Unearth The Voyage
Indiana might be famous for its cornfields and racing heritage, but locals know it’s also home to some incredible steakhouses. From historic establishments that have served generations of Hoosiers to modern chophouses pushing culinary boundaries, the state boasts serious beef credentials. These ten restaurants have earned legendary status among Indiana steak lovers, each offering something special that keeps locals coming back for more.
1. St. Elmo Steak House — Indianapolis
Stepping into St. Elmo feels like entering a time capsule of Indianapolis history. Since 1902, this downtown landmark has been serving up perfectly aged Black Angus steaks with unwavering consistency.
Famous patrons from presidents to celebrities have dined beneath the dark wood and brass fixtures, but locals know the real initiation is surviving the legendary shrimp cocktail—a sinus-clearing experience that’s become an Indiana rite of passage.
The dry-aged bone-in ribeye remains the star attraction, though regulars often praise the filet mignon as being butter-soft. Reservations are essential, especially during conventions or Colts games.
2. Janko’s Little Zagreb — Bloomington
Hidden near Indiana University’s campus, Little Zagreb has been Bloomington’s worst-kept secret since 1973. The modest exterior belies what awaits inside—massive, char-seared steaks that have developed a cult following among students, professors, and visiting celebrities alike.
Billy Joel once declared their ribeye the best steak he’d ever tasted, but locals don’t need famous endorsements to know what they’ve got. The restaurant’s no-frills approach puts all focus on the meat.
The signature Zagreb steak tips marinated in sweet and sour sauce offer a unique alternative to traditional cuts. Cash-only for decades, they finally started accepting cards—though some regulars still bring cash out of tradition.
3. The Beef House Restaurant — Covington
Road-trippers crossing the Indiana-Illinois border have been making detours to The Beef House since 1964. What makes this roadside institution special isn’t just the hardwood-broiled steaks—it’s the theater of watching them cook over the open hearth.
Families pile into the sprawling dining room where the aroma of grilling beef mingles with the scent of their famous homemade rolls. These warm, pillowy creations have inspired their own fan club and gift shop merchandise.
The 20-ounce porterhouse presents a challenge even to hearty Midwestern appetites, while the prime rib—slow-roasted for hours—falls apart with barely a touch of the fork. Come hungry and leave with a box of rolls for tomorrow.
4. Joseph Decuis — Roanoke
In tiny Roanoke (population 1,800), Joseph Decuis has accomplished something remarkable—creating a world-class farm-to-fork restaurant centered around their own Wagyu beef program. The restaurant raises its Japanese-heritage cattle on nearby farmland, controlling every aspect of production.
The dining room blends rustic charm with refined elegance, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. Servers know the name of the cow that provided your steak and exactly what it ate during its life.
Their signature Wagyu tasting flight lets diners compare different cuts and preparations. While prices reflect the premium experience, locals save this spot for special occasions worth the splurge—and the hour-long drive from Indianapolis or Fort Wayne.
5. Stables Steakhouse — Terre Haute
History seeps from the brick walls at Stables Steakhouse, housed in an 1890 Victorian stable that once housed horses for the Terre Haute Brewing Company. The original wooden stalls have been transformed into intimate dining alcoves, creating one of Indiana’s most distinctive dining atmospheres.
Fourth-generation cattle farmers supply the restaurant with premium beef that’s hand-cut daily. Their signature bone-in ribeye gets a 21-day wet aging before meeting the broiler’s intense heat.
College students from nearby Indiana State bring their parents here during visits, while longtime residents celebrate anniversaries in the same booths year after year. The horseracing memorabilia throughout pays homage to both the building’s past and Terre Haute’s racing heritage.
6. Prime 47 – Indy’s Steakhouse — Indianapolis
Housed in the historic Majestic Building from 1895, Prime 47 blends old-world architecture with contemporary steakhouse flair. Soaring ceilings and original marble columns create a dramatic backdrop for serious steak dinners in downtown Indianapolis.
Unlike chain steakhouses, this locally-owned establishment takes pride in customizing the experience. Regular patrons find their favorite bourbon waiting at their usual table, while the chef accommodates special requests with Midwestern hospitality.
The dry-aged tomahawk ribeye—dramatically presented on a wooden board—has become Instagram famous. Sports fans appreciate the location near Gainbridge Fieldhouse, making it the go-to pregame meal before Pacers games, with signed memorabilia from player visits decorating one wall.
7. Peterson’s — Fishers
For over two decades, Peterson’s has been the north suburbs’ answer to downtown fine dining. The dimly-lit, white-tablecloth establishment maintains an air of sophistication without pretension—exactly how Hoosiers like their special occasion restaurants.
Wine enthusiasts appreciate the 500+ bottle selection that has earned Wine Spectator recognition. Each server completes rigorous training to pair the perfect cabernet with your preferred cut and temperature.
The kitchen’s precision shines in their consistently perfect cooking temperatures. Medium-rare arrives genuinely medium-rare every time—a detail that’s earned them fierce loyalty from suburban steak aficionados. Their bone-in filet, a cut rarely found elsewhere, has developed its own following among regulars who’ve tried everything on the menu.
8. Anthony’s Chophouse — Carmel
When Anthony’s opened in 2018, it brought metropolitan glamour to suburban Carmel. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Carmel’s redeveloped downtown, while the interior balances modern design with steakhouse tradition.
The family-owned restaurant distinguishes itself with both wet and dry aging programs. Their signature 45-day dry-aged ribeye develops an almost prosciutto-like intensity that serious carnivores travel miles to experience.
Smart diners come early for handcrafted cocktails at 3UP, the rooftop lounge upstairs with fire pits and skyline views. The popular bourbon flight features selections from Anthony’s extensive collection, including rare Indiana distilleries. Despite the upscale ambiance, the owner often visits tables, maintaining the personal touch that chains can’t replicate.
9. Eddie Merlot’s — Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne proudly claims the original Eddie Merlot’s, which opened in 2001 before expanding to multiple states. The founding location maintains its status as a hometown favorite, blending upscale dining with Hoosier hospitality.
Named after a wine-loving friend of the founder (who would only drink Merlot), the restaurant appropriately boasts an impressive wine program. Their temperature-controlled display showcases bottles that complement their prime-aged beef perfectly.
The tableside preparation of steak tartare and flambéed bananas foster adds theatrical flair to the dining experience. Local business deals and marriage proposals happen regularly in the private dining rooms, while the main restaurant buzzes with anniversary celebrations and graduation dinners—continuing traditions started when it first opened.
10. Cork ‘N Cleaver — Fort Wayne
Walking into Cork ‘N Cleaver feels like stepping into a steakhouse time capsule—in the best possible way. Since 1975, little has changed in this wood-paneled institution where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers quickly feel like family.
The restaurant’s claim to fame is their build-your-own salad bar, an elaborate spread that locals defend passionately against the national trend away from salad bars. Their coffee-crusted ribeye—a specialty long before coffee rubs became trendy—delivers a complex flavor profile that regulars crave.
Portions remain Midwestern-generous, with the house specialty bone-in strip easily feeding two normal appetites. Multi-generational families celebrate special occasions here, with grandparents who had their first dates at the restaurant now watching grandchildren enjoy their first “grown-up” steak dinner.
