Unearth The Voyage
When you step through the doors of Harry & Izzy’s on South Illinois Street in downtown Indianapolis, you’re not just entering a restaurant—you’re walking into a piece of history. This upscale steakhouse blends the charm of a bygone era with modern culinary excellence, creating an experience that delights both your taste buds and your imagination.
With its Prohibition-era ambience, award-winning steaks, and a wine list that would make any sommelier jealous, Harry & Izzy’s has earned its reputation as one of Indianapolis’s most beloved dining destinations.
Harry & Izzy’s shares a storied lineage with the legendary St. Elmo Steak House, one of Indianapolis’s oldest and most celebrated restaurants. Opening its doors as a more contemporary alternative to its famous sibling, Harry & Izzy’s carries forward a tradition of excellence that dates back over a century.
The restaurant was named after Harry Roth and Isadore Rosen, the visionaries who transformed St. Elmo into an Indianapolis institution. While St. Elmo maintains its classic, formal atmosphere, Harry & Izzy’s offers a slightly more relaxed vibe without sacrificing quality.
Both restaurants share the same commitment to premium ingredients and impeccable service. The connection between these two establishments runs deep, with recipes and standards passed down through generations.
Diners who appreciate culinary heritage will find themselves surrounded by nods to Indianapolis’s rich dining history. The walls whisper stories of businessmen sealing deals over perfectly aged steaks and celebrities stopping by after performances.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s participating in a tradition that has shaped the city’s food scene for decades.
Five massive shrimp arranged around a fiery red sauce might seem simple, but this appetizer has achieved cult status among Indianapolis diners. The shrimp cocktail at Harry & Izzy’s features their famous horseradish cocktail sauce—a recipe so potent it’ll clear your sinuses before you finish your first bite.
People don’t just order this dish; they challenge themselves with it. The sauce packs enough heat to make grown adults tear up, yet the flavor balance keeps you coming back for more.
Fresh, plump Gulf shrimp provide the perfect vehicle for this incendiary condiment. First-timers often underestimate the intensity, diving in confidently only to reach for their water glasses seconds later.
What makes this appetizer truly special is its consistency. Visit once, visit a hundred times—the quality never wavers.
The kitchen treats each order with the same attention to detail, ensuring every shrimp is perfectly cooked and chilled. Locals consider surviving the full-strength sauce a rite of passage.
Some regulars even request extra on the side, though most mortals find the standard portion more than sufficient for their heat tolerance.
Choosing your steak at Harry & Izzy’s feels like selecting from a greatest hits album of beef. The menu showcases USDA Prime cuts that represent the top two percent of all beef produced in America.
Each steak arrives at your table seared to create that coveted caramelized crust while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. The ribeye stands out as a fan favorite, marbled with just enough fat to deliver rich, buttery flavor with every bite.
Filet mignon offers a leaner option without sacrificing tenderness—so soft you could almost cut it with a fork. The New York strip provides that perfect balance of texture and taste that steak purists crave.
Temperature matters here, and the kitchen takes it seriously. Order medium-rare, and you’ll get medium-rare—not medium, not rare, but exactly what you requested.
This precision comes from years of experience and a genuine respect for quality ingredients. Each cut gets seasoned simply, allowing the natural beef flavor to shine through.
No unnecessary fuss, no gimmicky preparations—just expertly cooked meat that reminds you why a great steakhouse never goes out of style.
Walking into Harry & Izzy’s transports you straight back to the 1920s, when speakeasies thrived and dining out carried an air of sophisticated rebellion. Dark wood paneling lines the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
The lighting strikes that perfect balance—dim enough for romance, bright enough to appreciate your beautifully plated meal. Leather booths invite you to settle in for an evening of indulgence, while the bar area channels the energy of a classic American tavern.
Vintage-inspired fixtures and carefully chosen decor elements reinforce the throwback theme without feeling like a costume party. Everything serves a purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic.
The design team clearly understood that authentic atmosphere comes from restraint rather than excess. They’ve avoided the trap of turning the space into a theme park version of history.
Instead, subtle touches—from the glassware to the menu fonts—create layers of period authenticity that reveal themselves gradually. Modern comfort meets historical charm in every corner.
