Russell House Tavern

4.6

2830 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 41 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

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!

Popular dishes

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

What 2,830 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
4.5Ambience
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

C
Chris
Greater Boston17 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 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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TS
TedS
Greater Boston3 reviews
4.0
Dined 7 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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L
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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J
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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L
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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OT
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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K
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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m
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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J
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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K
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

16 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 41 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Russell House Tavern

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Dinner & A Show

Margherita

Pepperoni

Steak & Eggs

Salads & Appetizers

Extra Dirty CaesarUS$14.00

Chopped SaladUS$15.00

Fall SaladUS$15.00

Butternut Squash SoupUS$8.00

Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUS$14.00

Crab CakesUS$16.00

Clams CasinoUS$14.00

Curry MusselsUS$15.00

Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

Street CornUS$10.00

Confit Chicken WingsUS$15.00

Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUS$16.00

Harvard Square FriesUS$12.00

Charcuterie BoardUS$16.00

Local New England Cheese BoardUS$16.00

Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.00

PepperoniUS$15.00

Mushroom & LeekUS$15.00

Brussels HouseUS$15.00

Sausage & RicottaUS$15.00

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUS$16.00

Local Oysters*

Cape Cod Littlenecks

Shrimp CocktailUS$14.00

Chilled Lobster TailUS$16.00

Crimson PlatterUS$48.00

Ivy League PlatterUS$98.00

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo MeinUS$30.00

Roasted Half ChickenUS$25.00

Beef ShortribUS$33.00

NY Strip Steak FritesUS$36.00

Roasted SalmonUS$27.00

BologneseUS$24.00

House-Made CavatelliUS$21.00

Farro & KaleUS$20.00

Fish & ChipsUS$21.00

R. House Burger*US$16.00

Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUS$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

Dining areas

Additional information