Raven Lounge & Restaurant

Good food, service, drinks and atmosphere! Bar is limited so be prepared for the basics! Can't go wrong with Long Islands! Best of all is the best down home blues that make you feel real good! Will be back when the feeling hits me! On a Saturday night when I didn't want to go out, I'm so glad I did!

Very cool vibe LOVED the music Lots of Jazz in the city but not a lot of blues clubs going back tonight with my daughters

They really should change their name to Detroit House of Blues, IMHO, because that's what they are. Wow - the talented musicians and singers in there just blew us away. Random people from the audience just got up and started singing - its like the most talented artists in Detroit come here to let loose and be talented together. We wanted to come back again on the Sunday night but they are only open Fridays and Saturdays on the weekend.The staff were so welcoming and let us know about great sights to check out while we were in town.Definitely want to make the drive back and visit again if gas prices ever go back down : )Highly recommended.

We were greeted by a hostess who told us there was a $10 cover. She was warm and friendly and directed is to sit where we wanted. The ambiance was everything I expected it to be from a blues bar this old. It has none of the modern adornments, but I was really only there for the music. The neighborhood to some may be offputting, this place is definitely not in the touristy area of the city, but is safe. Keep your witts about you, use common sense, don't leave any items in your car in plain site, that might invite a would be thief.This is one of two places that you can listen to blues in Detroit on a regular basis, and the house band doesn't disappoint. The drinks are cold and strong enough to get you where you want to go, don't expect any of the fancy new drinks, unless you feel like coaching the bartenders. Stick to the basics and you won't be disappointed. The fried chicken was good, but to be honest I expected better. The menu is a mix of bar food and should food and even includes chitterlings for the daring.The overall experience didn't disappoint, we had a lot of fun. We will be back!

You are missing out if you have not been to the Raven! If you are visiting or live in Detroit, check this place out. Best fried shrimp I've ever had and the most amazing Mac and Cheese, super cheesy. Food was hot and fresh and smells wonderful, so what I'm saying is come hungry!! Food is also very reasonably priced. The drinks were great, nice and strong with a huge selection. Servers, bar tenders, everyone was super friendly and will make you feel very welcome. Live music here so there is a $8 cover but it is completely worth it. (You can use credit cards once inside) You can sit and enjoy the band or make it even more fun and get up and dance. I had a wonderful time and honestly, can you really put a price on a great night out?! Go, you'll be glad you did.

How could a place be open for over fifty years, and not have a single review on Yelp? I've been to the Raven Lounge three times. Unlike the shards of a burnt-out house right across Farnsworth, this place seems to always be bustling.I learned the history of the place from the laser-printed menu featuring Microsoft Word Art. Let me share that with you:"For over fifty years the Raven Lounge and Restaurant has been the social hub for many of Detroit's and suburb's finest educators, managers, police officers, medical personnel, social workers, automobile employers and employees, city and county employees, postal workers, coaches, and many others... our customers penned our motto, 'the best blues in town is at the Raven Lounge.'"My traveling companion and I sampled the White Label whiskey, baked potato, the perch, and the Raven burger. That still left such things as a catfish dinner, mac & cheese, chitterlings, t-bone steak, and collard greens as yet untasted. Musically, the blues tend to lean a bit heavily towards contemporary R & B, but reputedly Friday nights tend to be more old-fashioned.But, it's in the hospitality department where this joint reigns king.On our first visit, the owner, the "Bossman of the Blues," greeted me. "Good to see you again." He must have been thinking of the other white patron to visit this club. Do we all look alike?"I don't know you," I told him. "This is my first time here!""Oh," he responded. "I'll go get the DJ to announce you. What are your names?"As the band wound down its set with "Just My Imagination," the DJ says, "Everybody welcome Rob and Gwen. From Chicago!" We shyly lifted up our hands. Everyone in the club- literally everyone, turned and applauded.Second visit. "From the East Side... From the West Side... From Chicago!" announced the DJ. "Rob and Gwen are back. We're adopting you. You've been adopted!"Being an adoptee may sound like a privilege, but it came with real responsibilities."Rob and Gwen! Come back to the dance floor!" We thought it was an optional request, but then after the next song, "Rob and Gwen! Come back to the dance floor!" Okay, he had a point. Good times to be had on the dance floor.Third visit, mid-December, and "it's already colder than a penguin's ass" according to the DJ. Not inside the Raven. "We're gonna take the roof off this place right now. And then put it right back on." It was somebody's birthday, plates full of mac and cheese, wings, potatoes. "When the funk hits the fan, bring chitlins and hams!" More good times.

I had the most fun at this place than I've had anywhere else in a long time! The music was incredible, the band (Nyce) was tight. The people were super friendly, making us feel welcome from the minute we stepped in the door. Didn't get a chance to sample the food, as this was a late night stop for us for a drink and some tunes. I plan to return to try the food, though. If you appreciate great music, this Detroit landmark is the place to go. Loved it!

This is definitely a very laid back spot in the urban community. I was encouraged by the reviews and wanted to spend my birthday listening to live music. WOW! I have been blown away by this hidden gem. It's affordable and according to my guests the drinks were a hit too! We were pleased! Thanks to the owners for their hospitality!

The minute I walked in I was greeted with open arms, I'm already in love with this place, the folks running the place also the patrons are awesome, and the music hasn't even started yet. I wish Portland oregon had places like this still. I will most definitely be back.

Great history here and the jazz music band was so professional! Slightly loud, but tolerable. Delicious wings!!