The story
Sullivan's Steakhouse on East 86th Street in Indianapolis delivers what a great steakhouse should: hand-cut prime steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails served in a room where classic interiors and live jazz set the tone. The combination has earned the restaurant a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence — recognition that reflects genuine depth and care in how the wine program is built and maintained.
The feel here is one of comfortable familiarity. As the restaurant puts it, "whether you're a first-timer or one of our regulars, you'll love the familiar feeling that comes with dining at Sullivan's." That warmth is deliberate, and it shows in the details.
Wine is taken seriously enough to warrant its own membership tier. The Wine Locker program gives members a 15% discount on bottles and cases stored on-site, a 10% discount on wines ordered by the bottle during dinner, and a personalized locker nameplate with a customized tasting journal. Members receive first selection on premier bottles and invitations to exclusive events — a structure that suits regulars who want their favorites ready and waiting when they arrive. It's the kind of program that earns a Wine Spectator nod by doing the fundamentals well and then going further.
The steakhouse and seafood menu is the anchor, but Sullivan's extends its reach in several directions. A recurring Chef Selections four-course menu for two offers an accessible entry point into the full fine dining experience. Live music performances are a regular fixture, keeping the dining room lively without overshadowing conversation.
For groups, private and semi-private dining rooms come with dedicated event coordinators who handle planning and personalization. The catering operation can also bring the Sullivan's experience off-site entirely — same menu, different venue.
Sullivan's is part of the Dividend Restaurant Group, operating locations across the country, but the Indianapolis address on E. 86th Street carries its own identity: a proper steakhouse and seafood table with a wine list that stands up to scrutiny.
Recognition
Ambience
Location