Russell House Tavern

4.6

2796 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 40 times today

Neighborhood 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-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 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm 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 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 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
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.

Location
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
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

Popular dishes

Extra Dirty Caesar$14.00
Romaine, Black Kale, Anchovy Croutons
Chopped Salad$15.00
Iceberg, Romaine, Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Hardboiled Egg, Bleu Cheese, Harissa Ranch
Fall Salad$15.00
Little Leaf Greens, Roasted Red Pepper, Cucumber, Pickled Carrot, Fuji Apple, Candied Pecans, Feta, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Butternut Squash Soup$8.00
Roasted Apples
Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast$14.00
Avocado, Citrus, Frisee
Crab Cakes$16.00
Pickled Carrots, Scallions, Remoulade
Clams Casino$14.00
Bacon, Parmesan, Garlic, Shallot, Bread Crumbs
Curry Mussels$15.00
White Wine, Curry Cream, Garlic Crostini
Crispy Brussels Sprouts$10.00
Maple-Sriracha Glaze
Street Corn$10.00
Cilantro-Lime Aioli, Tajin, Parsley
Confit Chicken Wings$15.00
Sambal & Honey Glaze
Crispy Rhode Island Calamari$16.00
Pickled Tomato & Peppers, Arugula, Avocado Aioli
Harvard Square Fries$12.00
Pecorino, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Short Rib Jus
Charcuterie Board$16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera
Local New England Cheese Board$16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Traditional Accompaniments
Cheese & Charcuterie Board$25.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera, Traditional Accompaniments

Tavern Pizza

Margherita$14.00
Crushed Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino
Pepperoni$15.00
Marinara, Mozzarella
Mushroom & Leek$15.00
Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil
Brussels House$15.00
Barbeque Pulled Pork, Mozzarella, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Pickled Red Onion, Scallions, Corn
Sausage & Ricotta$15.00
Roasted Poblanos, Herbed Olive Oil

Raw Bar

Tuna Tartare$16.00
Avocado, Cucumber, Ponzu, Wonton
Local Oysters*
Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
- each$3.00
- Dozen$33.00
Cape Cod Littlenecks
Cocktail Sauce
- each$1.50
Shrimp Cocktail$14.00
Cocktail Sauce
Chilled Lobster Tail$16.00
Saffron-Lemon Aioli
Crimson Platter$48.00
8 Local Oysters, 6 Shrimp, 6 Cape Cod Clams, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
Ivy League Platter$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 Mein$30.00
Ginger Vegetable Sauté, Mushroom Miso Soy Broth
Roasted Half Chicken$25.00
Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto, Natural Jus
Beef Shortrib$33.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Natural Jus
NY Strip Steak Frites$36.00
Pecorino Frites, House-Made Steak Sauce, Watercress
Roasted Salmon$27.00
Root Vegetables, Fuji Apple, Potato Gnocchi, Parsnip Puree
Bolognese$24.00
Pork, Beef & Veal, Garlic Crostini, Grana Tuile
House-Made Cavatelli$21.00
Kale, Cauliflower, Grape Tomato, Mushroom, Pesto, Parmesan
Farro & Kale$20.00
Peppers, Olives, Roasted Eggplant, Parmesan, Feta, Citrus Tahini Vinaigrette
Fish & Chips$21.00
Hand-Cut Fries, Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce
R. House Burger*$16.00
Sharp Cheddar, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, English Muffin
Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00
Slaw, Maple Chipotle Aioli, Brioche

What 2,796 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

At Russell House Tavern, step back in time with its "classic charm" and warm ambiance in Harvard Square. Enjoy "great food" and "excellent service," perfect for any occasion. While the atmosphere can be lively, the "intriguing" setting makes it a standout destination for brunch, dinner, or a casual meet-up.

2,796 Reviews

M
Michele
Greater Boston
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
First time here for breakfast/brunch on a Sunday and wow, absolutely delicious! Cozy dining room. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
P
Paula
Tallahassee
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the grilled cheese and a burger. Both were excellent! Service was also great!
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Greater Boston
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great food and drinks in a comfortable basement spot with friendly vibes and plenty of space.
Is this helpful?
C
Colleen
New York City
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great location in Harvard Square. Quintessential old tavern. Host and hostess pleasant, efficient and welcoming. Our server, Manuel was attentive and personable. Food was very good. Biscuits are a must!
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n
nancy
Boise
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food. Need to force a slowdown on the arrival of food. Super speedy service. I’d go back in a heartbeat!!!
Is this helpful?
A
Anne
New Orleans
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Good food at a great location right in Harvard Square.
Is this helpful?
D
Dan
Greater Boston
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on November 16, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food and service was excellent. The noise level made it a little tough to hear others across the table. They didn’t pressure us to leave after our meal as we talked for a while after eating. I think we were there about three hours. We appreciated that. We will definitely come back.
Is this helpful?
R
Randy
Des Moines
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Enjoyable dinner. Restaurant was very busy & somewhat noisy, but service was friendly & responsive. All our food choices were delicious. Had Brussel Sprouts and polenta fries as appetizers. Mains included salmon, monkfish, pasta, and salad with salmon. Also had bottle of syrah red blend from Santa Barbara. Also delicious.
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L
Lori
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We are going through tough times because we need a kidney but testing here left all our worries behind. Thank you for great food and service.
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2024
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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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 2796 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 40 times today

Order delivery or takeout

14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Brattle Street
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Hours of operation
Brunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm 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 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 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
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, 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.

Russell House Tavern

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Margherita

Pepperoni

Steak & Eggs

Salads & Appetizers

Extra Dirty Caesar$14.00

Chopped Salad$15.00

Fall Salad$15.00

Butternut Squash Soup$8.00

Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast$14.00

Crab Cakes$16.00

Clams Casino$14.00

Curry Mussels$15.00

Crispy Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Street Corn$10.00

Confit Chicken Wings$15.00

Crispy Rhode Island Calamari$16.00

Harvard Square Fries$12.00

Charcuterie Board$16.00

Local New England Cheese Board$16.00

Cheese & Charcuterie Board$25.00

Tavern Pizza

Margherita$14.00

Pepperoni$15.00

Mushroom & Leek$15.00

Brussels House$15.00

Sausage & Ricotta$15.00

Raw Bar

Tuna Tartare$16.00

Local Oysters*

Cape Cod Littlenecks

Shrimp Cocktail$14.00

Chilled Lobster Tail$16.00

Crimson Platter$48.00

Ivy League Platter$98.00

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo Mein$30.00

Roasted Half Chicken$25.00

Beef Shortrib$33.00

NY Strip Steak Frites$36.00

Roasted Salmon$27.00

Bolognese$24.00

House-Made Cavatelli$21.00

Farro & Kale$20.00

Fish & Chips$21.00

R. House Burger*$16.00

Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich$16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Russell House Tavern offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Russell House Tavern restaurant rated?

Is Russell House Tavern currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information