Raven Lounge & Restaurant image

Raven Lounge & Restaurant

Restaurant Bar Lounge

Laid-back venue with live blues acts Thu–Sat, offering Southern soul food, cocktails & beer. People often mention blues, music, good, time, Detroit, great, friendly, Great, Raven, nice,


Address

5145 Chene St, Detroit, MI 48211

Contact

(313) 924-7133

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (257 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 PM to 1 AM
  • Friday: 9 PM to 2 AM
  • Saturday: 9 PM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: blues (36) music (29) good (19) time (16) Detroit (16) great (16) friendly (14) Great (14) Raven (13) nice (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Marlo F. 2 years ago on Google
    Our 1st time here 12/18/21 wonderful friendly staff! Strong drinks and good food & live music! Love the fact that u have to show your covid card. Definitely will become a regular!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Melissa B. 1 year ago on Google
    Interesting unique spot in Detroit where you can consume both soul food and great live blues music. Claiming to be the oldest blues bar in Michigan and I believe them.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Willie M. 8 months ago on Google
    Well, I came in to Detroit Saturday and the welcome at the Raven Lounge was nothing short of amazing. I truly felt like I was back in Mississippi, specifically Clarksdale! The owner, Tommy Stephen’s, the patrons, the food, and the music 🎼 were top notch. I always look for my people when I travel, but it’s rare that I find them. I found them here. I returned Thursday( tonight) and the place is just magical. It’s healing. It’s the blues!!! If your ever near Detroit, you’ve got to go. They made me feel at home in every way possible! Five stars is not enough for this place! Music: Top Notch blues, Motown, soul The music was so sos good. I’m used to the blues in places like Reds Lounge, Ground Zero, and the Blue Front Cafe. This place took me home to Mississippi with the music. Food: I had black eyed peas, greens, fried chicken, and a pork chop sandwich People: These are my people! Mr. Tommy, the owner, and Kathy the bartender were so so welcoming. The bands and I talked throughout the night both nights. Both nights there was someone from Mississippi in the bands. The atmosphere was a direct reflection of home! If you love good people, good food, and good music, this should always be a stop for you in Detroit.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julian _. 2 years ago on Google
    Everyone here is super nice and welcoming every time I visit. Great place to chill and watch some music. Perfect food too. Glad to finally be back after the long hiatus -11/13/21
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 colette n. 2 years ago on Google
    The Raven is my favorite late night stop (live band usually starts around 10p). This place is straight out of the 60/70s, live music, people looking sharp and very friendly staff and patrons. It's the longest continuously running blues club around and it's always worth the stop.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom B. 3 years ago on Google
    2021 Went to the Raven only to find the place not open. Let's hope they get back and up and running. Would love to hear more of the history here. Did Detroit Junior ever play here?
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 evan a. 2 years ago on Google
    My brother and I went here the weekend of Cowboys vs Lions in 2019. I’ve never been to another establishment and treated better than we were treated at Raven. Super friendly customer service at its finest with great entertainment! My only regret is not eating there
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cheryl P. 4 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed a fine evening of blues at Detroit's Raven Lounge on a recent Saturday night. We parked right on the street since we arrived well before the music began. Cover charge was $8 per person. We were seated at a great table and greeted by a warm, friendly woman who shared the menu options and drink specials for the evening. We ordered wine, beer and water. We'd already dined earlier, but just had to try the black eyed peas -- delicious!! Must return for a real meal.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicole G. 5 years ago on Google
