came here for our friend's bachelor party dinner. Our server was nice, and the folks who ordered the shrimp cocktail remarked that it was the highlight of the meal. I'm not terribly impressed by an overabundance of horseradish, but I don't like shrimp so I passed. The bean soup was very meh. The french fries were lackluster. My steak was fine but forgettable. At no point did I look down at it and go "Wow, this is definitely worth $45!". The seating was very cramped and I got the feeling that we were eating in someone's living room. In a nutshell, you'll get better food and a less cramped dining experience a few blocks away at Fogo Da Chao. And you'll save a lot of money.
(2)Ryan G.
St. Elmo's is bar-none the best steak place in Indianapolis. I've been there quite a few times and I always find the service and food to be excellent. The waiters are very accomodating and extraordinarily professional. Obviously, the famous shrimp cocktail is worth it if you're into spicy food. Otherwise, avoid it as the spice is powerful enough to clear your sinuses. The steaks are fantastic, as are the sides. I would recommend the mashed potatoes, as they are always creamy and tasty. Lastly, the wine list is extensive and you can even take a tour of the wine cellar to pick out your bottle. All in all, i've always had a fantastic experience with this establishment and would recommend to anyone looking for a high-class steak dinner.
(5)Will E.
Great food, snooty waiters. Also, we were seated at a table that had food dropped on the floor and a dirty napkin. Once we pointed it out, the napkin was taken away, but the food on the floor was left all dinner.
(4)Ryan L.
A buddy and I landed a 10:30 PM reservation this week and were really looking forward to the experience....it definitely exceeded expectations. It's been 13 years since I've been to this steakhouse and have to say it's pretty impressive the impression I was left with back then is the same I left with...EXCEPTIONAL!! First, the bone-in Cowboy was perfect...great taste, cooked perfectly rare. Of course, we had to have the world famous shrimp cocktail. There's nothing like it! The staff was absolutely wonderful. It's impressive to have multiple folks coming to the table and all being on the same page. Definitely one of my best experiences at a top notch steakhouse!!
(5)JR J.
Probably the best restaurant in town. The steaks are amazing and the shrimp cocktail is legendary. I love the service all of the waiters in tuxedos and always on top of their game. The best steak I have had is the bone in filet. Amazing flavor and always prepared perfectly. If you live in or near Indianapolis you need to take a trip to St. Elmos for a great steak and a great night.
(5)K E.
Shrimp Cocktail: A++++++++ Steak: A Ask to take the Wine cellar tour.
(5)Al V.
Great steak and service. Need to get this on my rotation! Don't let the wall of suits scare you off when you walk into the bar. Tourists welcome. Maybe not kids though. Kind of tight.
(5)Willie S.
OK - independence is great. The shrimp cocktail is iconic. The bean soup or tomato juice choice is unique. But please learn to cook my steak - I am not picky and I like pretty rare meat (on a medium rare scale) but I have had to send steaks back for being too rare. Have never had to do this anywhere else. Not on my go to list. Would love to give a higher rating.
(3)Stacey K.
I was told by several people that St. Elmo's was a must. The shrimp cocktail got rave reviews. The shrimp cocktail was delicious, but needs a spice warning, the horseradish in the first bite cleared my sinuses. We got the Sunday special, which included the cocktail, choice of entree and dessert for $30. It was a good deal, the steak was cooked perfectly, but after the shrimp cocktail the rest of the food was well done, but didn't wow me. The dessert was a bit disappointing. The raspberry sauce on the cheesecake seemed like it was from a can. But the staff was courteous and moved the food out. No long waits, even during Final Four weekend.
(3)Andrew S.
Great steaks. Very good service. My wife and I went there for dinner the night of our wedding.
(5)Christine M.
First time to Indy and yelp did not steer me wrong! Got prime rib and mac and cheese, it was amazing!
(5)mick v.
I was pleasantly surprised to be seated promptly for my reservation time through a sea of waiting guests. Nice. Our server Thule was a consummate pro - knowledgeable, experienced, and able to work a several levels (wine steward, butcher, funny guy). The bread was a treat in itself, various bakery specialties like a fresh baked kaiser with onion inside - wow. The shrimp cocktail lived up to the reputation, great. We did steakhouse classics... Wedge salads, bone in filet and ribeye. Both wet aged and dry aged were excellent. The wine list is exceptional. The creme brule was properly delicate, a sign of an experienced kitchen. There were no criticisms or annoyances with the entire experience. Highest marks this time.
(5)Mia M.
The service was great, my steak was delicious, the shrimp cocktail is everything that everyone says it is... but what was with serving Campbell's Bean with Bacon Soup and trying to pass it off as something gourmet?
(4)D. R.
Enjoyable place in the downtown area of Indy. Shrimp Cocktail rocks, and the steaks are fine enough....but I must say that the bar puts our one hell of a Makers Manhattan on the rocks.
(4)FeastyKat E.
Filet mignon was WORTH IT.
(5)Mark L.
Shrimp appetizer was spicy as promised. Steak was fabulous (I had filet med rare) and bean soup was tasty. Yes pricey but felt very authentic. Worth it as a treat.
(4)Douglas K.
Shaking Payton Manning's hand is pretty cool - I got to do just that at St. Elmo's. St Elmo's isn't your typical posh steak house... if you want pretentious waiting staff, quiet surroundings, and no one to say hello - this isn't your place. If you want a packed bar, a shrimp cocktail with ground horseradish that could vacate the most clogged of sinuses and a great steak - this is your place. This is what Indiana is about! I read some other reviews of folks from outside Indiana and they just don't get it. St. Elmo's is a hoosier trademark, with hoosier followings. If you want your average 5-star steak house where you can brag about how much you get paid - take it down the road. Leave this treasure for the folks who appreciate it, the Hoosiers!
(5)Joe S.
Get the shrimp and cocktail sauce. Nuff said! A must have steak whenever you have the opportunity!
(5)Rick K.
Fantastic cut of porterhouse, navy bean soup was delicious, and you have to get the shrimp cocktail. If you are in Indianapolis this place is a must!
(5)Cam B.
Loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bean soup was just so-so...the bread basket was great!!!....Ribeye was munch...Went the day after Ocho Cinco came. Waiter was funny and great...Erik.
(5)Allison A.
Definitely worth a visit, even if only for a shrimp cocktail! When a friend found out I was coming to Indianapolis, she told me that I had to come to St Elmo for a shrimp cocktail. I wondered what could be so great, but definitely understood once I tried it... or at least my sinuses did! This stuff is like breathing fire through your nose. They use fresh ground horseradish, so while the spicy doesn't hang around in your mouth, it makes your eyes water and your nose BURN. It hurts so good. I would recommend going on a Sunday evening for the Sunday Dinner. It's a 3-course pre fixe for $30-$40 depending on your entree. For $40 I was able to get a 3-piece shrimp cocktail, filet with green beans and mashed taters, and creme brulee. While the portions per course of the Sunday dinner might be smaller that ordering a la carte, my boyfriend and I found it to be the perfect amount of food. It was a great deal. Lastly, and the real stand out for me, was the service. There were so many waiters and busboys assigned to the room where we happened to be seated, my water glass was never more than half empty before someone was coming to fill it up. Our waiter had also been working at St Elmo for 13 years, which to me goes to show what kind of establishment it is. So if you're in Indianapolis, be sure to try the shrimp "fire" cocktail at St Elmo!
(4)Bill W.
St. Elmo's was great. The service was a little slower than normal but food was really good. Have to have the Shrimp Coctail.
(4)Kila O.
Shrimp cocktail lived up to the hype. Cleaned my passages right out. Pricey though. In fact the whole meal was dripping with up charges for tasty additions. It was good but not the meal of my life that the bill seemed to imply.
(3)Craig M.
Amazing shrimp cocktail. The cocktail sauce is addictively spicy. Might want to start getting your shrimp wild caught from the gulf. Filet was cooked perfectly just could have used a little more seasoning.
(4)Karena M.
Not what I expected! We had horrible service (party of 8 and our bill was over 1K, waitress still looked at us as trash) had to send back an over cooked steak. Lobster tail on my surf and turf was rubber. My filet was cooked nicely though, and the size of the steaks were impressive. Tender and flavorful when they actually get it right. Won't be going back though, and won't recommend it to my friends. I've had more professional service at Applebee's.
(3)Nancy K.
Okay, I know everyone RAVES about this place, and perhaps I'm a food snob, but I was underwhelmed. The shrimp cocktail was as advertised - tear inducing. But does that do anything to enhance the flavor? Or is the point just to make you cry? I had the dry aged Kansas City cut. It was, again, okay. Not as moist or flavorful as I'd imagined. Side dish of crab mac and cheese was good, but not great. The cocktail was great, the service was great, but I was certainly glad someone else was footing the bill. I'll give it another shot before I completely dismiss it.
(2)Fakke N.
The food is overpriced. It's listed as one of the best restaurants in Indy, but I've had far better food elsewhere. The tables are crammed together and it's loud. We had a reservation for 6pm, but we had to wait an hour and half anyway... There are plenty of other places to eat in Indy that have more to offer. Save your money.
(2)Mia C.
I read reviews and got a recommendation from Indy coworkers to stop at St. Elmo Steak House. It's insanely overrated. The service was good and our waiter was nice. It's worth having the shrimp cocktail once just to say you've had it. It does not make you cry as seen on reviews but it is potent. The lobster bisque was tasty, filled with chunks of lobster. The steaks were ok, nothing outstanding. Luckily I am on company time and dime.
(2)Kathie C.
I was expecting fantastic food. I was not expecting the prices. Ultimately the price to fantastic ratio fell way short. The waiter didn't give us the daily specials to start with so we ordered off the menu. The only reason we knew that there were specials is because the table next to us with a different waiter offered them. The bean soup that I started with was thick, flavorful and delicious. The ridiculously large portion of prime rib (which was the only one available) was a total disappointment. Not a lot of flavor, lots of fat to carve around and most distasteful to me was carving around the stringy tough stuff. I have had prime rib for half the price elsewhere that melted in my mouth with minimal carving -- this was not even close. The prime rib came with garlic green beans which were very good. My husband got the filet mignon and like someone else said here, it was not very flavorful and he ended up dipping it in my prime rib au jus. I don't get what the rave about this place is. I'm not cheap but I want to feel like it was worth the money I spent. Not so much.
(2)Amanda R.
If you want a classy steak joint, I recommend Ruth's Chris instead. The service here is pretty poor both at the lounge (bar tenders refusing to look at you and taking 20 minutes to cash you out) and the table (weird guy who picked out dessert for us and then charged us for it!). I think Ruth's Chris has better steaks, and better service, and an overall classier vibe. Don't waste your time at St. Elmo. If you want a nice unique Indianapolis restaurant, go to Black Market, Libertine, or Recess instead.
(2)Scott H.
I picked St. Elmo Steak House to celebrate our son's college graduation. I am not from the area, so searched Yelp for a steak house and all signs pointed to St. Elmo Steak House. First let me start off with the only negative thing that happened. My reservation was at 9:00 PM for a party of 8, but our party was not seated until almost 9:40. Of course I was not too happy with this, and I voiced my concern several times. I understand they can't control how long people eat, but I do not feel enough was done to seat us. Now to the good: Our table was well taken care of, and we were given free shrimp cocktails that were out of this world. Every bite of our food was outstanding. From the steak, to the shrimp, OUTSTANDING FOOD!
(4)Matthew P.
This is hands down one of the best steakhouses I have ever been to. I have had some of the most memorable steaks of my life here. They always seem to have a special aged steak option that is, well orgasmic...not kidding I've had to clean my shorts a couple times after this place. Before you even get to the steak, there is the most amazing shrimp cocktail ever. No joke, if you haven't had this, stop reading this and go right now. If you love history, this place is a must see. It has been in Indy for over 100 years! Fair warning: I would not suggest this place for a quiet, romantic dinner as it can be quite busy and loud.
(5)V B.
Have you ever walked into a steak house wearing a tie only to have the staff cut it off? These steak places typically are not expensive, but once you slice down the middle of my brand new tie this has now become an expensive night out. The safe alternative is to hedge your bet and just head to a high dollar steakhouse. St Elmo came highly recommended by 24 friends. All 24 told me that I will not find a better dead cow grilled on an open flame than right here. They were right, the cuts of steak were about as spot on as you will find. St Elmo's makes it easy, no need to struggle between the Australian Wagyu grass fed filet or the ribeye from a small ranch in Uruguay. Your only decision is if you want your cut "boneless" or "bone in". My advice, get the "bone in" filet mignon. It's a cut of beef that you rarely see on any menu and is as tender as any filet but with the flavor of a ribeye. Why only four stars? Number one, four stars is an excellent rating so there is no need to feel like they failed. But we did have to wait for nearly an hour to be sat and felt rushed out at the end of our dinner. Granted, it was a busy time in Indy and what is considered normal can be tossed out the window. I get that, but to be made to wait for an hour and sat at 9:30 and then shown the door was kind of a let down. If I am ever back in town (and I will be soon), I will make a return visit. I'll just be sure to book an earlier table.
(4)Boon K.
Hello Shrimp Cocktail, am I going to remember you forever. It was huge, perfectly cooked and wow what the cocktail sauce surprising. The Horseradish is super fresh and super strong, and it totally puts wasabi to shame. The cocktail sauces even goes great will their soups too. I love it and I didn't want to share. The Filet mignon was so perfectly cooked and it might be the best steak I had that didn't need anything to go with it. The crust was super crispy and the inside was so tender. It just melt in my mouth and this is person that does usually finish an 8 oz steak but I did this time.
(5)Les G.
My favorite steakhouse in the world so far, and I've been to every state in the lower 48. St Elmos is classy, the food is great, but this isn't a snobbish place and the environment is comfortable. Wear shirt and slacks, a jersey or whatever, they will treat you the same which makes this a very cool place. You have to try the shrimp cocktail, and the King Crab Mac 'n Cheese.
(5)G R.
Ordered Cowboy cut medium rare it was served bloody rare and had to be sent back. Creamed spinach had far too much sauce - it was more like cream with a little spinach. While the shrimp was good its not exceptional - there is nothing particularly inspired about adding a lot of fresh horseradish to cocktail sauce -although, as promised it certainly packs heat. The other diners at my table ordered the filet and lamp chop - again good but not outstanding. Service was attentive and friendly. Bottom line is its a long standing historic restaurant but the food is overpriced and lacks the culinary creativity and crispness I expect at this price point.
(3)Beth C.
Fellow vegetarians do not fret, you CAN eat here! I was worried about this but when dining with four carnivores who were dying to dig in here I had to go with the flow. My dad had been requesting St. Elmo's gift cards for all holidays that behooved of him and finally decided it was time to cash in on a decent meal even though "your Mom makes the best steak I have ever had!"...wink wink. My mom, dad, sister, and boyfriend all opted for he Devour menu and all had the shrimp cocktail appetizer and filet with mashed potatoes and green beans. Everyone acted like he filet was the best they had ever consumed. Though I did not have the infamous shrimp cocktail, each piece looked big and juicy and was quickly devoured not long after it arrived at the table. I had a basily-pesto angel hair linguine with artichokes, tomatoes, and asparagus. It was absolutely delicious and probably one of the better pasta dishes I have ever had. It is not on the menu but if you mention you are a vegetarian they will offer you this dish. It's $25. You also get a basket of bread...divine! They make the flatbread in house and it is a cheesy delight. You also get some rolls stuffed with onions in some type of sauce/glaze. Quite a treat. Everyone got dessert with the Devour menu and I didn't want to be left out so I opted for the Blue and White Bread Pudding with vanilla ice cream. It was the largest piece of bread pudding I have ever been served. Had everyone not gotten a dessert, this would have easily satisfied all five of us. I also tried the chocolate cherry bread pudding and the creme brulee, which I wasn't crazy about. Bread pudding is a definite must if you leave room for dessert! Loved the old school, low light ambiance but it seemed really loud. I was having a hard time hearing our waiter even when he was standing right next to me. Overall a great experience! I know it was a hit if my sister is still texting me four days later asking if I "remember when we ate that delicious meal at St. Elmo and I ate half of everyone's dessert?!"
(4)Jenny K.
Oh St. Elmo's Steak House...you were the very first restaurant everyone raved about when I first moved to Indianapolis. You were also the very first restaurant I wanted to go to before I ever moved outta the state. Finally in 2012 (I know this review is totally dated) around August I went! I remember clearly going on a Sunday early evening to try their Sunday dinner special. The decor was very old world and all the waiters were dressed with bow ties and looked very professional. The dinner special is a great deal costing only $35/person, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to try. Since I am allergic to shrimp, I ordered the house salad instead. The waiter brought out what they called a house salad - a couple pieces of iceberg lettuce, carrot, and croutons. It was so sad looking that I knew this experience was head down hill. I know they are known for their shrimp cocktail sauce, but come on now don't have this sad little plate represent your restaurant if you can't even make a salad! For the entree, I ordered the filet (how can you go wrong with a filet?)! Once I received the filet, it looked like a little piece of burnt tar on my plate. I picked at it and pretty much left 60% of the meat on my plate because it was so bad. For dessert, I ordered the cheesecake. I don't remember much from it, so I guess it means it wasn't very memorable. After spending close to $50/person here, I'm never coming back and have concluded this place as a tourist trap. Very disappointing and definitely not worth the money or drive downtown. I will definitely post pictures of my sad little meal soon.
(1)Ryan M.
Had one of the best steak dinners I've ever eaten here, and one that was just really good. The shrimp cocktail is a fun novelty thing, but a bit overrated in my opinion. It will knock the taste out of any wine or appetizer you're having otherwise. Though I did try a Starmont Cabernet that nearly held its own against the famous cocktail sauce. Every course is well done and tasty. They know how to apply the seasoning at St. Elmo's, whether on the bread, greens, or navy bean soup. Navy bean soup is recommended with the beans very light, blending well with the soup. Servings are generous - I actually think you get a good bang for the buck. The blue cheese sauce on the chopped steak was incredibly creamy, delicious. Both steaks I've had here were cooked a bit over medium (even ordered medium rare), which was surprising. However it is great quality beef that comes out very soft, with edges perfectly well done for my taste. Having tried the peppery pork chop, it's not as good as steak, but well cooked with crispy cooked edges. Also, from having tasted some of the other carnivore dishes, I wouldn't recommend anything other than steak if you're here anyways. The old time steak house vibe is pretty well preserved at St. Elmo's. It's a classic feel with nothing overdone (except perhaps our waitress on my second visit). Overall the service is superb especially for a more intimate group. Be prepared to wait a long time without reservations.
(5)Evan T.
Yes, it is a $$$ range restaurant if you eat a steak and drink water. Otherwise, you're going to spend at least $60. The sirloin wasn't the best I've had in town. The waiters were very professional but a little pushy with their suggestions. "We're out of the chopped steak tonight, sir. Would you like to try the 12oz filet?" I'm sure that works most of the time considering their clientele.
(4)Jeff B.
Wow!! I'm really starting to see why folks go to really good steakhouses. They are truly a cut above the rest. We, of course, had to try the shrimp cocktail. We each had our own. There are five jumbo shrimp covered in a sauce that will make you cry. It is spicy, but oh so tasty. For the meal, I had a bone-in fillet medium rare. It was cooked perfectly and tasted pretty good. The loaded baked potato was perfect. I had the creme brulee for dessert and a 20 year old port. Perfect meal and wonderful service. We had a great bottle of Muscato and ordered a second. The second bottle had gone bad (tasted like it was corked). No problem for the service staff - this is when I switched to the port. Very good meal and great service.
(5)Tom D.
I've enjoyed hundreds of dining establishments across the U.S. and this just might be "The Best". And that's a BIG claim! Suffice to say - if your in Indy and you want a steakhouse experience, this 113 year old jewel is in a class by itself. How many 113 year old restaurants do you know of that are still packed every night? Don't miss it...and thanks Candace you were a great server!
(5)Jorge S.
Great shrimp appetizer, nice meal, excellent service and wonderful ambience. A must if you are in Indy.
(5)Daniel O.
When I visit a city the first thing I want to do is try the best restaurants. Well, I've seen Elmo's listed in airline magazines and have heard about the Payton Manning stories, so we were visiting Indy for the 500 and decided to try it. I wouldn't consider myself a real foodie, but I know food, cook regularly, and have been fortunate to travel many places and countries experiencing different foods and restaurants. This place was a total disappoint. Reservations were well managed and staff was extremely friendly, but the food was nothing better than your local Outback or even worse. Sure, like many have said, the shrimp cocktail was good but nothing unique or noteworthy. My steak was overcooked and my baked potato was mostly cold but cooked through. The veggie sides we ordered were less attractive than frozen from your local market. I wouldn't have appreciated this meal at any price much less the overpriced bill I was forced to pay. I can only assume this place has had better days and it now only surviving on yesterday's news.
(1)Marc A.
Food was OK, not great. Service was very poor. Server tried to remember orders and failed miserably.
(2)Jeremy D.
A friend and I visited Indianapolis recently and found this restaurant listed online as one of the "top rated" restaurants in the downtown area. So we decided to give it a try. We were greeted very warmly by the hostess and taken to a back dining room that was very intimate but had the feel of an old-fashioned parlor. Our server was very polite and helpful, offering us the specials and also suggestions on our dinner. The first suggestion was the house's famous shrimp cocktail. I had read reviews that said this would be the best shrimp cocktail that I had ever eaten, and I was not disappointed. Our server warned us that the cocktail sauce was not for the faint of heart. He wasn't kidding either! There was so much horseradish in the sauce that it brought tears to my eyes with every bite. But it was absolutely delicious. The shrimp were perfectly cooked. Just a note though: the shrimp are served coated in the sauce, but it was a fantasticly unique service! Each meal is served with your choice of tomato juice or navy bean soup. I thought this was a bit of an odd offering, but I opted for the soup. It was delicious as well. It was creamy and full of flavor, and I loved the hint of bacon in the background. It was a "cup" size portion so it was not overwhelming. I opted not to have a salad and instead went directly to the main course...the steak. This restaurant takes a very purist approach to their steaks. They use very little seasoning and prefer to use excellent cuts of meat and grill it to perfection. I chose the porterhouse steak. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare and was very tender. I typically prefer a rub or a sauce on my steak, but I will say that this steak was excellent quality, had the slightest hint of seasoning, was perfectly cooked. All-in-all it was was a very filling meal but was also very satisfying. I will definitely eat here again.
(4)Ben B.
About as old school as a place can be. Very cool ambiance. Segregated into different rooms so a bit more quiet than a huge dining room. Must make a reservation.... Ours was at 4:45 which still took us until 7:00 to finish. The shrimp cocktail is pretty famous. Just be careful. The stuff that looks like chopped up seafood on top of the cocktail is actually a horseradish concoction that will clean out your sinuses in an instant! With your meal you get either a cup of navy bean soup or a cup of tomato juice. Strange options but I guess it goes back to the original owner. The soup was very good! Everyone at my table had steak.... Not many other options here. Everyone was more than satisfied. One guy I was with (who is from NY) said it was the best steak he's ever had. The waiters were very knowledgeable of the menu and wine selections. Water glass was never empty. Overall, expensive place but you get all you pay for. Enjoyed it and would go back next time I'm in town.
(4)Whitnie E.
I was pleasantly surprised by my visit here. I had heard really great reviews, and then some not so great reviews, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I started off with a glass of Coppola Zinfandel, which was superb. When we were seated at our table (a group of 14 people, and service was still excellent, which is saying a lot), everyone ordered a shrimp cocktail. Holy moly, was this stuff addicting. It was so intense and full of horseradish heat, yet so so good, I couldn't stop punishing myself. I definitely cleared out my sinuses that night. I followed up with a filet and loaded baked potato, and chose the navy bean soup instead of the tomato juice. The navy bean soup was quite good, although quite filling. I was a bit sad when my juicy, delicious, melt in your mouth filet came and I was able to finish it all due to that darn soup. I would definitely order that filet again, medium rare, and enjoy every single bite. My side loaded baked potato was exactly what you want from an order like that, over the top and indulgent and so good. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and a lot of wine, and we had a very enjoyable meal. The service was excellent, and I would highly recommend this Indy landmark to anyone who has out of town company coming in.
(4)Kate B.
St. Elmo's never disappoints. Very kind and attentive staff, delicious food, reasonable wine selection and a solid beer list. My husband and I sat in the bar and really enjoyed the laid back feel in a nice steak house setting.
(5)S S.
Always a great meal. Bone in filet was incredible! Had au gratin potatoes as well. Shrimp cocktail always a favorite.
(5)AV G.
Excellent. Hosted a work dinner for 5--got excellent service at prime time during a convention. Very, very fairly priced, extensive wine list. Food was as good as any of the SteakHouse ledgends. Good service. Just what i needed, without getting killed on cost. Good Job St Elmos!
(4)Shawn B.
One of the places you HAVE to go to if you visit Indianpolis. The famous shrimp cocktail is not for the faint-of-heart but the food and service are impeccable.
(5)Katherine K.
Me and a group of teachers were in town for a conference and decided to try St. Elmo's for a nice dinner since it was recommended. Steve was our waiter (and oddly he was also our waiter the previous day at Pattachou on the Park) and was AMAZING. He knew we needed seperate checks and took extra care in making sure there were no errors. He was attentive and exceptionally friendly to our group of 8. The food was great: I had fish and everyone else had a steak/chicken with assorted sides. I thought the prices were reasonable for the type of restaurant St. Elmo's is. I would definitely recommend this place if you want a great steak dinner and are willing to pay the appropriate price in downtown Indianapolis! Side note: some of us DID try the shrimp cocktail however, it is truly for someone who loves horseradish and wants to clear out their sinuses.
(4)Mandy H.
So this is where everyone is hiding in Indianapolis!? Came here on a business visit to the city with a coworker after hearing rave reviews of the shrimp cocktail on both yelp and "Best Thing I Ever Ate". I'm not going to lie, I wasn't sure what all the fuss was about a shrimp cocktail. However, I was happily surprised with the cocktail sauce. It was perfectly horseradish-ed bringing tears to my eyes with every bite while simultaneously ridding my sinuses of any seasonal allergies. It definitely is pricy for an appetizer $16 for 5 shrimp or $19 for 1 extra to split evenly between two people. Judging by the fact that the shrimp cocktail is their sole appetizer, it was worth keeping it on the menu. I had the 8 ounce filet mignon which comes with navy bean soup, which was acceptable, especially with a nice sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Navy bean has never been my favorite soup, but I did eat a decent amount, keeping in mind my delicious filet which was on it's way to my table minutes later. The filet was perfectly cooked and the double scoop of mashed potatoes were perfectly fluffy redskinned potatoes mixed with creamy milk and cheddar cheese. I was in no way capable of eating all the food that I was given, but it was a very satisfying meal.The service was phenomenal and our waiter was really forthcoming with any questions we had about the menu. If I ever find myself in Indianapolis again, I would definitely stop in to St. Elmo's.
(5)Hunger E.
NOTORIETY: Best Thing I Ever Ate (Shrimp cocktail) FOOD: Shrimp cocktail: This was tasty. Spicy, but tasty. You can't help but cry since it goes up your nose. The cocktail sauce was made up of something like horseradish/wasabi. When you put that plump & tender shrimp in you mouth, it starts out sweet, then becomes bitter, then it burns. OVERALL: St. Elmo's is a bit pricey but does serve tasty food, esp. the shrimp cocktail. The filet minon that I got was also good. I'd def. comeback, esp for the shrimp cocktail. RECOMMENDATION: Shrimp cocktail TIPS: 1. Mak a reservation, it gets busy at night.
(4)Sean A.
I wanted to take my significant other out for a nice dinner on Friday night and I said, pick somewhere you've always wanted to go but haven't been to yet, so he chose St Elmo's. Now I do still find it funny being that we were both born and raised and have continued to live within 50 miles of Indianapolis but have yet to ever make it down to St. Elmo's. We decided to use OpenTable for reservations at 8 PM and got to the restaurant about 7:15 in hopes of hitting the bar for a cocktail. I walked up and asked the bartender for his recommendation of a great scotch. He was quite thorough in his return questioning of whether I wanted single malt, very peaty, not peaty, etc. You have to respect a bartender who know's his drinks after all so I went with his recommendation of a very fine Macallan on the rocks. Before I could even get my second sip in our table was ready for us at about 7:35. Once we sat down and met our waiter we ordered our first round of drinks and an appetizer. We then dove right into the very delicious bread and soon after their famous Shrimp Cocktail which by the way was mind-blowingly good thanks to the signature horseradish sauce (I highly recommend it!). After a little bit of conversation our first course arrived. He ordered a glass of tomato juice and I had a very tasty cup of Navy Bean Soup. I could have lived without the little carrot squares but that's just because I'm a picky eater. We finished those off just shy of our main course arriving which was an absolute sight to see! He ordered the massive Prime Rib which garnered some laughter from our neighboring table as we proceeded to gawk and take a picture of it. I personally ordered the Filet Mignon with a baked potato. Now let me set this up for you so you can understand how amazing these steaks are. I'm honestly and generally not a big fan of steaks. I haven't ordered a steak from a restaurant since Sizzler shut down in Indianapolis back in the 90s when I was a teenager (and I'm now in my early 30s). I've just always favored chicken and fish over beef.In saying that, St. Elmo's Yellowfin Tuna Sashimi was first my first choice, but I figured being at a world-renowned steakhouse I should give steaks a try again. The first bite of that Filet Mignon was about the equivalent of a first kiss or graduation or [insert any other life-changing positive moment]. It was like falling in love for the first time. The steak was so juicy, tender, and flavorful I was almost overwhelmed! Just thinking about it my mouth is actually watering. The potato was pretty great too, I couldn't tell what they did differently with the bacon but it was certainly tastier than any bacon I've ever had. The only thing I could possibly complain about from my dinner date was the steak was a little too red/bloody towards the middle (I ordered it medium-well) but after a few adult beverages I was easily able to overcome that. Next time I know to just order it well done. Again, I highly recommend St. Elmo Steak House, not that they need my recommendation since the restaurant has a long-standing history of excellence. It can be a little expensive but honestly it's really worth it.
(5)Ed V.
Steak so so good. Horseradish tasty..nose hair burney.
(5)B W.
Well we went for our traditional annual visit and the shrimp cocktail was excellent, but the steaks were OK, fair meat, one of our party sent back their rib-eye since it had to much fat and gristle. Service was good though, but not the place we have to come enjoy over the years.
(3)Penny G.
We had the shrimp cocktail to start and it was very heavy on the horseradish. We substituted the navy bean soup for our choice of lobster bisque. It was creamy and full of lobster chunks. Could have made a whole meal on that!! For entree I had the Alaskan halibut which was the catch of the day. Very mild fish prepared with a tomato purée on top, served over a bed of ribboned veggies. The service here is some of the best we have ever experienced at any restaurant. Reservations are a must unless you don't mind a long line.
(5)Andrea P.
Excellent service! The shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque and the surf & turf were all amazing. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Indy!
(5)Gerald H.
Great atmosphere! Good food and excellent service. I went here for the steak. It's USDA Choice not Prime and wet aged not dry aged. It's pretty good. The seating is typical of an old fashioned steak house so intimate dining is difficult. To get to the main dining area one would need to navigate through the bar. Dress is pretty casual here with folks wearing t-shirts and jeans. I would definitely come back here again.
(4)Patton C.
Wow. Terrible steaks. I haven't seen this consistently poor quality of food at any restaurant let alone one that has had great quality in the past. We did have great wine and good service Never did get a steak good enough to eat Other choices much better in Indianapolis. Don't be fooled to try this place
(1)Francie G.
The shrimp cocktail was delicious and the ribeye and dry aged New York steak were both amazing. Our server, Kirk was by far the best server we have ever had. We never had to wait or want for anything. The peach and blueberry pie... There are no words. Pricey.... Yes, but well worth every penny.
(5)Michele H.
My Anniversary was soooo amazing! My husband had mad reservations and from entry of restaurant to getting to table it was totally a "its your night and we are going to make it fabulous" The shrimp cocktail "Wow" , my Lemon drop Martini, was on spot and delicious! The steak was just sinful! Thanks and we will be back.
(5)Bob S.
We had steak and chicken tonight. Extraordinarily good ribeye. The famous shrimp cocktail was very good but not nearly as hot & spicy as I expected from other comments posted. I would return but it's a long way from Oregon for dinner.
(5)Gayle L.
St Elmo was an excellent experience. The shrimp cocktail was everything I heard about and the filet was fantastic. Being from Montana we are pretty spoiled regarding steaks but all I can say is wow!
(5)Jennifer S.
Awesome atmosphere, great service, great food!
(5)Nicole K.
I came here with my boyfriend for our 2.5 year anniversary. I made reservations a week in advance. The place is absolutely beautiful and we ate dinner in their wine cellar. The shrimp cocktail is delicious but very spicy. It's worth the money. We both had filet with asparagus, sautéed mushrooms and green beans and I had mashed potatoes. The mash is SO good and the meat was cooked to the perfect temperature. The place is very quiet and our waiter was amazing. So helpful. It was expensive but we both think it was definitely worth the money and we were really happy with our meals. Will come back again for sure.
(5)Israfiel M.
Was in Indianapolis this past weekend for the Colts game and I knew this place was a must go to. Unfortunately I wasn't too hungry, but decided to get the shrimp cocktail (mandatory) and a petite filet (plus fries). Both of the dishes were AWESOME! The shrimp is as spicy as advertised and the filet was soft and the crab/asparagus on the top were perfect as well. I am hoping next trip I make, I have a bigger appetite to try one of their steaks. The fries were perfectly crisp and I believe they were seasoned with sea salt. I must say the service was amazing. The bartender, Chuck, was very friendly and helpful when I had questions about the menu. In addition, when I needed refills he was always available. I loved the ambiance of the place and everything about it. Will definitely be returning here when I come back to Indy.
(5)Nick O.
Rated as one of the best Steak Houses in the country. Have never once been disapointed. You will be impressed!
(5)John W.
We happened upon St Elmo's Steak House while attending the 2015 Final Four. It was packed but we found a seat at the bar in the upstairs lounge. Turned out to be a great meal and experience. The shrimp cocktail is one of the best I have had; very hot and great taste. The steak was cooked to perfection. The pita, cheese, flatbread was very good, as well as the beer. But, the best surprise was the Nob Creek Single Barrel made just for St Elmo's - best bourbon that has crossed our lips. It is worth the trip!
(5)Steve I.
I must say that the food and service were exquisite! I really can't find the words to adequately express the awesomeness.
(5)Meredith S.
My mouth has been salivating for years, thinking about the time I'll finally experience St. Elmo's in all its glory. Well folks, that happened last night. It was everything I'd ever dreamed of and more! Much better than gazing in the front window during Super Bowl XLVI and taking pictures of Jon Hamm... but that's another story for another day. This story is about a delicious dinner that began with a French 75 cocktail and fresh baked bread and ended with a leftover box full of food. Yes, that cocktail was yummy. I love gin & tonics, but thought I would do something a little different - it was good, refreshing, light. Perfect for my taste in cocktails. Also, the fresh baked bread.. the one filled with onions and some sort of seed... woah. That was delish. Of course, we ordered a shrimp cocktail and I'm not lying but my mouth is seriously watering just thinking about it. That cocktail/horseradish sauce. OMG YUMZ. So good. I could've just kept eating that all night. For my entree, I ordered the chopped steak which was served with blue cheese and carmelized onions and I also had a baked potato with chives. The chopped steak was, no lie, as bit as my head. I only ate 1/4 of it so I"m going to be having some delicious lunches and dinners this week! The baked potato was yummy as well. I love when they put salt on the skin.. and they did this and twas much appreciated. The atmosphere was just as great as the food. With the dark wood interior, you just feel like you've been transported into a different time. Our waiter was also exceptional. Didn't rush us through the meal and always made sure we had water and cocktails refilled. Still. My mouth is watering about that shrimp cocktail. That's enough to keep me coming back over and over.
(5)Penny L.
Hands-down this is the most over-rated restaurant in Indianapolis. From beginning to end, we had a terrible experience. I gave it 2 stars ONLY due to the steak, which was indeed delicious. Unfortunately from the minute we arrived, ugh.... There is a horrible bar/waiting area that we had to jockey our way around for half an hour, even though we had a reservation. Once we were seated, our server quickly determined we weren't worth his time, as we look like a young group. (We are not & are all in the service industry.) The shrimp cocktail is good but come on, you're a fine dining establishment & you bring me crackers still wrapped in plastic? I expect that from the diner by my house. And I love horseradish but calm it down - it is just too much. The steak was great but I had to ask my server to even speak to me about wine. I ended up asking for his suggestion & was served the lowest end Pinot, which was OK but again - I'm sure he judged me as young & cheap. When I followed that up with an old-fashioned, I was served an almost CLEAR drink with jarred cherries in it. Disgusting, wrong & watered-down. What a disappointment! The waiters here are used to their percentage tip that they are going to get, regardless of their service standards. This was the third time I'd dined here because I like to give people a chance. But even with a decent steak & nice-sized shrimp, I won't spend my hard-earned tip money here again.
(2)Mike M.
It's just Indy's classic restaurant that could hold it's own against any similar establishment anywhere in the world. You already know that you gotta try the shrimp cocktail, so do that.
