Russell House Tavern

Name: Russell House Tavern
Address: 14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 500-3055
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

2806 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 40 times today

Charming
Neighbourhood gem
Good for groups

A New American Tavern, Russell House Tavern is a comfortable gathering spot for every occasion-from casual lunch breaks on the patio to after-work cocktails in the upstairs tavern to functions in the private dining room and everything in between. Russell House Tavern delivers a seasonally-inspired menu of modern interpretations of American classics, including signatures like the R. House Burger, a selection of Tavern Pizzas and Steak Frites among other dishes. To complement the menu, Russell House Tavern serves an interesting collection of all-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, and a locally-driven craft beer selection. The cocktail menu strikes a balance between familiar classics and modern hand-crafted recipes using only fresh juices, homemade syrups and infusions.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
Hours of Operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Bar Mon 11:00 am–11:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–12:00 am Fri 11:00 am–1:00 am Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(617) 500-3055
Website
http://www.russellhousecambridge.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Brian Pawlak
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at Russell House Tavern awaits your next private function. Our contemporary yet casual atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Please email us at events@russellhousecambridge.com or visit us at russellhousecambridge.com.

Location
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Area
Cambridge
Cross Street
Brattle Street
Parking details
We offer a $2 validation for the Harvard Square Parking Garage located at 20 Eliot Street.
Public transit
We are located just steps from the Harvard Square T Station on the Redline.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Extra Dirty CaesarUSD 14.00
Romaine, Black Kale, Anchovy Croutons
Chopped SaladUSD 15.00
Iceberg, Romaine, Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Hardboiled Egg, Bleu Cheese, Harissa Ranch
Fall SaladUSD 15.00
Little Leaf Greens, Roasted Red Pepper, Cucumber, Pickled Carrot, Fuji Apple, Candied Pecans, Feta, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Butternut Squash SoupUSD 8.00
Roasted Apples
Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUSD 14.00
Avocado, Citrus, Frisee
Crab CakesUSD 16.00
Pickled Carrots, Scallions, Remoulade
Clams CasinoUSD 14.00
Bacon, Parmesan, Garlic, Shallot, Bread Crumbs
Curry MusselsUSD 15.00
White Wine, Curry Cream, Garlic Crostini
Crispy Brussels SproutsUSD 10.00
Maple-Sriracha Glaze
Street CornUSD 10.00
Cilantro-Lime Aioli, Tajin, Parsley
Confit Chicken WingsUSD 15.00
Sambal & Honey Glaze
Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUSD 16.00
Pickled Tomato & Peppers, Arugula, Avocado Aioli
Harvard Square FriesUSD 12.00
Pecorino, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Short Rib Jus
Charcuterie BoardUSD 16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera
Local New England Cheese BoardUSD 16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Traditional Accompaniments
Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUSD 25.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera, Traditional Accompaniments

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUSD 14.00
Crushed Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino
PepperoniUSD 15.00
Marinara, Mozzarella
Mushroom & LeekUSD 15.00
Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil
Brussels HouseUSD 15.00
Barbeque Pulled Pork, Mozzarella, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Pickled Red Onion, Scallions, Corn
Sausage & RicottaUSD 15.00
Roasted Poblanos, Herbed Olive Oil

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUSD 16.00
Avocado, Cucumber, Ponzu, Wonton
Local Oysters*
Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
- eachUSD 3.00
- DozenUSD 33.00
Cape Cod Littlenecks
Cocktail Sauce
- eachUSD 1.50
Shrimp CocktailUSD 14.00
Cocktail Sauce
Chilled Lobster TailUSD 16.00
Saffron-Lemon Aioli
Crimson PlatterUSD 48.00
8 Local Oysters, 6 Shrimp, 6 Cape Cod Clams, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
Ivy League PlatterUSD 98.00
12 Local Oysters, 8 Shrimp, 8 Cape Cod Clams, 2 Split Lobster Tails, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette, Lemon-Saffron Aioli

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo MeinUSD 30.00
Ginger Vegetable Sauté, Mushroom Miso Soy Broth
Roasted Half ChickenUSD 25.00
Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto, Natural Jus
Beef ShortribUSD 33.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Natural Jus
NY Strip Steak FritesUSD 36.00
Pecorino Frites, House-Made Steak Sauce, Watercress
Roasted SalmonUSD 27.00
Root Vegetables, Fuji Apple, Potato Gnocchi, Parsnip Puree
BologneseUSD 24.00
Pork, Beef & Veal, Garlic Crostini, Grana Tuile
House-Made CavatelliUSD 21.00
Kale, Cauliflower, Grape Tomato, Mushroom, Pesto, Parmesan
Farro & KaleUSD 20.00
Peppers, Olives, Roasted Eggplant, Parmesan, Feta, Citrus Tahini Vinaigrette
Fish & ChipsUSD 21.00
Hand-Cut Fries, Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce
R. House Burger*USD 16.00
Sharp Cheddar, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, English Muffin
Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUSD 16.00
Slaw, Maple Chipotle Aioli, Brioche

What 2,806 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Russell House Tavern offers a delightful dining experience in the heart of Harvard Square. Guests rave about its "great food, great drinks, great service" and "wonderful ambiance." The tavern is known for its attentive staff, diverse menu, and cozy atmosphere, making it a "perfect choice" for brunch or dinner.