    I love this place i have been going here for years. The band is always great especially if it's the nice band playing. However to have only one waitresses to serve the whole bar. Then she will forget what you ordered and you just might get your drink a hour later. But the manager Kathy. Is really nice she can make s drink really fast. As for the food they need to get a new chef they used to have the best food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 NCDavMos 2 years ago on Google
    Let's Go Baby To The Hole In The Wall! Raven Lounge is the quintessential hole in wall. Great music and fantastic food. The owners are adorable. We felt like family. Large long islands are $16 but well worth it. If you like the blues and juke joint vibe, Raven Lounge checks all the boxes
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris 2 years ago on Google
    cozy blues bar to catch live music. sat down, had a drink, ate some chicken wings (they are goooooooood!), listened to some great live music and really enjoyed our time there. very friendly staff. nice crowd. we felt very comfortable and welcome.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mary 2 years ago on Google
    The people were friendly. You are required to provide your vaccination status. The music was good (blues) and I enjoyed every minute. 😀
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nina Simone G. 4 years ago on Google
    Reminds me of a good ole hole in the wall, southern family owned juke joint. Great blues & RnB music weekly. And the owners, Husband and wife team are amazing. Delicious, wings, fried catfish and many more!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian C. 1 year ago on Google
    If you haven’t been to this hidden gem in Detroit you are missing out on a great experience. The people and the musicians are world class. The band played everything from jazz to blues to Motown to Prince . On the night we went a woman that sang with Smokey Robinson was in the crowd and got up to sing a few songs. The owners were so friendly and welcoming and fun! You HAVE to get to this night spot if you want to feel the heart of Detroit. This is a must for anyone visiting the city. Wear something sharp and be ready to dance.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ethan M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a top notch classy place. You might not expect much from the outside or the neighborhood but, this place is a gem. I had my 1st experience there last Saturday. Everyone, the staff and the other patrons I spoke to, were friendly and gracious. The band played late and were a lot of fun. The crowd was mostly couples out for a nice evening, a birthday party, and some singles. The food looks very good. The hosts/owners are a married couple. They ran a tight ship; wiping down the tables and sweeping up whenever someone left. The bartender, on this particular evening, was a dignified mature lady who gave great service and was charming and friendly. They have a guy walk you out to your car when you leave. They claim to be the oldest blues bar in Detroit & I'm excited to go back on a Thursday for the full blues experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 john h. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Blues music! Come check it out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monica J. 4 years ago on Google
    We were seated at a great table and greeted by a warm, friendly woman who shared the menu options and drink specials for the evening. We ordered wine, beer and water. We'd already dined earlier, but just had to try the black eyed peas -- delicious!! Must return for a real meal. The vibe was upbeat and so relaxed. The space was immaculate, as was the vibrantly painted and decorated female restroom I visited.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Roosevelt P. 5 years ago on Google
    THIS Place IS Very Live When It Comes To Good Blues, Me And My Friend George (AKA Sweet George)Went There Back IN The Day😀😎.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole K. 5 years ago on Google
    Fun relaxing music. Mature crowd. Good place to unwind after a long day at work.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise D. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a hole in the wall, but it is the friendliest hole in the wall in Detroit. The house band is awesome and quick to share the microphone with you if that is your thing. This is the oldest blues joint in the D; go out and support it. I give it a not fancy but hella fun rating 😂😋😈
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cy P. 2 years ago on Google
