Swordfish tacos!!!! Meow. And a nice cocktail selection to wash the beautifully marinated and prepared morsels with. Da da da da da da dum!
(5)
Esther J.
Got their appetizers, blue moon, draft allagash. It was okay. Appetizer was good. I like that there's not to many people. The Allagash didn't taste the same as other places. Definitely a low stress casual place to come after work.
(3)
Ari P.
Primary observation after a few visits: Some of the bartenders are great, some are not. For this side of Waltham, they have a nice beer selection and I really like drinking here on weekdays since it has a more "relaxed" vibe than other places. I've only ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and potato skins from here, and I was not happy with how aggressively salty they were. C'mon I understand that it's pub grub, but I felt like I was shriveling up by the time I finished eating. If they have a cocktail menu, I've never seen it. This is a beer bar that happens to have a lot of liquor. For this reason, I'm not very attached to this place, but at least it isn't a chain-kitschy as Joe Sent Me.
(3)
Ryan H.
This place was great!! I had the bbq stuffed burger which was phenomenal! I enjoyed some Magners on tap which may be why the burger tasted so good! Definitely will be back!
(4)
John A.
This bar has great food and beer selection. I was disappointed at first because they stopped serving Newcastle even though it was listed on the menu. Staff was great. For food, on one visit I had the pot roast, it came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. It was a ton of food, and very good. Our group also started with the stuffed mushrooms which were also great. On another visit, we went during trivia night, and just had beers and appetizers. The atmosphere is fun, the staff is friendly, they have stuff going on like trivia nights and they have really good food. If I were a local, I'd frequent this place. Parking is on the street.
(4)
Jim M.
Love this place! friendly staff, terrific relaxed atmosphere, great beer list, and surprisingly great food for a pub. The traditional chicken curry was out of this world!
(4)
Painter W.
My kids took me here for Mother's Day. Pros: Attractive ambiance, mid-City location since we live at compass points away from Boston (N-S-W), friendly and pert waitress, brunch menu, and they took reservations. Cons: Pert waitress was inattentive and easily distracted even though I think we were one of two parties she was serving. Had to wait for fresh brewed coffee and then for the check (which she gave to my husband... assuming that the oldest male pays.). She couldn't figure out how to split the check using credit cards (after all it was supposed to be kids' treat) --- so WE ended up paying. Oh... and I get better home fries, toast and omelettes at my local NH diner for less.
(2)
Eugene D.
A fun downtown pub with good food for lunch or dinner.
(4)
Felicita S.
I got to say they have this rude server named Lisa! Love Kay, she's classy. Food is great, but not excellent, wished the kitchen stayed open after 10
(3)
Katie J.
I have only been to the Mad Raven for dinner (not for a night out for drinks) twice. Both times I have been very satisfied, and I will be returning. The food is always hot and brought out pretty quickly. The buffalo chicken wrap was exactly what I expected, and the Caesar salad was also delicious. My boyfriend always gets the burger and he loves it. The Mad Raven is located right on Main St. in Waltham, so on a summer day when the windows are open it can be a bit loud. However, it is still really nice to have the breeze and a view from a window table. There are some TVs but they definitely do not overwhelm the bar or the dining area. The ambiance is great. The service has always been great. The last time we ate here our waitress was fantastic - very attentive and friendly. Overall, this is a good spot. The food is pretty good and very affordable. It's a great spot for a beer and a burger on a week night after work. We will be returning!
(4)
Road D.
I had the best lunch here and wonderful afternoon. The steak tips were the Bomb with salad and onions. Nice environment with great bar tenders Matt, Willy. Love the environment almost a little to clean for my taste. ;-)
(5)
Amanda S.
I've wanted to go here since I moved to Waltham three years ago. I love the decor and the name. Sadly, we were kind of disappointed. The bar wasn't very busy, but it was still difficult to get service, despite being seated directly in front of the bartender. In addition, the kitchen closes at 10, even on a Friday night. May update if we go back when the kitchen is open. For now, it's back to Joe's for me.
(3)
Duane W.
Great dinners.. terrible breakfast. . We spent 50.00 for 2 of us and not only did everything taste bland and old the portions sucked.. they charge you 2.50 for every tiny orange juice you drink.. I may never go back for. Dinner because I feel like I've been violated with that breakfast ...
(2)
Hannah S.
I don´t usually expect much out of bars. As long as they have serve their beer in glass and not plastic, I´ll go! This bar, however, is wonderful. The food is consistent and great for bar food. The ambiance is simple, but great. I especially love the breeze from the windows in the summer time. Service is wonderful both at the bar and in the restaurant. Even when they make mistakes, they are polite and eager to fix it. This is one of my favorite places to just stop by to have a drink, watch a game or just catch up with friends. If you want a 5 star restaurant restaurant skip Mad Raven, but if you´d like to save a few bucks and enjoy an evening stop on in! Also, you can find healthy options here if you can ignore the allure of the more heavy bar foods on the menu.
(5)
Jessica B.
I'm branching out from Naked Fish and exploring all possible lunch places in Waltham near my office park. With a name like The Mad Raven, this place was hard to resist. I really wanted to love this place. I went to Joe Sent Me recently. I like the ambience of The Mad Raven a lot more. The food was a hair better at Joe Sent Me. There was one guy serving the lunch "crowd" and when I asked which was better, the Maple Chicken Salad or the Steak N' Bleu Salad he serious told me that one had chicken and one had steak so whichever I preferred. Finally, I got him to recommend the Steak N' Bleu Salad. I think the steak salad I had at Joe Sent Me was better. We had to go to the bar to pay, but I was in a hurry to get back to my office. I'd be willing to give it another try. Perhaps it improves with booze.
(3)
Rosanna Marina A.
This place is very quaint. Staff is very friendly and the food is delicious. Great place to relax and have a ice cold beer. Definitely recommend it for anyone that's looking for a place that is laid back and yet very enjoyable.
(5)
Michelle B.
Brunch was fair. Food good but too skimpy on the home fries on the side. Server very nice but slow. Coffee was funny tasting.
(3)
Pk S.
Comfortable pub. Nice wait staff. Someone in the kitchen just does not care. I ordered a French Dip and was served a horrible sandwich. Two pieces of meat that were over done and large pieces of fat through out. The au jus was French onion soup. Sent back without a problem. There is no quality control and the cooks just don't care. The cook should have just told the wait staff to have me order something else. If you won't eat it, don't serve it. Thanks again to the wait staff for fixing it.
(2)
Kathleen M.
Love the Mad Raven for trivia on Tuesday nights. It is the best in the area, mostly because of Joe and the great staff on those nights. People are pretty diehard and come back week after week without fail. Calamari and pizzas are the absolute most delicious things on the menu. The curry is not bad either. My favorite neighborhood bar for ambience, no doubt!
(4)
David P.
"And my shadow shall be lifted! NEVERMORE!" "Is there a balm in Gilead?" This is the question I asked my friend Lenore before we sat down at a cozy wooden table in the very center of the main dining area on a hot, early October afternoon after the lunch rush but before the dinner rush--that down-time you can have as an old, historical, Waltham Irish pub because your regulars come in, and they watch the Sox, and you all talk about Obamacare or your kids. That's when I spotted the Raven perched next to our table. On the floor. "Nevermore," quoth the Raven. "I would just walk out the door!" Said I to said sad Raven, "Well, I think I'll ask Lenore." (And no, Lenore is NOT a whore!) And that's when our server came with the Slider Trio. Buffalo Chicken slider: excellent. Fresh lettuce, tomato, onion. Pulled Pork slider: stringy squishy, kinda ew. BBQ too sweet. Too wet. Traditional burger slider: cooked to NEVERMORE well done, and tasting like lighter fluid and charcoal, only. Quoth the Raven, "ew." Ok. Entree's. For lunch. Lunch entrees. Me! The Raven Roll: $7.95 - Turkey, bacon, scallions & Havarti cheese served in a roll-up with spicy cranberry sour creme sauce. Dry. Inedible. Onion rings; waiter's suggestion. Beach sand with onion flavor. Lenore! Baked Mac N Cheese? A classic mix of Wisconsin-aged cheddar and mascarpone, topped with homemade breadcrumbs. NEVERMORE! Sausage dog food, overcooked, under heat lamps, pasta gooey, bland, dry, tasteless but edible if you remove the offending sausage and pour salt all over it. Which she did, "Oh, NEVERMORE!" Went I to the restroom and across the wooden floor until I saw that pesky Raven laughing by the Kitchen door. Never more, quoth the Raven, there are so any other bars in Waltham, and it just doesn't make sense to waste all your money here on food that's actually really bad. Like really bad. But the server was friendly, and she took off the sausage and onion rings, and I was like, "Well, you know, these things happen. We've been here before, and we never really expect much from Waltham bars besides Sports Pub, or MAYBE Margarita's--and I heard there's this place called City Streets in another part of town, and we should totally go THERE next time, cuz Mad Raven sucks. I know the Brandeis and Bentley kids go on weekends or whatever. And it's history, or something. But that food is really bad, man." Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken, leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out thy heart and take thy form from off that red painted, kinda cool facade with the hip wooden spheres hanging next to your sign painted red and yellow. Why do people even go here?
(2)
Kyle O.
9 years ago when I lived in and worked in Waltham, this place was legit - but now that Father Time, casket teaser behind the bar calls the shots.... See ya later, there's much better bars, with much better atmospheres in the area
(1)
Michelle C.
Went for lunch and was looking forward to the potato skins, but it was a big disappointment. I think they were frozen, boo! My friend had a burger and I think that was a frozen kind too. I like the inside of the place, might be worth a trip back for drinks after work. Parking sucks too.
(2)
Jennifer P.
I visited The Mad Raven the other night and had yet another great experience. They recently changed the menu to have everything in one pamphlet and it seems as if they added more items. I appreciated that the volume of the music was low and the waitresses were attentive. I ordered an entree with blackened chicken and shrimp over a creamy pesto pasta and wow did it have flavor! The chicken was perfectly juicy, the shrimp were fresh and the pasta was al dente and had the right amount of sauce. The only downside to the meal was that the waitress forgot the pizza that I was going to take to go, but she offered to get it set. I've also never seen her before, so I wonder if she was new and it just slipped her mind.
Went here on a Wednesday night with a few friends, got a big table and quick service. Everyone really liked their food. Calamari - good Nachos - really good Fireman Burger - amazing (Wednesday night special.. amazing) Pizzas - great BuffChick Mac n' Cheese - ok, a little too spicey for some but I liked the bite I had! Better than average pub food. Good beer list. Cheap drinks. Overall a great time. Hearing we need to try the trivia on Tuesdays!
