Indy’s Historic Steer-In Restaurant

Super fast and really cheap. This is a family owned spot with connections to the eastside — and being a local teacher — almost all of the staff will stop in when we have long nights. Never had a bad experience here — and they’re always happy to see us.

So many memories here with my dad on dentist days. He would pick me up early from school and go to my dentist appointment then straight to the steer inn Everytime got to skip school for the rest of the day. And the food is always fresh hot and homemade. And the hospitality was great like family a o I highly suggest the Steer Inn.

I did like Steer Inn, I just had a bad experience with a night manager. I’ve never seen her before. I let her know that the fried green tomatoes that I tell all of my friends to come and get from there. That i cane 20 min to get and reget, were not the way that I usually get them. I don’t know if they have a new cook? She let me know that they come. (I have never got them that way and each summer I ask until they are back) They packed with a bunch of corn meal on them with no seasoning. I should have just told her that I wanted my money back but I went 20min back to let them try it again. They came out the same way. I think the problem is I never go thst late in the day (6pm) The morning cook, which is usually the time that I come in, made them fresh. I don’t know if they have changed their tomato batter or are making them cold or freezing them first but it is not how fresh fried green tomatoes are. I do make fried green tomatoes myself and could never get that batter that thick and can’t see how they could possibly get it that way. Because tomatoes are wet the bread falls off and is thin. The only conclusion is could come up with is that they’re buying them Frozen and that has changed and I am sad because I liked them so. I will just not go there anymore. If the owner reads these please help.
Sincerely,
unhappy customer.

Steer In is my regular stop. I’ve probably eaten 4 or more meals per week there for the last 6 – 8 years. It’s solid. The menu is large and I’ve never had anything that wasn’t good (I sent something back only once, but to be honest, I was getting sick and I think my taster was off). In my opinion, the lasagna is the best thing on the menu, and is competitive with the best Italian places in the city. So if you’re looking for a place that’s not fancy, but has great food and service, Steer In is a good bet.

Steer-​In has the reputation of making a great breaded tenderloin, so that was the draw for our visit here. And the tenderloin was pretty good, thicker rather than pounded thin, but not what I’d call legendary.
The signature Twin Steer double burger was also pretty good but nothing I’d make a special trip to order. Reminded me of an old-​style Big Mac.
I subbed out the standard frozen crinkle-​cut fries for their cole slaw, which was disappointing. If a place says they make their cole slaw in house, I always try it. This one was akin to the stuff you buy in pre-​made plastic containers at the grocery store. But more bland and watery. Can’t believe they sell it by the pint and quart, as it took motivation for me to even finish the generous side serving.
Our server was friendly and immediately volunteered information about their daily specials. The décor is 60’s original, and the outside of the building has a cool mid century vibe to it.
Not a fan of that «Diners, Dives» show, so I can’t vouch for whether this place lives up to the standard of their fan base. Glad we gave this historic establishment a try but wouldn’t make it a priority to revisit over other Indy places.

You probably saw this place on TV a few years back. Steer-​In was just around the corner from my old house, and I can’t say I was mad about that at all. This is your traditional no-​frills diner tucked away outside Irvington on the Eastside. Their tenderloin holds up against any of the iconic sandwiches around Indiana, and their breakfast is just what it should be.
If you get a chance, chat with the mother/​son owners for a little history on what makes this place so special.

A dive-​y diner with delicious food.
I visited the Steer-​In for lunch and got the famous tenderloin sandwich (beloved by Guy Ferrelli of «Diners, Drive-​Ins & Dives» — they boast on the menu). It. Was. Delicious. Unlike other pork tenderloins I’d had in the past, it was thick and juicy (not smashed flat). But true to form, it was bigger than the bun. Served with a pickle spear and french fries, I was STUFFED. Fat and happy, as they say.
The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. I felt right at home. You could tell that the Steer-​In had many regulars, as the wait staff joked with them and seemed to know them personally. I think that says a lot about an establishment — a place where people return over and over and really feel like home. They’re doing something right!
Steer-​In serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so there’s no bad time to try and I’d most definitely recommend it. I know I want to go back and try their breakfast menu!