    Great vibe, WONDERFUL staff, and UNBELIEVABLY great music!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Trevor S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing vibe and music in this family-owned (30 years) Detroit institution. Everyone was so welcoming and I had a great time. A must-see on any Detroit itinerary. Band even gave me a shout out for being from Vancouver. Will be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike B. 1 year ago on Google
    No visit to Detroit is complete without dropping by here for some of the most reliably great live music and hospitality you'll find anywhere in North America.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken K. 8 months ago on Google
    I can not believe some of the reviews I have read just now. I dont think the person who said " they could use a new chef" or " the owner needs a lesson in manners" are talking about the same Raven Lounge. This place is the friendliest, most welcoming place you can imagine. It is a time capsule that takes you off the streets, out of the hustle and bustle of your daily life and into the warm welcoming arms of blues. I have been in this city my entire life and that being said have expirienced the blues of this town. Its cold, it is unforgiving. This is your sanctuary. This city knows blues. The owner will welcome you with open arms. The food is amazing. I mean amazing. Some of the most sorrowful and blues filled moments in my life I have slipped in here quietly and by the time I ate my catfish sandwhich in the dark and listened to the band, I was alot better. The neighborhood around this place knows the blues as well. Its gone. Ran out by GM. Most lost it all. Sidewalks to nowhere. Nothing but wild dogs and tumbleweeds. I promise you though it isnt a bad neighboorhood. I work live and play all within a couple miles from the raven and I promise you, they know the blues. Again I dont know who wrote these reviews I wasnt gonna write one until I read them but i promise there not accurate. I know i have never heard of anyone ever to say the food was bad or the liquor was watered. Or the owner didnt know customer service. Tommy would litterely do anything for people. Most patrons would as well. This is a friendly place but like I said its about the blues. Iv done it all here. Living in this city has led me down a road of what seems like constant sorrow, this place is a drug. The guitar screaming those chords... mannnn. Go here. I promise you wont be dissapointed. Just so you know you dont have to be a fan of the blues to feel it and enjoy it man.. oh no the blues dont work that way. You dont find the blues the blues finds you I promise you that. The blues effects the dopemine receptors in the brain and for some of us its the only dope that works. Like I said you dont want to try out this place I assure you, you'll end up here eventually. We all do. Its life, tommy will be waiting. Good man, good people
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kat W. 9 months ago on Google
    IMO 'Hole in the Wall' places are always the most fun. The Raven checks all the boxes with the bonus of you don't know who'll you'll meet! I met folks from JAPAN and the UK. The locals and the owners were as sweet as pie... As a woman solo traveler on her first visit to Detroit, I was a bit nervous because it's location is not in a thriving area. I'm so glad that didn't deter me. It was peaceful quiet and I wasn't worried a bit when I got there. Go out and support this venue and it's staff. 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Londa P. 4 years ago on Google
    Best live blues bar in town
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claudio M. 4 years ago on Google
    On a strip of mostly abandoned churches (Chene St.), we called upon the Raven Lounge, Detroit's oldest and perhaps only juke joint: the real 12-bar McKoy. Jackie C & Detroit Rhythm + friends (Diamond, Rudy, and others) played three full sets of powerful and uplifting bluesy numbers that got everybody going. Affectionate community vibes made us feel at home and well hosted. Unexpectedly good French fries. A jewel of a place that takes you back 50 years to the summer of 1969, when the whole planet finally got the blues.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ernestine H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great People Great Blues and THE FOOD WAS GOOD i love this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Myava G. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent entertainment. The food is awesome. Everyone makes you feel welcome and part of the Raven Lounge family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tomasz P. 1 year ago on Google
    Best blues bar we’ve ever been to. Well worth the trip from England