The restaurant manages to feel both timeless and current, appealing to diners who appreciate tradition while expecting contemporary standards of service and cuisine.
Situated at 153 South Illinois Street, Harry & Izzy’s occupies prime real estate in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The location puts you within walking distance of major hotels, the Indiana Convention Center, and popular entertainment venues.
Whether you’re catching a show at the nearby theaters or attending a conference, this steakhouse offers convenient access. Parking in downtown areas often causes stress, but several nearby garages make arriving relatively painless.
Valet service adds an extra touch of convenience for those willing to let someone else handle the logistics. The central location also means you can easily combine dinner with other downtown activities—perhaps a pre-dinner stroll or post-meal drinks elsewhere.
Business travelers particularly appreciate the accessibility. Many visitors staying at Circle Centre area hotels can reach Harry & Izzy’s in minutes.
The restaurant has become a go-to spot for client dinners and corporate celebrations, thanks partly to its professional atmosphere and partly to its proximity to major business districts. Local sports fans also benefit from the location.
Before or after games at nearby venues, crowds gather here to celebrate or commiserate over excellent food and drinks. The energy shifts throughout the week, from power lunches to weekend date nights.
The wine list at Harry & Izzy’s reads like a geography lesson in viticulture, spanning regions from Napa Valley to Bordeaux and beyond. With hundreds of selections available, both casual wine drinkers and serious collectors find bottles that excite them.
The restaurant has earned Wine Spectator recognition for maintaining such an impressive cellar. Knowledgeable servers guide you through the options without pretension or snobbery.
They ask the right questions—what you’re ordering, your flavor preferences, your budget—then suggest pairings that enhance your meal. Even if your wine knowledge stops at red versus white, you’ll leave feeling educated rather than intimidated.
The selection includes approachable bottles that won’t break the bank alongside rare vintages for special occasions. California Cabernets pair beautifully with the steaks, while lighter Pinot Noirs complement seafood dishes.
Several excellent options are available by the glass, allowing you to sample different varietals throughout your meal. Temperature and presentation receive as much attention as the wines themselves.
Reds arrive at proper serving temperature, whites stay chilled, and stemware matches the selection. These details might seem minor, but they significantly impact your tasting experience and demonstrate the restaurant’s commitment to doing things right.
Not many steakhouses dare to put pizza on their menu, but Harry & Izzy’s pulls it off with surprising finesse. These aren’t your standard delivery pies—they’re crafted with the same attention to quality ingredients and technique that defines everything else here.
Thin, crispy crusts provide the foundation for inventive topping combinations that straddle the line between familiar and adventurous. The pizza menu offers something for traditionalists and experimenters alike.
Classic margherita satisfies those craving simplicity, while specialty options incorporate premium ingredients you’d expect from an upscale kitchen. Think prosciutto, arugula, truffle oil, and artisan cheeses rather than standard pepperoni and mushrooms.
Families particularly appreciate having this option available. While adults indulge in steaks and seafood, younger diners can enjoy something more aligned with their preferences.
The pizzas arrive quickly too, making them ideal for satisfying impatient appetites or serving as shareable starters. The kitchen bakes each pizza to order, ensuring that crispy-chewy texture that separates memorable pies from forgettable ones.
Size-wise, they work well as individual meals or shared appetizers, depending on your hunger level and dining strategy. It’s an unexpected menu item that showcases the restaurant’s versatility and willingness to exceed traditional steakhouse boundaries.
While beef gets top billing, the seafood at Harry & Izzy’s deserves equal recognition. Fresh catches arrive daily, bringing ocean flavors to landlocked Indiana with impressive quality.
The kitchen treats fish and shellfish with the same reverence they show their steaks—minimal interference, maximum flavor, perfect execution. Salmon arrives with crispy skin and moist, flaky flesh that practically melts on your tongue.
Chilean sea bass offers buttery richness that needs little embellishment beyond simple seasoning and expert cooking. Lobster tails, when available, rival anything you’d find in coastal restaurants, sweet and tender without a hint of rubberiness.
Preparation methods vary to suit different tastes. Grilling imparts subtle smokiness, while pan-searing creates delicious caramelization.
