NEW IN TOWN: The Night Porter

Licorice-stick red and jet black are the dominant hues at The Night Porter (921 Broad Ripple Ave., 317-253-5252), a new rock bar/restaurant in the former La Jolla space in Broad Ripple. It is the ideal spot for a beer-guzzling, music-loving crowd. Partner Steve Markoff had a vision to open a laid-back, music-centric place like the spots he frequented in his old Los Angeles neighborhood. As the creative director for Tour Design Creative/Live Nation, he has turned the location into a shrine to his favorite musicians. The walls are adorned with 75 framed concert posters. Beneath the bar, large black-and-white screen-printed murals (created by local artist Aaron Scamihorn) showcase the biggest rock stars from the 1950s to now.

For fare, a one-page menu holds no surprises, featuring burgers, fried dill chips, and fries. But it’s creatively presented with a customizable “fill out and hand in” menu for grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers. We chowed down on a grilled cheese on sourdough with mozzarella, pulled pork, and mac ‘n’ cheese. In warmer months, when the expansive deck is open, Markoff plans to extend the menu to include more options (possibly brunch). You remember that deck, don’t you? Now, you won’t have to choke down stale tortilla chips and watered-down margaritas just to enjoy it.