Indianapolis Spotlight: Harry & Izzy’s

Harry & Izzy’s is a staple of the Indianapolis dining scene, offering an upscale American grill experience with a comfortable, sophisticated atmosphere.¹

Here is a comprehensive overview of Harry & Izzy’s in Indianapolis:

🍽️ What Makes Harry & Izzy’s Unique?

Harry & Izzy’s is renowned for its connection to one of Indianapolis’s most iconic restaurants, which is part of what makes it special:²

• Sister Restaurant to St. Elmo Steak House:³ Harry & Izzy’s is the sister restaurant to the legendary St.⁴ Elmo Steak House, sharing its high standard for quality and service while offering a broader, more contemporary menu.⁵ It provides a slightly more casual and varied dining experience than the classic steakhouse.⁶

   

• The Vibe: The downtown location, right next door to St.⁷ Elmo, is a place “to see and be seen.” The ambiance is described as a blend of class and sophistication with a comfortable, warm, and inviting Prohibition-era charm.⁸ It features dark woods, lush fabrics, and a lively, central bar.⁹ The Northside location features a striking two-story wine cellar at its center.¹⁰

   

• Menu Variety: While it serves classic, perfectly aged USDA Prime Steaks (as expected from its lineage), the menu also includes a wider array of American grill favorites, including sandwiches, salads, seafood, house specialties, and thin-crust pizzas, making it suitable for both a casual lunch and a celebratory dinner.¹¹

   

📜 History and Heritage

Harry & Izzy’s opened in 2007 (Downtown location) as an expansion of the famous St. Elmo brand, which has been an Indianapolis institution since 1902.

• The Namesake: The restaurant is named after two prominent figures in St.¹² Elmo’s history: Harry Levin and Izzy Roth, long-time owners and staples of the steakhouse.¹³

   

• Expansion: The restaurant expanded its footprint to the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and the Northside of Indianapolis, allowing travelers and residents alike to experience the signature dishes and hospitality.¹⁴ The airport location even expanded recently to include a shrimp cocktail station.¹⁵

   

⭐️ Highlighted Menu Items

Harry & Izzy’s serves many delicious dishes, but these are some of the most highly praised:

• The World Famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail: A signature appetizer shared from its sister restaurant.¹⁶ It’s famous for its powerful horseradish-infused cocktail sauce that delivers an intense and memorable kick.¹⁷

   

• Signature Sliders: The Filet Mignon Sliders are a popular choice, often cited as a great value and a highlight of the menu.¹⁸

   

• Steaks: The restaurant offers various high-quality cuts of 100% Black Angus beef, including the Izzy Style New York Strip (rolled in cracked pepper, pan-seared, with orange brandy butter sauce).¹⁹

   

• Dessert: The Woodford Bread Pudding (chocolate bread pudding, sea salt caramel ice cream, finished with Woodford Reserve bourbon) is often hailed as a must-try, decadent end to the meal.²⁰

   

• Cocktails: The Elmo Cola (a mix of Coke with St.²¹ Elmo Cherry Vanilla Whiskey and drunken cherries) and the Espresso Martini are fan favorites.

   

🗣️ Customer Feedback

Overall sentiment for Harry & Izzy’s is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a great overall experience:

• Positive Highlights: Diners consistently praise the perfectly cooked steaks, the legendary shrimp cocktail, and the decadent bread pudding.²² The atmosphere is often described as fun, relaxing, and suitable for both business and social dining. The allergen-sensitive menu options, with a manager often consulting with guests, are also well-regarded.

   

• Occasional Criticisms: While the food is generally loved, some online reviewers occasionally note that the steaks can sometimes be disappointing compared to its world-famous next-door neighbor, and some find the shrimp cocktail to be pricey.²³

   

📅 Significant Events

While a steakhouse is a consistent dining venue, Harry & Izzy’s is often a site for major social and business gatherings, including:

• Private Events: The Downtown and Northside locations feature several private dining rooms perfect for business functions, social gatherings, and receptions, accommodating up to 150 guests.²⁴

   

• Themed Events: The restaurant hosts unique themed events like the “Second Sunday Retro Rewind Brunch” at the Northside location, featuring classic menu options, Mimosa Towers, and a DJ playing throwback hits.²⁵ The Northside location also hosts seasonal pop-up experiences like the “St.²⁶ Nick’s Lodge” during the holidays.

   

• Indianapolis Airport Milestones: The recent expansion of the Indy Airport location, featuring a live shrimp cocktail station, was a celebrated event, often tying into major city occasions like the Indianapolis 500 and promoting future world-class events like the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming.²⁷

   

📍 Location & Contact Information

Harry & Izzy’s has two primary full-service locations in Indianapolis, in addition to its airport presence:

🌐 Online Information

• Website: https://www.harryandizzys.com/