Indianapolis Spotlight: St. Elmo Steak House

St. Elmo Steak House is a genuine Indianapolis landmark.¹ Here is a detailed overview of what makes this historic restaurant so special.

🥩 St. Elmo Steak House: An Indianapolis Institution²

St. Elmo Steak House, located in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, has been serving guests since 1902, making it the oldest steakhouse in Indianapolis and a cornerstone of the city’s culinary history.³

✨ What Makes it Unique

• Longevity and Historic Atmosphere: St. Elmo has been operating from its original historic location in the Braden’s Block building for over 120 years.⁴ The interior maintains a classic, masculine steakhouse ambiance with dark wood and brass, exuding a timeless, old-school charm.⁵

   

• The World-Famous Shrimp Cocktail: This is arguably the most unique and talked-about item on the menu.⁶ Known for its intense, sinus-clearing heat, the cocktail sauce is loaded with fresh horseradish.⁷ It has achieved national acclaim and is often featured on television programs.⁸

   

• A Racing Clubhouse: Due to its proximity to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its history, St. Elmo has long been the de facto clubhouse for IndyCar drivers, team owners, and racing executives. The walls are lined with photos of famous visitors, including many motorsports legends.⁹

   

• A “James Beard America’s Classic” Award: This recognition solidifies its status as a timeless American restaurant beloved for its quality food, local character, and lasting appeal.¹⁰

   

📜 History Highlights

• 1902: Founded by Joe Stahr as a modest saloon named “Joe Stahr’s Tavern” with a small food service area called the St.¹¹ Elmo Buffet. Stahr named it after St. Elmo (Erasmus of Formia), the patron saint of sailors.¹²

   

• 1948 – 1986: Owned and operated for nearly four decades by brothers Harry, Sam, and Ike Roth, and later by Harry Roth and Izzy Rosen, who maintained its tradition.¹³

   

• 1986: Purchased by local entrepreneurs Stephen “Steve” Huse and Jeff Dunaway, ushering in a new era of growth and refinement, transforming it from a tavern into a nationally recognized culinary institution.¹⁴ Steve Huse’s son, Craig Huse, now operates the restaurant.¹⁵

   

• 2011: The 1933 Lounge, a speakeasy-style bar, was added on the second floor, paying homage to the year Prohibition ended.¹⁶

   

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items

The menu focuses on classic, high-quality steakhouse fare, with many items being served with a choice of Navy Bean Soup or a glass of tomato juice—a long-standing and somewhat mysterious tradition.¹⁷

• St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail®: The legendary appetizer featuring jumbo shrimp and the notoriously spicy, horseradish-laden signature cocktail sauce.¹⁸

   

• Dry-Aged Steaks: The core of the menu, including the Porterhouse Steak (28 oz.), Bone-in Ribeye (Cowboy), and tender Filet Mignon.¹⁹ All steaks are dry-aged for peak flavor.

   

• Prime Rib: A slow-roasted, flavorful cut that is often available in limited quantities.²⁰

   

• Grilled Bacon: A popular starter featuring root beer maple glazed bacon.²¹

   

🏆 Significant Events and Celebrity Feedback

St. Elmo has been the backdrop for countless memorable events, especially those tied to Indianapolis sports.²²

• Indy 500/Racing: It has been a constant gathering place for racing royalty, cementing its status during the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.”

• Super Bowl XLVI (2012): The restaurant was a major hotspot for celebrities and athletes visiting Indianapolis for the Super Bowl, hosting figures like Eli Manning, John Travolta, and Jessica Simpson.²³

   

• Competitive Eating Championship: Since 2013, St. Elmo has partnered with Major League Eating to host the annual St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail Eating Championship as part of the Big Ten Championship festivities.²⁴ Competitive eater Joey Chestnut holds the world record for consuming over 18 pounds of the appetizer in eight minutes.²⁵

   

• Celebrity Sightings: The restaurant regularly hosts celebrities, athletes (like Shaquille O’Neal), and politicians, often leading to colorful stories and moments (such as a famous unscripted encounter involving Newt Gingrich, as recalled by the owner, which inspired a Parks and Recreation plotline).²⁶

   

⭐ Customer Feedback

Customers frequently praise the restaurant for its:

• Exceptional Service: Often described as professional, attentive, and knowledgeable.

• Historic Atmosphere: Guests love the classic, upscale, and cozy “old-school” steakhouse feel.

• The Shrimp Cocktail Experience: The sheer potency of the horseradish is a major talking point and a rite of passage for many diners.

• High-Quality Steaks: The dry-aged cuts are consistently rated as excellent.²⁷

   

The main point of concern sometimes noted is that due to its popularity, it can be a noisy environment, and reservations are highly recommended, often needed well in advance for peak times.

📞 Contact and Location Information