This is one of my favorite dive bars in all of DC! It has a real home town feel, along with most other places in Mt. Pleasant This is the type of place were you can go to meet a friend for a low key drink or meet up with a group before heading out! Its a great spot to gather and stay or start your night. Drinks are cheap but your choice in wine is literally "white or red", interior isn't anything special, but a good group of friends and a round of drinks can make this place amazing! read more

I love watching people come in here and asking, "what do you have on tap?" And the bartender simply replies, "this is a dive bar, sweetie." They have a decent bottled/canned selection of beer. Cheap liquor. The bartenders are all friendly and awesome. One even tried to give my friend advice on how to approach a girl, which was hilarious. They have a jukebox, so bring some quarters if you're into that. It's cash only, as dive bars usually are. There's a good amount of seating, but the bar is usually packed on Fridays and Saturdays. Not super happening during the week, but that's what makes it so great. During the week, it's a good place to go and wind down. read more

This was my go to bar in mtp - the best dive bar in dc and a classic mtp haunt. Completely unpretentious and great tunes. I appreciate the ample booth seating and the crowds can be interesting. read more

Well, it's not the L'il Pub (or even Tune Inn). And you probably have to go before 8 to avoid being sighed off the jukebox (anyone who prefers "Roxanne" to "My Lover's Prayer" is dead to me; anyone who sighs in my face about it is really treading on thin ice). But Washington is a city with about 1.7 reasonable bars, so up, up and away, to your 4 star perch, little Raven. Very good staff, a few hardy locals who brave the rushing waves of dull folks, drinks at sensible prices. &c., &c. read more

Recently renovated, now with less battered booths and tasteful vintage lighting fixtures. I can understand the impulse, but wish they'd left well enough alone. The Raven was perfect the way it was - the lack of calculation and retro self-consciousness made it the ideal place to go when I needed to turn off my own brain. Here's hoping they haven't scrubbed off the old grime/magic completely. 6/13 UPDATE: The old grime and magic are still there - I was just overreacting ;) read more

The Raven is hip but it's definitely a dive so don't look too close at anything or you might get grossed out. I get the feeling that you wouldn't want to see this place with all the lights on. I love that they have a super nice flat-screen tv and they had The Rockford Files playing. I only know what that show is because of my parents, I swear. They don't have taps but that's ok because you can get CHEAP $3 bottle beers. Good jukebox. Lots to read on the bathroom walls. Cool place to meet up with friends for a night of debauchery. read more

This just became my favorite dive bar in DC. It's been in operation since 1935 and holds much of that history and character while remaining clean (as far as I could tell anyway). The bar keep was friendly. He has a limited drink selection: beer, shots, and maybe some simple mixed drinks. But what you lose in selection you gain in price. All beers are $3-$4. You won't find the newest crafts, but a nice spread including Sierra Nevada, Magic Hat, and DC Brau. An added plus! They have some board games that you can play while you unwind on your $3 beers. read more

I can't speak to the grill part so I'm just gunna talk about The Raven. What you need to know: 1. It's a true dive: Shit's kinda banged up. It looks like a place that should smell like cigarette butts (no smell though) and it's got broken mini jukeboxes at each table (and a working one at the back). Uncomfortable booth seating, unassuming exterior just a few doors from a broken ass building, and a bathroom that has been sufficiently graffitied in every space possible. 2. Two dollar Shlitzes! I don't know why people keep talking about over-priced PBRs? The Shlitzes are 2 bucks. Have them and be merry. 3. It's just a good time to hang out with friends: Come here for a few rounds of Shlitz to start your night off and you'll be ready to roll. Friendly bartenders, friendly clientele and a well-stocked jukebox. Overall, you'll be in for an old fashioned good time. Enjoy. (cash only - ATM) read more