  • 5/5 Ruth H. 4 years ago on Google
    My first time here my cuz play in the band ..so far its pretty nice

  • 5/5 Eduardo F. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice food and music. Hand a wonderful evening

  • 2/5 Christina T. 3 years ago on Google
    Didn't go inside d joint.

  • 5/5 Cecile J. 3 years ago on Google
    The food is delicious, the atmosphere is great and the place isn't too pricey.

  • 5/5 Paul G. 3 years ago on Google
    The place is really chill, the people are easy going and the service is fast.

  • 4/5 Brenda J. 1 year ago on Google
    It was an awesome time. Good music, good food and a wonderful staff. Friendly atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Brenda W. 1 year ago on Google
    It is as nice that was my first time there my bestfriend took me there love it the people's was there very nice we was like family having fun listening to blue's ❤️

  • 5/5 Patricia H. 4 years ago on Google
    I love you most of all I like people live and they were great and we all haven't seen that in a long time so I really enjoyed the music the atmosphere the music called very nice

  • 5/5 Jesse D. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved it the music was marvelous the atmosphere was nice and safe and friendly going.

  • 2/5 Nkenge R. 4 years ago on Google
    Music was good. People are nice. And the service was poor.

  • 1/5 Jasmine Tran (. 1 year ago on Google
    We called to confirm the bar open on Saturday night and after 5 hours trip, we found there closed without any notice either google or Fanpage that still normally opens.

  • 5/5 MGTOW DO G. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing! Amazing!!! The place is amazing. My English is bad, I don’t know another word to say how much this place is good. Family place, very good music....100% I’ll come again!!!

  • 5/5 Kenneth M. 9 months ago on Google
    Excellent live band. Older mature crowd. The next best thing to that down-home southern feeling. Is being on the Eastside of Detroit listing to some good old. I will be returning with friends.🤙👌👍

  • 5/5 Verona G. 6 months ago on Google
    History, this is the oldest blues club in Detroit. It's over 60 years. A true experience. STARZ series BMF is filmed there.

  • 5/5 Faith R. 4 years ago on Google
    We enjoyed a fine evening of blues at Detroit's Raven Lounge on a recent Saturday night. We parked right on the street since we arrived well before the music began. Cover charge was $8 per person. We were seated at a great table and greeted by a warm, friendly woman who shared the menu options and drink specials for the evening. We ordered wine, beer and water. We'd already dined earlier, but just had to try the black eyed peas -- delicious!! Must return for a real meal.

  • 5/5 Issiah F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere, great drinks! Props to the service(waitresses).

  • 5/5 Sarah P. 4 years ago on Google
    Always a fun time.

  • 5/5 Louie H. 4 years ago on Google
    Live entertainment was excellent, and the staff was awesome. The owner gave us a lot historical Mo-Town information regarding how the place was started, and showed us pictures on the wall of some for the legendary stars that drop by from time to time. The Chicken wings were very good and the beer was literally ice cold!!

  • 1/5 Vernie I. 4 years ago on Google
    I haven't been to the Raven Lounge

  • 5/5 Prentis D. 4 years ago on Google
    I like it

  • 3/5 Linda T. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to here blues.

  • 5/5 Syri S. 4 years ago on Google
    The Food, the Music, the Owners all 5 Stars

  • 5/5 Reginald H. 4 years ago on Google
    The band on Saturday night. Yesssssssssssssssss

  • 4/5 mv o. 4 years ago on Google
    Reminded me of the good old days. The bathrooms were very clean. 1970's look. We were walked to our car.

  • 5/5 E. F. 4 years ago on Google
    I think this is the way blues were meant to be played, but I'm too young to know. Just go here, go with the flow, talk to people, have a good time, and enjoy the music. It might be impossible to have a bad time here.

  • 4/5 Alan C. 5 years ago on Google
    Great Music, Great Food & Great Atmosphere!!!!

  • 5/5 george h. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere

  • 4/5 Robin D. 4 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the blues band

  • 5/5 Patricia G. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome! Great entertainment, great service and good food. Loved the catfish Joyce Johnson and her crew are so talented. Loved the time there.

  • 3/5 Nate B. 4 years ago on Google
    It,s a nice Spot

  • 5/5 deb g. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow what a fun place to hang out!! The staff treat you like family, we met the owners whom are down to earth, dressed to the nines* Food is delicious &, large portions. Bartender made superior drinks🎯. And the band should be recognized & on tv, they played a variety of jazz, blue's, Motown. This is a laid back, friendly hot spot that is a must!! You will not be disappointed🎼🎻🎹🎤🎸🎶🎵 .

  • 3/5 Karen M. 2 years ago on Google
    😘

  • 4/5 Sharron B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and excellent music

  • 5/5 Mary W. 4 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed the music and atmosphere

  • 5/5 Natalya C. 4 years ago on Google
    Authentic blues bar, a pleasure and a priviledge to enjoy the laid back atmosphere of the jamming session on Thursday


Call (313) 924-7133 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
    • ✓️ Free street parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Dancing
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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