Honky-tonk restaurant, music venue coming to near-south side

A restaurant and music venue that is set to replace the Ice House Bar & Grill on the near-south side of Indianapolis plans to open March 24.

Former Sun King Brewery production manager Dustin Boyer said he hopes to establish a "new Indiana honky-tonk tradition" with the opening of Duke's Indy at 2352 West St., between Raymond Street and Troy Avenue.

Duke's will take over the building that Ice House occupied for 34 years before closing late last year after the owner failed to find a buyer for the business.

Duke’s, named for Boyer’s grandfather Hayes “Duke” Boyer, plans to feature live traditional country music every Saturday night by one of several rotating house bands, including the Round Ups, Hank Haggard, RP & the Wurlitzers, The Constitution, Stockwell Road and others.

Boyer also plans to offer concerts during the week from regional and national acts. Those shows will be ticketed events of various prices.

The first show on Duke’s schedule is a March 24 performance by the Chevy Downs Band. Tickets are $8 each via Ticketfly.com.

“I wasn’t sure I could find a space with the right history and feel for Duke’s,” said Boyer in a written statement. “Being able to revive the former Ice House, and create a place to enjoy the music I love, is a privilege.”

Full food service at Duke's begins in early April. The establishment will serve lunch sandwiches and comfort food including kolaches, fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Duke’s will serve a limited selection of menu items after 5 p.m., and its menu becomes fried-chicken-only on weekends.