No credit cards, yuppie. Also, good luck finding a seat, or even standing room, on the weekend. This place has apparently been here forever, and it shows. It's decorated it what looks like a random assortment of vintage (or vintage-style) posters without much of a common theme except for the [not-so-]thin veneer of cigarette smoke that accumulated over the years. I think the word that's typically tapped to describe such a place is "dingy," and while I'm not so sure that's the most appropriate description, it comes close. They have a reasonable (and very cheap, for DC) selection of alcohol. I think the last time I was there I was drinking Rolling Rock at something like $2.50/bottle. Considering that I saw a sixpack of Rolling Rock at a convenience store last night for a near-inexplicable $8 (shutting down the tanks at Old Latrobe screwing with your bottom line, Anheuser-Busch?), that's quite an achievement. They also have an awesome jukebox, although if you don't like your local hipster/baristas drunk and awfully belting out every '80s tune you've ever heard and dancing completely awkwardly, you'd better avoid this place when it gets packed. Because if there's one thing that hipsters love, it's belting out '80s tunes and dancing awkwardly. This place has some of the most inventive and extensive bathroom graffiti I've ever seen. There's definitely a huge, long-winded rant written by some yuppie who was pissed off that they don't do tabs and don't accept anything other than cash (immediately followed, of course, by a counter-rant). So, consider this your warning, yuppie: no credit cards and no tabs. But there's a Bank of America next door so you're probably fine. read more

The best bar in Mt. P, hands down. Good cheap drinks. Great selection of tunes. Awesome booths. Usually a pretty good crowd. One star deduction for the lady bartender with major attitude. Get over yourself. read more

My friends and I went here for drinks since we aren't in the Mt. Pleasant area frequently. The cash-only bar reminds me of red derby, but divier, which is okay. That night there was a large group of regulars from the Couchsurfers Society. Anyhow, we found some seats to watch the Olympics and we had a great time drinking our beer and liquor. read more

The Raven is a dive bar on Mount Pleasant Street. It's a great place to have a whiskey after work. It will be interesting to see if the place survives with the smoking ban. GREAT JUKEBOX Why not give it the five star status? Too many hipsters. read more

My favorite dive in DC (so far). The first time I went here, I broke/spilled my drink within 3 minutes of arriving. I was expecting people to give me a hard time because, well, I'm an idiot, but they were surprisingly chill about it. Just asked what I was drinking, immediately gave me a new one, and relocated me to a drier stool :) Seems like everyone takes advantage of their $3 Miller High Life, but I prefer my $4.50 G&T. And I agree about the jukebox! Haven't heard a bad song yet... The Raven, I love you! read more

Hadn't been to the Raven in a while when I was alarmed to hear that it had undergone a renovation. And it has: they've installed an ATM, replaced the boothes so that you no longer get a spring up your butt when you sit in them, put a colored light above each one, and FINALLY mounted the pictures of celebreties who've never even heard of, let alone visited the place, on the walls. But fear not dear readers, the renovation was really nothing more than cosmetic. It remains dark and kinda grungy, Rolling Rocks are still cheap ($3) and there's still Johnny Cash on the juke box. My kinda place. read more

The Raven is a great, local Mount Pleasant spot. They have a decent beer selection, but the best part is just sitting at a table with friends. It is very relaxed and a great place to unwind on a Friday night. They often have old movies playing without sound and many non-functioning jukeboxes. The other thing is that it is never crowded so you feel like you can just enjoy yourself without worrying about dealing with other people, finding a seat, being too loud or other people being too loud. Basically you can enjoy yourself and not worry about anything. Downside is that they only accept cash so make sure to hit the bank before going into the Raven. read more

It's small, it's dark, it's sticky and beer is cheap. Not a bad place at all. I finally made my way out to check out The Raven with some friends this past friday. We got there around 7, and just beat a large group who came in after us. So we were able to grab the long plastic table on the right for us. This place is pretty small, so that was definitely good timing. The beer selection's not bad (no drafts though), and make sure you bring cash! That's all they take there. I just had a bottle of PBR. I stayed for about an hour chatting with my friends and listening to the music we picked on the jukebox. I ended up calling it an early night, but will definitely be back to this wonderful neighborhood dive bar in the near future :) read more

