Welcome to The Cantab Lounge
At The Cantab Lounge, a lively gem nestled in Cambridge, we celebrate the spirit of music and community. Our story is steeped in local culture, offering an eclectic mix of events—from open mic nights to soul-stirring R&B jams. Patrons revel in a vibrant atmosphere that fosters connection, with friendly staff and reasonably priced drinks. The two-level venue features intimate performances from up-and-coming artists and beloved local bands, ensuring every visit is a unique experience. Join us to unwind, dance, or discover new sounds in a welcoming space where everyone feels at home. Enjoy our neighborhood tradition and make memories with us!
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738 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States Hotline: +1 617-714-4278
Welcome to the vibrant world of The Cantab Lounge, a true gem nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Located at 738 Massachusetts Ave, this beloved venue combines the energy of live music with a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
At The Cantab Lounge, the pulse of the night is driven by an eclectic mix of events. Whether you're in the mood for soul-stirring tunes or the infectious energy of a dance night, this establishment truly offers something for everyone. As echoed in the words of patron Marcus O'Hara, the venue hosts a variety of events, including live music performances from local bands, open mic nights, and even raucous dance parties featuring acts like Chicken Slacks. Visitors can often catch unique events such as the renowned R&B jam night that invites anyone to step up and showcase their talent.
The ambiance at The Cantab is not just about the music; it's about the community. Customers like Allison Kussmann have described it as their favorite bar, especially for its vibrant and familiar vibe that makes any night feel special, whether it's a bustling weekend or a quiet Monday.
Highlighting the affordability of evenings at The Cantab, reviews consistently mention reasonable drink prices and the delicious joy of live music for just a small cover charge. Shashank Tomar points out that the modest entry fee is more than worth it when you immerse yourself in the soulful performances echoing throughout the venue. Plus, the friendly staff, highlighted by Kieron Sinnette’s experience with a knowledgeable bartender, adds to the overall warmth and quality of service.
For those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere, the Cantab Underground offers a unique experience, showcasing local artists in a cozy setting. Phoenix Campagnuolo praises the bar’s commitment to supporting upcoming musicians, making it a standout venue for anyone seeking authentic local talent.
If you're searching for a fun-filled night surrounded by diverse crowds and live music that stirs the soul, The Cantab Lounge awaits you with open arms. It’s a neighborhood staple where every night can transform into a memorable experience. Embrace the vibes, enjoy the music, and make unforgettable memories at The Cantab Lounge!
A fun spot with a variety of regular events like open mic nights, poetry nights, dance nights with the chicken slacks etc. They also often have bookings of local bands which may play upstairs or downstairs. My personal favorite is the rnb jam night, where there is a band that allows anyone to come up and sing or play a few songs with them. If you like live music odds are there is something for you in the cantab's regularly scheduled events
This bar is one of my favorite bars. I love coming here on a weekday such as Mondays, it makes me look forward to Mondays after a weekend. I also come here on the weekends and the vibe is always top notch, the people who work here are also some of my favorite people. Definitely should come.
Deserves more than 4 for sure. There’s an entry charge (which they call cover for some reason) if you come in late, but the live music is well worth 6 bucks. All cash place, but there’s an ATM inside or so I’ve been told. Come here with a bunch of friends, you’ll have a great time!
Cantab is a neighborhood gem! Soulful live music, reasonably priced drink options, free coat rack in the back, friendly staff and always a fun crowd. Chicken Slacks (featured in the video here) perform most Thursday nights @ 10–highly recommend!
We stopped by on Friday, October 4th, and had a great time. There was live music in both the basement (rock) and on the first floor (R&B). The crowd was diverse, welcoming, and had a festive vibe. It’s a place where you can comfortably attend solo, grab a seat at the bar, and enjoy the music. People were dancing and respectful, creating a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Drinks were reasonably priced. Overall, it was a wonderful experience in Central Square!
Came here tonight for karaoke. I asked the bartender for Allagash and he recommended Shock Top since they didn't carry it. I gotta admit, it's pretty good... First time trying it and I like the citrus richness and the overall smooth taste. You can never underestimate the value of a bartender who knows his craft... Priceless... Thanks Chris!
Amazing local music venue! Always great band upstairs and the cantab underground is a beautifully intimate venue. This bar supports local artists, come on Mondays for the open mic or to join the jazz jam!
Definitely a hotspot for new Cambridge and Boston up and coming musicians/bands; but a place where great musicians spend the evening and mix and mingle… Also killer EDM scene downstairs on the flip pity flip side downstairs which is banging @flowmies @bendingbranchesmusic