Post by JoannaL on Apr 14, 2021 18:15:50 GMT -5
Raven's Manor: Portland's Haunted Cocktail Lounge
The Legend of Dr. Raven: It is said that a mad doctor named Dr. Raven built his manor to throw lavish parties to distract from his questionable experiments. Some of those experiments are rumored to have involved living subjects and the creation of unspeakable monsters. Unfortunately, Dr. Raven failed to create an elixir for everlasting life and has long since perished. Since his death, dark souls have passed through the house leaving behind pieces of themselves to live on forever in Dr. Raven’s Manor.
Although somewhat misleading, the above is from Raven’s Manor website. While it seems to imply the bar occupies a “manor” that once belonged to a mad doctor, it is actually located in the historic Henry Failing Building at 235 S.W. 1st Avenue in downtown Portland, Oregon.
Scheduled to open later this month, the owners hope to attract Goths, ghost hunters and those interested in the dark side. Designed to look like the interior of Hollywood’s version of a haunted mansion, the establishment features gargoyles, chandeliers, candelabra, gruesome specimens in glass jars, as well as other oddities such as a bat’s skeleton, shrunken head and collection of extracted teeth. There’s also a body in the corner and a series of wall-mounted taps in the shape of human skulls to dispense beer and cocktails.
“While we do want to make it dark and spooky, the overall ambience of the place is one that can be enjoyed by really anyone, whether you live the dark and spooky lifestyle every day, or just want to experience it for a night,” Rebecca Vega, who co-owns the business with Jared Bradley, explained.
Included among the Raven’s specialty drinks are:
The Raven: A simple delectable cocktail to show respect to the dark man himself. A tonic of blackberries, Bombay Sapphire Gin, cranberry, and a touch of mint is sure to please. Give one of Dr. Raven’s favorite refreshers a try! $12.00
Dr. Raven’s Reserve: Served in an Erlenmeyer flask, Dr. Frankenstein’s tropical and green glowing concoction will be sure to have you walking like a monster. $9.00
Absinthe: 100% real absinthe, the traditional way. Just don’t overdo it, you may start seeing things that aren’t really there … or are they? $17.00
Lingering Shadow: Fired Absinthe, Creme De Violet, Black Luxardo Cherries topped with Champagne. After this you will be seeing two of your shadow, or maybe something is just following you ... $13.00
What’s more, Raven’s Manor may actually be haunted. The owners have reported hearing strange noises in the 135-year-old building and motion-sensitive cameras have recorded movement when no one is on the premises.
Sources: Andi Prewitt, Willamette Week, April 7, 2021; Courtney Mroch, Haunt Jaunts, April 9, 2021; and Raven’s Manor.
Photos by Jared Bradley.