(5)Jemmie W.
This place is an Indianapolis institution. The service is impeccable. The food is very good but, honestly, other places in Indy have better steaks for one simple reason: Most of the steaks here are USDA Choice and not Prime. If you don't eat steak a lot and have never had Prime before, you probably can't tell the difference between Choice and Prime. But if you are in this category, you probably are not in St. Elmo's. If you eat steak a lot and have had Prime before, you can taste the difference. USDA Prime has a lot more marbling and is more tender and juicy. This is obviously a first world problem. And if St Elmo's had prime, prices would be even higher. Still, it's a little unnerving to bite down on a $45+ steak and find out it's more chewy than a $15 USDA Prime ribeye I can buy from CostCo. The shrimp cocktail is very good. The shrimp is nothing special but the sauce has lots of fresh horse radish and will clear your sinuses.
(4)Stacy O.
In town for a conference and one of my favorite vendors offered to take me here for dinner. How could I say no? It's a staple of Indianapolis. It was surprisingly crowded on a Monday evening and despite having a reservation, we waited for our table. No worries, though, because the waiting area is located next to the bar, where they had several good beers on tap including local favorites from Sun King. I had the ribeye for dinner, which turned out to be an excellent choice. It was cooked perfectly and was very well seasoned. It's served with your choice of navy bean soup or tomato juice; I opted for the tomato juice. They have a variety of potato choices for a side -- and truthfully, I don't even remember what I picked because I was so focused on the steak in front of me. In total, a great experience. It's a little touristy/kitschy, but it was a fun night out.
(4)Luisanna R.
I am adjusting my review however I think it's important to leave the old one too. I have adjusted the number of stars I gave them too. So I received a really nice apology from the manager and he invited me to return to the restaurant. I had some friends come in from out of town and they really wanted to go so I thought this would make a great opportunity. I had made a reservation for 8 and I arrived early. Most places will ask you to wait to be seated until most of your party arrives. That was not the case here everyone was very welcoming and they let me sit down to wait for my party. The wait staff was very attentive and this time around all of our steaks looked appropriately cooked. My filet was a perfect Medium Rare and I was super pleased with everything I ate as was the rest of the table. We did not have to wait on drink refills and everything was almost perfect. At the end of the meal the waiter dropped some A1 sauce on one of our party however he was super apologetic and he brought over some soda water lemon and towels for her. We also had a manager over right away to try to rectify the problem. This was the type of service I would expect from a restaurant with St. Elmo's reputation. Next time I will not hesitate to recommend St. Elmo's to a visiting guest. OLD REVIEW: I hate writing bad reviews however the one time I came here our steaks were all cooked incorrectly. I mean by that we all ordered a different temp steak and when they came out they all looked the same. I also ordered the bread pudding which came out cold, not room temp but cold. Also we ordered a bottle of wine and except for the first pour the waiter never came back to complete bottle service. It just left a very sour taste in my mouth and I will never go back to St. Elmo's. The reason I gave them 2 stars is because they do carry the most AMAZING cocktail sauce for their shrimp cocktail athough you can get this at Harry and Izzy's and I will go there every time to get it.
(4)Brittany L.
It's refreshing to find a restaurant with such a straight-forward menu of high-quality food. I didn't have to get out my phone to Google one single word! Solid choice for pre-prom dinners, as no one will be confused or feel awkward. There are only 4 pieces of easily-identified silverware and others are brought with their respective courses if needed. Service was absolutely fantastic. Our server was great throughout the entire meal and used dishes were removed quickly by our server, a busboy, or one of the other members of the waitstaff. We came here kinda for our birthdays-ish, but mostly just because I'd never been and really wanted to have "THE Indianapolis steak house experience." We each had a filet mignon because...really...why would you take a chance on any other cut when this one is always perfect? Both steaks were perfect in every way. Tender, properly cooked to medium as requested, flavorful and lightly seasoned...just enough to bring out the flavor of the meat. On Sundays all year long, they offer the $40 "Devour" special, so I had that. It's not that we're cheap, it's that I'm incapable of eating more than 6 oz. of beef...and I wanted dessert! The Devour special is a choice of salad or 3-shrimp cocktail, choice of 3 entrees served with green beans and redskin mashed potatoes, and a choice of dessert (chocolate cake, creme brulee, or cheesecake). I talked about how good everything was throughout the meal...because I love food and this was all awesome. The steak was everything a filet should be. The potatoes probably had the proper ratio of butter:cream:potatoes because were heaven. The garlicy-buttery green beans were cooked exactly right...not mushy, not so crisp you can't gracefully fold them to get them into your mouth. The rolls and parmesan crisps were warm, fresh, delightful...maybe too delightful because I ate 2 rolls and 3 crisps. For my starter I had 3 shrimp...no sauce, no lemons, because I really like shrimp and don't want to ruin them by covering up the flavor. He had the 8 oz. filet off the regular menu, which comes with navy bean and ham soup (or tomato juice) and choice of potato. I tasted a bite of soup and a fresh-cut fry and both were great. His steak was perfect too, and also $40 for the meal. I don't understand how this somehow got the reputation of being the priciest restaurant in the city. Here, for $40, you get an entree, a starter, and a side...even off the regular menu. At many other places $40 gets you a plate of meat, sad and all alone. Our dessert was a delicious slice of chocolate cake. The cake part was fantastic but I thought the frosting could've been richer and less sweet. Personal opinion though. I drank a bourbon-lemon cocktail ($11) and he had a Sun King Wee Mac and an Arcadia Ales Witsun...both draft. My drink was great too...tasted nice and bourbon-y, not cloyingly sweet, and I'll be honest...I felt a little buzz. I can picture Ron Swanson eating here, admiring the photos of models, athletes, actresses, race cars, race horses, and other manly pursuits. If you are looking for innovation, you will be sorely disappointed by this institution, as it seems not much has changed in the past few decades. There is king crab mac and cheese available for $16.95...which sounds about right for a girl to order and eat at the bar alone with her bourbon cocktail. I'll be back.
(4)Ken M.
On my Mt. Rushmore of USA steakhouses. Everyone says it... Shrimp Cocktail is best in USA... seems like it to me. Spicy! Definitely the best way to end a day at Indy 500 or a Colts game, but whenever we swing through Indy for meetings we always try to make a quick trip over to St. Elmo's.
(5)Adam B.
The shrimp cocktail is awesome, but otherwise my opinion is that the restaurant is generally overpriced for what you get. I had the ribeye at almost $40 and I bet I could have cooked something tastier at home. The menu is very limited as well. If you really want the shrimp cocktail, go to Harry & Izzys. They have the same shrimp cocktail, and a much better menu.
(3)Cherise B.
Had the most amazing meal with the outstanding server Andy! This place is a terrific dining experience.
(5)Apple S.
Went to St. Elmo's Steak House for a New Year's Eve dinner with my coworkers since it was close to our hotel which was Downtown Marriott. Great atmosphere, great food, and great service. I ordered the chopped steak with red mashed potatoes. The rest of my guests ordered a 40 oz steak, lobster mac and cheese, asparagus, and we all shared as everything was family sized portion. The plus point is that we got seating right away despite the New Years. My boss made reservations 1 year prior to dining here so I guess we just got lucky. Next time I'm in town, I would most definitely come back.
(4)Amanda W.
Enjoyed a great date night in the more causal lounge upstairs. Great food and excellent service. It's always a treat when the staff are interactive and less robotic. The sliders were as always fabulous. Next trip I'm trying the shrimp cocktail that's apparently to die for.
(4)Jason B.
We just stopped in to try the famous shrimp cocktail and to relax with a drink. We didn't stay for dinner but the shrimp was excellent. Fresh and tasty and covered in the hottest cocktail sauce you'll ever eat! It is great if you are a horseradish lover but be careful if you get a good chuck - it will open up you nostrils for sure! They also have an extensive upmarket scotch list with some great selections.
(5)James N.
We were told it was the best steak in USA. I would agree it was a wonderful experience. I would rank it in the Top 10 of places I have been. Went there after the Pacers win. It is a short walk from the Field House. The server: Jordan was excellent. Ambiance was good as we were stationed on the lower level. The Lobster Bisque was the best I have had- normally you have to search for lobster but the chunks were overflowing. The homemade shrimp cocktail sauce was great. The filet sliced like butter. Only downside is that my Medium Rare was more of a Rare. Also the highly ranked Lobster Mac and Cheese was not that great.
(4)Frank M.
Just ok. I think I just didn't get the food. I wasn't impressed at all. The shrimp cocktail is worth ping back for but that's because the cocktail sauce was awesome. Other than that, I could leave it. I would go back to try it again and hope it was better but just didn't get the hype. The atmosphere is awesome though.
(3)Colleen D.
So incredibly good. Our table ordered the shrimp cocktail and although I'm not a huge shrimp fan - it was really good! You have to like things hoy/spicy! I then got the petite filet and baked potato. The filet was like butter. The service is very good / they are very busy. Last time we came in at sat at the bar. Bartender was very nice and attentive. It is a very classic/classy place.
(5)Anthony R.
St. Elmo's is a must-visit when you're in Indianapolis. I used to visit the city every year for GenCon, and a friend and I would always stop here the first night. St. Elmo's is over 100 years old and is a traditional steak house. The decor all looks early to mid-20th century, the wait staff are real waiters, not just "servers," and we've never had less than superb service. The martinis are excellent, the shrimp cocktail the best I've ever had (horseradish lovers rejoice), and the steaks are dry-aged perfection. They'll of course prepare them the way you want, but, if you have it done more than medium-rare, turn in your beef-lover's card. The New York Strip is my favorite cut. I've also had the pork chops, which are great. Sure, it's pricey, but, if you're traveling, why not treat yourself? I can't wait to go back.
(5)Anthony G.
A "must-do" in Indy. Great old (independent) steakhouse. Standard steakhouse atmo, the waiters are all ancient dudes in tuxes. The bar is really noisy. The food was really good. You have to have the shrimp cocktail, it's their signature dish. That's due to freshly-made cocktail sauce containing a LOAD of fresh-ground horseradish. Sinus-clearing, and delicious. I had a 12-ounce filet, perfectly cooked. Very tender and tasty, and it's not drowning in Ruth Chris butter. I'll be back next time I'm in Indy. Recommended!
(4)Dana M.
Came to St. Elmo's for Devour Downtown. Excellent service and menu. The shrimp cocktail (as so many others have said) will blow your mind. I literally felt a stinging heat go through my sinuses when I ate it. Pain is beauty! It was worth it. The mashed potatoes were some of the best I've ever had. The lower rating is for an average steak. I had the filet mignon. Don't get me wrong; it was a beautiful cut of meat that was cooked perfectly to medium rare. But I didn't feel like it had a lot of flavor or seasoning. I still would go back and recommend others to try it, but it's not my favorite place for actual steak.
(3)Mike S.
This review was from a visit in December. Service was awesome. Our server was very attentive and could carry a conversation when we engaged him. Shrimp cocktail was great, since they are known for it. Kind of odd to be the only appetizer. I ordered the bone in Filet, medium, and it was delicious. But, I would shudder to think what a medium rare or rare steak looks like. Mine was red, cool to the touch. I ate it, but would have enjoyed it more if it was actually medium. This was an issue with all three of our steaks. The only problem we had with the dinner was our seating and the atmosphere. We were one of the first people in the restaurant at 4:30, since we were headed to a Pacers game. We had a reservation and we were seated in the basement, almost as far back as you could go. Very odd, since we walked by the whole restaurant to get there. I'm sure they have their reasons, but it felt like we were whisked away to an unseen portion of the restaurant. It started to fill up as we sat there and the noise level grew. For a high end steakhouse, I thought too high. The worst part of the experience was the air circulation. At various times throughout the meal, the air conditioning seemed to kick in bringing a cold breeze (it was 20 outside) and an overpowering smell of a backed up drain. Since we were on a time schedule, we didn't request a change, but as we sat there, we were just waiting for the air to kick off every time it came on. Overall, the meal was good. I think our experience might not be typical.
(3)Cher P.
We had dinner at St Elmo's tonight to celebrate my birthday. Though the food was good we had a horrible experience because the room was so noisy we could hardly talk to each other. Added to this was a large loud obnoxious group of people next to us. Instead of relaxing over dinner and dessert we had them pack up our food and we got out of there. I realize this is a touchy situation for a restaurant but these people were disturbing everyone in the room, something should have been done.
(1)David I.
My wife and I just ate here for our anniversary and I have to say while the service is still excellent, but the food didn't seem as good as the last time I was here. My wife had a petite filet mignon and she enjoyed it. I had the bone-in filet mignon and while very flavorful, it was also very fatty. And while fat=flavor, there is a point where there is too much fat. I will eat here again but I will lower my expectations a little. And I still recommend that you do NOT order the shrimp cocktail. It's not worth burning your tastebuds before you eat the steaks.
(3)Moistnchewie L.
If you've had and/or like Maestros / Flemings / Ruth Chris before, you'll want to pass on St. Elmo and save your money for a better tasting slab of meat. The shrimp cocktail was memorable, but the steak was just myeh. I can appreciate the history / tradition of the restaurant but don't quite understand why this place was so packed on a weekday! Ordered a rib eye, medium rare and tried the filet, medium rare as well. The meat wasn't that tender nor tasty (it tasted like a cut you could get at Outback for a fraction of the price). The bill came out to $160ish for 2 people which included 2 cocktails, apps, entrees, and a dessert.
(1)Lauren H.
In a word: Overrated. I finally tried St. Elmo's, after living in Indy for 2 years, during Devour Downtown... and was sadly disappointed. The only upside was, I didn't pay full price for the experience! The "world famous" shrimp cocktail was slight torture, I literally had to dip them in water to wash the firey horseradish sauce off... note to self- order on the side in future. And I am not a wimp, looking at other diners everyone had tears in their eyes during this course- why? I longingly observed those eating the house salad. Move on to the main course, the steak was excellent, but it takes more than a great steak to impress. The potatoes tasted like wallpaper paste, thick and pasty & the green beans tasted like fish. Both my boyfriend and I had our plates cleared with the steak gone and most of the potatoes/beans remaining. The desert was decent enough, I had the creme brulee and he had the cheesecake with raspberry sauce. He claimed the creme brulee was too eggy and the cheesecake tasted still frozen... I had definitely had better. Now, the ambiance, the main experience- a main reason I go out to eat. We entered the restaurant, checked in with the main hostess after waiting in line, only to be directed to wait in line to check out coats (which was a disorganized mess), only to go wait in line again to see the hostess that would seat us... and this is all when he HAD a reservation! We wind through confusing hallways and pass multiple different dining rooms to finally be seated at our table. And the first thing I spot is a dirty bread plate... Gross! After being seating we were introduced to our awkward and stuffy waiter they always have at the fancy restaurants. The tables were so close together, I was thankful we sat down at 6pm before the dinner rush. Well by the main course, the table next to us arrived. Some "usuals" and the waiter chatted them up all throughout the time it took to eat my steak. The tables were so close, his butt was in our faces the whole time during said conversation. I moved the candle on the table to avoid his coat getting burned. Excuse me sir, you're in my bubble. I prefer a little more space while dining. The table was so far apart from my significant other, we either had to awkwardly side sit (no thanks) or sit across from each other and yell to speak! All in all, glad we experienced it but definitely will not go back. Even with the devour downtown deal, our bill was well over $100- we can have an enjoyable meal at Texas Roadhouse for $40!
(2)Jonathan M.
Based on the reviews and the recommendation by our waiter, had to try the Shrimp Cocktail - awesome. Great kick to it and full of flavor. For the main dish had the rib-eye special, while my cut had quite a bit of fat on it, the flavor of the meat itself was amazing and cooked perfectly (medium rare). Our party ended the night sharing a slice of chocolate cake...good thing we did. The slice is huge, rich, and dense. Great service, easy to make reservations through Open Table.
(4)Keith K.
Place is a absolute joke. If you enjoy tasteless filet, cold potatoes, a shot glass of tomato juice all for the ridiculous price of $45 go for it. The shrimp cocktail is good, nothing special. How loading on horseradish on top of cocktail sauce makes it fantastic is beyond me. Once was enough for me. Btw being seated in a corner were my view was a waiter station kinda summed the experience up.
(1)Chris C.
There are two reasons to go to St Elmo's - Steak and the shrimp cocktail. Now, when I first heard of this restaurant, I knew I had to check it out. After all, how often do you get to go to one of the countries best steak houses? When I arrived I found a seat at the bar (if you read more of my reviews you may find this is a trend. It's not that I prefer the bar, but when you're dining alone, it's probably the best way to go), and the gentleman next to me told me to get the shrimp cocktail. Who am I to disagree? The shrimp were great, and the cocktail sauce had a good kick to it. I just wish the spicy flavor would stick around for longer. Maybe I'm a bit spoiled, because when I finally got the steak, I didn't think it was worth the hype. I can cook a better steak at home (although I do have to get a dry-aged cut from Ottomanelli's), so to pay $50 for it I felt a bit ripped off. Now, I'm not saying you won't get a good steak here. But, for the price, you could probably do better.
(3)Gerald S.
Something very special about this place. All about steak, however the shrimp cocktail is the best I've had anywhere - but only because the sauce is the best. (think lots of horseradish) It will light you up. Great service and setting in a historical tradition.
(5)Anthony K.
Excellent steaks, nice wine list and a very old school flare. Be sure to try the famous shrimp cocktail, be prepared it'll bite back.
(5)Patrick W.
Great steak restaurant traditional in downtown. Must have the shrimp cocktail. Special dinner menu a great way to sample the fair if you're not in for the big steak.
(4)T. J. K.
Two words: Shrimp Cocktail. That and whatever hunk of meat turns your fancy.
(4)Erni M.
Must experience
(4)E.C. W.
The food is alright, nothing special in my book, waaaaaaaayyyyy over priced for what it is.
(2)Linda C.
Shrimp cocktails are spicy and wonderful!! Filet was like cutting through butter but slightly tasteless and room temperature. Mac and cheese with crab was not very good. Quite bland. The service was fantastic and the place was rocking!
(4)Carli L.
For the price we paid, it was not worth it. I attended this restaurant moments after getting engaged right out front. The entire wait staff really killed the mood as they were really rude and seemed to have no time for us. The food was only OK. I really can't believe how over-rated this place is. Although I am from out of town, I won't be visiting again or recommending it to anyone.
(2)Bryan W.
Atmosphere was noisy and crowded, minus one star. I went on a weekday evening around 6pm. Food was great. I had the filet and took the local recommended sugar cream pie for dessert; both out of this world! I would definitely return.
(4)Jason R.
One of the oldest steak houses in the country established in 1903. The wait staff was really friendly and attentive all though our guy had a little bit of the shakes which had me on edge when he was pouring me my wine. The shrimp cocktail was well worth the price but definitely scrape the cocktail sauce off them first and then dip because it is very spicy and can be a little bit to much. The wine selection was good but our waiter was pulling reviews of it out of his ass when I asked him what he thought of it before I ordered. Not very knowledgeable of the wines. The steaks were perfectly cooked and seasoned which kept it at a 4 review. It is definitely a stop to take in Indianapolis but I would not put it anywhere near my top 25 in the country like I have seen it in a few places like buzzfeed
(4)Michael M.
The service in this restaurant was very good. They were attentive and courteous especially on a very busy evening. The food was above average, but it wasn't very hot when it came out to the table which was disappointing. The flavor and quality of the Filet was excellent and it was cooked just as we requested. The highlight of the meal was the shrimp appetizer. It comes with a dipping sauce that knocks your socks off (like a heavy dose of horseradish) for about three seconds and then you completely recover. We also tried the calamari which came with an Asian type dipping sauce - it was good. Overall pretty good experience, but definitely more of a casual steak house than your typical high brow place and I think that's what they want to be. Prices were fair considering their location and the style of restaurant.
(3)R. L. W.
So grabbed a reservation for yesterday, a Friday night, as there was nothing available on Saturday. Nice, darker surroundings and you just feel like this restaurant has been around awhile. It has, like 1908 or something close to that. We started with the shrimp cocktail, the only appetizer they offer, and it was top notch with very large and fresh shrimp. Warning on their cocktail sauce. It is unlike any cocktail sauce you've ever had before. Loaded with horseradish it literally clears out your sinuses but I like very spiced dishes so no issue on my part. Second was a wedge salad which was also very good and served like a traditional, steakhouse wedge. All of us ordered the filets, one an 8 oz. and the other a 12 oz.. The 8 oz was cooked to Medium perfection but the 12 oz, ordered well, was more medium than my other diners would have preferred. Still enjoyable but not quite as enjoyable as it could be. Sides of Baked potatoes and green beans accompanied the meat. The baked potato was a monster, slathered in salt, and was fully loaded and just right. The green beans were flavorful but nothing out of the ordinary. Service was top notch and not overly intrusive. Our waiter seemed to have a knack for showing up at just the right time. A little overpriced by today's restaurant standards but worth a splurge I would say.
(4)Mrs S.
The steaks are excellent and if you go the shrimp cocktail is a must have, best I've ever eaten. The wait staff could be friendlier and more attentive. But the food is exceptional.
(4)Alison B.
Classic steakhouse fare, well executed for the most part. This is a huge sprawling space (with a seemingly endless warren of rooms) with expensive high quality steaks, but happily they are large enough to share. We thought that everything needed a bit more seasoning at the table though, from the ribeye itself to the sinfully rich au gratin potatoes which managed to come off a bit bland despite the copious cream and cheese layers. Wine list is massive and varied, with the cheapest bottles starting at close to $50 and skyrocketing to more than $1300. Average seemed to be in the $80-$100 range. Service was adequate and reasonably skilled, but not warm or memorable in any way.
(3)Angel B.
I LOVE this place. Old school feel, i don't even like manhattans, but was compelled to order one just because of the atmosphere. The asparagus was on point, and the steaks were fabulous.
(5)Austin K.
I love the steak and shrimp cocktail. They also have amazing soups and sides (mashed potatoes, lobster mac and cheese). It's obviously very pricy, but it's probably my favorite place to eat in Indianapolis!
(5)jacob b.
OK. This place is understandably iconic as far as Indianapolis eateries go. It's decor hits 88mph with the flux capacitor blazing as you enter. A complete package of nostalgia to the late 30's. Steak, staff and wine selection are all 5 stars...but what prevents this chap from clicking that 5th star/perfect rating: The Shrimp Cocktail. It is famous for reasons beyond my comprehension. The waitress practically already had it ordered before I mentioned it, as she probably usually does. It is terrible! It is an injection of horseradish directly into your mouth that hits all 5 senses with it's blast radius. Maybe it is a matter of personal preference, but unless you want to expunge a number of fluids from your nose, eyes and sweat glands into a white linen napkin.....SKIP IT! Otherwise....this wise guy eatery embodies all the old world steakhouse values one looks for, but imitators so often miss these days as the copies of the copies have skewed too far from the original.
(4)Lisa M.
You can't beat the filet or the history at St Elmo. The service is top notch, the food isn't fancy but it is incredible, and of course the famous shrimp cocktail is worth the trip all on it's own. I take all my out of town friends here to kick off their Indy experience because it sets the tone perfectly. Great cocktails, and the crispy cheese bread pieces in the bread basket are a little bonus goodness but worth the mention.
(5)Ryan M.
In Indianapolis its hard to do much better. This is the place for steak. I LOVE the shrimp cocktail!!
(5)Kevin M.
Top tier restaurant in Indy. Known for the shrimp cocktail, but also does a good job on the grill. Great location and atmosphere.
(5)Michael B.
Came here to celebrate a birthday for my third visit to St. Elmo. Once again had a great dining experience. The atmosphere is right up my alley - old school steakhouse vibe and decor with a very attentive staff that makes the meal feel more important than your usual night out. The service was extremely good the first time I was here, but neither waiter since that initial visit has neared the high bar set by our first server. Sometimes it seems the larger parties overwhelm the staff and get the bulk of the attention relative to smaller parties or couples. The food has been consistently excellent every time. The shrimp cocktail is an awesome experience - a unique taste that will catch you off guard and have you thinking about it the next day. Definitely worth ordering every time. Each entree also comes with a choice of navy bean soup or tomato juice (which seems kind of odd) - I went with the tomato juice and it was an interesting side to sip on during the shrimp along with a nice Malbec. I went with the New York strip and the steak was extremely well prepared. It was exactly how I ordered it (medium rare), juicy, and seasoned the perfect amount - not overwhelming but perfectly complementing the natural flavor of the cut. Every bite justified the steep price for me. My fiancee ordered the Sunday special (mini shrimp cocktail/small cut of filet/dessert for $35 if I remember right - a solid deal) so I shared some of her raspberry cheesecake which was also quite good. Overall a great steak dinner in a good environment. Would give it 4.5 stars, but rounded down slightly this time because the service was a little sub par for St. Elmo standards this time - rather ho hum throughout the entire meal. We had to prompt him to tell us about the Sunday special and the experience there was very transactional - which is fine most places , but I'd expect a little more here.
(4)Bill G.
A fine Indy tradition and a special occasion type of place. Never disappointed here. Had the 8 oz filet last night and it was perfect. Of course, you have to get the shrimp cocktail. And a fabulous wine list. $6000 bottle of wine? Yeah they have that but we had a spectacular $60 Cabernet. Topped off the meal by splitting the best cheesecake I've ever had. And the service is amazing. I hate those places with the "you're not good enough to eat here" snooty waiters. This isn't one of those places. The wait staff is wonderful and really adds to the experience. Great place that lives up to the hype!
(5)Erin D.
The steaks here are amazingly yummy! The shrimp cocktail is awesome too! Be careful though, the cocktail sauce has some major kick to it! Service is excellent too! Every Sunday they have the Devour Downtown menu :)
(5)Brittany C.
First off, shrimp cocktail...5 stars! The sauce will light you up but it's such a good burn and the shrimp are HUGE! That is obviously my favorite part of my St Elmos experience and why I continue to go back. For me, a steak is a steak for the most part. I recognize the difference between an Outback Steak House steak vs a St Elmos (it's better) but I don't enjoy steak enough to pay the extra dough so that's why the three stars from me. Service is always great as well. If you are a steak lovers, great steak but I don't think it's anything special compared to the other high end steak houses. It's the shrimp cocktail that sets them apart!
(3)Angie B.
I think there was way too much hype over this restaurant. I'm sure a lot of it comes from the fact that it's been around Indy for a very long time, which is great, but it just wasn't as great as I expected. The service was wonderful. Everyone wished us a happy anniversary and the server recommended a great bottle of wine. However, I was very disappointed in the steak. I have definitely had better. Save your money and go somewhere else.
(2)Brooke M.
A great experience. I love the steak and throw back atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is a must try.
(5)Dani D.
I wanted to love it, but it's insanely overrated. I like Ruth's Chris MUCH better (although not the one we have in Indy). It's worth having the shrimp cocktail once just to say you've had it, but as a steak lover, I'm bummed that was the highlight of my visit.
(2)Jolanda B.
Great expereince
(4)Adam C.
REALLY overrated. People rave and rave about this place.... why? We may never know! So they have some cocktail sauce thats really spicy... that's about it. Save yourself and go to Morton's or Ruth's Chris.
(3)Lesley S.
Sweet juicy goodness popping in your mouth. You know those commercials on TV. Searing steak that pops in your mouth with a dash of salt and a little spice. Yes, absolutely. That is exactly what happens when you come to St. Elmos. You know the waiter... the one that knows you but doesn't know you? The one that knows you have a pink sparkly VS thong on, BEFORE you put it on? Yep. That's the waiter we had. I came in and he knew what I wanted to order and how I wanted it. God, why can't you bless me with a man like this? Oh sweet Jesus! Did he try and sell me with the Shrimp appetizer? Yes. But, I am one of those water wenches who doesn't eat seafood unless it's a hundred miles from the water. Capiche? When I want it good and right, this is the place in Indy to come. Honestly, I didn't' think it was too pricey. Then again, it wasn't my dollar.
(5)Kristen Y.
Beautiful building, with historical charm. Not big on steak, so that is important to know when reading my review. I must say, the menu seems a bit limited in terms of other options - including poultry and seafood. I would much rather head next door to their sister restaurant, Harry & Izzy's. Big fan of that place - it's less pricey too.
(2)Andy R.
Ok but not as good as I was expecting. Ambience is fine. Service excellent. The $45 dry aged ribeye was mediocre. I've had better steaks at Ruth Chris' for less money.
(2)Ramsey B.
I have dined at St. Elmo's numerous times. I am not from Indy, but I make sure to dine there whenever I'm in Indy and in the mood for steak. The steaks are amazing and cooked to perfection according to your preferred temperature. The shrimp cocktail is a must!
(5)Yina W.
Best shrimp cocktail in the city. I recommend this to everyone! I got the filet and this was awesome as well. The atmosphere and staff was amazing. I have been here twice in the past few months and love it.
(5)Jason M.
Awesome Food! Really great atmosphere, and competent staff.
(5)Mike P.
one of the best in the universe if you eat a chicken here you are kind of an idiot
(5)Katie B.
Delicious shrimp cocktail, great service, will definitely return!
(4)Alli P.
Swung by St. Elmo's for Devour Downtown since I'd never been there. Six of us made a reservation at around 7 and ended up meeting up early and got a drink in the bar upstairs, 1933 Lounge. I'd never been there either, loved the dim lighting, cozy seating and ambiance. Drinks and service were great. I would definitely come back for drinks and even a meal upstairs. The full menu isn't available but the serer told us most of it was also served upstairs. Devour Downtown meal was ehh- everyone's steaks were over done, even though we ordered according to St. Elmo's standards. Sides were good but creme brûlée was watery. Saving grace was their delicious and potent shrimp cocktail. I understand during Devour Downtown the menu is probably mass produced and may not be the norm but for a great restaurant consistency should be valued. Ill be back to Lounge 1933 and maybe a second try in the main restaurant.
(2)Todd B.
An Indianapolis classic, this restaurant is the perfect place for a bar dinner or meeting with its dark woods and traditional steak house atmosphere. But it's the shrimp cocktail is why the patrons keep returning. It was spicy, but definitely worth the trip.
(4)Gregg M.
Indianapolis isn't known as a foodie haven and with good reason since chain places pretty much own the town. This is especially true with chain steakhouses like Ruth's Chris, Shula's, and Capital Grille, which have all restaurants in the downtown area. They're all good steak joints to be sure, but if you want steak in Indy, you MUST go to St. Elmo Steak House. St. Elmo is practically a city treasure and has the distinction of being the oldest steakhouse in the city. Being the oldest doesn't mean that they're resting on their over one hundred year old laurels. They do it the old-fashioned way...with great food and great service without gimmicks. It's for that very reason that I took my parents out to dinner at St. Elmo to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. First off, there are servers and then there are professional servers. Craig, our server for the evening, falls into that latter category. From the beginning to the end, Craig was personable, knowledgeable, helpful, and attentive, never coming close to being intrusive yet always being close at hand. For our food starters, we had a couple of their famous (or is it infamous?) shrimp cocktails. Yeah, I know, seafood in landlocked Indianapolis. St. Elmo knows shrimp cocktail! Five perfectly cooked, chilled jumbo shrimp arrived at our table covered with a cocktail sauce, overloaded with freshly ground horseradish, so strong that NFL players have been brought to tears by its potency. I had the 12oz, dry aged prime NY Strip cooked medium rare. The kitchen prepared it dead center perfect! The strip was thick, juicy, and tender like a dry aged steak should be. The girlfriend had the 10oz Filet Mignon. Her steak was also cooked to a perfect medium rare, as was my dad's 14 oz Ribeye. All of our steaks came with a choice of sides. My baked potato was moist and fluffy with no traces of toughness or dryness near the skin. The GF's green beans were flavorful reminiscent of a Chinese style green bean stir-fry with hints of garlic and sesame. Her green beans were cooked to a perfect al dente. My mom had the Seafood Pasta. Her heaping plate of linguine was also cooked to a nice al dente and topped with a generous portion of seafood. We washed down our meals with a 2007 Napa Bordeaux-style blend. It perfectly complemented the hearty beef. We decided to forego dessert, however, our server Craig brought us a crème brûlée in honor of my parent's anniversary. It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal. You don't always get what you pay for. Not surprisingly, however, St. Elmo Steak House delivered and then some! It offered up high quality meats, generous portions, a solid wine list, and outstanding service. It was money well spent and perfect for a special occasion. I highly recommend!
(5)Jawad A.
My wife and I always go here to celebrate special occasions. Food is wonderful and sevice is great. Never had a bad meal here.
(5)Michelle W.
Why did we wait so long to come here? Amazing! All around. My husband never touches a bread basket(can't say the same for myself!) and it was demolished. Shrimp cocktail was delicious(spicy!) and navy bean soup was to die for. Filet and bone in ribeye was on par for some of the best steaks I have had. Don't even question it...go for the king crab Mac and cheese. Not a fan of creamed spinach.. But I have to say it was quite delicious. Now come, get lost in the wine list and eat a scrumptious cut of meat. Don't say I didn't warn you.
(5)Christy C.
Cocktail shrimp were amazing! Great food and service all around!
(5)Lisa G.
This place is renowned for a reason. They get it right every time. Service is great. Food is great. Atmosphere is great. It is a must-do when in downtown Indy. Don't forget to enjoy the horseradish shrimp cocktail.
(4)Laura S.
great steaks, great shrimp cocktails, great service. indy landmark for a reason.
(5)DiMenna J.
The customer service was fantastic, The food was excellent I had the bone in ribeye and the shrimp cocktail, the atmosphere was down to earth fun, and our waiter Scott was top notch professional he made our evening perfect.
(5)Kalie A.
Went to St. Elmo this past weekend with my boyfriend. I live in Chicago which is well known for great food, and I was hopeful Indy would provide us with similar quality food and service. The entire dining experience was completely amazing. The service was top notch and the food was divine. We went a bit later than the usual Saturday crowd and it was pleasantly quiet allowing us to actually be able to talk. Our waiter, David, was awesome! If you get the chance to sit in his section - do it. He steered us in the right direction in regards to the perfect wine and food ... and dessert :) I am not a big and avid "Yelper" but I wanted to let you know that this place is really good. I even claimed that it was the best meal of the year - and I meant it.
(5)Tom W.
An Indianapolis favorite! A must stop every time I'm in town. If you like steak, You'll love St. Elmo's. And for the shrimp cocktail lovers...this is your place! But beware...it's not for the faint of heart. The horseradish cocktail sauce will put hair on our chest and definitely clear our sinus'. My absolute favorite is the cowboy ribeye. It's a perennial favorite and a delight to the pallet. The wine list is extensive and perfectly paired to your meal too, but don't feel intimidated...they have a full bar and plenty of selections on tap also. A business travelers favorite but my first stop also! Definitely worth the trip every time.
(5)Garrett J.
I really love to come here for the food. The cocktail is a must but do not put too much sauce on your shrimp because you'll regret it. There steaks are delicious and the desserts are as well. In just not to thrilled with the service. I went the other day for devour downtown. It was my first time being there for devour. Once we told the server we were going to order the special his whole demeanor changed like he knew our bill wasn't going to be very high so his tip wasn't going to be big either. Really disappointing because I top based on the service and not the bill size.
(3)James B.
Not worth it. Flavorless steak. Hour wait for that. Just too expensive for what you get. Cool atmosphere. Shrimp cocktail was ok. Overall. Skip it.
(2)Scott C.
Stopped by myself and ate at the bar on a Tuesday at 6pm. Had a long drive from Chicago on business trip. No time for lunch so was starving. Bar was packed and noisy - fine by me. Had heard about the shrimp cocktail so gave it a try. Also ordered the cowboy steak with green beans, and a side of mushrooms. Couple of glasses of wine. Steak was really, really good, cooked to perfect medium rare - among the best I have had from Morton's, Cap Grill, and high-end independents in Chicago like Gibson's, Chicago Cut, etc. I am glad i tried the shrimp cocktail but would not order again. I don't really get the thrill of atomic cocktail sauce, although it does cover the taste of very mediocre, supper-club quality shrimp- but it seems as if others do. I see why they push it, though - inexpensive sauce poured over six modest -quality shrimp at $16 a pop must be a huge, huge money-maker. Good service from both bartenders. Wine list is massive and deep; by-the-glass list just OK. Kudos for having a nice list of half-bottles - so few places do. The high-end wines by the bottle (or mag or double-mag) and there are many, are massively over-priced, even by restaurant standards. But, they have some older vintages of the good stuff that are bargains (relatively speaking, of course), if you like aged wine and really want to splurge. I'd like to come back and do that sometime. Can't wait to come again. Not to be rude, and I can understand the bummer when steak is over- or under-cooked - but I can't imagine what the people who compare a steak here to Outback are eating. If you think Outback has good steak, why go to a place like this? Never been a Ruth's Chris fan, either, as I find the steaks a cut below the best houses but with the same high prices. The one in Indy seems to rate high so maybe I'll try it.
(4)Robbie R.
Went to St Elmos with a group of 5 for Devour Downtown. We were seated right away with water and bread waiting on us. Service was amazing, the shrimp cocktail was out of this world (as always), the filet could be cut with a fork, I would eat the mashed potatoes everyday and the creme brulee finished it off perfectly. The only thing I was not impressed with was the salad. However everything else more than made up for it. Great place to go anytime.