(4)
Rishabh G.
This place was recommended to me by my wife and her friends after they tried it out. So my wife and I went for dinner back in November and tried a few of their dishes. We tried the vegetarian quesadilla, which was made really well. It was definitely a good portion for two people. I ordered the Mexican with potato fries and my wife ordered the Mushroom Ravioli. My sandwich was absolutely amazing. It had a great smoky and spicy flavor. The bread was toasted really well and then vegetables were portioned really well for the overall sandwich. The fries were also very crispy and warm. I also took a few bites of the Ravioli, which was divine. The sauce with the mushrooms worked really well together. It was a really good experience overall. After that dinner, we've been there regularly, especially for lunch. The prices are a couple of dollars less for lunch than for dinner, but even those prices are great. My only complaint is that I feel that the appetizers are slightly priced a little too high for the portion size. This is a great restaurant/bar to go to if your in town or on your lunch break. Service is great and food is usually ready from anywhere between 10 to 15 mins. I will definitely be going back there frequently. Can't wait to try the beer once I turn 21. :P
(5)
Kassie C.
What a great place! My traveling partner and I went here on a whim when we were trying to find something to eat. It was a bit difficult to find a parking spot on that Friday but it was delicious food! We were seated right by the windows, which were tall and wide open, and it was a nice night out. Our waitress was fantastic! I can't remember her name, but she was so funny and sweet. Loved her! She carded me when I got a drink (I'm 21), and she said her birthday was just a couple days away from mine but a lot of years away. I of course said "Well, maybe only four or five years older than me, right?" I think we became one of her favorite tables at that point ha ha. The food was wonderful as well! Portions weren't too big (I had the fish and chips), and I can't remember what I had for a drink but it was good too. Not too expensive, pretty small on the inside, but had a very awesome hometown feel to it while still looking classy. Love The Mad Raven!
(5)
Kate L.
The ambiance is cool/bar but cozy and warm on a winter night. Service was good. Wine list is minimal. Potato skins were pretty bland and not worth the calories. Steak and blue cheese salad was a generous portion of steak and really really good. Great price too!
(3)
Mike G.
Food was OK. I had steak tips and mashed potatoes. Steak was cooked correctly. Potatoes were served warm not hot. Was not horrible but not great either. Beer selection was good. Services was also good.
(3)
Jeff M.
Food is average bar food. Slightly below average depending on who's cooking. Service can be a little lackluster. But decent beer on tap and it's a comfortable place to hang out and watch a game on nice TVs. Would love to see more of a gastro pub type menu. Could be a great spot.
(3)
Kathy M.
I went here last night for Tuesday night trivia. It wasn't crowded for trivia but each team has to pay $10 to enter. That's a first. There were only 2 waitresses on staff for 25 people and it took a while for us to get our orders. I ordered medium steak tips but they were overcooked. I thought medium meant a pink center not white. It was a really small portion of steak and it was hard to cut (maybe because they were over done?). Beer selection wasn't bad and they do have a good amount of tvs for watching games.
(2)
Michael C.
Surprisingly good food and even better drinks. Wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Place can get pretty packed during lunch on Friday as workers in the area gear up for the weekend. My only complaint is that one time we came here while it was crowded and were seated next to some college kids from Brandeis. Not a big deal until we overheard they just finished playing Ultimate Frisbee. Not a second later, did I realize this as well when the BO smell hit me like a ton of bricks... This however was a one off event, which hasn't kept me from returning.
(4)
Joseph M.
Do not even feed this food to your dog... He will hate you for life! 2 stars for the drinks, the food was a mistake. Service was A+ Lisa was VERY accommodating and helpful and made for great company. Overall, I just wished for better selections of food more intriguing items for apps and main dishes. Unfortunately, I would pass and go elsewhere.
(2)
Seth J.
I've gone here a couple of times just for beers. The beers are nothing special, just your typical mass-produced brews. My question is, why would a draft beer in Waltham cost $6 a glass...plus tip? If you really want an over-priced Guinness or Sam Adams, this is your place. Or you could go a few blocks down to Watch City Brewery and get a unique, in-house, pretty-darn-good brew for less.
(2)
Bethany C.
My husband and I came in and there was only one other table who was clearly finished. We sat for ten min without being acknowledged at all by any staff. We got up and left.
(1)
Ben W.
This place has given me countless nights of great food, service and atmosphere. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly and the wait staff is top-notch. The staff treat you like family and in turn, you become part of a community that is so rare in other pubs.
(5)
Courtney N.
My friend and I were driving through downtown Waltham when we saw the Mad Raven and decided to stop in for a drink and to split an appetizer. The place was nice- dark interior with raven decorations and plenty of televisions plus good tables. We sat ourselves and a server came right over with menus. We were going to split an appetizer but my friend saw jumbalaya on the lunch menu and really wanted to get it so I went with shepherd's pie. He enjoyed his meal except for the overly blackened chicken which he had to cut around with a knife. My shepherd's pie was awful. It was way too hot. Still steaming after twenty minutes. It looked nothing like a shepherd's pie. A little bit of meat at the bottom, some veggies interspersed (I counted 3 carrots and 2 pieces of zucchini) with a thick gravy and tons (and I do mean tons) of both mashed potatoes and chunks of potato on the top. I think it had a bit of cheese added. Yuck. It was served in a huge soup bowl and really was nothing like the shepherd's pie that I'm sure most of us are used to. I complained to the waitress that it was way too hot and she nonchalantly laughed and said to make sure I ate it slowly. Um, yeah that's quality service. I ended up getting it to go because my friend was done and it was still piping hot and just gross (the meat tasted awful). I will say that hours later when I gave it to my dog she really loved it. We won't be back.
(3)
Vera S.
I love the Raven! It is a great neighborhood bar! The food is good, the drinks are good, and the waitstaff will remember your drink once you're in there more than a few times. Their brunch is pretty good too!
(3)
Ben D.
Went here for trivia night with a few friends. The biggest thing I can say about this place is that everyone knows each other. People walking into the bar would chat with various waitresses and the bartender before sitting down, then have a nice conversation with whoever was waiting on them at the table. As this was my first time at The Mad Raven, I did not know anyone on staff and was rather disappointed with the service, since my waitress was always off chatting with random people. I don't usually like dropping stars for poor service as I know that's more a reflection on the wait staff than the restaurant as a whole, but in this case it was really irritating that the whole bar ground to a halt when a regular walked in. Guess I won't be one of those regulars.
(3)
Lindsay B.
I have been to the Mad Raven a few times, and while I am not a frequent visitor, I've been made to feel like family there by the owner. While the food isn't the best Irish pub fare, that family welcome means so much, particularly being a busy city area where anonymity is valued. I have been to some of their live music shows too, and they have some great musicians go in there.
(5)
Matthew B.
Still a good pint. Our waitress (name forgotten) actually produced a pack or Ritz crackers for my niece who was inconsolable and melting down from starvation/overdue nap/being 4yrs old. Waitress earned an extra $10 for that feat of magic. Well done and thank you. The food is still poor... Even though my expectations were very low I still found myself shocked at how disappointing it was. I ordered a burger figuring that you can't F that up too much. WRONG. Giant stale hamburger bun? Really? Don't serve stale buns. Is there anyone working in this kitchen who gives a toss? That's a sincere question. Spend a few dollars on a line cook who is good even if you won't pay a chef to run your kitchen. Two other people at our table ordered burgers. Between the 3 of us, one half of one bun was eaten. That waitress was great. Superb. Rock-star quality. Many thanks!
(2)
Eden V.
It's a bar. Really good fish and chips at lunch. My sister and I went together. She's a champion beer drinker and it satisfied. TV's with 2 different games, but no one else in the place! Poor Walt ham;dissed because it's no longer in the tony 617! Waiter from Dublin; great brogue!
(4)
Amy C.
Note to self don't go here again. A group of us came here for lunch on St. Patty's day for lunch. Granted this place was slammed and you would think they would prepare and staff accordingly. They only had 2 waitresses on and the service turned out to be bad news. We waited for over 1.5 hours to get a table. We finally sat and waited another 25-30 min. The waitress finally came over and was super rude to our entire table. Not cool. Sorry to put you out! I ended up getting the turkey club, the menu description said it came with maple bacon. To my sad surprise they squirted maple syrup on the bread. The turkey was absolutely disgusting, totally over processed fake meat. I was so grossed out I'm now a vegetarian. I kid, but it was horrible.
(1)
J G.
The sandwich I had was delicious, as well as its sides. Decent beer selection, but nothing amazing. The Irish-accented bartender poured a good Guinness. I'll be coming back to this place.
(4)
Irene R.
"Would you like something to drink?" "Can I get you some more coffee?" these are just a couple things our waitress could have said to make our brunch better. Food was good. Portions were good. There weren't a lot of people there. Our waitress never asked us if we'd like anything to drink. Never brought us water, never asked if we wanted more coffee. In fact she barely came over, and when she did we never got a chance to ask her for anything before she walked away. I kept trying to flag her down (she could see us from the bar) but she just didn't care. It would have been a very nice brunch if it weren't for a crappy server... oh yeah, did I mention her hair was dangling from my friends pint of Guinness (we both have short dark hair, and this one was long and blond) what a disappointment.
(2)
Drew L.
Perfect for a Pub night out! Great atmosphere, and wonderful friendly service. Food was wonderful! The Shepherds Pie was so good and hot I wanted the bowl to last forever (even though the bowl was huge to begin with!) Nacho's were yummy (get them with chili!) and the steak tips, in my opinion, are the best in Waltham. Been there twice already, and it's officially my new favorite place!
(5)
Mark M.
Seemed like it would be a decent place for dinner, not so great for brunch, though they did let us book a large group on short notice. What was billed as paninis were really sandwiches on baguettes. The egg quesadilla was passable. The service was extremely slow; maybe a waiter failed to show, but the service was abysmal; pleasant enough, just slow and unprofessional. It was a good place to watch the Patriots.
(2)
Skinny D.
A nice local pub. Pretty crowded around 8pm on a Friday night but I was able to find a seat right away. There was a wide range of ages represented so it must appeal to all. The service was very good and friendly. I had the beef tips/ turkey tips combo and a cup of beef stew. The stew was hearty with lots of beef and vegetables and the tips were tasty and tender. The Shepard's pie looked good from a neighboring table. I'd go back again when I'm in town.
(4)
Mehgan C.
