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The Hourly Oyster House, Cambridge, MA

The Hourly Oyster House

4.7
4.7
1425 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 14 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 am–11:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (617) 765-2342
  • 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.
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

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
  1. Lindsey

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined today

    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!

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  2. Michael

    Richmond

    43 reviews

    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined 3 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.

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  3. Anita

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    40 reviews

    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined 4 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

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  4. Phil

    Greater Boston

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 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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  5. Beth

    Pittsburgh

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 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.

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  6. Susan

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 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.

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  7. Joe

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 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.

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  8. Steven

    Greater Boston

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Magnificent experience as always! Always love the octopus appetizer.

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  9. David

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was fantastic and the oysters were very good.

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  10. LaPolla

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 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 reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Hourly Oyster House

15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Massachusetts Avenue
  • Neighbourhood
    Cambridge
  • Hours of Operation
    Bar Daily 11:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • 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, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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.
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