Raven Steakhouse and Lounge — Restaurant in Maryville

Raven for dinner was a wonderful night out. We are fans of Bella and enjoyed Diamond Jacks so we were anxious to see what Raven would be. Raven is great and Maryville finally has a cool adult restaurant. We had reservations, hostess was friendly and we were seated in dining area after walking through the bar/lounge area. Bar is dim and closed off, had sports on a big screen, glad it didn't interfere with dinner. Main dining room is beautiful, dark warm colors and interesting lighting make a welcoming comfortable vibe. Our waitress, Penny, was outstanding, answered questions and was on top of everything. Aileen(spelling?) was also outstanding.

Before ordering food, we had two cocktails. Obsidian something or other. I wish I remembered the name better for this review because they were delicious and came with a large clear single ice cube. Great start. With dinner a bottle of Pol Roger brut NV paired well.

We started with deviled eggs, crab cakes and lobster bisque. Eggs and crab cakes were perfect. The eggs were small which made each a neat two bite snack and the crab cakes were exactly what I want, all meat, no filler, great flavor. Lobster bisque was delicious with a little more spice than typical bisque but a bit thin. The bisque and Crab cakes, both beautifully plated.

Entres were Sea Bass and Jumbo Scallops. We shared a side of Lobster Mac and Cheese. The Sea Bass was the winner of the night, perfectly cooked with a great crisp crust and stunning on the plate. The scallops, while delicious were a bit small and the black rice was watery - small complaints but noticeable compared to how good the rest of the meal was. Lobster Mac and Cheese was pretty much what you'd expect, tasty but don't know that I'd get it again.

Desert was Bananas Foster and Chocolate cake. Bananas Foster were delicious. No table side flambe presentation but still good. The chocolate cake was one of those very dense fudge multi layered types you find at chain restaurants. It was good but not nearly as refined as the rest of the meal and not what I expected after such a well executed dinner. I would prefer to see a beautiful pastry more than an over the top, overkill, dense brownie cake. I'm nit picking on the cake. It was delicious but felt...

We visited The Raven on Saturday evening 9/13/25, and the experience was impressive for an opening weekend. The vibe was energetic, with a dark, moody, almost gothic-classy setting that gave the space a unique personality.

The wait staff was attentive, enthusiastic, and clearly excited to be part of the launch. First Saturday nights are always a test of how a team’s systems come together, and while there were some small signs of adjustment, the overall effort and energy were undeniable. The strong community support was also notable—I even spotted other executive chefs from the region alongside an eclectic mix of patrons, some local and some from out of state.

The atmosphere struck a great balance. The room stayed pleasantly quiet, with just enough laughter and chatter to avoid feeling stiff or pretentious.

It was also a pleasant surprise to see Sissy, a familiar face from The Dancing Bear, who made the transition here along with The Raven’s new executive chef. Their presence gave the evening a reassuring sense of continuity.

As for the food: • Raven Salad: Light, fresh, and perfectly balanced with acidity. • Spicy Lobster Bisque: Rich with drawn-butter flavor, with a spice level that lingered just briefly—ideal for those who prefer a gentler kick. • Pork Chop over Cheesy Grits & Heirloom Carrots: A standout, hearty and well-executed. • Filet & Parmesan Frites with Giant Asparagus: Beautifully paired with Sissy’s recommendation, a Salentien wine. • 14-Layer Chocolate Cake (to-go): Moist, decadent, and still wonderful hours later.

Was it a flawless steakhouse experience? Not quite—but it was opening weekend. What stood out was the genuine effort, the team’s eagerness to listen and adapt, and the clear potential.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. With a little fine-tuning, I can see The Raven rivaling established favorites like The Walnut Kitchen and The Dancing Bear.

If you go soon, extend a bit of grace—people are learning new roles and responsibilities—but the potential here is undeniable. The Raven is...

I have had couple of friends "rave" about Raven. So, I was looking forward to dining at the restaurant. I took my young daughter for our "daddy-daughter" night out. As we were arriving, literally a bus load of people entered the restaurant. We enjoy sitting at the bar at many restaurants as my daughter doesn't feel as confined and likes sitting up high. From my standpoint, usually the service is quicker; typically the bartender is happy to have the business; and therefore pretty attentive unless overwhelmed with orders. When we arrived at the restaurant, the tour/bus group mostly filled up the restaurant and there were only two other people at the bar. We were greeted by the bartender that said "children" weren't allowed at the bar. I asked why and she said it was the law. Actually, in the State of Tennessee, a minor can sit at a bar with an adult. Certainly, the restaurant can implement its own rules and policies. I kind of understand the policy; however, my daughter is pretty mature for her age and polite; however, the female bartender was rudely confrontational and uninformed. So, hostess reseated us at a table in the bar area. Not sure what the difference was but whatever. The waiter that served us was professional and very kind to my daughter. We appreciated his hospitality. The food was expensive and the steak was excessively greasy. I have had much better steaks at both restaurants locally and elsewhere. I am not sure the food warrants all of the praise. The main dining room looks fine but provides very little warmth and charm. The bar room has these stuffed ravens standing around on the shelves. Personally, I did not find them all appetizing or appealing. Kind of creepy really like the snake wallpaper in the men's room.

Try it if you like but I wouldn't go out of my way...However, if you are Maryville, try Walnut Kitchen, Milling Company or RT Lodge-all...