Good beers on tap. Nice atmosphere. Had a yummy dinner here once. Lovely little proper irish bars like this. I cannot wait to go back for dinner and a drink! Never have been on the weekend but the weeknights are great!
(4)
Walter R.
I like this bar. The food lacks (read: don't really bother, except maybe late-night nachos), but my beer has been well-poured and mixed drinks are strong. Tuesdays have trivia which is fun. Weekend nights (and other random ones) can get pretty terrifying - whenever the college kids are let off campus they harass the entirety of Waltham, it seems. Friendly bartenders, waitstaff, and owner (the one time I met him).
(4)
Fred H.
One of our favorite local pubs..Always great food, great drinks, and great service
(5)
Jeremy K.
I'm saying a solid 4 outta 5 here yelpers. i (we)have been to the raven a few times, so that says a lot right there, more so... once during sox playoffs, with friends, got there 35 minutes before the start so got a table, which was great as it got wall to wall nation, and had great table service the whole game. the other times, good service all around. personally, the steak and cheese with peppers is righteous, it comes with steak fries and after a few of the dark bitters, it tastes yum yum. its the only thing i get there, but why change it up if it works and you only go once and a while. trivia too, but i don't think i have made it out there, but its an option.
(4)
Jamie W.
The Raven is a solid choice for all nights of the week and has become a staple for Waltham festivities. You can get a decent meal if you're looking for dinner, or the right ambiance for some drinks with friends. Fun trivia on Tuesday and love music on the weekends -- always with great service!
(4)
Cassie E.
Do yourself a favor and go next door to Joe Sent Me. Overpriced for kind of yicky food. Pretentious. Blech.
(1)
Dan D.
I go here all the time. The bartenders and servers are great. The burgers are excellent. The beers and drinks are phenominal. I am a big fan of the Raven Nachos, The Bishopstown Burger, The Margherita Pizza and the fish and chips. I would strongly recommend to all my friends.
(5)
Roni E.
Wow I can't believe it's been over a year since I've written an update on "the Raven". Food is still delicious! Staff is still stellar! Still 5 stars in my eyes, I'd give 10 stars if I could! You know this place is 5 stars if I can spend literally 9 hours in here during the snow storm on Sunday. I came for the game and ended up staying into the night hours. Always an excellent time in here whenever I come in. I feel like Norm in Cheers. That's how you know you've found a great local watering hole. When you feel at home whenever you walk in.
(5)
Stryker C.
Ok, nice looking pub, drinks were good. I like the cozy atmosphere. Food...very average, to below average and considering price level, it needs to be better. And the faux pas for a restaurant, a mixed green salad, where there were lots of bits of that black ooze that happens to salad greens left sitting in the plastic bag...a no-no...AND hair...I prefer my salad hairless, just my preference, and usually, the way most people like it, no? So, if this was the only place around, I'd return and stick to the beverages, skip the food...but, since Waltham is a sort of hot bed of places to eat and drink, it's very unlikely I will return.
(2)
R V.
It makes me sad inside to give only three stars to the joint that was once my favorite restaurant in the entire Boston area, but their new, pricier, classier menu (I think they updated it in the fall of 2010?) has jettisoned everything that made their pub grub great and replaced it with pretentiously plated flotsam and smaller portion sizes. Bummer! According to me, they once had the best chili in Massachusetts.
(3)
Mike D.
It's really simple. If you are looking for above average pub food this is the place to go. Food it pretty good, drinks are cheap and the serice is moderate. People are nice and not lookng to make a fortune from tips. Just a great local hang out. If you are traveling more than 10 miles to go here dont bother you probaly have one of these places in your town.
(3)
Drew S.
Avoid like the plague! The staff is rude, very hard to flag down, and it was slow! I'd hate to see them on a busy night! Also, as far as allergens go, the staff is unknowledgeable and unhelpful!
(1)
Mike L.
This is my first review here on Yelp, so here goes. I live within walking distance of the Mad Raven, so it would be awesome if it were a great bar to go to. But... I've only gone here on Friday or Saturday nights, and it's always been pretty dead. I like to go to bars to have fun and socialize with people, and that's not really the atmosphere they have going here (at least not when I've been). I hear it's hopping on Wednesday and Thursday when the college kids come out, but I couldn't tell you how that scene is. I really want to like this place more than I do. It has a really cool look and atmosphere which sets it apart from other random pubs which can be pretty bland (like Joe Sent Me, for example, which is next door). The look is definitely one of the best things abuot the Mad Raven. So, in the end, it's a good place to go if you just want to have a couple drinks with friends and head out somewhere else. Or, if you want to have a laid back night and just watch some bar-TV. If you're looking for a place to go "out on the town" and mingle with a bunch of like-minded people, I wouldn't come here. Oh, and, for some reason everytime I've been in there it has the distinct smell of puke floating in the air. My friends have smelled it too. It's especially bad if you buy a Coors Light (maybe someone puked in that cooler?). I haven't been there in a few weeks, so maybe it's gone now. But it was definitely hanging around for a couple of weeks when I was going.
(2)
Annie I.
my burger was meh, and i had to ask multiple times to get ketchup and my drink. plus you have to pay to enter trivia, which blows. i wouldn't go back.
(2)
Roger W.
Been here several times since moving to temporary housing in Waltham. Good beer selection on tap, nice local bar atmosphere. The food is decent (have tried the steak tips, ribs, and fish and chips), but not exceptional. Food service is slow, so plan on waiting a while for your meal to show up. For a much better meal go next door to Mulan, but the Raven is fine when you're in the mood for a burger and a beer.
(3)
Sarah M.
I've been to the Mad Raven a few times with the bf. It's a typical towny-ish Irish pub kinda place. I haven't tried their food, but I hear it's pretty good. They have a good draft beer selection and a full bar for everything else. I don't think I've been since colleges were back in session so it may be a little more upbeat, but it was pretty low-key when I was there. I only give it three stars because I always have to wait significantly longer than necessary to get a drink at the bar. it's a little ridiculous actually. However, I do want to try their food so once I do that, if I am impressed, I'll update my review with an improved rating if warranted :)
(3)
Mathew S.
Good food and drink...Def better food than Joe Sent Me. No cheap draft beers but selection is better than elsewhere.
(4)
Jacque M.
I haven't been here for anything but breakfast but it was a great experience. They are open on weekends at 11am for brunch. If you are trying to go to Joseph's or In a Pickle and they are completely packed as usual and you don't mind a pub atmosphere, go over to Mad Raven and you will be pleasantly surprised. Good service and good food. I suggest the breakfast burrito.
(4)
Brian G.
If you've been to an Irish Pub you've been to something like the Mad Raven. I frequent it for drinks and bar food. They have live music pretty often which is pretty good.
(4)
matt m.
Been here twice in the past couple weeks and had a good experience both times. The server was always pleasant and attentive. I've had The Mexican (tasty) and the burger (good but not great) and look forward to making my way down the sandwich list as they all look good! My gf had a salad both times and was happy with each (the maple walnut and the southwestern).
(4)
Dave M.
Let me start by saying that my friend swears by this place, the bartenders are very friendly, and the food isn't bad. I've been to the Mad Raven three times expecting the amazing experience that my buddy keeps driving into my head, but have yet to see it. The Guinness and Smithwicks are good on draught, and the sandwiches are solid, but the burger I had last time was extremely average, and the sweet potato fries have been crunchy (not crispy - I mean overcooked or burnt) and not very tasty BOTH times I've ordered them. The regular fries (fat steakhouse ones) are better, but again, very average, and a small portion. The atmosphere is good for watching soccer, but I was told they do not carry rugby games or many other eu sports. I'll be back if my buddy really wants to go, but I'll try somewhere else if I'm just driving through Waltham looking for lunch.
(3)
Walt Z.
An average bar. You get some townies here from time to time, but it's nothing to write home about. With their own assortment of drinks, they can claim a bit of uniqueness, but these sorts of spots have had to fight to not become a dime a dozen. Great for a quiet chat at the bar where you don't have to shout to hear who you're with. Otherwise, not a place that pops up as standing out.
(3)
Jeff D.
I like this place. It's totally relaxed and not overcrowded. You can actually linger and have some drinks and hear your conversation (I'm looking at YOU Margarita's). Surprisingly, all the food is great. I've never had a bad meal here. Sometimes they're under-staffed which leads to waits, but nothing horrible.
(3)
Holly S.
I'm not necessarily taking away a star from the Mad Raven, I'm just giving a more accurate rating. Still, the veggie burgers are some of the best I've had in the Boston area. But as good as it gets? I'm not quite comfortable making such a bold procalmation. So, Mad Raven you still rock. Though we noticed you skimped on the sweet potato fries last time we were here . . . what's that all about? (Though, it's probably for the best . . .)
(4)
Bob S.
I've been to Mad Raven twice - once on a Wednesday and once on a Thursday. Both nights there were a few people there, but it wasn't overly crowded so it was a good place to meet up for a couple beers with friends. Wednesday was sports trivia and the questions were pretty tough. A bunch of people were using their phones to look up answers which was a load of crap. The guy running it should have squashed that. Overall, there was a good beer selection including a few rotating seasonal specials. I haven't had the food, but I liked the bar enough to give it a try sometime soon.
(4)
S R.
I've been to the Mad Raven a couple of times. For lunch it's pretty good and usually pretty quiet. They have great Sweet Potato French Fries. Mostly I go there on Tuesday for Trivia with some of my friends. While we used to enjoy it, I have recently decided I will probably not return. My friends and I have decided that it's crazy to have to spend up to $10 to play trivia for an hour and a half. If you win 1st prize you win $50 that's a good improvement, but still, where does our money go? Additionally, the Trivia NEVER starts on time. They advertise trivia to start at 8. I was there 2/15/11 and it was 8:45 and I finally asked the (somewhat unpleasant) waitress, "is there Trivia tonight?" to which she replied, "yup" and when I said I guess you don't start at 8. She said "It's Joe, he get's here when he wants, trivia starts when he gets here". While I suppose when you're at a bar, you can't be to picky, but I work full time (as an event planner-my events start on time), I'm not a college student that can sleep until noon the next day. If you're a little more laid back than I, you may give it a few extra stars! However, the bartender (I don't know her name, but she's there during trivia) is AWESOME. She's super nice, friendly, and makes the experience that much better :)
(2)
Chelsea B.
