You go to The Tam if you want CHEAP, STRONG drinks. If you are looking for sparkling clean decor, you can head over to one of downtown Boston's infinite number of overpriced, subpar bars and lounges. At The Tam, $5 (top-shelf liquor is $6.50) will get you a cocktail that is literally equivalent to 2 or 3 drinks. When I say the drinks are strong, I mean you are basically paying for a cup of alcohol with a splash of mixer. Top-shelf drinks are definitely worth it if you're willing to spend the extra $1.50. In one of the most inexplicably expensive cities in the country, this is a revelation. However, it is also pretty dangerous so enter at your own risk. PS: Their staff is wonderful. Tip them well! read more

Dive bar! Cheap drinks! Great to get a few drinks for little money before you get the night started.

There are many varieties of dive. This is one that feels stuck in 1980. I almost thought I would see my 21 year old parents drinking $2 bud lights in here. Somehow they can afford to place themselves in the friggin' middle of downtown Boston with these cheap prices - maybe the cheapest of any bar around. Sadly, they do not serve car bombs, but we wanted a cheap drink in the middle of a walk across town, and they delivered in spades. read more

Last night, after my second gin and ginger (more on that later), I updated my Facebook status (via Blackberry obv) with: "why is trivia night so fun?" Maybe it was because I was drunk, maybe it was because I was with Heather H, maybe it was because I sparked up conversation with a Miami-bred Brazilian with white pants AND SHOES. Regardless, trivia night at the Tam was indeed fun. After the free screening of The Ugly Truth (predictable, three or so funny moments, Katherine Heigl is hot but terribly annoying, etc) courtesy of Yelp, I headed over to the Tam with said Heather H thanks to a fellow Yelper's advice. Heather was in pain, her fancy work shoes were killing her, and she wanted to get to a bar. Fast. And the Tam was just the place for us. She had gin and tonic, and I ordered a gin and ginger ale. And apparently the bartender (who I seriously think looks like Captain Morgan, of the rum, just with red hair) had never served a gin and ginger before. There was some talk of me naming that drink, and that got me terribly excited. I would have called it The Shim. Anyway, I was going to leave after my first drink but then I decided I needed a second. Just because. I was enjoying Trivia Night even though every other answer was not really an answer but actually a song request/sexual comment. And then I went next door to NYP which was way better than the one on Columbus and Mass Ave and ordered three slices and the man definitely thought they were all for me when in fact I got two for myself. Ahem. They are big slices. An interesting crowd. Very clean floors. I was in no way grossed out and I am usually very snobby/picky/busy pretending I am a princess from Monaco. Also... the Staff could get it. If you know what I mean (insert sexy wink here). read more

Sure, it's small, and sure, you need a key to use the ladies room. But the beer is cheap, it's got a great and often hilarious mix of people, and the bartenders are really friendly -- one of them definitely poured an extra shot for himself last time I was there and then drank it with us. And you can't lose when there's an internet jukebox. Great little dive. Free wi-fi. This place is a guaranteed hit with people who've never been -- everyone I've ever brought here has absolutely loved it. To think I only discovered it because I happened to randomly be walking by and wanted a pre-drink before meeting a friend five years ago. How far we've come together, Tam. ZOMG! They now have a feature on their weird flat screen thing called "Tam Chat." You can text it and your message will appear on the board. HOURS OF DRUNKEN ENTERTAINMENT, or maybe just a suggestive note that hints that you should end your night. Heh. I also like to text it randomly at like 11am on a Wednesday to say, "Hello, Daytime Drinkers, I love you!" read more

I like dives. I like bars with pennies glued to surface. I like cheap beer. However, cheap beer makes me drunk and drunk me picks at shiny things (hello pennies!). Normally not a big problem. Last time I was at the Tam I'm pretty sure someone puked on the pennies a few days earlier. It was (I think) cleaned up, but my toasty little wandering fingers warmed up the pennies which then released the eau de vomit. Yum. But I'm not willing to give up my cheap little bar habit. I love the random people there (last time I met a friend of a friend in Utah!) and I like how cozy it is. And, mostly, I like the cheap beer. read more

