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Russell House Tavern, Cambridge, MA

Russell House Tavern

4.6
4.6
2786 Reviews
$30 and under
American

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2 people
19:00
Booked 40 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Charming
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-American wines, including two regional wines on tap, 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
    Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 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 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Dinner Mon, Sun 16:00–22:00 Tue–Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–00:00
  • Phone number
    (617) 500-3055
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Brian Pawlak
  • 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.
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,786 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
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Russell House Tavern, nestled in Harvard Square, offers a charming, nostalgic ambiance with a blend of classic decor. Patrons appreciate its "excellent service" and "delicious food," particularly the oysters and bolognese. While some find it noisy, the vibrant atmosphere and varied menu make it a "great spot" for gatherings and casual dining.

2,786 Reviews
  1. Lisa

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place! Food and atmosphere were awesome; but it was our server, Manuel, who made our experience really special. He was very personable and knowledgeable about the menu, and made excellent recommendations. We will definitely visit again!

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  2. Marion

    Greater Boston

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time but not the last time for sure. Great server & service all around.

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  3. Michelle

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    lovely environment and attentive staff and the food was great

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  4. Gabriel

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excelente relación precio / calidad. Muy amable la atención.

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  5. Michael

    Richmond

    42 reviews

    4.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on 27 October 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    For students. Not what I expected. My partner thought it was overpriced. Our guest liked it. I paid and a 22% tip. Nice server and staff. In the basement, somewhat dark. A hangout.

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  6. Katherine

    Greater Boston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 22 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was very good. I had the Mushroom, Goat Cheese, and Leak pizza, and my companion had the Chopped Salad with Chicken. We both really enjoyed our dishes. Our server, Cam, was excellent. He was friendly without being overbearing, very upbeat, and pleasant. I was dining with a friend whom I had not seen for a while, and we were catching up. Cam was patient. He was not at all concerned when he came to take our order and we had not yet looked at the menu, and he encouraged us to take our time with ordering and eating.

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  7. Mary

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was great but potatoes on the steak and eggs were over salted to an extent that it was definitely an accidental over salt and yet when we raised this with the waiter she just said I will tell the chef and she did not offer to replace them. Otherwise very nice place was our first time there

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  8. Irina

    New York City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 16 October 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food was very fatty. Everything was covered in oil. Chicken wings were probably cooked in a deep fryer. I had steak tips, and the side dish was baked potatoes. It felt like the potatoes were boiled in oil instead of baked. The asparagus was also covered in oil. But steak itself was good.

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  9. Ritzy

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 13 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    We ordered the Rhode Island calamari and truffle fries to start. For the main course, we got the steak frites and the cheeseburger. All excellently executed to our liking. Would definitely recommend Russell House Tavern, but be sure to make reservations for weekend nights as this place is a very popular Harvard Square restaurant.

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  10. Sarah

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    It was great for our family of 5, with kids ages 7 to 12.

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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 2786 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 40 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
  • Area
    Cambridge
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–15:00 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 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Dinner Mon, Sun 16:00–22:00 Tue–Thu 16:00–23:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–00:00
  • 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
    Brian Pawlak
  • 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, Takeaway, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • 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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