I find that Cantab is a bit schizophrenic. The beginning of the night was awful, but my friend Jill made a suggestion that we come back after a few drinks. Cantab Sober: The door guy barked at us for our IDs. The crowd was kind of annoying. If you tried to get around anyone they would just pretend they didn't see you. The couple grinding behind me could have cared less that they nearly trampled me during two songs. I also got a dirty look as I walked past them to leave, thanks! The beer was...beer. Nothing really to say there. So we took off and hit up a few other bars and then came back.... Cantab smashed: High-five from the door guy as we make our triumphant return, yes! At this point I don't think we even got drinks but went straight for the tiny dance floor. The band was awesome and some guy made me dance with him. This was a little awkward, but whatever! So the Cantab is probably a blast if you've pre-gamed with a bunch of friends and are just ready to let loose. read more

So torn. On one hand, I had a blast there. On the other, it had nothing to do with the bar, and everything to do with the band I saw and the people I went with. So I arrived around 9:45 to see a band called Geezer. Yes, they are a bunch of older guys but they seriously rock. The very first thing I noticed when I walked down the stairs was that it smelled like pee. A LOT. A straight-up stench of a homeless person literally peeing the in stairway. I got down to the bottom of the stairs and the smell lingered. Awesome. Now the advice I got about that place was as follows: "Drink from the bottle and don't touch the walls." That advice should have clued me into the ghetto level of this joint. It didn't. Anyway, it was about 600 degrees in that place. I didn't want to put my coat down, so I was stuck holding it and my sweater. The band started and my night took a turn for the better. The bar is the nastiest place I have ever been to. And I used to live in New Orleans. I have seen nastiness. I lived in it. Did I have fun? Yes. But if you're gonna charge a cover, at least use the money to spruce the place up a bit... or clean it... or at least get rid of that disgusting pee smell. read more

Twaaaaang, twaaaang, pluck, pluck, pluckity, pluck, pluck, twaaaaannnnnnggggg...!! Ode to a Tuesday night bluegrass session at the Cantab Lounge. Gosh darn it, I really missed this place. This is one of those 'Why the hell don't I go there more often?' sort of places. A true dive experience, yet, almost too much of an icon to be a dive. Dive-icon. Divecon? The Cantab has been around, for what, like 70 years? That's staying power my friends. It's all proof that you don't need a fancy bathroom and anything resembling a lounge environment to bring in a hell of a crowd on a Tuesday night. Tuesday nights are bluegrass nights and the crowd that fills the Cantab is the definition of eclectic. And eclectic is what Central Square pulls off, and the Cantab by association, every single flippin' day. Cheap drinks. Amazing people watching. Interesting local performers. And a who-gives-a-rats-ass-man attitude. Twaaangy home away from home. read more

You will like the Cantab if: -dive bars are your thing -you enjoy bluegrass/folky/soul types of music and/or poetry slams -a true diversity of clientele makes you happy -beers and whiskey are pretty much enough for you -you like a really, really casual atmosphere You will not like the Cantab if: -you need your bars to have any of the following things: 50+ beers on tap, dress codes, swanky decor, squeaky-clean surfaces, a wine selection, 22-year old drunk girls in high heels and tube tops -you are more comfortable hanging out with people just like you -you find anyone over the age of 35 in a bar to be creepy The Cantab is amazing. With great music, completely chill atmosphere, incredible range of people who frequent it, and nice staff members...I freakin LOVE this place! Last night I attended the singer-songwriter open mic for the first time and it inspired me to finally write a review for this place which is one of the most interesting spots in the Boston area. This is a singer-songwriter night that isn't full of angsty, emo ballads sung by local undergrads...it's a mecca for older, more seasoned musicians who are guitar-playin masters and are clearly a big happy family. It was a great experience and I can't wait to go back. My other experiences of the Cantab include late-night drunken dancing, mid-day chill drinking, and early evening pre-partying. It's always a great spot. It's not for everyone, as you can see from some of the reviews, but it's absolutely for me. read more

When I think of Central .. I think of Cantab. The two go hand in hand together, forever. I used to dread going in here. Not because of the strong stench of the rotting or the skunky bottles of booze but because we would always have to give that big smiley/scary white doorguy sitting on the stool (does he ever standup?) a smooch on the cheek before going in. Don't get me wrong.. he's a sweetheart and I'm sure he's some lady's kind of man but C'MON! The CL is known for being opened from the crack of dawn for the Y residents and local postmen who need to quench their thirst that early. The live music here has never made me cringe or leave. We end up around one of those tables just chit chatting then dancing and then falling over. Job well done. Do it right at the Caaaaaaaaaaantab. read more