(5)Charley C.
Shrimp cocktail was delicious waiter was great. a little loud the bean soup with the cocktail sauce was very good . Filet was tender melt in your mouth . Creme brulie was delicious. Have to go if your in town
(3)Kevin S.
Fantastic!! Lives up to the hype.
(5)Brenton A.
Some of the best food in Indy. A perfect place for a fancy night out. I've not sampled much of thier menu, so others will have more to say than I will, but let me repeat what everyone already knows: Shrimp cocktail. Oh my god. These are so intensely spicy (horseradish that bites like wasabi) you might as well be doing shots. Everyone brace yourself, pop one in, and ride the wave. You might want a chaser. (Actually, a lemon wedge chaser would be fantastic.) So go, dress nice, bring cash, and have fun.
(5)Jackie K.
Over-rated. Sure, the shrimp cocktail is something special. One bite feels like you've been punched in the nose from the inside out. The horseradish tastes fresh, and you get 5 large shrimp that's doused in the cocktail sauce. But the steaks...they were just OK. For a steakhouse, I was expecting more. I ordered one of the specials of the day: Bone-In Strip. I ordered mine medium, but it came out medium well. I know they say you can send back your order, but when I'm with 2 other people for dinner, the last thing I want to do is send back my order and sit in my seat for another 10 minutes watching other people eat their steaks while I'm waiting for them to correct my order. Maybe it was because my steak was overcooked, but it just wasn't juicy enough or flavorful enough for me. However, my friend ordered the filet mignon and loved it...so maybe I ordered the wrong cut. Regardless, my experience here wasn't all that great. St Elmo's is such a staple in Indy, I'll probably end up finding myself back here, but I don't think I'll be rushing over here any time soon.
(3)Katie M.
Went here last night for my birthday, which coincided with Devour Downtown. Our waiter was quite possibly the best one I've ever had, but that didn't make up for the pretty average food. It was a cool experience because the restaurant has so much history, but I'd maybe go for a drink and the shrimp cocktail and then skip the rest. Nothing terrible, but nothing fantastic. Save your $$ and go to Ruth's Chris.
(3)Tobin B.
This is one of the finest steak houses in Indy. My food has aways been prepared perfectly. Now my soon to be mother-in-law did not enjoy hers this trip but I cant speak to it since my filet was perfect. The King Crab Mac and Cheese was to die for. Now for the warning that should always be given at St. Elmos....beware the shrimp coctail!!! I always get it and love it but if you are not a fan of a lot (and I mean LOT) of horseraddish then beware!!!
(5)Randall F.
Meh. That is what I have to say about ST. ELMO. I suppose I went in with expectations that were way too high as I had been looking forward to dining there for months when I learned I was going to Indy, but the steak was really not impressive. I ordered their special which happened to be a dry-aged, then wet-aged KC Strip. The steak lacked flavor and I actually had to ask for steak sauce (something I NEVER do in a steak restaurant)... The highlight of the meal was by far the Shrimp Cocktail... that cocktail sauce will burn your face off (AMAZING horseradish)... but I am sad to say it went down hill from there. Service was excellent, Wine was excellent... steak was moderately ok which to me is unacceptable with a $48 price tag.
(2)Jared T.
Good whiskey, great shimp, outstanding steak! One of the best steakhouses in the Midwest! Worth every penny.
(5)Kerry H.
I liked lots of things about St. Elmo's with the exception of their meat and when you're going to a steak house it should always be about the meat! The atmosphere and decor of St. Elmo's is old school steak house. On my recent visit I was dining alone and chose to eat in the bar area. Service from Matt was attentive and professional. I started off with the shrimp cocktail after inquiring as to whether they sold shrimp by the piece and was told "no". No big deal but most steak houses will sell you a shrimp appetizer to your liking. The 5 shrimp were plump and tasty, however, you had better like extremely hot cocktail sauce as the shrimp are served already mixed in the sauce that is loaded with potent horseradish. This is apparently what they are famous for. Since St. Elmo's doesn't serve dry-aged beef I eagerly opted for the special that night which was a dry-aged prime NY strip. The steak was just barely better than ok. It did not possess the texture of a quality, dry-aged Prime cut of meat. Having eaten several this one left me disappointed in comparison. The menu at St. Elmo's is set up to where your dinner comes with a choice of a starter (navy bean soup or tomato juice) and a potato (baked, house cut fries, smashed red potatoes). I went with the bean soup, which was tasty, however, I was informed that it's not made on site, rather, it's their recipe made for them. The loaded smashed potatoes rounded out my meal and were creamy, firm and layered nicely with bacon. Everything was prepared correctly and served at the appropriate temperature. To end the evening I had a very good Creme Brûlée.
(3)Eric N.
It's all been said about their infamous shrimp cocktail. I have nothing more to add except that my MIND IS SUFFICIENTLY BLOWN. What a tremendous take on something so extraordinarily simple as shrimp and cocktail sauce. It was an experience. I was also delighted by the Navy Bean Soup and hope to also figure out a copy cat recipe for winter Sunday nights. My tomahawk cut ribeye steak, however, didn't deliver on the $54 price tag. It was a much tougher cut than I expected, and full of tendon tissue which made it a difficult chew. The au gratin potatoes were the most decadent part of our meal, and noteworthy also. Before leaving, we took a quick look at the new speakeasy bar upstairs, the 1933 Lounge. Wow. If we weren't spent from a massive dinner, I'd have very easily settled in there. Something cool to look forward to on a return visit. I wished more from my steak, but the wonderful service and delightful turns made for a great night out with my wife.
(4)John K.
A local friend told me about this place, and was in town for the F1 Race back in 2005/2006 I had to try it. I must say, this is one of my top 5 Steakhouse's in ALL of the US. I could not stop eating even after I was full! They talked up the shrimp cocktail and I was going to pass (you've had one shrimp cocktail you've had them all), However the homemade cocktail sauce was simply amazing. They grow their own horseradish and it makes a difference! Indy should be very proud to have this establishment there. We have honestly contemplated going back simply for dinner (and we're from So. Cal). Cows raised in Illinois are NOT the same as we get in California. . .A must.
(5)Ron R.
The steak was perfectly prepared and melted in my mouth. The have only one appetizer, but when you have something so good why bother with anything else. A warning to those that can't handle the heat, you may need to pass on the cocktail sauce. It will light you up, but the burn is so worth it. The place is much larger on the inside than it looks from the street. There are multiple floors and room after room on the lower levels. Great place for a special occasion.
(5)Otis H.
Honestly, I was a little disappointed by this place. I was here at a conference for work and was looking for one of the old standby institutions of Indianapolis. This is apparently one of them. First of the good stuff: -Great wine selection; not even obscenely expensive. -The bread and butter was actually really good. A dark salted rye with high quality butter. -Shrimp cocktail, OK seriously, I am a snobby New Englander born and bread. This means I look at seafood in the mid-west with suspicion at best and open contempt at worst. This shrimp cocktail was the best I'd ever had. Huge fresh shrimp, sinus clearing cocktail sauce and just the right size. The not so good: -Steak, this is why I only gave this place 3 stars with the best shrimp cocktail I've ever had. I had their special which was apparently the end cut of a boneless Delmonico. It was supposed to be more tender and flavorful. Unfortunately...this steak was so salted you couldn't taste it. Also, I ordered medium rare (asking for more on the rare side) and this was definitely medium. If you're MO is steak...these are two cardinal sins. -Potato, not terrible, but just a big mushy baked potato. Again, this should have been the perfect compliment to the steak, but it was over salted and just had me plowing through glasses of water. Overall, I may try this place again if I'm ever in Indy, but was pretty let down. Hopefully they were just having an off night.
(3)Michael C.
I have had the pleasure of eating at St Elmo three times now. What an amazing dining experience. From the moment you walk in the door, to the moment you leave, be prepared to be pampered and waited on in the best manner imaginable! This place offers service that makes your dining experience all it can be. Must try the Shrimp Cocktail, very spicy. I also recommend the Filet Mignon, aged and cooked to perfection. For dessert try the Creme Brulee, perfect way to end the dinning experience.
(5)Tracy H.
Loved our steaks! We all got the Cowboy Ribeyes and I would recommend them over the filet any day. We also had the salad, shrimp appetizer, lobster mac and cheese, the mash potatoes. The dessert was AMAZING. I loved the bread pudding. Do not hesitate getting this dessert. I could eat this every day I loved it so much. The wine selection was great! As well as the bear selection. Positives: the food (of course), dessert, the atmosphere, the staff Cons: it gets chilly in the restaurant, they were able to get a small space heater to help, but I gather it is due to it being an older building.
(5)Ruben L.
I am sad if this is the best Indy has to offer. The wife and I came here last Saturday during Indy's "Devour Downtown" (basically a restaurant week for Indy). I've heard only great things about this place, so it was inevitable that this place miss those expectations, right? AMBIENCE- this place is somewhat deceptive. When you first come in, there is a bar area with high tables. Every time I've walked by, I thought this was the only room, so I thought it was rather small, but it turns out they have a few separate dining areas in addition to this area. My wife and I were seated in a smaller, "cozier" room that looked somewhat like a person's actual dining room. The room was well lit, and had old books on the shelves. The other dining rooms were much bigger, and were dimly lit. I think between the two, we were glad to be in a quieter area. SERVICE- our server was friendly and attentive for the most part. The only complaint I really had was I wish he had warned us about the "fiery sauce" that comes on the shrimp cocktail (more on that later). Otherwise, not bad, not great. MENU- This place is known for it's steak, and that's pretty much all they had for entrees. The steaks ranged in price from $30-$50, and unlike most finer steak places, entrees came with side dishes instead of having to order a la carte. They also had a HUGE selection of wine. I don't drink, so this was of no interest to me. FOOD- We had come specifically for their 3 course, $30 deal. We both started with their "world famous" shrimp cocktail with fiery sauce. When they say fiery, they sure do mean it. That sauce was LOADED with horseradish. I came to find this out, AFTER I had my first shrimp. Seriously, I was brought to tears. Where's the heads up hombre?? Next course- filet mignon with mashed potatoes and beans. The steak was cooked perfectly, though a tad on the bland side. Most steak enthusiasts will say that you should be able to eat a steak as is. While I did enjoy it, I felt it could've been a bit more flavorful. The mashed potatoes had a fair amount of sour cream in them, and the beans were just ok. Dessert- here's where they lost some points. They had 3 options- creme brulee, cheesecake, and bread pudding. The wife went with the creme brulee, while I went for the cheesecake. Turns out, the only thing they had left was cheesecake. My wife was fairly disappointed, but what can you do, right? The cheesecake was ok, nothing special by any means. OVERALL- not worth the hype in my opinion. Considering they had their deal going, it was a decent meal, though I couldn't see myself dropping tons of money on a regular meal. I think you'd be better served going to Fogo or Peterson's. Movie Star Rating- Keira Knightley
(3)Joe P.
Most people know about St Elmo's so I will spare you the long winded review. It's an old school steakhouse. The bar is cool with old wood which gives it a classy setting right when you walk in. Of course you need to try the shrimp cocktail, which they are famous for. After that, move on to a steak which are phenomenal as well. Bottom line: Food is amazing and you certainly get what you pay for. Just be prepared for that bill because it's not going to be cheap.
(5)Fred O.
History and tradition and even better food. The shrimp cocktail is a must have. I had the bone in filet and it was delicious. Bread pudding was incredible as well. If you're looking for a great steak this tops Ruth's Chris and Morton's.
(5)Eric B.
St Elmo is a must stop for me on my annual pilgrimage to bourbon country from Chicago. I highly recommend it for your journeys, as well, for it can go toe to toe with any steakhouse in Chicago. The decor is all old school steakhouse. You enter into a gorgeous 40+ foot long shotgun bar in the front room, and settle into acres of wood panelling, heavy chairs, and thick carpeting in the dining rooms. Hallway walls are filled with photos of muckety mucks from far and wide, and an experienced, professional waitstaff expertly navigates you through the steaks that dominate the menu and a wine list bursting at the seams with excellent Old and New World offerings. The last time we were here, our waiter was from Chicago and we spent some quality time reminiscing of Delilah's and other fixtures of the north side bar scene. He was well versed in the wine list, which was key because, it pleases me to announce, over our first two visits we drained them of their Cote Rotie collection. So, our waiter, the impeccably named Eric, was able to guide us out of the Rhone so we could savor an excellent cabernet exhibiting Old World earth. He urged us to Go West to California for Orin Swift's Papillon offering. We are not fans of New World fruit bombs, but here we were not disappointed. It was pure earth, with hardly a hint of fruit; in fact, the predominant flavor was a deep dark chocolate. It was wonderful, and paired excellently with our steak. St Elmo is known for its shrimp cocktail sauce, and it is indeed a kick in the teeth. A full bore assault of horseradish sauce, which while indeed unique and enjoyable, actually tends to overwhelm the flavor of the shrimp, which are large, tender, and meaty. Of course we always share an appetizer of the shrimp cocktail when we visit, but the focus here is always on the steak. And speaking of steaks, always go for the special. Every time we have been here, they have had a special cut that has been aged for thirty days or more. The last time we were here we had the 22 ounce bone in ribeye. We split it, and it came out with the bone frenched with a handle of about eight inches - just enough to grab it and slap anyone who would be so rude as to interrupt our dinner with a faceful of meat. Fortunately, no such aggression was required. The steak was a gorgeous purple color, more akin to venison than steak, and tasted like meat -- raw and unbound, unlike any steak I have eaten before. Being close to bourbon country, the whiskey list is excellent, and certainly affordable, especially in comparison to Chicago prices. If you are a local, you've probably already been here many times (if not, mend that malfunction, pronto!). If you are driving through, I strongly urge you to edit your itinerary to make room for a dinner at Elmo's.
(5)Jeanne Z.
Boyfriend and I were visiting Indianapolis and decided to try St Elmo Steak House. So worth the trip! My bf is a steak fanatic and he says it was the best steak he's ever had so far :) The decor is nice, lots of seating. The waiter was very courteous. He suggested the shrimp cocktail, which was yummy. The steak was super tasty, as well as the cheesecake we got for dessert. Overall, great food and a great experience.
(4)Martha D.
We had the shrimp cocktail (spicy) but very good, filet minion, and cheesecake. Hands down the best steak I have every had
(5)Jane M.
I've been here a few times, every time I go to a race at Indy we always make a stop. I SURVIVED the shrimp cocktail. The food is pretty good, but the flat cheese bread is amazing. They do bring refills of just that to, if requested.
(5)Jason B.
shrimp cocktail is hot. check service was on point, nice job Adam. Wine list is legit. but lots of hype for a limited menu and flavor. solid experience seem accurate.
(3)J T.
With acknowledged redundancy...the shrimp cocktail at St. Elmo's is the signature food item for Indianapolis, for Indiana and perhaps much of the Midwest. The shrimp are cooked perfectly. The sauce has large flecks of freshly ground horseradish that provide a significant "jolt" to the sinuses. The physical reaction, I believe, releases endorphins and is therefore highly addictive - I know I've experienced episodic flashbacks anyway?!? The presentation on ice with four saltine crackers and a lemon wedge is classic. Maybe its just that its so visually stimulating...I don't know. I just know the whole experience is a rare and beautiful thing...anyway...where was I...oh yeah... One of my favorite things in the world is to go to St. Elmo early - say around 5PM and sit at the bar with good company and enjoy a shrimp cocktail and some nice wine - just one of the good things in life. As far as the steak - some of the best around - really. But for me, its small traditions that set St. Elmo's apart. Its been around for over 100 years and some things just "are". For example: + all entrees come with your choice of tomato juice or navy bean soup - I don't ask them why, so don't ask me. I just accept this a the way it is. + The bread basket always has this cheese encrusted bread that is to die for. + The bone-in cowboy ribeye is their signature steak. + The waitstaff all wear white shirts and bow ties - many have been part of the establishment for years. Gotta be the classiest steak joint I've ever had the good fortune to visit.
(5)Mike B.
Dropped in for a martini and discovered a killer shrimp cocktail. They said it is the oldest steakhouse in the city for a reason. I love the atmosphere so will try one of their steaks next time.
(4)Lisa K.
First, make a reservation for dinner. Then walk into St. Elmo's and you'll be in a classic old school steakhouse with lots of dark woods, low lighting and sure to get some tasty steak. My date and I shared the rich and creamy king crab mac 'n cheese. Very delish and a wise idea to share as you'll want to save room for your steak. The tomato juice is a lovely way to start off your meal. I had one of the smaller cuts of meat, 10 oz filet mignon, which was the perfect amount and cooked perfectly medium raw with potatoes. Attentive service. All in all a very satisfying meal.
(5)Mark F.
Not as good as Jeff Ruby spots in Cincinnati but as good as it gets in Indianapolis!
(4)Jason W.
By far THE BEST bone in filet I have ever had. If you are in the area, you must stop in and try. Also, the shrimp cocktail is a must. Don't miss it.
(5)Lauren W.
We are from Cincinnati, and we decided to take a little weekend getaway trip. Once we decided on Indy, we knew where we HAD to eat... the famous St. Elmo's. We had gotten dressed up, since we were celebrating a birthday, but you could easily get away with nice jeans and a dress shirt. Our server was very friendly and attentive, but not over kill. I ordered a glass of wine and before my boyfriend could say what he wanted, the server said "you look like a beer guy, we have some awesome craft beers I think you would like", suggested one, and my boyfriend LOVED it! We also decided on the shrimp cocktail, which from the warning, while hot, it was delicious! (I ordered two bottles for him for Christmas!) Meanwhile... The table next to us had a bottle of red wine, which while their waiter was taking away plates accidentally spilled and it got a little on the man's suit jacket at the table. The waiter was more than apologetic, and the best part?? The manager came out, again apologizing, and offered to pay for the dry cleaning. The customers were not at all concerned about the jacket but were very thankful. I know they bought them a new bottle of wine and I'm not sure what else they did for them. Back to our meal... We each got the filet and asked for it medium rare. Our server said, "I have to tell you we do a TRUE medium rare here", we both smiled in excitement, that's exactly what we wanted. Our steaks were juicy and tender...and the best part...MEDIUM RARE! They were delicious. Since we were celebrating he brought us a dessert that was delicious as well. There isn't anything that went wrong/bad or we could complain about. Everything from the ambiance, food, service, as well as the mishap next to us was nothing more than superb. The one thing that we don't like?? Is that we have to drive a little ways to visit!! We are actually planning a trip in about a month with friends that have never been and are EXCITED to go!
(5)CK A.
I can't think of a thing to add that has not already been said. Great steak. I did not taste any salt on mine and shook the dickens out of the salt shaker to get it tasting right. The cocktail sauce was the sinus clearing experience that I have come to expect. The navy bean soup was excellent and seasoned with just the right amount of ham. The dinner salad I had dressed with their homemade blue cheese dressing. Mistake. I should have ordered the house vinaigrette. That salad was full of blue cheese. The dessert was too large to eat. One would have been plenty for two people.
(5)Tim W.
Of course St. Elmo has it all worked out. They've been a high-end restaurant for so long, they know how to please their guests. I went with a group of 9 and the service was superb. The staff missed nothing to make the experience special. It was as if everything we could have wanted was only a few feet away for the staff and they made anything needed appear instantly. What can I say that hasn't already been said about the shrimp cocktail? The large, meaty shrimp go so well with the horseradish-laden cocktail sauce. The stuff really clears out your sinuses! My ribeye was perfectly prepared as was the baked potato. I recommend a side of asparagus. It's fresh and prepared properly with a tasty sauce to pour over it.
(5)Chuck K.
I live in Dallas and decided to check out St. Elmo during a recent visit to Indy, as I'd heard so much about it. The restaurant itself has a nice, warm astmosphere full of history and character. I'd read so much about the shrimp cocktail, and though it was good, there is really only so much you can do with shrimp cocktail. Yes, it's very potent, but there's nothing particularly special about loading up cocktail sauce with extra horseradish. I found it odd that when we ordered the shrimp cocktail, the waiter automatically brought one for each of us. Maybe this was my mistake by not specifying, but I just assumed he would bring us one to share. The quality of the steak was very good, but I don't think it was seasoned at all. The creamed spinach was good. However, I was sorely disappointed in the king crab mac and cheese. I had checked out the menu a week before and was very excited about the mac and cheese all week prior to my visit, only to have my hopes and dreams shot down. It was very dry and had almost no flavor. For $16.50, I was not happy about that. For dessert we had the chocolate cake, which was good but nothing special. Being from Dallas and having dined at several higher end steak houses here (Pappas Bros., Bob's, III Forks, Del Frisco's, Perry's), I found St. Elmo to be just so so. By the way, if you're ever in Dallas and find yourself at Perry's, try the lobster mac and cheese. To die for.
(2)Sean C.
One of the best restaurants in Indy. Love the steaks and my all time favorites is the shrimp cocktail... Watch out for the after bite from the cocktail sauce!!! Ouch!
(5)Thuy T.
It was good but not up to par with it's reputation. We have made our way to some of the best steakhouse in Indianapolis and St. Elmo just did not WOW me. The restaurant is quite small and the tables are really close together but that's not really a big deal to me. The ambiance is not exactly quiet, but loud and engaging with an old fashion feel. We really didn't have any problem with the waitstaff, sufficient for the price we pay. Now let's get to the most important part, the food. I'm not a fan of their bread spread, did not really dig the taste and it was stale. We ordered their famous shrimp cocktail. Can you really do wrong with shrimp cocktail? They were really plump shrimp serve with their homemade cocktail sauce with a large dose of horseradish. Go easy with the cocktail sauce because I did tear up a bit with my first bite. For our entree we ordered the Bone-In Prime Rib. Their Prime Rib was good but l have had better. For being such a landmark for Steak and Indianapolis, I would have expected more.
(3)Princess D.
I went to St. Elmo about three years ago with a friend who lives in IN. I didn't know what to expect, but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is definitely reminiscent of what a typical "Chicago" steak house should be. The shrimp cocktail was excellent. I believe that's the hottest cocktail sauce I've ever had. The steaks were excellent and service couldn't have been better. This is as good as any restaurant from a big city.
(4)Kristen G.
I was in town for a conference and heard that we had to go here. It was a great suggestion because the food was AWESOME!!! The shrimp cocktail is hot, but its a quick burn then cool from the horseradish if you eat it with bread. The navy bean soup, delish! I wish I wouldn't have eaten the entire bowl, left minimal room for the star of the night. The steak was PHENOMENAL!!! I've had my share of good steaks from every where from Applebee's, don't judge me, to Ruth Chris and Smith and Wollensky. This steak ranked in my top 3 hands down. Perfectly cooked and well seasoned. I even got some of the cocktail sauce to go!
(5)Danny C.
The classic old-fashioned looking steakhouse. The shrimp cocktail is a must have for appetizer. 5 large chilled shrimps smothered in a blend of cocktail sauce and chunks of horseradish. If you don't like spicy or the burn up your nose then I wouldn't recommend it but if you love horseradish like I do its great. I'm not a fan of beans but the navy bean soup is terrific. Ask the waiter to put some of the horseradish sauce in there which they recommend and its "winning." 10oz filet mignon was one of the leanest, tender piece of filet I've had. Cooked medium rare and your knife will cut right through it with ease. If you're in Indy, this place is a must go.
(4)Kennis W.
Great classic steakhouse. Food was just ok but they get lots of stars for customer service and atmosphere.
(4)Tony P.
I regard this place as one of the best steakhouses in the country. It's pretty much a regular stop for me and my friends at every year's GenCon event. Classic steakhouse decor with dark woods and leather. You know you're in a serious steakhouse when you come here. The jumbo shrimp appetizer in horseradish laden cocktail sauce is really a great start. They are really good size shrimps and the cocktail sauce will pretty much clear out your sinuses. The tomato juice is a bit watery, opt for the navy bean soup. My favorite cuts is either the cowboy or the porterhouse. The flavor really shines with the bone-in. The sides are decent, but nothing to write home about. This place is all about the meat. There are some nice wine selections in their menu. One year they had Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-pape at a very reasonable prices. There are a few good gems if you know to look for them.
(5)Brandon F.
Great food, atmosphere and service. You have to like horseradish if you get the famous shrimp. It has a little bite to it. The ribeye, was amazing and I normally don't even order steaks when I go out anymore. If I'm ever anywhere close to Indianapolis again I will be coming back!
(5)Yvette F.
First, thank you Yelp for allowing me to make reservations via your website. I was glad that I did as the restaurant was crowded when we arrived. My boss was most impressed with my initiative. I was in Indianapolis on a business trip with my boss and we decided on Steak for dinner after a long day in the office. The restaurant came highly recommended. Drinks at the bar first, then off to the dinning area. Fir starts, we tried the shrimp cocktail. It was great (if you like spicy). We were both happy with our steaks. They were cooked to perfection. The waitstaff was great as well. I will put this on my list of places to visit when I am in town again.
(4)scott g.
I went into this place expecting the best steak I've ever has and it wasn't too far off. Walking in on a Thursday night at 7pm without a reservation was a horrible idea in hindsight but after waiting about 15 minutes we decided to sit at the high-top tables in the bar area. Service was still top of the line and we were able to watch the MLB playoffs on their multiple TVs which was a plus. This is a very fast paced steakhouse and they really worked hard on the service. Your drink was always topped off and the table was clean without even noticing the waitstaff. Pre-meal salads can easily be split between two people (as per the waiters recommendation). We didn't have the cocktail but everyone says that's a must have app. The 12oz filet ($41) was massive and probably the most tender steak I've ever had. The side of green beans (included) were pretty good as well, but nothing super out of the ordinary. While St Elmo is pricey, you do get a lot of bang for your buck. Since this is a top of the line steakhouse, do not expect anything adventurous on the menu.
(5)Stephen C.
St Elmo's is mostly great. Have had over 100 dinners there over the past years. At times 3 to 4 times a week. Indy 500 time. The Shrimp Cocktail is top notch with an unfair amount of heat in the sauce for the weak. Not for children. There is a light version by request for the weak. To have a light dinner with a cocktail, bean soup, shrimp cocktail with a bone-in Ribeye works just fine. Wash it down with nice Pinot Noir and if any room left a coffee. Has to be my most favorite Steak House. Over 100 years old and will make another 100. Make sure to tour the basement and the upstairs bar. Donald Draper would not even complain here. ( waiters are true professionals).
(5)Kim H.
We are in town for a convention and tried out St. Elmo's for dinner. The atmosphere is fabulous! Neat little steak-house, super nice staff. They have a relatively small menu. The steaks are HUGE, so come with a large appetite for some red meat. My colleagues had the shrimp cocktail and said it was yummy (I'm not a fan of cold shrimp nor horseradish). Being from Texas I get a lot of good steak so, I can't rave about the steak, but it was very good. I would definitely go back.
(3)Aaron P.
My friend had been to Indy before, but I hadn't. He remembered getting spicy shrimp cocktail somewhere, but couldn't remember where. Everywhere we asked, people immediately replied, "St. Elmo." So we went. I ordered their signature "Elmo Cola" without the cola, just as an infusion on the rocks. It was rich and sweet, and I really savored it. The drunken cherries were so flavorful! Then we ordered the shrimp cocktail. All i can say is that it's no wonder my friend remembered this little dish. They grind (or shred?) fresh horseradish onto every dish, and you can certainly tell. After a brief warning about the intensity from the server, we dug and quickly had our minds blown. I love strong foods, and this was strong! A real humdinger. It cleared my sinuses right out, and I went back in for more until they were polished off. I wish we had ordered two, or three, or 1,000. If I ever get the chance, I'd love to get some steak here and see how they do with that, but the drink and shrimp experience itself gets five stars from me.
(5)Katie S.
This place is everything I imagined it would be. Great style, great food and great service. I ordered the shrimp cocktail,navy bean soup, the filet mignon and redskin mashed potatoes. As for the shrimp cocktail, VERY SPICY. MY NOSTRILS WERE BURNING!!!! Yet the shrimp was still satisfying to say the least. HUGE shrimp...The navy bean soup was delicious!! The filet was honestly nothing special. Very tender and juicy but not very memorable. I've had a similiar steak at Cheesecake Factory. I had ordered the Filet Mignon cooked medium and it came to me rare to medium-rare, which really wasnt a big deal. They just took it back and cooked it a little longer and gave it back to me with a complimentary order of green beans. All in all, I would come back but I'm stil looking for that special restaurant I can give a 5 star rating too.
(4)Deborah B.
An Indianapolis institution that is a MUST for anyone coming to Indy for the first time. This is the king of all restaurants in Indy. The best steaks cooked to perfection, You open the doors and walk through, check your coat and walk past the bar upfront to your table. Dark wood, classic and old school charm, the kind of place where all the men should be smoking cigars and drinking whiskey straight. St. Elmo's is a timeless classic that makes me feel like I've gone back in time, where someone is always holding the door open and white linen tableclothes were de riguer. The food-An absolute must is the shrimp cocktail, with all it's hot-hot-hot horseradishy goodness. (Full disclosure: I LOVE horseradish and too much is never enough for me) For dinner, I usually order a filet mignon and it never dissapoints. I also really love the sides, my favorites are the creamed spinach and the KING CRAB MAC AND CHEESE is too die for. Bottles of wines in varying price ranges as well as by the glass excellent cocktail list as well as beers are offered. (I also should note there is a great bar upstairs-the 1933 Lounge-also not to be missed!) You cannot go wrong with the deserts, and while I don't often eat desert, when at St. Elmo's I cannot evade the waiter's inevitable request for "a little something else to finish off the meal". I am a Pecan Pie kinda girl, and St. Elmo's is the best- with all it's bourbon infused goodness. Also, I would probably always force the person I am with to get the yummy blue and white bread pudding and make them share at least half with me, and maybe a bit of my Pecan Pie.
(5)Chirag P.
I'm not the biggest steak fan, so I can't say this place has amazing steaks or looks amazing, since it looks just like most of the places in Chicago with the dim lit rooms and autographed pics of "celebrities" all along the walls. But I will say this... the shrimp cocktail might be the greatest appetizer i've ever had (some exaggeration), but I would go back there just to have that and the mashed potatoes. SERIOUSLY. That horseradish cocktail sauce is soooooooo good. Give it a try if you're in the area.
(4)Jason H.
Amazing shrimp cocktail, one of the best steaks I've ever had and really fine cocktails. What more do you want?
(5)Kevin T.
I took a co-worker here last night. Service was excellent, the steak was very good, and the potatoes were excellent. I can't give St. Elmo five stars, though, simply because nothing seemed extraordinary. We had the shrimp cocktail and I was underwhelmed. It was overly spicy, but not all that flavorful.
(4)Dave Y.
Traveling to Indy from Los Angeles, I have eaten here many times. The bone in dry aged ribeye is maybe one of the best cuts of meat available. Anywhere. Even compared to Maestros in Beverly Hills (next to Spagos), this cut edges them out. The reason is the dry aging. Most aged steaks are wet aged, sealed in plastic. Wet aging provides size (and profit). Dry aging is like a port- a highly concentrated flavor. You will not have a roast sized steak. What you will have is a huge steak bursting with flavor. I've had steaks from Buenos Aires (grass fed on the pampas) to Belgium and this particular steak at St Elmo's is in my top 3. You really can't get any better. Service is exceptional. Yes, if your by yourself at the bar you're not getting the same attention as a table dropping a grand- big surprise. Shrimp cocktail is very good but, IMHO, nothing truly remarkable. I get it when I'm there - it's good - but don't understand the AMAZING comments from many. It's fresh ground horseradish. Wine selection is fantastic. If you're a first timer, ask for a tour of the cellar. Cocktails are poured VERY generous. You've been warned... People who give this a one or two stars are, I assume, just deeply unhappy people. One star is simply ridiculous. If you complain about price, you should have looked at the menu posted outside before coming in; there is a Steak and Shake two blocks over. Enjoy - get the dry aged bone in ribeye!
(5)Michael G.
One of the best steak houses in the MidWest. I have had more than a dozen occasions to be in Indianapolis for some of the works I am engaged in over the years and I do not pass up an invitation from friends and colleagues to meet at "Elmo's." Searingly, spicy shrimp cocktail is certain to clear your sinuses! I love this place! The 22 ounce porter house and 32 ounce bone in prime rib is heavenly! This coming from a man that eats red meat sparingly. Forbes named St. Elmo among the ten classic restaurants in the United States. The Charles Beard recognizes this classic worthy of the praise. Enjoy the history adorned on nearly every inch of the walls of this beloved MidWest institution.
(5)Jeff S.
The only limitation here is, their menu has always been fairly limited. My wife loved the lobster bisque, and I thought the navy bean was fantastic. She raved about the friend shrimp, and my filet mignon was outstanding. Our server was a wee bit strange, but overall the service was good. When I made the reservations, the gal asked if it was a special occasion, and I said it was our 24th anniversary. So we had an excellent table next to the window, with a little card welcoming us, and they threw in a chocolate cake for dessert. Been here before on business, but first time for personal. Got to show the wife an excellent time. Best steakhouse in the world? No. But a very good, Indy experience. Yeah, definitely not cheap. With tip, $130. But if I was going to splurge on her anywhere in town, this was the place.
(4)Chad P.
Holy cocktail sauce. Have allergies? Are you congested? Go to St. Elmo's and order shrimp cocktail and a few bourbon cocktails. Walk out the door satisfied and breathing the stale Indianapolis air. Rinse and Repeat.
(5)Tim S.
Best. Steak. Ever. I got to go here for a work function and was super impressed. The food was delicious, as advertised. The "world famous shrimp cocktail" was worth it - huge shrimp and a tasty, sinus-clearing cocktail sauce with a ton of horseradish. My steak (I got the ribeye) was perfectly cooked and seasoned as well. The only reason(s) I didn't give it 5 stars are because the price (I probably wouldn't frequent this place on my own) and the service. The service was very good, but it was one of those places where the wait staff interacted too much - our waiter talked a lot and often seemed to cut off our conversations. I know they're supposed to give you the details about the menu and history, but it was a little too much for my taste. That being said, I would love to come back, as long as someone else is helping with the bill! :)
(4)Ji L.
I had high hopes given the stellar reviews. Pros: 1) Extensive wine selection 2) Attentive staff - the waiters/waitresses ensured my drinks were topped off 3) Shrimp cocktail - loved the 5 perfect jumbo shrimp and the robust heat of the horseradish cocktail sauce (caution for the heat-adverse; it definitely has a kick!) Cons: 1) Disappointed in my steak - I ordered a ribeye (medium-rare "plus"); It was cooked to perfection but I was highly disappointed - it was cold upon arrival; perhaps it was because I was part of a party of 8? I suspect my dish was left astray cooling while the other meals for my table were prepared; Had superior steak at Mortons and Ruth's Chris 2) Dessert - cherry pie was uninspired but satisfying; the bread pudding had the same temperature issues as my steak. I expect bread pudding to be warm, soft, laced with all things comforting. Unfortunately, it too came out cold and tough 3) Despite making reservations 2 months in advance, had to wait 1 hour to get seated (and we arrived on time for our reservation) Conclusion: Overrated
(3)Greg T.
I enjoyed a meal here tonight with 2 friends and we didn't have reservations. We had to sit in the bar but the service was still good and our steaks were prepared very well. The flavor was sublime and the cut quite tender. I would also recommend the navy bean soup. Even though our meal was quite good, I still have to go with 4 stars as the price was a little high. I would recommend this place even so just for the fact the steak was so well prepared.
(4)Christopher C.
Filet sliders are the best I've ever had. A must have!!!
(5)Lindsay R.
Went to the upstairs lounge for drinks after work. It was a little pricey but a good atmosphere. It was nice you could order food there.
(4)Scotty Z.
Yes, I know it's "tradition". Yes, I know it's local. Yes, I know everyone raves about it. But, I tried it again (not during Devour Downtown...not as though it should matter) and it's just.....meh. You can get a better steak at Ruth's Chris, a better overall experience at The Capital Grille, and the Shrimp Cocktail is so hot, it's practically a caricature -- very overrated. Sigh. This disappoints me because I love living local, but it's not an end unto itself. it loses a star for the hype as well (I'm a talkin to you, Harry & Izzy's). Quite simply, downtown Indy has better destinations for its fine dining customers.
(1)Karen L.
The food was good but... We were seated by the kitchen at the worst table in the restaurant- we heard dishes clanking the whole time - When we asked the hostess, gabby to move us, she said they were busy and there were no more tables- and she had an attitude. They proceeded to seat about 6 tables of 2 next. Then the entrees came out cold - the steak was barely room temperature, the mashed potatoes were cold and so were the string beans. Our waiter was very nice and was apologetic but it wasn't his fault. Anyway, then my boyfriend told the manager about the seating issue, he moved us. He was very accommodating and sincere. Gabby the hostess heard we were moved and laughed about it with another girl that worked there. She should be fired. The biggest part of her job is customer service and she has a huge attitude and she is openly rude.
(2)David W.
Coming from Chicago I can get a good steak anytime I want. This steak house was really great. The only appetizer they have is the shrimp cocktail and it didn't disappoint. I love spicy food and I even picked up a bottle of their cocktail sauce at the airport. The steak was cooked perfectly and the whole dinner was great. The wine list was extensive as was their selection of after dinner drinks (whiskey, bourbon, etc.)
