On the nights when the crowds are gone the weird still rule this place. We went last Wednesday and it was like some kind of David Lynch or Tim & Eric fever dream jam sesh of deadbeat dads. Shattered post-middle aged men cycled onto the stage to girate and pant out rock covers. At one point the ancient keyboard player wrapped his Casio up in plastic bags and disappeared out into the street for two hours. After a few rotations it became clear that we were the only ones there not in the band. read more

Cantab Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Cantab is eclectic. The bf likes it because there's a good mix of college kids, recent grown ups, and middle aged folk. I think that makes it a little wacky but I really liked the cover band that was here once. The only major problem I had with it is that it was super super duper crowded. My fear of crowds suffocating me and keeping me from escaping kicked into high gear when I came in, but once I was past the crush of people, i was okay. The men's bathroom reeeeeks, to the extent that when the door opens and closes, a whiff of purely putrid air floats past anyone within a 3-foot radius on the dance floor. The game machine was fun. The drinks are reasonable. There was a crazy older drunk lady that kept falling down. read more

I hate paying covers, but the $6 I spent to get in here was well worth it to see one of the best house bands ever. Yup this trio of older men not only played an awesome rendition of Foster the People's song, but wait for it...yup one of them rapped Bust a Move!!!! So so awesome. I guess if you get here early or on the later side you can avoid the cover, and beware at the door since they often have a different band downstairs that is usually a few extra bucks, but the moment you walk in here, prepare for some of the best people watching you'll ever have since this bar brings in that eclectic crowd that always leads to good stories at the end of the night. The stage is decorated with old cds and glittery things, and it is just the perfect backdrop for the band. A small dancing area in the center with tables and of course a full bar that makes one of the strongest rum and diets I've had in a while for $5 will keep your night going pretty strong too. Good times for all here. Definitely will be back. This place makes me excited to have moved to Cambridge so I can be called a Cantabrigian officially, in honor of this bar ha read more

I like that this is a place people head to specifically because there is live music, but man alive, that basement performance room gets crowded! I assume the crowd here gets a bit out of control and the doorman was getting frustrated and required multiple ids for me as I'm from the far away foreign land of Rhode Island, but I get I could be some underage mob daughter infiltrating a crappy dive bar. Perfectly good fear. Downstairs is nasty. A dark room just teeming with bodies you may or may not see before you feel them. There is a bar in the back with a lone bartender who couldn't keep up with the walks of life bellying up to the bar on this rainy and oddly cold Saturday night. As with the rest of the establishment, cash is king down here too. Getting into the bathroom is a bit of a feat, as you have to make it by those creeping around the side of the bar. Once the band starts playing forget about hearing much, the sound isn't really mixed or controlled all that well, but when a place allows pretty much any band to perform you can let certain things slide. It's nice that there is still a jumping off point in the Cambridge music scene. read more

This is a dive bar. When you first walk in you will be concerned. Swallow your fears and hang out, it's not as bad as it first looks. Actually, it's great! Awesome live music and good drink prices (CASH ONLY). The staff are all wicked friendly and the bathroom was actually clean and well stocked with toilet paper and soap. We didn't have food as we were just there for the live music. No cover for great blue grass bands. Not sure if that's always the case or just cause it was a week night. I will say, while she was super sweet, the waitress was wearing this teeshirt with huge holes cut out along the sides at her love handles - not a flattering look on absolutely anyone. I just thought it was pretty unprofessional even for a dive bar. read more

The Cantab is hit or miss. Some nights, there are too many silly college students. Other nights, there is a cover. Sometimes, there is a poetry jam. And often, it is pretty damn empty. That's when I like it best. On those days/nights, it is a true dive, and part of the reason I left the South End for Central Square. The Cantab also lets you bring in outside food, because they don't carry inside food. And believe me, there are worse ways to spend a night than grabbing some takeout BBQ from Coast Cafe and having a few beers here. read more

Have you not hit up the Cantab Lounge? Why, were you shaded out by the facade and green exterior? Get over it, this place is a BLAST.... The blues and soul inspired rock that gets piped out of this joint most nights simply can't be beat- its like stepping into a time machine or a movie scene or something. The crowd ranges from folks that are old enough to be my grandpartents, to college kids, to young professionals. Remember, it's cash only, and get ready to dance, cuz Grandma needs a partner on the floor... read more

