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The Hourly Oyster House, Cambridge, MA

The Hourly Oyster House

4.7
4.7
1472 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 43 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Lively
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.

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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
  • 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.
  • Delivery & takeout
  • 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

Experiences

  • Dinner & A Show

    Multiple dates available
    Make your theater night in Harvard Square unforgettable with dinner at The Hourly Oyster House, the neighborhood’s premier destination for fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood. Located just a short walk from both the American Repertory Theater and Sanders Theatre, The Hourly is the perfect spot for a pre-show dinner or a post-performance celebration. Our menu features a rotating selection of the finest oysters from New England and beyond, alongside expertly prepared seafood dishes that highlight the region’s rich flavors. Complement your meal with a glass from our carefully curated wine selection, featuring crisp whites and elegant sparklers that pair perfectly with our oysters and seafood. With a lively yet inviting atmosphere that blends historic charm with modern touches, The Hourly offers an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of Harvard Square. Whether you’re savoring oysters before the curtain rises or toasting to a spectacular performance afterward, let The Hourly be your go-to destination for an unforgettable evening.
    Dinner & A Show photo

What 1,472 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
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Hourly Oyster House is a "great little gem" in Harvard Square, renowned for its "outstanding service" and vibrant atmosphere. Guests rave about the "freshest oysters" and creative seafood dishes like the lobster roll. With a cozy, historic vibe and friendly staff, it's a "must" for seafood lovers.
1,472 Reviews
  1. Mark

    Greater Boston16 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Really great oysters. Great staff. Extra points beause it's not Row 34.

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  2. Kathleen

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was all delicious and came out fast and hot, especially the halibut and the fish and chips! Cocktails were unique and so so good. I loved the Come Black Magic. Prices were reasonable.

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  3. Amy

    Greater Boston6 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I have been to Hourly Oyster House three times and had outstanding service every time. Quality food and experience. Lively/energetic atmosphere.

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  4. Paul

    Greater Boston21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    IMHO…..A great little gem of a spot. The food, Oysters , Lobster, ( and I know it’s not local) but the grilled Octopus App was amazing. The Service……OUTSTANDING….Enough said…GO !

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  5. AMNON

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent restaurant Always glad to return Highly recommended both for food and service

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  6. Beth

    Greater Boston28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 24 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, good service even during the lunch rush.

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  7. Bill

    Greater Boston24 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I like the Hourly generally for ambiance, freshness of seafood and cuisine creativity. I thought that the fried oyster appetizer however, was a bit over-sauced and I couldn’t taste the oysters but my companions were very pleased with their food.

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  8. Julia

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a cute and cozy vibe. Great food and service!

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  9. Mark VIP

    Greater Boston11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great spot - 2nd review on same place - ate there 3 times this week. 🤷‍♂️ Party of 8 for lunch on Wednesday. Great food and great service.

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  10. jeanne VIP

    San Francisco42 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 14 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a great place! Bartender was so friendly and the oysters and food and drinks were phenomenal!! Cozy atmosphere steeped in history!! We will be back!!

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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 1472 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 43 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Hourly Oyster House

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
  • Delivery & takeout
  • Phone number
  • 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.
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