(5)Lisa E.
Atmosphere is worth a visit. Very attentive, good is well done for a upper scale place. If you have a party of ten-12, ask for the wine room in the basement. Secret entrance and amazing history. Must try the shrimp spicy with a good taste. Steak of course a specialty, tender and tasty.
(4)Peter G.
I popped in at St Elmo's during the Indianapolis 500 weekend after hearing that it was _the_ hot spot. We settled in at the new upstairs bar and lounge. The atmosphere, cocktails, and world famous shrimp cocktail did not disappoint. The waitresses were lovely, the decor is speak-easy lush and absolutely gorgeous, and the shrimp cocktail cleared our sinuses as expected. The only reason I did not give 5 stars was the price -- it's a bit above what you would expect for the drinks and food (cocktails and appetizers for 2 of us was near $100), but worth a visit nonetheless.
(4)Jesus R.
Classy place with great cuts. They have a nice selection of wine, and the service is top-notch. Some places are famous for good reason!
(4)Jim W.
W O W .... Fantastic ... great service - great food ... wish this were a chain with location #2 back in Oregon! The bread was fantastic - the onion rolls to die for, and LOVED the pumpernickel! Everyone is spot-on regarding the shrimp cocktail. Wonderful! Had the bean soup. I could have had a bowlful and ended there and be happy with my meal. Delish! I had the boneless ribeye - perfectly cooked - seasoning was superb. Baked potato was fantastic. We shared and bread pudding. It was ok .. maybe would have been better had I not eaten so much before it arrived. High on my recommendations for anyone in town!
(4)Paul T.
We had a fantastic experience at St. Elmo's last night and can honestly say it's a must-do for anyone visiting Indy...especially those that are inclined to take part in carnivorous activities! To start I have to agree with virtually every other reviewer that the shrimp cocktail is great. Huge shrimp, spicy (yet delicious) sauce and grey presentation. Then I had the lobster bisque (thicker then anticipated but chunky and rich) and my wife had the navy bean soup for which we both reveled in the simplicity of the classic recipe. For our entree she had the filet and I had the lamb chops. Both were amazing and complimented by the mashed red potatoes and asparagus. For dessert the crew brûlée is a perfect example of a classic however next time we will go for the brownie as several others ordered it and It looked ridiculous! The food, the service and the ambiance will make this a must visit each time we make our way to Indy.
(5)Dennis E.
The hype is real. Cocktail shrimp is a must. Steaks were all cooked with precision. Service was great. The T-bone was T-aste!
(5)Sam S.
I would put this in the top 5 stake houses in the country. Don't miss out on the shrimp cocktail. The bone in filet is the best I have ever had.
(5)Brad P.
Not what it once was. Seems to be more interested in moving a mass of people through the place instead of putting good food on the plate. Individual table service was very good, however the kitchen killed it for the sever. Timing was off from the kitchen, baked potatoes were cold, steaks were not cooked as ordered. I ate the tomahawk bone-in ribeye. Steak alone was $54. We won't be back. Too many other options at that price point. If you do go, try the cocktail lounge upstairs instead of the galley bar on the main floor.
(3)Michael Z.
As a long time native to the fine Hoosier state, I had always known that St. Elmo is the place where the power players roam. This is where Ron Swanson grew his mustache on scotch and great beef. And, the horseradish would make weaker men cry. Unfortunately, the opportunity to enjoy St. Elmo did not come earlier in my life. I always thought St. Elmo was never really meant for children. I was a bit teary-eyed when I realized how great it is that St. Elmo is in Indianapolis. I think some might find the basement tables an easy expansion into the wine cellar which used to hold their enormous wine list. I prefer to imagine this is where the less-than-savory business got done. The meat was beautifully prepared, and I took home a bottle of cocktail sauce. I now make sure to have a martini and shrimp cocktail when I'm all dressed up with nowhere to go. Good characters are found beyond the waitstaff. I do like to keep the full experience for the right occasion, though. I can prepare a pretty mean steak myself.
(5)Dave P.
WOW! This is an amazing old time steak house. The steaks are always 5 star, but before the steak there us oh so much to try. The wedge salad is my choice. Too much to eat if you want your steak so be careful. My wife loves the shrimp cocktail, bit to spicy for me but seems out of all my friends I'm the only one. I personally would suggest the NY Steak always great marble of meat with little fat. Someday I Want To Try The Wine Cellar.
(5)Maggie H.
The staff was extremely rude! When the hostess sat us she literally just pointed to our table. The steak was no better than any other upscale restaurant. Their wine glasses smelled so bad-- must be from something they clean them with. Ruined the wine. My potatoes had been sitting all day, they were hard. They only get two stars for the atmosphere and the bread.
(2)David M.
Went here during devour downtown recently. Filet mignon was perfect. Right size, cooked medium as I wanted. The bread offering was the best I've had anywhere. Obviously the shrimp cocktail, as everybody knows by now, was an experience to the senses, much like a daring ride at an amusement park. They could have improved on the green bean side dish quite a bit. Potatoes were good though. My only beef was the waiter had a bad attitude, a bit of a snob. Although he was very prompt on service and professional. He seemed a bit agitated when I asked for more bread, but in his favor it came quickly by one of his assistants.
(4)Scott T.
I LOVE THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL. I have heard so much about this restaurant and holly shrimp cocktail horseradish. I am still in a little sticker shock on a few shrimp being $16...but the sauce makes it so worth it. I would put that sauce on everything (but be careful...it could cause burning). The filet was top notch and cooked just as I asked for it. And guess what I had on top of it...that is right...some more shrimp cocktail sauce. I would not say it is the best steak I have had, but it was up there and very good. They also give you a cup of navy been soup with your order (and don't forget to mix in the shrimp cocktail sauce). Now if you get sticker shock, this may not be the place for you. But if you don't mind paying a lot for a good meal, you have to try this (don't forget the shrimp cocktail sauce). Go for it and remember to ask for a side of shrimp cocktail sauce for your morning breakfast.
(5)Jordan W.
The Good: -Awesome Atmosphere: Walking into the St. Elmo is like stepping through a time portal into the 1940's. With its dark wood and classic style, walking through this steak house felt like being transported back in time. I absolutely loved it. -Excellent Food: I am not a steak person, so my options on their menu were limited, but I did find the Amish Chicken which was delicious. While not abundant with seasoning, the chicken was still very delicious and unbelievably moist and juicy. Each entree comes with a side, a cup of soup (or glass of tomato juice- very old school). I had the fries, which weren't bad, but nothing to write home about. The Meh: -Prices: St. Elmo's definitely isn't a bargain, but it isn't a rip off either. Average price for an entree on the menu is roughly $35-40. My chicken was the cheapest at $26. I am of the personal opinion that practically no food is good enough to warrant a price tag over $25, so for me St. Elmo's is way too pricey. -Service: While nothing horrible, for the price tag of the meal I was expecting to be more impressed by the wait staff. Our server wasn't extremely attentive or friendly.
(4)Scott M.
A classic American Steakhouse. From its 40's inspired storefront, to the bar, to the basement vaults and intimate dining settings, St. Elmo's hits the mark for all Americana enthusiasts. The food is spectacular, with the featured shrimp cocktail and its trademark sauce living up to high expectations. Featured cuts are brought to the table during the ordering process, and the finished product is a Midwest classic. A substantial wine list, followed by an equally impressive port list. Didn't do dessert, simply couldn't. I wish all steakhouses delivered the same experience on the food quality, service professionalism, and atmosphere. A high bar in the steakhouse category.
(5)Anthony I.
2 words, SHRIMP COCKTAIL. 3 more, BONE-IN RIBEYE! Great place for a solid steak and amazing shrimp cocktail, I was also pleasantly surprised by the house special, navy been soup! You owe it to yourself to get the shrimp cocktail!
(4)Kent B.
This was great!!!! I made reservation on the yelp app and told them it was my 20th anniversary. My wife and I arrived to a greeting of happy anniversary and then at the table was a card telling us the same, Then the food was amazing!!!! All was great and fresh. I highly suggest this place!!!!
(5)Michelle L.
I went back to the old days when I stepped into this place. I learned about their shrimp cocktail from the Food Network's TV Show (The best thing i've ever ate). So yes, I had the shrimp cocktail and it was definitely fiery! But I have to say, the steak here was divine. I had the porterhouse - and it was f---ing awesome. It's cooked to perfect medium rare. Juicy. Tender. Flavorful. It delivers every component of a piece of perfectly cooked steak. The dessert, I had the bread pudding. It's not bad; but the texture wasn't my expectation (it's more like, hm, muffin shape and it's not as moist as my preference). As part of the meal, we were offered tomato juice or bean soup. I chose the soup and it was hearty and delicious. I loved the bacon in the background. I also shared the mac and cheese; it's delicious (creamy and everything you want from an old fashion traditional mac and cheese). But I just don't get the crab meat in the mix. My mouth is watering whenever I think of the porterhouse. *yum*
(5)Allie G.
Went here last night for my birthday. All I can say is WOW. So worth the price. Lobster bisque was amazing. Filet mignon was hands down the best steak I have ever had. Cooked perfectly, so tender, and melted in my mouth. Creme brûlée was also amazing. Service was also amazing. Can't wait to return!
(5)Joel T.
Dined here for a business dinner the other week. My thoughts are as follows: -The service was very attentive and my water never went empty. -Our waiter was nice, but clearly was pushing us into the shrimp cocktail which we didn't want -There is a pretty good drink selection and the waiter gave decent recommendations -My steak was cook properly and a good cut of meat, but mostly devoid of all seasoning and not very flavorful Overall, it was not the meal I was expecting given the price and reputation.
(3)Rachael B.
St. Elmo is upscale and elegant! We chose to go to St. Elmo for a rare, baby-free dinner out. The food was excellent and the atmosphere was cozy and traditional. You feel a bit like you've been transported back in time to when St. Elmo was first opened. The service is incredible. Our waiter was well-spoken, organized, and charming. The pricing was steep, but it's worth it for the experience. Get the shrimp! It's exceptional!
(5)Phil H.
Meat-gasm! An institution in downtown Indianapolis for over 100 years, and a testament to testosterone driven meat eaters everywhere. This is one of those old school spots that are a must to visit in each city. Dark wood everything, high ceilings with ornate stucture, faded and recent celebrity pictures on the wall, and always crowded. If you could go back in time you could just picture men in fedora hats smoking cigars here while eating a steak and drinking a whiskey. As I travel to Indy for business each year I have eaten here many times and just love this old fashioned steakhouse. The staff has always been top notch, and the service impeccable from the hostess, to the bartenders, to the waitstaff. I make sure to book a client dinner here each time and it has always been an enjoyable experience. We had a group of eight eating the other night and it was again, terrific. A few highlights - - Some nice beer and wine options at the bar. Tried out a glass of a featured Argentinian Malbec at the bar ($10) and ended up ordering three bottles of it for the table. Terrazas del los Andes. Terrific wine. - The bread basket. Dig into the bottom of it and pull out these cheesy flat bread thingies. Wow. - Navy bean soup was thick and extemely tasty. Bits of bacon in it. Yum! - The famous house shrimp cocktail. Tear inducing and awesomely hot horseradish cocktail sauce. Nuff said. It's a must. - The steak, oh the wonderful steak. Had the filet mignon medium rare. Cooked perfectly with a nice redness in the middle and char on the ouside. Tender and flavorful. Have never had a bad steak or meal here. - Huge baked potato that was amazingly soft and sprinkled with what seemed to be sea salt on it. One of the best I have had. Just a wonderful meal, and a terrific place to bring clients or co-workers for a business dinner. Don't pay attention to the naysayers here - just go and order a steak dinner at this downtown landmark. It is a bit pricey but worth it. Dress is casual, and it's a boisterous and fun atmosphere.
(5)Kinsey C.
What can I say that hasn't already been said in 300+ reviews? Delicious steak, great service, yummy vino and RON SWANSON ate here so you know it's primo.
(5)Morris N.
I went here on a Wednesday for a business dinner. We had reservations so we didn't have to wait. For a Wednesday night, the dining room was packed when we got there at 6:30. The crowd seem to be mostly business people. The shrimp cocktail was good but I think given more hype than it deserves. Navy bean soup was good. The special was a 12oz aged strip steak for 52 bucks. I had that and a loaded baked potato. Both were great and ranks up there with Ruth's Chris, Sullivans, Gibsons, etc. It was pricey so I would recommend it for special occasions or if you are on an expense account. It was also noisy so if you are looking for something more intimate or need to discuss business, this is not the place.
(4)Steve L.
Overpriced and hugely over rated.........try Sullivan's instead. St Elmo's shrimp cocktail was ridiculous. All prepped and on counter for hours before serving. We could see them when we arrived. Horseradish sauce was just crazy and not even enjoyable. Shrimp nothing special. Service was slow and sloppy. Room was freezing cold. Wine was good and affordable, but that was on ly positive. Steaks were ok, but again not worth $40 a piece. Cocktails were weak too. Valet service was excellent!!! Will not go back to this place. Had such high expectations and was very disappointed for a very special visit.
(1)Carl F.
Without doubt, one of the top 10 steaks I've had in my life. We'd heard the hype concerning St. Elmo's and on a recent weekend getaway to Indy my wife and I decided to give it a try....GREAT decision and we will come back again. We were in Indy on a Saturday night and thanks to a very helpful staff member we were able to get reservations on short notice NOTE: I called on a Friday night for reservations the following night.....at first, they had nothing (OpenTable had nothing either), but after discussing with the young lady on the phone she managed to find us a 7pm, bar table for Saturday night. By good fortune from the steak gods, they found a table for us when we arrived Saturday evening. The place was packed. I had the Ribeye steak and my wife did the special New York stirp....both preparred exactly the way we requested. The quality of the meat and the preparation was impeccable and well worth the steep prices you will gladly pay at St. Elmo's. We of course started the meal with the Shrimp Cocktail appetizer....shrimp are nothing special (if you don't count the size), but the fresh horsradish cocktail sauce is what makes the dish. If you don't do well with spicy/hot/sinus clearing horseradish dishes you should stay away from this appetizer. If this is your thing....drive on and you will LOVE it. The Red Skin mashed potatos made an excellent side for the Ribeye and provides something a bit different from the traditional Baked Potato my wife had....nothing exceptional with the sides, but they were obviosuly fresh preparred and plentyful. I probably woudl have given and overall rating of 4 stars, but the deserts pushed this rating to a 5 (six if I could have done it). I had the blue and white bread pudding with ice cream....a helping so large I was unable to finish it (I NEVER leave a plate unfinished). Wife had a slice of their Chocolate cake (if forget the specific name), but it too was a monster slice and the wife could not stop ooh'ing and ahh'ing over the flavor. She's a pretty picky chocolate cake eater and to get her repeated comments makes the cake (and St. Elmo's) a star for her. Bottom line: if you're in Indianapolis, and can get reservations, treat yourself to a meal you will not soon forget! It don't get much better than St. Elmo's.
(5)Joshua S.
Best Steak I've ever had. Amazing Shrimp Cocktail. Words can't describe!
(5)Drew K.
Great Steak and Great Shrimp!! Cool Laid back atmosphere. Too expensive?.....Try it during Devour Downtown, it's only $30/person then.
(5)Steve R.
Great restaurant. Had the NY Strip. Cooked perfectly. Great service. Well worth the money. I'd go back any time.
(5)Mark W.
Great steak house! Had the shrimp cocktail. Yes, the cocktail sauce has lots of horseradish, wonderful. Had the tomato and onion salad, great, both my mother and I had the filet, again perfect, finished with the bread pudding and barely could walk out. Great wait staff, only negative is the atmosphere feels rushed, next time will sit in one of the smaller rooms. Best steak house in Indy!
(4)Chris W.
Their world famous shrimp cocktail lived up to the hype. I wasn't all that impressed with the steak however.
(4)Christine B.
This place is always a favorite among the visitors that come to visit my husband and I. While I'm not a big fan of a small menu, the food quality makes up for it. I'm not a big beef eater, but when I do eat it, I prefer for it to be the best. The last two times here I've had the chopped steak with blue cheese and onions. It's very good and has a lot of flavor. The drinks and wine are always good and it is definitly a must-go for anyone visiting Indianapolis, especially for the first time. The shrimp cocktail with fresh horseradish is incredible but I prefer not to order it every time because it always makes my eyes water. The walls are covered with autographed photos of celebrities who have dined here. It's been open since the 1900's. A place with this long of tenure, can't go wrong. It's classic, and classy, great for special occassions. Just do me a favor and have some class; please don't go to St. Elmo's wearing jeans. They might not care, but I do. If you are going to spend over $30 on a steak, you can at least afford to wear dress pants. Stay Classy Indianapolis!
(5)Graydon M.
Came here on the recommendation of a friend and I wasn't disappointed. This is a top end Steak House with all the traditional trappings. There isn't much more to say about it. My steak came ordered as was very, very good. I had the bone in rib eye with a side of creamed spinach and a baked potato. Not very imaginative I know but why mess with perfection.
(4)Nichole H.
I went here for Devour Downtown last weekend. St Elmo's is spendy - and with everyone trying to cut back, I figured the $30 menu would be a great time to try it. I will say our waiter seemed a little... distant? when we first sat down. I imagine that they don't love restaurant week, since the 3 course meal costs what normally your steak alone would cost. I can understand, but really, you should treat the people who come in for a drink and appetizer with the same level of service as those who drop hundreds of dollars. My fiance and I will frequently stop in for a drink/dessert and judge a place based on that alone. We may never go back and spend the big bucks. I digress. The food was excellent. I enjoyed everything. I didn't love the dessert (I ordered the chocolate cherry bread pudding) but I love bread pudding and I'm very picky about it. The meat was cooked perfect, the veggies were wonderful, and of course... the shrimp cocktail appetizer was fabulous. Aaron had the prime rib which he said was really good (it had better be for the $40!) I'm a little sad that the waiter didn't offer me blue cheese olives in my dirty martini, but now I know I need to ask.
(4)N M.
Shrimp cocktail, location and history. Steaks are good, but not the best you will find in town.
(4)Julie B.
Came here last weekend during a visit to Indy, read that it's a famous local spot so decided to try it. The shrimp cocktail is so tasty, super heavy on the horseradish. And the filet was cooked perfectly and tasted fantastic. Thought the mashed potatoes and crab mac n cheese were just so-so. There's a special menu for $35, maybe it's just on Sundays? that includes shrimp or salad, filet or a couple other entree choices, and dessert. Not bad. The waiter chose a cabernet for us, was an excellent choice. And he gave us a bunch of recommendations of places to go - really nice guy, great service. And we were entertained by the intoxicated people at the table next door. All in all, a great night!
(5)S Y.
Gigantically overrated. We only went (reluctantly) bc we received a gift certificate from a business, giving what they thought was a charitable, thoughtful gift by patronizing a local business. St elmos is an institution in indpls, but...you can finish this sentence. Shrimp cocktail is always reliably rubbery & sour. Steak is reliably gristly. And the waitstaff talks way too much, especially the bartenders but the waiters are too! how are you supposed to tell the restaurant you didn't come to have dinner with the bartender? Oh, that's right, via yelp!
(1)Des B.
mmmmmmmmm. We easily made a reservation from Yelp's App.
(5)Mark M.
In town with KC and thought wifie and I would go This is most Likely my tenth time there and this was by far the worse The shrimp cocktail was not on ice it was in melted ice, that's right cold water The fries were great The steaks a disappointment They claim to be a great steak house but serve substandard choice meat The service was great as usual but overall quality bad I hate to say it but SKIP IT !!!
(3)JC O.
Bracing shrimp cocktail! And best lobster I've ever ever had!
(5)Jeff P.
Great steaks and great atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is amazing even for someone who lives on the gulf coast where the best shrimp comes from
(4)William r.
Way Over priced, If you like over paying for dinner This is the one for you, But also if you drive a BMW or a Rolls you really don't care what things cost then this is your place and you are welcome to it.. What funny is I have eaten St Elmo, Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and Dollar for Dollar I find the steak I get at IHOP the best deal,
(2)Anne R.
They filleted by filet mignon without asking! I wanted it well done but not charred. The cocktail sauce was not even mildly hot. Soup ok- potatoes so so. Cheesecake good.... We will not be back.
(1)Lora R.
My husband I are huge foodies and had been looking forward to St. Elmo's for months. After several trips to Indy, and meals at places such as The Oceanaire, we decided it was time. We were in town for the NCAA tournament and made reservations weeks in advance. Seriously- we were so excited it was all we could talk about! Our reservations were for Saturday night at 8 pm. The restaurant was packed, but we were promptly seated in the main (well lit) dining room at a small table in the back. Bread (delicious) was delivered immediately with water. It took our server, Rico, several minutes to even acknowledge us. Once he finally noticed us, he asked if we would like the shrimp cocktail (yes!). Not only did he neglect to go over the menu, we had to request drinks ourselves. I had the French 75 and my husband had the dirty martini. My cocktail was overly sweet but his martini was perfect. Once they were delivered, out came the deliciously spicy shrimp cocktail. Rico immediately asked for our order. My husband ordered the bone in prime rib and I requested the chopped salad and the king crab mac and cheese. 10 minutes later, our server returned and stated they were sold out of the prime rib. I understand it's a popular dish, but there should be more communication between the kitchen and the servers. My husband decided on the 12 oz filet (ordered medium well) and lobster tail with au gratin. We also ordered more drinks, beer this time, and Rico assured us they would be out shortly. Another 15 minutes pass and Rico states they are out of the beer we requested. The food arrived shortly after. My husband's filet came out medium rare at the most, but his lobster tail was enormous and delicious. Rico forgot his requested horseradish twice and came out with it when we were almost finished. The king crab mac and cheese was not as rich as I had hoped. It was mostly pasta with melted cheese, bread crumbs and small, dry pieces of crab meat on top. I suppose i was hoping for a creamier dish. That being said, it is pasta with cheese so it was good enough to eat. Overall, the food was enjoyable and for the most part well prepared. My husband and I travel frequently and are not afraid to spend money on a good meal. But the overall experience/service at St. Elmo's did not warrant the $300 bill. I'm glad we finally visited St. Elmo's, but I can't imagine going back unless it's to pick up a $10 bottle of their amazing cocktail sauce.
(3)Kay O.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday, so it was a dressy affair for us. We are both huge foodies, and steak is one of our loves. I was looking up tips on foursquare and 7/10 tips said GET THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL. We did. The shrimp cocktail is the best I've ever had anywhere. I had the filet mignon with a side of green beans and it was heavenly. I cannot eat any other steak now without comparing it to the tender, melt in your mouth steak I had here. Oh my goodness! I would DEFINITELY come back. Can't wait!
(5)Dalila H.
My husband and I split the shrimp cocktail, wedge salad, 28 oz. porterhouse and chocolate cake. Everything was FAB. Wait staff GREAT! Wine Wonderful! Steak melt in your mouth!!! Been here before and always YUM!!!
(5)Adriana K.
Ah, classy oldschool steakhouse. Too bad I don't eat red meat. That being said, even in a landlocked state, the shrimp cocktail is pretty colosal. I tried their chicken, which was tasty as well - and had to have someone else assist with a wine selection as our waiter was clueless to the binder that held their selections (he may have been new?!?). Cocktails are classic, and of course bread tasty, and ambiance classy. Keeping true to what is rarer to come by with so many food trends, a classic standby.
(4)H T.
I had the signature shrimp dish, and I thought it was okay. I also had a tuna dish, and it was relatively good. However, the tuna dish came out somewhat rare if you prefer it that way. As for the atmosphere, dinnertime was kind of dark, and the server did a great job of serving us. The place is overpriced. Overall, it is overrated.
(2)Steve H.
Atmosphere is stellar. Great old world throwback to the way a real steakhouse restaurant should be. Staff is outstanding. Waiters very professional and hostesses always very accommodating. They make you feel right at home and make you feel like you're the most important person in the restaurant. Fillet mignon always my top choice. Don't forget the shrimp appetizer. Off the charts. If you have room for dessert the raspberry cheesecake is the way to go. I would do this again and again and again. As a matter fact I have.
(5)Steve S.
Classic place - drinks and appetizers at the bar - excellent! Not cheap, but what do expect for great service, food and drinks! Fun crowd too!
(4)Anne B.
Very rarely do ALL of my friends, upon asked for recommendations in an unfamiliar city, all choose the same place. When I mentioned to people I was going to Indy and had one night to eat out, every single person said I need to come here. They were right. And I'm a twice-a-year-Keen's-or-grill-it-myself gal. You don't have to go far to read all the plusses. I'll say this much - this was an exceptional filet mignon. They know 'black and blue' from rare and gave me an extraordinary cut of the former, which I could cut with a fork (that NEVER left my hand). This came courtesy of Dana, a WONDERFUL server with encyclopedic knowledge of the menu, including the wine list (had a GORGEOUS pinot noir they serve by the GLASS. WOW!), and a sense of humor I really appreciated. I also can't recommend their navy bean soup enough - LOADED with bacon, smoky and perfect. Maybe the best I've ever had. I said 'bacon'. Which leads me to the two reasons I withhold that fifth star: #1: This may be a regionalism, but I don't think so. Steak and an iceberg wedge go together like a horse and carriage so to speak and to ME, an iceberg wedge means BACON - LOTS of it - and BLUE CHEESE. The bacon on my salad was SUPERB... and... almost an afterthought. A garnish. NO-NO. And the dressing - I can't understand this - it was almost all buttermilk, with just a trace of Roquefort. I was really dismayed by this, as was the person I shared the salad with. #2: YES, it seems the shrimp cocktail is their signature dish. Personally, I don't get it, and don't think they need the gimmick (maybe they do; I honestly don't know). I'll say this much - it's all about the horseradish heat and having grown up in eastern european households, heat doesn't impress me. When I have a shrimp cocktail, I'm in it for the tenderness of the shrimp - given the terrible news unfolding about the shrimping/slave trade, it's going to take a lot to get me to order this dish anyway, so I'd like to really taste what I've ordered. As for the sauce - yeah, it's hot, and the two people at my table who ordered it enjoyed it a great deal. But I personally just don't like having "signature" ANYTHING foisted upon me (NOT that they did, but they REALLY extolled its virtues) - it just seems the meat needed no support. I went for the steak. I had the steak. I was blown away by the steak (BTW, another friend had the rib eye which was rare and marbled to perfection - honestly, GREAT beef...). I was with six people and we closed the place, though we NEVER felt rushed. EVERYone enjoyed themselves and their meals, and if I lived in Indy I think I'd weigh about four hundred pounds. Caveats aside, I say it's worth the price.
(4)Indy D.
I come here when I'm feelin fancy. I'd describe the place as Dope McNasty. Hope this review helped so much it hurt
(5)Dick A.
Steak and shrimp cocktail don't get any better that at St Elmo's. Busy, cramped, loud and incredible food and service. The best.
(5)Rand P.
3rd time here in last ten years and it keeps getting better. From Gabi the hostess to Our waiter Fart the service was exemplary. The shrimp cocktail and sirloin are top notch. Highly recommended.
(5)Kim W.
It's all been said before: the shrimp cocktail rocks your socks off and the cow meat is good. What stood out for me on this trip was that the mashed potatoes weren't too salty (that is rare in the mashed potato world) and the chocolate cake was to die for. Really, the chocolate cake was like a fudgy brownie that must have crack or other secret ingredients to make it so good. I'm salivating just thinking about it. Devour Downtown is the best time to enjoy a night here in a less financially burdensome environment. I ate all the things above for less than the regular cost of the filet alone. I'll come back when it's full price but I may skip the cow and just double fist the chocolate cake.
(4)Roberto N.
Starched white tablecloths,waitstaff in tuxes, outstanding Shrimp Cocktail, and the best bread I've ever had to boot. Normally, I only consume quality at this level when it's my birthday, or It's "Big Date Night" with my Hun. But a longtime friend raved about it SO hard, I was given no choice at all. (Twist my arm. No, a little more; make it look like you're forcing me!) I opted for my favorite- the Ribeye. Please!!! Spend some time and check out their definitions of done-ness- why ruin a magnificent slab of beef????? Mine was, well, very good. You could taste the difference. I'll be back, I promise you. Now, I just gotta find someone to twist my arm again...
(5)Tamra D.
The minute we walked in the door the service was superb!!! We made a reservation through their website and had to change it that same day and they were able to accommodate us. Walking to our table waitstaff greeted us and wished us a good meal. We arrived to our table and I had mentioned we were celebrating our 8th anniversary. The restaurant had a printed card congratulating us. The waiter showed up immediately and greeted and wished us a happy anniversary too. He asked us of we wanted the wine list and informed us the cellar had hundreds of varieties and if we like wine we'd be happy with the selections. We never felt rushed. My hubby wanted to come for their famous Shrimp Cocktail. It has horseradish in it. The heat is perfect. It gets you right in the nose and right when you think it's too much it goes away. He said it was wonderful. I enjoyed the navy bean soup which is a tradition before your meal or you can select the tomorrow juice. The soup was good, the bread basket was amazing. I loved the onion roll. The waiter heard I didn't like seafood so he suggested he just brought me the sauce for the shrimp. He insisted I try it so I know how yummy it is. I had it on top of some bread. Fabulous! I chose the 8 oz filet, medium rare with the green beans. It was cooked perfect. A little crispy on the outside and perfect on the inside. We shared the twice baked potato. It was enough for two. Love it! We chose the creme brûlée and champagne! It was yummy. Every bite I enjoyed. We selected a $40 Carmenere wine from Chile. It was nice. We never felt rushed and were encouraged to savor and enjoy our meal. The perfect pic for a tasty steak house!
(5)A B.
Unbelievably terrible experience all around. Price is high, food is average, service is poor. Don't waste your time.
(1)Jason N.
Doesn't even touch Peter Luger. At St. Elmo, it's $$$$ prices for ** food. I was really disappointed here. The atmosphere on a late Monday night was completely dead and the bartender/server acted like I was putting her out to have pulled up a chair to eat at the bar. The best food I had was the complimentary bread basket, which contained a variety of rolls and a piece of flatbread-- all were awesome. The much-hyped shrimp cocktail ($15.95) was definitely full of mentholized (i.e., freshly grated horseradish) heat. The shrimp were half-cleaned, however, with intestinal tracts hanging out of at least a couple of the shrimp. The shrimp were a bit rubbery, as though they had been sitting around too long. The 8oz. petite filet ($34.95) was cooked nicely but barren-- not a speck of sauce or shred of spice in sight... just a hunk of meat, so if you are Fred Flintstone you will probably love it. I subbed grilled asparagus as a vegetable for an additional $8. It was good enough but monstrous in portion size. The bartender could have advised it would be a bit much. I got a couple glasses of wine but it took ordering the most expensive red available by the glass ($15/glass) in order to find some that was half decent. I was looking for authentic old school midwestern steakhouse charm with incredible food and instead found lackluster ambiance/hospitality coupled with mass-produced quality food that one might expect at a chain steakhouse. After spending $120+ on my meal, I was full inside but the experience left me empty. I'll skip this landmark next time I'm in Indy.
(2)Kathleen C.
Fantastic service. I enjoyed the shrimp cocktail, salad and artisanal cocktails. I've heard the steak is divine but did not have it this visit. On my way out the waiter insisted on walking me to my car. Great atmosphere and very happy to have the pleasure to visit this place on my short visit.
(5)Kevin C.
There's wonderful ambience at this mainstay in the Indianapolis area. We had reservations for 3 @ 6:30 and were seated right away. The service was great and we of course had to start with the world famous shrimp cocktail. We had some fabulous wine which were swiftly followed by some amazing steak and fish. We ended the night by going to the upstairs bar. Over all, a great experience.
(4)Grace P.
The shrimp cocktail was everything everyone has raved about! Just wasn't impressed with the sides. Double date with my BFF from college. We got the King Crab Mac n' Cheese and Creamed Spinach. They were just too rich - a lot of cheese on both dishes. My ribeye was decent. I just don't know if I'd be making a special trip to dine there again. I guess living in Chicago has spoiled me with some of the best steak places!
(3)Stan B.
Outstanding food and service. Plan to spend a bunch of $, but you will be rewarded by an outstanding experience.
(5)Eric B.
Food was expecting for a 3-4 star joint, but the service was lacking for a 2* place. Not sure who the owners are, but the rumor is they are failing on multiple levels.
(2)Jennifer S.
Great steaks. However, service was not as top notch as I imagined it would be.
(5)Autumn S.
It's been a LONG time since I've been to St. Elmo's but the experience I had was great. I tried the famous shrimp cocktail and that sauce will definitely clear the sinuses! My steak was cooked perfectly with a crispy char on the outside. The salads come loaded with bleu cheese and are fresh. Service was on point and they made every attempt to assure our table was happy and satisfied. If I'm ever in the Indy area looking for a great steak, I know just where to go!
(4)Sam C.
Best shrimp cocktail I've ever had. Need I say more? This place is a must if you are in town for the weekend or are just looking for a great place for dinner. Food and atmosphere are wonderful. Will definitely be back!
(5)Martin H.
Steakhouse. Found this steakhouse in downtown Indianapolis while staying at the nearby Hyatt Hotel. We wen't in without reservation and got seated right away. Started off with a Martini (of course) with wonderful stuffed olives. Then the shrimp cocktail. And yes! It was so good. They have a lot of horseradish in it which makes it even more tasty. Had the NY strip as main course with mashed potatoes. Perfect. Service was good - a waitor with good sense of humor and very alert. I might give this place a five star, but there are steakhouses that are better so a four star will do. Recommended!
(4)David G.
If I go out for steak, this is where I go. Their navy bean soup is a great starter. The prime rib is huge. You will have leftovers. Where else can you get a potato or veg. Included at a fine steakhouse. For sides, I like their creamed spinach and onion rings. Go old school at this place and you will be disappointed.
(5)Matt E.
This is the best steak I've ever had. I am a big fan of high end steakhouses and this is by far and away the best. The food, the service, the wine selection are all sensational and the shrimp cocktail is worth writing home about. I dine here every chance I am in town and agree that is is worthy of the praise it gets in the national media.
(5)Erik T.
WOW, this place is good!!! I was in town for a conference last week and our friends took us to this place. Upon first glance, looks like your average steakhouse, dimly lit, dark wooden tables and pictures across all the walls. I have been to a number of steak houses and this didn't look like it stood out any...that is until I tried the food. First off, the shrimp cocktail literally made me cry! not in a bad way, but lets just say that my sinuses are clear and my stomach is full. Definitely worth the try, but fair warning to the spicy sensitive palates out there. So on to the steak...a 28 oz. Porter House done rare... It was so good and cooked to perfection, however in this battle of man vs. food....Food Won. I was not able to finish this mini dinosaur on my plate, but i did give it a respectable fight, but in the end, FOOD WON... I am hoping I am town next year for a conference, because this time, I am going all the way. If you are in town... I vote you go for it. I definitely recommend this place, you will not be disappointed.
(4)Ashlee W.
Came here on a recommendation of a friend and I was not disappointed. My medium rare steak was cooked perfectly and there was a ton of flavor in it! The sides were fresh and delicious! I can't wait to come back and try it again!
(4)Kevin K.
This place is very fancy but not to my taste. The house salad dressing is interesting. If you know what a steak should taste like then this is not the place. Cooked right just no flavor, almost asked for a1 sauce, a $40 steak should melt in your mouth
(2)Rachel F.
Yum! Anytime a place is well known it is hard because you walk in with these high, and often unattainable expectations. With St Elmo, it still lived up. Best meal I've ever had? Maybe not. But pretty damn good. The service was incredible. About as good as it could possibly get. My Pinot Noir was wonderful. The filet was delicate and lovely and the mashed potatoes were quite flavorful. The shrimp cocktail was very good, though crazy heavy on the horseradish. I looove a good kick but this straight up had my eyes watering and luckily I had been warned not to get a scoop of the cocktail sauce or I might have started choking. That being said the taste was spicy and nice, just a touch too much. Sooo close. All in all, I was really impressed and would highly recommend checking this place out for a lovely, fancy night out.
(4)Eugenia T. F.
Must try the shrimp cocktail. This place is so iconic, and it definitely lives up to the hype. I'm a bit of a filet mignon conoissuer, and this is one of the best.
(5)Lord B.
Pacers Special! 'nuff said!... but I'll continue anyways... We were going to a Pacers game and saw that they had a Pacers Special on the night of the games. We ordered the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer (amazing), we also got some bread (amazing). The steak was cooked at a perfect medium-rare, the greenbeans were excellent, and the red skin mashed potatoes were killer! We finished the night with a piece of the Raspberry Cheesecake; which was probably the best I have ever had! It gives the cheescake factory a run for its money! (unless that's where they get it! lol) The service was prompt and I never went without a drink! Keep up the good work guys!
(5)Kellie S.
