Harry & Izzy's

One of my favorite spots in Indy, partly owned by Peyton Manning with the same quality food as its next door neighbor St. Elmo’s Steakhouse with the same owners, this high end restaurant is a better value and less snooty atmosphere. I’ve seen people in suits and even people in shorts. They are known for their shrimp cocktail sauce with "Grade A horseradish" (apparently there is a grading, which our waiter explained, so ask them!). Also their bred pudding dessert is a must order, combining three of my favorite things: ice cream, whipped cream and Woodford Reserve ! The waiter said it could serve 4 but the four of us struggled to finish it. Highly recommend both of those things. One of my colleagues has a variety of allergies and the manager thoughtfully came out to explain how they handle food allergies. We thought that was a nice touch. Great spot for business dinners!

While at the convention center for a large conference that we were working at, a few of us came to St Elmo’s right at 4, when it opened to grab a spot at the bar and try their "famous" shrimp, but the line was ridiculously long outside, so we came here, to Harry & Izzy’s instead, since it’s the same chain. Walking in, we quickly found a couple of seats at the bar and upon being greeted by the bartender, I asked her what she likes to make and he response was "draft beer." To which I said no bartender should say that, especially in a nicer place like this with all the spirits they have. She then said wine too. This just told me she wasn’t a very good bartender, rather an order taker who just pumps out orders with no focus on customer service nor providing a good experience. Service was very mixed the entire time we were there. While there, we also tried their famous shrimp, ordering 6 pieces. At the same time we ordered that, we asked for the fried ravioli and also the bacon. The ravioli and two orders of the bacon came out soon after and when we said we only ordered one order of bacon, she said "oh yeah" and asked if we wanted this second order and when we said not if we had to pay for it, she took it – Another poor service and training example from her… What’s she going to do with it once it was sat in front of us? Hopefully not serve it to someone else! The bacon tasted great! The shrimp was over done being covered in that cocktail sauce. The flavor of the sauce was decent, but not stronger/spicier than Eddie V’s atomic horseradish in their cocktail sauce. Drinks during our visit were ok, but nothing special. Overall, based on this experience and what we heard from others about this place and St Elmo’s, this chain seems to have rested on their laurels and long history and does little to continue providing great service and experience.

Very nice .... The shrimp cocktail lived up to its reputation... SPICY. The key lime creme brulee (seasonal) was awesome. Onion rings were good ... Thin with a perfect coating of breading. And plenty to around. Ribeye steak was perfectly cooked to my specifications. Overall - 5 out of 5 stars...

Ideally located within walking distance of the convention center and city centre mall stores, when they are open. Cramped table locations make for romantic sizzle for interested male-female customers. There's not much bar seat room. People were packed in this place, downstairs and upstairs. Service employees are efficient and overworked. The meal of shrimp cocktail, salad, and steak with fries was tasty but only with the hot sauce cocktail sauce of the shrimp appetizer on the side. There is no need for blackened pepper on the steak. Salad had chunks of bacon in it. Drinks were slow to the table and worth the wait. No table bread is offered. Large groups of 6-8 people take up a large volume of space in such an existing small floor space. The bread pudding desert looks good, but ask what is in it before you order it. It has chocolate chips entrenched in the bread, and that is Woodford Reserve whiskey that is poured over it when it is served at the table. It can be ordered to go, with some patience. Overall, good hot, expensive food in cramped quarters and low light.

In town for a work conference, we brought a large group of 12 for dinner. Harry & Izzy’s is the sister spot to St. Elmo. Same pedigree, but with a bigger dining room and broader menu. Food: We started with brussel sprouts and calamari. Both were flavorful and well prepared. For my entrée, I ordered the ribeye "Izzy’s Way" (pepper crusted and served in a bath of steak sauce). Normally I avoid steak sauce, but this was excellent and worth ordering in Indy. Sides of mushrooms and broccolini were just okay. Dessert stole the show. The banana bread pudding was phenomenal. Easily the best bread pudding I’ve had anywhere. The local black coffee paired perfectly. Service and Atmosphere: Service was attentive and smooth, even for a big group. The dining room has a warm, lively atmosphere without being overwhelming. A great place to bring colleagues or friends for a solid steakhouse experience. Bottom line: If you are downtown and want a great steak dinner, Harry & Izzy’s is worth it. Go for the ribeye Izzy’s Way, but do not leave without trying the banana bread pudding.

The buffalo solider cocktail was an easy drinker that wasn't overpowering on the bourbon. We got the shrimp cocktail to start which was great but expensive for 4 shrimp. It packed quite the punch with the amount of horseradish. The fried chicken slider was basic but what I expected. The French onion soup was well balanced and one of the best I've had. The star of the show was the lobster sacchetti which was split between 2 people. The sauce was nice and creamy with just the right amount of lobster flavor. It was all very filling so we skipped dessert. It was a pretty casual atmosphere with most people in sports gear of shorts and t shirts at 5:00 on a Saturday.

We had a fantastic early dinner with our excellent server Jessica at Harry & Izzy’s the day before the Indy Mini. She was incredibly knowledgeable about everything on the menu and fun to talk to. The shrimp cocktail lived up to the hype and was the most delicious I’ve had. Everything we ordered was cooked perfectly and tasted great as well - I had a medium well filet, my favorite. We shared a variety of bourbons and whiskeys including their St Elmo cherry vanilla whiskey, which goes well with Coke. Alone you can taste the cherry after about 30 seconds. To end we split a bourbon bread pudding - best I’ve ever had and I’m not a big bread pudding person. If we’re ever in town again, this is a must-do.