The Mad Raven has better food than the Skellig, in my opinion, but oddly doesn't have much Irish food on its menu beyond an "Irish Breakfast" available on weekends (which is quite good, actually). So not having more than a couple Irish items at an IRISH PUB is points against!! Points FOR ... Very clean, comfortable pubby interior (if a little "faked", as it needs some time/wear to resemble a true "neighborhood" Irish pub). They also have a few Irish waitstaff! No joke, that's awesome. It still feels like a new place that may need some kinks ironed out, but the BEST part of this place is that they poured me an amazing black and tan, and that's how it should be.
(3)
Tom S.
A great bar with very good food, especially the burgers. There is usually a pretty diverse crowd on the weekends and the bartenders keep on top of things.
(4)
Jeff S.
yes. !. primo cheap house beer - check 2. dank margarita pizza - check 3. even danker french onion soup w/cheese melted on top - check 4. super tender ,juicy steak cooked to perfection - check 5. romantic/cozy/quiet setting / atmosphere and awesome staff - check 5 starts all day nuff said!
(5)
Fred V.
Visited for a friends birthday. The Mad Raven has a nice atmosphere. Can't really compare it to other nearby bars since I'm not really from the area. Really liked the home-brew, The Mad Raven.
(3)
J D.
better they raise the quality of food and friendliness of waitstaff to the expectation level they set - maybe then I can bump it up one star
(2)
Lindsay K.
They actually do a delicious burger for lunch. Go figure. The Mad Raven let's in a ton of underage girls and guys alike, which is obnoxious. Those seem to be the same kids who puke in the bathroom and get kicked out for fighting. The place often gets crowded with Brandeis coeds and will serve drinks in plastic cups, which is a no-no for a $7 vodka- cran.
(3)
Matt H.
We visited Mad Raven's a few days ago and promised never to return. It's not that the place was terrible. It just didn't seem worth the high price tag. We both ordered Apple & Walnut Salads. These were okay--the lettuce seemed fresh. But there was very little flavor, and not enough apples or walnuts! For plates that cost nearly $10, we thought we'd get a bit more. I could've made the same salads at home for $2 per person. Meanwhile, the service was fairly sub-par. There seemed to be only one waitress for the whole crowd, and she rushed around, too busy to refill our drinks. The decor is pretty fun--high ceilings with an unfinished, industrial look. But it was hard to enjoy the atmosphere. Throughout our visit, the pub was transitioning to 'night-life mode.' Minute-by-minute, someone dialed up the music volume, 'til it was hard to hear each other, even from a foot or two away. Yeah, yeah: pubs are loud. But the Raven was obnoxiously, artificially loud. You can do better. Overpriced, mediocre food in a unimpressive setting.
(2)
sunny n.
The Mad Raven brings me back to college days..a popular spot on Tues--Thurs for Bentley / Brandies crew... The atmosphere is 5 stars all the way..very warm inviting casual Celtic / sportsbarish / vibe..i love it...After the renovations of dark tones and plenty of memorabilia with LCDs hidden everywhere..its pretty slick... The bartenders are very friendly...and quick with their knowledge of drinks...The food is pretty average --your standard bar food ..plus some creative options...especially amongst the salads.... All in all a good place to hang out chill..for a casual evening or sports event...parking is a little wierd on Main St..and beware of the freekin cops around here..they linger so close to Dunkin Donuts always...( a hard lesson learned :-))
(4)
Laura M.
Oh, Mad Raven. The last time I visited this place was with a group of 6, we couldn't decide where to go and people kept throwing out suggestions and I was on the phone trying to talk to my friend while relaying what he said to my boyfriend who was driving, and everyone kept vetoing every suggestion so I said to my boy, "Which offends you least, Watch City or the Mad Raven?" and he had to think long and hard. Finally we settled on Mad Raven because we had a coupon. So we go to the Mad Raven for dinner around 7:30 and there's hardly anyone there, and several of us order their pizza. The beer selection is pretty good, although our waitress has to keep running around double-checking things, getting us more menus, etc. Finally the food comes and I am informed that my pizza has yellow cheese on it because they are out of the regular cheese (hello, no one's in your restaurant!) and I shouldn't worry because it's the same as the white cheese. As far as I know, no one makes yellow mozzarella, so I'm not sure how stupid she thinks I am. My boyfriend's pizza is white, but he eats one slice and says it tastes "moldy." Don't ask me how he's so sure what mold tastes like. Oh well, at least we get one of our dinners for free, right? Wrong. Their coupons aren't good on Fridays. BOOOO! I would give fewer stars, but I realize that many people view this as a crazy college bar rather than a more comfy, intimate pub with good food and such. I'm nto a crazy college bar kind of girl, so I can't evaluate it on that scale. But I don't think I'll be back. (This wasn't my first visit; others were similarly unimpressive.)
(3)
Liz K.
Went on a Friday night with a group of 4 and was extremely lucky to get a table. the place was playing music so loud you couldn't hear the person next to you shouting in your ear. But they have a great selection of food and beer. By the time we left around 10 it was so packed we could barely walk out of the place.
(2)
brian c.
Should be 2.5 Even though I have never ate here, I have come on several occasions after work. On more than one occasion, I found that the beer tasted like the lines were never cleaned. Its not a bad place to chill and the staff are friendly, but they need to start cleaning their lines.
(2)
Caroline O.
While I can't say I've ever been there at night, I have been going to the Mad Raven recently for lunch to watch the World Cup with a bunch of colleagues. Big TVs, great quality pub grub (try the Curry Chicken!), nice atmosphere (full of soccer fans!), and decent beer selection on tap. You just can't go wrong. If you're looking for a place to catch the World Cup games (and play hooky from work), this is a great place to go. Cheers, folks!
(5)
Luke R.
Good bar. Decent food. The wings were really good (though expensive). It's a little more relaxed than some of the other bars in the area and has a lot more of a 'local' feel, especially on weekday nights. One of the few bars I can go to and hear Radiohead, which is enough to keep me going back.
(4)
Mike D.
I have yet to eat here, but the bartender was wicked friendly and the place was a vast improvement over the establishment next door (Joe Sent Me), where we'd just had lunch--cleaner, warm feeling to the place, marginally better music. I don't find myself in Waltham much in the winter, but the next time I do and it's time for lunch I'll give these guys a shot.
(4)
Natasha A.
Good town bar. The bartenders can really mix a good cocktail. Avoid Wendsday night Brandeis underage hoochie gathering and you'll have a good time. (Same thing happens in Joe Sent Me except Bentley students).
(3)
Joyce K.
I luuuvvvv the Mad Raven on Wednesday nights. Yes, it is a sea of Brandeis people and you'll most likely see me there yelling random things. It's just a fun place to hang out and drink with your friends. I love the Mark, the owner and the bouncers are intimidating and wonderful. Always a good time at the Raven.
(5)
KRISTEN C.
The Mad Mad Raven can provide you with whatever you want. If you want to watch the Pats on Sunday? OK. You got it. Do you like TRIVIA? OK. You got it - Tuesday nights. DO IT. Do you like Brunch when you are hungover on the weekend? OK, you got it - breakfast burrito coming at ya! Yum. Music is typically right off the bartenders Ipods, so if you get in with them, you get what you want for music. This place has it all and best of all is the decor. It has an extremely home-y feeling that you can't find at many bars around. I highly recommend it! If you don't like it on a Thursday, you might LOVE it on a Tuesday or vice versa. This place has something for everyone, you just gotta figure out which day and time is yours and once you do, you'll LOVE IT like I do!
(5)
Vanilla P.
Yarmee. If me were a pirate, and me be needin' a tasty place fer a beer and square, this be where the sea lads would be gatherin'. Beer, bricks, portly sweet barmaids -- what more could a wannabe pirate want? If I weren't known as Dirt Bess Flint ( piratequiz.com ), I might find a more likable pub within stumbling distance of my new place... But I'm not wasting a swashbuckling second. I'll go 'ere again.
(4)
Iska B.
Total townie bar except on "Brandeis Night" which was (still is?) Wednesday. I used to go here pretty much every week when I went to Brandeis. It was really good sophomore and junior year when the bouncer was from Brandeis and would let you in despite the lack of being 21 if you were a girl. I don't know if that happens anymore but that made it super cool. The drinks are totally decent and not too expensive. The atmosphere is dark and there is a surprising amount of seating. Good bet for those boring weekday nights but not that cool on weekends.
(3)
Amanda S.
This is a great little local bar if you are looking for a cute spot to meet up for beers. The decor inside is visually pleasing & well kept. It has a traditional Irish Pub type of a feel. The food was pretty standard "bar food"- good if you're really hungry, but nothing really special. We had the blackened chicken quesadillas (good, but the chicken wasn't blackened), the island chicken skewers (which were buffalo skewers with some canned pineapple on the side), and the spinach artichoke dip (which again, was good, but served with tostitos). I would go back for drinks if I found myself in the area again, but probably wouldn't order food there again unless I was really starving.
(2)
Mackenzie N.
Perfect setting whether you're looking to play some trivia on a Tuesday night, grab a couple drinks after work with some co-workers, or throw a private party on a Saturday night. The Mad Raven has top-notch service with friendly staff and a very comfortable atmosphere. They have a great bar menu and at lunch they offer the same options with smaller portions at lower prices! Definitely a hidden jewel in Waltham!
(5)
Mike D.
This is an above average bar to go with with you friends. Its more bar feeling then sit down restaurant, but they have bar tables, booths, and tables. Lots of TV's including projectors to see the games. Food is real good and drinks are moderately priced. Bar is always full and the people are cool.
(3)
Irene F.
They make some good drinks, but beware the insane college crowds this bar draws. Wednesday is Brandeis night, Tuesday is Bentley night. The food is supposed to be quite good, but I've never gotten there early enough for that. The Trivia Night is a great deal of fun, keeps you busy while you drink!
(4)
Anna P.
One of my favorite local bars. It's a regular townie bar but always a good time. The bartenders are incredibly nice and fun! Also, watch out for Wednesday nights if you don't want to be drowning in a sea of Brandeis people as it is the night the whole campus heads to the bar!
(5)
Brian B.
I should have know when I walked by Joe Sent me and the tables were packed. At the Mad Raven the bar was full, but almost no one was eating. Don't eat here. Expensive and bad is a terrible combination. I know it is pub food, but even the sweet potatoe fries were bland. That said the decor is cool and the bar scene did look fun.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Tue, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tasha M.
Swordfish tacos!!!! Meow. And a nice cocktail selection to wash the beautifully marinated and prepared morsels with. Da da da da da da dum!
(5)Esther J.
Got their appetizers, blue moon, draft allagash. It was okay. Appetizer was good. I like that there's not to many people. The Allagash didn't taste the same as other places. Definitely a low stress casual place to come after work.