All over town when I asked where and what to eat, EVERYONE said St. Elmo's. If it wasn't for the shrimp cocktail, then it was for steak. I'll be honest, that I wanted to go there because I hear Peyton Manning had a private table and being a huge fan, I wanted to see it. Rick, our server, was great! He was knowledgeable about the steak, about St Elmo's and its history, and all around a nice, friendly guy. We got the shrimp cocktail and yes, it was perfection. I don't even eat shrimp cocktail normally but now my boyfriend and I were about to fight over the last shrimp. Rick did tell us that they offered another shrimp for $3, this way I didn't hurt him over the last one, but I gave in and he enjoyed it! Our steaks: he ordered the KC special, I ordered the regular new york strip. The difference in these two steaks was unbelievable. My strip would have been perfect for me....that's IF I didn't taste the KC special. The way it's prepared is the best way possible. In the bread basket, there are 3 types of rolls. The warm onion rolls filled with sautéed onions were the best thing on earth. Baked potato was huge, bean soup was to die for and everything else was perfect. St Elmo's is a definite when in Indy. Ask your server to see Peyton's private room in the wine cellar, and he might give you a tour!
(5)Kjirsten K.
I finally had the opportunity to try this Indianapolis staple during Devour Downtown. The set menu included choice of shrimp cocktail or salad, entrees were the legendary Filet, Salmon, and Chicken, and for dessert they offered creme brulee, chocolate cherry bread pudding, and cheesecake. I had the shrimp cocktail, filet, and cheesecake. Best restaurant in town?? I'm not sure. But pretty damn good, it is. I'm not usually a horseradish fan, but I did enjoy the shrimp cocktail. The shrimp were nice and big, and delicious. The filet was tender, juicy, and flavorful. Unfortunately the cheesecake was blah and nothing special; it tasted like something I could pick up from the grocery store. Some other touches that added to the meal were the yummy, unique rolls and house Cabernet. In all, it was a very nice dinner shared with great friends, and an overall great dining experience.
(4)Sarah L.
This restaurant has been in Indianapolis since 1902 - longer than the racetrack - now that's saying something! I was happy to try out this local favorite during my short visit. They rave about their "world famous" shrimp cocktail...but coming from some amazing seafood cities...I couldn't imagine what would make it world famous...BUT WOW! Do they sure know how to make a cocktail sauce. Quite fitting to the name St. Elmo..it was on fire! TONS of fresh horseradish is what will keep your memory alive about the cocktail(sauce) for many years to come. With much luck, we arrived on the last night of Devour Downtown and got the shrimp cocktail, a huge filet with a side of green beans and smashed potatoes and a dessert (creme brulee) for only $30?? Killer deal. The filet mignon was amazing...as was the prefix menu! A true dining experience complete with history, great photos of Indy drivers on the wall, I'd gladly return on my next visit.
(4)James M.
Very good.
(4)No S.
omg yes please. all of it. thank youuuu.
(5)Miguel M.
I was out in Indy for business...all the locals said St. Elmos was a must for a Seattle guy like me. Apparently Peyton Manning who is like a god around Indy goes to St Elmos after every home game. After hearing all the hoopla I decided I would ante-up the corporate card to spend the $60+ per head for the dining experience. I started with a caprese salad. The salad had a decent balsamic dressing and the tomatoes were of great quality. My only gripe with the salad would be that it was over dressed...making the salad soggy and visually unappealing. Next up the sides. I chose the bean soup and veggies. I'm not a huge fan of bean soup but I guess it was ok. I feel like you could probably get something on par in a canned product from Progresso. As for the veggies, they were pretty standard. Nothing bad, nothing great about them. Now for the main course...the steak. I had the 14 oz New York cut ordered medium rare. The quality of the meat seemed to be fine and the center temp was was also ok. Where it falls apart for me is the seasoning and char. The meat was bland and did not have that nice char that really sets off a steak in my mind. If I was served a steak like this at The Keg or Black Angus I would be ok with it but at a premier steak house I expect a lot more. I might give St Elmos another try if someone twists my arm but I will definitely check out many other Indy restaurants first.
(2)Ralph G.
So not worth the money. The steak special was les than special
(3)Evan S.
Upon entering the dimly lit and bustling tavern, I immediately encountered the strangest thing: mobs of citizens, businessmen, big wigs and your everyday Joe cheerfully partaking in their delicious cocktails, telling jokes, carrying on and...crying. Crying? Something was off. These folks looked happy, nay, exuberant, yet tears were flowing like Long Island Iced Teas at an open bar. Surrounded by walls of beautifully aged wood and joyous folks, I took my seat and began to dive in to the list of cuisine that lay before me. Upon my lady friend's ordering, my journey into cuisine legend began. The bow-tied waiter placed before me a shining, immaculate cauldron filled with six, enormous decapod crustaceans bathing in their own version of the Red Sea. Without a word, I tossed one in to my mouth and a stream of tears, none like I have ever seen, began to pour. This was it. The legend. The St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail. The feeling of your sinuses clearing in an instant and the jolt that shoots through your entire body is almost indescribable. Like a painful sore in your mouth that you just can't leave alone, I went back for more. In the fewest words possible, this shrimp cocktail is amazing. Everyone has seen it on TV, read and heard about it, but there is nothing like experiencing it in person. The shrimp are amazing, huge and tender while the flaming sauce is spicy and delicious. Imagine taking a bite off of a horseradish root marinated in wasabi and then chasing it with the finest shrimp around. It shocks you, but only for a few seconds, and then you crave more. Whenever I am downtown and have a few bucks to spare- I grab this delight. If you live in Indianapolis and normally need a cup of coffee to keep you going, try the cocktail instead. It will surely jumpstart your day. It's the true working man's meal.
(5)Jack H.
I don't come to Indianapolis often enough. The last time I was here was in 2002 for a camping gear show at the convention center and I had such a good time, it really doesn't make sense that I haven't come back. Luckily I met a lovely lady online about a year ago and used the convenient excuse of an irate client in nearby Cincinatti to swing by and take her out for a nice dinner. Glad I did. The St Elmo Steak house is a gem. We were treated like royalty. My date works in the cosmetics world and is used to a pretty high standard of living and even she exclaimed "I feel like Diana Ross and Berry Gordy!" That's how how quality the service is! Jordan, our server was perfection. The guy knows a thing or two about steaks, not to mention sides and he took our order without writing anything down. The food arrived promptly and we felt like family the whole time. The shrimp cocktail is delicious but the sauce is a 9 on the hot scale and I ended up drinking close to a dozen glasses of water during the course of dinner. Jordan was so quick and attentive I don't remember waiting for even a micro-second before my glass was filled to the rim. They only use high quality cloth napkins and I happened to use 3 or 4 in all the excitement. Jordan never batted an eye. The steaks are top quality. I'm not sure if they are grass fed or whatever but I got a large porterhouse and my date and I shared a cowboy (bone in) rib eye and they were both fantastic. The King Crab Mac and Cheese tasted like it had just come out of the ocean and the loaded baked potato didn't disappoint. Like I said, the shrimp cocktail sauce has a extra kick of zing, so be warned, but nothing a few extra glasses of water or a glass of milk can't take care of.
(5)Lisa S.
I've been here a few times. The famous cocktail sauce is killer. It's nice for special occasions but is a bit pricey for frequent dining. The food has always been delicious and the service has been great.
(4)Karla G.
Went with bf while on vacation. He got the special and I got the 8oz. His was way better...if you can, get the special, it was amazing. Like eating a freshly killed cow...yum. We also had the shrimp cocktail. They warn you that it will clear the sinuses because of the horseradish and they do not undersell it. It really has a kick. Never got around to tasting the dessert...
(4)Phillip H.
The restaurant is real nice but the cook seemed to have trouble cooking my steak I sent it back to the kitchen and it still came back under cooked. For the price you would expect the chefs to be able to cook. Over all I was not impressed besides the cooking the waiter didn't bring our starters out until after our main course
(2)Christina G.
Was in town for an event (came from San Francisco) and was told I had to try St. Elmo's. So glad I did ! I had a filet mignon that was cooked perfectly and so seasoned it was great on its own. No grabbing for steak sauce. Very tender. I paired it with a mashed red potato that was delicious. For desert I had the reserve bread pudding that was NOT the bread pudding I am used to being given and which I usually turn down. This was awesome! I could see just coming here for the desert and a beverage. The service was great and the ambiance was very special. It was truly a wonderful dining experience.
(5)Laura M.
Daaaaang, shrimp cocktail, you're hot! That is what I would say to this succulent starter if it were a sentient being right before I devoured it. My first experience with St. Elmo's was when my fiance told me that it was the inspiration for Ron Swanson's Indianapolis steakhouse obsession on Parks and Rec. I don't know if this is true or not, but digging in to a perfectly tender hunk of beef definitely makes me feel a.) Swanson-esque and b.) like everything is right with the world. It's very expensive normally, but during Devour Downtown and on Sundays they have a $30 dinner that lets you enjoy an app, entree, and dessert without breaking the bank. There are options other than the filet (chicken, or fish maybe) but seriously, why even look at them? They also sell bottles of their famous cocktail sauce, so you never have to suffer from congested sinuses again.
(4)John P.
We were in town for a conference and went to St. Elmo's based on prior reviews and local recomendations. Needless to say we were not disapointed. Being on per diem we chose the "Devour Indy" menu, which gets you the famous shrimp cocktail, choice of petit filet or salmon and one of three different desserts. Good deal($35) based on menu prices. Prior to dinner we ventured upstairs to the vintage 30's bar which had great atmosphere and impecable service. There was a bit of a misfire from the dinning room hostess who told us there would be a one hour wait for dinner seating....it was only 10 minutes, just in time for the pager to go off and our drinks and appitizer to arrive in the upstairs bar. The hostess staff let us put off being seated for 30 minutes and when we were ready for dinner, we were promptly seated. No explanation or appology for not really knowing what the wait would be. Not a big deal and we quickly forgot once those huge shrimp arrived. Yes the cocktail sauce is hot, but it's a "fresh" hot and you can gage how much sauce to includle with each bite of those sweet shrimp. Now on to the filet that was perfectly cooked (medium rare). One of the best steaks I have ever had the pleasure of eating. One in our group opted for the salmon which was similarly presented with perfection. All entrees came with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans that still had some "snap" in them. Dessert was chocolate tort, cheese cake and cream brulee. Since there was three of us, we had one of each and shared. Overall a good foodie experience made affordable by the "Devour Indy" summer special (thru August 12).
(4)Lee T.
St. Elmo's makes me look forward to a trip to Indy - no offense to the natives. Its old school vibe, superior service and quality food make it a "must" in downtown. Their shrimp cocktail is famous for a reason and if you have a cold, as I did on my most recent visit, it is useful for opening up the sinuses. I was impressed that the waiter was genial about my husband and I sharing a 28 oz bone-in rib-eye, which when split was still a healthy portion! The side of creamed spinach was excellent as was the meat - a little undercooked, but again, no frazzled expression when we asked for a minute under the broiler. What surprised me on this visit was dessert; I'm pretty sure I haven't had it there before. The waiter recommended the special blueberry bread pudding and it was SO good that I ate way more than I intended to. I'm pretty sure they were trying to single handedly raise my cholesterol in one evening. One word about wine: the imports were not marked up as aggressively as the domestic wines. We enjoyed a Barolo that was off the beaten path of the wine list and it was a much better value than the California Cabs of equal price.
(5)Virginia L.
Excellent food Supreme service Fantastic atmosphere The shrimp cocktail is world famous for a reason. Don't leave without trying it!
(5)Joe P.
I dined at St. Elmo Steak House on Saturday, March 30. I was in a party of 4 and the evening started off on track. We were seated promptly upon our arrival and the waiter shortly followed to take our orders. All 4 of us ordered the Filet Mignon. I was the only one to order the 12 oz. steak. This is the point when things turned sour. My wife informed the waiter that this was our 1st experience at St. Elmo and asked for the history. The waiter, though not rude, clearly expressed apathy in providing us with a 15 second run down of St. Elmo's history. Not exactly what I had in mind based on the glowing reviews I've read about the waiters. The waiter, however, was prompt to refill my coke when I finished my glass. Once the meal arrived, I knew something wasn't right with my steak on first bite. It was lukewarm on the outside and cold on the core. Yes, I ordered the steak medium-rare but this is my first experience at an upscale restaurant where the steak was cold. I expressed my concern to the waiter who in return, expressed his sympathy for me. Yet, he didn't offer to rectify the problem. In the end, I was able to eat ~1/2 of my steak before I couldn't enjoy it anymore. At some point, no matter the cost, I decided it wasn't worth my displeasure to continue eating a cold steak. When the waiter asked again about my experience at the end of the meal, I again expressed my displeasure with the steak. I believe seeing my 1/2 eaten steak should've been a dead giveaway. As a consolation, he offered us creme bulee on the house. Frankly, I expected a lot more from this place given all the rave reviews. Unfortunately, my experience with St. Elmo left a lot to be desired from the food to the service.
(2)Jeremy B.
WOW that's how I wanted to start this review off since this is the first time my wife and I have been here and we have lived in Indy for over 6 years. We came to St Elmo's to celebrate my wife's birthday with her dad and his wife. I have the surf n turf and she had the double lobster tails and both were absolutely delicious. The Filet was cooked to perfection and the staff was spot on and very professional and friendly. DON'T FORGET TO GET THE SHRIMP COCKTAIL!!
(5)Vincent V.
If I'd had no advance knowledge of what to expect of St Elmo beforehand, I would have known the instant I walked in the door: the embodiment of classic steak house cool and a real sense of tradition and attention to detail. The history of the restaurant is apparent as you walk through to your table, but it doesn't feel stale or old-timey. It';s great to go to a place with 100 years of history that feels vibrant at the same time. Everything about the meal was spot on. The food and the atmosphere were great, and the service was just the right level of attentiveness without hovering. The kind of service where they're appearing out of thin air right at the instant before you think you need anything. The shrimp cocktail is everything you've heard. It's blisteringly fresh horseradish, which you're either going to love or hate. If you like sinus clearing, eye watering pop (which I do), you'll find yourself thinking about it days, even weeks later. No clue when I'll be back in Indianapolis, but I can't imagine another visit without stopping in. And given the history, I feel pretty confident St Elmo will be there for me whenever that is.
(5)Ed J.
The best steak in the Midwest. Last night we enjoyed surf and turf. Freakin' awesome! The horseradish in the shrimp cocktail sauce will bring you to your knees-be warned.
(5)Matthew F.
I love the style of this old school steak house. The atmosphere has a definite machismo to it that I enjoy. I like the oak paneled room that is the first one you cross through after walking through the bar. Service is attentive. The wine list is extensive. The famed shrimp cocktail is fun to order, to me its mostly a novelty. I like to watch people eat it and grimace as the horseradish invades their sinuses. And then they watch me do the same. Its fun but its not my favorite in terms of flavor. I still order it though. As for the steaks, I really wish this place had the best steaks in Indy but they don't. Don't get me wrong, they're very good but just not the best. I like dry aged ribeyes and strips cooked rare. Last time I went I ordered the dry aged KC strip. The steak was cooked to the correct temperature and seasoned appropriately. The steak had great flavor but was a bit tougher than I would expect a strip to be, especially since the dry-aging breaks down some of the collagen. I had to do quite a bit of sawing with the knife (no, I wasn't using a butterknife, haha). Still it was delicious and I had a great dinner. For dessert, I would recommend the bread pudding. Overall, a great place to have a steak and I'll be back.
(3)Donovan M.
Decent shrimp, A+ sauce. Downtown is filled with chains....Elmo is Indys own. It's a great place to take people from our of town.....bit make reservations because this place is ALWAYS packed.
(4)Krista F.
We made reservations for 9pm on July 3rd. Were promptly seated. Had the shrimp cocktail, of course. We also split a wedge salad that was too die for. Tons of real bacon crumbles, blue cheese and topped with a very nice vinaigrette. Both of us had the filet cooked medium and medium rare. Perfectly cooked. Service, as always, was terrific. Very helpful and accommodating.
(5)Vaughn C.
Great staff, amazing food. Started with shrimp cocktail, the sauce was horseradish hot and amazing. The steak was great, I love a place that does not overcook it's meat. Cheesecake for desert was very good. Excellent wait staff, very professional. Price is high but worth it.
(5)Bridget F.
After all the hype I heard about this place, I was really expecting a great experience. Ultimately, I was let down. The food was decent, but not spectacular. The service was generally great (although one server was a little snarky). Elmo's is rich in history, which makes it a classic Indianapolis spot; I think the history not the food makes it a staple.
(2)Talisha M.
This places makes me a steak fan!! So I am not a red meat eater but I always make an exception here! Best filet mignon I ever had! Lightly salted and grilled to perfection (always under cooked so order "up"). Great mac & cheese. As you know you HAVE to have the tear jerking Shrimp app w/cocktail sauce (seriously eat w/caution) b/c its a mouthful of WOWWWWW! Ended w/the best blueberry bread pudding. This is probably one of the nicest places to eat in this city and is a must do! The service is impeccable.
(5)Aaron L.
2.5 * Shrimp Cocktail 4.5* Bean Soup 3* Crab Mac & Cheese 1* Cowboy Bone-in Ribeye 1* Bone-in Filet 3* Mashed Potatos
(2)Jonathan W.
This restaurant was highly recommended by friends as well as numerous web sites so it was a must visit on our trip to Indy and it surely did NOT disappoint. Starting off with the house bread...our basket had actually several different types of bread in it which was a refreshing change from most places which just have one standard bread. The onion bread and lavosh in particular were nice starters for the palette. For appetizers we tried the shrimp cocktail which was highly recommended. Shrimp was awesome but be warned if you have low tolerance for spicy as the cocktail sauce was imbued with horseradish. For my main entree I took on the 28oz porterhouse steak with mashed potatoes. It was easily one of THE BEST steaks I've ever had in my life easily showing me why this place is a legend in steak houses. I finished off my meal with the Sugar Cream Pie which is touted as the State Pie of Indiana. It was absolutely delish. Prices here are pricey (entrees run anywhere from $25 - $40) but it's worth it for the treat. High quality food worthy of the price tag.
(5)Ben S.
I went here with two co-workers for happy hour ONLY because one of them has dreamed of the shrimp cocktail since she last went to St. Elmo's over four years ago. So in order to satisfy her craving, we went to go get ourselves one of their famous shrimp cocktails... All patrons of St. Elmo's enter through the bar. The host/ess station is at the end of the bar, which runs the length of the restaurant, and right in front of the kitchen. So for those of us seated at the bar, all the foot traffic is a minor inconvenience, but this luckily does not negatively impact the ambiance of this upscale steak and seafood joint. As I said, we came here for the shrimp cocktail. So upon sitting down at one of the tables behind the bar and having our waitress come over, we eagerly ordered our shrimp cocktails (one each) and drinks. In that order. We would also order a side of the king crab mac-n-cheese to share. The shrimp cocktail is nicely plated in a very traditional steakhouse style. The silver bowl is an inset which sits inside a larger bowl filled with crushed ice. Nice touch. Rather than filling the bowl with cocktail sauce and setting the poached shrimp on the edge, the shrimp are inside the bowl, pre-doused in cocktail sauce. An inverted shellfish fork stuck with a lemon wedge is stuck in the ice beside the inset bowl like a flag at the top of Mt. Everest as if to claim "I am the best shrimp cocktail you will ever eat." And this IS the best shrimp cocktail you will ever eat...IF you like REAL cocktail sauce. St. Elmo's cocktail sauce is not for the faint of heart, the weak-kneed, or those who do not enjoy simultaneously having their sinuses cleared, their eyes water and the front of their brain throb. This red sauce does not have a "touch" or a "hint" of horseradish. No, this is for people who like a hint of sauce to go with their freshly-ground horseradish. Take your first bite carefully and then get progressively ambitious. Not the other way around, or this sauce will knock you off your seat. 5 stars. As a side note, we also had the king crab mac-n-cheese. In hindsight, skip it and order another shrimp horseradishtail. I mean, shrimp cocktail. I didn't find any semblance of real cheese in the mac, and the king crab was poached meat sitting atop the breadcrumb crust. Blah. I could make better mac-n-cheese at home even without king crab. 1 star. The moral of the story here is the same as that of my co-worker: I will dream about this shrimp cocktail until the day I return to Indianapolis. At which time I will return to St. Elmo's for the shrimp cocktail an nothing else. Unless I'm rich, because boy is their regular menu pricey! 3.5-4 stars overall.
(4)Sharlene C.
no steaks were eaten but a cocktails were consumed. the lounge upstairs is cozy and dim. they make a mean gibson martini too.
(4)Jorgen M.
This is a top 5 steak house in the country for me. I think they have been around for over 100 years...old school all the way. Great old bar, waiters in tux's and lot's of classic Indy pictures throughout. The meats are all prime and cooked to perfection and you have to get the shrimp cocktail to understand why the entire dinning room has tears flowing from their eyes...Awesome...The best cocktail sauce in the country bar none. If you are ever in this town, this is a must do place
(5)Cara L.
St. Elmo's is an Indy landmark and an entire dining experience. You must have dinner here at least once if you come into town. Even better if you are on an expense account. (Extra bonus if you are there on Jerry Jones' expense account.) From the moment you step in the door, everyone from the hostess to the coat check girls to the bartender is a true professional, gracious and polite without being pushy, cheesy, or overly familiar. Yes, the shrimp cocktail is a must and yes there will be the jokers in your party who find it hilarious to tell the new person in the group that they MUST try it, snickering and chortling like morons as they watch the unsuspecting poor soul's eyes water and twitch. Personally, I enjoy spicy foods and have never quite understood all the fuss, but if you must do it the sissy way, you can ask for the cocktail sauce on the side. However, you probably won't satisfy your peers that you have been truly initiated so proceed with caution. St. Elmo's is as much about the experience as what you order. I have always enjoyed a jovial vibe with a fun group as opposed to going here for an intimate dinner. I am sure their seafood is fine, but go here for the steak. While I would not recommend stealing Jerry Jones' favorite reserved wine unless you have recently coached your team to a Super Bowl victory, I can assure you that there are hundreds and hundreds of wonderful selections in a very cool wine cellar, including my favorite Cakebread reds. Lovely assortment of desserts and after dinner spirits. Impeccable service. Hopefully your hotel has a nice wake up service and an early opening Starbucks to help you recover from a truly memorable dining experience.
(5)Tom P.
St Elmo's is a required stop when I am in Indy. Went last night after telling co-workers all week about the shrimp cocktail and super hot horseradish. Decor is very old school, but in a real cool nostalgic kind of way. Waitstaff all wear bowties etc.. We sat in a back dining room away from the bar. Our waiter was outstanding and very knowledgable. The wine list is HUGE and he knew it inside and out... Had the aforementioned shrimp cocktail which was as great as I recalled... When I say the horseradish is hot, I am not screwing around - it's blazing. Very tasty though - not just hot to be not if you know what I mean.. My KC steak was very good - but I have to say it wasn't as good as the last few times. I really had to grip my knife to cut through some parts closer to the bone. One collegue had a porterhouse and said it was great; the other is a vegatarian (yes, i know...) and she had a pasta which she also said was excellent. They give you a choice of sides and between that and the bread and the shrimp and of course the 42oz steak, I was spent! no dessert.... Anyway - food was somewhere between a 3 star and 4 star night, service helped to round it up to a solid 4.
(4)Deuce D.
So, when did too much horseradish become a claim to fame? This place has not been good for almost ten years now. It's riding on an outdated reputation and doing nothing new or exciting. I was sucked into eating here with a business associate and couldn't believe how lackluster everything was. My companion ordered the shrimp cocktail, and forced me to try it despite my insistence that I've had it before, and it was the same over-spiced nonsense it was years ago. I say that as a lover of spicy foods, but if I wanted to eat a chunk of horseradish, I'd eat a chunk of horseradish. One can't even taste the shrimp: it's just a spoon for the sauce. Steak were...fine? At these prices I expect better than fine. There are too many great restaurants in Indy to waste your time here.
(1)Shoshana K.
I love the legacy this place has. It is a fancy steak house, you don't necessarily have to be dressed up when you dine here, but the prices on the menu sure reflect something classy! The steaks I'm happy to report are cooked great. I did not indulge in any meats, but instead decided to try some famous steak house sides - mushrooms, potatos au gratin, and a salad. The mushrooms were disapointing, but I happen to be a mushroom fiend and did not care for the way they were cooked. The potatoes were rich and blistered on the top - yum! Salad was good and indulgent, like it should be with a steak dinner. My friends had the fillet - both of their plates came out cooked tenderely and exactly how they asked. I wonder what food you can order if you sit at the bar here instead of the restaurant...some places offer a similar bar menu to their sit down restaurant but for less because you're dining in the bar....worth a look. Bathrooms were nice. There is vallet parking here....
(3)Brian K.
Extremely impressed with the service and food here. Shrimp cocktail is a must. Steaks are well prepared. Wife had a filet. I opted for the mahi mahi in a spicy tomato sauce over cous cous and wow is all I can say. If I'm down in Indy again this will be a must stop again.
(4)Rajiv I.
So far the service has sucked ass - I like to think that in 2014 in Indy people have come across folks that are not just white. But obviously I am wrong - it has been quite a while since I have been in a place where the lady beside my wife decides to clutch to her purse and the waiter pays no attention to us but is really attentive to all the white folks around. The Malbec that CB had was sour but we did not want to say anything in light of I want to be sure they are not spitting on my food. CB's filet was a little more on the well done side and chewy. my rib eye although very tasty was more on the rare side. The navy bean soup was pretty good. In a nutshell if u r in LA just go to Jar, pay half the price for the food, get superior service, wine, and steaks done to perfection. 1 star only for pretending to be a high class joint
(1)Troy P.
Classic historic steakhouse! Over 100 years old. If you have not been yet, you must check it out! And the shrimp cocktail is a must!
(5)Jahanah M.
I hate to be a naysayer here, but the 2 stars accurately reflect my experience. My sweetie and I visited this legendary steak house with admittedly high expectations. I mean, every brochure you see for Indianapolis lists this as a local institution, not to be dismissed by anyone looking for an excellent dining experience. So I definitely feel justified in having super high expectations. We went during Devour Downtown in the summer of 2014. I ordered the often-praised shrimp cocktail and found it to be almost unbearably spicy. It felt gimmicky. The appetizer was tasty enough otherwise, but certainly not tasty enough to live up to its reputation. The main course was a steak (I can't remember the cut) cooked medium rare. It was also, well, meh. I won't go back. If it was overpriced for me even with the Devour discount, I can't imagine paying the regular price for something that was, in my opinion, mediocre.
(2)Dalia M.
How good is this place? Halfway through my meal, I was so satisfied with everything, I took a break to take it all in, closed my eyes and dozed off for a split second before my boyfriend said, "Dalia, don't fall asleep!". I was utterly happy and content with the experience and I wasn't even done. My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday because I have an obsession with steak (and really all things delicious). We had later reservations but arrived a bit early to grab cocktails at the lounge upstairs and then got to our table. Everyone working there is friendly and cheerful, including our server. He was always on, always checking in. We sat in the room all the way in the back, in nice corner table. The decor is quintessential steakhouse - dark woods, dim lights, bowties and so on. We wanted a NAPA cab to go with our steaks but the list is so overwhelming (10,000 wines) with a healthy price range to select from that we asked for a recommendation. Our waiter brought us a nice bottle (it's featured in Forgetting Sarah Marshall) that was below or price limit and went great with our meal. We were both going to get steaks. Each steak comes with two sides. We had been told there was a lobster bisque available and sure enough, it was special substitutable for a side for an additional charge of $5. We both subbed it in. I got a loaded baked potato with my 8 oz rare filet, he got cheddar mashed potatoes with his 14 oz medium rare NY strip. In addition (we shouldn't have), we got the King Crab mac 'n cheese as an appetizer. CARB OVERLOAD. Everything that came out was delectable. We just kept eating and eating. Huge lobster chunks in the bisque that was perfectly creamy, an abundant amount of King Crab in a cheesy mac 'n cheese, and steaks that were cooked as ordered and seasoned beautifully. For my birthday, they gave us a complimentary dessert. We got the cheesecake - a massive slice of heaven our overfull bellies struggled to eat. Oh, I want to go back, but now I know the portions are much better than other steakhouses and that I need to refrain from ordering the world :) YUM. Perfect birthday meal.
(5)Trevor H.
Crazy Tuesday night; 8:00, place is totally full. Downstairs bar is full. Head upstairs to the lounge. Ordered the house chop salad, petite bone-in filets, and choc cake. Service did not disappoint. Steak was great, as was salad. The tequila-whisky-ginger beer cocktail was tasty. But the highlight was the outrageously good (and large) cake. Took leftovers home, on plane no less, just to let wife try it. Even the next day (and 1,000 miles later) --the cake was something special.
(4)Bob S.
There are many people who say that St. Elmo is just another great steakhouse and gets way too much attention - but I say they deserve every ounce and pound exposure from local media to national sports legends. Why? Outstanding service mixed appropriately with candor, humor, sizzling (but not artificially so like at a Ruth's Chris) steaks, mouth-watering (and eye-watering) shrimp cocktail sauce and decadent mashed potatoes. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Christopher F.
Martinis and shrimp cocktail. Enough said!
(5)john h.
Just had a great, but very expensive, dinner at the restaurant after the Indy 500. Went to the bar afterwards for drinks and to watch a hockey playoff game. The cocktail waitress, Steph, was rather aloof and only interested pushing more overpriced cocktails. All of a sudden, they changed the sports channel on the TV from hockey to basketball after we were watching for 2 periods. We politely asked to have the hockey game returned but we're literally ignored by this incompetent server. When confronted, she stated "someone asked first" - ignoring the fact we were watching for more than an hour. I understand that Indy is a 2nd tier city without a hockey tea but after spending $300 you would think they would accommodate both. I'll be back for Indy next year - but I will eat and drink at Ruth's Chris, Mortons, or the Capitol Grille for a lot less money. Poor customer service and consideration. trumps an Indianapolis tradition. Why pay 25% over market to opportunists? The funny thing is the rube waitress did not understand we were upset!!!
(1)Nathan M.
Sunday menu. Steak was slightly pinker than expected but the waiter warned us and the steak was deliciously cooked anyway - like butta. Service was how it should be - customer focused.
(5)Rick W.
We had a great meal here for Christmas Eve. Everyone was very pleased with their meals. Let's say the shrip cocktail was the best. Steaks were great and so was the service. Suger cream pie topped off the meal. We will be back. Can't go wrong.
(5)Beth H.
Classic. Plain and simple....shrimp coctail to die for ..... if you go to Indy this is a must.
(4)Paul L.
I went to St Elmo's on a recommendation from a friend. I was in Indiana for a business trip and it was the first place he recommended. I made reservations although it was a Sunday, and I'm glad I did. It seemed pretty busy, but we got seated right away and proceeded to check out the menu. I ended up ordering the shrimp cocktail, which they are well known for. This was about 6 or so very large shrimp, with a spicy, homemade cocktail sauce. It was GREAT! The bean soup came out next and was a nice prelude to the main course, a 32oz prime rib. It was cooked perfectly, and was honestly one of the best prime ribs and/or steaks I've ever had. Overall the food, and service were excellent. You're going to pay for it, but when a place truly delivers, price does not seem so important.
(4)Staci F.
The breads before the meal were amazing! The filet was a bit flavorless, but cooked perfectly and very tender so I was a happy camper. Cozy atmosphere, good for a date night! Definitely make reservations, there were a lot of people waiting around for a table when we were leaving.
(4)Jonathan N.
Came in at 9pm on a Thursday and the place was still pretty full. The place is HUGE - 7,000sq ft was what the hostess told me. There's some really good bread that I wish was served warm, but still good. Shrimp cocktail - delicious. The horseradish cocktail is not as potent as Harry and izzy's, which I can enjoy more. It still clears the sinus. Navy bean soup - was okay, but then again I'm not a huge bean person. I liked the sausage bits in there. Bone-in filet - COLD. They brought it out and it was almost colder than room temp. We had to ask the server to reheat it for us. Didn't get a single apology. Whatever. The steak itself had no flavor. We added salt and it was delicious and super super tender. I wish the steak was brought out warmer.. Nice ambience, okay service, mediocre food. I might lean more towards Harry and izzy's or capital grille.
(2)Joshua W.
Definitely good but not a place I will go often mainly because of the price. It is definitely a great special occasion restaurant.The service was amazing and the food was spectacular.
(4)John L.
Dropped in for a late dinner on a motogp weekend. Atmosphere was cool in the upstairs lounge, with a great appetizer/lite menu. Really good service there. Thereafter, headed downstairs for a 10PM dinner. Service remained excellent and atmosphere was what you'd expect from a place that has a long history and is an institution at Indy. Famous diners on the wall (racers, Hall and Oates, etc.). Food: Only one appetizer. Shrimp cocktail covered in a spicy, cocktail sauce with a significant amount of horseradish. It was much better than I thought it would be, given presentation was heavy on the sauce. Had the small filet with a baked potato. Filet was quite tender and cooked perfectly. Potato was excellent. With that said, the meat was very salty. All in all, I'd say worth a visit.
(4)J J.
I don't have any "bad" things to say. I don't feel the steak was the best I ever had flavor wise but it was cooked perfect. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The shrimp cocktail even though insanely spicy really had a amazing flavor
(4)Elee W.
I found it interesting that the reviews for St. Elmo Steak House were either really positive or really disappointed. That pretty much says to me that people have some preconceived notions about a place. I went into this knowing that 1) it is a steak house and 2) it has been in Indianapolis for a long time. Result? This is about as old school steak house as I suppose you can get. Everything feels somewhat over the top in the way that only steak houses can be. The long and short of it is, that St. Elmo's is old school, old timey, the place my grandpa Andy would have eaten in the 1960s kind of a joint. The place where people probably had (and maybe still do on the DL) 3 martini lunches and "business" lunches. Made reservations for Christmas Eve on Open Table, and had no problem when we go there early. Had one 5pc shrimp cocktail to split. Lovely. The shrimp cocktail--it is their claim to fame. Let them revel in that. It isn't great, but seriously how does one make a stellar shrimp cocktail anyway? Salads--one Caesar, one wedge- with bacon. Both, as expected, solid and tasty. Steak? Yes, that's what they do well, and that's what one should expect to be done well (or rare, medium rare and so forth).One petite fillet, medium rare--lovely and just right; one bone-in fillet, rare, and rightly so. Mashed potatoes with the one, "loaded" potato with the other, and a side of creamed spinach on the side. (Probably didn't need that.) All in all, just what it was--meat and potatoes, no flashy, no fancy, no artsy fartsy, and no expectations otherwise. The service is really where you should think about the value of your experience. This is a tuxedo'd server place (though I saw all of ONE woman amongst the servers!) and our guy had been there something like 20 years! Swift, up-selling but not pushy, focused. That's what you get for service. Seemed about right. We'll probably go back; bring out of town-ers, use it as special occasion, etc. Not a go-to for local bistro-innovation, but why would you want that when you can eat steak and potatoes?
(4)Jerome C.
Much talked about - expectations are high and St Elmo fell short. Didn't have a bad meal, just another steakhouse steak. Had the "world famous" shrimp cocktail - huge disappointment. Then comes the check, and as all steak houses I visited in Indy: overpriced.
(3)Mike B.
I think St. Elmo's is living more off of urban legend than actual top quality food. It maybe just me but I've eaten there multiple times and it has a really nice atmosphere and feel but overall I don't see why it is so popular. I'm guessing it is more of an icon of Indianapolis that people want to be the top of the line. Again, I've never had a bad meal at St. Elmo's I also can say I've never had a great one either. If your visiting town you need to eat here just to try the shrimp cocktail.
(3)Mitchell K.
My girlfriend and I had a wonderful time here on New Year's Eve. The famous Shrimp cocktail was full of freshly grated horseradish and made for some hilarious faces after particularly zesty bites. The 10 oz filet was cooked a perfect medium, flavorful and very tender. Our waiter was excellent - the right balance of attentiveness, humor and yet discretion. His service was much appreciated on what was a special night out. All in all a great, classic steak house. Veggie burgers need not apply.
(4)Howard C.
I gave this place two stars because my valet ended up being free, but only because the kid wanted to go home, we stayed pretty late past close. Since the price keeps out idiots, the atmosphere is a winner. The meal however was plagued by a poorly mixed attempt at bourbon lemonade. Both my and my friend's steak was undercooked, obviously the chef didn't have any experience cooking the tomahawk cut they trotted out on special. The king crab mac&cheese was less than stellar as well. $320 for 4 should have been memorable, instead i lost all credibility with my friends for picking dinner. Sigh
(2)Michelle A.
I've been here quite a few times since I've moved to downtown Indy. The shrimp cocktail is the best I've ever had. I usually get the filet mignon which is always very good. However, recently I tried the ahi tuna with wasabi and rice and it was amazing! It reminded me of deconstructed sushi, but the tuna was cooked perfectly. I will definitely get it again next time!
(5)Chuck M.
This is a good, but by no means a great restaurant. It has a comfortably-shabby appearance, and acceptable food. The service was fine. The food was fine. The selection was small. They have one appetizer, shrimp cocktail with horseradish. Pretty spicy. We were satisfied, but I wasn't impressed enough that this place would be on my list if I ever return to Indianapolis.
(3)Michael T.
great food awesome sights great history. get the shrimp!
(5)Craig E.
