Daddy Jack's
9419 N Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 843-1609

Reviewed by Kyle Potvin

One thing about traveling throughout the United States as a result of your career is that you get the opportunity to dine out quite a bit. During the first 5 years of my career, I spent a lot of time in Indiana. This may seem to some as not that glamorous, but Indiana is actually a nice place to spend time. Without exception, every time I find myself overnighting in Indianapolis, I eat at Daddy Jack's.

Daddy Jack's isn't easy to find. It is located in a strip mall just south of interstate 465 on Meridian Street. Nothing about its appearance stands out. In fact, it is somewhat of an accident that I ever ate there at all. A colleague of mine got stranded on the north side of the city and was directed to the place almost solely for the reason that it was the closest restaurant where he could get a steak. After that meal, he made me take him there again during our next visit to the city. I have been a better person ever since.

The restaurant exudes the aura of a 1930's lounge. It is dark inside, with green lighting and dark wood furniture similar to that found in old pool halls. The spirits are poured from behind a large "L" shaped bar that is located in the center of the room and takes up nearly half of the main seating area. The walls are adorned with autographed caricatures of famous athletes that at any given time played professional sports in the city. And at five o'clock on a Friday evening, the place is packed with people and conversations ranging from finance to the Pacers.

Every time I sit down for a meal at Daddy Jack's, I order a filet. This is a tradition for me that has now spanned nearly 9 years. I haven't eaten any other item on their menu. This is truly one of the finest steaks I have ever eaten. To qualify this even further, I sometimes have to wait more than a year before I have the opportunity to feast here, and even with this built up anticipation, the steak doesn't even remotely disappoint.

I don't see my colleague very often anymore. However, each time I get the pleasure of spending money at Daddy Jack's I always take the time to grab a matchbook, toothpick, and a mint on the way out the door and send it to him in the mail. This also has become part of the tradition. If you ever have the opportunity to eat a meal in Indianapolis, I highly recommend you start a tradition of your own.