We're Open Indy: Restaurants to order celebratory dinners from during COVID-19 shutdown

INDIANAPOLIS — Celebrating much of anything in the midst of a global pandemic can feel more like a daunting task.

Birthday parties, anniversary dinners out, and baby showers are impossible while practicing responsible social distancing.

But whatever reason you have to celebrate life — the aforementioned traditions, a promotion, simply treating yourself, etc. — you shouldn't feel guilty.

Here's a list of influential restaurants in Indianapolis still serving meals that are sure to help you celebrate the occasion.

Beholder

This near east side fine eatery specializes in wine and gourmet meals.

Beholder has only been open for a little under two years, but quickly gained national recognition with accolades from the likes of "Food and Wine," "Eater," and, recently, named as a James Beard semifinalist for its Outstanding Wine Program.

Owners, Jonathan Brooks and Josh Mazanowski, are eminent figures in the Indianapolis food and wine scene. The wine list is curated by Mazanowski, a sommelier, and the menu by Brooks, head chef.

Beholder's menu has changed around since the stay-at-home executive order, but they are still open for carry-out and recommend calling ahead.

Bluebeard

Bluebeard is another 2020 James Beard semifinalist in Indianapolis, as their head chef Abbi Merriss was nominated for the Best Chef in the midwest — for the fifth consecutive year.

The trendy restaurant situated in the Fletcher Place neighborhood serves craft cocktails and farm-to-table shared plates.

Their menu and service hours have changed since COVID-19 crisis struck the restaurant industry, but if you're at the hand of Merriss, you're bound for a delectable meal to celebrate.

Harry & Izzy's

Looking for a prime steak dinner?

St. Elmo Steakhouse's sister restaurant is open and ready for curbside pick-up.

Harry & Izzy's on the north side of Indianapolis is offering uncooked meats in various cuts, the famous shrimp cocktail sauce and other entree and sides.

The upscale American grill is taking orders anytime, but the pick days are only on Wednesdays and Fridays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Huse Culinary, Harry & Izzy's and St. Elmo's parent company, is also giving back to the local community. The Huse Culinary team donated 225 lunches for IU Health nurses and first responders late last weekend.

Mimi Blue Meatballs

Mimi Blue Meatballs is a one-stop shop for all things brunch and dinner.

The meatball deluxe restaurant is still offering its full menu for carry-out or delivery.

Through apps like UberEats, DoorDash and GrubHub, guests can order from any three of their Indianapolis locations on Mass Ave, the Fashion Mall or in Carmel.

Mimi Blue is also offering a meal suitable for four people for $29.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

Both carry-out and delivery are available from this national steakhouse chain.

Ruth's Chris on Indy's north side and downtown is still offering a full menu, sure to please any fine dining needs you're seeking.

OAKLEYS bistro

OAKLEYS bistro on the northwest side of Indianapolis, near 86th Street and Ditch Road, is known for its adventurous American cuisine that pleases both the eye and the pallet.

But, perhaps, the fine-dining establishment is more known for its owner and Chef, Steve Oakley.

Oakley is another James Beard award semifinalist (2018), who has an evident passion for food and the overall dining experience.

OAKLEYS is available for curbside pickup and delivery on UberEats.

Spoke & Steele

Downtown Indianapolis's Spoke & Steele is offering a lunch, dinner and market menu that they change by the week.

Currently, the menu can feed four people for $49.

The locally sourced and new American kitchen is ran by one of the most prominent chefs in Indy's culinary world, Erin Gillum.

Gillum is the executive chef for the kitchen inside of the Le Meridian hotel and was a competitor in the World Food Championships this year.

Weber Grill

The restaurant known for "classic grilling" is doing curbside pick-up and delivery for lunch and dinner.

Weber Grill is offering a "grilling at home" pack that comes with meat, seasoning, and a YouTube video link that guides you through cooking the meal.

The restaurant is also offering a "romantic dinner for two" deal for $35. Wine and beer are also available through DoorDash and GrubHub.

Don't forget that some bakeries are still open for cakes of any celebration, like Classic Cakes in Carmel.

And, of course, dozens of other restaurants in the Indianapolis-area are open for take-out and delivery. You can find that list here.

Did we miss one you feel deserves to be on this list? Email Shakkira Harris, real-time digital content editor, at shakkira.harris@wrtv.com.