The Cantab is a the diviest of dive bars. It's dirty, filled with drunk old men with sores on their faces, and it smells terrible. The bathrooms are disgusting, and I wouldn't even consider trying whatever they serve for food. HOWEVER, It's also kinda awesome. The basement of The Cantab is called Club Bohemia, and it's run by character named Mickey Bliss. Because this place is such a dive, Mickey is willing to give pretty much any band a chance to perform there. My band played more gigs here than anywhere else, and Mickey was always easy to plan with and very accommodating. Many of my friends' bands also got their start at The Cantab/Club Bohemia, and for that it has a special place in my heart. The sound system downstairs works well for quieter acts, but for a loud punk band like myself, it was pretty awful. It's run by a single small mixing console atop a podium that Mickey operates while standing on an old plastic milk crate. The lighting consists of regular track lights that Mickey has rubber-banded colored gels around, and a single strobe light that Mickey turns on manually when he feels the spirit via a switch attached to the podium. You can't make this stuff up. If you have a loud drummer (we did), the vocals can't be turned up loud enough to compete without massive feedback. This meant that our vocals were always too quiet, and nobody could hear me (I sang). Bummer. I have many fond memories of playing at The Cantab and going to see shows there. Some of these include wading through pee pee in the bathroom when the toilet overflowed, and some of them involve watching the unsavory bartender prepare drinks with very-likely-dirty hands, but it's all part of the experience. Somewhere has to occupy the bottom of the totem pole, and The Cantab fills this role admirably. read more

This review is specifically for the Chicken Slacks, the soul/funk cover band that plays on Thursday nights. I can't believe I lived in this town for 8 years before stumbling on these guys. MOST FUN EVAR. The music is fabulous -- Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cooke, played by a seven piece band, complete with horn section and led by the redonkulous vocalist Diamond D. The crowd is a mix of college students, biker chicks, aging hippies, and smooooth old black guys in slick suits. Everyone dances with everyone. Yes, the Cantab is a dive. It gets crowded. There's only one stall in the ladies' room. But there's always a full pitcher of free water on the counter, the people are friendly, and the Chicken Slacks' saxophone player is freakin adorable. Go! read more

Bluegrass version of "Take on Me"? Heck yeah. I loves me some Cantab. First off, the guy out front always makes me smile. Sure he goes in for a hug ALL the time (sometimes a kiss on the cheek).. but even when I'm lookin' 6 feet under he says I'm beautiful. This is the place for a good burger and a cheap beer. The bartenders are really awesome sarcastic men. I was leaving once because I had double booked and the bartender gave me this little speech about abandoning my friends (half joking/half serious). Several beers and encores later.. I realized I had more fun at the Cantab than I would have at the other place (but you didn't hear that from me). Their bluegrass night is fun. There's a few tables and stools at the bar, but also be prepared to stand. It gets crowded! I've had to yell "Comin out" and push like it was a B train at 5pm on a weekday. Some people dance in the small space, some just rock out in their chairs. A hat goes around for the performers so that you can show them some monetary love. I really dig their slam night downstairs. It's like hanging out in your friend's rec room (I've been saying that a lot lately) because parents just don't understand the power and emotion of words that don't rhyme. ;) Funny thing is, someone will go on for a piece and you can kind of hear what's going on in the upper room. Sometimes the music does not match up with the poem. heh.. It's set up like lunch room tables in about 4-5 rows with some stools on the side. You may have to stand.. but it's worth it! Their slam team has a great group of people involved. I worked with them when they hosted the recent regional slam tournament and they were super nice to me (not elitist like some "artists" can be). I can say that because I'm one of those "artsy" kids. lol No fail good time if you ask me. Note: Website says the kitchen is currently closed.. but you should stop in for a beer, music, or some well formulated sentences. read more

Yes, this bar is small, gritty, only takes cash, full of drunken regulars, and has a serious need for a bathroom remodel. Get over it. If you want an unpretentious place to dance, this is it. I have no idea what downstairs is like, but when "Very Superstitious" is playing, why would anyone care? Diane Blue, you are my new favorite human. read more

