The Raven Bar — Restaurant in Cork

Was pleasantly surprised by the Raven. I had heard my son talk previously about how it was one of their favourite spots, so it aroused my curiosity. We rang to book a table for two and that was a very easy process with the person on the phone very courteous and accommodating. When we arrived we first weren't sure where to sit or go, but then one of the staff greeted us and showed us to our table. They were really nice and chatty which set the scene for the rest of our time there. A another staff member came and took or drinks order, and brought them back to us which was very prompt. The menu choice is simple, with every dish nicely explained. We shared a ribs starter between the two of us, it was well cooked and maybe not enough sauce for my liking, but really tasty. For the main dishes we ordered the Raven French Dip - 10 hour braised featherblade beef in a warm brioche roll with caramelized onion, cheddar cheese and beef gravy with twice cooked chips and the Chilli Beef Taco - 10 hour braised featherblade beef in a chilli sauce, shredded lettuce. lime crema, tomato, cucumber and coriander salsa and crispy jalepeños The Raven French Dip was just Devine, it was so sumptuous with the gravy alone worth the visit, if I could have ordered a pint of gravy I would have. It was just so full of flavour. The Tacos were really nice, but couldn't quite make out the taste I was getting which was really nice and challenging, cause I so wanted to know what was giving me that taste, which made the Taco dish worth the order. Once our food was finished we had a few more drinks and enjoyed the atmosphere. Staff where very friendly and responsive and we never really had to wait to order more. Would highly recommend the Raven for you spot to visit when next...

Called in on a Tuesday evening after training, for an on the spot dinner plan, but was shocked to find out that upon walking away to take a work call my friend was walking towards me, telling me that we had to leave because I wasn't adhering to the bar/restaurants dress code, which wasn't mentioned/relayed to me when I rang an hour earlier asking if we needed a reservation or could we just walk in. All in all, wasn't a bit impressed at the way in which the staff went about things, thought they were totally unprofessional. Firat off, they should of said this to me* as I was the one not adhering to the dress code, *that was never mentioned or shown on entering the premises) and secondly it was some young lad/floor staff that spoke to my friend and not management, Don't think it was dealt with in the proper manner, which led to us continuing up to Tom Barry's on Barrack street for some pizza. Which turned out to be the silver lining, as the atmosphere was great there. The place was lively, and the private beer garden leeves you feeling more relaxed, and far more sheltered and comfortable for eating/drinking then the little shelter which we had sitting outside the raven. All in all not a great experience, but shall return as a take away customer because I do like their food 😊...

PS, Don't promote the healthy eating menu if you guys can't cater for people that get hungry after a training session and would like a quick bite and catch up before...

Once of the best spots cork has to offer, and one of the first spots I bring a visitor to cork.

Cocktail menu is varied and balanced, featuring multiple must-tries. The spicy margaritas are a personal favourite, but as a veteran of spicy food, I must advise - do not take their spice rating system lightly. Number five will f**k you up.

Pub grub is genuinely an insult when used to describe the food available in The Raven. It’s great quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, all at reasonable mid range prices. Variety on their menu without adding too much that it sacrifices quality. If you’re a vegetarian, get ready for some mouth watering options; my predominantly meat eating table all agreed that the jackfruit tacos were tastier than anything else anyone ordered.

The music is always chill and enjoyable.

The best thing overall has to be the wonderful staff. Fun and friendly without ever seeming fake or performative.

Cannot compliment this...