The kitchen can adjust cooking times and temperatures based on your preferences, though their recommendations usually hit the mark perfectly. Pescatarians dining with carnivorous friends no longer need to settle for sad, afterthought entrees.
The seafood selections stand proudly alongside the steaks, offering substantial portions and satisfying flavors. Even dedicated meat-eaters often find themselves tempted by the daily specials, expanding their usual ordering patterns to include dishes they wouldn’t typically consider at a steakhouse.
Your server at Harry & Izzy’s knows the menu inside out—not just what’s on it, but how each dish is prepared, what makes it special, and which sides complement it best. They anticipate needs without hovering, refill water glasses before they’re empty, and clear finished plates with ninja-like timing.
This level of service comes from thorough training and genuine hospitality rather than scripted interactions. The staff strikes that difficult balance between attentive and intrusive.
They read the room, understanding when diners want conversation and when they prefer to focus on their companions. Business dinners receive professional discretion, while celebrations get acknowledged with appropriate enthusiasm.
Questions receive honest answers rather than sales pitches. Ask about the difference between two cuts of steak, and you’ll get useful information that helps you make the best choice for your palate and appetite.
Servers share their personal favorites when asked, adding a human touch to the recommendations. Even during peak hours, service maintains its quality.
Your meal progresses at a comfortable pace—courses arriving with proper spacing, never rushed but never lagging. The entire staff works as a coordinated team, so if your server is momentarily occupied, someone else seamlessly steps in to assist.
Even if you’re not dining, the bar at Harry & Izzy’s offers its own compelling experience. Skilled bartenders craft classic cocktails with precision, from perfectly chilled martinis to old fashioneds that showcase quality spirits and proper technique.
The bar menu includes lighter fare and appetizers, making it a legitimate dining option for those who prefer counter seating to formal tables. The atmosphere shifts depending on when you visit.
Happy hour brings business professionals unwinding after work, creating a buzzy energy filled with conversation and laughter. Later evenings attract couples enjoying pre-dinner drinks or nightcaps, resulting in a more intimate vibe.
Weekend afternoons see a mix of locals and visitors taking advantage of the full menu availability. Seating at the bar provides entertainment beyond your drink.
Watch bartenders work with practiced efficiency, observe the kitchen through service windows, or strike up conversations with fellow patrons. Solo diners particularly appreciate this option—it feels less conspicuous than eating alone at a table while offering more social opportunities.
The drink selection extends beyond cocktails to include craft beers and an extensive by-the-glass wine list. Whether you’re killing time before a show or making the bar your destination, the quality and atmosphere deliver satisfaction without requiring a full dinner commitment.
With over 4,300 reviews maintaining a 4.7-star rating, Harry & Izzy’s demonstrates remarkable consistency. Return visits reveal the same high standards whether you’re dining on a Tuesday lunch or Saturday night.
This reliability stems from rigorous kitchen procedures, quality control measures, and a culture that refuses to compromise standards regardless of volume. Many restaurants excel initially then gradually decline as success breeds complacency.
Harry & Izzy’s has avoided this trap through continuous attention to detail and staff training. The shrimp cocktail you loved five years ago tastes identical to the one you’ll order tonight.
Your favorite server remembers your preferences even if months have passed since your last visit. This consistency extends beyond food to encompass the entire experience.
The dining room maintains its pristine appearance, glassware sparkles, linens feel crisp, and restrooms stay immaculately clean throughout service. Small details that some establishments neglect receive ongoing attention here.
Regulars develop genuine loyalty because they know exactly what to expect—and they expect excellence. First-time visitors quickly understand why locals return repeatedly.
When you find a restaurant that delivers this level of reliability, it becomes your go-to recommendation for impressing out-of-town guests or celebrating important occasions.
Sides at Harry & Izzy’s transcend their supporting role to become highlights in their own right. The creamy horseradish mashed potatoes arrive whipped to cloud-like consistency with just enough kick to keep things interesting.
Sautéed mushrooms deliver earthy richness that complements beef perfectly, while the mac and cheese achieves that elusive balance between decadent and not overwhelmingly heavy. Vegetables get proper respect rather than serving as mere plate decoration.