I guess this place is cheap by DC-standards. $4 for a No 9 and I think $3 for a High Life or PBR. After they renovated, I actually kind of missed the sunken in seats and beat up pleather booths. Thank god for the smoking ban; that place was really disgusting when you could smoke in there. It's usually a fun place to go on a week night, but usually a shitshow on the weekends. Weekends are completely packed and the crowd is usually hit-or-miss. There have been too many times that my friends and I have argued with conservative Hill staffers or some other variation of young professional douchebaggery. I'm eager to try out the Grille at some point. I love bags of chips and, if I ever eat meat again, I'll be sure to try out their Slim Jims. read more

A jolly sad establishment to scream and holler and work yourself into a fine lather, but a dismissible dumpster and an unfriendly toilet. Not a fun place to be stuck if you've got a bad case of the runs or need to vomit, lemme tell ya. The bouncers are the size of boll weevils, think they're T-1000, and are about one missed pay check away from moving into their mothers' basement. Distant but caring bartenders, nonetheless. read more

The Raven fulfills the following 5 dive bar criteria: 1. Only three varieties of glassware on the premises: (1) Glasses for beer; (2) Glasses for mixed drinks; (3) Shot glasses 2. In a state of open and obvious disrepair, including only partially completed repairs/renovations that show no signs of ever actually being completed 3. No food except for snacks that come from a vending machine or out of a pickling jar 4. An eclectic cadre of regulars who regard the appearance of irregulars with xenophobic suspicion ("If you had to take a cab here you don't belong here.") 5. A weedy little freak for a doorman read more

Ah yes. A little piece of dive bar in DC. No pearls or blazers here. (Unless it's a blazer worn in a very hip fashion. And vintage.) The Raven brings all the classic elements - dark, crowded and random, to pull together a decidedly hip bar. The long, narrow space means if it's overly crowded, like it was on the night we visited, it's pretty impossible to stand in the aisles without having to move every thirty seconds to let someone by. We finally dove on a departing table and were able to kick back with some very strong rum & Cokes. One standout of 'random kitsch' would be some fake plastic flowers placed around on the wall. . . but when you go, I'm sure you'll notice more dive bar decor. Unless it's too dark. And crowded. read more

Raven is a super-hipster bar on Mt. Pleasant St., which also serves as the local bar for the non-hipster population of Mt. Pleasant. Although I imagine hipsters go here because they live in the area, not because it is a superior establishment. The inside of this crowded narrow ass bar looks like you are in Appalachia, with wooden panel walls and flashing light decorations. No, it is not located off some lonely highway, but at the bottom of an abandoned building and the double glass door entrance to the building has been broken with chains around it for as long as I can recall. This bar only takes cash, and the most common drink ordered seems to be Budweiser. They probably serve Schiltz and Highlife too. I have only been here twice and I'm not even sure they serve food. If you are in the mood for a few quick cheap brews or on the way back from Adams Morgan after a night out, stop in here to observe the chaos. Not a place to go with a large group, as seating is almost non-existent unless you stake a claim early. Often there is barely standing room. read more

The quintessential dive bar. There should be a picture of this place next to the definition of Dive Bar. I love this place though. Not a big fan on Friday and Saturday nights. A little too hipster chic for me, but during the week its a great place to meet some of your neighbors, have a cheap drink and listen to a pretty decent juke box. I still haven't figured out where the "Grill" aspect comes in as I am unaware of food service. This place has an odor that reeks of years gone by when smoking was still allowed and the ceiling tiles have just soaked up the smell which emanates throughout the small bar. It's dark, dank and perfect as is. The old posters of by gone movie stars add to it's novelty along with the booth juke boxes which display oldies but don't play them. The booths and all furniture in the place have a look of being used hard and put away wet. If you're in the neighborhood stop by for a $3.50 bud light a little local feel and some good juke box music. read more

