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Russell House Tavern, Cambridge, MA

Russell House Tavern

4.6
4.6
2835 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 62 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for groups
  • Lively
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.

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Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
  • Phone number
    (617) 500-3055
  • Website
    http://www.russellhousecambridge.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Nemo Bolin
  • 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.
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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

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

Russell House Tavern's menu was last updated 2023-01-22.

Salads & Appetizers

  • Extra Dirty CaesarUS$14.00

    Romaine, Black Kale, Anchovy Croutons

    • Chopped SaladUS$15.00

      Iceberg, Romaine, Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Hardboiled Egg, Bleu Cheese, Harissa Ranch

      • Fall SaladUS$15.00

        Little Leaf Greens, Roasted Red Pepper, Cucumber, Pickled Carrot, Fuji Apple, Candied Pecans, Feta, Balsamic Vinaigrette

        • Butternut Squash SoupUS$8.00

          Roasted Apples

          • Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUS$14.00

            Avocado, Citrus, Frisee

            • Crab CakesUS$16.00

              Pickled Carrots, Scallions, Remoulade

              • Clams CasinoUS$14.00

                Bacon, Parmesan, Garlic, Shallot, Bread Crumbs

                • Curry MusselsUS$15.00

                  White Wine, Curry Cream, Garlic Crostini

                  • Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

                    Maple-Sriracha Glaze

                    • Street CornUS$10.00

                      Cilantro-Lime Aioli, Tajin, Parsley

                      • Confit Chicken WingsUS$15.00

                        Sambal & Honey Glaze

                        • Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUS$16.00

                          Pickled Tomato & Peppers, Arugula, Avocado Aioli

                          • Harvard Square FriesUS$12.00

                            Pecorino, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Short Rib Jus

                            • Charcuterie BoardUS$16.00

                              Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera

                              • Local New England Cheese BoardUS$16.00

                                Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Traditional Accompaniments

                                • Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00

                                  Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera, Traditional Accompaniments

                                  Tavern Pizza

                                  • MargheritaUS$14.00

                                    Crushed Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino

                                    • PepperoniUS$15.00

                                      Marinara, Mozzarella

                                      • Mushroom & LeekUS$15.00

                                        Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil

                                        • Brussels HouseUS$15.00

                                          Barbeque Pulled Pork, Mozzarella, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Pickled Red Onion, Scallions, Corn

                                          • Sausage & RicottaUS$15.00

                                            Roasted Poblanos, Herbed Olive Oil

                                            Raw Bar

                                            • Tuna TartareUS$16.00

                                              Avocado, Cucumber, Ponzu, Wonton

                                              • Local Oysters*

                                                Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette

                                                • eachUS$3.00
                                                • DozenUS$33.00

                                              • Cape Cod Littlenecks

                                                Cocktail Sauce

                                                • eachUS$1.50

                                              • Shrimp CocktailUS$14.00

                                                Cocktail Sauce

                                                • Chilled Lobster TailUS$16.00

                                                  Saffron-Lemon Aioli

                                                  • Crimson PlatterUS$48.00

                                                    8 Local Oysters, 6 Shrimp, 6 Cape Cod Clams, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette

                                                    • Ivy League PlatterUS$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 MeinUS$30.00

                                                        Ginger Vegetable Sauté, Mushroom Miso Soy Broth

                                                        • Roasted Half ChickenUS$25.00

                                                          Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto, Natural Jus

                                                          • Beef ShortribUS$33.00

                                                            Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Natural Jus

                                                            • NY Strip Steak FritesUS$36.00

                                                              Pecorino Frites, House-Made Steak Sauce, Watercress

                                                              • Roasted SalmonUS$27.00

                                                                Root Vegetables, Fuji Apple, Potato Gnocchi, Parsnip Puree

                                                                • BologneseUS$24.00

                                                                  Pork, Beef & Veal, Garlic Crostini, Grana Tuile

                                                                  • House-Made CavatelliUS$21.00

                                                                    Kale, Cauliflower, Grape Tomato, Mushroom, Pesto, Parmesan

                                                                    • Farro & KaleUS$20.00

                                                                      Peppers, Olives, Roasted Eggplant, Parmesan, Feta, Citrus Tahini Vinaigrette

                                                                      • Fish & ChipsUS$21.00

                                                                        Hand-Cut Fries, Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce

                                                                        • R. House Burger*US$16.00

                                                                          Sharp Cheddar, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, English Muffin

                                                                          • Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUS$16.00

                                                                            Slaw, Maple Chipotle Aioli, Brioche

                                                                            Last updated: 18 January 2023

                                                                            What 2,835 people are saying

                                                                            Russell House Tavern reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                            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
                                                                            • 4.4Ambience
                                                                            • 4.3Value

                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                            Review summary

                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                            Russell House Tavern offers a "vibrant atmosphere" with a menu that's both creative and satisfying. Patrons rave about the "amazing oysters and cocktails" and commend the staff for "attentive and thoughtful service." Situated in the heart of Harvard Square, it's a "great spot for couples or small groups" looking to enjoy a delicious meal.
                                                                            2,835 Reviews

                                                                            1. Betsy VIP

                                                                              Chicago9 reviews

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              Dined 2 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 3
                                                                              3. Service 3
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              The vibe here was lively although on the louder side. We found the food to be good but not great. Same with the service.

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                                                                            2. Colin VIP

                                                                              San Francisco3 reviews

                                                                              1.0

                                                                              Dined 3 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 1
                                                                              2. Food 3
                                                                              3. Service 1
                                                                              4. Ambience 3
                                                                              We had to wait 20-25 minutes for our table even though we had a reservation. Once seated it took another 10 minutes for a server to take our order. Then another 20-25 minute wait for the food even though we ordered pretty basic stuff (burger, steak, chips). Visitors stay away! After a long day of sightseeing, dealing with poor service is the last thing you need. Food was decent but nothing special. Certainly nothing worth waiting this long for.

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                                                                            3. Ira VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston9 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 15 March 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Another wonderful experience. Table was ready when we arrived at 7:30pm our server was attentive, knew every item on the menu and made wonderful recommendations. Will be back.

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                                                                            4. ReneeM

                                                                              Greater Boston2 reviews

                                                                              4.0

                                                                              Dined on 15 March 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                              2. Food 3
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              Good for cocktails and apps. Wasn’t crazy about the main menu dinners.

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                                                                            5. Chris

                                                                              Greater Boston17 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 13 March 2025

                                                                              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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                                                                            6. TedS

                                                                              Greater Boston3 reviews

                                                                              4.0

                                                                              Dined on 9 March 2025

                                                                              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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                                                                            7. Lisa

                                                                              San Francisco6 reviews

                                                                              4.0

                                                                              Dined on 8 March 2025

                                                                              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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                                                                            8. 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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                                                                            9. Samantha VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston9 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on 1 March 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Love Russell House! Really nice especially for a late-night bite and drinks. Opt to sit upstairs if you can; opening the doors on a nice night is divine.

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                                                                            10. 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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                                                                            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 2835 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                            Make a booking

                                                                            2 people
                                                                            19:00
                                                                            Booked 62 times today
                                                                            Experiences are available.
                                                                            Google Map for Russell House Tavern

                                                                            14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

                                                                            Dining areas

                                                                            Additional information

                                                                            • Cross Street
                                                                              Brattle Street
                                                                            • Area
                                                                              Cambridge
                                                                            • 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
                                                                            • 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
                                                                              Nemo Bolin
                                                                            • 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
                                                                            • Delivery & takeout
                                                                              Order direct
                                                                            • 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.
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