1. Eagle's Nest
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
One South Capitol Ave.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 616-6170
Hours: Daily 5-10 p.m.
Average entree price: $40
Perched atop the Hyatt Regency downtown, this restaurant is all about atmosphere. The Eagle's Nest slowly rotates to give patrons a 360-degree view of the city. From candlelight to piano music to the star-studded ceiling, romance abounds. Menu items include filet mignon, lobster tail, roasted prime rib, and horseradish-crusted salmon, plus an extensive wine list.
2. Hollyhock Hill
8110 N. College Ave.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 251-2294
Hours: Tue-Fri 5-8 p.m., Sat 4-8 p.m., Sun noon-7:30 p.m.
Average entree price: $21
This is not so much a date destination as the perfect place for large family gatherings and special group occasions, with most guests dressed in their Sunday best. Hollyhock offers a choice of entrees, all served family-style with the same side dishes for everyone. Picture platters of fried chicken, fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, vegetables, and more, all topped off with a dish of vanilla ice cream drizzled with your choice of toppings.
3. The Melting Pot
5650 E. 86th St., Suite F
Castleton
Phone: (317) 841-3601
1259 N. State Rd. 135
Greenwood
Phone: (317) 889-0777
Hours for both locations: Sun 4-10 p.m., Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m., Fri 5 p.m.-midnight, Sat 4 p.m.-midnight
Average entree price: $19 including salad (cheese and chocolate fondues priced separately)
Four-course dinners are the specialty here, consisting of a cheese fondue with bread, vegetables, and apples for dipping; a salad with homemade dressing; your choice of entree (choose from filet mignon, chicken, shrimp, and more); and, for the perfect finishing touch, a chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, marshmallows, pound cake, and brownies to dip.
4. The Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 S. Meridian St.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 955-2277
Hours: Lunch - Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Dinner - Sun-Thu 5-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.
Average entree price: $36
Fresh fish are flown in daily from around the world and served in an elegant atmosphere in the style of a 1930s ocean liner. Featured are an oyster bar and a selection of entrees, including Columbia River Chinook Salmon, Sea of Cortez #1 Bluefin Tuna, and Hawaiian Wahoo. The bar serves up cocktails, beer, and wine.
5. Ruth's Chris Steak House
Circle Centre Mall
45 S. Illinois St.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 633-1313
96th & Keystone
9445 Threel Rd.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 844-1155
Circle Centre Hours: Sun 4-10 p.m., Mon-Sat 5-11 p.m.; Lounge opens daily at 4 p.m.
96th and Keystone Hours: Sun 4-9 p.m., Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.
Average entree price: $40 (all sides priced separately)
If you're yearning for a thick, sizzling steak in a classy romantic atmosphere, Ruth's Chris delivers. Steaks are available in many choice cuts, along with seafood, veal chops, lamb chops, and stuffed chicken breast. An extensive wine list and specialty cocktails are offered.
6. St. Elmo Steak House
127 S. Illinois St.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 635-0636
Hours: Sun 4-10 p.m., Mon-Sat 4-11 p.m.
Average entree price: $35
A downtown Indianapolis landmark since 1902, the decor emulates a turn-of-the-century Chicago saloon. Featured here are a wide variety of steaks (naturally), plus seafood, chops, and chicken, along with one of the Midwest's most extensive wine collections. Rumor has it the shrimp cocktail is not to be missed.
7. Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant
1031 E. 54th St.
Indianapolis
Phone: (317) 259-9412
Hours: Tue-Thu 5-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.
Average entree price: $15
Located in a 1920s California stucco house with Mediterranean style, Mama Carolla's serves up authentic Italian food in an intimate atmosphere. The indoor seating area features a wood-burning fireplace, and is divided into several small dining rooms. Outdoors, you'll find a lighted garden patio. Mama's specialties include chicken rigatoni, ravioli, and lasagna, along with a selection of cocktails and martinis.
