Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis: The Top 10 Picks

Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis: The Top 10 Picks

Indianapolis has a far deeper steakhouse scene than most visitors expect. Alongside St. Elmo, a national landmark that has been serving steak since 1902, the city is home to independent upscale steakhouses, major American steakhouse brands, dry-aged and Wagyu specialists, and even a Brazilian rodizio churrascaria for guests who want to sample several cuts in one sitting. Visit Indy regularly points to St. Elmo, Prime 47, Ruth's Chris, Hyde Park, Tony's, and Ten Cuts as the city's central steakhouse references, and 2026 guides add Del Frisco's and other upscale names to that list.

This guide draws on Visit Indy's steakhouse coverage, James Beard Foundation and OpenTable recognitions, and each restaurant's current menu to rank Indianapolis's finest places to eat steak. We weighed meat quality and variety, reputation, overall experience, atmosphere, and location, rather than online reviews alone. We've also confirmed which venues are currently operating: Sullivan's Steakhouse still appears in some older guides and databases, but its official website currently lists the Indianapolis location as temporarily closed, so it does not appear in this Top 10.

Whether the goal is a piece of genuine Indianapolis history, a modern dry-aged Wagyu experience, or an interactive Brazilian-style meal, the city delivers real range. This guide ranks the 10 best steakhouses in Indianapolis, with the honest context that will help travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia find the right restaurant for their evening.

Quick Comparison: Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis

Price ranges reflect typical per-person spend and vary significantly with premium cut selections, especially Wagyu.

The 10 Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis: Full Reviews

1. St. Elmo Steak House — The Most Historic Steakhouse in Indianapolis

Location: 127 S Illinois Street, Downtown / Wholesale District  |  Price: $75–150 per person  |  Best For: First-time visitors, milestone celebrations, steak with genuine history

St. Elmo Steak House is practically synonymous with dining in Indianapolis. Opened in 1902 and still operating in its original brick building, the restaurant received the James Beard Foundation's America's Classics award in 2012 and is one of only two Indiana restaurants ever included in OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in America. Its tiger-oak bar was imported from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and the restaurant holds the largest retail wine cellar in Indiana, with a collection fluctuating around 18,000 bottles.

The near-mandatory starter is the World Famous Shrimp Cocktail, built around a fresh horseradish sauce made daily, followed by filet mignon, New York strip, ribeye, prime rib, and king crab for guests who want to add seafood. Steaks are aged for at least 28 days. An upstairs 1933 Lounge, added during a 2011 renovation as a nod to the end of Prohibition, gives the restaurant a second distinct atmosphere beyond the main dining rooms.

The honest verdict: The most historic steakhouse in Indianapolis. For first-time visitors who want a genuine piece of the city's dining history alongside excellent steak, St. Elmo is the non-negotiable first recommendation. Book well ahead, especially during major conventions and events.

2. Prime 47 — The Best Independent Elegant Steakhouse

Location: 47 S Pennsylvania Street, Downtown / near Gainbridge Fieldhouse  |  Price: $70–130 per person  |  Best For: Elegant dinners, business entertaining, couples

Prime 47 occupies a historic downtown building with original flooring, marble columns, and large windows, giving it one of the more architecturally striking settings among Indianapolis's independent steakhouses. As a locally owned restaurant, it offers a sophisticated alternative to St. Elmo's historic atmosphere without leaning on the same century-plus of history.

Specialties include the Delmonico, bone-in ribeye, USDA Prime cuts, dry-aged steaks, Wagyu, and filet mignon, alongside standout sides like truffle Parmesan fries and lobster mac and cheese. Its location near Gainbridge Fieldhouse makes it especially convenient for guests attending a downtown event.

The honest verdict: The best independent elegant steakhouse in Indianapolis. For couples and business travelers who want a sophisticated experience without St. Elmo's historic weight, Prime 47 is the outstanding choice.

3. Tony's of Indianapolis — The Best Modern Premium Steakhouse

Location: 110 W Washington Street, Downtown  |  Price: $65–130 per person  |  Best For: Premium steak, romantic dinners, special occasions

Tony's takes a modern approach to steakhouse dining, built entirely around USDA Prime beef that is cut and trimmed in-house. Visit Indy highlights this level of control over the meat as one of the restaurant's defining features, distinguishing it from steakhouses that rely on outside butchering.