Where else can you still get a 'Gansett tall boy for $3.50? Cash only, no food, classic rock on the jukebox---a dive bar that gets straight to the point. read more

The Tam - Once and future king - Dive Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

A fantastic bar if you are looking for a low key place that will not charge you $7 for a sam adams. The bartenders are incredibly nice and generous with their pours. And every tuesday is trivia night with cash prizes and a terrific atmosphere. The bar is also surrounded by a variety of decent food shops whose food you can bring in making it a perfect place to grab a quick bite while downtown. protip: get the amberboc its the best beer for the price ($3) read more

Great bang for buck. I agree with most of the other reviews for this place. Good staff, well priced drinks, great atmosphere. This is a great place to consider as a "go to" for a fun night of drinking! Don't expect 5 star service though. read more

To appreciate the Tam, you have to appreciate it for what it is: a dive bar in downtown Boston with a diverse clientele, cheap beers, and a few video games. The rules of the Tam: drink PBR in a bottle, Amber Bock draft, or Brubaker in a bottle, all coming in under $3. Not too bad. Order mixed drinks, which are deliciously strong. Don't order wine or a drink containing any milk product--who knows how long it's been sitting there. Get pizza next door and bring it in to eat while you drink your beer. The bartenders don't mind. And definitely, definitely put some Prince on the jukebox (because someone else has already played Journey) and play a few video games. I go to the Tam with colleagues, to play trivia on Tuesday nights, to have a few cheap drinks before going out or seeing a show, or to grab that late-night beer after class. The bartenders know their regulars--and there are a lot of them: lesbians out to get their pre-club drinks, old townies parked on the stools at the bar, frat-boys all grown up wearing too much cologne, and of course lots of Emerson students. The video games at the back are the best. I was recently introduced to a touch-screen game at the Tam in which you attempt to find differences between seemingly identical pictures of scantily-clad women (or men, your choice). What a way to spend a Friday night. Bring cash! They don't accept credit cards. read more

Okay, so I gave The Tam another chance. They're not so bad. But... they're not so great either. Why must you be a cash only bar?! At least that stench isn't lingering any longer. read more

I tried to Yelp the Tam from my friend Nga L.'s enV phone--apparently it didn't work. I must add my friend Tim's haiku. But I am too tired. Tam, your Maker's and gingers are like warm milk and Excedrin PM to me. Update (4/22/08): Haiku below-- Makers and ginger. Makers not overwhelming. Kristina is pleased. read more

As an Irish person I went here with a lot of hope looking at others' reviews but that soon dissipated. Overpriced beer from unfriendly bar people who were only interested in tips and talking to their friends made it a place I won't be going back to. No interaction whatsoever. Disappointed, wanted to like this place, but an Irish pub this is not. Don't waste your time or money read more

The Tam smells weird. the Tam is tiny. the Tam has a hunting video game with plastic rifles. the Tam sells brubaker which can apparently burn a hole in your intestines. the Tam is frequented by homeless people spending their day's earnings and guys in pink dress shirts and flip flops. the Tam has a jukebox that will actually play what you've paid to hear, and you will without a doubt make a new friend before you leave the Tam. the tam is fun. but it does smell weird. read more

The Tam is owned by the same people that owned the Cambridgeport Saloon, MaryAnn's, the Bow And Arrow, PJ Kilroy's, and the, crap, I forget the name of it but it's right near N. Station but for the sake of this review we'll call it The Crap. Anyway, I love The Tam. Old man's bar. Dirty bar. Dive. Any way you call it, it's perfectly good for a pint and a shot with friends while downtown surrounded by all the other pretension. read more

....It's a hole in the wall, it's a dirty free for all, singin'...... I love dive bars. They make me feel warm and fuzzy inside (and not just from the booze). Although its pretty small, its pretty hard to miss, with the ever-so-green outside standing out. The set up inside is pretty basic - bar on one side, chairs and a few tables on the other. Bonus points for having a tiny arcade in the back. Beer selection is nothing to write home about, but certainly decent enough. The main draw here are the prices - you can grab a rolling rock or Naragansett for $3, vodka and red bull for $6, a pint of Stella for $5 - not bad! Only real downside is that they don't serve food (although, bless their hearts, they do try to offer at least SOMETHING with that sad little vending machine up front). But they do at least allow you to bring food into the bar, so you can run out and grab something nearby. Also, they are cash only. Which would be very annoying if you just randomly stopped in without knowing beforehand (for someone like me that rarely carries cash). On a side note that doesn't really have much to do with anything, I appreciated the fact that this is pretty much the first bar I've been to in Boston where both bartenders are not the typical 20-something-hot-guy/girl-flirting-for-tips-blech. read more