Every Thursday night, the band Chickenslacks play. Most recently, it was their soul night. They also have a funk night, a party night, and a classic soul night. Yet they always play the same songs. Love it. The crowd is a democratic one, with all factions of society represented. The staff is friendly, the drinks are moderately priced, the dancin' is awkwardly delicious, and, of course, there is chickenslacks. read more

My favorite dive bar. It doesn't get any better than The Cantab. The weekends upstairs always have good entertainment. Very mixed crowd. Young/college, middle age and seniors. All ethnicities and a very friendly mix. No food, cash only, and prepare to dance. Mostly R&B on Friday and Saturday. I believe there is something going on every night but not sure about Mondays. A rockegood place to be. read more

This place is an awesome dive bar that usually has live music of some sort almost every day of the week. I don't like to pay a cover, and at least on the weeknights, you'll have to. Went here hungover for Bloody Mary's and burgers one Sunday morning, and had a long conversation between myself, my friend, and this dude who was very old, named Larry, and told a steady stream of naughty jokes he could only halfway remember. The food was pretty good but the Bloody Mary was excellent. And strong. About $5 for each. Just a fun, and funny, crazy place with weird people and decor, and pretty much everything you'd expect from looking at it from outside. read more

A neat local venue with a lot of charm. We came here to see a country/rock group, which was quite a feat considering that I don't usually listen to country. Somehow, they managed to get everyone dancing, and all of the tables got pushed to the back. I've been meaning to go to open mic poetry - I hear that it's a lot of fun. One of these weeks, I'll actually make it. I didn't try the food, and the music gets sort of loud (the downstairs is small), but its a great place to hang out with friends. read more

Cheeseburgers, ladies and gentlemen. A nice divey bar with fun music acts and, as stated above, delicious, wonderful cheeseburgers. They book decent acts and ones that are usually not super-loud so one can actually still talk when they take the stage. Not a lot of college kids, so, yeah-- I like it. read more

Dive bar, cash only, bluegrass Tuesday night.... Love bluegrass music and the band and guests are always good. Weekend music is like a wedding band that comes back every weekend, which can be fun, but you need to be in the mood. The downstairs is a little growdy...i would stick to the top floor. If you don't like crowded places, this is definitely not the place for you. It gets very tight! I really enjoy it though, hence the four stars (I like the music and when I am in the mood for a night of dancing, it's always great!) read more

I LOVE the Cantab. Been here a few times for live music nights - sometimes there is a cover, and sometimes not. A divey place, the crowd it attracts is much different from a typical Boston bar, but... that's good people! The front area where stage is gets pretty packed with chairs and such - doesn't give much room for people to stand as they'd be blocking the people sitting. Therefore people stand on the other side of the divider, which is actually worse because that's where the bar is, and the pathway gets super crowded. Their prices are reasonable, and service hasn't been the best, but on Friday / Saturday night... who's judging that much. read more

In a matter of 2 or 3 months this place has crawled out of its dive status. Fresh paint! New fancy "granite" bar counter! Flashy "Miller High Life" and "Stella Artois" signs! And the basement is now an actual additional music venue! These changes also seemed to bring in a collared-shirt and preppy dresses crowd. Winds of change are happening at the Cantab...most for the better as the music is still the same and the bartenders are still awesome. read more

This is a great place to play an open mic. The acts are usually excellent. First timers have the option to ply early. Otherwise it's by lottery ( which can run late). read more

I wouldn't bring any snobby, rich, or well dressed friends to Cantab. It's a comfy, dive-y place, very uncool in the best sense of the word. My favorite night is Tuesday, when there's loud bluegrass music and an amusing mix of college kids, young professionals, and grizzled old dudes in the crowd. Not a great beer selection, hardly the place for a cocktail. I suppose I'm not sure why I love it there so much but love it there I do. read more

Best place I found in Boston finally nice people that are friendly and enthusiastic. Not stuck up or just bad manners in a customer service business. It's a dive but that's what makes it great. Other people complain it's cash only and they didn't know and staff was rude. There are huge signs saying it all over the bar you can't miss them. read more

