It had been years since I’d visited Indianapolis, so when I finally made it back a few weeks ago, it was the perfect opportunity to bring a couple of my radio clients together for an Old Fashioned AF gathering.

First, let’s talk about the restaurant of choice: St. Elmo’s Steak House. It was a favorite stop of mine when I worked this region more regularly. Opened in 1902, St. Elmo’s has been a fixture of the downtown Indianapolis landscape ever since, and I’ve enjoyed some epic meals there over the years.

Yes, St. Elmo’s is known for great steaks, but its shrimp cocktail is the star. They make their own cocktail sauce and load it with horseradish. Some say St. Elmo is the patron saint of clearing out your nasal passages and I’d say those people are 100% correct. Whew. They do not hold back.

My guests for the evening were from Cumulus’ WFMS (95.5). Program Director Brooks O’Brian is an old friend I had not seen in a few years, while Assistant Program Director and Morning Show Host Matt Malone was a first time meet for me.

We did exactly what you are supposed to do at St. Elmo’s: we sat down and ordered cocktails. Brooks and Matt started with Old Fashioneds, while I tried The Signature Elmo Cola, made with St. Elmo Cherry Vanilla Whiskey, Diet Coke, and a few bourbon soaked cherries. It was good, but not quite as good as the Old Fashioned I enjoyed later in the meal.

St. Elmo’s Old Fashioned uses its own Saint Rye, Jerry Thomas bitters, and an orange peel. It’s straightforward, well balanced, and very delicious.

We all started with the signature shrimp cocktail, then moved on to our steaks. With great company, lively conversation, and well made cocktails, it was another memorable stop on my search for the world’s best old fashioned.