I attended the Tenderloin Meeting here with Unilocal,and might i say: AWESOME experience. I got the chance to see how they create the famous tenderloin sandwich I have heard so much about. & now I understand why: Juicy, crispy, flavorful, with a perfect buttered bun– the Historic Steer In delivered everything you want and more when it comes to a tasty Hoosier Tenderloin.
Beyond the tenderloin though, I expect nothing but great things from this place. From being featured on Food Network, to countless references on local Hoosier news and media platforms, the Historic Steer In just keeps on bringing it! And the best part (for lazy homebodies like me, always)? THEY DELIVER! Yes, I said it. Feel free to remain stuck inside your couch all day watching Netflix, or playing WOW, or. whatever it is that you do. The Steer In will have a juicy fried (or grilled) tenderloin sandwich delivered right to your door! Nothing better. Although, you obviously don’t HAVE to get the tenderloin, although it is highly recommended– by me and anyone else with healthy taste buds.

This is a DDD place so don’t expect fancy schmancy. With that in mind, this place was great! So many things looked appetizing but I settled on the Western burger and bf got the Hoosier Tenderloin sandwich which was sooo good. They even had the crinkly cut fries l, which I love, but the main reason I’m giving five stars is because of our super friendly waitress, Daijya. I watched another customer question her about every single dessert on the menu and then quiz her about her personal life for about 5 minutes straight! Daijya was very polite and answered everything this nosy woman asked even though she was monopolizing Daijya’s time. I was completely impressed with the way Daijya kept her cool when so many other people, including myself, would have brushed the woman off. Kudos, Daijya!

This was my first visit to this historic, iconic Indiana restaurant. Not only are they deeply rooted in the community, but they have been there for decades and have any regulars. During my visit, I had an opportunity to meet the owners, a mother and son duo, and get a taste of their freshly made tenderloins. Served with fries, it was more than I could finish in one sitting. The menu offers not only tasty tenderloins, but things from lasagna to chocolate cream pie to pizza and much more. They recently obtained a liquor license and now serve locally made beer and wine. My tenderloin was served hot, fresh, and breaded of course. It was great! I look forward to returning to try more of the menu items. If you are a fan of the Naptown Roller Girls, be sure to check in with them to see when their next fundraiser will be here. Also made famous by the popular TV show «Diners, Drive-​Ins & Dives,» it’s a must-​see for anyone visiting our awesome city.

Tried the Steer-​In for the first time today. I got the corned beef hash & eggs w/​a pancake and my oh my was it delicious! The corned beef was cooked PERFECTLY. It was tender, juicy and flavorful. I think I said «this is so good,» and «I am so thankful,» multiple times throughout the meal. My dining partner agreed. Definitely will go back and would recommend!

I hadn’t been here since my grandmother passed away because it was one of the places she always took me and I wasn’t quite ready to experience it without her.
I was out in Irvington and had just finished up purchasing some goodies at a garage sale, when I decided to go ahead and get some beef noodles to go.
It was just as good as I remembered it, which was nice because it brought me back to those wonderful afternoons of beanie baby shopping and lunches with MawMaw.
This diner makes great food and has such a rich history, I really hope it lingers on and keeps its community roots.

One of our family favorite restaurants while in Indianapolis. The service was great and they are always pleasant.
I ordered the sausage and peppers over Penne. My wife tried the Triple D special, beef and noodles. My sons each had a cheeseburger and a cheese pizza.
Of course, I had to try all of these and they were very delicious.
I recommend this restaurant! #SeñorFood

After seeing this establishment featured on the food network it was a «must try». I have to say it had the ambiance of a historic greasy spoon, very nostalgic. The service was outstanding. I chose the beef and noodles, after seeing it made on the show? I had to. While it was good? The noodles tasted mass manufactured and not home made, they were universal size and texture. However the meal still tasted good, but was just not spectacular. Of those dining with me, another chose the chicken livers– while not a choice ever for me, she felt they were outstanding and made perfectly. Now, I would definitely go back– but next time it’s for a burger– so many passed by us on their way to being served to someone — they look and smell amazing going by!

