According to co-owner Darren Bean, most patrons of Mirage 38 are age 30 or older, so the bar is relaxed, lacking the rowdy behavior one might see with a younger clientele.
“It’s like a speakeasy for mature adults,” Bean said.
Mirage 38’s menu includes dishes ranging from shrimp cocktail and peppered yellowfin tuna to filet mignon and charcuterie boards. Customers can also enjoy a variety of wine, beer and cocktails, such as an espresso martini.
According to Mousa, the menu is not extensive because quality is prioritized over quantity.
“Everything is made fresh to order, including the pico de gallo on the shrimp cocktail,” Mousa said. “The arugula salad, the potatoes—everything is done on the spot.”
Mousa and Bean have both been in the restaurant industry for decades. When Mousa moved to Houston in 1982, he opened a bar named Chayn’s, where Bean worked as a bartender.
Eventually, Mousa sold Chayn’s, but he and Bean opened a new venture together in June 2021.
Mousa said he used details from his personal life to concoct the name of his current business.
“Mirage is a subdivision back here that I live in, and 38 years ago, I opened Chayn’s,” Mousa said.
Even though Mousa and Bean have been involved with other restaurants and bars, Bean said Mirage 38 stands apart.
“I think the biggest key to success is not only the quality of the food, the drinks, the service, but we’re here,” Bean said. “I take one night off a week. [Mousa] has taken one night off since we’ve opened.”
Mousa said being involved with day-to-day operations is important to Mirage 38’s success.••“We care about the customers,” Mousa said. “We’re fully aware of everything going on.”
Mirage 38
13455 Cutten Road, Ste. 2A, Houston
281-836-6039
www.mirage38.com
Hours: Mon.-Tue. 4-10 p.m., Wed.-Thu. 4-11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.-midnight, closed Sun.