Dive? You bet. And it's great. Yes, Little Joe Cook is a must see. The food and drink are only there to give you something to do while you watch the performers. Open Mike review: Open mike night is Monday, 8pm. This is a long standing open mike, run by Geoff Bartley. Sign up before 8pm, and names are drawn from a hat to determine order. The style of most performers is folk, bluegrass, etc. Sometimes ventures out from there. A mix of older and younger performers and a good atmosphere. Generally supportive crowd, and Geoff is very supporting of beginners. PJ Shapiro on sound will getting you sounding good, but he does love that reverb.... It's a good room to play. It's basically a dive, but it's one of the more famous dives in the area. Beers are cheap, food is surprisingly good, and the bartender is friendly. It's sort of half listening room, half noisy bar. Geoff starts the night off with a song or two and there is usually a feature act at 9:00-9:30 which does a 1/2 hour set. There is also a pass-the-hat to pay the feature, with a $3 suggested donation. The feature is most definitely going to be a folk artist, and usually a good one. Geoff is a sick finger picking style player....a joy to watch him. read more

This place is a dive right off of the Central Square stop on Mass Ave. It's got the requisite dark, moody interior, terrible lighting, endlessly sticky floors, and Christmas lights year round. Cash only (of course) because fuck you, that's why. I come here for the Chicken Slacks on Thursdays. These goons play every Thursday in the upstairs bar and they're always a blast to watch. They sing soul and motown from the 50s and 60s, and goddamn do they put on a good show. Scream-singin' along to Aretha Franklin into a beer bottle microphone always makes my spirit soar, like a bald eagle right before it dive-bombs an Iraqi's eyes. Bring that proto-hipster date for a good time off the beaten path. Also the big black lead singer fist-bumped me during a show once and I felt like Denzel Washington read more

Best worst dive bar in Boston. The fat old bouncer is still there with his puffy brown jacket. He lives on that fucking bar stool at the door. They have great live music. Well thats a lie. But its fun and you can get a bunch of drinks cheap. Well thats a half truth. The drinks aren't that cheap for what you get. Go with a beer at least they serve them well. It gets hot in there and sometimes its a bunch of snobby Haravard kids. Which can be alright - but sometimes I get sick of that scene. On another note - the dance floor is always packed and if you want to dance in your tank top no one will stop you. Also if you want more room on the dance floor just lift up your arm and "accidentally" rub your arm pit on nearby dancers. I never have a problem making room on the dance floor there :-) read more

I adore this place. It exemplifies the idea of a dive bar, with genuine kitsch gracing its walls and light fixtures (nymph paintings, Budweiser art deco lamps, and soccer trophies, to name a few). Fake "old" Irish pub this is certainly not. Its event calendar boasts a diverse musical selection, including bluegrass and funk, as well as improv comedy. I do lament the absence of Little Joe Cook. Hearing him sing "Lady from the Beauty Shop" to dancing "hamburgers and cheeseburgers" was an awesome experience. Apparently he still does weddings, so he's not totally retired! Their burgers, lauded in a recent Dig article about music venues with good food, live up to the praise (juicy meat on a crispy/buttery soft bun). Chomp! read more

One of Boston's best dives. When I'm in Central Square I almost always start there, and frequently forget to leave. All dive bars have, at the very least, the following things in common: - Cheap beer - No credit cards - Someone who is insanely drunk and clearly mentally imbalanced, no matter what time it is - (As someone else pointed out in his review of the Tam:) crappy televisions that will have the game on - A hilariously random jukebox The Cantab also has a dude who cruises through on his senior scooter, knocking into people and not actually getting a beer, what seems like hourly. And there are dogs sometimes. Any place with a laissez-faire attitude toward dogs gets a thumbs up. My only two cautions: a) it's often startlingly bright in there, and b) while the live music is good, it can get pretty loud. If you're out for conversation, you'll want to wrap things up when the band starts sound-checking. (If you're out for music, more power to you.) read more

The last hold-out in Central Square. Go there for open Mic night. Just do it. Go for Bluegrass night, if that's your thing. But, go there. I've got a Magic Memory from this joint. We used to go to Open Mic Night, almost every week, and "James Brown Jr", was always there. He did the hits, and worked the moves, perfectly. One night, he had some competition, and the upstarts fans started a fight with James Jr's crowd. The bartender was a lady I always called Large Marge (she looked like the trucker Large Marge from "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure"), and she VAULTED the bar, and broke up the fight in 20 seconds. I was Gob-smacked. Sure, it's not a genteel story, but it's SO Central Square. read more

