Themed Dining Series~
Tucked inside Terre Haute’s downtown revival is one of the best steakhouses you’ll find in Indiana.
Owner Gary Richards’ steakhouse in Terre Haute stands out from the rest in a dramatic way. The Stables Steakhouse is just what it says, a steakhouse in a brewery’s horse stable, though certainly cleaned up, thankfully. In fact, from its humble exterior, customers enter into rustic and rich luxury oozing from every corner.
Of great interest is the brewery cart (without a horse), complete with beer tank, in the entry (originally built in 1890, the stables in this original barn housed horses used to deliver beer by the Terre Haute Brewing Company). Further inside, the dark red zinfandel-stained wood lends quite a fine feel and blends amazingly and seamlessly with the earthiness of the theme that still shines through. The many roomy former horse stalls, most of which hold two tables, lend privacy for conversation as well as magnificent visual interest during the walk to and from the entry area. The ceiling in the main dining room is original poplar, and a number of exposed poplar beams, one spanning 40 feet in length, envelop in a natural warmth. And it’s hard to miss the spectacular 15-1/2 foot stained glass window in the main foyer, from Indiana’s Statehouse, that includes original porcelain. The Grand Staircase leads to the second floor, once a hay loft, where the Grand Banquet Hall, seating up to 200 people, can be booked for large or small gatherings.
Other decorative touches, imaginative additions to the usual fine steakhouse menu, excellent service and a large bar complete the picture. Be sure to try the delicious bourbon bread pudding and sample a wine from their large cellar, or one of a significant list of local and other beers. In fact, Stables Steakhouse offers the area’s largest selection of fine liquors and over 90 varieties of wine, to compliment hand-picked and hand-cut steak or seafood entrees.
General Manager Ike Vickery says whatever they can do to enhance the customer’s experience, they will. “We’re all about customer service,” he explains. People travel from across the region to experience it. “Indianapolis people used to go to St. Elmo, now they come here,” he says.
Live jazz every Friday and Saturday nights rounds out the fine dining experience in what has become a crown jewel in downtown Terre Haute.
Stables Steakhouse
939 Poplar St. • Terre Haute
(812) 232-6677 • Stablessteakhouse.com
