When the eatery opened in 1998, it advertised itself as a neighborhood restaurant serving fresh, regional food cooked over a wood-fire grill in a casual, comfortable atmosphere. That is what diners still expect today, owners Rob and Sara Cromie said.
One might equate The Raven Grill’s success to staple recipes, such as their cedar plank salmon, broiled and served on a cedar plank of wood and topped with roasted corn, black bean salsa and wasabi aioli. Yet the owners said the most important factor is the staff.
“They are really the heart and soul of The Raven,” Sara said. “They know everybody’s name ... and guests come back knowing they’re going to have that familiar face that takes care of them.”
Over the years, The Raven Grill team have collaborated and worked together to overcome challenges associated with Houston floods, hurricanes, freezes and the pandemic. After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the owners transformed the property into an outdoor gathering place at a time when many homes were without power.
Sara said she grew up in the neighborhood and attended Poe Elementary School, which served as the inspiration for the name of the restaurant after author Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.”
Her childhood included attending Lanier Junior High School, where she met Rob. They both graduated from Lamar Senior High School, later marrying in 1991. Since then, Sara and Rob opened the bakery, Picnic, located next door.
Moving forward, Rob said they will continue what has brought them to where they are now.
“Great customer service and always, always looking for new ways to satisfy our guests with great-tasting food,” he said. “That will never change.”
Why is the restaurant called The Raven Grill?
Sara Cromie grew up in the neighborhood and attended Poe Elementary School, the inspiration for the name of the restaurant, named after author Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” Owners Sara and Rob Cromie met in seventh grade at what was formerly called Lanier Junior High School, graduated from Lamar High School and married in 1991.
The Raven Grill
1916 Bissonnet St., Houston
713-521-2027
www.theravengrill.com
Hours: Closed Mon., Tue.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