(3)Ari P.
Primary observation after a few visits: Some of the bartenders are great, some are not. For this side of Waltham, they have a nice beer selection and I really like drinking here on weekdays since it has a more "relaxed" vibe than other places. I've only ordered the buffalo chicken tenders and potato skins from here, and I was not happy with how aggressively salty they were. C'mon I understand that it's pub grub, but I felt like I was shriveling up by the time I finished eating. If they have a cocktail menu, I've never seen it. This is a beer bar that happens to have a lot of liquor. For this reason, I'm not very attached to this place, but at least it isn't a chain-kitschy as Joe Sent Me.
(3)Ryan H.
This place was great!! I had the bbq stuffed burger which was phenomenal! I enjoyed some Magners on tap which may be why the burger tasted so good! Definitely will be back!
(4)John A.
This bar has great food and beer selection. I was disappointed at first because they stopped serving Newcastle even though it was listed on the menu. Staff was great. For food, on one visit I had the pot roast, it came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. It was a ton of food, and very good. Our group also started with the stuffed mushrooms which were also great. On another visit, we went during trivia night, and just had beers and appetizers. The atmosphere is fun, the staff is friendly, they have stuff going on like trivia nights and they have really good food. If I were a local, I'd frequent this place. Parking is on the street.
(4)Jim M.
Love this place! friendly staff, terrific relaxed atmosphere, great beer list, and surprisingly great food for a pub. The traditional chicken curry was out of this world!
(4)Painter W.
My kids took me here for Mother's Day. Pros: Attractive ambiance, mid-City location since we live at compass points away from Boston (N-S-W), friendly and pert waitress, brunch menu, and they took reservations. Cons: Pert waitress was inattentive and easily distracted even though I think we were one of two parties she was serving. Had to wait for fresh brewed coffee and then for the check (which she gave to my husband... assuming that the oldest male pays.). She couldn't figure out how to split the check using credit cards (after all it was supposed to be kids' treat) --- so WE ended up paying. Oh... and I get better home fries, toast and omelettes at my local NH diner for less.
(2)Eugene D.
A fun downtown pub with good food for lunch or dinner.
(4)Felicita S.
I got to say they have this rude server named Lisa! Love Kay, she's classy. Food is great, but not excellent, wished the kitchen stayed open after 10
(3)Katie J.
I have only been to the Mad Raven for dinner (not for a night out for drinks) twice. Both times I have been very satisfied, and I will be returning. The food is always hot and brought out pretty quickly. The buffalo chicken wrap was exactly what I expected, and the Caesar salad was also delicious. My boyfriend always gets the burger and he loves it. The Mad Raven is located right on Main St. in Waltham, so on a summer day when the windows are open it can be a bit loud. However, it is still really nice to have the breeze and a view from a window table. There are some TVs but they definitely do not overwhelm the bar or the dining area. The ambiance is great. The service has always been great. The last time we ate here our waitress was fantastic - very attentive and friendly. Overall, this is a good spot. The food is pretty good and very affordable. It's a great spot for a beer and a burger on a week night after work. We will be returning!
(4)Road D.
I had the best lunch here and wonderful afternoon. The steak tips were the Bomb with salad and onions. Nice environment with great bar tenders Matt, Willy. Love the environment almost a little to clean for my taste. ;-)
(5)Amanda S.
I've wanted to go here since I moved to Waltham three years ago. I love the decor and the name. Sadly, we were kind of disappointed. The bar wasn't very busy, but it was still difficult to get service, despite being seated directly in front of the bartender. In addition, the kitchen closes at 10, even on a Friday night. May update if we go back when the kitchen is open. For now, it's back to Joe's for me.
(3)Duane W.
Great dinners.. terrible breakfast. . We spent 50.00 for 2 of us and not only did everything taste bland and old the portions sucked.. they charge you 2.50 for every tiny orange juice you drink.. I may never go back for. Dinner because I feel like I've been violated with that breakfast ...
(2)Hannah S.
I don´t usually expect much out of bars. As long as they have serve their beer in glass and not plastic, I´ll go! This bar, however, is wonderful. The food is consistent and great for bar food. The ambiance is simple, but great. I especially love the breeze from the windows in the summer time. Service is wonderful both at the bar and in the restaurant. Even when they make mistakes, they are polite and eager to fix it. This is one of my favorite places to just stop by to have a drink, watch a game or just catch up with friends. If you want a 5 star restaurant restaurant skip Mad Raven, but if you´d like to save a few bucks and enjoy an evening stop on in! Also, you can find healthy options here if you can ignore the allure of the more heavy bar foods on the menu.
(5)Jessica B.
I'm branching out from Naked Fish and exploring all possible lunch places in Waltham near my office park. With a name like The Mad Raven, this place was hard to resist. I really wanted to love this place. I went to Joe Sent Me recently. I like the ambience of The Mad Raven a lot more. The food was a hair better at Joe Sent Me. There was one guy serving the lunch "crowd" and when I asked which was better, the Maple Chicken Salad or the Steak N' Bleu Salad he serious told me that one had chicken and one had steak so whichever I preferred. Finally, I got him to recommend the Steak N' Bleu Salad. I think the steak salad I had at Joe Sent Me was better. We had to go to the bar to pay, but I was in a hurry to get back to my office. I'd be willing to give it another try. Perhaps it improves with booze.
(3)Rosanna Marina A.
This place is very quaint. Staff is very friendly and the food is delicious. Great place to relax and have a ice cold beer. Definitely recommend it for anyone that's looking for a place that is laid back and yet very enjoyable.
(5)Michelle B.
Brunch was fair. Food good but too skimpy on the home fries on the side. Server very nice but slow. Coffee was funny tasting.
(3)Pk S.
Comfortable pub. Nice wait staff. Someone in the kitchen just does not care. I ordered a French Dip and was served a horrible sandwich. Two pieces of meat that were over done and large pieces of fat through out. The au jus was French onion soup. Sent back without a problem. There is no quality control and the cooks just don't care. The cook should have just told the wait staff to have me order something else. If you won't eat it, don't serve it. Thanks again to the wait staff for fixing it.
(2)Kathleen M.
Love the Mad Raven for trivia on Tuesday nights. It is the best in the area, mostly because of Joe and the great staff on those nights. People are pretty diehard and come back week after week without fail. Calamari and pizzas are the absolute most delicious things on the menu. The curry is not bad either. My favorite neighborhood bar for ambience, no doubt!
(4)David P.
"And my shadow shall be lifted! NEVERMORE!" "Is there a balm in Gilead?" This is the question I asked my friend Lenore before we sat down at a cozy wooden table in the very center of the main dining area on a hot, early October afternoon after the lunch rush but before the dinner rush--that down-time you can have as an old, historical, Waltham Irish pub because your regulars come in, and they watch the Sox, and you all talk about Obamacare or your kids. That's when I spotted the Raven perched next to our table. On the floor. "Nevermore," quoth the Raven. "I would just walk out the door!" Said I to said sad Raven, "Well, I think I'll ask Lenore." (And no, Lenore is NOT a whore!) And that's when our server came with the Slider Trio. Buffalo Chicken slider: excellent. Fresh lettuce, tomato, onion. Pulled Pork slider: stringy squishy, kinda ew. BBQ too sweet. Too wet. Traditional burger slider: cooked to NEVERMORE well done, and tasting like lighter fluid and charcoal, only. Quoth the Raven, "ew." Ok. Entree's. For lunch. Lunch entrees. Me! The Raven Roll: $7.95 - Turkey, bacon, scallions & Havarti cheese served in a roll-up with spicy cranberry sour creme sauce. Dry. Inedible. Onion rings; waiter's suggestion. Beach sand with onion flavor. Lenore! Baked Mac N Cheese? A classic mix of Wisconsin-aged cheddar and mascarpone, topped with homemade breadcrumbs. NEVERMORE! Sausage dog food, overcooked, under heat lamps, pasta gooey, bland, dry, tasteless but edible if you remove the offending sausage and pour salt all over it. Which she did, "Oh, NEVERMORE!" Went I to the restroom and across the wooden floor until I saw that pesky Raven laughing by the Kitchen door. Never more, quoth the Raven, there are so any other bars in Waltham, and it just doesn't make sense to waste all your money here on food that's actually really bad. Like really bad. But the server was friendly, and she took off the sausage and onion rings, and I was like, "Well, you know, these things happen. We've been here before, and we never really expect much from Waltham bars besides Sports Pub, or MAYBE Margarita's--and I heard there's this place called City Streets in another part of town, and we should totally go THERE next time, cuz Mad Raven sucks. I know the Brandeis and Bentley kids go on weekends or whatever. And it's history, or something. But that food is really bad, man." Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken, leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out thy heart and take thy form from off that red painted, kinda cool facade with the hip wooden spheres hanging next to your sign painted red and yellow. Why do people even go here?
(2)Kyle O.
9 years ago when I lived in and worked in Waltham, this place was legit - but now that Father Time, casket teaser behind the bar calls the shots.... See ya later, there's much better bars, with much better atmospheres in the area
(1)Michelle C.
Went for lunch and was looking forward to the potato skins, but it was a big disappointment. I think they were frozen, boo! My friend had a burger and I think that was a frozen kind too. I like the inside of the place, might be worth a trip back for drinks after work. Parking sucks too.
(2)Jennifer P.
I visited The Mad Raven the other night and had yet another great experience. They recently changed the menu to have everything in one pamphlet and it seems as if they added more items. I appreciated that the volume of the music was low and the waitresses were attentive. I ordered an entree with blackened chicken and shrimp over a creamy pesto pasta and wow did it have flavor! The chicken was perfectly juicy, the shrimp were fresh and the pasta was al dente and had the right amount of sauce. The only downside to the meal was that the waitress forgot the pizza that I was going to take to go, but she offered to get it set. I've also never seen her before, so I wonder if she was new and it just slipped her mind.
(5)Valerie V.
I want this place to be awesome- the name is great, the décor is lovely, ambiance is top notch- but it is missing something. I've been there twice so far, once for drinks on a Friday night and another time for brunch on Sunday afternoon. The drinks were ok, music is awesome, and the service was friendly but the place was nearly empty on a Friday night. Brunch was a real let down. Boyfriend loved his scrambled eggs and bacon but I was not impressed with the Irish breakfast. My eggs, ordered sunny side up, were embrassingly undercooked (just gross, honestly), the toast was very dry and not served warm (may have been sitting out for a while), baked beans were flavorless, and some mystery sausage was lumpy and burnt. With In A Pickle and Joseph's down Main Street, there's no reason to return for brunch here.
