Vibe Out: Phil & Derek’s Restaurant & Jazz Lounge
Written by Nakia Cooper on September 30, 2020
When you pull up the first time to 1701 Webster Street in Houston, Texas, you might not know what you are exactly about to step into. Depending on the time of day, there may be a line outside, the crowds are mixed from millennials to Baby Boomers and you can’t tell if some folks are either coming from church or on their way out to a nightclub. For most businesses, the mixture may be strange, but for this place, it WORKS because people from all ages and walks of life have dubbed Phil & Derek’s Restaurant and Jazz Lounge THE place to be … or simply, THEIR place!
This month, we wanted to get to know more about the Midtown hot spot, so we linked up with the owners, married couple John and Shon Cruise, to find out why everyone should “Vibe Out” with P&D’s.
THE HISTORY
Phil & Derek’s started in a small house in River Oaks 10 years ago under the name Bistro Calet. The menu was traditional French styled food. That didn’t last long. Sales slumped and we had to make a pivot if we were to save the restaurant. We changed the name to Phil & Derek’s Restaurant, then changed the menu to Southern Cajun/Creole styled food and brought in live bands to entertain folks while they ate, danced and sang along to the music. Phil & Derek’s as we know it today was born. Since then, we have been the restaurant for parties and group celebrations, and for people who love live music and great food.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Phil & Derek’s was created with one philosophy in mind. Provide the highest quality food with the best live entertainment that the city produces. For 10 years Phil & Derek’s Restaurant has become known for its Southern and Cajun/Creole style comfort food and live music that includes R&B, Jazz, and Blues genres. We feature local bands and singers every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
THE NEW ‘SPEAKEASY COMEDY LOUNGE’
Laughter is great medicine for the soul. Every Friday and Saturday night we feature live professional comedians that have all been on national stages. The Speakeasy Comedy Lounge is the place in Houston to get the highest quality food and drinks while being entertained by professional comedians that are guaranteed to make you laugh!
FOOD INFLUENCES
Our menu is best described as Southern cuisine with Cajun/Creole influences. We depend on and use the holy trinity (onion, bell pepper, and celery) in many of our menu items. Phil & Derek’s food is always well seasoned and flavorful. We invite you to come in and try some our top-selling menu items such as the Gumbeaux, Voo-Doo Spring Rolls, and our Bayou Catfish.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Our business philosophy is “give the people what they want.” Phil & Derek’s is a place where you can come to have fun your way. We provide different types of live entertainment every week so there is always something happening that you can tap into to break the monotony of dining out. We keep the kitchen open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights. So if you are looking for the best meal after midnight, you definitely must give us a try.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT HOUSTON
I love our diversity in this city! If you like change and are not afraid to step out of your comfort zone, then Houston is the best city for which to live. We are rich in people with various cultures, which enhances our social experiences. You can go out every night of the week and not have the same experience twice if you so choose. Almost every culture on the planet is properly represented here from Hawaiian to Hispanic, or African to Acadian. What we provide at Phil & Derek’s is our version of Black Southern culture from the food to the music and even the people that we employ. We invite everyone to come to our house and enjoy our food and entertainment experience. And YES….OUR STAFF IS MASKED UP AND READY TO SERVE! – John Cruise, Vice President