On the way back to our hotel room, my gf and I decided to stop inside this bar for a quick drink or 2. The inside looked like your typical dive spot. They had a few advertised beer specials; we settled on a couple of quick budweisers and miller lights. tap was fine (not skunked, thankfully). prices were ok...nothing special. $3.50 - $4 a pint. seems like a pretty laid back spot. i did notice that there was sign posted that said the bar was cash-only. luckily we only stuck around for a couple of brews. good place overall read more

I got a beer at the Tam before seeing a movie. Not just any movie, Snakes on a Plane, so I felt going to one of the dirtier Boston bars was acceptable. My beer smelled like poop. This isn't a figure of speech and I didn't order a rare Flemish beer with musky aromas. It smelled like poop and I told the bartender it smelled like poop. He promptly got me another beer. Then another one after that. We did shots and then went to see the movie that was only entertaining if you were "I Have Been at the Tam for Two Hours Drunk." All in all not bad for what it is. But I don't really hang out here. read more

Yeah, it may not be the classiest joint ever. And it's cash only. And the bathrooms leave something to be desired (such as a tetanis shot) But the bartenders are wicked chill. The drinks are cheap, and the clientele isn't usually punch-y. This is, by far, the best kind of "dive" bar. read more

I popped in here for a drink while waiting for a friend who was stuck on the T. I hadn't been here since 1997, when they still had sawdust on the floors, and now I'm not sure why not! Beers were still mind-bogglingly cheap, the bartenders were cheery enough if you tipped and paid in cash, and there actually were a bunch of un-coupled-up folk out for drinks. I didn't stay longer than a second drink because my friend showed up, but I'll be back soon. Can't front on a $3 draft! read more

Yeah sure, I'm a fan of the Tam. It's cash only which kind of blows, but they make up for it in cheap drinks poured with a heavy hand. It's definitely one of the better dive bars in downtown Boston if you're looking for a dive. They've got some good tunes spinning on the juke box and the people watching is usually some of the best. read more

A great little dive with affordable drinks and a good crowd. It's cash only so come prepared, their ATM is only a $3 charge in case you don't bring cash. Lynn is the nicest woman on Earth, even when the bar is packed she takes the time to make eye contact, smile and get you what you need. She had a younger guy yelling at her and being a jerk and she took it in stride and kept on working. It takes thick skin to deal with that. All that being said, go in and have a cheap drink and a good time. read more

I went to The Tam this past weekend with some people for a drink before we went to Cask n Flagon. Drink prices were great, the atmosphere was fun but the bar clientele seemed to be on the older side. I think my friends and I were the only students there. (Not like we're underage ourselves, we're all law students..) I was disappointed.. I didn't see the guy in the train conductor hat. But the bar was cool enough to let me bring my dinner in, and I think the group consensus was that we're absolutely going back. read more

$3 Buds = awesome. Plus it's right off the Boylston T and has a bright greeen sign so it's a perfect meeting place at the start of the night. Crowd seemed friendly, my only complaint is that the bar seemed a little bright and they don't serve any food. I like chips and peanuts with my cheap beer! read more

The Tam. I have spent many a drunk night here trying to remember why I came to begin with. Everytime I go there, I always say it will be the last time, however, I keep on coming back. Maybe it's the fact that you can bring your food inside? Or perhaps even because you can pick up a Narraganset Tallboy for $3? Who knows. Either way, this is definitely a dive bar in every sense of the meaning 'dive bar.' It's conveniently located next to the theater district, so if you have to catch a show and feel like pre-gaming, check this place out. Lastly, please see the following disclaimer: ONLY ACCEPTS CASH - NO CREDIT CARDS read more

