St. Elmo Steak House.

Operating since 1902, St. Elmo Steak House is the definitive cornerstone of the Indianapolis dining scene. This is a classic downtown institution where the wood-paneled walls and professional service reflect over a century of history. While the menu focuses on traditional Midwestern staples like dry-aged steaks, prime rib, and fresh seafood, the experience centers around one specific ritual: the famous shrimp cocktail. Loaded with a sinus-clearing amount of fresh horseradish, the sauce is a local rite of passage. Beyond the heat, the restaurant functions as a stately social hub, complete with a deep wine cellar and a vintage lounge atmosphere. It avoids the generic feel of modern chains by leaning into its identity as a local landmark where the recipes and the setting have remained largely unchanged for generations.