St. Elmo’s
If it’s a traditional classic “steak house” you are looking for then there is nothing better on the NASCAR tour then St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis. This downtown restaurants has occupied the same space since 1902, making it the oldest restaurant in the state of Indiana located at the same spot.
It started as a small tavern with a very basic menu and while the atmosphere hasn’t changed much it has expanded. Curretly, St. Elmo has a national reputation for excellent steaks, seafood, chops and extraordinary service.
The steaks are significant in size, outstanding in flavor and prepared to excellence. Reviews of other menu items read the same. And, the one must-have on a trip to St. Elmo is the shrimp cocktail appetizer, it’s like none other.
Address: 127 South Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
Phone: (317) 635-0636
Hours: Monday-Friday: 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Rathskeller
Looking for something a little different? Try the German-American fare at The Rathskeller – voted best German restaurant in Indianapolis year after year. Upon entry you will think you just landed at a combination of a quant inn tucked into the Bavarian hills with a lively beer hall in Munich. You can choose from dining areas or enjoy the experience of the “biergarten”.
The food is very authentic, such as – wurst sampler, sauerbraten, roulade, schlacht or schnitzel. Complete descriptions of each are on the menu and reviews are almost unanimously positive. And, when finished try a piece of German chocolate cake or maybe some apple strudel alemode.
Location: 401 East Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 636-0396
Website: www.Rathskeller.com
Hours: Lunch Daily: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Sunday-Thursday: 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Yats:
“Cajon, Creole, Crazy” is the motto for this four-location restaurant offering another unique dining choice. The food is basically Louisiana cuisine, emphasizing the bean, flavorful sauces and rice. There are etouffees, gumbos, jambalayas, red beans and rice and more. Each day the menu changes with something different.
And, the ordering and pricing is simple. The moving menu consists of between six to ten dishes each day. A half portion is $4.50, full portion is $5.75 and a combination plate is $6.75. Drinks are $1.25 and desserts are $3.00. Order your food at the counter; grab a napkin, utensils and drink; find a seat and your large portion of food will be delivered to you.
Address: 5363 North College Ave, Indianapolis – (317) 253-8817
659 Mass Ave, Indianpolis – (317) 686-6380
8352 East 96th St, Fishers, Indiana – (317) 585-1792
1280 U.S. 31, Greenwood, Indiana – (317) 865-9971
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
Some stores open later and on Sunday
Nick’s Chili Parlor
Some things never change – and that is a good thing with Nick’s Chili Parlor. Since 1974, this no frills, cafeteria-style restaurant has been “packing them in” for lunch and dinner. Not a surprise considering the name – try the chili. A bowl of chili, chili dogs, chili cheeseburgers or chili fries are all popular and very tasty.
If chili isn’t your thing the whitefish sandwich is huge; throw in some onion rings and a dessert and you won’t leave hungry. It’s the Home of the “Not Yet World Famous” Chili, but getting there.
Address: 2621 Lafayette Rd., Indianapolis, IN
Phone: (317) 924-5005
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Weber Grill Restaurant
Who doesn’t love grilling? And, one of the more popular grills is the Weber brand. The company decided a few years back to put that grilling experience to use and created an upscale restaurant chain. The open kitchen allows you to watch “Grilling Experts” working on real Weber grills – using real charcoal – to prepare the meal.
Black Angus beef steaks, bbq, seafood, burgers and even pizzas are done to perfection the way they were meant to be cook – on a grill. An extensive wine list, bar menu, and a kid’s menu make this a great stop no matter what the dining experience you are looking for.
Address: 10 N. Illinois Street, Indianpolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 636-7600
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Smokey Joe’s Bar is open later each day