Not a bad local bar, but if you have to use the restroom, make sure that you're thin enough to shimmy your way in. Very tight space for three toilets. Maybe I was there on a slow night, but I got bored after one beer and left. The basketball game was on, but no sound, and virtually no seats, even though it wasn't really packed. Having said that, the beer price was reasonable, seems like college students like this place. read more

One of the only places where you can get a beer for $3 in the city. Groovy little place near The Wilbur. Really cool staff. They don't have food though which sucks but they let you bring in food from the neighboring restaurants. Will return when I'm in the area. read more

If you want to indulge in some adult beverages in Boston on a budget- go to The Tam. It's pretty fun. It is eclectic and not at all "fancy", but it will get the job done. Do not expect top shelf liquor, craft beer, an extensive wine list or food (yes- that is correct- they do not serve food, but you can bring your own). It's a cool place and they have been open for decades. Great place to stop in in a pub crawl. read more

The Tam - Nothing but "The High Life" at The Tam - Dive Bars Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The Tam is a classic dive. Nothing extraordinary but it is a solid Boston bar downtown with decent prices considering the location. One time when I was there they had the Simpsons on TV which is simply unheard of but a superb idea. The bartenders have been there forever and know how to pour a Guinness (an underrated ability; why don't they teach that as a mandatory skill in bar tending school?) Occasionally at night on the weekends you find an odd flock of sorority-esque gals but they usually leave rapidly. Bottom line - I've never had a bad time at the Tam and have often had good drinking experiences. It's a good place to drop in for a drink or two. read more

The Tam is the Dive Bar of Boston. Most of the crowd that go there are usually going to a show/concert in the District or pregame before heading to Royal or somewhere. I first visited it back in 2008. Wasn't too sure what to except before I walked in but it was close to the AMC Boston Commons and needed a few drinks before. I like Dive Bars so I enjoy it. The service is a little suspect. There are times I go there and the bartenders will be taking their time and in the middle of conversations with people. I don't mind the chit chat, but not while someone is waiting for a drink. I usually order whatever is cheap there, Rolling Rock or Bud Light Draft or whatever it may be. Feel weird ordering a cocktail or mix drink. Being 27 in a few weeks, I doubt I'll ever drink Busch(which they have had forever and is cheap) beer every again. That was fun back when your 19. Last time I ordered a Blue Moon w a orange and the bartender dude squeezed two little orange slices like there was no tomorrow into the drink and them dumped the slices in. Not how I usually do it, also wonder how clean his hands were, but I'm not the type of person to complain. They are a cash only bar with a ATM inside, pretty sure the ATM fee is like $2.75, double that almost if you have Bank Of America. They also have a vending machine w snacks. So it's a good spot to go to start your night off and get a good buzz before you head into a club or concert/show in the area. If you like dive bars and all that jazz you will like it. $3 Rolling Rocks and Narragansett is a pretty sweet deal. Narragansett is a pretty solid beer. Underrated. Grab a pizza or sub next door and come in and watch a game and unwind. Deff a place where you can relax and enjoy a drink. read more

Oh Tam. Why do I love you so much? What is this spell you cast on me? I have no idea. I guess maybe it's cause your cheap and you let me have beer chugging contests with strangers. Oh dear. read more

Put on your scuba gear and get ready to go diving! The Tam is exactly what you expect in a dive bar - mixed patrons, strong cheap drinks, gritty old school tenders and an open saloon door mens room. Sometimes you have to suffer the oddities of a dive to truly experience what a city is about. Stop in 2 or more times and the main man bartender (I don't think he ever gets a night off and you'll know who I am referring to in about 10 minutes of being there) will likely remember you and your drink preference. The Tremont st. location makes this a perfect, budget friendly, liquid courage building, stepping stone those Boston Club nights. But if you are going to a club after keep that on the down low as any slight air of pretension and trendiness will lose you points at this joint. Hint - Vodka Red Bulls are only 6.50 and it will be mostly vodka read more

It has taken awhile for me to actually visit this place but I finally managed to. The mixed drinks and old school charm is what makes this dive so popular. The drinks are cheap and strong. 80% Alcohol, 20% drink for $6 which is a true bargain in a city with overpriced drinks at overpriced clubs. The charm is like no other for a Boston dive since there are so few remaining in Boston so this one is a relic of the olden days! It's cash only too so make sure you have money on you. overall, it's a great place to start the night! read more