No words can completely do justice to the wonderment that is the Cantab Lounge. In a city with no shortage of generic Irish pubs, college-kid meat markets and overpriced, underwhelming dance clubs, the Cantab is a breath of fresh air (even if it sometimes doesn't smell quite as nice as that metaphor might imply - part of the charm, right?). The Cantab is a live-music venue for all those people like myself who prefer to drop $5 on a well-honed bar band than $30 on a over-hyped HOB show (Thanks, TicketBastard!). Its music runs the gamut from blues and country to funk and disco, but it's (almost always) live, and (absolute always) amazing. There are two undisputed stars of the show here. Free Tuesday bluegrass is a Happening - yes, capital H. Come in, cozy up to the bar with the throngs, throw a couple bucks into Geoff's donations hat, and tap your toes away to the best fiddlers and banjo-pickers offered by the city of Cambridge (well, let's be real: Berklee College of Music). But for my money, there is undoubtedly no better night of dancing in Boston then the Chicken Slacks on Thursday. This funk-soul outfit brings together twentysomething hipsters, soccer moms, and a plethora of goofily grizzled barflies. Singer Diamond D is an endearing mish-mash of James Brown, Al Green, and that sketchy homeless guy that cat-calls weekend partygoers on the corner of Mass Ave and Prospect. Ladies: don't stand too close to him if you know what's good for you. (Where "What's good for you" = not acquiring syphilis). I hear good things about the poetry slams and blues jams, as well, but I'm afraid to go, since spending four nights a week there will severely empty my bank-account and leave my social life unacceptably non-diverse. But I'll keep coming back to the Cantab as long as it offers feel-good music and an intriguingly varied clientele. read more

I'll admit it: even though the Cantab Lounge was a stone's throw away from my place for a few months, I was always hesitant to give it a try, as I would consistently bump into the clientele as I'd walk to the T in the morning -- already (or still?) drunk, reeking of cigarette smoke, and all around depressing. But the bluegrass music seeped its way onto the streets one too many times for me to turn away and I went in for a beer and a listen and what can I say, I was instantly hooked. It's good to see that Central Square hasn't completely given in to the neo-hipster-what-have-you and can still successfully house one of the most fabulous little mothbally-but-who-cares dives like the Cantab. Different kinds of music each evening, pick your pleasure, hold your breath and get ready for a wild ride. You'll forget you're in Cambridge. And if it's your first time? Welcome home. read more

Two Words: Diamond D. You need to come on a Thursday night to be funkified ASAP if you have never been. Yes, the place smells like a urinal cake, the seating is dodgy and inadequate, and you should probably get a tetanus shot after you leave. However, you have to give props to a place that has live music every night of the week and cheap beers on draft. Love it! read more

A few weeks ago, I met Alec Spiegelman at Toad. He suggested I visit Cantab Lounge on a Thursday night and check out the Chicken Slacks. Alec, is their saxophonist. I've frequented the Tuesday Bluegrass at Cantab for several months and I'm a fan of soul, so it didn't take that much to convince me. The verdict? Thursday is just as fun as Tuesday, if not more! It is much easier to dance to soul than bluegrass. You probably won't catch me on the dancefloor, but I like having the option; It livens up the atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, Cantab has just enough of that home-town, dive-bar feel. This is a great place to hang out, chill and listen to great music. Get there early if you want a table. read more

The best old school dive bar in Boston Metro. Cheap drinks, an atmosphere from 40 plus years ago, and some of the best live music around at a cheap cover. The crowd is also a full mix on most nights. 20s to 70s and hipster to homeless. One of the few favorites from my years at NU in the early 2000s that is still running strong. FYI cash only read more

2 stars because the full blown tantrums from the door guys were at least entertaining. Customer service isn't for everyone, nor is math. But seriously, it's not 1996, what kind if establishment is cash only? read more

I stumbled into the Cantab, not drunk, just lost Diane Blue, her group is the FatBack Band. She tore up the place. She did Heart Breaker, the Janis tune from Big Brother and the Holding Company, and had the place going wild. During the last set, at 1:00 AM, she watched the crowd singing and turned the microphone to the crowd, so they could sing. Also during the last set, she broke out a Blues Harp, (Harmonica for you novices.) Not since I saw Ellen McElwaine at Filmore East, have I seen a woman who can belt a tune and blow Harp. Diane can, shred some Jazz Scat, burn some blues riffs and then blow "Down and Low" on a harp. You have to go way back to Big Mama Thornton, in the 30's, to find that kind of talent. And she works the audience. The crowd loved her music and she loved doing it. I would never recommend a place, since tastes vary, and not all people like the same thing., but if you want to see what the 60's were like in the 00's... Every Friday and Saturday Night for October. Tom in Cambridge read more

