Kimbal Musk's Next Door restaurant opens at former Double 8 Foods in Meridian-Kessler

The landmark Meridian-Kessler art deco building that long served as a 7-Eleven and Double 8 Foods grocery on College Avenue debuts May 1 as Kimbal Musk's second farm-to-table restaurant in Indianapolis.

Next Door American Eatery, 4573 N. College Ave., at 46th Street, follows Musk's chef-driven Hedge Row American Bistro, which opened April 3 on Mass Ave.

Double 8 stores get new life: Here's what they are now

More new restaurants: The hottest openings this spring

Although the two restaurants share a devotion to what Musk calls "honest food," simple dishes created using local ingredients, Next Door is a casual, kid-friendly place with lower prices and casual presentations.

Teaching kids about honest food: Indy schools get Kimbal Musk learning gardens

Lunch and dinner bring bowls, burgers, salads, sandwiches and plenty of snacks to share in bright dining rooms, on the patio or at the full-service bar.

Originally a Kroger Market, the building housing Next Door was constructed in the 1920s and designed by Indiana architects Edward Pierre and George Wright.

Musk, brother of Tesla entrepreneur Elon Musk, kept the structure's outdoor design elements in tact and preserved the space's clean interior lines.

The former 7-Eleven sign that once capped the building is part of the decor.

The from-scratch menu, $7 to $15, lists lots of vegan and gluten-free dishes, including the vegan Impossible Burger, that leave you satisfied but not bloated. Many dishes I tried were lightly salted, but salt and pepper shakers are on every table.

Smashed fingerling potatoes, steamed and then fried crispy, were like ultra-thick potato chips. Good luck eating just one. The 50-50 burger, part Indiana beef from Fischer Farms and part cremini mushroom, was as juicy and satisfying as a full-beef burger.

Not every dish I tried was amazing. Spicy, tangy sauce overwhelmed Buffalo chicken bites and kale chips were a little greasy.

Next Door is kid-friendly. Play cornhole on the patio or gather around one of various games you may select from a rolling shelf.

Soak up the sun: Indianapolis restaurants with great outdoor seating

Servers bring a free hummus and veggies snack to young kids as soon as they sit down.

Be a foodie insider: Here's how to find the ultimate Indianapolis eats

Instagramable: Follow Liz Biro's food adventures on Instagram

Follow IndyStar food writer Liz Biro on Twitter: @lizbiro, Instagram: @lizbiro, and on Facebook. Call her at (317) 444-6264.