Local reviews and guides point to the USDA Prime bone-in ribeye, the dry-aged bone-in New York strip (sometimes referred to as Jack's Dry-Aged cut), and a surf and turf filet paired with lobster tail as standout orders. The menu extends beyond steak with seafood and crab cakes, making it possible to build a more complete meal.

The honest verdict: The best modern premium steakhouse in Indianapolis. For guests who want tightly controlled, in-house-cut USDA Prime beef in a contemporary setting, Tony's of Indianapolis is the outstanding choice.

4. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse — The Best Dry-Aged and Wagyu Steakhouse

Location: 51 N Illinois Street, Downtown  |  Price: $70–140 per person  |  Best For: Dry-aged steak fans, Wagyu, elegant dinners

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is the restaurant to choose for guests who want to focus specifically on premium cuts. Visit Indy highlights USDA Prime, dry-aged beef, and Wagyu as the restaurant's central strengths, spanning porterhouse, New York strip, ribeye, and filet mignon in addition to its specialty aged and Wagyu offerings.

The atmosphere follows the classic American steakhouse formula: dark wood, leather seating, and low lighting built for an evening occasion rather than a quick lunch.

The honest verdict: The best dry-aged and Wagyu steakhouse in Indianapolis. For guests who want to prioritize premium beef quality above all else, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse is the outstanding choice.

5. Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse — The Most Luxurious Steakhouse in Indianapolis

Location: 14 W Maryland Street, Downtown / Wholesale District  |  Price: $80–200+ per person  |  Best For: Large-format cuts, Wagyu, a genuinely luxurious night out

Del Frisco's represents the top of Indianapolis's steakhouse hierarchy, housed in the historic Elliott's Block building with an elegant dining room, private rooms, and a full bar. The current menu spans an 8 oz and 12 oz filet mignon, a bone-in filet, Snake River Farms Wagyu filet, prime ribeye, bone-in prime ribeye, prime strip, prime porterhouse, prime tomahawk, and true Japanese A5 Wagyu, alongside 45-day dry-aged prime strip and ribeye.

Current pricing gives a sense of scale: the 8 oz filet runs around $68, a 16 oz Prime Ribeye around $76, the Tomahawk around $145, and Japanese A5 Wagyu starting around $80 for 3 oz (menu items are subject to change). For a genuinely top-tier experience, the 45-day dry-aged steaks or the A5 Wagyu are the most distinctive orders on the menu.

The honest verdict: The most luxurious steakhouse in Indianapolis. For guests who want the widest range of premium and Wagyu cuts, along with an elegant historic setting, Del Frisco's is the outstanding choice for a genuinely special night out.

6. Ruth's Chris Steak House — The Best Classic American Steakhouse Chain

Location: 45 S Illinois Street, Downtown  |  Price: $65–120 per person  |  Best For: A dependable, familiar steakhouse experience

Ruth's Chris keeps its signature format intact in Indianapolis: steaks served sizzling on butter-topped, super-heated plates, alongside generous sides and a polished, elegant dining room. Visit Indy includes it among the city's leading steakhouses and specifically highlights the classic butter-finished filet.

The menu covers filet, ribeye, New York strip, porterhouse, steak and seafood combinations, and prime rib, all executed with the consistency the brand is known for internationally.

The honest verdict: The best classic American steakhouse chain experience in Indianapolis. For guests who already know and appreciate Ruth's Chris, or want a reliable, no-surprises steakhouse dinner, this location is the outstanding choice.

7. The Capital Grille — The Best Business Dinner Steakhouse

Location: 40 W Washington Street, Downtown / Monument Circle  |  Price: $70–130 per person  |  Best For: Business dinners, anniversaries, elegant occasions

The Capital Grille combines an upscale American steakhouse concept with a highly convenient downtown location near Monument Circle. Tripadvisor regularly includes it among the city's leading steakhouses, and the restaurant is a frequent choice for business travelers thanks to its professional service and central position.

