Rip Tide Lounge

Reviews

• Courtney F.

  star star star star star 12 July 2026

  This is the bar that my grandfather, Curtis Smith Hamilton, used to enjoy until he died in 1985.  When I took my father back to Marblehead for his 80th birthday, we learned a lot about his estranged father who was a local artist.  He used to get hammered here and sell his paintings.  He was extraordinarily talented and troubled.  We came here to check out his favorite watering hole, and it did not disappoint.  We even compared the only picture we had of him sitting in some bar to this bar -- it indeed was a match!  
  
  This is a working man's bar, and it's timeless.  They had a surprisingly good selection of beer.    I will be back here the next time I'm in Massachusetts. Here's to you, Curtis Smith Hamilton, may you rest in peace.

• Jonathan L.

  star star star star star 9 July 2026

  Easily the finest drinking establishment in Marblehead.  This is where the elite meet. Also, dollar hotdogs.

• Greg R.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 8 July 2026

  I like dives as much as anyone but this place is a dump. It looks as if no one has cleaned the bathroom in decades. I was on edge about getting a drink here, nevermind getting something to eat. The food actually looked halfway decent, but you can only imagine what the kitchen looks like. You couldn't pay me to eat here They must be in tight with the Health Inspector.

• Mindy L.

  star star star star_border star_border 6 July 2026

  As far as Marblehead goes, this is first on the list for an authentic dive bar experience. Whether it's a "studied effect" as one reviewer claimed awhile back or as authentic as it comes, I can't say. What I can say is that, from my experience, it's just a dive. An awesome dive.
  
  1. It's got thin pile carpet. Wall-to-wall.
  2. It boasts the lone pool table in Marblehead.
  3. The particle board tables are chipped and lopsided with mismatched chairs.
  4. The plastic Bud posters feature Sharpie drawn dicks in all shapes and sizes.
  5. The jukebox plays some great tunes and you always get a great mix of music given the diverse crowd.
  6. Even at their drunkest, the locals can still kick your ass at pool.
  7. Golden Tee.
  8. Strong drinks. Super stiff.
  9. The prerequisite old-timer is sitting at the corner of the bar and ready to chat your ear off when you refill your drinks.
  
  I think nine well-made points should have all in agreement that this place is worth visiting if you like dive bars.

• Whitney S.

  star star star star star 28 June 2026

  We have been on the search for the perfect dive bar, which had the perfect atmosphere to satisfy our night and the perfect prices to match. When we stumbled into the Rip Tide, and it did not disappoint.
  Not only was everyone super friendly, but the beers were cheap and cold.  We felt right at home there,and the bouncer and the bartender were so nice, and made sure that we had everything we needed.  
  If you're looking for a relaxing night of pool, darts, or cards (which we left a pack behind the bar for future use) definitely check out the Rip Tide!