(2)Michelle R.
Went here on a Wednesday night with a few friends, got a big table and quick service. Everyone really liked their food. Calamari - good Nachos - really good Fireman Burger - amazing (Wednesday night special.. amazing) Pizzas - great BuffChick Mac n' Cheese - ok, a little too spicey for some but I liked the bite I had! Better than average pub food. Good beer list. Cheap drinks. Overall a great time. Hearing we need to try the trivia on Tuesdays!
(4)Rishabh G.
This place was recommended to me by my wife and her friends after they tried it out. So my wife and I went for dinner back in November and tried a few of their dishes. We tried the vegetarian quesadilla, which was made really well. It was definitely a good portion for two people. I ordered the Mexican with potato fries and my wife ordered the Mushroom Ravioli. My sandwich was absolutely amazing. It had a great smoky and spicy flavor. The bread was toasted really well and then vegetables were portioned really well for the overall sandwich. The fries were also very crispy and warm. I also took a few bites of the Ravioli, which was divine. The sauce with the mushrooms worked really well together. It was a really good experience overall. After that dinner, we've been there regularly, especially for lunch. The prices are a couple of dollars less for lunch than for dinner, but even those prices are great. My only complaint is that I feel that the appetizers are slightly priced a little too high for the portion size. This is a great restaurant/bar to go to if your in town or on your lunch break. Service is great and food is usually ready from anywhere between 10 to 15 mins. I will definitely be going back there frequently. Can't wait to try the beer once I turn 21. :P
(5)Kassie C.
What a great place! My traveling partner and I went here on a whim when we were trying to find something to eat. It was a bit difficult to find a parking spot on that Friday but it was delicious food! We were seated right by the windows, which were tall and wide open, and it was a nice night out. Our waitress was fantastic! I can't remember her name, but she was so funny and sweet. Loved her! She carded me when I got a drink (I'm 21), and she said her birthday was just a couple days away from mine but a lot of years away. I of course said "Well, maybe only four or five years older than me, right?" I think we became one of her favorite tables at that point ha ha. The food was wonderful as well! Portions weren't too big (I had the fish and chips), and I can't remember what I had for a drink but it was good too. Not too expensive, pretty small on the inside, but had a very awesome hometown feel to it while still looking classy. Love The Mad Raven!
(5)Kate L.
The ambiance is cool/bar but cozy and warm on a winter night. Service was good. Wine list is minimal. Potato skins were pretty bland and not worth the calories. Steak and blue cheese salad was a generous portion of steak and really really good. Great price too!
(3)Mike G.
Food was OK. I had steak tips and mashed potatoes. Steak was cooked correctly. Potatoes were served warm not hot. Was not horrible but not great either. Beer selection was good. Services was also good.
(3)Jeff M.
Food is average bar food. Slightly below average depending on who's cooking. Service can be a little lackluster. But decent beer on tap and it's a comfortable place to hang out and watch a game on nice TVs. Would love to see more of a gastro pub type menu. Could be a great spot.
(3)Kathy M.
I went here last night for Tuesday night trivia. It wasn't crowded for trivia but each team has to pay $10 to enter. That's a first. There were only 2 waitresses on staff for 25 people and it took a while for us to get our orders. I ordered medium steak tips but they were overcooked. I thought medium meant a pink center not white. It was a really small portion of steak and it was hard to cut (maybe because they were over done?). Beer selection wasn't bad and they do have a good amount of tvs for watching games.
(2)Michael C.
Surprisingly good food and even better drinks. Wait staff is very attentive and friendly. Place can get pretty packed during lunch on Friday as workers in the area gear up for the weekend. My only complaint is that one time we came here while it was crowded and were seated next to some college kids from Brandeis. Not a big deal until we overheard they just finished playing Ultimate Frisbee. Not a second later, did I realize this as well when the BO smell hit me like a ton of bricks... This however was a one off event, which hasn't kept me from returning.
(4)Joseph M.
Do not even feed this food to your dog... He will hate you for life! 2 stars for the drinks, the food was a mistake. Service was A+ Lisa was VERY accommodating and helpful and made for great company. Overall, I just wished for better selections of food more intriguing items for apps and main dishes. Unfortunately, I would pass and go elsewhere.
(2)Seth J.
I've gone here a couple of times just for beers. The beers are nothing special, just your typical mass-produced brews. My question is, why would a draft beer in Waltham cost $6 a glass...plus tip? If you really want an over-priced Guinness or Sam Adams, this is your place. Or you could go a few blocks down to Watch City Brewery and get a unique, in-house, pretty-darn-good brew for less.
(2)Bethany C.
My husband and I came in and there was only one other table who was clearly finished. We sat for ten min without being acknowledged at all by any staff. We got up and left.
(1)Ben W.
This place has given me countless nights of great food, service and atmosphere. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly and the wait staff is top-notch. The staff treat you like family and in turn, you become part of a community that is so rare in other pubs.
(5)Courtney N.
My friend and I were driving through downtown Waltham when we saw the Mad Raven and decided to stop in for a drink and to split an appetizer. The place was nice- dark interior with raven decorations and plenty of televisions plus good tables. We sat ourselves and a server came right over with menus. We were going to split an appetizer but my friend saw jumbalaya on the lunch menu and really wanted to get it so I went with shepherd's pie. He enjoyed his meal except for the overly blackened chicken which he had to cut around with a knife. My shepherd's pie was awful. It was way too hot. Still steaming after twenty minutes. It looked nothing like a shepherd's pie. A little bit of meat at the bottom, some veggies interspersed (I counted 3 carrots and 2 pieces of zucchini) with a thick gravy and tons (and I do mean tons) of both mashed potatoes and chunks of potato on the top. I think it had a bit of cheese added. Yuck. It was served in a huge soup bowl and really was nothing like the shepherd's pie that I'm sure most of us are used to. I complained to the waitress that it was way too hot and she nonchalantly laughed and said to make sure I ate it slowly. Um, yeah that's quality service. I ended up getting it to go because my friend was done and it was still piping hot and just gross (the meat tasted awful). I will say that hours later when I gave it to my dog she really loved it. We won't be back.
(3)Vera S.
I love the Raven! It is a great neighborhood bar! The food is good, the drinks are good, and the waitstaff will remember your drink once you're in there more than a few times. Their brunch is pretty good too!
(3)Ben D.
Went here for trivia night with a few friends. The biggest thing I can say about this place is that everyone knows each other. People walking into the bar would chat with various waitresses and the bartender before sitting down, then have a nice conversation with whoever was waiting on them at the table. As this was my first time at The Mad Raven, I did not know anyone on staff and was rather disappointed with the service, since my waitress was always off chatting with random people. I don't usually like dropping stars for poor service as I know that's more a reflection on the wait staff than the restaurant as a whole, but in this case it was really irritating that the whole bar ground to a halt when a regular walked in. Guess I won't be one of those regulars.
(3)Lindsay B.
I have been to the Mad Raven a few times, and while I am not a frequent visitor, I've been made to feel like family there by the owner. While the food isn't the best Irish pub fare, that family welcome means so much, particularly being a busy city area where anonymity is valued. I have been to some of their live music shows too, and they have some great musicians go in there.
(5)Matthew B.
Still a good pint. Our waitress (name forgotten) actually produced a pack or Ritz crackers for my niece who was inconsolable and melting down from starvation/overdue nap/being 4yrs old. Waitress earned an extra $10 for that feat of magic. Well done and thank you. The food is still poor... Even though my expectations were very low I still found myself shocked at how disappointing it was. I ordered a burger figuring that you can't F that up too much. WRONG. Giant stale hamburger bun? Really? Don't serve stale buns. Is there anyone working in this kitchen who gives a toss? That's a sincere question. Spend a few dollars on a line cook who is good even if you won't pay a chef to run your kitchen. Two other people at our table ordered burgers. Between the 3 of us, one half of one bun was eaten. That waitress was great. Superb. Rock-star quality. Many thanks!
(2)Eden V.
It's a bar. Really good fish and chips at lunch. My sister and I went together. She's a champion beer drinker and it satisfied. TV's with 2 different games, but no one else in the place! Poor Walt ham;dissed because it's no longer in the tony 617! Waiter from Dublin; great brogue!
(4)Amy C.
Note to self don't go here again. A group of us came here for lunch on St. Patty's day for lunch. Granted this place was slammed and you would think they would prepare and staff accordingly. They only had 2 waitresses on and the service turned out to be bad news. We waited for over 1.5 hours to get a table. We finally sat and waited another 25-30 min. The waitress finally came over and was super rude to our entire table. Not cool. Sorry to put you out! I ended up getting the turkey club, the menu description said it came with maple bacon. To my sad surprise they squirted maple syrup on the bread. The turkey was absolutely disgusting, totally over processed fake meat. I was so grossed out I'm now a vegetarian. I kid, but it was horrible.
(1)J G.
The sandwich I had was delicious, as well as its sides. Decent beer selection, but nothing amazing. The Irish-accented bartender poured a good Guinness. I'll be coming back to this place.
(4)Irene R.
"Would you like something to drink?" "Can I get you some more coffee?" these are just a couple things our waitress could have said to make our brunch better. Food was good. Portions were good. There weren't a lot of people there. Our waitress never asked us if we'd like anything to drink. Never brought us water, never asked if we wanted more coffee. In fact she barely came over, and when she did we never got a chance to ask her for anything before she walked away. I kept trying to flag her down (she could see us from the bar) but she just didn't care. It would have been a very nice brunch if it weren't for a crappy server... oh yeah, did I mention her hair was dangling from my friends pint of Guinness (we both have short dark hair, and this one was long and blond) what a disappointment.
(2)Drew L.
Perfect for a Pub night out! Great atmosphere, and wonderful friendly service. Food was wonderful! The Shepherds Pie was so good and hot I wanted the bowl to last forever (even though the bowl was huge to begin with!) Nacho's were yummy (get them with chili!) and the steak tips, in my opinion, are the best in Waltham. Been there twice already, and it's officially my new favorite place!
(5)Mark M.
Seemed like it would be a decent place for dinner, not so great for brunch, though they did let us book a large group on short notice. What was billed as paninis were really sandwiches on baguettes. The egg quesadilla was passable. The service was extremely slow; maybe a waiter failed to show, but the service was abysmal; pleasant enough, just slow and unprofessional. It was a good place to watch the Patriots.
(2)Skinny D.