On Thursday nights, I think Cantab Lounge is THE place to be. Why? Two words: Chicken Slacks. Great live motown that you can dance to, for just $5. Other nights -- it's a total dive with a lot of bizarre barfly regulars. Still, the drinks are cheap and strong. I've never been downstairs...can't comment on the scene there. But on Thursdays after 9:30...there's no better place to dance to Sam Cooke and sling back whiskey. read more

In order of awesome: Tuesday Night Bluegrass Everything else in Cambridge Seriously, if you've never been, go! Be warned the bar is cash only and, though there is no cover, you are expected to donate when they pass the hat. read more

The place has a lot of personality, but unless you are there for the music, there are better places in Central Square to grab a drink (The People's Republik and Plough and Stars). They do bring in a bunch of great bluegrass and old timey shows. read more

Passing by on a Thursday night with little else to do, I decided to pop on in for a quick beer. A little put off by the $5 cover since I wasn't sure I was going to stick around for long and there was nothing resembling a band playing anywhere inside. But I saddled up to the bar nevertheless, ordered me a $4 PBR (a bit ridiculous, methinks for some skunky swill), and proceeded to have the time of my life. My "quick beer" turned into "closing the bar" as I sat listening to the amazing Chicken Slacks belt out some tunes. Well worth the $5 cover, but arrive later in the evening and be sure to "pre-game" if your goal is to wake up hating yourself in the morning...the $4 beers are a major negative. read more

There are a lot of people who do like this place, but I just cannot wrap my head around it. I first came here for a friend of a friend playing in the basement lounge. I was greeted by one of the creepiest unintelligible employees I have ever met. We eventually worked out that he needed to know who I was there to see and how much I needed to pay. After that I retread to a dark hole in the ground basement bar that is of course cash only... The performances were decent, but I did feel mostly sketched out throughout the night. I have been dragged back by friends several times and my opinion has not swayed. The last time I was there I was "lending" money to other patrons who "just needed one more dollar to buy a beer." The crowd ranged from demented homeless to young professional, but mostly demented homeless. The staff is cool and the drinks are reasonable, but there are such better options if thats all you need. I will say that you will always have an interesting experience. read more

I've now been back there on a Thursday and heard the Chicken Slacks play. They're awesome. Also: this is the one bar in Central Square where I feel comfortable leaving my coat somewhere I can't see it. There's a quality clientele. I've seen how the bouncers handle rowdies and punks, and I trust them implicitly. You don't come here to get trashed and take out your frustrations on the world - you come here to have a good time. read more

In three words: Brightest Dive Ever! I went in for Bluegrass this past Tuesday and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Combine that with the diverse clientele and you've got yourself a winning combination. The menu is straight up sandwiches and fried things, which is fine if that's your mood. Now, other people say that the place is cheap and I may have been out of the world for a bit but $5 for a Sam or Harpoon? This is what passes for cheap these days? I'll definitely go back for the Bluegrass but I don't know if I'd find myself there any other night... read more

The Cantab is cash only. Bluegrass night has great music but gets crowded. I have had two very bad experiences here, both on Bluegrass night. The music is good but not worth having to interact with some of the jerks who work here- I was called rude for not giving a "donation" to the band after my friend put in a $5 bill for the two of us. Another time my friends and I got drinks and one of my friends didn't order one even though the other 2 in our group did....the bartender looked her in the eye and said he would be back and she better order something because she shouldn't be taking up space at his bar otherwise. Wow. That being said, they have the nicest server in the whole entire world who always runs around on bluegrass nice being helpful and kind- kudos to her for making up for the other guys enough to make me think I might enjoy myself there. Overall....I don't recommend. read more

My girlfriends and I came here recently on a Tuesday night for Bluegrass night. Although not necessarily a fan of bluegrass music, I was pleasantly surprised by the music (especially the last group that was on stage). They were pretty good, but I think the sound system wasn't so good. Anyway, we came in around 9:30 pm and this place was packed to the max! So, we ordered drinks and went downstairs, b/c there was more seating. However, we didn't realize that the downstairs would smell so bad.. like the bathroom. Pee-ew. Pun intended. We also didn't realize the downstairs area served as a practice area for musicians that were lined up to perform, so I guess we found ourselves in the VIP section, which was pretty cool. Eventually, we decided to go back upstairs so we can actually enjoy the music. I think the owner or someone came around with a hat to ask for donations... there's no cover, but donations were greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, I didn't have any cash, so bring cash if you wanna donate! The place was less crowded after 11 pm or so.. so we found a place to sit, continue our chatting and flirting with some bluegrass in the background. read more