Strengths include dry-aged steaks, filet mignon, bone-in cuts, New York strip, ribeye, seafood, and an extensive wine list, all delivered in a refined, professional atmosphere well suited to work lunches and important meetings as much as special occasions.

The honest verdict: The best business dinner steakhouse in Indianapolis. For guests who need a polished, centrally located restaurant for a work dinner or important meeting, The Capital Grille is the outstanding choice.

8. Harry & Izzy's — The Best Lively Steakhouse Alternative to St. Elmo

Location: 153 S Illinois Street, Downtown / next to St. Elmo  |  Price: $50–100 per person  |  Best For: A relaxed steak dinner, groups, first-timers who want St. Elmo's energy without the wait

Harry & Izzy's shares direct history with St. Elmo, sitting right next door to the famous steakhouse and offering a slightly more relaxed, livelier alternative under the same ownership lineage. The restaurant describes itself as a culinary destination in the heart of downtown in its own right.

The current menu includes a 12 oz New York strip, 8 or 10 oz filet mignon, ribeye filet, an 18 oz bone-in Cowboy Ribeye, a 14 oz ribeye, and a Prime Ribeye at lunch, and, notably, the same famous shrimp cocktail found at St. Elmo, making it a good way to sample that signature dish in a different setting.

The honest verdict: The best lively steakhouse alternative to St. Elmo. For guests who want a taste of the St. Elmo experience, including the shrimp cocktail, in a more relaxed setting, Harry & Izzy's is the outstanding choice.

9. Eddie Merlot's — The Best Steakhouse North of Downtown

Location: 3645 E 96th Street, North Indianapolis  |  Price: $65–130 per person  |  Best For: Guests staying on the north side, premium steak without a downtown trip

Eddie Merlot's is a strong choice for visitors staying in the northern part of Indianapolis who don't want to make the drive downtown for an upscale steak dinner. The restaurant focuses on premium beef, seafood, an extensive wine program, and an elegant setting.

The menu includes filet mignon, ribeye, New York strip, prime cuts, specialty steaks, and surf and turf, delivered in a sophisticated rather than casual atmosphere well suited to a celebration.

The honest verdict: The best steakhouse north of downtown Indianapolis. For guests staying near the north side who want a premium steak dinner without the drive downtown, Eddie Merlot's is the outstanding choice.

10. Dean's Steak & Seafood — The Best Hotel Steakhouse in Indianapolis

Location: 10 S West Street, Downtown / White River State Park (inside the JW Marriott Indianapolis)  |  Price: $50–90 per person  |  Best For: Hotel guests, groups with mixed preferences

Dean's sits inside the JW Marriott Indianapolis, making it especially convenient for guests staying at the hotel or exploring White River State Park and the surrounding convention district. The concept combines steak and seafood, a practical choice for groups where not everyone wants red meat.

Expect prime steaks, filet, ribeye, New York strip, seafood, surf and turf, and classic steakhouse sides, served in an elegant setting without needing to leave the JW Marriott complex.

The honest verdict: The best hotel steakhouse in Indianapolis. For guests staying at the JW Marriott who want quality steak and seafood without leaving the property, Dean's Steak & Seafood is the outstanding choice.

A Different Approach: Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

For travelers who want something entirely different from the American steakhouse format, Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse at 8487 Union Chapel Road in North Indianapolis offers a rodizio-style churrascaria experience, with servers bringing a rotating selection of grilled meats directly to the table. It's an excellent choice for guests who want to sample many cuts in one sitting rather than committing to a single steak.

How to Choose the Right Steakhouse in Indianapolis

Choose by Occasion

• Indianapolis history: St. Elmo Steak House — the city's oldest and most iconic steakhouse.
• An elegant independent steakhouse: Prime 47.
• Premium modern beef: Tony's of Indianapolis.
• Dry-aged and Wagyu: Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse.
• A genuinely luxury experience: Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse.
• A classic, predictable steakhouse: Ruth's Chris Steak House.
• A business dinner: The Capital Grille.
• A livelier atmosphere: Harry & Izzy's.
• Staying north of downtown: Eddie Merlot's.
• Steak plus seafood: Dean's Steak & Seafood.
• Sampling many cuts: Terra Gaucha's Brazilian rodizio.