2,806 Reviews

L
Lucianna
VIP
Greater Boston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent brunch spot, always friendly and delicious food, especially the cinnamon rolls
Is this helpful?
B
Brian
Fort Lauderdale
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great time and service, food was fast and delicious
Is this helpful?
C
Cathy
San Francisco
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed a meal here after seeing the Revels - and then enjoyed an encore performance when some of the cast from the Revels serenaded the bar! So fun. Food was very good - Monkfish and Bolognese dishes were quite good and portions are generous.
Is this helpful?
A
Anu
VIP
Charlotte
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Salmon was overcooked but everything else was superb!
Is this helpful?
d
deborah
VIP
Greater Boston
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Enjoyable lunch in a warm and cozy setting. The braised short rib hash with horseradish hollandaise was delicious. Portions good size. Can’t wait to eat my leftovers.
Is this helpful?
J
Jacqueline
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful food, great drinks. Very loud! Highly recommended.
Is this helpful?
S
Stefan
Cincinnati
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 12 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Russell Tavern is a decent enough restaurant if you don't mind the noise. The downstairs venue was crowded and it was hard to hear my business associate who was sitting across the table from me. They skimp on the drinks. My glass which was small to begin with was only a quarter full if that. Sorry but if you're going to charge $12 for a glass of Scotch, you can afford to pour to at least half a glass. The food was good, not outstanding but cooked to order. The menu could use some variation with more standard fare. The best part was the Mussel Frites app.
Is this helpful?
J
James
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 8 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was great and wereally enjoyed the restaurant
Is this helpful?
K
Keith
Denver
13 reviews
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on 5 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My daughter is at the Culinary Institute of America and, whoever is the saucier at Russell House…. She could take their job in a New York second.
Is this helpful?
A
Ashley
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on 28 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful ambiance. Tasty food. Would come back again.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Russell House Tavern offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Russell House Tavern also offers takeaway which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 500-3055.

Russell House Tavern is rated 4.6 stars by 2806 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

30 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 40 times today

Order delivery or takeout

14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Brattle Street
Area
Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Bar Mon 11:00 am–11:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–12:00 am Fri 11:00 am–1:00 am Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
We offer a $2 validation for the Harvard Square Parking Garage located at 20 Eliot Street.
Public transit
We are located just steps from the Harvard Square T Station on the Redline.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Brian Pawlak
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.russellhousecambridge.com/
Phone number
(617) 500-3055
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at Russell House Tavern awaits your next private function. Our contemporary yet casual atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion. Please email us at events@russellhousecambridge.com or visit us at russellhousecambridge.com.

Russell House Tavern

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Margherita

Pepperoni

Steak & Eggs

Salads & Appetizers

Extra Dirty CaesarUSD 14.00

Chopped SaladUSD 15.00

Fall SaladUSD 15.00

Butternut Squash SoupUSD 8.00

Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUSD 14.00

Crab CakesUSD 16.00

Clams CasinoUSD 14.00

Curry MusselsUSD 15.00

Crispy Brussels SproutsUSD 10.00

Street CornUSD 10.00

Confit Chicken WingsUSD 15.00

Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUSD 16.00

Harvard Square FriesUSD 12.00

Charcuterie BoardUSD 16.00

Local New England Cheese BoardUSD 16.00

Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUSD 25.00

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUSD 14.00

PepperoniUSD 15.00

Mushroom & LeekUSD 15.00

Brussels HouseUSD 15.00

Sausage & RicottaUSD 15.00

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUSD 16.00

Local Oysters*

Cape Cod Littlenecks

Shrimp CocktailUSD 14.00

Chilled Lobster TailUSD 16.00

Crimson PlatterUSD 48.00

Ivy League PlatterUSD 98.00

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo MeinUSD 30.00

Roasted Half ChickenUSD 25.00

Beef ShortribUSD 33.00

NY Strip Steak FritesUSD 36.00

Roasted SalmonUSD 27.00

BologneseUSD 24.00

House-Made CavatelliUSD 21.00

Farro & KaleUSD 20.00

Fish & ChipsUSD 21.00

R. House Burger*USD 16.00

Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUSD 16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Russell House Tavern offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Russell House Tavern restaurant rated?

Is Russell House Tavern currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information