What an amazingly grungy and grime-y bar. This is one of my favorites in Cambridge. Whether it's the spectacular music or the colorful characters that always seem to want to chat, Cantab Lounge is one of the best places to grab a drink. Great for dancing later in the night but it's easy to sit back and relax, too. read more

This is a sorry excuse for a dive bar. I've kind of been forced into coming to this place since the Abbey Lounge closed and a lot of my favorite local bands have been put on bills downstairs at Club Bohemia. Every time I've been there, I've left disappointed with this venue and the bands have also seemed less the pleased. Considering how smelly (there is a peculiar odor that seems to be some combination of feet and steamed cauliflower) and unfriendly this place is, that they charge 4 dollars for a PBR is a travesty. One other thing I've got to rant about is their booking policy for the downstairs room. They pretty much guarantee that not everyone will like all four bands on the line-up by putting together, for example, two punk bands and two... college jam bands? And don't get me wrong -- I'm all about supporting local music of all kinds, but the way they do it doesn't work. It is a rare music lover that is going to appreciate the music from all 4 bands they put together. Upstairs is a scene of regulars and crusty locals, but for all the neighborhood/grungy feel, it isn't particularly welcoming (or cheap). The music upstairs has been fun the few times I've ventured up there, but it's not worth the cover charge and the overpriced beer. Unless you've got some compelling reason to stop in here, I would make a point of walking right on past. read more

I have been there a few times for open mic nights. It was okay, until the waitress told me I had to buy an alcoholic beverage to stay and enjoy the music. I don't drink alcohol, and they closed the kitchen, so no food was being served. So, I guess a soda wasn't good enough to allow me to stay. Either that, or the wait staff are a bunch of bigots. It didn't make any sense to me. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. read more

The cantab has not changed in many years. I think it will stay the same too- perpetual pee smell by the bathroom, cheap drinks at the bar and a never ending supply of local talent. I would not be surprised if the floor opened up into a Rancor pit tho. read more

Dear The Cantab, "I wanna thank you, for letting me be myself... again!" Both a wonderful song to dance to at the cantab and the truth. Whether your having a knee slapping good time at Tuesdays Bluegrass or moving and grooving with the Chicken Slacks, the Cantab is always a great time. The drinks are modestly priced, the music is great, and the people are pretty swell too. Bring cash, as its cash only. read more

Wowzah. From now on, we shall refer to the Cantab as the Fantab... because it is uncommonly Fantastic and Fabulous. This is your friendly, quirky, funky bar that truly keeps it real in a Central Square fashion. The bartenders are hilarious and soooo nice. The regulars are welcoming to newbies, and there are your typical entertaining Central Square wanderers. And the music is just funktastic. If you haven't tried the Fantab yet... get yo arse in there. Plan to stay the entire evening, and you're guaranteed to get a fanatabulously unique experience. read more

Cantab Lounge smells like God whizzed on it. Just sayin'. Despite the fact that the bar smells like a bus station men's room, I managed to have a decent time here on my friend's birthday. Live bands? Don't remember if they were any good or not, but I don't care what they're playing, if there's a dance floor, a live band, and I'm knocking back PBRs and tequila shots, I'm going to have a good time. Speaking of the tequila shots, they aren't skimpy. My friends and I may have hated our lives the next morning, but the bartender was our new best friend that night. Check out Cantab if you're not squeamish about smells and don't mind sharing bar real estate with people who may or may not have done hard time. read more

By far my favorite dive in Cambridge - no matter the night, the music is always entertaining. Case in Point: Last Saturday I caught up with some friends for the rock show downstairs, where we shacked up in a back corner by the bar. The band was wild- one guy in a leopard silky shirt with a leather vest, another in a worn sleeveless t-shirt emblazoned with (my personal favorite) the Confederate flag. They sang a song about sex with animals, and yet, none of this was offensive. Best Saturday night I've had in awhile. The lack of dance space upstairs is the only downfall, but you make due with what you have. The last attempt I made at dancing, I ended up among complete strangers, including a raggedy old man. If you're too uptight for that, stay home, please. Don't ruin my fun. read more

My date took me here after dancing at the Havana Club, and we had a blast. The live band was incredible! Would definitely return here.

