Cantab Lounge

It's kinda cool to walk into a bar and you think you are in 1981! Funky music by musicians who have been playing in town forever. Can get really loud, obviously, but a fun dive bar and the anti- to every new bar in Cambridge/Somerville/Boston. They keep it simple, cheap drinks, terrible bartenders kick ass music! more

Do not miss out on The Fat Back Band. It does not get any better. They are there on Friday and Saturday, Candy, The Couper Brothers and Bruce. The music is sweet!! The crowd is friendly and the Cantab rocks on!! Wednesday night with Lenny Bradford is worth coming out to hear. The place may be funky but the music and crowd is no where else but....The Cantab. It just keeps getting better!!! Hard to believe but easy to dance!!! It's showtime so shake your bootie!! Pros: friendly crowd, GREAT music, everyone is welcome. Cons: always crowded, hard to find a seat, standing room only. more

Does Little Joe Cook and the Thrillers still play a weekly gig here? I remember seeing them 20 years ago and having a blast. more

If you are in to open mic nights, this is probably about one of the worst scenes there is. The old burnt out hippie who's in charge it, Jeff, is usually very drunk by 9 o'clock. He forgets to write down the names of people who want to perform, so you might not get to play even if you show up early and remind him multiple times. He's also one of those ""close talkers"" with a lot of extra saliva. \r \r Even though they advertise that they give preference to first-timers, they actually do the complete opposite and give regulars and ""friends"" preference, most of which are horrendous and also very drunk. They always let the sound guy PJ play too - if you call standing on stage and growling angry lyrics playing. \r \r On top of that the Cantab is one of the dirtiest, grungiest bars in the Boston area, and that's saying something. The waitresses are extremely surly and rude and the bathrooms are disgusting. On top of that, they're cash only! It's called the ""Can Tab"" but you can't start a tab! The only good thing I can say is that it does draw a diverse (if mostly older) crowd, so there is the occasional good act, but that is far overshadowed by the arrogance of Jeff and his drunken burned out clique. more

Used to go there when Little Joe Cook played, he was the best. A legend. He has since retired but this place could be a breeding ground for living legends. Pros: Great music, good drinks more

The Scene: Your classic dive bar. A Group of locals sitting at the bar listening to music or watching the game. Live music just about every night of the week. The stage area is so small it feels like you stting in your living room. The music is consistently good. I've never seen a bad show at the Cantab. Blue Grass Music on Tuesday is definitely a highlight. The Food: The food is good and inexpensive. If you go the Cantab you have to get the ribs - Trust me, there the best ribs I've ever had anywhere. Get a Half-Rack with Rice and you'll see what I mean. They also have sandwhiches and the usual bar fare. Overall one of my top 5 favorite bars in Boston. Pros: Music, Ribs, Atmosphere Cons: Bathroom! more