Asparagus arrives tender-crisp with a slight char, Brussels sprouts develop caramelized edges that convert even skeptical diners, and seasonal selections showcase whatever’s currently at peak freshness. The kitchen seasons vegetables assertively enough to make them flavorful without masking their natural taste.
Portions run generous without being wasteful. Most sides serve two people easily, making them ideal for sharing and sampling multiple options.
The pricing reflects quality ingredients and skilled preparation—these aren’t afterthoughts thrown together from frozen components. Strategic side selection can transform a good meal into an exceptional one.
Pairing your steak with complementary flavors and textures creates a more satisfying overall experience. Don’t overlook these offerings in your rush to order the main event—they deserve consideration and often generate as much enthusiasm as the primary dishes themselves.
Anniversaries, promotions, birthdays, and other milestone moments find their perfect backdrop at Harry & Izzy’s. The atmosphere conveys significance without stuffiness, making celebrations feel appropriately special.
The staff handles occasions with practiced grace—acknowledging them when appropriate but never making guests uncomfortable with excessive fanfare unless specifically requested. Making reservations for special dates ensures you get preferred seating and timing.
The restaurant fills quickly on weekends and holidays, so planning ahead prevents disappointment. Mention your occasion when booking; the staff often adds thoughtful touches that enhance the experience without going overboard.
The menu offers enough variety that even picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions find satisfying options. This versatility matters when coordinating group celebrations where tastes vary widely.
Everyone leaves happy and well-fed, which is ultimately what makes an occasion truly memorable. Photography-worthy presentations mean your social media posts will generate envy among friends and followers.
The lighting flatters both food and faces, so those celebration photos actually turn out well. Beyond Instagram potential, though, the real magic lies in creating genuine memories around excellent food and attentive service in a setting that makes ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
Lunch at Harry & Izzy’s offers the same quality as dinner with slightly more relaxed pacing and often better availability. The midday menu features many evening favorites alongside options designed for those with afternoon obligations.
Business lunches thrive here, where the professional atmosphere and efficient service help you make the most of limited time. Pricing runs lower than dinner in many cases, making lunch an accessible way to experience the restaurant if budget concerns have kept you away.
You’ll enjoy the same exceptional ingredients and preparation at a more approachable price point. The lunch crowd tends toward business attire and purposeful dining rather than leisurely indulgence, creating different energy than evening service.
Weekday availability typically exceeds weekend dinner slots, so lunch offers easier reservation options. Walk-ins stand a better chance during these hours, particularly earlier in the service window.
The bar area especially welcomes lunch guests seeking quicker, more casual experiences. Portion sizes remain generous enough to satisfy hearty appetites without leaving you uncomfortably full for afternoon meetings.
The kitchen can adjust timing if you’re on a tight schedule—just communicate your needs when ordering. Many downtown workers consider Harry & Izzy’s their special-occasion lunch spot, saving it for client meetings or celebrations rather than routine midday meals.
Three dollar signs on the pricing scale signal that Harry & Izzy’s isn’t your budget Tuesday night option. However, the cost reflects genuine value rather than arbitrary markup.
You’re paying for USDA Prime beef, fresh seafood, an award-winning wine program, skilled preparation, and professional service—all delivered in a memorable atmosphere. Comparing prices to other upscale steakhouses reveals Harry & Izzy’s holds its own without excessive premiums.
The portions justify the cost; nobody leaves hungry or feeling shortchanged. When you calculate the quality of ingredients and expertise required to prepare them properly, the pricing makes sense rather than seeming exploitative.
Special occasions warrant special spending, and this restaurant delivers experiences that feel appropriately significant. The memories created here—whether from a perfectly cooked ribeye, an anniversary celebration, or an evening with old friends—outlast the credit card bill.
That’s the true measure of value in dining. Ways exist to make the experience more accessible.
Lunch pricing runs lower, bar dining reduces costs, and sharing sides stretches budgets further. The restaurant occasionally offers promotions worth watching for.
While Harry & Izzy’s will never compete with chain restaurants on price, it shouldn’t—the quality and experience operate in an entirely different category that justifies the investment.