First of all mike at the bar was attentive on point and great. The food!!!!!! Shrimp cocktail with horseradish. CHECK. The ribeye was prepared perfect. The atmosphere fantastic. If you are ever in Indy a must stop.
(5)Becca B.
If you want a non chain, historical restaurant and a good steak. st Elmo's is the place to go. The atmosphere is relaxed but still on the classier side. It was my fiances birthday, be sure to make reservations, I made ours a week in advance and couldn't get anything before 930 pm. We were seated right away when we arrived though. We started with the shrimp cocktail, which we shared. I'm not a big cocktail sauce fan, but it was so good! Definitely cleared the sinuses. We both got the wedge salad, which was also delicious. All the dressings are made in house. I got the filet and my fiancé got the cowboy rib eye, both were cooked to perfection, i would have liked a bit more seasoning or flavor but was fixed with salt and pepper. The nice thing about this restaurant is that it's not a la carte so all entrees come with a starter, and a side. You will still pay a good $200 plus on a meal for two people if you go all out with drinks and dessert but it's worth it!
(5)Brittany K.
This high end steak house was an amazing way to celebrate my big event. It is high end and curated. Our server, Jordan, was awesome. He made us feel pampered and at ease. He had answers for everything. Everything about the meal was amazing. For heaven's sake, we had three different kinds of potatoes on the table and they were all great! The steaks were all cooked to our order and extremely good. I'm not much of a steak person and I highly enjoyed my steak dinner. Now, this shrimp cocktail that they're famous for was surprising. They warn you that the cocktail sauce is spicy because of extra horseradish and they are not kidding. It has a swift kick to the sinuses before quickly residing. It was like riding a culinary roller coaster and I giggled after every bite. But I think that will be the only time I pay $15 to take the ride. My money might be better spent on custom cocktails and infusions.
(5)Eric R.
Had the Lobster bisque, shrimp cocktail, and prime rib. And all was amazing, the prime rib was some of the best I have ever had. The service was some of the best I have ever had as well.
(5)John M.
I wanted to write a one word review but the app would not let me. So I'm going to write these two lines and then my full review. Flawless.
(5)Rachel C.
I really enjoyed this restaurant. I love good steakhouses and I will admit I was a little skeptical at first because of it's antique look. I didn't want like a chicken fried steak and gravy place. I was pleasantly surprised once we walked in. The shrimp cocktail was a little too spicy for me. The steak was the most tender steak I have ever ate. Service was great. A little pricey.
(4)T V.
Sat down at the bar at about 10 PM the night before the Indianapolis 500. The place was rockin' and people were still ordering food. I went there at the recommendation of a friend who was an Indiana native whose name you would recognize at a famous downtown museum. I texted him a photo of my cold bottle of Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, to let him know I took him up on his recommendation. He told me to order the Shrimp Cocktail. I did; sent him a photo, and took a big bite of a large shrimp (oxymoron) covered with St. Elmo's cocktail sauce. Holy Cow! Talk about St. Elmo's Fire! That shrimp cocktail was hot! Cleared my sinuses! Cut a whole through my gut! But it was good. I cut the remaining shrimp up into pieces I could handle, and washed that hot goodness down with a second Nut Brown Ale. The bartender brought me a basket of tasty warm rolls and bread/crackers. I paid my tab and made my way upstairs to the lounge, where I found another bar, a packed lounge area, and live music. Ordered another Nut Brown, and noticed a prep area for that hot shrimp cocktail. My stomach was still on fire as I cooled the flames with my cold beer, and people watched the Indianapolis 500 or so people who came and left St. Elmo's that night.
(5)William G.
I clearly don't get to Indianapolis enough, because I'd never heard of this 'world famous' place. And I confess I had a pile of doubt I would walk away from the restaurant believing it. Seeking a quiet lunch spot during Gen Con, and a steak sounding ideal to members of our party, we ducked into this rather nice restaurant. On entrance, you find yourself in a bar area, where you undoubtedly will see a few people enjoying a drink and a shrimp cocktail. This was our first clue the shrimp cocktail was special, as everyone will be eating it. Getting a table likely leads you to a corridor in the back leading to two more rooms. The restaurant itself is surprisingly sizable, and can seat many people. The staff is well dressed and friendly, and further talked up the shrimp cocktail as they led us to our table. While I'm on the subject, I am very surprised to read other reviews not raving about the service. Mine, from the front door to the end of the meal, was absolutely exceptional. For a few guys who took a table just to have a beer and the shrimp cocktail, we were treated as important customers, never rushed, and good chatter and frequency of checking on us. Maybe I came on a good day, or maybe it has been stepped up recently, but none of our waiters had the slightest attitude. Ah, now we come to the shrimp cocktail. The place only has one appetizer, and they do it right. First off, this beast is not for everyone. If you don't like spicy food, specifically horseradish, you will not enjoy this. On the other hand, if you've ever done a spicy food challenge for pleasure, this is Mecca. I must admit to you that my eyes did water, as did those of my companions. The shrimp is sizable and nicely peeled, so you can dive right in, and it will hit you right away. This is not the kind of heat that burns the tongue, but rather goes straight to the sinuses, where it promptly declares nuclear war. I made it through, and loved every bite, whilst being constantly entertained by all of the other patrons trying the delicacy and gasping desperately for relief. The menu had a number of steaks, which were pricey but were sizable cuts of meat. I cannot speak for these, as we refrained. But the bread was good, the beer was fairly priced, and the shrimp cocktail was everything advertised and more. This will become a yearly tradition for us, and I hope some new friends come next year. I'm looking forward to seeing their reaction to the sauce, which, by the by, you can buy a bottle of to take home. I really, really should have done that...
(5)Chad F.
The food here is very good! Came with the family and enjoyed ever bite. The prices are on the higher side but worth every penny. Had a 32 ounce Prime rib for $50 and three of us spilt it. It was worth the price and cooked to perfection. Shrimp cocktail is worth trying if you like it spicy. If not tell them to hold the sauce and place it on the side. This is a true old school steak house with great service and attention to detail. Can't wait to come back.
(5)Jim R.
ok there is a lot of rave about this place. I ordered the aged steak. I have had dry aged steaks before but this was lacking all the way around. Tough, lacking flavor just like the sides. Asparagus and mushrooms were boring. Skip the hype and go to Shulas.
(2)Kate A.
As Yelp puts it: "Meh. I've experienced better." We had never been here before tonight, so my husband called to make a reservation for our anniversary. When we arrived, they sat us in the middle of a aisle so servers were swooping plates of food over our heads as they walked by to deliver food to other tables (what??! Are you kidding me?? This is supposed to be a nice place, or so I thought...). We immediately told the hostess that sat us that we did not want to sit in the middle of an aisle, that it was our anniversary, and we made reservations as such. She said our reservation was made online (which it was definitely not) and they usually wouldn't sit reservation guests at a "bad table." ...A "bad table"? ... If it is a "bad table" why is it even be a table to begin with? Oh that's right - to maximize profits by cramming as many people into a small space as possible. Except... If your guests are paying $200 for a meal, shouldn't ALL guests have an EQUAL experience? This just does not fit the bill of what a nice restaurant should be in terms of how they treat their guests. The hostess insisted we made a reservation online, to which we insisted, we did not because we know how reservations work. We called to ensure it went through and was taken because it was a special occassion and we didn't want to risk the reservation not going through online. Here's a thought: Maybe the person on the other end of the phone taking the reservation input it as an online reservation?! Just taking a gander here... Moving on. We spoke to the manager and his solution was to find us a table that was not in the middle of the floor. One of the servers told us there was an area that is much less noisey they could seat us, but the manager said it wasn't available. And that was that. No other solutions. They didn't even try to keep our business because they simply don't value their customers' business. So we left and took our business to Oceanaire instead (to which I give 5-stars). Will we be back to St. Elmo? Probably not. Staple shrimp cocktail or not, I expect to not have to shout across the table to my husband or dodge serving trays all night if a place touts to be a fine dining establishment. This isn't a bistro. It is a steakhouse. Pick an atmosphere and stick with it. Luckily for us, Oceanaire was able to salvage our anniversary dinner. I'm giving 2 stars because the manager did make a feeble attempt to fix the situation by trying to find us a new seat, but could not deliver on a more quiet location because they dropped the ball on our reservation. He didn't even try to offer a free dessert or ANYTHING to offset the fact that we just wasted a bunch of time and they were ruining our anniversary dinner. The hostess had an attitude problem. The server that called on our table for a split second was the most nice out of them all. She is the other reason this place gets 2 stars instead of just 1.
(2)Rick R.
In town for the sweet sixteen and grabbed a reservation on open table a week before my trip. Was told all about the burn-your-mouth shrimp cocktail and white chocolate blueberry bread pudding leading up the dinner. Everything was spot on. Not an uppity joint, but a good atmosphere, comfortable, classic, and cool. The food was excellent. I could have asked my my prime bone in Kansas City dry aged strip to be cool a little longer (I ordered medium and the meat towards the bone was rare), but I didn't because the quality of the meat was so good I ate it all anyway. If I'm back in Indy soon, I will def be back.
(5)Cindy M.
Terribly disappointed in this family favorite. We booked our reservation months in advance as the adults in our family were having a celebration dinner with everyone coming into town for the Indianapolis 500. Our reservations were confirmed by st Elmo's the day prior, and upon arrival we were told that we were being seated in the cellar room BUT we had to be done with our meal and out the door by 7:45! We were stunned and actually we still are! We have never been treated like this before and as such we will never be back. Apparently A driver and his entourage were coming to dinner as we were leaving so we safely assumed that was the small group taking over the cellar room. Our recommendation is to not eat at the establishment during the month of May UNLESS you are connected to the racing community because obviously your meal, service and reservation simply don't matter. We won't be back and we cannot in good conscience recommend this restaurant ever again
(1)Charles Z.
I so want to rave about St. Elmo's because there's a lot to like -- I love the history, the old-school steakhouse atmosphere and much of the food. The service is usually spot on, and the shrimp cocktail is justifiably famous. But the steaks have disappointed on my last few visits. Yes, I have had great steaks here, but it's been a few years since my last really good one. Just recently I ordered the bone-in ribeye and my son had the bone-in prime rib, both medium rare. Both were just OK -- tougher than they should be, underseasoned for my taste, and the prime rib seemed excessively fatty. At about $50 each, I expect a much better, tender steak. Is St. Elmo getting prime beef? It doesn't seem like it. I keep going back about once a year because I still love the place, and I always think they'll raise their game on the steaks. But I'm starting to wonder if they are coasting on their reputation. I'm taking off two stars because a steakhouse with this reputation should be serving consistently outstanding steaks.
(3)Tennyson M.
I eat here very often, and always on Sunday. Why? On Sunday they have an unadvertised special. Fillet with shrimp coctail, side and desert. Great deal at half the regular cost. Am I cheap? No. But when I see a good deal, why not take advantage?. At any hoot, the food is great as is well documented. Also, the waiters own the tables they wait on, so the service is always wonderful. I am a steak eater. You go to Manny's in Minneapolis for NY Strip, but you go to Elmo's for fillet. Excellent fillet. One of the most consistently good fillet houses in the states. Oh, and yes, order the shrimp coctail and enjoy the nose clearing head rush. Excellent restaurant, but again, for the money conscious, go there on Sunday and ask for the specials menue. They will not offer it up unless you ask for it.
(5)Ray S.
The shrimp cocktail certainly packs a "little" kick, and I like spicy food. However, it was great. The filet was as tender as could be and cooked to perfection. The service was also great. The only negative, if you view it as such, was that when I was there, the crowd was a bit geriatric. Still, all in all, I would recommend highly.
(4)Abby V.
Yummy as always! I had the prime rib and it was HUGE! Way bigger that the bone in ribeye my husband got. And we both agreed the pribe rib was the better of the two. In fact it was the best prime rib I've ever had and I'm a beef snob. The shrimp cocktail is a must! We also had the creamed spinach which was great as well! Overall it was very good!
(5)Sharee M.
My review is limited to the upstairs lounge, but it was really nice 'after hours' spot during a double date. There was no cover for the lounge; we just walked upstairs. The bar was in the next room, but waitress came around every once and awhile. I do not remember what kind of drink I had, but I do know it was made great. There was live music (soulful R&B), which was cool. I'm not sure if you can order food in this section. Hubby and I enjoy our time at the lounge; we plan to come back soon.
(5)Clint E.
This is the best steakhouse I've visited in the United States. The food quality, the service, the way you're treated like royalty just for stopping in there, and the history of the place creates a very unique and special dining experience. They have guys frequent the room, nearly running to refill your glass of water should it be low. They have a butler-like guy come to your table and take your order, and he checks in several times to make sure everything is perfect. I had the New York strip and it was tender like a filet but had all the flavor you want. The wedge salad was the best I've ever had. The wine list was extensive. One of the few places you ever visit where you get what you pay for. Be sure to ask your server for a few stories because lots of famous people stop in here. He had tales for me of Peyton Manning and a lot of other famous clientele. I didn't get to try the famous shrimp cocktail, and I'm regretful for that. I don't know when I'll be back to St. Elmo, but it was a bucket list item in the way of a restaurant that is now crossed off my list. I hope this review is my thanks to them for the one night experience they provided me with. The Gem of Indianapolis which is already a great restaurant town!
(5)Jacob M.
It was amazing..... I really enjoyed it all
(5)Jordan J.
St Elmo Steak House is hands down the best steakhouse in Indianapolis! I have eaten here multiple times and never have I been even a little disappointed. The filets are always cooked to perfection, the side dishes are delicious, and the shrimp cocktail is one of a kind! Paying approximately $50/person usually seems crazy to a budget-conscious person like me, but St Elmo is worth it!
(5)Tony F.
Very good food and the portions are huge. Jakey ordered onion rings that would feed 5 people. Good service as well. Go Wildcats.
(5)Dan C.
great food, spectacular service, and a fantastic history. it's THE place to go in downtown Indy...
(5)David K.
The beauty of this place is in its simplicity. The sole appetizer is the shrimp cocktail which is unique. It is like any other good shrimp cocktail except the cocktail sauce hits you in the back of the skull from inside your head when you eat it. However, I mean this in the most positive way as the cocktail sauce is great. I had a filet cooked to a perfect medium rare with green beans. The dish was nice and simple but delicious. For dessert it was plain but perfect cheesecake with graham cracker crust. Definitely worth checking out in a downtown area full of upscale restaurants.
(4)Stan W.
Caveat: I did not order steak. Maybe my review would be higher if I had ordered steak. Like everybody says, the shrimp cocktail gets five stars. Nice and spicy cocktail sauce with big meaty shrimp. The service was very solid for the most part as well. For my entrée I ordered the ahi tuna, which our capable server stated would be sushi grade and served rare and slightly seared. Unfortunately, it was cooked almost to medium which took away from the tuna immensely. What really led me to rate this joint two stars has to do with pure and simple snobbery. I said next-door at the St. Elmo's bar the night before watching 'da Bears game. I tried one of the steak sliders as a snack and was blown away about how good it was. When I went for dinner the next night I wanted to order sliders in the dining room and was told it was not possible in the dining room. Not impossible like there is an electric fence or giant hole preventing sliders from being transported to the dining room. Impossible as in we want you to order from this menu and spend more money. Now some of the best steakhouses in Chicago you can order from various menus, for example at Gibsons you can order from Hugo's frog bar next-door. Come on Indianapolis, you are no Chicago so stop bring so snobbish about what you can order from where.
(2)Dave E.
My wife and I stop here a couple times a year. The service is always great, the atmosphere is amazing, and the steaks can't be beat.
(5)Katie F.
This place is quintessential traditional steakhouse at its best. Service is fantastic and food is beyond wonderful. Always a classic and a go to restaurant.
(5)Jeff R.
Argh. Dragged here by friends. This place is like any other 100 year old place still hawking its "tradition" to tourists. Pushy waiters trying to get your group to order 10 apps. Famous shrimp cocktail? Based on what? Want to spend $30 or more on a big piece of meat. Ok. Not me. Not my style.
(2)Dave C.
We visited St. Elmo's steak house with my 16 year old and 10 year old. I'd recommend you go on Sunday. They have a prix-fixe option for a low price that provides excellent food. Some might want to go beyond (I did) - but for my kids it was great. As many have mentioned, the shrimp cocktail is a big draw. Very spicy - not for everyone - but great for those who like spice - unique among restaurants. The atmosphere is a bit loud, but not raucous. My kids were great with it. I could see it for a business setting or couples as well. For smaller kids... not so much. The wine complemented the steak well. The location is great. The steaks were cooked perfectly. I like medium rare and my wife likes (ugh) well done - and we were both thrilled.
(5)Zack M.
Finally made it to st. Elmos, what have I been waiting for? It lived up to everything I've ever heard. I had the shrimp cocktail fresh horseradish had me tearing up and it was fantastic. Filet was great, but where is Filet not great? Then creme brulee, please help me help you and do not pass on this to finish your meal. It was phenomenal. I heard it was expensive, but for what you get I think its well worth it. Play to spend 50-60 a person. I can't wait to go back!!! Next time I'm tackling the 32oz bone in ribeye.
(5)Carey D.
I know that everyone else LOVES St. Elmo, but it's not one of my top picks for fine dining in Indianapolis. For the price, I don't really think the food or service is entirely worth it. I prefer the buttery goodness of Ruth's Chris filets, and while I know that their shrimp cocktail is practically world-famous, it is just too spicy for me and I end up practically in tears with a runny nose... and that doesn't exactly make me feel upscale! Last time I was here, we went during one of the Devour Downtown weeks, when they offer a prix fixe menu at a discounted price and proceeds go to charity. When the waiter found out we were ordering from that menu, he turned a little snooty. I can understand why other people love this place, but it's just not my cup o' tea.
(3)Bryan J.
A good Steak House. A busy place, very old school, but kind of cool too. like the reviews say here, try the Shrimp Cocktail. (Spicy!) If you are Indy, this is the a place to try.
(4)Darcy D.
One of my favorite steakhouses in America and the hands down best option in Indy. Had dinner there Monday and Tuesday. The special dry aged KC Strip was epic.
(5)Jen M.
I hadn't been to St. Elmo's in 10 years. Good things haven't changed in that time span. Why mess with a great thing? Legendary shrimp cocktail with clear-out-your-nasal-passages chili and horseradish sauce and Prime cut steaks. Service is always flawless. And how great is it to see men in tuxes serving your food? This place will always be a class act and always a great destination for a meal before a game at Lucas Oil.
(4)Stacia S.
This is our absolute favorite restaurant! April and Kerry are excellent managers! Troy is the best waiter ever - in fact, we've even changed our reservations to ensure we sit with him!
(5)Robert J.
I chose this place over Ruth Chris to see if this steakhouse is better than them. To be honest, it wasn't the best experience. My steak was ok, but my girlfriend's steak was charred pretty bad. We didn't want to send it back because we didn't have time to wait another 35 minutes for a new one. The waiter was also not very friendly and personable. Overall, I don't have to come back here and am pretty mad I didn't go with my gut and go to Ruth Chris, which by far is my favorite.
(2)Andrea Y.
Very good steaks- huge portions.... enough for 3 meals. As a life long hoosier, I've always had steak- tonight was different. Rack of lamb. May I say, it was supurb. Ask for chefs' preparation. Yum! Onion rings were also new to me. The order fed a table of 7 + take home. Very pricey, but great for a special night out. Mostly business people. I realized our table was the only family table in our area. If you take kids, either feed them before you go or share a plate. NO kids specials. Enjoy! A Hoosier gem!
(5)Brent D.
St Elmo's is a local steakhouse. Filet is very tender. service excellent. Upscale in price but worth it. Just go.
(4)Amanda B.
I really love this restaurant for its history and for its dedication to excellent service. The owners, Steve and Craig Huse, are really nice people and they have tried to maintain the level of excellency that St. Elmo's is known for. The shrimp cocktail here is fantastic as is the Navy Bean soup. Love both! The steaks that my husband and I had were both cooked perfectly and the wine our waiter suggested was a perfect complement. Private parties in the wine cellar are very cool and the service is even better in this situation. Overall, a great restaurant find in Indy!
(5)Margie M.
The restaurant has been in business for over 100 years. Excellent service by very experienced waiters. Choice of navy bean soup (very tasty) or tomato juice--salad extra. We ordered the rib eye, bone in steak. My husband's steak was undercooked--the steaks are thick. My steak was difficult to cut. Good flavor but for the price, you would be better off with Morton's Steakhouse. However, we ordered creamed spinach that was one of the best we have every had. Lots of history in this restaurant but not worth the cost when there are so many other great steakhouses in Indianapolis.
(3)Jennifer S.
We came here on our last night in Indianapolis on the suggestion of the ladies at our hotel. It was amazing. They have this Devour Downtown thing going on right now where you get a 3 course meal for 30$. I got a Filet mignon with creamy mashed potatoes and garlic green beans. The Filet mignon was so delicious and tender. And for dessert i had there Crème brûlée and it was fantastic. I would highly recommend St. Elmo's to everyone.
(5)Jeff P.
It's true...you MUST try the shrimp cocktail. Be aware, it's dangerously addictive and very spine tinglingly paralyzing. The steaks are perfect. Tasty drinks...and a large bourbon and wine selection. This place does ooze of history and it can be quite the loud, frat-boy, businessman hangout.
(4)Tommy L.
The shrimp cocktail is to die for!
(5)Ryan H.
The most classic and famous of Indy's steakhouses, St. Elmo serves up delicious steak dinners in one of the classiest atmospheres that Indy has to offer. Known by people all around the country and world as the place to go while you're in Indy, St. Elmo's is constantly busy, especially on the weekends. The restaurant has an old-school style, and the service is as good as it gets. Most servers and bartenders have somewhat of a long tenure there. Additionally, the restaurant is located right downtown, just south of the Circle-Center Mall. A good portion of St. Elmo's fame comes from its eye-opening shrimp cocktail, which is served with a horseradish cocktail sauce that will open your sinuses up like never before. This appetizer is ordered by nearly everyone who eats there, and it's even been mentioned by national sportscasters during Colts games. The steaks are excellent, the bar and its staff are capable of serving up awesome drinks, so this is the place to order a Manhattan, martini or a good scotch. They will know what they are doing, you can count on that. Whether you're traveling to Indy, or you are a local, St. Elmo is a must-try at some point. Its reputation is well-deserved.
(5)David F.
My wife and I had a great dinner here for my birthday. The shrimp cocktail is very delicious and different. They load up on the horseradish and have nice fresh shrimp. My wife went with the NY Strip which was seasoned very well and cooked perfectly. I opted for the Bone In Prime Rib which was truly the best steak I have ever had. It was tender and succulent. Overall, this is a very nice place for special occasions that have great steak and shrimp cocktail.
(5)Mark J.
St. Elmos. Their real claim to fame is being the most expensive place to eat in Indy. And, on that account, they do not disappoint. Their ability to charge money is outstanding. The food, wine and service are excellent, hold no worries there, but all of it just doesn't quite feel excellent enough for the price. Really, if it were, say, $10 cheaper, it'd be worth the price of admission. The environment is surprisingly fun for such an upscale and potentially stodgy joint. In many ways it does feel like stepping back in time. If you're looking for the nicest place in town, then this is probably it. Graduations, weddings, and other such things that happen occasionally and warrant celebrating are the exact kind of things that call for this place. Anything less and the price will probably stop you dead. Anniversary that is a multiple of five? Yes, it's perfect. Just got rid of the ants in your kitchen? Probably go elsewhere.
(4)Tracey M.
This place definitely gives my favorite steakhouse a run for it's money! If it were close to where I lived I'd have a hard time trying to decide where to go for a great steak dinner. I'm going to be upfront and tell you this St. Elmo's isn't cheap. I would guess done right (appetizer, steak, dessert and wine) it costs about $70 - $80/person - at least. I wouldn't know for sure since I this was treated to this wonderful meal as a show of appreciation. The meal itself --- Come hungry! There is a lot of food served with this meal and it's all good. . . The Wine: If you can't find a wine you like you're not looking hard enough. This particular evening a nice Pinot Grigio was the wine of choice. The Food: We went full-force on the meal (well for the most part). The Appetizer: For starters we had the shrimp cocktail. The horseradish in the cocktail sauce is freshly ground daily. Though the horseradish was a bit potent at times, the cocktail sauce, overall, was perfect. To accompany this fine treat I had an onion roll. That was good as well. Not to over-bearing in taste. The Soup: I got the Navy Bean (a first for me). Yum! That is all I have to say about that. The Steak and Potato: By the time the main course arrived I felt as though I've already had my dinner and dessert so I was hopeful I wouldn't waste the eye catching filet that was placed in front of me. I was warned ahead of time they have a tendency to cook things on the rare side so if you like your meat medium order it medium well . . . which I did and it came out perfect. Just enough pink. And the taste - OMG! So good! It was everything it was built up to be and more. I accompanied my steak with a good ol' fashion, plain jane baked potato swimming in butter (hey, if I was going to do it right no corners would be cut this evening and for me that meant lot of butter on my potato). Dessert: The only look at dessert our table got was across the room at someone else's table. By the time dessert came around we were both full though the thought of Creme Brulee was tempting. Not a usual choice for me, but it sounded really nice this particular evening. However, I passed. The Service: Outstanding service. Impeccable. Our waiter had been there 9-years and treated us as if we were his first customers. He was on the ball at all times and anticipated our every request. Not something I've experienced often. The Atmosphere: When the suggestion of St. Elmo's came up I was told it had the feel of an " Ol Boys Club." Funny enough, I would later learn from a good friend of mine that once upon a time that presumption was fairly accurate. How did I find that out? Turns out the grandfather of one of my close friends was an original owner of St. Elmo's. Further into the discussion about St. Elmo's in the past, it turns out the kitchen use to be in the front of the restaurant however that has since changed. The front now sports a dark wood feel in the front with minimal lighting. In the back of the restaurant a well lighted, open dining area. Take a look at the photographs that adorn the wall of the main dining area. It's cool to see whose been there to eat. All in all, dining at St. Elmo's is well worth the cost.
(5)Ed B.
Very good place in downtown Indy that is NOT a chain restaurant.. Steaks are awesome but perhaps my favorite is the King Crab Mac and Cheese (to even put their dish in the same category isn't fair). Excellent special occasion meal spot!
(5)Joshua B.
This place is the best steakhouse I've ever been to. The history behind the place is great and the food is amazing. yes the shrimp cocktail is amazing and i highly recommend the prime rib. 32ounces! order it medium rare and its perfectly cooked every time. Plus as an added bonus Peyton manning dines there after every home game win. I personally met Dallas Clark there one time. my favorite restaurant. period.
(5)allison s.
We dined here to celebrate our anniversary during devour downtown. Not only did we get an exceptional meal with fabulous service, we got it at a great price. We will be back to pay full price in the near future! The BLT salad was phenomenal, The filet perfect, and the service exceptional.. oh and the shrimp cocktail was perfectly fiery. Be sure to say hi, to Duck the bartender. We used to visit him at the Front Page and he has been at St. E's now for 4 years. Our server, David, had been there 22 years and was the best server I have ever had. period. Forget the chains, check out an Indy classic!
(5)Tracy R.
It's been over two years since my husband and I have dined at the most famous steakhouse in Indy. It would come up occasionally in the "where are we going for dinner" conversation but was always met with "nah, it's an icon but the food isn't that great." Then recently we had some guests that wanted to see all that is Indianapolis so off to St. Elmo's we went and, wow, am I glad we did! We opted for a pre-dinner libation at the bar so we could show off the turn of the century back bar. While we sat sipping, we were able to give a short history lesson on the notable guests that adorn the walls. Numerous racers, actors, sports stars and more gave us plenty to talk about. After the walk down memory lane we were shown to our table and greeted by our dapper and knowledgeable waiter. We, of course, had to order the famous Shrimp Cocktail as our starter. These large shrimp swimming in the signature cocktail sauce are always delicious. It used to be the only reason we went back to Elmo. But our guests came for steak and these cuts did not disappoint! My husband and his sister devoured their Filet Mignon and my brother-in-law managed his entire New York Strip with much delight. My mother-in-law raved about the Halibut and as for me, Salmon! At a steakhouse? You bet! This line caught Salmon was cooked to perfection. Flaky and flavorful, it really did melt in my mouth. The generous sides served with each dish were traditional options made the Elmo way. I highly recommend the Redskin Mashed Potatoes. Dessert is not something we usually go for but since we had others to split with us, why not. This may be the best chocolate cake I've EVER had. Needless to say, I am so glad that the oldest Steakhouse in Indianapolis is serving outstanding food. The next time St. Elmo's comes up in the "where to go for dinner" conversation it will be a definite YES! How could they get me there more often? Expand the beer list! Sun King cans are available but the draft selection is pretty boring. A few decent micro bottles are also on the menu. I know wine is your thing but we beer geeks must eat too!
(4)Suzanne B.
David our waitor was awesome. Shrimp cocktail great and desserts were awesome.
(4)Scott P.
Let me say that the service was impeccable... almost like an "old school" style of steakhouse where everyone double checks that your food is to your liking. In addition, they were very busy on a weeknight and my water glass never went below 2/3's full... I was impressed... by the way, I needed some of that water to deal with cocktail sauce on the shrimp appetizer. The shrimp were fantastic but the cocktail sauce had a ridiculous amount of horseradish in it. I enjoyed the bone-in rib-eye and topped it off with a nice glass of cab.
(3)Devin S.
They could have punched me in the throat as soon as I walked in the damn door and I'd still have to give 5 stars based on the shrimp cocktail alone. My wife's prime rib was so big we ended up giving 20+ ounces of it to a homeless guy. No way we were gonna carry it around for the rest of the night but couldn't waste it. On second thought that probably is wasting it.
(5)Sue S.
Admittedly, we had the "special" promotion meal of filet, garlic mash and green beans. Food was not hot and filet was not juicy, although it was a nice cut of meat and good flavor. I'll take Ruth's Chris over this place. The "famous" shrimp cocktail was good, but as much as I like spicy, the horsey sauce was a bit overwhelming. Let's not forget we want to taste the shrimp. They offer a nice Malbec by the glass.
(3)Tao Tao W.
I have been wanting to go here ever since I saw the shrimp cocktail on best thing i ever ate with Duff Goldman. We went this past weekend for a graduation dinner. We got the Sunday menu which includes appetizer of which oen of the choices is the shrimp cocktail, choice of main course, and choice of dessert. The shrimp cocktail is sooo good. It is spicy for sure but it's still so delicious. Even though it was with the sunday menu, there was still 3 pieces that were of good size. The main course choice I got was the filet mignon which was equally as good. The steak was cooked just right and soft. The dessert i got was creme brulee which was a little sweet but I'm more sensative to sweet stuff. overall, the place did not dissapoint and well worth the wait
(5)David F.
Most places like this will rarely live up to the hype but St. Elmos is a definite exception. I have eaten at this place probably 20+ times and it nearly always exceeds my expectations. Great atmosphere, service, and steaks. Make sure you order the shrimp cocktail and keep your eyes peeled for celebs.
(5)John Y.
Came to Indianapolis for work and we decided to have dinner here. Old School steakhouse vibe with friendly and extremely helpful servers. The steaks were cooked to order and I felt they were seasoned well. I had the bone-in filet with cheddar mashed potatoes on the side. The mash was just eh - standard steakhouse side dish. I also ordered a shrimp cocktail and let me say the cocktail sauce rocks! Enough horseradish to cure you of any nasal problem. Definitely worth a try. I probably would've given this place 3 stars because it was just an average steakhouse overall. Nothing too special about the food, but the service is good and the prices are extremely reasonable.
(4)Kelly J.
A cocktail waitress ripped us off. I wish i would have said something to the mgr when this happened to us. A group of 20 from out-of-town sat in the upstairs lounge for a drink on Nov. 1. The group poured in separately and sat in two different seating areas past the bar. Long story short - we all ordered drinks some specifying certain types of alcohol some not. When we got our separate receipts, we were all charged 20% gratuity for a large party and if we didn't specify our alcohol she rang us up for the most expensive kind. For example, a group that ordered tequila shots didn't specify what kind (assuming we would get house liquor) she rang up Patron for $17.50 per. I ordered a house chardonnay and got Coppola for $16.50. My advice, not a bad place, just a bad cocktail waitress. Be specific and check your receipt. I feel taken advantage of.
(2)Scott J.
I have eaten here many times including earlier this week. I had a reservation and the restaurant was running a little late. I did not make a big deal about it. The server came to the table and volunteered a couple of appetizers because they were running late. It is a great restaurant with very good food and great service. Plan to get there early and look at the pictures on the walls. A great dining experience every time!
(5)Stephen A.
I came here on an interview a couple years ago, and believe it or not the company guys I was with insisted I start with the shrimp coctail without mentioning the heat. Luckilly I love spicy food and thought the appetizer was fantastic. Also the steaks and wine, absolutely top notch. I heard it's the best place in Indy and I would agree. Less so the guys who thought they'd have a nice joke at the interview. I work somewhere else now.
(5)Sam G.
After hearing so much about St. Elmo's, I was really looking forward to it. Had the shrimp cocktail and a ribeye steak. All was good, but nothing was excellent (which I was expecting). It was average fare. I've had much better for the same money.
(3)Rod I.
Steak was fantastic!!!! Shrimp cocktail was even hotter than I remember from last time:) My one negative would be that the tables are crowded too close together. the waiter from the table next to us kept bumping into our table! Other than that it was a very pleasant experience!!
(4)Ben R.
I make it to Indiana about once a year to visit my little sister and brother-in-law and to hang out with my best friend Jake. Jake and I have started to make the pilgrimage to St. Elmo's a yearly tradition (well, he probably goes more than once a year)... And seriously, there is no place closer to Steakhouse Heaven than when you get their filet mignon slathered in blue cheese with a loaded potato on the side. Throw in the shrimp cocktail appetizer, with the killer cocktail sauce, and you have my last meal. I kid you not... it does not getter better. Not anywhere.
(5)Dee Z.
Everyone who is anyone who's been to Indianapolis says you have to eat at St. Elmo. OK...I can say I've been there. Even better, I was a guest of a small group so I could have had anything I wanted...a mighty enticement in an expensive macho-looking establishment with a fine tuned bar and all male servers. Why is it always steakhouses and male servers? Anyway, you bet the service was first rate. If you have been to any of the steakhouses on Van Ness - it is comparable. Frankly, established steakhouses everywhere are going to have good meat - that's what they base their reputation on. But St. Elmo is also famous for their shrimp cocktail. "You have to order the shrimp cocktail" - and that we did. Coming from the Bay Area, it's difficult to think that a shrimp (prawns actually) cocktail could be better in Indianapolis. It was tasty and spicy like they say but not unique in its flavor or fiery-ness even if there are teeny chunks of fresh horseradish. What was surprisingly good was the silver oak salad topped with a piece of beef carpaccio and crispy fried onions. It was a molded salad of chopped romaine, blue cheese, chunks of thick, meaty bacon and I think it was fresh basil - its presentation was dramatic because you didn't expect it standing up - my friend was about to take a picture before I smashed it down to be able to eat it...sorry about that; I was starving. To describe the "mold" - it was like they put it through a large soup can to make it stand on its own - which is pretty impressive since it's a lot of lettuce. Once you smash it onto the plate, it's a pretty substantial salad AND It was one of the the tastiest salads I have eaten in a long time that was flavorful without being drowned in some kind of dressing. It was yummy to the last bite!!! They also had a mac and cheese that was rich and creamy tasting - you need to share that one if you want to eat other things. Unfortunately, they are only open in the evening...so if you would like the salad at lunch...you (meaning me) are out of luck.
(4)Stacy T.
Hands down the best steaks and service in the city! It's not just dinner, it's an experience!
(5)Fred H.
April and I have been here a few times, and the experience is great. Recommended for special occasions, staff and service are top of the line. Very large dining room with private tables to enjoy some alone time with someone special. Can be a little pricey, but more more than worth it. Anything on the menu is excellent dining on any night. Located near Circle Center in downtown Indy. St. Elmo's is a must for dinner and a night on the town.
(4)joey d.
Can't believe this is the first time I've ever eaten here. It's sort of like the movie Dumb and Dumber...I've never thought I really needed to eat here just like I thought I never needed to see the movie because I feel like everyone else has filled me in on the plot so much that I don't need to waste my time watching it...or eating it. But...St. Elmo's is actually pretty delicious..and I feel like I should watch Dumb and Dumber now. Or replace with the Titanic.
(4)Tim F.
It is hard to imagine a restaurant with the staying power of St. Elmo's without being good. Does it really need my review? Fantastic wine list with diversity for a steak house. Outstanding quality cuts flawlessly cooked. Shrimp Cocktail: this is what separates them from good steakhouses. Professional Service. Lots of veterans taking care of you. They know their craft.
(4)Adelbert B.
This was our second visit to St. Elmo. During our first visit two years ago, we had a great experience with wine and shrimp cocktails at the bar. This time we ate in the dining room. It was loud and freezing cold. I ordered the NY Strip medium rare, my son ordered the special KC cut medium rare and my wife ordered the Filet medium. My steak was fine, not the best I have had but very good. Both my son and my wife had to send their steaks back however, they were barely cooked, dark, bloody red center, almost raw. My son had to send his back twice. Maybe it was because we were at the tail end of the hours. We went after a night football game and arrived around 9:45. At this price however, you don't get a second chance. If you have to go, (the shrimp cocktail, ambiance and history are worth it), stick with the bar side.
