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The new digs for former downtowner The Red Eye (1904 Broad Ripple Ave., 602-5500) may be a tad too far to stumble for the
after-last-call crowd on Broad Ripple Avenue, but getting there requires only a short ride with a designated driver.
Taking over the former site of the Tin Star, The Red Eye acknowledges its roots with a hand-breaded tenderloin ($6.99, grilled
or breaded) that the menu calls “huge.” This one, though, was a kid’s meal compared to others that boast
of their bigness. Not every tenderloin has to be a plate-tipper, of course, but this relatively diminutive one got lost in
the crunchy fried coating. The onion rings (a $1.99 upgrade to any sandwich), however, were stellar, ranging from single-bite
end pieces to handcuff-sized monsters, all tempura battered.
Breakfast is an ample highlight anytime at the 24-hour Red Eye. (IBJ Photo/ Perry Reichanadter)
Thick French toast—on bread from nearby Breadsmith—was a highlight of the No. 4 Breakfast Combo ($5.99, including
bacon, sausage, eggs). All the omelets, including the well-loaded Red Eye Chili Omelet ($6.99), come sided with flavorful
home fries. Our only complaint was the lack of a good juice selection.
The best of both worlds may be the Breakfast Burger with egg, bacon and cheese ($3.49 for a single). The Red Eye wisely bucked
the trend for bigger and bigger burgers—and bigger and bigger price points—and, instead, offers a smaller disc
with the option to double ($4.49) or triple ($4.99).
Ordering takes place at the counter, but if you are feeling wobbly, take a paper menu to a table and figure things out from
there.•
—Lou Harry
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Second in a month-long series of reviews of red, white and blue eateries.
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