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Russell House Tavern, Cambridge, MA

Russell House Tavern

4.6
4.6
2824 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 36 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for groups
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.

Order delivery or takeout

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 am–11:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–12:00 am Fri 11:00 am–1:00 am Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
  • 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.
  • Location
    14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

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: January 18, 2023

                                                                            What 2,824 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
                                                                            • 4.5Food
                                                                            • 4.6Service
                                                                            • 4.5Ambience
                                                                            • 4.3Value

                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                            Review summary

                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                            Russell House Tavern in Harvard Square offers "excellent food and service" in a lively atmosphere. Known for its "amazing" cocktails and standout dishes like calamari, salmon, and Brussels sprouts, it's perfect for any occasion. The "fun and knowledgeable" staff enhance the dining experience, with cozy decor and versatile menu options.

                                                                            2,824 Reviews

                                                                            1. Leslie

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston

                                                                              104 reviews

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              104 reviews

                                                                              Dined 3 days ago

                                                                              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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                                                                            2. Kathleen

                                                                              Edinburgh

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              Dined 4 days ago

                                                                              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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                                                                            3. michael

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              Dined on February 17, 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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                                                                            4. Jill

                                                                              Greater Boston

                                                                              3 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              3 reviews

                                                                              Dined on February 15, 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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                                                                            5. Kathleen

                                                                              Greater Boston

                                                                              25 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              25 reviews

                                                                              Dined on February 14, 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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                                                                            6. Gerald

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston

                                                                              3 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              3 reviews

                                                                              Dined on February 14, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Wonderful dinner experience! Attentive and thoughtful staff. Great food and drinks. Charming decor with comfortable seating. We plan to go back again soon. A new landmark in Harvard Square.

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                                                                            7. Jasmin

                                                                              Los Angeles

                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                              Dined on February 14, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Had the Brussels sprouts and a cauliflower melt—absolutely delicious! I love this place!

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                                                                            8. John

                                                                              Atlanta

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              1 review

                                                                              Dined on January 31, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 2
                                                                              Good food and prompt seating and service but noise level borderline dangerous

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                                                                            9. Lisa

                                                                              VIP

                                                                              Chicago

                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              2 reviews

                                                                              Dined on January 31, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              This is a lively restaurant within steps of the Harvard Square stop on the red line. Our waiter (Sean) was amazing - just the right amount of attentive and offered my husband a chance to try 3 different wines despite being super busy! The menu has a lot of variety and the food was delicious. This is a great option for those attending nearby theater and music offerings.

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                                                                            10. Patricia

                                                                              Greater Boston

                                                                              36 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              36 reviews

                                                                              Dined on January 26, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              Fabulous brunch! Delicious spicy bloody mary. Cinnamon rolls are gigantic ... We each ate about 1/4 and had to stop to save room for meal! Fantastic Farmers omelet with an abundance of delicious home fries. Ordered a fruit cup before we saw portion sizes ...luckily, take home boxes! Riley was a great server. Paid close attention to a weird food allergy and the kitchen made sure food complied. Recommend!!

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                                                                            FAQs

                                                                            Russell House Tavern offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Russell House Tavern also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 500-3055.

                                                                            Russell House Tavern is rated 4.6 stars by 2824 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                            Make a reservation

                                                                            2 people
                                                                            7:00 p.m.
                                                                            Booked 36 times today

                                                                            Order delivery or takeout

                                                                            Google Map for Russell House Tavern

                                                                            14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

                                                                            Dining areas

                                                                            Additional information

                                                                            • Cross Street
                                                                              Brattle Street
                                                                            • Neighbourhood
                                                                              Cambridge
                                                                            • Hours of Operation
                                                                              Bar Mon 11:00 am–11:00 pm Tue–Thu 11:00 am–12:00 am Fri 11:00 am–1:00 am Sat 10:00 am–1:00 am Sun 10:00 am–11:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
                                                                            • 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, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                            • 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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