When brothers Phil and Skip Verschoor opened the original Phil’s Pub on 18th and Minnesota in 1979, there were no plans to feature live music. It was a small neighborhood tavern, a hangout for blue collar workers to sip a few cold beers after a long day at work.

Some time in the mid-80s, though, Rich Show stopped in one night to chat about letting his band No Direction play. Bands that played original music in this town had a hard time finding venues during this time period, so Show sought out non-traditional locations. The Verschoor brothers decided to give it a shot, and it was such a success that they began booking other bands such as Ill Bill & the Spinal Chills and Search For George.

In December 1989, Phil’s moved to their legendary location - 106 S. Indiana. As this was a bigger location, the brothers decided to focus on live music. Phil credits his brother for shouldering the responsibilities. “Skip booked most of the bands. I couldn’t have done it without him.” Almost every 90s local band that played original music played at Phil’s at some point, including Closet Monster, Violet, 12 ½ Charlies, Cartwright Brothers, Janitor Bob & The Armchair Cowboys, and Spooncat

Skip passed away in 2012, and Phil closed the doors around the same time. A “new” Phil’s Pub recently opened at the S. Indiana location, and the new owners have brought live music back to everyone’s favorite rock and roll club!

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