The Hourly Oyster House

Name: The Hourly Oyster House
Address: 15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 765-2342
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1425 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Lively
Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem

The Hourly Oyster House is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood outpost in the heart of Harvard Square, where guests can enjoy thoughtfully sourced and playfully prepared seafood and oysters from New England and beyond, as well as a carefully crafted selection of signature cocktails, beer and wine. With a focus on seafood, The Hourly serves up New England classics in a dynamic and airy space.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, American
Hours of Operation
Bar Daily 11:00–23:00 Lunch Daily 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–22:00
Phone number
(617) 765-2342
Website
http://thehourlycambridge.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Julmeus St. Luc
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at The Hourly Oyster House 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@thehourlycambridge.com or visit our website for more information thehourlycambridge.com.

Location
15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Area
Cambridge
Cross Street
Massachusetts Avenue
Parking details
Parking is available at the Smith Center Garage, directly across the street from the restaurant at 11 Holyoke Street. There is also on street metered parking directly in front of the restaurant on Dunster Street.
Public transit
Just steps away from the Harvard Square T-stop on the Redline.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

A Tale of Two Oysters*US$45.00
two of each of today's oysters
The Hourly Seafood Tower*US$120.00
tale of two oysters, 6 littleneck clams, 6 jumbo shrimp, shrimp ceviche, tuna crudo, lobster salad
Tuna Tartare*US$16.00
sushi rice, spicy poke sauce, scallions, house chips
Tuna Crudo*US$14.00
harissa, chives
Hamachi Crudo*US$16.00
white sturgeon caviar, chimichurri, fried garlic
Shrimp Ceviche*US$16.00
pico de gallo, cucumber, wonton chips
Littleneck Clams*
rosé mignonette, house cocktail sauce
- eaUS$2.00
Shrimp Cocktail
house cocktail sauce
- eaUS$4.00

Oysters

$3ea / $33dz

Boomamoto*
Barnstable, MA - nutty, briny, sweet finish
Cotuit*
Cotuit, MA - plump, sweet brine, clean
Rip Tide*
Buzzards Bay, MA - soft brine, earthy finish
Chatham*
Chatham, MA - plump, briny, rich meat
Malabar Select*
Barnstable, MA - clean, mineral, oceanic
Wellfleet*
Wellfleet, MA - savory, vegetal, refreshing
Edgewater*
Buzzard's Bay-dense, salty kick, root vegetables
Cadillac Mountain*
Goose Cove, ME - brothy, umami brine, stony

Starters

Clam ChowderUS$10.00
bacon, seasoned oyster crackers
Crispy CalamariUS$14.00
arugula, cherry peppers, harissa aioli
Blackened Swordfish TacosUS$12.00
mango curtido, avocado crema, pickled onion
Oysters RockefellerUS$16.00
kale, smoked bacon, pernod, panko
HushpuppiesUS$13.00
chili honey butter
Caesar SaladUS$14.00
anchovy croutons, parmesan
Lobster BisqueUS$11.00
tarragon, brandy
Grilled OctopusUS$16.00
potatoes, chimichurri, chorizo, paprika aioli
Mussels ProvencalUS$16.00
white wine, tomato, fennel, garlic, grilled crostini
Blistered ShishitosUS$10.00
sea salt, olive oil
Roasted Brussels SproutsUS$10.00
andouille sausage, parmesan
Cobb SaladUS$14.00
avocado, pancetta, feta, 6-min egg, red onion, red wine vinaigrette

Entrées

Lobster RollUS$34.00
touch of mayo, griddled roll
Buttermilk Fried Chicken SandwichUS$17.00
lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce, brioche bun
Double Smash Burger*US$16.00
american cheese, caramelized onion, special sauce, seeded roll
Day Boat Haddock SandwichUS$18.00
coleslaw, bread & butter pickles, spicy tartar sauce
Beer-Battered Fish & ChipsUS$22.00
hand-cut fries, slaw, tartare sauce
Lobster Macaroni & CheeseUS$25.00
smoked gouda, mozzarella, pepper jack, ritz crumbs
Grilled Salmon Nicoise*US$25.00
heirloom tomatoes, roasted potatoes, kalamata olives, haricots verts, six-minute egg, garden herb vinaigrette
Roasted FarroUS$21.00
kale, butternut squash, peach, yellow beet, pecans, feta

What 1,425 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hourly Oyster House in Cambridge dazzles with its "fabulous oysters" and "excellent service." Nestled near Harvard Square, this charming spot offers a "creative cocktail menu" and "historical ambiance." Although occasionally noisy, it remains a favorite for its "fresh seafood," "welcoming staff," and "diverse menu options."