It’s certainly historic, but for me overrated. Not because it’s a diner. I love diners! I have tried to like the food, but I just don’t think it’s that good. My next statement is about to be the epitomy of blasphemy. I don’t think the tenderloin is that good. I think everyone should try the place at least once and decide for themselves.

My colleagues and I order from the Steer Inn from time to time and have it delivered to work (so awesome that they deliver, but a warning it could be 30 minutes or it could be 2 hours. The delivery is kinda funky) I’ve never actually been in the restaurant so I can’t comment on the décor, cleanliness, or service. I’ve ordered several things from here and they were all decent. The pizza is really good and the sausage is real deal Italian. I’m guessing from the amount of spices in it they might make it in house. (I have no idea though) The tenderloin sandwich is good but its a thick cut. If you like thin-​ish tenderloins then you may not favor this one. The fish sandwich is a big boy too. All in all they have great diner food.

Whatever you want, they have it.
Our service was awesome. The girl was super friendly and pointed us in the right direction. She told us they were voted best tenderloin in Indy several times by Nuvo, so that was an instant no-​brainer.
The food was great! It’s pretty typical diner-​type food, but you can’t go wrong here. It will always be fresh and plentiful.

Well, I was fortunate enough to catch a free lunch here with an associate of mine as he claimed to eat there very regularly.
The seat yourself setup was nice as I hate to wait, the local knows everyone staff made it comfortable and the amount of food you get for the amount of money is great. They feature all day breakfast and have daily/​weekly specials.
I had a briquet sandwich that was pretty tasty but the fries and pickle weren’t up my alley.
It’s been there forever and has a good vibe.
Swing your horses round and plop down for a chaw!

After my first swim workout in more years than I’d care to admit and since I hadn’t eaten all day, I decided to try this diner that a good friend kept raving about. She wasn’t wrong and I wasn’t disappointed! (Cancelled out the workout though)
I tried their specialty burger of the day: the A-​1 Barnyard Burger, topped with A-​1, cheddar cheese and grilled onions and mushrooms. The burger was supposed to come with bacon and when I asked for the mushrooms instead, I was told they don’t allow substitutions without additional charge on the daily specials. I understood and said that I would take it as is, but when the waitress brought it out, she said she had asked for a special favor and I got the no bacon, sub mushrooms at no extra charge. How nice!
Specialty had unlimited fries, which I didn’t need; one side order was plenty. Fries were good, crinkle cut and meaty, not overly salty. I did hear the waitress tell the table behind me that if they wanted the fries to be crispier, she would have the kitchen make another batch. Again, how nice!
I came in around 5 on a Sunday and they were pretty busy. Obviously a popular place! My food came out quickly though and the service was not lacking. In fact, when additional parties came in and I could tell my waitress was busy, she still remained attentive and apologized for not getting me a check right away even though I was more than happy to let her get drinks to a large party first and told her not worry about me.
Apparently the coconut crème pie is a popular seller and made in house. As it is my favorite kind of pie, I got a piece to go and it was super delicious. Looks like I’m headed back to gym again tomorrow.
Diner looks about like what you would expect, 70s style décor but clean. I’m definitely going back to try their homemade beef and noodles and I think this is now my favorite diner in Indy.

The Steer-​In is «The Pride of the Eastside» for sure. My middle schoolers were appalled by the fact that I had taught in the neighborhood for over a year and a half and had never eaten at one of their favorite restaurants. When I told them I was doing carry-​out for lunch that day, they literally cheered.
Prior to my lunch, I reviewed Food Network’s Diners, Drive-​Ins, and Dives video clip where Guy visited the Steer-​In, and it was pretty clear what I needed to order: beef ‘n noodles. With so much TLC that goes into one dish, how could I not? One bite in, I was sure glad I did: tender chunks of beef, homemade noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, thick savory brown gravy… there’s a lot of Hoosier love (and carbs) on that plate, like your mom whipped it up for Sunday Supper. I can see why this place is so loved by the community with its homegrown recipes, filling portions, and reasonable prices.
All in all, a great place to bust a gut.