(2)Timothy C.
Old school and expensive. If you think bigger and astronomically expensive for questionable quality is appealing, then this is the place for you. If you value high quality that is sensibly priced, don't bother. Pros: Good Service, Great cocktail, Old school (masculine business) decor Cons: Steaks were underseasoned, bland, not good, famous shrimp cocktail had huge shrimp that were tough and stringy - bigger is NOT better all the time, sides were undercooked and bland, wine list was marked up beyond belief. I know wines (I'm from the CA wine country) and the mark ups on the lesser bottles were anywhere from 400 to 500 percent. I felt pissed off just opening the wine list. Summary. If you know food and wine, don't go. If you just want to spend a lot of money and have a great cocktail with good service, give it a shot. P.S. The famous shrimp cocktail was $14.00. Sauce was very hot, which was nice, but something that you could have done yourself by asking for more horseradish to any old sauce. The shrimp were huge and tough. For the price, this is just a gimmicky rip off.
(2)Joe N.
Great Shrimp cocktail, old school steakhouse, pricey but good. Had the dry aged NY Strip ($44), when they say rare, they mean it....order two steps above your usual order for doneness.
(4)Angela U.
There is no other restaurant that has such an outstanding Shrimp Cocktail....be ready for a blast! This is a classic old fashioned steak house. Wait staff is great. The atmosphere is quaint and refined. We always go here as soon as they open for the day. No crowd, but the best food in Indianapolis.
(5)Mr H.
I don't see the hype in this restaurant. I am visiting Indy for my first time, and wanted to visit this "authentic" spot. From the get go, things were good. Easy valet, quick service at the bar. It was all downhill from there. Once we were seated, we were sitting for AT LEAST 15 minutes before our waiter showed up. Once he showed up, he was very pushy about the shrimp cocktail. Dude, I'm sure it's great but you don't have to ask me 4 times if I want a shrimp cocktail. Are you on shrimp cocktail commission ? Salads arrived shortly, waiter twisted pepper onto salad without asking first. Not acceptable. The steak was good. Great ? No. Good. Sides were plain, nothing exciting. I am a Chicagoan, and I like to eat at family owned steakhouses rather than chains like Ruths Chris or Sullivans or McCormick & Schmicks. If I ever make it back to Indy, I'll head to a chain, as I was not impressed one bit by St Elmos.
(2)Mark K.
One of the best steakhouses I've experienced. NY Strip cooked med rare, tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned. Attentive staff. Good wine list. Well worth the money, and this place was hopping on a Wednesday night.
(5)Gerald S.
Great food and service, I've been there about 4 times now over the years. I like the waiters they were professional yet casual and would just chat with you. Some steak houses have snooty or uptight waiters. Excellent Single Malt Scotch list. Of course you must try the shrimp, great steaks. Good sides and great desserts. I highly recommend it.
(5)Barry T.
reading all the shrimp cocktail reviews I knew I needed to at least check this place out - despite having dinner plans elsewhere. stopped in for a quick app and a drink. coat check at the door was very convenient. bar area gets a lot of action, but I staked myself out here for an hour or two, enjoying a glass of wine and their shrimp cocktail. my bartender was very careful to warn me about the horseradish. comes out on ice - 5 very large, awesome quality, very fresh, shrimp, and a smearing of horseradish with a touch of the red sauce. at first, it can be overwhelming - then you realize smaller bites may help you out - then you realize it's overwhelming regardless but oh so tasty, and then all you taste is horseradish - which isn't that bad of a thing... if i ever find myself in Indy again wanting a steak - I might pay for the premium this old establishment seems to offer - but considering their volume, seems like it's worth it. i'm definitely a fan.
(4)K C.
I have traveled to Indy for 2 years now, and have read about this place many times. Have heard about the place from friends and colleagues, and wanted to try out this classic dining establishment in the city. Located in the dining district downtown, St. Elmo is easy to find. All the rumors were true. Drinks were flowing-served by a friendly bar staff. We were seated in a classic high-ceiling room with sports paraphernalia hung on the wall, and our server was a guy whom had some history with the place. His knowledge of the menu was awesome, and we ordered the classic shrimp cocktail. Horseradish was the key component to this appetizer, and was amazing. The servers are all over the place, clearing the table, pouring water, refilling wine, etc. I had the lamb Porterhouse, which was overcooked. The family style starches and veggies were great, but not awesome. The dessert assortment was very sparse, but exactly what I would expect from a classic steak place......bread pudding, creme brulee, etc... Ambiance is the winner, and would encourage anyone to dine at this old school dining establishment.
(3)B. B.
I went to St. Elmo's for a college graduation dinner for my aunt, and I must say that you don't always get what you pay for. I didn't try the "Signature" Steaks that everyone raves about, because I am not a huge steak fan. However, I did try other menu items such as they're Indiana Amish Chicken, and I wasn't too impressed. My chicken came out dry and cold, and I ended up sending it back. I did however vote to keep my Red-skin Mashed Potatoes which were very good.I knew St. Elmo's was expensive, but when you charge 7 bucks for a house salad, I think that is pushing it. I don't think I will ever return here, unless someone would like to treat me to dinner one day.
(2)S G.
This is a "must stop for shrimp cocktail" every time I visit Indy! The cocktail sauce is not for the timid. Always have eaten in the bar...the only time I ate in the actual restaurant....the service was awful. But I cannot discount anything due to the shrimp. It's all about the shrimp cocktail baby!
(5)Adam L.
St Elmo's is an institution. It's legendary. Even if you go in and just sit at the bar, have a drink, and savor the ridiculously hot shrimp cocktail, it's worth it for the ambiance. You're almost bound to run into a celebrity here, be in one of the Colts, Pacers, or one of the city's heavy hitters.
(5)M. M.
My absolute favorite steak house on the planet. Best horseradish you have ever had too!
(5)Mary J C.
St Elmo is a very traditional steak house. We are yet to try the famous shrimp cocktail, however, our steak was perfect, we enjoyed freshly baked bread. They have a very good wine list. The service is perfect. I recommend making a reservation for weekend nights, they do get busy. We will be back!
(4)Phil A.
Perfection. If a genie told the employees, "screw up the next entree or I'll make you disappear" then nobody would be working. This place has no clue what a bad entree is. I've been taking customers here for years. The one time they served me a medium well filet mignon and I ordered a medium rare the waiter UNPROMPTED AND UNPROVOKED took the steak away and replaced it after I had eaten a quarter of the steak. Capital Grille has slightly better beef but then again what is infinity plus ten? About the same. So St. Elmo's is just fantastic.
(5)Nicole B.
While on a work trip in Indy, my colleagues and I dinned at this darling restaurant. The history is literally written on the walls, so make sure you take a little stroll on your way to the restrooms! Atmosphere is nice, place is huge, and you can come dressed casual or fancy. Steaks are very good. Not the best ive ever had but, very good. I suggest ordering the blue cheese and grilled onions as an add on to your steak, its amazing!
(4)Daniel J.
The food was good but our waiter asked for a bigger tip. No joke! He brought our check back and asked us to rethink it. Five stars if that didn't happen. One star because it did.
(1)Robert S.
St. Elmo was recommended to me by two locals, and I had a late night (by Indy standards) dinner reservation for just myself. Nice ambiance...sat on the first floor. First off, those same two people that recommended St. Elmo also said I HAD to get the shrimp cocktail, which I must report was an absolute waste of $14.95. 4--count them--4 jumbo shrimp smothered with an overly spicy horseradish/honey/cocktail sauce concoction which made the shrimp barely edible without scraping most of the goo off. I noticed a table close to mine that ordered one shrimp cocktail for the three at the table, and they got a much larger clump of shrimp & goo. Nice to know I paid for their larger portion size. Not! The soup course was some kind of simple, out-of-the-can bean soup with bacon. The waiter brought Tabasco sauce along with the soup. What the f...? Tabasco sauce for a simple bean soup? Is this the way they serve bean soup in Indy? Yuck. The 12 ounce fillet mignon was just ok..nothing spectacular. And the waiter brought it out while I was barely halfway through the bean soup. Yep...I could tell it was getting close to kitchen closing time. You can get fillet mignon anywhere, and as long as they cook it correctly, it's a difficult piece of meat to screw up...except they did. I ordered it medium well, butterfly cut so the edges wouldn't burn. Came out rare-the middle was as red as a beet. Back to the kitchen for another 10 minutes, and it was fine. I forgot my cardinal rule of ordering steak: do NOT tell them rare/medium/whatever. Tell the waiter EXACTLY what color you want the middle to be. "No pink whatsoever" is what I should've said. No dessert...just wanted to leave & hit the Steak'n'Shake across the street for a milkshake. Oh, and by the way...St. Elmo, if you're reading this: I don't care if your restaurant closes in 20 minutes and some of your employees are waiting inside near the bar for their ride or just hanging out. The bar area where customers walk through IS NOT A GOOD PLACE FOR SOMEONE TO DISASSEMBLE THEIR BIKE AND CHANGE OUT THEIR TIRE INNERTUBE!! So much for ambiance.
(3)Matt I.
I was in Indianapolis on business and I heard rumors that St Elmo Steak House was the place to get an awesome steak. They were right!! I liked the atmosphere, I ate in the back part of the building in a small room, it was elegant and you could definitely feel the history of the restaurant. (As they say there, a tradition since 1902). I ordered the Filet Mignon. It was one of the best steaks I have ever had, just melted in your mouth. Aging of steak has become a lost art, and luckily places like St. Elmo's still exist. The sides were good as well, I don't remember exactly what I had, but I know I loved the bean soup and the potatoes were good. I finished off with a rich piece of cheesecake. Side Note: The waiters even had business cards, which you don't see very often. The only downside was the price, but you need to treat yourself to a nice dinner every now and then!
(5)Neal T.
There's a lot of great eating to be done in Indianapolis, more than our fair city gets credit for, but there isn't an abundance of great restaurants. From chops and pizza to Thai and Indian and street-style tacos, people are doing great things with food here. But the Hoosier state's general lack of pretense works against the restaurant scene. The thinking of too many restauranteurs seems to be that if the food is good it doesn't really matter if the rest of the experience (design, service, etc) is underwhelming. That's why St. Elmo continues to loom large in the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike. It's more myth than restaurant, a powerful story that is passed down from one generation to the next. St. Elmo's stewards are smart enough not to monkey with that story, ensuring that Indy's young turks will enjoy more or less the same St. Elmo experience that our parents and grandparents did. If you aren't familiar with the St. Elmo story, here's the condensed version; Founded by Joe Stahr in 1902 and named for the patron saint of sailors, St. Elmo has be in operation ever since. The restaurant has been under the control of just three owners: Stahr, Harry Roth and Isadore Rosen (see: Harry & Izzy's), and the Huse family. The servers wear black jackets and bowties - many of them have worked there for decades. The menu is early 20th century American; huge steaks, chicken, lobster tail, potatoes, asparagus, etc. When Indy was a provincial outpost with a pharmaceutical company and a racetrack, visiting big wigs posted up at St. Elmo. They still do. Sports casters mention it when broadcasting nationally-televised Pacers and Colts games. The shrimp cocktail is famous. It's also awesome. If you take a large bite of the horseradish-filled sauce you'll get a sensation approximating that of having an icepick rammed into your brain through your nostril. Some see it as forever beyond their means. To others, dining at St. Elmo is an aspirational benchmark. The reality is that while St. Elmo is an expensive place to eat by any measure, the sticker shock that young professionals or middle-income types might feel when at a $26 chicken entree or $50 steak can be assuaged by the simple fact that one dish will feed two people comfortably. The sides can stretch even further. The Wife and I spilt the Amish chicken, a side of green beans and the King Crab mac'n'cheese and left with enough chicken and mac'n'cheese to feed her lunch the next day. Our server told us with regret that there was no more pie or cobbler so we opted for white chocolate & blueberry bread pudding. Half of THAT ended up going home with us as well. The only dishes that got completely crushed were the shrimp cocktail and complimentary bread. If you can't swing splitting an item from the regular menu, St. Elmo offers a bar menu of sliders and small plate options that run $5 to $12 and begs the question, "if you're going to drop $25 on beer and a snack at a cheesy chain bar and grill, wouldn't you rather spend the same amount of money at St. Elmo?" The answer is obvious to me. The bar servers are more casually dressed than those who patrol the dining room but they are no less skilled or attentive, and there's just enough hustle and bustle to make the restaurant feel like a living organism. The bar's walls are covered with autographed photos and newspaper stories featuring several eras-worth of national and local celebrities that offer silent testimonial to St. Elmo's decades-long A-list status. It may seem obvious, and some locals might be tired of hearing it, but the story is true; St. Elmo is a great restaurant. In Sept. 2011 work will be completed on the new second-floor 1933 Bar that in my estimation will feel brand new like its always been there. An extension of the St. Elmo story, framed photos will evoke jubilation on the day that prohibition ended and drinks will be served across an antique bar made by the same manufacturer that made the original bar downstairs. I'm looking forward to taking my firstborn there in 2031.
(5)Richard H.
We visited for Devour Downtown, and first of all, it really is a good deal at the Devour Downtown prices -- which, by the way, are offered every single Sunday. And second of all, it was a delightful experience from beginning to end. We did have to wait for a few minutes even though we had a reservation, but we were treating exceptionally. It was an especially nice touch when one of the chefs greeted us as we walked by the kitchen. it actually seemed like a place where people enjoyed working. Is it the best steak ever in the entire world? Probably not, but it was quite good. Perhaps cooked a little unevenly, but delicious all the same. The green beans were a little undercooked for my taste, but the flavor was excellent. I am not a big fan of shrimp cocktail, but I tasted someone else's, and the cocktail sauce is indeed quite good. And the service was friendly and mostly attentive throughout. All the diners appeared to be having a good time, and we did not notice the tables being too close together, or an unusually high noise level (we were in the basement). All in all, a very fun time. I am not sure I would pay the extremely high full prices for the steaks. Also, the Devour Downtown filet is the perfect size -- their other steaks are quite large -- even the filet is regularly 10 ounces. And whoever said the dress was "dressy" has apparently not been there in awhile.
(4)Chad B.
Very over rated. Just visited two weekends ago. Tuna appetizer was outstanding as was the wedge. My wife's steak was very over-cooked and my strip could hardly be eaten it was so tough. If that wasn't bad enough the potatoes were room temperature. The bartender replaced the steaks and brought two potatoes to eat while we were waiting. Those were also room temp. The steaks finally returned. My wife's steak was cooked correctly but I still could not chew the strip it was so tough. Now while I don't want a free meal I think at least offer to comp a drink or the appetizer but there was no attempt. What makes this frustrating is that we ordered a $207 Groth Cab which was essentially wasted on the poor quality. I email the "proprietor" but he never responded. They get so much convention traffic I guess they don't have to worry. I would seriously steer clear of this place. There are other good steak options in DT Indy.
(1)Michele B.
Excellentlly prepared steak this is a mans restaurant and you know it when you walk in the door no frills staff was knowledgable on all things steak related
(3)David G.
I always go to St Elmo when I am in Indy and have a day/night off. The service is always good and the steaks are great. And you can't go wrong with their famous shrimp cocktail.
(5)Casey R.
My favorite thing to do at St. Elmo's is sit in the bar, drink margarita's and eat shrimp cocktail. Seriously, one of the BEST margarita's I have ever had!
(4)Noah W.
Totally worth the trip going there. Great food and fantastic atmosphere. Their horse radish is to die for. Though I should warn you it is very spicy and sure to clear any sinus problems you are having. So if I like this place so much, why 4 stars. The price. I know that is a bit picky and it is a higher end restaurant, but I would go there WAY more often if the pricing there was a little lower. But if that doesn't bother you, then it is a 5 star restaurant all the way and you are sure to have a wonderful time.
(4)Mia D.
The cocktail sauce really lived up to the hype. Such a pleasure/pain experience. The owners of the restaurant own the horseradish farm that is used to make their special sauce. It is so potent that the people grinding it up need to wear masks! We had the opportunity to sit in the unofficial Payton Manning room. It was a gorgeous private room for our group with our own waitstaff. They cook all their steaks on the rare side, so a medium rare steak was almost rare but that filet was like butter in my mouth. We ordered the creme brule, chocolate cake, and bread pudding for dessert and I couldn't stop eating even though I was stuffed. Amazing doesn't even adequately describe how good they were. They have an extensive wine selection and we were given a private tour. Gorgeous wine cellar! Such a great experience.
(5)Tim S.
I would say this place is living on its reputation and longevity. I'll make this simple: Reasons to go here: shrimp cocktail (more specifically the cocktail sauce), the old prohibition feel and the tomato juice that you can sneak some vodka in. Reasons not to go here: steaks are average and overpriced, drinks are much of the same. Also, the seating is horrible and packed in like sardines.
(3)Jean D.
Went here quite a while ago to the lounge about St. Elmos. We had the famous Shrimp Cocktail and it lived up to its reputation of being very spicy but delicious. It was fun to dress up and have some "fancy" food. If you are looking for something special while in INDY I suggest this as a great place to try.
(4)Marina C.
Great steaks but terrible service. Servers are rude and unpleasant. Did I mention steaks are great?!?! :)
(4)Tamara C.
If you eat here, prepare to eat fantastic food at the price it should be. The only thing I can disagree with is their "reknown" shrimp cocktail. It is FILLED with horseradish, which isn't a bad thing - however, the big shrimp we got (5 for the shared one) was a bit less tasty but meaty. I almost felt cheated since the cocktail sauce was the only tasty that was really there for me. I did get a chance for their special of the night...I will tell you it was the most awesome taste for a stuffed prawn. I can not believe how huge it was and how tasty. Good heavens. Entrees are ala carte so we had sides of Asparagus. The dessert was creme brulee (gluten free!) and chocolate cake. Our waiter was awesome, we had two people who were gluten sensitive so we asked what was gluten free to ensure they had no problems. The other three had some form of beef cuts and they too, loved their meal. For drinks, I decided on the signature drink, Elmo Cola. It was tasty, but I think I should have stretched my alcohol with more Diet Coke (not a diet coke fan though so that was rough). Their basic red was tasty and there wasn't anyone who left the restaurant unhappy nor hungry. Incredible time and they let us stay as they were closing the dining area (last to leave but the bar was still open). I will return again when I have the money saved. A definite special treat! don't forget the sister restaurant next door, they're great too!
(5)Kristy K.
Ah, the golden standard of steak houses in Indy. How can you go to St. Elmo and not have a great time? It's posh, it's throwback, it's classic, it's tradition in Indy. The menu is simple and steak house standard -- surf, turf, chicken. Wedge and ceasar salads and the world-famous shrimp cocktail. By the way, try the shrimp cocktail just so you can say you've had it, but remember that ish is potent. What is surprising about St Elmo is the expansive wine list and the specialty cocktails. The tables are somewhat crowded in the rooms, but the service is always spot on with recommendations, refills and chit-chat. Not too much, not too little. It's a place where you can celebrate a milestone or swing by before a night on the town. You can be causal or classy.
(4)Allen K.
We celebrated our 5 year anniversary here just two weeks before the birth of our first child. It was the perfect place to get away and take in those last few moments alone and free. Wonderful food and wonderful staff!
(5)Jake K.
Where do I begin? It's a great bunch of chow for, well, you guessed it, a rather rich price. But it's one that you won't regret. If you're by yourself and are afraid to eat there, don't be. You can get to the bar and have a complete menu of "bar bites" that really are just normal sized portions. I highly recommend the shrimp cocktail - you'll get 5 extra jumbo chilled shrimp slathered in their signature cocktail sauce. You can also get bone-in filet mignon medallions which taste amazing and are just the right amount of meat. Two (9oz total weight) medallions will run $16. If you're feeling hungry, you can add one more for $8 - a little cheaper than a larger cut of filet at the same weight. The king crab mac and cheese is pretty rich as well - but it's well worth the try. I split one with a co-worker to ensure I didn't go into a total food coma while there. Also, the tomato and onion salad is worth mentioning - the onions aren't too spicy which was a plus. Bon appetit!
(5)Haleigh C.
I've lived in Indianapolis for almost three years and had never been to St. Elmo. When my mom told me she was coming to town and wanted to celebrate an award I'd recently received she said we should go some place nice that I'd never been. We, of course, started with the shrimp cocktail -- I love spicy, so I thought it was absolutely PERFECT. My mom had a glass of the red Zinfandel and I had the Bourbon Trail Lemonade. I had the lobster bisque, which was creamy and delicious. We split the Surf 'n Turf with the 8oz filet (cooked medium, a perfect hot, pink center) and ended the meal with the creme brulee! I will definitely come back and would recommend it to anyone!
(5)Earl M.
A staple in Indy, surf and turf times two. Both fillets were prepared to perfection. Accompaniments were the famous shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque soup, and green beans. A must for steak when in Indianapolis. Hats off to meal well done.
(5)T I.
Decent steak, but honestly I've had a better filet mignon - it had no taste albeit it was extremely tender.
(3)Chris C.
It's been many years since I've been to St. Elmo. And as you can see by my other reviews, I don't hand out five stars unless the place really is five stars - and this place is, or at least was on the night of our visit. We made an OpenTable reservation, and when we checked in, our table wasn't quite ready - but there were seats at the bar, and they text you when your table is ready - pretty cool. When we got to the table (with our drinks in hand), our waiter was just great - he'd obviously been around the block before (since he told us that he'd been there for thirty years), and almost immediately established a rapport with him. The food was spot-on. The steaks (we had filet) were perfect. We didn't have the famous shrimp cocktail - can't speak for that. The sides were good. We found a Cotes du Rhone on the wine list that was quite drinkable and very reasonable in price. I don't think we could have had a better time.
(5)Jerry M.
St Elmo Steak House is certainly a landmark to downtown Indianapolis due to the many years in business. On a Monday night, the place was packed. One person had the shrimp cocktail. It was large but the extra hot horseradish was too much. Had to scrap some off. Another person ordered a filet and said it was excellent. My friend and I had the ribeye. We both felt it was TERRIBLE. Tough to cut. Was not worth $38! Would have retuned it but after appetizers, etc was not hungry enough to eat another steak.
(2)Steph W.
St. Elmo's is probably one of my favorite Indy restaurants. Yes, it's pricy. But it is a delicious steakhouse. My family and I have enjoyed many celebrations at St. Elmo's. We were even able to enjoy a tour of their extensive wine cellar several years ago. I also order a filet, medium well accompanied by some sort of vegetable side. If you are visiting Indy or looking for a nice night downtown Indy, I highly suggest this gem.
(5)Paul R.
Love it!!!!!! Great service, great atmosphere. The shrimp cocktail is amazing. Steak was perfect.
(5)Francine C.
Love St. Elmo's steak house. Great food, great service and wonderful place to celebrate anything and everything!
(5)John G.
Was a walk in on a busy night. Ate in the bar area and just had appetizers. The server was great and offered great tips on what to order, since I had never been there. They get 5 stars just on the cocktail sauce for the shrimp. Best nose opening horseradish I've ever had! I had the sliders with Mac and cheese, another winner. Finished with their own cheese cake.
(5)Cora A.
THE BEST cocktail sauce ever! The shrimp cocktail is to die for! And the crab mac & cheese looks fabulous!!
(4)Melanie R.
My husband took me here for my birthday dinner. We had been wanting to try it for a while after hearing everyone in Indy rave about it. We loved the atmosphere when we walked in... we had a reservation (definitely make one) so we went straight to our table. We ordered drinks, and I opted for the St. Elmo's Cola - very good! We don't eat shrimp, so when we passed on the shrimp cocktail our server brought some of the sauce with crackers. It was spicy and delicious, even on a cracker. We also put it in our bean soup, which gave it a nice kick. The bread basket and butter was also delicious! We both ordered a filet, and I had the loaded potato and he had the green beans. Everything was delicious, though my husband's steak was not medium well as requested. He thought about sending it back, but he didn't want us to eat our steaks separately so he made do. It was a very thick cut, so we think they just didn't realize it wasn't as cooked in the middle as medium well requires. The meal was great, but our service was subpar. Our waiter was not very attentive, and he almost seemed annoyed anytime we asked for something. We saw another waiter nearby and noticed he provided far better service than ours. Maybe our server was having an off night, but either way it certainly made our experience less enjoyable.
(4)Kevin D.
The shrimp cocktails were amazing, lots of fresh hot horseradish. I had the navy bean soup, ribeye, redskin mashed potatos and bread pudding. The service was excellent and the food was really good.
(4)Kim E.
This restaurant is iconic and a must try when in Indianapolis. It's a man's steakhouse that harkens back to when steak was prime. We go there every year for our anniversary and I adore the ribeye, rare. I have a baked potato with creamed spinach which is a meal in itself. I will warn you: the spinach has cheese in it so if you're a purist it won't be for you. My husband had the half roast chicken which has an Asian vibe to it with a bed of noodles. It was delicious but this is a steakhouse so it wouldn't be anything I would recommend unless you don't enjoy red meat. Now...let's cut to the chase...two words...shrimp cocktail. It's their deal, their draw, their mainstay. It's what makes St. Elmo St. Elmo. If you don't get it you won't understand why this restaurant is what it is. It WILL clear anything disturbing your sinuses so be prepared. It's delicious and well worth the price. We were delighted to receive a complimentary creme brulee for our anniversary which was such a thoughtful touch. Plus, the brulee was delightful and I would order it again. This is such a great place to go for special occasions and the staff is 100% knowledgeable, competent and gracious.
(5)Shawn M.
Do I really need to write a review of this place? Its probably world famous, and is the must go to place for steaks if you are in Indianapolis. Its a step back into the 1890's with a very masculine vibe, always crowded and kinda loud, but I like that and obviously others do to. Often hard to get a table so definitley call ahead and on big convention nights be prepared to wait- its worth it. The best steaks in town the shrimp cocktail will make you cry the service is excellent the atmosphere is one of a kind it an instituion we are lucky to be able to call our own
(5)Angela G.
Your paying for the history of the place. They have a twenty page wine list but only basic drinks and no drink menu whatsoever. The menu is extremely limited. What's with the tomato juice? I ordered the two lobster tails to share with somebody else and tried a bite of the filet-bland and unexciting. The Shrimp cocktail is very good. But all in all I didn't think it was anything special foodwise. I've had better food at other locations. The Basement is freezing-bring a sweater. Service of course was excellent. I personally thought it was a waste of money but I wasn't paying and others chose it. This is supposedly the best Indianapolis has to offer. If that's the case then Indianapolis is certainly lacking in the gastronomy department.
(3)John W.
We celebrated our 43rd anniversary here and the experience could not have been better. Our server, Andy, was super. He was extremely helpful and friendly. The steaks were perfect. The shrimp cocktail was, lets just say, when they say its hot, they're not kidding. It will get your attention. It was delicious! We will absolutely come back here again.
(5)Jennifer S.
Great steak, and great service! One of the best wedge salads I ever had.
(4)Michael G.
Service was great. Go here only if your craving a steak!!! Menu short, allot of old school pictures on walls. Also very quite !!
(3)art s.
Overall Impression: St. Elmo's is an old school steakhouse serving some very good food. The place is massive. Capacity has to be north of 400 people with all the different rooms. It is also pricey, but they deliver on the quality end of the equation, so it is worth what you layout. The vibe is traditional, with semi-formal service and a comfortable clientele (at least on Colts Sunday afternoons where Manning and Harrison jerseys are badges of cool no matter where you are). Highlights / Lowlights: What was great Food - I had an excellent filet mignon, getting the 10oz. medium well. They say they cook it a little light, so medium well still has some pink in the center. I found it perfect for my tastes. Still juicy, flavorful and not butterflied, which I often see with filets ordered medium well. Nicely done. Also good was the tomato, onion and bleu cheese salad with vinaigrette dressing. Add a couple of pints of Guinness and yes, I am getting ready for some football. Atmosphere - If you like old school joints, you'll love St. Elmo's. They do the same walls-of-fame photo arrangement that you tend to see at most steak places. I don't know if it was because I didn't expect it here in Indianapolis or because they just do it better than other places, but I was amazed by both the number and variety of pictures on display. e.g. A young Lee Corso from his Indiana days, or local legend 'Dick the Bruiser' (check Wikipedia if you don't know him). Hundreds of others I can't recall. Over their ~100 years of service they have certainly accumulated an impressive array of star shots. You dine at St. Elmo's and you join the long line of storied guests who have also polished off a fine steak at these tables. What wasn't great Sitting downstairs - While still nice enough, the downstairs dining area definitely has a kids-table-at-Thanksgiving kind of feel to it, especially after you trek through a couple of the spiffy upstairs rooms on your way there. We were there on a high volume day, as it was Patriots - Colts game day, so we didn't have a lot of room to negotiate on table choices. The Scorecard: Two Critical Questions Would I eat there again? Sure, but I would definitely want to be upstairs. Was it good value? It is pricey. 10oz. fillet is $36. But it was a damn good fillet. So the value for money is there. But it didn't hurt that this was a business related lunch and was therefore expensable. Essentials Food - Excellent Service - Good. Random note: Waiters are in tuxedos and apparently the Colts game day tradition is blue bow ties. Kind of corny with a prom-like feel, but nice show of school spirit, right? Amenities Decor - Classic. Private party room - While downstairs I glimpsed what appeared to be a set up for a bunch of big hitters to watch that day's NFL schedule in a small room with a table set for 8 or 10 people and a flat screen TV on the wall. Not a bad way to spend a special Sunday, I suppose. Star scoring key: 5 = Spectacular 4 = Better than average, really enjoyed it 3 = Average, don't regret it 2 = Disappointing 1 = Abysmal For more of my reviews, see travelcasserole.blogspot…
(4)Sara L.
Another day, another work dinner. We started with wine, which was good and not too pricey. The bread basket was lovely, hot onion rolls filled with butter are never a bad thing. My filet mignon was perfectly cooked and very tasty. The mashed potatoes and asparagus were also very good. We ended with a great cheesecake. Overall a nice steakhouse with great energy and a good atmosphere. I'd go back if I was in Indy again.
(3)Lynn J.
A must if ever in Indy
(5)Chuck C.
One of the best place to get a steak, but get the smallest one! This may make me sound crazy but you have to understand one thing. The salad and soup are so good you will not be able to stop eating them. So if you order one of the Fred Flintstones size steaks you will have over done it for sure. A beside you have to get the Shrimp cocktail just to say you eat it, the shrimps are OK but the sauce is the real deal here lots of horse radish in it, it will clean out your head! It may not be the best of the best but it is right up there. The place is history and needs to be looked at like that. It's a grand old building with lots of charm and grace!!!And it's not a chain, it's home town all the way! Remember to eat well and live well! And please no chains!
(5)Tracey J.
Awesome, Loved this place! The service=excellent. Food=excellent. Ambiance=awesome. What makes St. Elmo's great is it's simplicity and no nonsense menu. They have a decent wine selection. I would definitely recommend to others and I can't wait to go back myself!
(5)Eric D.
What do they say...when in Rome? BTW, where is Demi (am I dating myself w/ that comment)? St Elmo Steak House was recommended as the place to go. So we went. It is definitely the hot spot, as it took over 45 min to be seated. Atmosphere - Old school (1902), Woody, Narrow, Crowded, Noisy, Eclectic (people in suits, people in shorts), Happening. Food - Tasty, Basic, Simple. I started with a basic salad that was really basic, some iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes w/ Italian dressing. The dressing was good but the salad, for the price was not ($9). For the main dish I chose to ask, as I eat out a lot, so I the waiter recommended the NY Strip. It was served with a side of whipped red potatoes that had some cheddar cheese mixed in for flavor and color. Also included was either Navy Bean soup or Tomato Juice. I choose the juice. The steak arrived a little over cooked from medium. I was disappointed, but it was still good. I am sure it would have been great if it was at medium. They lost a star there for that one. Before even receiving the dessert menu I knew it was going to have cheesecake, breads pudding, chocolate cake, rice pudding and crème brulee. I was correct, except for the rice pudding. This place is so old school, like I could see my grandfather eating here. So I went with what is definitely an old school steakhouse choice, the cheesecake (I know, it should have been the BP). The cheesecake, plain, was excellent!! It was pretty creamy for a baked NY style cheesecake. Service - Friendly, prompt and relatively attentive, as they should have asked if my steak was cooked correctly!! Price - The place is pretty pricey, as it was over $60 with tip ... for one. Overall - Nice place to visit every once in a while as it seemed to be the hot spot of Indy. I would go again, but would skip the salad to save a few bucks. "I can see a new horizon underneath the blazin' sky...Take me where my future's lyin', St. Elmo's Fire" (Come on, I had to add THAT!!)
(3)Stephen F.
My wife and I went there for our anniversary last weekend. I have been hearing about how good it was for a few years. We ordered shrimp cocktail as an appetizer. Everybody told us to get the shrimp cocktail because it was sooo good. I don't know if they were trying to play a mean joke on us, but it was one of the hottest things I have ever eaten and I grew up in South Louisiana. They are good, but be warned, they are SUPER spicy. My wife had the filet and it was hands down one of the best steaks I have ever tasted. I would say the 2nd best steak I have ever tasted. I had a halibut on top of pasta. The pasta was great and very flavorful. The halibut was a little bland but still good. Definitely a restaurant you should try if you are in Indianapolis.
(4)Joanna E.
I must say this restaurant came highly recommended by several people but I was disappointed overall. The restaurant was tired and dated - obviously, they had not reinvested in updating decor or creating a different ambience. The tables were jam packed in the room, it was loud and the waiter did not speak very good English. The food was marginal although their cream spinach was one of the best. The steak was tough and not very appetizing. I would not return to St. Elmo's unless they make some changes. There are too many other choices for high end restaurants that make the overall experience worthwhile.
(2)Chad B.
How can you say this place isn't excellent? Everything from my entrance to exit was pure class. The shrimp cocktail is AMAZING. It is almost worth it just for this. I ordered filet mignon. It was probably the best I've ever eaten. So tender. Even the bread was delicious. Literally this was worth every penny. I went there on Sunday and they had a combonation special for $30. I don't know if this always happens, but it was great!
(5)Lucy F.
When my husband and I want steaks and a fancy night out we head to St Elmo. This place has an old charm, excellent service and amazing steaks! I always get the filet mignon, and it never disappoints. The shrimp cocktail is amazing, you can't come here and pass that up. It's very spicy but it's delicious, you must try it. My husband and I love it so much. Sometimes there can be a bit of wait, so I'd suggest making reservations. Yes, this place is expensive but you can easily split a meal with an appetizer and be satisfied. We can never go without dessert too, when we come here, we tend to go all out. It's definitely a one-of-kind restaurant in Indy with literally the best steaks I"ve ever had and whether you're a tourist or a local, you'll agree, this place is fantastic.
(5)Chris P.
Shrimp cocktail...Awesome! Tomahawk cut steak...Amazing! Crab Mac and cheese...Outstanding! Blueberry bread pudding...Best ever!
(5)Michael S.
You get what you pay for. St. Elmo's is the gold standard for small town eateries. The servers are pros. The white tablecloth service is pristine. The food is completely consistent. The shrimp cocktail is a meal in itself, as is the Navy Bean Soup. Steaks of all kinds abound. The Porterhouse I had was something like 30 ounces. With dessert and cocktails, you will leave St. Elmo's about $80-$100 per person lighter. in a food coma and the Food Baby will come.
(5)Des C.
Arguably the best steak I have ever had. We know that there's a handful of meat processors that all of the top steakhouses buy from, so it's the spices, service and ambiance that really lead to a great experience. The service is always spot on with waiters that are typically long timers at SE. The house made spices they sprinkle on their steaks are phenomenal. Lastly the ambiance is a mix between fine dining and old school tavern. The shrimp cocktail sauce is very mild. Be sure to sop up as much as you possibly can on the first bite!!
(5)Sean B.
I'm from Cincinnati and if you have read any of my other reviews you will know that I am a huge fan of Jeff Ruby's in my hometown. We were staying downtown for the night basically next door in the newly renovated Le Méridien Indianapolis. If you are looking for a fun night out and a great way to start a date night, there is your 1-2 combo right there. Even if you are just in the Indianapolis area for a few short hours, I would highly suggest a stop here. It reminds of Jeff Ruby's with all of the athletes pictures that have dined there on the walls as you walk from the bar area to the main seating area. Speaking of bars, there is a main bar with some additional booths lining the walls on the main floor. There is also a bar upstairs if you find yourself waiting and there is no room on the street level. Plenty of high end liquors, a great wine list, and standard beers to choose from. St Elmo does everything right. Our group of five enjoyed each and every item we were served. Our server did a good job of explaining the menu and highlights of what to order. The shrimp cocktail is a house specialty and for good reason. It will clear your sinuses so if you don't like spicy then I would steer clear. If you do enjoy spicy you will LOVE the sauce! They sell it in jars too so you can pickup some on the way out of the restaurant. The Lobster Bisque was great. Silky smooth and large pieces of lobster throughout every bite. I wouldn't think to order any other soup if I went back. Our main entree's consisted of a couple 8 oz. Filets, a 14 oz. Ribeye, and a King Crab and Shrimp linguine. One thing to note is that this place cooks a little bit on the traditional side with respect to temperature of the steaks. So if you like your steak medium rare, you might want to order medium. I would talk to the server and make sure you get the same story our group did though. Either way, our food was great. If I went back, I would go with a filet or the pasta. The Ribeye was great, but the other two were worth every penny. Something that is nice about this place is that it isn't a la carte. So for the price with a soup or salad and a side item it is competitive with other high end steakhouses I've dined at. If you find yourself in downtown Indianapolis, make your day special and stop in for a great experience.