I have not been here for few years, but it hasn't changed and I love that! A total dive bar, but a great, interesting, diverse crowd. Great live music...nice and close to the red line, which makes it convenient if you have had a few drinks. I had way too much fun here back in the day :) read more

This place is about music ,dancing and fun no mater what age you are. This is one of those funky bars where if you love good music and a fun crowd,and it does get crowded you've come to the right place.The Cantab is like a lot of places that dotted Boston ,Cambridge Quincy like "Jacks" "Gladstones" "The Rat" "Yard Rock" that unfortunately are gone forever. Live music needs places like this to survive and thrive. So go out and support these venues like the Cantab !Grab a cold beer and a partner and get up and dance. read more

This is a pretty unique place. They have absolutely the best funk/blues bands ever all the time... I've had many fun nights at this place. There is nothing to say about the bar, and don't even know if they serve food, but it is a good place to go listen to live music. read more

This place smells like piss and is cash only....sounds like a negative review right? WRONG. This place has strong and cheap drinks made by a bartender who looks and sounds like he worked for Whitey Bulger. There is usually a cover, but the bands that are playing are a blast, and the drinks are cheap enough that you won't mind. You can let your hair down and make a mess and the management won't care or try to kick you out. Fun tip: they don't seem to charge hobos/local drunks a cover and you'll see some of them over by the bar (pretty sure I saw one bumping while crouched over the bar). read more

What a great place! My girl and I went there a few times, there is a fist floor and a basement bar. I like listening to Diane Blue and the band, great blue's. Drinks reasonable and the crowd is diverse in age, socioeconomic and loacation. Bar itself, 1970 decor, but all good and fun! Higly reccomend. read more

Simply put, this place is full of characters... it is one of the few dive bars in cambridge (where things tend to go nerdy or upscale), it reminds me of the bars and music i found when i was travelling in the south. the patrons, while some are quirky, everyone has always been nice. this place attracts a range of people and various ages. upstairs and downstairs simultaneously have different shows for a different cover price. i tend to have more fun upstairs. it gets crowded but not crazy-packed. read more

Bluegrass and beer... always fun. Be careful tho, i've seen that places get super busy. I like it because it is a pleasant mix of different people, unlike a lot of bars in boston. My friends eat there sometimes and say they have good burgers. I think I might check out their poetry slam on wednesdays. I always enjoy listening to emo kids whine. read more

I've only been to the Cantab a few times, but every time I go, I vow to myself that I will come back again and again. Yes, it's a dive bar, to the fullest. It's filthy, the people are from all walks of life, but they're all so friendly and outgoing. I've seen some of the best dancing at this place. And I've heard some of the BEST music here. Blues is my thing. Cannot get enough of the blues. WIsh I lived or worked near here, or had any excuse to head to Central more often, because I would love to become a regular to get my jam on. Seriously kick ass music. read more

Every time I've been, it's been a great atmosphere! The service is really friendly (they even walk around and offer you water throughout the night). Drinks are cheap and the music is good. My favorite are the Tue-night bluegrass nights. Just overall a very warm and friendly atmosphere. Bring cash though! read more

I usually groan when people suggest going to this place out of all the places to go in Central Square, but I always end up having a good time there. The patronage on a weekend night is usually a bizarre mix of 20 somethings and 50 year olds. Probably not the place to go if you're looking to pick up some ladies, but if you just want to dance with your friends to a live band in a crummy dive bar, this is the place. read more

Thursday Night with the Chicken Slacks is pretty cool. It was slow-starting (not the music but the bargoers) but picked up after an hour or so. I can't really comment much more, since I just had one beer and then stuck around the band, which was mesmerizing. read more

Two words. Bluegrass. Tuesday. Drinks are cheap, there's no cover, and the music is great! read more

Total dive bar, and totally awesome. There is a band who plays here- I do not know their name, but they are wonderful! Beers are cheap and the patrons are really entertaining. My only complaint is the bathroom- but I did say it was a dive bar... this is only to be expected. I'll just say it's gross and leave it at that. read more