 
Post by Stephanie Weaver
Tucked away in the bustling streets of Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse section is a literary gem of a bar. Inspired by the morbid genius of Edgar Allen Poe’s prose, the Raven Lounge stands out amongst the other more typically college-esque bars of the city. Dark, mood-lighting and exposed brick give the Raven an overall gloomy aura. Patrons sometimes swear that they can hear Poe’s famous telltale heart beating from behind the low-ceilinged walls.
The Raven Lounge, in truth, is as far away from a Poe poem as Corona is from being good beer. The friendly, generous staff is warm and welcoming. The Raven hosts a plethora of daily activities, from open mic night on Tuesdays to 80’s dance party night on Thursdays. All three bars in the lounge are usually open and running. Ailing hipsters and bike messengers can look forward to sitting down on the plush, velvet couches that line the walls of the Raven’s second floor.
Despite having beer on tap, the Raven Lounge has an excellent variety of bottled brews and premium liquor. One can enjoy a PBR-pounder or something more classy, such as a margarita or a cosmopolitan.
Recently voted number ten in Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” contest, more people are discovering all this swanky little bar has to offer. If you find yourself craving mystique, great music and alcohol, this is definitely the best place for you.
The Raven Lounge
1718 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
www.ravenlounge.com
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Not for nothing, but from the pictures on the site, it looks like it’s full of Tools and people from Jersey.
The only tools here are those inserted in my hoo ha on the second floor. As for jersey its the only non jersey place in the area goto g vango and o.n.e. And bar noir. Here anything goes… If you don’t believe me ,Check out my name on the ceiling above the bar!
I have to say this bar is not your typical Rittenhouse Square bar. I mostly see punks and goth’s hanging out here. Trendy a-holes do show up but never hang around too long. I mainly stay upstairs where the music is mostly 80’s. Downstairs is where most of the trendy biches hang. This is one of my favorite bars and I never seen it like the pictures show on their website. Oh! And they serve Absinth. They do the whole spoon and water ritual. It’s awesome!
What I love about the Raven Lounge is that it’s nestled in the heart of Rittenhouse, but once you step through its doors, you’re automatically transported into a balmy, sultry spot with lots of character, an excellent staff, and fun touches including (but not limited to) a collection of board games and a dancing pole on the second level. Not to mention the DJs that spin there regularly play great music. As was mentioned above, the “Rittenhouse types” do come in, but they don’t stay long, and you’re bound to meet someone new and interesting any time you come in.
All I have to say is I love grabbing a drink here, pulling up a chair and chatting with whoever’s serving, and occasionally playing a heated game of Jenga with my friends. It’s super convenient to downtown, and there are some great dj’s spinning in the pm.
The Raven Lounge is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stuffy part of Philadelphia. Though at first glance it may appear dark and gloomy on the outside, the sultry sounds coming from within and its inherent sense of mystery will draw you inside. Once you’ve entered a warming and comfortable feeling will emanate from the servers behind bar. Though our blogger is correct in stating there are no beers on tap, The Raven’s selection of micro-brews is impressive, while high-class, high-brow drinks are rife in selection. Avoid the website photographs, as they were posted only to show that The Raven is available for parties. Also, as uninterested as I am to mingle with the popped collars of Philadelphia, I’m happy to find a bar that gladly tends to all type of customer. Check it out. You’ll find yourself wholly satisfied.
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