Best Neighborhoods for Steak

• Downtown / Wholesale District: Home to St. Elmo, Del Frisco's, Ruth's Chris, and most of this list, walkable between multiple steakhouses.
• Downtown / Monument Circle: Anchored by The Capital Grille and Prime 47.
• North Indianapolis: Home to Eddie Merlot's and Terra Gaucha, convenient for guests staying outside downtown.

Indianapolis Steakhouse Price Guide

• More accessible steakhouses: $40–70 per person
• Premium steakhouses: $70–150 per person
• Wagyu, dry-aged, and large-format cuts: Can easily exceed $150 per person

For reference, current guides put St. Elmo at roughly $75–150 per person with drinks, and Prime 47 at roughly $70–130 per person. At Del Frisco's, some current cuts reach $145 for a 32 oz Tomahawk and $160 for 6 oz of Japanese A5 Wagyu, before sides, drinks, and tax.

Insider Tips for Steakhouse Dining in Indianapolis

• Book St. Elmo well in advance for major events. It is one of the most in-demand restaurants in the city, especially during conventions and the Indianapolis 500.
• Order the shrimp cocktail at either St. Elmo or Harry & Izzy's. Both serve the same signature dish, so Harry & Izzy's is a good option if St. Elmo is fully booked.
• Ask about 45-day dry-aged options at Del Frisco's or Hyde Park. These are the most distinctive, premium orders at either restaurant.
• Consider Eddie Merlot's or Terra Gaucha if you're staying north of downtown. Both save a trip into the city center for guests based in that area.
• Check a restaurant's current status before planning around it. Sullivan's Steakhouse still appears in some directories but is currently listed as temporarily closed in Indianapolis.
• Try Terra Gaucha if your group wants to sample multiple cuts. The Brazilian rodizio format is a genuinely different, more interactive dining experience than a traditional steakhouse.
• Ask for the 1933 Lounge at St. Elmo for a different atmosphere. It's a distinct space from the main dining rooms, worth requesting for a cocktail before or after dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis

What is the best steakhouse in Indianapolis?

St. Elmo Steak House is Indianapolis's most iconic steakhouse, a James Beard America's Classic winner operating since 1902. Prime 47 is the strongest alternative for guests who want an elegant independent steakhouse without St. Elmo's history-driven atmosphere.

What is the oldest steakhouse in Indianapolis?

St. Elmo Steak House, open since 1902 and still in its original building, is the oldest and most historically significant steakhouse in the city.

Where can I get Wagyu steak in Indianapolis?

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse offers the widest Wagyu selection, including true Japanese A5 Wagyu, while Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse and Tony's of Indianapolis also offer notable Wagyu and dry-aged options.

What should I order at St. Elmo Steak House?

The World Famous Shrimp Cocktail is essentially mandatory, followed by a filet mignon, New York strip, or the restaurant's signature prime rib.

Is there a Brazilian steakhouse in Indianapolis?

Yes. Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse in North Indianapolis offers a rodizio-style churrascaria experience with a rotating selection of grilled meats brought to the table.

What is the best steakhouse for a business dinner in Indianapolis?

The Capital Grille, near Monument Circle, is the top choice for business dinners thanks to its central location and professional atmosphere.

Is Sullivan's Steakhouse still open in Indianapolis?

No. Sullivan's Steakhouse still appears in some older guides and databases, but its official website currently lists the Indianapolis location as temporarily closed.

Final Verdict: The Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis

Indianapolis's steakhouse scene spans more than 120 years of history alongside genuinely modern, luxury dining. For the most historically significant experience, St. Elmo's James Beard America's Classic status and 1893 World's Fair bar remain unmatched. For a genuinely luxurious night out, Del Frisco's range of Wagyu and large-format cuts make it the definitive choice. And for guests seeking something completely different, Terra Gaucha's Brazilian rodizio format offers an experience unlike any traditional steakhouse in the city.

Explore More: Continue exploring Indianapolis with our guides to the Best Hotels in Indianapolis, the Best Restaurants in Indianapolis, the Best Seafood Restaurants in Indianapolis, the Best Romantic Restaurants in Indianapolis, the Best Brunch in Indianapolis, and the Best Pizza in Indianapolis.