(5)Nicole S.
I have no problem paying good money for good food. Was in Indy on a business trip and my group decided to splurge (on our own, not the company dime :) ). We had a private dining room off the wine cellar which was awesome. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and helped everyone with our selections. The steak was amazing, perfectly done and full of flavor. It came with a side and a soup...navy bean. I always thought of navy bean as more of a winter soup but hey, it worked! I finished off with a creme brûlée, worth the calories.
(5)Marvi B.
Truly legendary and classic! This restaurant is an absolute must for anyone visiting Indianapolis. I came to know of it through 'parks and rec' season 5 when they come to visit Indianapolis and Ron Swanson gets treated here! The ambience is formal, warm and low lit. It is loud because all three floors are always jam packed. This restaurant is huge! Service is refined and very efficient. I have had dinner twice here and I come to the conclusion that their food is always the same and they do very well to keep the standards! They are famous for their shrimp cocktail with the horseradish sauce, I feel there is nothing special about it since all steak houses serve very similar appetizers. Would recommend the filet mignon over the new York strip. You can not go wrong with it. However they make it slightly more tender than other places, so your medium rare will be a little bit more well done. Their desserts are phenomenal, one order is good for three people in my opinion. Have had the double chocolate cake, blueberry bread pudding and the carrot cake, Amazing!
(4)John M.
There are a lot of things about this place I like - not a chain, historic, super friendly staff, ambiance, classic upstairs lounge, great service and spicy shrimp cocktail. See my picture but this is one of the best steaks I've ever had. The cut i hadn't heard of the the waiter described it perfectly. The sides were solid and we weren't pushed to move along. A great night for sure.
(5)Cammie W.
Oh my gosh, their portions are huge! Four of us (my parents, my brother, and I) shared 2 dishes and a dessert. Really, we didn't even need the dessert. But like one of my friends once told me 'regular food is for your stomach but dessert is for your heart'. We got the 32oz bone-in prime rib, the ribeye with the bean soup, greens beans as one side, and mashed potatoes as our second side. The sides were good but not amazing. We ordered both steaks medium rare and they came out perfect doneness. My mom wasn't a fan of the prime rib's au jus. She didn't like the taste of it but I felt that it just didn't have much taste. The cheesecake was so rich and smooth. Personally, I don't think it needs the extra raspberry puree or the fudge because it's flavorful enough by itself. Our server was fantastic. Helpful with our questions and very attentive. If the portions weren't so large, I would definitely come back for a special dinner or date night. But steak just isn't something that I like having leftovers of.
(5)Ed L.
Hi All. I love this place. The food is wonderful, the staff is some of the best I have encountered anywhere, and the old school atmosphere is something to be savored and mulled over like a '49 Yquem. One other thing - I bring my Noble M400 here every year when I work the race and the valet people are simply gallant in making sure the thing isn't hurt. Way to go guys. This last time, I ordered the "must have" shrimp cocktail and it was heavenly as usual. I don't know what makes me salivate so much in anticipation, but, dang, Big Larry sure do miss this thing when he's gone. I don't eat a lot of steak, but I must admit, just the smell of the food moving through the restaurant is enough to un-veganate the most stoic veg-eater. Personally, I love the chopped steak - it's easier on Larry's stomach than a full cut and the thing is so huge I can eats off of it for a month or so. Had an interesting experience here this last time as I asked about some details on one of the more obscure wines on the expansive wine list and the sent the Cellar Master over to converse. A few minutes in, and I was invited for a private tour - something I am sure happens rarely. The cellar was a marvel, and I hope I'm not getting the guy in trouble for showing me the back room here, but rest assured that any bottle you request is lovingly laid down. I know you can get a private tour upon request, but I'm pretty sure the "special" areas are off limits for most - kind of like the Pits right before the fueling rig rolls through Have been here about a dozen times over the years and these folks have never let me down. Even with a crazy schedule I have never eaten a dessert. Just been too dang full. Sure they are expensive and hard to get in to, but just chill, have a martini, watch the race celebrities and prep your tummy for a real treat.
(5)Mark G.
Great place to get a steak at a long time standing iconic place downtown. When you walk in they are very friendly and you can see all the pictures on the wall. Great vibes all around and it does have that steakhouse feel to it. We started off with the shrimp cocktail which boasts its fame. It is famous for a reason. The sauce is unique in its spicy hit and run, if you are a rookie don't try a lot at once! When you take a bite of shrimp with the sauce it almost feels like you are being water boarded, the horseradish kicks you in the face to the point of tears. Yet you love it at the same time? It is weird, but delicious. Food never hurt so good. Please try it while you are here. The steak I got was the ribeye, it comes with a side and a soup! I know if this was another high end place this would have cost a ton extra since most steak houses are ala carte. The navy bean soup option is a great one. As for the steak, it was cooked right, had a nice flavor, and was all around quality. The server was excellent throughout the whole night, really was very down to earth and worked their for several years. Very genuine person and made our time there very pleasant. Nice old school steakhouse that has been around for a very long time with a good reputation and tradition. Would come back again while in town for a different cut of steak.
(4)Tom M.
My wife and I went to St. Elmo's because of its reputation, and we just wanted to try it once. And for some, the price of two meals may mean you try this only once. The service is far and above any I have experienced at any restaurant anywhere. The shrimp cocktail is the best (although the horseradish in the cocktail sauce could be dialed back a bit). Everything about St. Elmo's is four-star. Calling it a "steakhouse" is kind of an insult. The atmosphere is casual, but you'll walk in thinking, "Hm, should I have dressed up a little?" Don't worry. It's a steakhouse atmosphere with a fine dining experience. But be prepared to spend over $100 for dinner for two. This is where people with money go to eat. People like Colts football players, local celebrities, big businessmen, politicians. You will see somebody who is somebody here. Peyton Manning had a private room here when he played for the Colts. It's that kind of place. And you should experience it at least once in your life. And if you can afford it, go again. Once I get done paying my youngest daughter's college tuition, I think I'll go here to celebrate financial freedom.
(5)Luckie D.
I got a woddy ! Wish I could give more than 5 stars.......? The overall experience at St. Elmo's was off the charts! Located in downtown Indianapolis is a place I've had bookmarked but just never seemed to make it to until I needed a special place to take my mother to celebrate her 89th Birthday. Food The bone in rib-eye, twice baked potato, green beans, mushrooms and creamed spinach was the order. The sides were memorable but the steak was HEAVENLY. If I'm ever on death row this will be my last meal. I simply cannot explain the depth of flavor, tenderness and the absolutely perfect way the steak arrived. We started with the lobster bisque which had ample lobster pieces and was not runny and thin nor was it overly creamy and offered a balanced taste which needed no additional anything. The shrimp cocktail lived up to the warning with regard to the fresh horseradish. It too proved worthy of the near wood causing experience as the steak did. Ambiance It was like stepping back in time to the days when John Herbert Dillinger roamed the streets of Indy and getting a private invitation to join Alfonse Capone for dinner. This place drips history, pride and quality. From the stenciled gold lettering on the large glass windows which light the main bar to the dark wood and tiffany lined wall sconces in the main dining room to the rich wood tones and appropriate low music this place screams old school class. Service The waiters here are what it means to be a professional waiter. They are welcoming, knowledgeable, gracious and above all else extremely professional. No wannabes working their way through undergrad at this place. Clad in black suits with bow-ties and speaking in clear but hushed tones as if not to disturb the pleasant elegant vide all manner of options were shared. Attention was more vigilance than hovering and always timely, respectful and on point. Having earned the Meathead Yelp badge I know meat and have had the good fortune to eat at some of the best places around the country. Peter Luger, Delmonicos, The Double Eagle Dallas and The Met in Seattle. Indy should take pride knowing they are holding their own as arguably the best steakhouse in the country. On a sad note it was disappointing to order a $17 Lagavulin 12 at their sister restaurant just down the street while waited for them to open at 4pm only to order another at St. Elmo's for $25!
(5)Victor H.
My 100th review that I've written and it happens to be for one of the most elegant and wonderful establishments I've ever been too. I first heard about this place after reading stories about the Colts having team dinners here. This is also where Peyton Manning signed his rookie contract after the Colts drafted him. It's the one and only St Elmo and it was everything that I expected it to be. After arriving and having our table ready for us (make reservations if you're going to come here), our server Rico came and gave us the specials. He was very attentive and professional and did an awesome job. I ordered an Ol Fashioned for my drink which came with coke in a glass bottle. Vintage yet elegant. I started with the shrimp cocktail which is a must order according to the patrons. Shrimp is large and the sauce has a huge kick due to the horseradish. Delicious and full of flavor. My dinner was the cowboy ribeye steak with the navy bean soup along with a wedge salad. Salad was a nice portion, I shared some of it with my buddy so I could save room for the entree. The soup was a nice tune up for the steak. It had a nice pork flavor, I believe they use ham hocks in the soup. Nonetheless delicious. The steak arrived cooked at a perfect medium temperature with a loaded baked potato. The steak was the best steak I've ever had. The perfect amount of fat and flavor and tenderness. While everything was awesome, I wish I saved room for dessert since those looked appetizing as well. While my meal/experience was expensive, it was worth every penny. This won't be my last visit. I recommend this place for any steak lover, foodie, or wine sommelier. It's a landmark in Indianapolis and definitely should be on your list of places to dine!
(5)Eric M.
Will wash dishes for Food Service: 5/5 * Very personable waiter who took the time to get to know you. Treated you like a friend. Also, I left my phone and he went out of his way to get it back to me!!! Food: 5/5. * Steak was amazing. Very soft, juicy, loaded with flavor. * Shrimp cocktail was ok. People talk it up like it's a Foodgasm. Not worth the $20. Price: Very expensive but well worth it. Between my brother and I, I paid about $140 with tip. Environment: 4/5 * Feels like your in an old fashioned Sopranos restaurant. Tables are well set, very clean. Staff Hotness: 5/5 Beautiful Ladies ;-) Overall: A must go to steak house. Lots of history here. My brother and I were celebrating our Indy Mini Marathon finish and this was a perfect treat. Excellent for dates, anniversaries, any celebrations.
(5)Nancy Ann S.
Probably one of the best steak dinners I have ever had. St Elmo's has been in the same spot since the early 1900s. According to their waiter who has worked there for 30+ years they made it through prohibition and just about everything else. They have a wonderful lounge upstairs. Pricewise it's a little high. They serve a shrimp cocktail for $17.95 and it's really just five shrimp covered and horseradish cocktail sauce. Wait staff was super friendly, extra accommodating, very informed about the area and the goings-on of the convention I was attending. Our waiter Steve suggested a couple of drinks which were delicious. He also made sure that my steak was cooked exactly the way I wanted and I truly appreciated it. This is a great date night or special dinner place.
(4)Paul V.
First time here and very impressed. Great local place with a ton of history since 1902! Been to many fine steak houses all over the country and this rates with the best. Not as stuffy as Capital Grill and doesn't try to be trendy. They just keep doing what they're known for. We had a party of five on a Sunday night at 7:00. No delay getting seated although the place was packed. Our waiter Dave has been there over 20 years and took superb care of us, including my 90 year-old mom and my three sisters. Steaks were perfect. Sides were generous. Their signature shrimp cocktail did not disappoint and the cream corn was to die for. Timing impeccable. Never felt rushed. We decided we needed to adopt Dave and take him back to Florida with us to show restaurants back home how it's done. Very enjoyable evening. Thanks Dave and thanks St.Elmo's.
(5)David Y.
I don't eat alot of steak -- maybe a couple times a year on special occasions. But I heard St. Elmo Steakhouse is the place to eat in downtown Indianapolis, so on a recent conference trip my wife and I checked it out. All things considered, it was a good meal. We began, of course, with the shrimp cocktail with famous spicy cocktail sauce. It was as advertised - each shrimp somehow getting more spicy until my eyes were watering. It hurt so good. I had the ribeye and my wife had the petit filet, both with green beans. Both were good as expected and cooked just right. The king crab mac-n-cheese was just OK -- the crab being chopped up more finely than I would prefer (seemed like they were trying to make it seem like there was more crab in there than there was -- I would have preferred a few larger pieces to really taste the crab). I liked out waiter. He was an old ethnic guy (Italian, maybe?), not some young hispter. The kind of waiter who half asks and half tells you what you are having for dinner. For me this is a bucket list restaurant. Glad I went. Don't know that I will go again.
(4)Brad H.
Not sure this place could get it more right. The service is the best. It's a fun comfortable place with awesome steaks. The cowboy ribeye is fit for a king and the kitchen always gets the steak perfect. Some of the old traditions of tomato juice and bean soup for starters is quirky but adds to the fun. If your in town stop by. You run into celebrities a lot here.
(5)Dee O.
The reviews don't lie. A must visit if you are in Indy. Great service, very good food. Yes, try the shrimp cocktail but go easy cause it is as hot as they say it is. Cheers!
(4)Rich L.
Based on the reviews of my Yelp amigos I had the pork chops and crab Mac and cheese and they were fab. All were served piping hot and as you know nobody gets 5 stars from me unless the hot food is hot and the cold food is cold. St Elmo hit the mark!! I realize the shrimp cocktail is a signature dish for them but I was kinda disappointed when i received 4 average to large size shrimp that were not bad but didn't pop with the fresh ocean taste that I would expect for a nearly $18 shrimp cocktail. Even with the mildly disappointing or maybe more accurately described as way over hyped shrimp cocktail, St Elmo is a solid 5 star establishment.
(5)Tara Q.
Confession: Sometimes I feel like I'm not cool or rich enough to dine here. I think it goes along with the whole hype that St. Elmo's is where the celebrities go when they visit, well guess what? I may not be famous or have a lot of money, but St. Elmo's is something you want to treat yourself and your family to during special occasions, so on this visit, we were celebrating my husband's 29th birthday and I thought 'why not go all out?!'. I was surprised that I got a reservation about a week out through Open Table and I made mention that we were planning on celebrating my husband's birthday. Upon arrival, we were shown immediately to our table on a busy Saturday night and on the table was a note from the restaurant wishing my husband a happy birthday. I was so excited to see that! Great service! Our waiter was wonderful, always checking on us, but not too hoveriffic. The bread and butter served before the meal was delish along with the lobster chowder we had. You can't come here and not get their most popular menu item which is their Shrimp Cocktail. The sauce was on high alert hotness the night we were there, so I did scrape most of it off so that I could actually keep my taste buds in tact for the meal! The shrimp are huge! You really feel like you're getting your money's worth with this selection. A must if you come here! For the main meal, I opted for the filet mignon (cause duh!) along with red-skinned mashed potatoes. As soon as I sliced into the meat, it separated like butter. The most tastiest filet mignon I've had! Cooked to perfection, juicy, but not too much. The perfect bite when forked with the mashed potatoes. Expect a bill that garners heart palpitations upon arrival, but know it's totally worth it! I think next time I visit, I'd love to sit at the main bar and people watch while enjoying my Shrimp Cocktail.
(5)Micheal M.
I was there recently on a belated anniversary dinner and it was worth the wait, there shrimp cocktail is amazing and the steaks the we had were cooked to perfection. Can't wait for my next visit there.
(5)Randy T.
I was staying in Castleton with coworkers and the concierge recommended St. Elmo's! It is definitely a place you have to go while in Indy, the food was amazing. Step back in to a traditional steak house, the decor of St. Elmo's resembles elegance and class. However, the staff was not stuffy and provided an exceptional level of service. You have to try to shrimp cocktail, with the fiery sauce... sure it's just a lot of horseradish, but isn't that what shrimp cocktail is all about... it brought tears to my eyes and for a solid 10 seconds, I thought I was dying, then I took bite number 2 and started it all over again! Everyone's steak was cooked to perfection, and everything was delicious! Stop here, you won't regret it!
(5)Rose Marie C.
Great waiter who was very personable, but not overbearing, and he explained the food we were choosing from in wonderful yet sensible detail! We had the lobster soup and the navy bean soup; both were excellent. The tomato salad w/ fresh mozzarella and basil was also really good. The steak was good quality and tasted good but it was not worthy of the high price! My husband had the chocolate cake for dessert (huge piece and very moist) and I had the creme brûlée --------both were scrumptious!!! In addition, St Elmo has an elegant but rugged atmosphere!
(4)Elle A.
Oh how I love Devour Downtown and all the wonderful deals they bring! My husband and I were lucky to get a reservation here on one of the last days of Devour and were so glad we did. We each started off with the St. Elmo's cola, a Maker's Mark based cocktail with bottled Coke and Luxardo cherries. It was delicious but a little pricey, $15. Expect to pay a little more than usual for their handcrafted cocktails. My husband got the shrimp cocktail to start and I had a salad. He loved the shrimp and agreed that it certainly cleared his sinuses as the menu promised. My salad was wedge style and delicious with bacon and blue cheese. We then moved on to the main course, the filet mignon with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. My filet was perfect with being cooked medium, and my husband wishes he would've chose medium instead of medium well. My steak was so tender that I didn't even need the knife provided. The potatoes were creamy and delicious and the beans were fresh and crisp. Then came dessert, my husbands favorite, creme brûlée. It was the perfect ending to a delectable meal. The service was wonderful, thank you to Clint who had great drink recommendations and conversation. Although we went because of the price break, we are planning on making this a special occasion dinner spot. This was our first experience at St. Elmo's but it certainly won't be our last.
(5)Nikki N.
When I visit Indy, St. Elmo's is a place I must dine. Their famous cocktail shrimp with fresh horseradish will about burn your nostrils out but so well worth every bite. They have the best steaks and best first class service. The bartenders go the extra mile to make you feel at home and provide hat extra special service. Their wine selection is impeccable. If you don't know what wine to try, ask for a suggestion and they will not disappoint.
(5)Laurie D.
Stopped here for a late lunch. Shrimp, lobster bisque, and caprese were incredible. Chopped salad was average. Service was impeccable.
(5)Molly S.
Does St. Elmo's really need another review? The number of reviews and the many lists it finds itself on is pretty telling. It's your classic steakhouse. I had a filet during Devour Downtown and it was phenomenal. Perfectly cooked, perfect sides of potatoes and asparagus, but nothing overpowering the main attraction- as it should be. The service is absolutely incredible. Everything about the experience was wonderful. Pro-tip: get a dirty vodka martini. They are as classic as St. Elmo's itself.
(5)Jet K.
There's a reason that St. Elmo Steak House is the most talked about restaurant in Indy even after being opened for over a century. Awesome service. Classic, warm atmosphere. Is it possible to review St. Elmo Steak House without mentioning their world famous shrimp cocktail? The shrimp that bites back! They should just add the shrimp to the price of every meal because you are going to order it anyways. Rumor has it, it's against city code to not order the shrimp when visiting St. Elmo ;) Incredible steaks, perhaps some of the best in the world, but that comes with a premium price. St. Elmo makes a great place for special occasions or business clients or if your backyard money tree is in full bloom.
(5)Steve A.
Good but not as good as I remembered. Really came for the shrimp cocktail which did not disses point. We love to laugh at ourselves from the horseradish burn running through our sinuses. Strip steak was not melting in my mouth quality. Salad was good. Waiter was interesting. He told us how he brings his own vacuum and his own pepper cracker to work so he doesn't have to share otherwise it would slow him down. This visit 3 star.
(3)Shon M.
I was not impressed at all. We sat in the bar upstairs - not the main dining room. They do not serve their full menu at the bar and they will not even serve bread at the bar! I am a vegetarian so this review may not even faze you, but the food I ordered was very disappointing. I started with the chopped salad. Side salad for almost $10 was a little pricey but what was worse was the dressing. The salad was about tasteless. I had to ask for ranch dressing just to give it some flavor. Next I had the spinach dip. It was hardly a dip. It was more like creamed spinach. Again very disappointing. On the other hand my husband did try their famous shrimp. He said there was nothing great about the shrimp but if you love horseradish then the shrimp cocktail is for you! He also ordered the sliders with mac n cheese. He said it was good, but the smoked gouda cheese could have been left out. Overall it was Extremely expensive and disappointing.
(2)Angelus K.
Whenever I'm traveling and I meet someone who has visited Indianapolis, they always want to talk about St. Elmo's. The sad truth is, if you want to eat somewhere historical and upscale, this is about your only choice in Indy. This certainly your best shot to see a celebrity in Indianapolis. There are lots of pictures of Peyton Manning and Indy car drivers on the walls. So is all the hype worth it? Some people are skeptical that the signature dish in a restaurant in Indianapolis is a shrimp cocktail. Well, we may not have the ocean here, but we do grow horseradish and the sauce is pretty good--if you like horseradish. They buy quality shrimp, too. The steaks are pretty solid--frankly better than a lot of famous steak houses in other cities and certainly better than most chains. (though probably not better than Peter Luger's in Brooklyn, or the Cattlemen's Club in Oklahoma City) The ambience is dark wood on the walls and leather on the seats. You can imagine Eli Lilly execs or state representatives sitting in the corners and hammering out big deals. If you're in town for the race or a game and want to eat somewhere nice, this is your go-to.
(4)Jennifer B.
There is something nostalgic about an old time steakhouse that brings me back to my childhood and sharing a meal with my grandfather.. this is that kind of place. What a great meal - my filet was PERFECTLY cooked, baked potato seasoned outside that made the inside flavorful without all the fabulous sides they offered. Chopped salad and a filet was a perfect combo. Super crowded - but I sat at the bar and got excellent service! Looking forward to my next meal there!
(5)Dave M.
We went here for a lite dinner and drinks before a concert on 8/8/15 and it was awesome! A few people had recommended the shrimp cocktail which is apparently their signature item - it was spectacular with the fresh horseradish cocktail sauce. For dinner I had the sliders with Mac and cheese and it was delicious as well! The atmosphere was very nice - we sat in the lounge - and the bartenders were very efficient and friendly. Only drawback to the lounge was that they don't serve bread in the lounge. We will definitely be back next time we are in Indy!
(5)Anthony D.
This review is based on my recent experience eating in the upstairs lounge bar. I should have read the reviews but I wanted to eat here. First off, the staff was awful. A bartender with no personality and no recommendations. A very interesting combination. I had to try the world famous shrimp cocktail. The cocktail sauce was awesome. However the five U18 shrimp was far from my expectations. I have to admit the steaks were good and the king crab mac and cheese was spectacular. Perhaps, it was the ambience and lousy service that made the experience disappointing. The meal was good. Take my advice, don't eat at the bar!
(2)Rachel W.
Reservations are a must on a Saturday night! We had a 9:45pm reservation but got in around 9:00pm since we went early because our party size changed. They do push the shrimp cocktail... In a way they made it sound like its included in the meal because as he asked out side selection it was the last question. My husband has a shellfish allergy which I disclosed before we ordered and he still asked if he wanted it. The bread basket was a nice surprise with 3 types of bread.We had a party of three. My husband got the navy bean soup unsure of what to expect and was pleasantly surprised! It was delicious and I do not like beans so I ate around them. My husband and friend ordered the filet's which came out perfect. I had the pork chops and they were amazing!! Three bone in chops... With a great flavor. I took two home because I was full. We had smashed red potatoes that were just average... In fact they came out at room temperature which was a bummer. My friend got a side of au gratin potatoes that were amazing and steaming hot!! Over all it was a great meal. Service was mediocre... parts of the meal fell short but the important part.. The meat... Was amazing!
(4)Fern G.
As many times as I have been here, I have nothing bad to say. An icon of our Indianapolis heritage that everyone must experience.
(5)Arianna D.
If you're waiting to try their infamous cocktail sauce and don't want to settle for the bottles on Costco shelves, then it's an Indianapolis must have for sure! I made a reservation here on a little weekend getaway for my fiance's birthday and they were sweet enough to have a sign printed for him on our table. So sweet of them! However, we were seated in the basement where it smelled like the bathroom, albeit recently cleaned - but full of chemicals, and my salad was sub par.
(3)Steve V.
I came to Indianapolis to enjoy my 50th birthday present- tickets to the 500! Afterward we had dinner here. The Ruth's Chris down the street must be quiet enough to hear crickets chirping because St. Elmo rules this region for steaks! Our server was telepathic and all-business. You can tell he was slammed dealing with race-day nuttiness yet we never felt rushed or underserved. His was the unseen hand filling our drinks, bringing us bread, clearing the crumbs from the table and, when called upon, advising us on our steak choices. The bone-in ribeye I had was amazing and perfect. I got a taste of the other plates, too. The dry-aged New York strip was likewise a wonder but then came the shocker. A table full of regulars next to us advised that somebody needed to get the pork chops. Two of us did this. Each got two humongous chops that were done the way all pork chops should be- juicy and tender with just a trace of pink and a beautiful, flavorful char on the outside! One friend was so full I got almost a whole chop to eat on top of my steak! Truly, the pork chops are the unsung heroes at St. Elmo! The shrimp cocktail was a lovely, spicy thing with giant shrimp (5 of them!). Both the soups we had- navy bean and lobster bisque, were excellent and the potatoes are done the same way they're done at my favorite place back home and just as large. Because it was my birthday I jumped on dessert; perhaps unwisely, I was thinking at the time! I needn't have worried. The Blue and White Bread Pudding was an inspied creation- kind of like a custardy blueberry muffin with a side of awesome! I got a bite of a friend's Southern style caramel cake and it was good, too- he loved it. The best part? You get all of this along with the ambiance that can only come from history, tradition and tons of racing memorabilia on the walls, and while not cheap, certainly a better value than that "other place" down the street!
(5)Jordan N.
Have been to St. Elmo's twice and both times had an incredible meal. Dinner is an experience (also, the 1933 lounge is a really neat prohibition inspired bar). The steak is great, the shrimp cocktail is delicious (it clears the sinuses), and the king crab Mac and Cheese is a little slice of heaven. It's really expensive, but totally worth it in my opinion. Great for a special occasion.
(5)Steve W.
When I checked in here I was shocked to see that I hadn't reviewed it previously. St. Elmo is an Indianapolis staple and a hoosier tradition. The first thing you should know: MAKE A RESERVATION. St. Elmo is always packed full of people. Tuesday night at 6:30 and they had at least 75% occupancy. St. Elmo makes an amazing steak, but the shrimp cocktail and amazing service steal the show. Be warned going in to the shrimp cocktail...it is going to clear your sinuses. The remainder of the food is delicious, but probably not the best steak you've ever had. One time I branched out and ordered the fish special, which was halibut. It was, without a doubt, the best piece of fish I've ever had in Indy. Don't be afraid to break away from your typical steak. Food aside, you really go to St. Elmo for the atmosphere. The atmosphere is welcoming for a business dinner, and the waitstaff knows just how to provide everything you need without being overbearing on your dinner conversation. Go. Get a shrimp cocktail. Prepare yourself. Enjoy and support the Indianapolis institution.
(5)Jacki M.
Beautiful building, wonderful atmosphere. Staff is amazing and very knowledgeable. Everyone that worked there smiles and welcomes you. Our server billy johnson was the best. Bread was okay. Cocktail shrimp was great and so were the sautéed mushrooms. The reason why I give this two stars is because the main course (the sole reason I came here). I had a ny steak medium rare. It was cooked right, slight red center but it tasted burned with no flavor. I am a steak lover and have never had a bad steak so I was in shock that the "best steak restaurant" in indiana stunk!!! I only ate 3 bites. (And I always finish a meal). Mashed potatoes were pretty bad too. I honestly give the meal one star. I was going to tell waiter but hubby said they will bring chef out and cook me another one and it will probably taste the same because of seasoning so it would be better not to say anything.
(3)Chuy G.
I had a filet and ordered bernaise sauce. It was delicious. Good quality and what I would expect from a fine steakhouse. I actually ate at the bar so I can't really speak to the service other than say the bartender was good and friendly as was the hostess who was sweet and accommodating. I would recommend this place. That said, though I enjoyed it and would come again, I did not give it five stars because I had very high expectations and it just didn't meet them. That might have been on me and the fact that I did not 'dine' but ate at the bar. It might have been all on me. Very expensive...surprised to see 3 dollar signs 'cause my impression was it was 4 dollar signs.
(4)Christopher M.
What can you say that has not been said by so many others! St. Elmo's lives up to its reputation, a must visit place while in Indianapolis! Pork Chops are fantastic, Porterhouse was cooked splendidly! Service was spot on, our server Juan was patient and knowledgable. Great wine list and of course the world famous shrimp cocktail was just as advertised! Spicy and sweet!
(4)Scott A.
Went to St. Elmo's for a work event. Had some steak, which was on par with some of the better steaks that I've had. But the real show-stopper was the shrimp cocktail. Giant shrimp paired with atomic horseradish that will make you cry harder and faster than you did at your grandmother's funeral. Seriously, if you've got a cold and haven't been able to smell anything for days, just order the shrimp cocktail and that sucker will clear those sinuses right up!
(4)Elizabeth M.
First, I'd like to say the staff behind the bar are excellent, I'm from California and never been treated better. Not only one bartender but 4 of them tend to my every need. When my water glass was half full someone made sure they refilled it without me asking. They always beat me to my next order and offered me something else before I can ask myself. The food, excellent. I ordered the famous shrimp cocktail, the bartender warned me it's spicy, I didn't think so before I tried, but beware. If your not used to spice, don't order. If you have a high tolerance for spice, take off slowly. You will be surprised by fire to your nose. I also ordered the king crab Mac n cheese , highly recommended.
(5)Marjorie K.
The experience has lived up to the reputation. The coworkers and I went here after a big win. We tore the menu up, although none of us has the shrimp cocktail. Truthfully, we only went here for one reason. In every Delta sky magazine they have been listed as one of the ten best steakhouses in the US. Obviously we know that they pay for this listing, but we needed to test it. The steaks were good obviously expensive cuts and dry aged, and we all received very good service.
(5)Heather P.
Was upstairs in the bar. On no less than three occasions did I have to yell down a bartender. First to order drinks and food. Second for wine with my food. Third for my check. Thankfully the food was great because no one ever checked back once it was delivered.. Great food. Great atmosphere. Deplorable service. I felt like I was putting them out to place an order. On a weekday. Shameful.
(1)Dan R.
What a wonderful old school steakhouse. Great atmosphere. Impeccable service. Terrific food. Six of us from the office had dinner here tonight and it was a totally enjoyable experience. We were a little surprised to hear that their shrimp cocktail was a house specialty, and we were even more surprised to hear that St. Elmo sells more shrimp per year than any restaurant in the US. Three of us opted to give the shrimp cocktail a try -none of us were put off by the $15.95 price tag, instead we were tantalized by the description which read "5 Jumbo Shrimp with Plenty of Fiery Sauce". Fiery sauce was not an exaggeration. It was a lava like explosion of horseradish that was just about to my limits of spice tolerance. But man were those shrimp good- five huge perfectly plump shrimps. A co-worker and I split a 14 oz NY Strip $38.95 and a fish and mussel special that was not on the menu. The steak was amazing. The fish was very good, as were the mussels, broth and julienned vegetables. All meals are served with your choice of Navy Bean soup or tomato juice appetizer- as curious an option as I have ever seen. The soup was the unanimous choice at our table and it was heavenly -smooth, creamy, full of flavor and delectable chunks of ham. The entreees came with one side- a baked potato, mashed potatoes, green beans or fries. If you wanted extra sides, you could order them a la carte. We ate like kings and queens. Our cut was $79 per person before tip, and that included a lot of martinis and mixed drinks. This is without doubt a special event kind of place. It made our night out a great experience.
(4)Samantha M.
I love St. Elmo it's one of my favorite places to eat. I always get the rib-eye, twice baked potato, and the shrimp cocktail(it's sooooooooo good). I always receive great food and great service. I love it and I definitely recommend it if you haven't tried it.
(5)Maeghan P.
Currently, I am in a wine class at IUPUI and we recently did a wine dinner at St. Elmos. It was an awesome and very intimate experience. The wait staff did a fantastic job and really wanted my group to enjoy ourselves and get the most out of this experience. I had been to St. Elmos before but I had no idea that they had a big room that could accommodate much larger parties. It is closed off from the rest of the restaurant and is a great asset for large groups of people. We had four courses and the chef picked a different wine to go with each course that paired beautifully. I am very familiar with the signature shrimp cocktail that clears the sinuses with that amazing dose of fresh horse radish, but I found that having a nice glass of brut or champagne with it pairs with it amazingly. I believe it was their Piper Sonoma Brut that was paired with the shrimp cocktail and it was incredible! The Piper Sonoma Brut really cut the shrimp cocktail well, and took away a little bit of the powerful initial bit of fresh horse radish. I would recommend to allow the wait staff to pair wines for each course, they have a knack for that and it really adds an entire new element to the meal. The service is exemplary and I would most certainly go back as soon as I have the opportunity. It is a little expensive, and for me I would go there for a special occasion to make the occasion more meaningful. They do a wonderful job of creating meaningful experiences.
(5)Suzanne Z.
The shrimp cocktail is spectacular. Everything else is just mediocre.
(2)Mike O.
This was our first time here. It was recommended by a friend and it did fail to amaze me.had to have the shrimp cocktail, awesome. Followed that with the bone in rib eye. It was so tender and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere was like back in the 50's or early 60's. Serving tomato juice prior to dinner. I can remember this being done at the old steak houses in Detroit in the 50's and 60's. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the Indianapolis area.
(5)Jim W.
First of all the atmosphere in this place is amazing, I love both the 1930 upstairs and the restaurant itself. As soon as you walk in the restaurant you will be surprised by the dark wood semi casual environment st. Elmo provides. Don't get me wrong you won't feel out of place wearing a suit and tie, but it certainly isn't required. The services level is top of the line. I have been there both times and each servicer I encountered there show amazing conversing skills. In addition they are excellent at describing what the menu are if you are a first timer. Now for the food part: some of the best steaks in indy and shrimp cocktail is a must try. Although I must warn you ahead of time those cocktail sauce is like Japanese wasabi, therefore, must be taken carefully. Don't want you to make the same mistake I did ;) Bone in filet mignon it was cooked medium, meats were great one of the best and most expensive steak cut. For my personal opinion I liked a little more flavored to a steak so I could only give it a 4/5.
(4)Jody D.
Love, love, love as a special treat.
(5)Eldwin L.
GO GO GO GO GO GO GO !!! I don't know what else to say I drove an extra hour and a half both ways just to come here for a shrimp cocktail it is by far the best thing that has touched my lips in a long time I look for reason to come here at least once a year just for the cocktail there's no way to describe how perfect it is balanced and even for the price of 15 dollars I would pay 20 just because oh how perfect this is this should be on a foodie's bucket list without a doubt make it a weekend trip and go here it needs to be a priority once you go you'll know why I don't know how much more clear I can be if you would have stopped reading this review and started driving you would have already been five minutes closer get going!!!!!
(5)Lou R.
This was my second visit to St Elmos in the past two years and it was more glorious that the last time. Awesome server by the name of Jason who was calm and cool the whole time we were there even though there was a seat left empty. The shrimp cocktail was as deadly and tasty as ever. We went with the upcharge and got the lobster bisque which was chock full of lobster. The amazing bone in ribeye was cooked perfectly with great red skin mashed taters and the best creamed spinach this side of Chicago. My wife loved the bread basket assortment which we had to get refilled of course. Amazing restaurant with amazing service... a true class act!
(5)Stacy J.
Love this place... but I think the clout of the patron who frequent seems to overshadow the quality of the service... Food is good as always, it IS a quality steak house when it comes to the food served. Yes, had the famous shrimp cocktail, as always. And a nice cut of steak and wonderful tasting sides, yet again... But I was hoping AGAIN for better service than in the past... but again this well dress, tuxedo wearing service team let me down!!! After waiting at the table for a little while we were REALLY getting thirsty!!! SO, got our drink order but seemed a little too 'busy' to go ahead with our dinner order until he got our drinks served to us... by the time we ordered we were not only thirsty but our growling stomaches much of clued him in to our readiness to order!! Then most of our drinks ran dry, even our water glasses. To which we then had three bust boys try and fill our water within 3 minuets... DON'T interrupt our table to ask and each and everyone at the table if we need more water if you can plainly see it was JUST filled 30 seconds ago!! The remainder of dinner went alright (I guess letting us finish our meal doesn't take much effort), brought us our desserts and coffee. Had to ASK for our bill to please be delivered as we had been finished a good 8-10 minutes. Then once delivered and ready to be picked back up to be charged, we sat and waited and waited and waited and didn't see our server for a good 10+ minutes... we were about to try and go find someone when he showed up and mildly apologized and proceeded to collect and process our bill. For such a renowned, upstanding, classy establishment... I SO expect the service to get better (we will probably be back at some point) each time we stop in!! PLEASE work on this and try to parallel high class service with the high class persona.
(3)