Even money on blackjack?

Getting into these debates with buddies again about whether blackjack is really “even money” in the long run or if that’s just how it feels because the wins and losses can streak so hard. I’ve had sessions where it absolutely seems like a safe bet compared to slots or even some of the table games with side bets, but I’m not totally sold on the idea. I always stick to basic strategy and avoid any weird side bets since those just look like easy traps.

People at my local spot always treat blackjack like a break-even grind, but then I read up on the house edge and it’s technically not even money at all. Anyone here actually track their results, or are you just going off feel?