The raven is great for what it is: a dive bar extraordinaire. No food, no fancy credit cards. Straight up good service and cheap drinks. If that's what you're looking for, you'll find that and not much else here. Unless, that is, you happen to find yourself here on New Year's Eve. In which case, you can expect what is likely DC's only no-cover celebration, which included a free midnight glass of cheap brut from a plastic cup and party poppers. I mean, seriously. You can't beat that. read more

Walking into the Raven is like leaving DC through a magical mirror - the polar opposite of everything "DC" is perceived to be rules the roost here. Ok, that's really dramatic and somewhat generous, but I really love the Raven! I've met some great, down to earth people here - and I adore the strongly poured drinks for not-bad prices. Booths are also a superior seating apparatus -- perfect for comfort and conversation. The Mt. Pleasant vibe is definitely unique, and the Raven embodies that in its understated existence. Another perk - 7 Eleven is right across the street to tend to your drunk-ass munchie needs. Anyone for a pint of Ben and Jerry's Creme Brulee and/or a taquito? read more

The Raven is Mount Pleasant's quintessential dive bar and I'm fully on board! In an area that continues to become more gentrified by the minute, there is something beautiful about this dark and corky dive bar. Serving $2 Natty Bo before 8PM and $3 cans after 8PM - Friday Happy Hour just got real cheap. My wallet appreciates it. Hungry? Order take-out from one of the many mama and pop shops on Mt. Pleasant Avenue and bring it in. Recently we ordered Radius pizza and brought it in - who love New York style pizza and cheap beer? The bartenders were friendly and the service was great. I highly recommend The Raven if your in the need for a cheap beer and good times! read more

Not exactly what I expected from passing by it so many times a day on the outside, but enjoyable nevertheless. I was anticipating something even more dingy and occupied by slightly tougher folks, but in reality this is 100% pure hipster. That's fine, though -- it's still completely fun, and I'll deal with pretty much anything for these prices. Before 8pm, Natty Boh is $2, and the rest of the (bottled and canned only) beer is really affordable, at least by DC standards. They have a great selection of hard liquor, but don't make the same foolish mistake I did of asking for anything to mix in it....they won't have it. I was caught off guard by that and so ended up just ordering beer, but next time I'll go in prepared for shots. They also have chips and snacks for purchase if you get the munchies. Cash only, though, so don't forget! Add all that to pretty good privacy in the booths to chat and hang out, great music in the jukebox, and highly entertaining bathroom graffiti (at least in the women's room, because my fiancé said the stuff in the men's room was pretty lame), and you know I'll be back for more. read more

I must have walked up and down Mt. Pleasant St. numerous times before I even noticed this place. Currently nestled under some construction, the Raven Grill definitely does not jump out at you, but that is obviously part of the charm. With all the more upscale bars in the neighborhood, it's nice to have a place like this around. No-frills, simple drink menu, small tables, and a good jukebox are what awaits you. I'd read about the claims that it is one of the last "true dive bars in DC", and I'd say that is a pretty apt description. Definitely a neighborhood hangout, and someplace you'll find yourself going back to. It's nice to have a bar only 2 minutes walk away. read more

Typical dive bar, with nothing special to really set it apart from any other dive bar in the city. Very similar to the Tune Inn, Lil' Pub, Trusty's... Tight spaces (it only takes about 10 people to make this place start feeling cramped), dirty bathrooms, cheap beer, booths. I will agree with most others, the music is pretty great. I walked in and Zevon's "Splendid Isolation" was playing. I heard everything from the Rolling Stone to Screamin' Jay Hawkins throughout the night. Bartender was attentive and fast. read more

