The Very Best Steakhouses in Indianapolis

Peterson's

Fishers

This locally owned restaurant has managed to stay classic and classy, but not at all stuffy, with a menu that goes well beyond steak (though it still seems to be the main draw). Sit down, order some apps, and take your pick between the list of cuts -- filet, New York strip, Kansas City bone-in strip, rib-eye -- and sides to go with it. The garlic butter melts perfectly over any choice, and the bacon blue cheese crust is never a bad idea. Peterson’s excels at unobtrusive service and offers a well-regarded wine list and great desserts as well.

St. Elmo Steak House
Courtesy of St. Elmo Steak House

St. Elmo Steak House

Downtown

Elmo's has been offering great steaks since 1902. To many, this place is an Indy icon. The walls are laden with photographs of celebrities that have stopped in over the years in search of a good piece of meat, including just about every sports figure or rock star that ever passed through town. From the 8oz filet, which pairs nicely with a shrimp cocktail, to the 28oz porterhouse, there’s no shortage of great cuts. Stop by for the history, the professional service, the chops and chicken, or the steak. (But definitely try the steak.)

Bynum's steakhouse
Fogo de Chao

Fogo de Chão

Downtown

OK, just a warning: you’ll probably eat way too much meat at this Brazilian steakhouse. But it’ll be worth it. Keep your table token turned green side up to have the gaucho chefs continuously visit your table and slice off piece after piece of fire-roasted meat -- everything from top sirloin, ribs, and filet mignon, to chicken, lamb, and pork. Try it all, then slip into an inevitable meat coma. But remember to flip that coin to red so the knife-wielding gauchos pass you by. After you come to, hit up the salad bar. Then it’s back to green (if you’ve got room).

Bynum's Steakhouse

Southside

This locally owned steakhouse has been a South Meridian Street mainstay for more than 20 years, offering a casual atmosphere and classics like the 32oz prime rib or 24oz lobster tail -- and more manageable cuts as well. Don’t miss the house-made desserts, which admittedly might have to be ordered and saved for later.

Joseph Decuis mini burgers
Joseph Decuis

Joseph Decuis

Roanoke

Two words: Wagyu beef. Joseph Decuis, another out-of-Indy option we just had to include, raises its own Wagyu beef with traditional Japanese methods ("all natural, humane, drug-free, stress-free”) and claims to be the only restaurant in the United States that does so. The specialty will run you $40-$85, but the restaurant also offers anything from chicken and duck, to seafood options like scallops and salmon. But honestly, are you really going to pass up the Wagyu?

Janko's Little Zagreb

Bloomington

No, this isn’t in Indianapolis. It’s in Bloomington, home of Indiana University and one of the Midwest’s best food towns. But even in the midst of Bloomington’s many top-notch restaurants, Little Zagreb stands out for its unique mix of Yugoslavian fare and killer steaks, which some call the best in the state. Those in the know say the magic is in the well-seasoned grill. Stop by, order up one of the "world famous" choices, and see if you agree.

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Jolene Ketzenberger covers Indianapolis at EatDrinkIndy.com and would like a medium-rare New York strip right about now. Follow her @JKetzenberger.