This place simply oozes personality and charm. I'm personally a fan of bars that are not just dives, but home to lots of locals and regulars. That's what the Cantab is, everything about it just feels comfortable and welcoming, without the least bit of pretentiousness. Just a relaxed, laid-back, come as you are attitude. It seems to be part of this bar's long history to have that type of attitude. What I really enjoy about this place is live bluegrass tuesdays, and I need to get over there more often! I'm pretty sure it is the only bar in the area that has live bluegrass weekly (if you know of any others, please let me know). Plus there is no cover for seeing the bands, just a guy walking around with a basket for suggested donations. Get there early to grab a table, get a nice beer on tab, and sit back and have some fun! read more

I love blues. I love bluegrass. I hate pretension. I love the Cantab. It's a very laid back atmosphere as everyone else has mentioned, and something low key to do on a "work"/"school" night. A great mix of people--the great Cambridge social experiment--I could people watch here all night. I've brought friends to both blues and bluegrass nights who have absolutely no desire to listen to anything of the sorts, and yet they leave planning the next weeknight excursion to Cantab. read more

I never knew what a dive bar was until I came into this place. Everyone is friendly, laid back, they only accept cash, it sometimes smells of pee, there's always live music, and the patrons are in general above 40 years old. Save for the usual small group of young folks that show up for fun. On Mondays is amateur night and you get to hear a mixture of a bunch of bad musicians sprinkled with some amazing ones that appear rarely and seemingly out of the blue. The staff is very friendly and there are a lot of characters working there. Sort of like a sitcom. The nights when the professional bands are playing it's possible to dance and have fun and the crowd is usually dancing. Good times! read more

Talented poets and writers, cheap and good beer selection, as well as some of the most varied and interesting music selections make the Cantab a place that must be visited. However, their Wednesday night poetry slams are what turn this dive bar into a performance lover's mecca. Each year a Boston slam team is assembled and, from what I understand, most of the team's poets are regulars at the Cantab. read more

Well, I'd say something about food, but they don't serve food. That said, you don't go to hear live music and drink low-priced beer AND eat gourmet, and this place has one of the best cover bands I've ever heard--the Chicken Slacks. I'm here nearly every Thursday. The dive bar to end all dive bars, and one of the best atmospheres in the otherwise snooty Cambridge. read more

I went to the cantab last tuesday for the four Bs: Bluegrass, Birds, Burgers, Booze The bluegrass was pretty good! I wasn't listening attentively, but it was great, inobtrusive music to hang out to. The birds were non-existent. Bring your own. The burgers were claimed to be the best in boston. They were pretty good, but not the best. The booze - it's cheap and cash only... apparently it's cheaper still during the day when the drunks hang out there. Check out the cantab for a fun alternative night out! read more

It's a dive in Cambridge. Live music, cheap drinks. A historic Cambridge landmark that everyone should experience. I've been here 3 times, and last night we went to watch the Bruins game here. We went because it wasn't crazy crowded like other places. There was no cover, and I think I counted 4 TV screens. Most of us clustered around the main screen in the center of the bar near the dancing area. Only in the Cantab lounge with live music everyday, do you have a band playing during all the intermissions of the game. lol People loved it though - lots of folks were dancing. Service was good, bar tenders were friendly. They were giving everyone a plate of crackers, cheese, and sliced salami. We said no thank you because we were the vegan table, but I thought it was nice they were doing that for their customers. This is not the bar to go to for a game, but on a night like this if you want to even get into a bar and avoid drunk obnoxious fans, then this is the place to go to. Bathroom is crazy small but it's clean. If you want to see Cambridge townies this is the place to be! read more

Diamond D is the man - come see him immediately for a funky, jazzy, bluesy, rock and roll great time. Thursday nights, this gentleman and his band bring down the house like no other. In a phenomenal move of showmanship, Diamond D leaves the stage completely at least a few times and retreats to the back office...then returns minutes later to crazy applause. Serious performers know how to enter and exit a room. Besides Thursdays, I've never stepped foot in this place and doubt that I ever will. read more

Dive bar ambience (complete with Johnny the grumpy bartender) with lounge drink prices and no food. Performance venues and bars on main level and lower level. Pretty good place to watch a band/show but wouldn't go there otherwise. read more