Russell House Tavern

Name: Russell House Tavern
Address: 14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 500-3055
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2544 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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 43 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 500-3055

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
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 our website for more information 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, 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

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 2,544 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.4Service
4.4Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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AJ
AJCL
New England
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, great burgers and drinks…friendly staff, love the ambiance but the music a bit too loud for the space.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Montreal
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ate here before a performance at American Repertory Theatre. My request for a booth was noted and we got a nice cozy one downstairs by the bar. Service was very attentive. Food was excellent. Would eat here again next time we are in the Harvard Sq area.
WC
WarrenC
New England
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Average. Just so sadly average. Fish and chips, small fish huge amount of batter. Nothing I couldn’t have gotten at the local 99. This place used to be special.
AC
AnnaCarina
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall2food2service5ambience4
Service and ambience was great. However, order was made wrong with little done to make up. Took a few conversations with manager to get the wrong order taken off the charge.
J
Jonsax
New England
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reserved here for a light dinner before a show at Longy. Food, service, and everything else was excellent. I expected nothing less since this has become a go-to spot for me for meetings and with friends. I love the ambiance of the downstairs lounge area. You can get a terrific small dish (including from their raw bar!), or go for a fuller meal. Waitstaff is very cheery. And the prices are quite reasonable for a good place in Harvarad Square. Highly recommended!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
Caesar dressing was too salty and crab cakes need more flavor and less breading
2
2ndhelpings
New England
7 reviews
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 19, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
Food is OK but my son couldn't even eat his chicken sandwich. Our server was very nice but she never even asked if there was a reason why he only took one bite. That said, it is a cozy vibe and my husband enjoyed his burger.
S
Speg75
New England
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Wonderful service and brunch selection
BS
BillStets
New England
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
The food was awesome! We were taken by surprise when the dinner came a few minutes after we ordered. Don‘t know how they did it that fast, but the short ribs and bolognese were fabulous. Service was great and they didn‘t rush us after the food arrived so quickly.
T
Tanya
New England
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, good service, nice seating. Would definitely recommend for casual American.
MF
MikeF
New England
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Smooth arrival process. Staff attentive and courteous. Food was excellent
KC
KevinC
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great value, excellent service, better than average food. Overdressed dirty Caesar and undercooked burger but the other entrees, fried fish and salmon were excellent. The bar and restaurant have a great energy and vibe. I highly recommend.
JD
JennaD
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is consistently delicious and staff always friendly! We love their appetizers, salads, and seafood.
KC
KyleC
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall1food2service2ambience1
I joined the tables next to me in horror watching a rat dart back and forth between tables. I let the manager know and she was politely dismissive and then took no action to even apologize to us. It was really gross and I will certainly never go back.
KS
KarenS
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
I was disappointed because the menu I saw on OpenTable was not the menu at the restaurant and was so much not on there. Food was ok...loved the crab cakes. Typical pub affair I guess
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
After Harvard hockey game
JA
JuanitaA
Caribbean
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall2food1service3ambience3
The menu is very limited the alcoholic beverage prices are like other restaurants but the glasses are extremely small. I wouldn't go there again. Not worth it
M
Mihoa
Tampa
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
New Years celebration
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had Dinner here last night for NYE and it was amazing. Food came out really quick and it was really good! Drinks were also great.
PR
PattyR
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
I had an early reservation and was surprised it was the tavern menu vs the dinner one. Tavern was limited and not what I was looking for.
KS
KarenS
New England
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Brunch was just what we wanted. Food came out very quickly. Lots of choices on the menu.
S
Spike
New England
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience3
Russell House has fallen off in quality in the last few years. The service and cocktails remain great, but the food was mediocre at best. Charcuterie was grey and tasteless. Fries were cooked at too low a temp, so they were tough and limp. Creme brulee was grainy and chocolate cake was bland.
LD
LauraD
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was fast. Food was excellent and drinks were well made. A little loud when crowded but not unbearable. Great spot for a pre-theatre meal
LE
LiaE
New England
59 reviews
vip
4.0
59 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Went to Russell House Tavern with a group after Christmas, food was very good as well as the service. Would definitely recommend.
H
Heddagabber
New York Area
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
It was good! A bit noisy, but the food and service were good!
DB
DavidB
New England
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, great food, great location!! We ate in the bar area, downstairs, our waitperson was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations. Highly recommend.
AS
AmyS
New England
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
The service was great (Abigail?). Cinnamon rolls were excellent! The shakshuka was not good though and the chopped salad had super dry chicken. Super fun atmosphere and a great space - but the food was meh. I'd give it another shot though to see if I just ordered poorly.
r
restauranteur123
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrating 11 years together and where we first met!
KM
KimmM
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, great food, great location!! Highly recommend.
C
Craig
New England
19 reviews
2.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience1
By far the worst service I’ve had in decades of dining. 50% of the drink orders were wrong. Plates for shared courses not brought for 15 minutes after asking 3 times. Watched multiple staff standing around looking at their phones or goofy tablets as we tried to request plates, drinks, or deserts. The food was mediocre when it arrived and when we had plates to distribute it. Servers seemed oblivious to just how bad they were. And then had the poor manners to look over my shoulder as I grudgingly added an undeserved tip to the check. We will never return and encourage everyone to look for any other options to eat.
RC
RobertC
St. Louis
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Great place just to get together. Great bourbon pours. solid food Oysters and little neck’s were fresh
RJ
RJsuburbandad
New England
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
I had the beef short ribs which were delicious. Brussels sprouts in the sweet potato puree were also excellent.
PL
PatriciaL
New England
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Ate outside the first time I went to Russell House and preferred it because it was quieter. The food is very good, as is the service and I will return.
TN
TatyanaN
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place! Eat there every time we are in town (we are from California)!
C
Chappy
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Nice bustly vibe. Great cocktail. Food was mediocre this time.
CM
CatherineM
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
First time to this place at the recommendation of one of our staff members. The food was fresh and made quick. Staff were friendly and attentive (replenished my glass with water every 10 minutes). Dark work and low-lit lighting. A little nosy for my taste but overall I could hear my guests talking. I would return back on my own.
L
Laura
New England
7 reviews
vip
3.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
I really like the drink selection at Russell Tavern. I ordered the black kale caesar salad and when it was delivered it was not kale. I was good, but when I mentioned it to the staff, they said they ran out. It would have been nice to know ahead of time. The noise level can get loud after 8:30pm. I like the restaurant and will go back, but I will ask the staff to let me know if they make any substitutions and arrive before 8:30pm.
BQ
BenQ
Orlando
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food, good menu selections, good service and nice atmosphere. Staff is very nice and attentive and they offer a good variety of menu options for even the pickiest eater. Great location and cool vibe.
JO
JeanO
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
6 of us for lunch. Great meal and service. Love the crispy Brussels sprouts.
CC
ChristineC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 1, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience5
Ambiance is great! Cozy and good location is Harvard square. Margherita pizza was pretty terrible. Oysters were good. Drinks were mediocre.

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 4.4 stars by 2544 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jan 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 43 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 500-3055

Other options

Order online

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
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, 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 our website for more information russellhousecambridge.com.
Private party contact
Janelle Jenkins: (617) 500-3055

Russell House Tavern

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

The Best Burgers in Boston

R House Burger

Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich

Local Oysters

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

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

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

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Bars for Foodies in Boston

The Best Burgers in Boston