1,425 Reviews

L
Lindsey
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service. The food and cocktails on point. We will certainly be back!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael
Richmond
43 reviews
5.0
43 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
What an amazing place! My partner picked it out for dinner after a Boston concert but our first visit. Friendly greeting up front. Cozy booth. I had incredible clam chowder with lots of clams, delicious, perfect. Our trio shared 8 oysters, two kinds, they have at least 8 varieties. Aldo, very tasty hush puppies, hard to find in Yankee land. My entree was lobster Mac and cheese with quite a bit of lobster. Hot, filling, delicious, some takeout in our fridge. A large heaping portion in a cast iron skillet extensive wine and beer list.
Is this helpful?
A
Anita
VIP
Greater Boston
40 reviews
5.0
40 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic place for dinner. Very festive for the holidays! Food and drinks hits all the right spots
Is this helpful?
P
Phil
Greater Boston
27 reviews
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on 3 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went to dinner with son for his b-day. We sat at the oyster bar. Started with a perfectly shucked sampler tray of the day’s oysters the tray had 2 oysters of each variety, 16 in all. They arrived quickly and were sublime. Served cold, clean and full of brine. Each variety distinct in flavor and plumpness. A couple of signature cocktails got our night off to a great start. We moved onto the hamachi crudo, sophisticated, with a nice combination of flavors that accented the fish including citrus and caviar invited to the party. A couple more cocktails ( different than the first 2) helped us round second base. A great plate of octopus with potatoes and an underlying smear of romesco style sauce was a nice warm dish with a great tension between tender octopus and potatoes prepared brava style. A refreshing beet salad with minted yogurt was a nice finish to the main event. We split an excellent slice of basque cheese cake for dessert. The service was great, efficient , friendly and no rush. I have been here several times over the last three years, never disappointed. Highly recommend
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B
Beth
Pittsburgh
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on 23 November 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The food was very good and the raw oysters were excellent. We made the mistake of going on the Saturday of the Harvard-Yale football game day. The place was packed and noisy. But we expected everywhere to be like that. Despite being busy the staff did a good job of taking care of the customers. I would go again, but not on a home football game day.
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Orlando
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 20 November 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Food was sub-par. Halibut dish was dry and bland, fingerling potatoes were shown on the menu but I did not see any on the plate. Will not return to this venue. Quality of food has really declined over past several years.
Is this helpful?
J
Joe
Cincinnati
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 18 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Had a lovely meal and experience last night at The Hourly. Tasty oysters, creamy rich lobster bisque, wonderful brussels, etc. And the prices aren't terrible for Cambridge. We've recommended to others.
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
Greater Boston
21 reviews
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Magnificent experience as always! Always love the octopus appetizer.
Is this helpful?
D
David
Pittsburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was fantastic and the oysters were very good.
Is this helpful?
L
LaPolla
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service was great. Will definitely return and try the oysters.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Hourly Oyster House offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 765-2342.

The Hourly Oyster House is rated 4.7 stars by 1425 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

27 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 26 times today

Order delivery or takeout

15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Massachusetts Avenue
Area
Cambridge
Hours of Operation
Bar Daily 11:00–23:00 Lunch Daily 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 16:00–22:00
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking is available at the Smith Center Garage, directly across the street from the restaurant at 11 Holyoke Street. There is also on street metered parking directly in front of the restaurant on Dunster Street.
Public transit
Just steps away from the Harvard Square T-stop on the Redline.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Julmeus St. Luc
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://thehourlycambridge.com/
Phone number
(617) 765-2342
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at The Hourly Oyster House 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@thehourlycambridge.com or visit our website for more information thehourlycambridge.com.

The Hourly Oyster House

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Lobster Bisque

Grilled Salmon

Tuna Crudo

Raw Bar

A Tale of Two Oysters*US$45.00

The Hourly Seafood Tower*US$120.00

Tuna Tartare*US$16.00

Tuna Crudo*US$14.00

Hamachi Crudo*US$16.00

Shrimp Ceviche*US$16.00

Littleneck Clams*

Shrimp Cocktail

Oysters

Boomamoto*

Cotuit*

Rip Tide*

Chatham*

Malabar Select*

Wellfleet*

Edgewater*

Cadillac Mountain*

Starters

Clam ChowderUS$10.00

Crispy CalamariUS$14.00

Blackened Swordfish TacosUS$12.00

Oysters RockefellerUS$16.00

HushpuppiesUS$13.00

Caesar SaladUS$14.00

Lobster BisqueUS$11.00

Grilled OctopusUS$16.00

Mussels ProvencalUS$16.00

Blistered ShishitosUS$10.00

Roasted Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

Cobb SaladUS$14.00

Entrées

Lobster RollUS$34.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken SandwichUS$17.00

Double Smash Burger*US$16.00

Day Boat Haddock SandwichUS$18.00

Beer-Battered Fish & ChipsUS$22.00

Lobster Macaroni & CheeseUS$25.00

Grilled Salmon Nicoise*US$25.00

Roasted FarroUS$21.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Hourly Oyster House offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Hourly Oyster House restaurant rated?

Is The Hourly Oyster House currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information