Indianapolis Spotlight: The Flatiron @ The Point on Penn

The Flatiron @ The Point on Penn in Indianapolis offers a unique dining experience that blends historical charm with modern, farm-to-table cuisine.

Here is a comprehensive overview covering its uniqueness, history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and contact information.

🍽️ What Makes The Flatiron Unique?

The Flatiron stands out through a combination of its historic setting and its culinary philosophy:

• “New Rural & New Urban” Cuisine: The chef/owner, Glenn Brown, emphasizes a cuisine style that draws inspiration from the farm-to-table movement, focusing on fresh, local ingredients while incorporating innovative, urban preparation techniques.

• The Historic Space: It is located in a classic flatiron-shaped building adjacent to the War Memorial Plaza, right on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The space itself has a multi-concept design, featuring:

  • The Flatiron: A premium casual, vintage American restaurant/bar.

  • The Main Bar: Described as their “Cheers,” it’s famous for its Smoked Old Fashion cocktail.

  • The Upper Room: A lounge atmosphere on the second floor that focuses primarily on Bourbons and also serves as a private event space.

  • Bootleggers Speakeasy: A hidden cocktail spot within the building.

• Chef’s Table Experience: They offer a special Chef’s Table experience with curated food and wine pairings, setting a high bar for fine dining.

📜 History & The “Elbow Room” Legacy

The building that houses The Flatiron has a rich history as a beloved Indianapolis institution:

• The Original Elbow Room: The Flatiron is located in the space of the legendary “Original Elbow Room,” a long-time restaurant and bar.

• Preserving the Past: When Chef Glenn Brown and his wife, Rolonda Brown, purchased the 1893 building, they kept much of the original charm, including the iconic neon signs, the 1933 bar, the woodwork, and the stained-glass windows.

• The Point on Penn Concept: The new multi-restaurant concept, The Point on Penn, was established to allow the “legend to live on” by creating separate establishments in the space, with The Flatiron being the dinner spot.

⭐️ Customer Feedback

Customer reviews frequently highlight the excellent food quality, ambiance, and service:

• Food Quality: Patrons consistently praise the food as delicious with “flavor off the charts” and being “very pleasing to the eye on the plate.” The emphasis on scratch-made items is often noted.

• Vibe and Atmosphere: The restaurant is noted for its “nice vibe,” “premium casual” setting, and the nostalgic feel that brings back “Elbow Room nostalgia.” It’s often recommended for a date night or business dinner.

• Cocktails: The bar offerings, including the Smoked Old Fashion and the “in-the-know” French 75 and Sidecar, are popular features.

🍴 Highlighted Menu Items

The menu focuses on premium American fare with a focus on high-quality ingredients.

Signature Entrees & Steaks

• Custom Aged Bone-in Ribeye Steak: The Flatiron Signature Cut is a prime offering for steak lovers.

• Pork Chop Ribeye & Frites: A Kansas City bone-in chop served with hand-cut fries.

• Pan Roasted Salmon: Served on parmesan risotto with a caper, shallot, and roasted tomato topping.

• Patagonian Shrimp & Grits: A sophisticated take on a classic, sometimes topped with blackened Ahi Tuna Steak.

Sandwiches & Street Snacks

• The Elbow Room Pork Tenderloin: A nod to the building’s history, offered breaded or grilled.

• Flatiron Burger: An 8 oz custom-grind burger.

• Honey Crunch BRUSSEL SPROUTS: A popular shared side dish.

• Guacamole & Refried Bean Fritters: A standout among the “Street Snacks” for sharing.

Beverages

• Smoked Old Fashion: A famous house cocktail.

• Craft Cocktail Menu: Features both classic and innovative drinks.

📅 Significant Events

While The Flatiron serves as an excellent venue for private events (with spaces accommodating up to 40 people), the most significant “event” is its successful re-establishment of the historic location as a high-end dining destination. They also typically host special seatings for major holidays:

• New Year’s Eve

• Valentine’s Day

• Christmas

• Devour Indy: They have participated in city-wide restaurant festivals like Devour Indy, offering special multi-course menus.

📞 Location and Contact Information