Smoking in bars may go out of style. Hipsters (Fads) may come and go. Administrations and their posses will move in and out of the city. Neighborhoods will gentrify and change. That being said, the Raven remains. Sure the vibe changes depending on who is dominating our fine city, but the bar survives as one of the best dive + hole in the wall combinations in Washington DC. Cheap drinks and lots of regulars in a very friendly environment. Raven, I salute you. read more

Best hipster dive bar in DC. cheap beer. juke box. dark. dirty. perfection I used to frequent here waaaaay back in the day and the crazy old lady bartender served me and my friends drinks even though we were no where near legal drinking age. yeah, we thought we were the shit, and the place still is really cool. read more

Cheap drinks, cool neighborhood, lots of booths with plenty of space to chat. What more could you want from a dive bar?

The Raven. DC needs more places like this. The Raven is the diviest of dive bars, but in a city of suits, it's refreshing. It's in the heart of Mount Pleasant and attracts the real neighbors of Mount Pleasant from the college student to the professional to the person just wanting to walk into a bar in a hoodie and not be judged in this city. They have cheap beer both in terms of quality and price, but it adds to the allure of it. If you want a bar to be yourself in, stop by The Raven. You're bound to meet a character or two. read more

Unassuming from the outside, cozy and rustic inside. A divey dive. I can smell the cigarettes in the furniture. Natty bo $2. Other beer $3-5. Angry Orchard $4 Tunes heard: Sam Cooke, Bob Marley, (Jukebox selections) Keep your eyes open because you may not be able to find this bar from the street. Also keep cash on you. They don't accept cards. Clientele run the gamut, but mind you this is not a place for "dressing up and going out". Have a chat with the regulars or the bartender. If you're in the mood for a dive, this is it. Steer clear if you want something upscale. read more

To call this place a dive bar is completely overselling it. There are beers and there's liquor..tonic...and basic sodas (minus sprite) that may or may not be flat. Do yourself a favor stay home, mix drinks, and invite some friends over... you'll have more fun! read more

Bring Cash!!!! Or they have an ATM. no Cards. :/ The true definition of a dive bar in the heart of Mt Pleasant. read more

A lot of people seem to really love this bar but my experience - which is only limited to one visit for a couple of hours - is that it is a 3 star dive bar. Cheap drinks, decent ambiance, and overall good people make it a pretty fun place; holes in the walls and ceilings are a bit off-putting but I think it does add to the character. I will definitely visit again another night to see if it deserves the bump to four stars, read more

I read the reviews for Raven Grill a few months back and thought it sounded like fun, but forgot all about it until I was walking down Mt. Pleasant with two friends who were hungry and wanted food...they got chips instead and I got some cheap $2 beer I've never heard of before. The best part was the bathroom, I spent a good ammount of time reading the stupidity written in the walls. Plus the hole in the wall and the shared sink to top it all off. Of course, listening to The Beach Boys, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, and many other goodies was even better! A buck for three songs it's a pretty good deal, haha! read more

Ok all is true that has been written, a dive bar is dive bar, however that doesn't mean the strange and rude bartender is part of the dive bar charm. Entered on a Sat night for a quick beer in the old neighborhood, nice folks sitting around having a good time, but the bartender was a Total Buzz kill. Very odd & beyond rude. A quick beer became a fast beer and we left. Spend your money on canned beer down at the corner bodega. read more

Ahhh, the raven!! Truly a total dive! Come here to get liquioured up on the cheap. Great for easing down a new date or shooting the shit with an old bud. Finally a bit of NYC in dc but a total district feel ~ in a good way! Do not come if u are clean cut or in khakis- Ann klien is also bArred The music beats Rock too read more

It's fine, but for so little in terms of atmosphere and what you can get there, I'd rather either stay in or go somewhere else. It definitely fits certain personalities, but not mine. They were showing Viva La Bam on the TV for some reason, which is why this got 3 and not 2 stars. read more