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Cantab Lounge
- Bars
- Cambridge, MA
About this business
This neighborhood bar features live entertainment every night. Monday is Open Mike Night, Tuesday is a Bluegrass Pickin' Party, Wednesday is Poetry Readings and Thursday through Saturday features local musicians. Great drinks and a bar menu featuring sandwiches and steak make this a popular spot with college kids and Cambridge locals. The Cantab Lounge does not accept credit cards, so bring ample cash when visiting.
Location details
738 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, United States
Get directions| Weekday | Schedule | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Tue | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Wed | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Thu | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Fri | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Sat | Closed | |
| Sun | Closed |
What can you say about the Cantab?! – 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!
Best R&B in the Boston Area!!! – 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!!
Does Little Joe Cook and the Thrillers still play a weekly gig here? I remember seeing them 20 years ago and having a blast.
DO NOT GO TO OPEN MIC MONDAYS!!! – 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. Even though they advertise that they give preference to first-timers, they actually do the complet... read more
Enduring Central Square dive delivers an eclectic alternative to the alt-music scene. – The Scene Reflecting Central Square's colorful palette of residents and students, Cantab's regulars come in all shapes and sizes. By day, the down-on-their-luck (or those who pretend to be) suck down beers and watch TV through the dingy room's thick clouds of smoke. At night, the action heats up via live entertainment (a Cantab staple since 1975). Grizzled, congenial bartenders look and act like they've seen it all. The Draw The lounge's ... read more
Great Blues/Live music bar – 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.
Best Dive in the city – 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.... read more
Frequently asked questions about Cantab Lounge
How is Cantab Lounge rated?
Cantab Lounge has a 4.4 star rating with 668 reviews.
When is Cantab Lounge open?
Cantab Lounge is closed now. It will open on Monday at 9:00 a.m.
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