A nice local pub. Pretty crowded around 8pm on a Friday night but I was able to find a seat right away. There was a wide range of ages represented so it must appeal to all. The service was very good and friendly. I had the beef tips/ turkey tips combo and a cup of beef stew. The stew was hearty with lots of beef and vegetables and the tips were tasty and tender. The Shepard's pie looked good from a neighboring table. I'd go back again when I'm in town.
(4)Mehgan C.
Good beers on tap. Nice atmosphere. Had a yummy dinner here once. Lovely little proper irish bars like this. I cannot wait to go back for dinner and a drink! Never have been on the weekend but the weeknights are great!
(4)Walter R.
I like this bar. The food lacks (read: don't really bother, except maybe late-night nachos), but my beer has been well-poured and mixed drinks are strong. Tuesdays have trivia which is fun. Weekend nights (and other random ones) can get pretty terrifying - whenever the college kids are let off campus they harass the entirety of Waltham, it seems. Friendly bartenders, waitstaff, and owner (the one time I met him).
(4)Fred H.
One of our favorite local pubs..Always great food, great drinks, and great service
(5)Jeremy K.
I'm saying a solid 4 outta 5 here yelpers. i (we)have been to the raven a few times, so that says a lot right there, more so... once during sox playoffs, with friends, got there 35 minutes before the start so got a table, which was great as it got wall to wall nation, and had great table service the whole game. the other times, good service all around. personally, the steak and cheese with peppers is righteous, it comes with steak fries and after a few of the dark bitters, it tastes yum yum. its the only thing i get there, but why change it up if it works and you only go once and a while. trivia too, but i don't think i have made it out there, but its an option.
(4)Jamie W.
The Raven is a solid choice for all nights of the week and has become a staple for Waltham festivities. You can get a decent meal if you're looking for dinner, or the right ambiance for some drinks with friends. Fun trivia on Tuesday and love music on the weekends -- always with great service!
(4)Cassie E.
Do yourself a favor and go next door to Joe Sent Me. Overpriced for kind of yicky food. Pretentious. Blech.
(1)Dan D.
I go here all the time. The bartenders and servers are great. The burgers are excellent. The beers and drinks are phenominal. I am a big fan of the Raven Nachos, The Bishopstown Burger, The Margherita Pizza and the fish and chips. I would strongly recommend to all my friends.
(5)Roni E.
Wow I can't believe it's been over a year since I've written an update on "the Raven". Food is still delicious! Staff is still stellar! Still 5 stars in my eyes, I'd give 10 stars if I could! You know this place is 5 stars if I can spend literally 9 hours in here during the snow storm on Sunday. I came for the game and ended up staying into the night hours. Always an excellent time in here whenever I come in. I feel like Norm in Cheers. That's how you know you've found a great local watering hole. When you feel at home whenever you walk in.
(5)Stryker C.
Ok, nice looking pub, drinks were good. I like the cozy atmosphere. Food...very average, to below average and considering price level, it needs to be better. And the faux pas for a restaurant, a mixed green salad, where there were lots of bits of that black ooze that happens to salad greens left sitting in the plastic bag...a no-no...AND hair...I prefer my salad hairless, just my preference, and usually, the way most people like it, no? So, if this was the only place around, I'd return and stick to the beverages, skip the food...but, since Waltham is a sort of hot bed of places to eat and drink, it's very unlikely I will return.
(2)R V.
It makes me sad inside to give only three stars to the joint that was once my favorite restaurant in the entire Boston area, but their new, pricier, classier menu (I think they updated it in the fall of 2010?) has jettisoned everything that made their pub grub great and replaced it with pretentiously plated flotsam and smaller portion sizes. Bummer! According to me, they once had the best chili in Massachusetts.
(3)Mike D.
It's really simple. If you are looking for above average pub food this is the place to go. Food it pretty good, drinks are cheap and the serice is moderate. People are nice and not lookng to make a fortune from tips. Just a great local hang out. If you are traveling more than 10 miles to go here dont bother you probaly have one of these places in your town.
(3)Drew S.
Avoid like the plague! The staff is rude, very hard to flag down, and it was slow! I'd hate to see them on a busy night! Also, as far as allergens go, the staff is unknowledgeable and unhelpful!
(1)Mike L.
This is my first review here on Yelp, so here goes. I live within walking distance of the Mad Raven, so it would be awesome if it were a great bar to go to. But... I've only gone here on Friday or Saturday nights, and it's always been pretty dead. I like to go to bars to have fun and socialize with people, and that's not really the atmosphere they have going here (at least not when I've been). I hear it's hopping on Wednesday and Thursday when the college kids come out, but I couldn't tell you how that scene is. I really want to like this place more than I do. It has a really cool look and atmosphere which sets it apart from other random pubs which can be pretty bland (like Joe Sent Me, for example, which is next door). The look is definitely one of the best things abuot the Mad Raven. So, in the end, it's a good place to go if you just want to have a couple drinks with friends and head out somewhere else. Or, if you want to have a laid back night and just watch some bar-TV. If you're looking for a place to go "out on the town" and mingle with a bunch of like-minded people, I wouldn't come here. Oh, and, for some reason everytime I've been in there it has the distinct smell of puke floating in the air. My friends have smelled it too. It's especially bad if you buy a Coors Light (maybe someone puked in that cooler?). I haven't been there in a few weeks, so maybe it's gone now. But it was definitely hanging around for a couple of weeks when I was going.
(2)Annie I.
my burger was meh, and i had to ask multiple times to get ketchup and my drink. plus you have to pay to enter trivia, which blows. i wouldn't go back.
(2)Roger W.
Been here several times since moving to temporary housing in Waltham. Good beer selection on tap, nice local bar atmosphere. The food is decent (have tried the steak tips, ribs, and fish and chips), but not exceptional. Food service is slow, so plan on waiting a while for your meal to show up. For a much better meal go next door to Mulan, but the Raven is fine when you're in the mood for a burger and a beer.
(3)Sarah M.
I've been to the Mad Raven a few times with the bf. It's a typical towny-ish Irish pub kinda place. I haven't tried their food, but I hear it's pretty good. They have a good draft beer selection and a full bar for everything else. I don't think I've been since colleges were back in session so it may be a little more upbeat, but it was pretty low-key when I was there. I only give it three stars because I always have to wait significantly longer than necessary to get a drink at the bar. it's a little ridiculous actually. However, I do want to try their food so once I do that, if I am impressed, I'll update my review with an improved rating if warranted :)
(3)Mathew S.
Good food and drink...Def better food than Joe Sent Me. No cheap draft beers but selection is better than elsewhere.
(4)Jacque M.
I haven't been here for anything but breakfast but it was a great experience. They are open on weekends at 11am for brunch. If you are trying to go to Joseph's or In a Pickle and they are completely packed as usual and you don't mind a pub atmosphere, go over to Mad Raven and you will be pleasantly surprised. Good service and good food. I suggest the breakfast burrito.
(4)Brian G.
If you've been to an Irish Pub you've been to something like the Mad Raven. I frequent it for drinks and bar food. They have live music pretty often which is pretty good.
(4)matt m.
Been here twice in the past couple weeks and had a good experience both times. The server was always pleasant and attentive. I've had The Mexican (tasty) and the burger (good but not great) and look forward to making my way down the sandwich list as they all look good! My gf had a salad both times and was happy with each (the maple walnut and the southwestern).
(4)Dave M.
Let me start by saying that my friend swears by this place, the bartenders are very friendly, and the food isn't bad. I've been to the Mad Raven three times expecting the amazing experience that my buddy keeps driving into my head, but have yet to see it. The Guinness and Smithwicks are good on draught, and the sandwiches are solid, but the burger I had last time was extremely average, and the sweet potato fries have been crunchy (not crispy - I mean overcooked or burnt) and not very tasty BOTH times I've ordered them. The regular fries (fat steakhouse ones) are better, but again, very average, and a small portion. The atmosphere is good for watching soccer, but I was told they do not carry rugby games or many other eu sports. I'll be back if my buddy really wants to go, but I'll try somewhere else if I'm just driving through Waltham looking for lunch.
(3)Walt Z.
An average bar. You get some townies here from time to time, but it's nothing to write home about. With their own assortment of drinks, they can claim a bit of uniqueness, but these sorts of spots have had to fight to not become a dime a dozen. Great for a quiet chat at the bar where you don't have to shout to hear who you're with. Otherwise, not a place that pops up as standing out.
(3)Jeff D.
I like this place. It's totally relaxed and not overcrowded. You can actually linger and have some drinks and hear your conversation (I'm looking at YOU Margarita's). Surprisingly, all the food is great. I've never had a bad meal here. Sometimes they're under-staffed which leads to waits, but nothing horrible.
(3)Holly S.
I'm not necessarily taking away a star from the Mad Raven, I'm just giving a more accurate rating. Still, the veggie burgers are some of the best I've had in the Boston area. But as good as it gets? I'm not quite comfortable making such a bold procalmation. So, Mad Raven you still rock. Though we noticed you skimped on the sweet potato fries last time we were here . . . what's that all about? (Though, it's probably for the best . . .)
(4)Bob S.
I've been to Mad Raven twice - once on a Wednesday and once on a Thursday. Both nights there were a few people there, but it wasn't overly crowded so it was a good place to meet up for a couple beers with friends. Wednesday was sports trivia and the questions were pretty tough. A bunch of people were using their phones to look up answers which was a load of crap. The guy running it should have squashed that. Overall, there was a good beer selection including a few rotating seasonal specials. I haven't had the food, but I liked the bar enough to give it a try sometime soon.
(4)S R.
I've been to the Mad Raven a couple of times. For lunch it's pretty good and usually pretty quiet. They have great Sweet Potato French Fries. Mostly I go there on Tuesday for Trivia with some of my friends. While we used to enjoy it, I have recently decided I will probably not return. My friends and I have decided that it's crazy to have to spend up to $10 to play trivia for an hour and a half. If you win 1st prize you win $50 that's a good improvement, but still, where does our money go? Additionally, the Trivia NEVER starts on time. They advertise trivia to start at 8. I was there 2/15/11 and it was 8:45 and I finally asked the (somewhat unpleasant) waitress, "is there Trivia tonight?" to which she replied, "yup" and when I said I guess you don't start at 8. She said "It's Joe, he get's here when he wants, trivia starts when he gets here". While I suppose when you're at a bar, you can't be to picky, but I work full time (as an event planner-my events start on time), I'm not a college student that can sleep until noon the next day. If you're a little more laid back than I, you may give it a few extra stars! However, the bartender (I don't know her name, but she's there during trivia) is AWESOME. She's super nice, friendly, and makes the experience that much better :)
(2)Chelsea B.
