Our Story

Harry Roth and Izzy Rosen were lifelong friends whose bond began at the age of 10 and continued through their years at Old Manual High School in Indianapolis. Izzy, a bright and hardworking student, began helping his mother sell produce and meats at the City Market downtown after his father passed away—just 13 years old at the time. Harry pursued optometry in Chicago, attending Monroe College and living in the Loop, until 1946 when his brothers, Sam and Ike, purchased St. Elmo Steak House and invited him to join as a partner. With a $10,000 loan and a playful farewell—“from eye glasses to bar glasses”—Harry returned home to Indianapolis.Meanwhile, Izzy had remained in Indy, working as a bookie. When Sam and Ike stepped away from the business in 1956, Harry turned to his oldest friend, bringing Izzy on as an equal partner in the restaurant.

The two couldn’t have been more different—Harry was charming and warm, known for his colorful bow ties, which he wore instead of long ties to avoid the inevitable cocktail sauce stains. Izzy, a gregarious man's man was typically seen with an oversized cigar in one hand and a glass of whiskey in the other. Together, they were the quintessential “Odd Couple,” and their friendship became the foundation for decades of success at St. Elmo Steak House.

Today, their legacy lives on at Harry & Izzy’s—a modern, approachable spin on the classic steakhouse experience. The menu features signature selections including premium, expertly aged steaks and the world-famous St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail, alongside fresh seafood, shareable appetizers, and handcrafted cocktails. The atmosphere blends timeless sophistication with vibrant energy, offering a lively bar, warm hospitality, and unforgettable dining in a space that celebrates the personalities of two Indianapolis originals.