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! read more

Oldest blues lounge bar in Michigan! I loved the vibe in here. It was a $10 cover to get in and they had live blues music. I ordered their famous long island iced tea and it was super strong. We had to wait awhile for the music to start back up again because it seemed like they had just gone on break when we got there. We only stayed for a few songs when they started to play again since we were getting pretty tired. The guys in the band were a lot of fun, and one of the singers was really good at interacting with the small crowd that night. I laughed so much when he called a few men (including my bf) to go up and dance with him. read more

Raven Lounge & Restaurant - American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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Wonderful customer service and great musicians! Definitely would return for a drink and the band. Space could use updates but if more people patronize I'm sure the improvements will be done. Security walked us to our car. read more

Raven Lounge & Restaurant - Live band - American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

World class hospitality, incredible music, an essential stop in Detroit! Can't wait to come back

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! read more

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

Great vibe, great music, but the staff is the best anywhere. Once you come in, you're family. Take a chance on this gem.

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

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. read more

My date and I took a turn at the DIA on a Friday night and decided to drop in at the Raven Lounge on Chene Street. Great burger, even better Mac and Cheese and great blues. It was one of those cold nights in Detroit when you don't know what the weather will do but upon leving we found that it had snowed and a fairly large snow drift had formed across the sidewalk. She has a bit of a medical problem which leaves her somewhat unsteady and in the cold she stumbled and was on her way down when out of nowhere two air of hands appeared and caught her. The prety girl at the door had followed us out to check on us and the talented bass player was also lending a hand. With there assisance we kept my date from injury and she made it to the car without further difficulty thanks to our unexpected but welcom assistants. Tommy, I love you place and have enjoyed it for years. As a patron I neve felt more appreciated than that night in the snow. I know you set the tone and thanks to you and your caring staff for looking after us. Thanks, Adrian 8 read more

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. read more

Raven Lounge & Restaurant - a bar with bottles of alcohol - American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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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. read more

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. read more

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! read more

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The live music is a cool. Both waitresses services were very poor. Small portions of food perch basket consist of 2 small pieces of perch, french fries and a slice of bread cut in half for $8.50 so small pieces put them together and it could have made 1 regular piece of fish. The adult beverages were on point. When asked for water never received it. read more

I went about two years ago on a night I didn't know was a birthday celebration for the owner, so to say I was a little under-dressed for the occasion is an understatement. But the folks who run the place seemed psyched to have me join the party, and there was a crazy delicious buffet at midnight. Awesome music and a really awesome vibe inside. I long to go back. read more

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! read more

Raven Lounge & Restaurant - a sign for raven lounge - American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

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5 stars for the friendliness, cold beer, straightforward tunes, and great staff. And the food is pretty decent (and it's the kind of place where the waitress is likely to give you a straight answer about what's good on the menu and you should probably trust her). As others have said, it feels kind of like being in a time warp, but that's what makes it the Raven. read more

I'm with Dan. Actually, I was literally with Dan & company the evening he's written about, and it was one of the highlights of the night to watch that band. It's not too often in my life that I get to see/hear guys busting out "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now" live, but I couldn't have been more happy at the exact moment where I realized what song it was. The crew here did indeed have a solid handle on a whole spectrum of funk (can you call that song funk-disco?) to R&B. I was a bit low on funds, so just had one drink and one beer, but I'll be back to try the food, for sure. It's an unassuming front, but once you're inside, the staff is super-friendly and down to earth, and though this spot's never been on my live-music radar previously, I'm so glad to know about it now... read more

We had so much fun here friday night! The band was great, the singer Joyce was super engaging and the staff is all so friendly! My aunt and uncle come here frequently, but this was our first visit and I'm so glad we joined them! Our server always kept our glasses full and we truly had a wonderful time. The place is a bit divey, but clean- including the bathrooms. And the food smelled fantastic! I wished I hadn't ate so much at dinner before showing up because I really wanted to try some wings and mac n cheese. I'll have to plan on that next time we make it back to Detroit, because next trip will definitely include a trip to the Raven as well! Note: they do charge a $5 cover, which is completely reasonable since a live band, but be sure to have some cash on you to get in. Using a card for food & drinks is fine though. read more

Went here to celebrate a birthday on a Friday night with about 15 other friends, and it was a fantastic experience. The fried chicken is a must, Kathy (our bartender) was so friendly and attentive, and Tommy (owner) was incredibly accommodating - personally rearranging tables so we were comfortable to talk and watch the music. The music speaks for itself. You're truly missing out if you overlook Raven Lounge. read more

Just go. From the minute you walk in you'll be greeted by the nicest people - the door guy, the waitress, guests. And the music is phenomenal. Why isn't there a line down the street? Oh and I didn't order much food but the fries were to die for and I suspect that everything else is there too. This is a legit Detroit spot and I'm not sure you can claim to have experienced Detroit without stopping here. Just go! read more

Raven Lounge & Restaurant - a band on stage - American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

Staying local in this old-school Motown joint. It was good. You gotta drive through some really desolate hoods to get there. But once there, it's like an oasis of local talent. The city council was there he night I was there. Be sure to say hi to tommy, the owner read more

Raven Lounge & Restaurant - a neon sign for raven lounge - American Near Me - Detroit, Michigan

loved the place. i felt like a regular within minutes of being there, very friendly staff, band and patrons. food looked great, and i will def try it on next visit. i did not think it was cheap, which surprised me, based on the other reviews. drinks were served in tiny glasses, and there was a $5 cover. loved the atmosphere. I was surprised how geographically easy it was to get to, just exited warren and headed toward chene...and pretty much it was right there. read more

