St. Elmo Steak House
This list is filled with places where we send out-of-town guests to show off Indianapolis at its best. You could argue that this tradition began with St. Elmo Steak House. With its bow-tied career servers, its maze of dark-paneled rooms, and its occasional visiting celebrities, it feels like a special occasion before the first steak reaches the table. And then it does: beautifully aged USDA Prime beef, expertly broiled with a deeply caramelized crust. Pair it with the legendary shrimp cocktail and a pour from one of the city’s finest bourbon collections, and you’ve experienced an Indianapolis rite of passage.
127 S. Illinois St., 317-635-0636
Strange Bird
Irvington’s whimsical neighborhood hideaway is equal parts tiki bar and serious ramen destination, with thatched walls, bamboo accents, hand-painted tropical leaf murals inspired by the Golden Girls wallpaper, and a colorful illustrated cocktail menu that looks like it came from a midcentury cartoonist’s sketchbook. Chef Kyle Humphreys trained in Japan before bringing his acclaimed Shoyu Shop concept here, and every bowl reflects an almost obsessive attention to detail. House-made noodles provide the perfect springy bite for deeply flavored broths like his rich pork-and-chicken paitan or Jiro-style ramen piled with braised pork belly and wok-fried vegetables. The menu also ventures beyond noodles with sticky wings, fresh oysters, and pillowy pork bao buns. The rum-forward tiki cocktails are as playful as the space itself, poured over crushed ice into decorative barware and elaborately garnished—but strong. On weekends, expect a wait for one of the cozy tables. Grab a seat beneath the mounted boar’s head at the bar (maybe you will hear the story behind the beast’s demise) or settle onto the planter-enclosed outdoor dining area to feel like you’re on a staycation.
128 S. Audubon Rd.
Tinker Street
Tinker Street proves that big, impressive flavors can come in the smallest packages. The intimate layout makes chef Tyler Shortt’s open kitchen feel like a front-row seat to all the action, and diners sit close enough that it feels perfectly natural to ask what they ordered at the next table. Chances are you’ll be tempted by the likes of miso-broiled oysters with mango puree and crystallized habanero or Korean fried mushrooms. Every dish shares the same balance of creativity and approachability that has made this one of the city’s most consistently satisfying restaurants. Owner Tom Main was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, a fitting honor for someone who has built restaurants that feel as welcoming as they are ambitious. Every meal begins with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, a gesture that perfectly captures the restaurant’s philosophy: make guests feel at home, then surprise them with a memorable meal…