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Russell House Tavern, Cambridge, MA

Russell House Tavern

4.5
4.5
2683 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Top Tags:
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.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 40 times today

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.
  • Private party contact
    Janelle Jenkins: (617) 500-3055
  • 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

Featured in

What 2,683 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

2,683 Reviews

  1. GeneC

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We enjoyed our meal and conversation -- friendly staff, nice vibe, good food.

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  2. KenF

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and excellent service in a great environment.

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  3. RichardN

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been to the Russell House several times pre-pandemic and ordered delivery after. We have always enjoyed the food. Yesterday, Thanksgiving, was our first time back in person in several years. The food and service were excellent. They offered the full menu as well as Thanksgiving specials--traditional turkey and a beef offering. Our party all chose the traditional Thanksgiving special. Food and service were excellent even on a special busy day.

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  4. HughW

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to go for a Thanksgiving meal, a bit loud but not terribly so. Could’ve had better vegetarian choices

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  5. JTB1

    Greater Boston

    65 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food5service2ambience3
    The leek and goat cheese with truffle oil was wonderful. Seasonal salad good choice.

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  6. AlyssaC

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's a perfect restaurant with great food in the heart of Harvard Square!

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  7. ChrisM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Parking is a nightmare, but it's Harvard Square, so no shock there. Food was tasty, service was good, atmosphere was good; pricing is a little steep, but it's Harvard Square. Liked it, didn't love it.

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  8. AEAE

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Overbooked and could not honor our reservation. Ate dinner at the bar instead.

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  9. GaryC

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My "Go To" place in Harvard Square for many years now. I love the food and atmosphere at Russell Tavern. Gary

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  10. MMCC

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s just so cozy and the wait staff is patient and kind. It’s a fav.

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  11. AndrewC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a delicious meal!! Our waiter was very attentive and did a good job!

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  12. MrsMonica

    Orlando

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a wonderful experience. Service was amazing same as the food. We went for Brunch on a Saturday, started with mimosa & raw oysters. Followed by steak & eggs. Let me say hats off to the chef that was one of the best steaks I have eaten. I've been to many steak houses all over the USA and this one was top tier. I would return to RHT next time I am in Boston again. Thank you to the staff as well for making us feel like family.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    relaxing. stayed a long time talking. not very quiet it okay. don’t like TV.

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  14. Charlesenvoyage

    Montreal

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Other than the salmon in our salad that was absent from the order, all was excellent.

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  15. RebeccaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The calamari and steak frites were incredible! Will definitely be returning.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really appreciated the diverse brunch menu. All great. Service good too!

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  17. Kacie

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Pros: The patio was beautiful, and the cocktails were delicious. Wait time for food was appropriate and volume level was normal. Cons: when we got there, they didn’t seem to see our reservation though we’d gotten confirmation from open table it was good. They were able to seat us, but it was about 10 minutes before someone came over. We got the wings, pizza, crab cakes and a burger. The food was pretty but without any flavor or seasoning. We weren’t offered dessert, coffee or after dinner drinks. We’ve been before and sat at the bar downstairs and had an amazing meal and great service but based off this experience we probably wouldn’t come back.

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  18. TeamRachel

    Milwaukee

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The hostess made sure we had water right away. Our waiter was friendly and attentive. The food came quickly, was beautifully presented and delicious. The menu has many options for brunch, both savory and sweet. I would happily come back the next time we are in the Boston area.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kate our server was absolutely amazing! We had such a great dinner! Me and my roommate split the cheese board, 1/2 a dozen oysters, and the steak and we were very full after. Great meal and great place.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dakota = good guy. 10/10

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great food came quickly it was good I recommend highly.

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  22. AlyciaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    our server was incredible. she was prompt, attentive, and the drinks came fast. she event provided us a complimentary sample of a season beer on tap because she thought we would like it - and we did!!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Delicious cocktails and food, but really loud. Service was good and fast.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    West Palm Beach

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall great experience. Food was great and atmosphere wonderful.

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  25. YuisaP

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Our server was the best! She made our night. Kennedy!

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  26. NFC3k

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, good vibe. Risotto was very good. Fast service.

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  27. LaurieR

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall3food5service4ambience1
    Delicious food. No doubt. We had aaked for a booth and sent to bottom floor. Terrible! TVs everywhere, little privacy and not very pretty surroundings. Great risotto, great fish, lousy atmosphere.

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  28. Smith

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    We sat at a shared high top table in the bar area upstairs. It was quite loud but we could still hold a conversation. I never walked downstairs to see the main dining area.

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  29. NewHoper

    Philadelphia

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great service from Michelle. The mussels were amazing, very flavorful. The cod perfectly prepared and delicious. Decent bar as well, but went for a martini which was so good I had two!

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  30. RJR52

    Greater Boston

    37 reviews

    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great spot for dinner prior to a show. Harvard Square location is right in the middle of everything. Cozy downstairs dining area,.. good variety of menu items. Loved the 11 year old lemonade cocktail! House made cavatelli was a hit.

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  31. TripletsDad

    Greater Boston

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Went for lunch and our salad, omelet, and fish & chips entrées were all very good. Brussels sprouts and french fries were both a tad overcooked. I entered a note on our reservation to wish one of my friends a happy birthday, and the waitress nicely brought out a piece of cake with candles. I was a bit surprised to see it on my bill because they never asked in advance. Usually, that means it’s on the house. I’m not a big fan of their 3% kitchen fee. I don’t see why they can’t just pay their staff a living wage.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    The bun of our burgers were toasted but ice cold as if toasted and refrigerated. The kale salad was tasty but had more romaine lettuce than kale. And the after dinner coffee was hot water and a mouthful of coffee grounds. I typically have a great experience but not this night.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The sever was amazing…

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Took a group of out of state friends for dinner here and our experience was mediocre. Highlights: mocktails, pizza, burgers all tasty, good location Negative: service was a bit frustrating and crab cakes were subpar. Half our party received their entrees when the appetizers came out and I didn’t receive my started salad until after my entree came out. Resulted in a weird flow to dinner with some guests finishing their main meals prior to other guests even getting served.

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  35. MaliaL

    Austin

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Never disappoints! The burger was delicious! Also recommend the Brussels sprouts appetizer.

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  36. DavidC

    Pittsburgh

    29 reviews

    4.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great venue. Seating on different levels and outdoor. We sat in upper bar area near open windows which felt great on a nice warm night but noice level was too loud for conversation. Service was great and so was the food.

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  37. MartinL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice ! ..........................................

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  38. Genus

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I highly recommend to enjoy food. I think dineout menu is the best in the Boston

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  39. GraysonH

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a delightful and cozy break from our campus touring. Great ambience, outstanding food and the service was attentive and efficient. Couldn't have been more please with this selection to dine.

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  40. LizzA

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    It was OK..... I can't say it was the best place to go in Cambridge, the Hosts at the front door were too busy chatting amongst themselves, the service wasn't great, we had to wait a long time for any drinks, and plates for our apps, and the food was mediocre. NOT vegan or vegetarian friendly really.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Russell House Tavern using the Order Online button. Russell House Tavern also 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 4.5 stars by 2683 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 PM
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
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Janelle Jenkins: (617) 500-3055

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