This is a Dive in the best way possible. Great place to watch the game, or hang out after a show in the Theatre District. Yeah they have an internet jukebox, and yeah you occasionally hear a playlist from hell but this is what you get in a dive bar. Bartenders are super friendly and super heavy handed with the cheap drinks. If they don't recognize you the second time you visit, they probably hate you. If they hate you, you are probably a degenerate and deserve it. Cash only. Dangerously convenient for T travelers, positioned between Boylston (Green line) and Tufts Medical (Orange line.) read more

The Tam is a Dive Bar to the full extent and I say that with all the love in my heart. I found myself at The Tam on a Sunday, my only night in Boston. Since I'm a girl in my mid 20s, wandering alone in Boston, I was slightly skeptical about going out by myself. Luckily my Dive Bar radar was functioning great that night and led me straight here. Unsurprisingly it was pretty dead at 7pm, so I was able to meet one of the friendliest bar managers ever, Patrick. As the place filled up throughout the night he made sure I always had a cold drink and no one was getting too friendly. It definitely felt like my home away from home. From my short visit, I concluded that they have good cheap drinks, no BS, a love for Boston Sports and an incredibly friendly staff. I spent a good amount of time talking to an off duty bartender (Brian/Ryan?) and the bouncer Austin. If I ever find myself in Boston again, the Tam is number one on my list of places to visit! read more

Horrible place. Gay bar part would be great if staff was not so rude, the place smells like piss, bar staff was very rude. Stayed for a drink and it was a bitch fest by the two bartenders. The place also closed at 12am with about 15 people inside, they were rude we are closing by now. The next night I was walking by the door guy was telling other they were closed it was 11:45pm on a Thursday night. Lame lame lame read more

The Tam looks cute on the outside but it is in the "combat zone" and the neighborhood is not safe. However, that is the good news. The staff in down right nasty. They don't take any credit cards and will ask you to leave if you don't have cash. They won't tell you where an ATM is and would rather tell you to get the hell out. Really bad bad staff. Too bad the Manager cleary doesn't know or care. read more

A Dive so hard you'll think your in Bruce Willis movie. Cheap crap beer, in a cozy care free atmosphere/deteriorating facilities. I love this place and have been stopping by for the past 10 years. A great place to catch up with a good ole buddy for a drink and a chat, or to pre-game out on the town before a show. The service is always honest, frank, and quick, with always that local twinkle in the bartenders eye that only comes with having worked in shitty shit places and have seen it all. If you come here, just know that, despite whatever your mother tells you, you are not special. Your just another patron, like the rest of us, so have fun, drink up, and go get a high score in Buck Hunter if you want to feel like Mr. #1. (just watch out for the leaky AC above your head of your first player) Stop by in the middle of the day on a weekday and watch TV with a bunch of regulars who have no idea who Adam Sandler is, but think this Happy Gilmore guy is actually pretty funny. read more

THIS IS A RACIST BAR!!! My sister went to this bar and experienced some extremely racist behavior from the bartender. First, my sister asked nicely for a Manhattan and the bartender replied, "I don't feel like making that for you." My sister then asked the bartender if he could make her a Sazerac, to which the bartender replied, "What's a Sazerac?" So, my sister had to settle for a beer (which she didn't really want) because the bartender wouldn't give her anything else! To top it all off, the bartender yelled at my sister "GO BACK TO YOUR COUNTRY" as she was leaving the bar. Our family is American through and through. We were all appalled by what my sister experienced at this bar. If you have any sense of self decency, please avoid going to this bar to teach them a lesson. If by some chance racist behavior like this is okay by you, please ask yourself the following question before going to this place: "As a proud American, why would I ever go to a bar where the bartender doesn't know what a Sazerac is?" read more

"You go here to not be seen" That could be a slogan on a t-shirt for The Tam. It's the kind of place a guy goes to drink when he tells people he's staying in. I wouldn't go here to meet chicks, or to spend an entire night. I'd have a few pints on the way elswhere or while waiting for reservations for a show or dinner nearby. It's no frills beer drinking. It's an acquired taste. read more