The Raven Grill

The Raven Grill

The Raven Grill logo

✨ Vibe

The Raven Grill is a quintessential neighborhood haunt that offers a warm, dimly lit atmosphere reminiscent of a comfortable basement hangout, blending historical authenticity with a cozy, welcoming spirit.

🍸 Best For

Budget-friendly beers, casual late-night yapping, board game enthusiasts, and low-key group hangouts.

🔥 Highlights

  • An iconic DC dive bar experience featuring an incredible jukebox and curated bartender playlists that set the perfect musical backdrop.
  • A relaxed, social environment where guests are encouraged to bring in their favorite local takeout to enjoy at the booths.
  • Exceptional value with some of the most competitive drink prices in Columbia Heights, served by friendly and knowledgeable staff.

ℹ️ Need to Know

  • This is a cash-only establishment, though an ATM is conveniently located inside for all your needs.
  • The venue offers a great selection of board games and light snacks behind the bar to keep the fun going.

📰 In the News

PoPville Sep 25, 2025

“In honor of our 90th year, the Raven will be OPEN Friday & Saturday afternoons for the rest of our anniversary year”!! And about those jukeboxes…

The Raven Grill is celebrating its 90th anniversary by opening for Friday and Saturday afternoon service throughout its anniversary year. To honor its history, the bar is offering free music requests from its vintage booth jukeboxes, featuring songs dating up to 1988 that are streamed via laptop upon request.

DC Theater Arts May 30, 2025

‘DC, I Love You,’ Folger’s true rom-com series, kicks off in Mount Pleasant

The Raven Grill served as a central location for the Folger Shakespeare Library’s site-specific theater series, 'DC, I Love You: First Dates.' The venue hosted romantic comedy vignettes that incorporated the bar's local history and atmosphere into live performances based on true community stories.

Eater DC Sep 30, 2024

Where to Eat and Drink in Mount Pleasant

The Raven Grill is a historic Mount Pleasant dive bar that has maintained its classic character since opening in 1935. The cash-only establishment offers affordable beer and rail drinks in a red-lit setting featuring cozy booths and a collection of board games.

VICE Jul 27, 2024

The 10 Best Dive Bars in Washington, DC

The Raven Grill is the oldest operating bar in Washington, D.C., serving as a quintessential neighborhood dive known for its unpretentious, surly charm. This cash-only establishment offers a classic experience with cheap drinks and a simple atmosphere that remains resistant to modern renovation trends.

InsideHook Apr 21, 2023

Visit 8 of DC’s Best Dive Bars If You're Feeling Nostalgic

The Raven Grill is a long-standing Mount Pleasant institution celebrated for its straightforward, no-frills atmosphere. Known for focusing on bottled beers and shots rather than a food menu, it remains a popular neighborhood destination for a diverse crowd of D.C. locals and newcomers alike.

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