Bar of the week
The Tam, a bar’s bar and a combat zone refugee

Jim Furbush

There is a red and gold sign behind the bar at The Tam, which says "A classic American neighborhood bar." Sadly, the bar has outlived its neighborhood. It used to be in the Combat Zone before the Zone was sanitized. There really is no neighborhood to speak of, unless you count Emerson College, the ever expanding Theatre District, and the corner of Tremont and Kneeland Streets, the last home of winos and drug dealers.

The Tam, like the Sligo Pub in Davis Square, is among several bars making the last stand against gentrification and pricey chic bars. Most nights you'll find an assortment of Emerson College hipsters and eccentric regulars mingling over the cheapest drinks in town.

What you see is what you get; the bar is the size of a smallish basement. There are two televisions always showing news and sports -the perfect fodder for boozy bar time conversations about what bums athletes and politicians are. Sure, there are a few video games, but most people don't really make it all the way back to play them. The jukebox, however, is dynamite, offering a run of classic rock, cheesy hits from the 80's, grunge era rock, and a little hip-hop. Be warned: bartenders have been known to toss patrons who put on a crappy song.

It’s all about those bartenders though; they work hard to make everyone feel welcomed. The Tam might seem a little scary at first, but within minutes you'll feel like you're at your best friend's apartment.

The bartenders are great, but the prices are incredible. There are several beers available for two bucks a pint, including Michelob Amber Bock and Busch on draft, and Brubaker in a bottle. Like most macrobrews, they aren't for the snobbish, but they're always cold and cheap. Mixed drinks are good, and the bartenders are willing to serve up any drink you ask for.

This dive bar does one thing and it does it to perfection. They welcome in a motley cast of characters. And they serve up cheap, cold brews for those looking to knock a few back. My only worry is that word will get out and The Tam will somehow become a popular watering hole full of after-work professionals; which is exactly what happened to the Beacon Hill Pub.

The Tam
222 Tremont St. (map)
Boston MA
(no phone)
(cash only)

Correction, March 8, 2006: This article originally and incorrectly stated that pints of Michelob Amber Bock and Busch cost $1.25. They cost $2.00.

Jim Furbush can be reached at jfurbush@theoysteronline.com

03/08/2006   |   Permalink