Anthony’s Chophouse Brings An Upscale Steakhouse Experience to Carmel

Photographer: Michael Durr

Anthony Lazzara has been dreaming of opening his own restaurant in Carmel since 2008. More than a decade later, his dream is becoming a reality.

Anthony’s Chophouse has arrived, bringing an innovative steakhouse and modern take on fine dining to Carmel. But the restaurant wasn’t developed overnight. The project has taken several years of development before opening.

“I went to Ball State where I studied their entrepreneurship program and grew my business plan for the restaurant,” Lazzara says. “I realized it takes a bit more time in the real world to develop something like this.”

Lazzara learned the ropes of the restaurant business at a young age, thanks to his family. If the Lazzara name doesn’t ring a bell, it probably should. The Lazzaras have long left an impact on the city of Carmel. Anthony’s father, Chuck, co-owns the Ritz Charles, while his uncle Joe runs the popular Joe’s Butcher Shop and Joe’s Next Door restaurant.

Anthony says he is excited to take on his own venture as his experiences in the family business have now come full circle. The opportunity certainly isn’t something he is taking for granted.

“It is very humbling to me because I am following in my uncles’ and my dad’s footsteps of the food industry,” Anthony says. “I’m embracing it and enjoying it, but there is a lot to live up to. People are expecting the quality and service that they’ve always received at [my family’s businesses]. I’m very excited about it.”

Anthony grew up in Carmel helping out whenever he got the chance with the family businesses. He is a Carmel High School alum and a Greyhound through and through. As he dreamed of his own restaurant, the idea of bringing it to Carmel was a no-brainer.

“I’ve lived here my whole life,” Anthony says. “Most of my family is here, which has been a good support system. We’ve always been passionate about this city and what the mayor is doing. Carmel has been evolving over the years, and the demographic here is perfect for a steakhouse. We are excited to bring this concept to the north side.”

Anthony’s Chophouse is in an impressive three-story building on W. Main St. The first two floors are reserved for the dining experience, with the second floor included as a mezzanine level that overlooks the first floor. That area will be used for private dining events as well as normal, dining room seating. Anthony says the second floor will serve as a “winter area” when the summer patio is closed.

The second level also features a unique chimney bar that Lazzara saved from the previous Glass Chimney restaurant that occupied the space. The mahogany bar was put back together and redone for a nostalgic feel.

White cloth tables, high ceilings and beautiful brick are just a few of the many modern aesthetics that customers will see when they walk in.

The menu will include upscale food, wine and cocktail options for patrons to enjoy. Anthony is excited for guests to experience the restaurant for the first time.

“People have an expectation of how amazing it is going to be, and I think we will wow them even more than their expectations,” Anthony says. “The finishes, the looks and the views you are going to have, it is breathtaking.”

The third floor will be reserved for a separate restaurant and bar — 3UP. Lazzara’s rooftop bar will have a completely separate entrance and feature a “chef’s playground” menu with smaller plates.

The rooftop bar is a concept that Anthony kept coming across in his travels, and, with the layout of the building, it worked out in the development process to add one.

“I traveled around the country in Europe for a while after college to study wine and see different restaurant concepts,” he says. “It is really an area where a young, up-and-coming chef can show his flavor profiles and play with things up there that might be implemented later in the Chophouse as a dinner, side or appetizer item.

“The rooftop bar will be a totally open-air feel, lounge seating and a great place for people to hang out,” he adds. “In the winter, we will have heaters up there to keep it running.”

The 3UP Rooftop Bar was not fully completed at the time of press but will be opening soon. The rooftop bar will provide a great spot for those looking to simply grab a drink with friends or those waiting to be seated at Anthony’s Chophouse to hang out and enjoy cocktails.

The rooftop will be walk-in, no reservations needed and will be open dinner only 4:30 to 11:00 p.m. Anthony’s Chophouse is open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. includes walk-ins and reservations.

“I want people to mainly know that this is a family restaurant,” Anthony says. “We simply wanted to bring a high-end restaurant, service and a rooftop bar that I feel Carmel has always wanted. For me, it is about giving back to the city that I grew up in. I want to keep that legacy going that my family created in the early 80s of being a part of the Carmel community.”

Anthony’s Chophouse is located at 201 W. Main St. You can visit them online at anthonyschophouse.com for more information.

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