The Mad Raven has better food than the Skellig, in my opinion, but oddly doesn't have much Irish food on its menu beyond an "Irish Breakfast" available on weekends (which is quite good, actually). So not having more than a couple Irish items at an IRISH PUB is points against!! Points FOR ... Very clean, comfortable pubby interior (if a little "faked", as it needs some time/wear to resemble a true "neighborhood" Irish pub). They also have a few Irish waitstaff! No joke, that's awesome. It still feels like a new place that may need some kinks ironed out, but the BEST part of this place is that they poured me an amazing black and tan, and that's how it should be.
(3)Tom S.
A great bar with very good food, especially the burgers. There is usually a pretty diverse crowd on the weekends and the bartenders keep on top of things.
(4)Jeff S.
yes. !. primo cheap house beer - check 2. dank margarita pizza - check 3. even danker french onion soup w/cheese melted on top - check 4. super tender ,juicy steak cooked to perfection - check 5. romantic/cozy/quiet setting / atmosphere and awesome staff - check 5 starts all day nuff said!
(5)Fred V.
Visited for a friends birthday. The Mad Raven has a nice atmosphere. Can't really compare it to other nearby bars since I'm not really from the area. Really liked the home-brew, The Mad Raven.
(3)J D.
better they raise the quality of food and friendliness of waitstaff to the expectation level they set - maybe then I can bump it up one star
(2)Lindsay K.
They actually do a delicious burger for lunch. Go figure. The Mad Raven let's in a ton of underage girls and guys alike, which is obnoxious. Those seem to be the same kids who puke in the bathroom and get kicked out for fighting. The place often gets crowded with Brandeis coeds and will serve drinks in plastic cups, which is a no-no for a $7 vodka- cran.
(3)Matt H.
We visited Mad Raven's a few days ago and promised never to return. It's not that the place was terrible. It just didn't seem worth the high price tag. We both ordered Apple & Walnut Salads. These were okay--the lettuce seemed fresh. But there was very little flavor, and not enough apples or walnuts! For plates that cost nearly $10, we thought we'd get a bit more. I could've made the same salads at home for $2 per person. Meanwhile, the service was fairly sub-par. There seemed to be only one waitress for the whole crowd, and she rushed around, too busy to refill our drinks. The decor is pretty fun--high ceilings with an unfinished, industrial look. But it was hard to enjoy the atmosphere. Throughout our visit, the pub was transitioning to 'night-life mode.' Minute-by-minute, someone dialed up the music volume, 'til it was hard to hear each other, even from a foot or two away. Yeah, yeah: pubs are loud. But the Raven was obnoxiously, artificially loud. You can do better. Overpriced, mediocre food in a unimpressive setting.
(2)sunny n.
The Mad Raven brings me back to college days..a popular spot on Tues--Thurs for Bentley / Brandies crew... The atmosphere is 5 stars all the way..very warm inviting casual Celtic / sportsbarish / vibe..i love it...After the renovations of dark tones and plenty of memorabilia with LCDs hidden everywhere..its pretty slick... The bartenders are very friendly...and quick with their knowledge of drinks...The food is pretty average --your standard bar food ..plus some creative options...especially amongst the salads.... All in all a good place to hang out chill..for a casual evening or sports event...parking is a little wierd on Main St..and beware of the freekin cops around here..they linger so close to Dunkin Donuts always...( a hard lesson learned :-))
(4)Laura M.
Oh, Mad Raven. The last time I visited this place was with a group of 6, we couldn't decide where to go and people kept throwing out suggestions and I was on the phone trying to talk to my friend while relaying what he said to my boyfriend who was driving, and everyone kept vetoing every suggestion so I said to my boy, "Which offends you least, Watch City or the Mad Raven?" and he had to think long and hard. Finally we settled on Mad Raven because we had a coupon. So we go to the Mad Raven for dinner around 7:30 and there's hardly anyone there, and several of us order their pizza. The beer selection is pretty good, although our waitress has to keep running around double-checking things, getting us more menus, etc. Finally the food comes and I am informed that my pizza has yellow cheese on it because they are out of the regular cheese (hello, no one's in your restaurant!) and I shouldn't worry because it's the same as the white cheese. As far as I know, no one makes yellow mozzarella, so I'm not sure how stupid she thinks I am. My boyfriend's pizza is white, but he eats one slice and says it tastes "moldy." Don't ask me how he's so sure what mold tastes like. Oh well, at least we get one of our dinners for free, right? Wrong. Their coupons aren't good on Fridays. BOOOO! I would give fewer stars, but I realize that many people view this as a crazy college bar rather than a more comfy, intimate pub with good food and such. I'm nto a crazy college bar kind of girl, so I can't evaluate it on that scale. But I don't think I'll be back. (This wasn't my first visit; others were similarly unimpressive.)
(3)Liz K.
Went on a Friday night with a group of 4 and was extremely lucky to get a table. the place was playing music so loud you couldn't hear the person next to you shouting in your ear. But they have a great selection of food and beer. By the time we left around 10 it was so packed we could barely walk out of the place.
(2)brian c.
Should be 2.5 Even though I have never ate here, I have come on several occasions after work. On more than one occasion, I found that the beer tasted like the lines were never cleaned. Its not a bad place to chill and the staff are friendly, but they need to start cleaning their lines.
(2)Caroline O.
While I can't say I've ever been there at night, I have been going to the Mad Raven recently for lunch to watch the World Cup with a bunch of colleagues. Big TVs, great quality pub grub (try the Curry Chicken!), nice atmosphere (full of soccer fans!), and decent beer selection on tap. You just can't go wrong. If you're looking for a place to catch the World Cup games (and play hooky from work), this is a great place to go. Cheers, folks!
(5)Luke R.
Good bar. Decent food. The wings were really good (though expensive). It's a little more relaxed than some of the other bars in the area and has a lot more of a 'local' feel, especially on weekday nights. One of the few bars I can go to and hear Radiohead, which is enough to keep me going back.
(4)Mike D.
I have yet to eat here, but the bartender was wicked friendly and the place was a vast improvement over the establishment next door (Joe Sent Me), where we'd just had lunch--cleaner, warm feeling to the place, marginally better music. I don't find myself in Waltham much in the winter, but the next time I do and it's time for lunch I'll give these guys a shot.
(4)Natasha A.
Good town bar. The bartenders can really mix a good cocktail. Avoid Wendsday night Brandeis underage hoochie gathering and you'll have a good time. (Same thing happens in Joe Sent Me except Bentley students).
(3)Joyce K.
I luuuvvvv the Mad Raven on Wednesday nights. Yes, it is a sea of Brandeis people and you'll most likely see me there yelling random things. It's just a fun place to hang out and drink with your friends. I love the Mark, the owner and the bouncers are intimidating and wonderful. Always a good time at the Raven.
(5)KRISTEN C.
The Mad Mad Raven can provide you with whatever you want. If you want to watch the Pats on Sunday? OK. You got it. Do you like TRIVIA? OK. You got it - Tuesday nights. DO IT. Do you like Brunch when you are hungover on the weekend? OK, you got it - breakfast burrito coming at ya! Yum. Music is typically right off the bartenders Ipods, so if you get in with them, you get what you want for music. This place has it all and best of all is the decor. It has an extremely home-y feeling that you can't find at many bars around. I highly recommend it! If you don't like it on a Thursday, you might LOVE it on a Tuesday or vice versa. This place has something for everyone, you just gotta figure out which day and time is yours and once you do, you'll LOVE IT like I do!
(5)Vanilla P.
Yarmee. If me were a pirate, and me be needin' a tasty place fer a beer and square, this be where the sea lads would be gatherin'. Beer, bricks, portly sweet barmaids -- what more could a wannabe pirate want? If I weren't known as Dirt Bess Flint ( piratequiz.com ), I might find a more likable pub within stumbling distance of my new place... But I'm not wasting a swashbuckling second. I'll go 'ere again.
(4)Iska B.
Total townie bar except on "Brandeis Night" which was (still is?) Wednesday. I used to go here pretty much every week when I went to Brandeis. It was really good sophomore and junior year when the bouncer was from Brandeis and would let you in despite the lack of being 21 if you were a girl. I don't know if that happens anymore but that made it super cool. The drinks are totally decent and not too expensive. The atmosphere is dark and there is a surprising amount of seating. Good bet for those boring weekday nights but not that cool on weekends.
(3)Amanda S.
This is a great little local bar if you are looking for a cute spot to meet up for beers. The decor inside is visually pleasing & well kept. It has a traditional Irish Pub type of a feel. The food was pretty standard "bar food"- good if you're really hungry, but nothing really special. We had the blackened chicken quesadillas (good, but the chicken wasn't blackened), the island chicken skewers (which were buffalo skewers with some canned pineapple on the side), and the spinach artichoke dip (which again, was good, but served with tostitos). I would go back for drinks if I found myself in the area again, but probably wouldn't order food there again unless I was really starving.
(2)Mackenzie N.
Perfect setting whether you're looking to play some trivia on a Tuesday night, grab a couple drinks after work with some co-workers, or throw a private party on a Saturday night. The Mad Raven has top-notch service with friendly staff and a very comfortable atmosphere. They have a great bar menu and at lunch they offer the same options with smaller portions at lower prices! Definitely a hidden jewel in Waltham!
(5)Mike D.
This is an above average bar to go with with you friends. Its more bar feeling then sit down restaurant, but they have bar tables, booths, and tables. Lots of TV's including projectors to see the games. Food is real good and drinks are moderately priced. Bar is always full and the people are cool.
(3)Irene F.
They make some good drinks, but beware the insane college crowds this bar draws. Wednesday is Brandeis night, Tuesday is Bentley night. The food is supposed to be quite good, but I've never gotten there early enough for that. The Trivia Night is a great deal of fun, keeps you busy while you drink!
(4)Anna P.
One of my favorite local bars. It's a regular townie bar but always a good time. The bartenders are incredibly nice and fun! Also, watch out for Wednesday nights if you don't want to be drowning in a sea of Brandeis people as it is the night the whole campus heads to the bar!
(5)Brian B.
I should have know when I walked by Joe Sent me and the tables were packed. At the Mad Raven the bar was full, but almost no one was eating. Don't eat here. Expensive and bad is a terrible combination. I know it is pub food, but even the sweet potatoe fries were bland. That said the decor is cool and the bar scene did look fun.
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