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Russell House Tavern, Cambridge, MA

Russell House Tavern

4.6
4.6
2830 Reviews
$30 and under
American

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2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 63 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Good for groups
  • Neighbourhood gem
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-star American wines, 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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Location
    14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Phone number
    (617) 500-3055
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
  • Hours of Operation
    Bar Mon 11:00–23:00 Tue–Thu 11:00–00:00 Fri 11:00–01:00 Sat 10:00–01:00 Sun 10:00–23:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–17:00 Sat, Sun 16:00–17:00 Dinner Mon, Sun 17:00–22:00 Tue–Thu 17:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–00:00
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    We offer a $2 validation for the Harvard Square Parking Garage located at 20 Eliot Street.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Nemo Bolin
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct

Experiences

  • Dinner & A Show

    Multiple dates available
    Heading to a show at The Sinclair or catching a performance at the A.R.T.? Make Russell House Tavern your go-to spot for the perfect pre-show dinner—right in the heart of Harvard Square. And when the curtain falls or the encore ends, keep the night going with some $1 oysters—served every night after 10PM. Whether you’re winding down from the show or just getting started, there’s no better way to end the evening than with fresh oysters and a perfectly crafted cocktail. Located in the center of Harvard Square—just steps from the action. Dinner before the show. Oysters after. See you at Russell House Tavern!
    Dinner & A Show photo

Menu

Salads & Appetizers

  • 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

                                                                            Last updated: 18 January 2023

                                                                            What 2,830 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
                                                                            • 4.4Food
                                                                            • 4.6Service
                                                                            • 4.5Ambience
                                                                            • 4.3Value

                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                            Review summary

                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                            Russell House Tavern, nestled in Harvard Square, offers a charming ambiance with "great service" and a diverse menu catering to different tastes. Diners rave about the "delicious food," especially the burgers and seafood. While some mention noise levels, the "friendly and attentive staff" consistently enhance the dining experience.

                                                                            2,830 Reviews

                                                                            1. Chris

                                                                              Greater Boston17 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined 2 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Was a big fan of this retuarant group's Temple Bar which closed much to my disappointment a while back making a visit to Russell House very much anticipated. This restarant didnt disapoint. I arrived early and enjoyed a few drinks at the bar. The bar had an exccellent selection of cocktails, craft beers and high end liquors not found everywhere (Pappy Van Winckle). The bar is upstairs and once we finished and hit our reservation time slot we went downstairs for dinner. The menu was creative, the portions modest and the food very good. We had a few appetizers then our main course. The staff was attentive and the atmosphere was vibrant but not excessively loud. I very much enjoyed the experience and look forward to a return.

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                                                                            2. TedS

                                                                              Greater Boston3 reviews

                                                                              4.0

                                                                              Dined 6 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                              2. Food 3
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              We had a good time, spent two hours and didn’t feel rushed. Service was lovely. My only complaint was that my shakshuka had no eggs, which are essential to shakshuka, unless the tough skin on top of the tomato sauce had once been the eggs.

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                                                                            3. Lisa

                                                                              San Francisco6 reviews

                                                                              4.0

                                                                              Dined 7 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 3
                                                                              Excellent wedge salad and very good burgers. The pizza was meh. Hard to believe that a restaurant like this would be out of Guinness, so that was surprising. The restaurant is very dark. very nice weight staff .

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                                                                            4. Jim

                                                                              Greater Boston1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 4 March 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              The food was good, reasonably priced and the waiter was outstanding.

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                                                                            5. Leslie VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston104 reviews

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              Dined on 23 February 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 3
                                                                              4. Ambience 2
                                                                              Was hoping for more lunch food than brunch food. Was disappointed with the menu

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                                                                            6. OpenTable Diner

                                                                              Greater Boston1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Amazing. Best oysters and cocktails around, servers and staff are just amazing.

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                                                                            7. Kathleen

                                                                              Edinburgh1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Delicious and fun but pretty loud. If you want quiet, go to the downstairs level.

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                                                                            8. michael VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston1 review

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              Dined on 17 February 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 2
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 2
                                                                              They claim to have brunch during the week days but they don’t. That is a lie.

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                                                                            9. Jill

                                                                              Greater Boston3 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 15 February 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              Fabulous meal. The calamari appetizer was the best I have ever had. The salmon was amazing. The cocktails were very good and our server was fun and knowledgeable!

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                                                                            10. Kathleen

                                                                              Greater Boston25 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 14 February 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 3
                                                                              Really appreciated the server's/establishments flexibility on a busy night. I had a root canal that morning, so had to ask for my meal (classic burger) with everything on the side (bacon, cheese, carmemlized onion, etc). They did it with a smile and I really appreciated it.

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                                                                            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 2830 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                            Make a booking

                                                                            2 people
                                                                            7:00 pm
                                                                            Booked 63 times today
                                                                            Experiences are available.
                                                                            Google Map for Russell House Tavern

                                                                            14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

                                                                            Dining areas

                                                                            Additional information

                                                                            • Phone number
                                                                              (617) 500-3055
                                                                            • Price
                                                                              $30 and under
                                                                            • Cuisines
                                                                              American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
                                                                            • Hours of Operation
                                                                              Bar Mon 11:00–23:00 Tue–Thu 11:00–00:00 Fri 11:00–01:00 Sat 10:00–01:00 Sun 10:00–23:00 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–17:00 Sat, Sun 16:00–17:00 Dinner Mon, Sun 17:00–22:00 Tue–Thu 17:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 17:00–00:00
                                                                            • Dress code
                                                                              Casual Dress
                                                                            • Parking details
                                                                              We offer a $2 validation for the Harvard Square Parking Garage located at 20 Eliot Street.
                                                                            • Payment Options
                                                                              AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                            • Executive Chef
                                                                              Nemo Bolin
                                                                            • Delivery & takeout
                                                                              Order direct
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