Good place in a iconic isolated neighborhood. Nice resident performers and friendly staff. The locals who I suspect many are regulars are also friendly welcoming crowd . It doesn't get much more authentic and MOTOWN than Raven Lounge. read more

I loved this place! Great music, great atmosphere, awesome people. I can't say I was a fan of the food. Next time, I won't go hungry but I highly recommend it for the entertainment. I stumbled upon this place by accident and I'm glad I discovered it. The neighbhorhood felt a little desolate but didn't have any issues. read more

What a total shame. Paid the $8 cover charge. Got some great jazz/blues/funk. Having a great time. Waitress said $7 special for large long Island iced tea. Got 4 of them and a few other things. Soon after closing time comes and we are lefr with a huge bill that didn't add up. Doubled the price of the special and denied she told us that price. Manager backed her up. Lied to us. Really loved this place until the deceitful end. Will never be back. read more

The oldest blues bar in Michigan does not dissapoint. My favorite place whenever I come to the D. The food is iconic and thr music is amazing. I feel like everytime there's so many old Motown musicians and background singers that just show up and jam, i should be paying for a concert. Everything is love read more

Cool spot! Food was awesome and cheap, the drinks nice and strong. Great place to meet up with friends and hear some sweet music. You definitely want to hit up the Raven! read more

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If you like blues, this is the place to be. The music was certainly top shelf. The venue is really nothing special as far as the decor goes, really,it's a step back into the 60's. The music made up for that in a hurry. There was a $5 cover (bring cash) and the drinks were about $5-6, not too high. The group they featured were two gals who go by the name of Lei Lani & the Triple Impact Band. They were a combo of R&B,Jazz,Blues and Pop. Something for everyone. Our group did not order food, although the food items on the menu like perch, collards and fried chicken may warrant a dinner visit sometime soon. I must say this was one of the friendliest bars I've ever been to, as the owner came over to introduce himself and the staff members and musicians were very friendly as well! Check out LeiLani on you tube@ www.youtube.com/leilanir&bsingers to see an example of their music. They were fabulous and everyone was up dancing all the evening. I will certainly return for more! read more

Too legit. Whether it's the stiff pour, fried catfish, or of course the incredible music, your guaranteed to have a great time. Don't be shy, go to Raven's this weekend! read more

If you like the blues and making new friends this is the place for you. Everyone is very friendly and you can start a conversation with pretty much anyone including the owners who introduce themselves to everyone and take care of everything. Thursday is a jam night where you can bring your instruments or get up with the band and play so much fun. read more

Had such a great time here. We didn't have anything to eat, but drinks were plentiful and the music was SO good. Definitely planning to go there again very soon! read more

First time frequenting this establishment and it will be the last. Never have I experienced such unprofessional and rudeness from the staff and owner over WHEN I should order a 3.00 drink. The property is old, atmosphere archaic and the music at best was mediocre and amateur. Detroit is on the upswing, the comeback of all times, but this establishment truly ISN'T a representation of Detroit's finest! It is dubbed Detroit's oldest blues bar, but you'd do better to put a blue light in your own basement and turn on Sirrus!! read more

I came here for the first time and absolutely loved it! If you live in Ann Arbor or nearby, give it a try. The two hearted soup was amazing (soup of the day). We ordered some appetizers, they were good. The music was on point- nice place to go for dinner and a couple drinks. read more

We usually hit the Raven after our (roughly) quarterly Hamtramck tours. The Raven generally doesn't open until the early evening so we usually have dinner at another favorite down the street, The Polish Yacht Club, AKA The Ivanoe Cafe. It's great to see the Raven still hittin' it on Chene St. I think it's destined to be the last holdout from a bygone era on that stretch of urban dysfunction. Thank God for Bossman and his crew who keep the place neat, clean and orderly. Also met his son Oronde (probably spelled it wrong). It's a good-sized venue and not at all cramped like Baker's can be. The band was good: I think it was The Nice Band the last couple times we've been there and they were pretty funky compared to the usual stuff you get to hear live for just a five buck cover. Hospitality was great and the fact that we were all strapped notwithstanding, we didn't feel uncomfortable exiting the place after close, as Bossman's crew had the outside perimeter together no problem. Cars were secure and a couple bucks tip to the outside "attendant" got my windows swept regularly with a broom while the snow accumulated. There are very few neighborhood joints like this left in our once grand city. Please patronize the mom and pop owner-operator before you feed the slots downtown. read more

Mr Tommy Stevens, the owner of the Raven, is a legend. He was kind enough to say hello and call us out as what he claimed were the first New Zealand visitors to the club (which I am sure is not true). He and the club feature in the Detroit documentary Detropia and he is as optimistic now as he was then, even more so. The music at the atmosphere are authentic and excellent. Mr Stevens tracks the best local musicians and gives them a great venue to play in. He would readily acknowledge that you go for the music and the vibe not necessarily the food. It is a wonderful place and more evidence of "the real Detroit". read more

I've seen a few blues shows at the Raven and always had a great time. It's a good place to hear some live music and I like their beer selection. And they have pretty good food too. So all in all, a good place to spend a night out where you get live tunes, good beer and tasty food too! read more

Enjoyed the live music, Mac & cheese and Blue Muthafucka (drink:) AND the customer service was EXCELLENT!

Don't Judge a Book By It's Cover- This is the place to be! I had a birthday get together here and invited 20 of my favorite people (friends & family) everyone had a Blast! The Nyce Band played their hearts out until the very end and treated the audience like we had known them forever. I would recommend The Raven Lounge, now it's my #1place to go for good music, food and very nice people. read more