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Russell House Tavern, Cambridge, MA

Russell House Tavern

4.5 (2866)
$30 and under
American
14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 27 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Lively
  • Great for brunch
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-star American wines, 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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American, Gastro Pub, Pizza Bar
  • Hours of operation
    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 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 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
    Nemo Bolin
  • 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.
  • Delivery & takeout
    Order direct
  • 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

Experiences

  • Dinner & A Show

    Multiple dates available
    Heading to a show at The Sinclair or catching a performance at the A.R.T.? Make Russell House Tavern your go-to spot for the perfect pre-show dinner—right in the heart of Harvard Square. And when the curtain falls or the encore ends, keep the night going with some $1 oysters—served every night after 10PM. Whether you’re winding down from the show or just getting started, there’s no better way to end the evening than with fresh oysters and a perfectly crafted cocktail. Located in the center of Harvard Square—just steps from the action. Dinner before the show. Oysters after. See you at Russell House Tavern!
    Dinner & A Show Photo

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Menu

Russell House Tavern's menu was last updated on 1/22/2023.

Salads & Appetizers

  • 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

                                                                            Last updated: January 18, 2023

                                                                            What 2,866 people are saying

                                                                            Russell House Tavern reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                            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
                                                                            • 4.4Food
                                                                            • 4.5Service
                                                                            • 4.5Ambience
                                                                            • 4.3Value

                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                            Review summary

                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                            Russell House Tavern boasts "delicious food" with standout dishes like the monkfish ossobuco and asparagus burrata salad. The service is often praised as "attentive and friendly," enhancing the dining experience. The vibrant atmosphere is "amazing," though sometimes lively. Ideal for brunch or family gatherings, it's a "favorite local spot."
                                                                            2,866 Reviews

                                                                            1. Catherine

                                                                              Nashville1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined 2 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Great mussels and the lavender cocktail was exceptional!

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                                                                            2. Kim

                                                                              Orlando / Central Florida East21 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined 6 days ago

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Server was wonderful; he gave great recs. Food was delicious

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                                                                            3. Hilton VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston71 reviews

                                                                              4.0

                                                                              Dined on July 8, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 3
                                                                              Our meals were delicious. We ordered hake and salmon. The accompanying sides and sauce were excellent. Our servers were attentive and friendly. The only issue was the noise, as the acoustics are lacking and the dining room was a bit too dark. Despite that I’d definitely return.

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                                                                            4. Janine

                                                                              Greater Boston1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on July 8, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Birthday dinner at Russell House was really good. It was a quiet Monday night. I like the options on the menu and will return to try other dishes. The monkfish ossobuco was delicious. I might request less salt if I have it again. The asparagus burrata salad was a hit. The kids loved the pizza and the lemonade slush mocktail. Our server was training another server. They were both great. The entrees took a while to come out, but everything else was served promptly. I am happy to have found a new restaurant to frequent.

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                                                                            5. Sam

                                                                              New Orleans / Louisiana1 review

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on July 6, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Great place and excellent place for brunch. Can’t speak more highly about the service.

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                                                                            6. Judith VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston5 reviews

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              Dined on July 5, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                              4. Ambience 2
                                                                              This was our third time eating at Russell House Tavern. The food was very good (though the bluefish pate was not as flavorful as others I've had). The service was well paced and attentive. Noise level was ok, which was much appreciated, but the overall ambience is kind of dark - hardly enough light even to see the menus. We all had to use our phone flashlights to read the menu. A brighter atmosphere would make the experience more enjoyable.

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                                                                            7. Jaimee

                                                                              New York City3 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on July 4, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 3
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Amazing, as always — never disappointed leaving here!

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                                                                            8. Jennifer

                                                                              Greater Boston3 reviews

                                                                              3.0

                                                                              Dined on July 1, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                              3. Service 3
                                                                              4. Ambience 3
                                                                              I should start off by saying that I whiffed on making my reservation on time - a faux pax at any busy establishment. When I called to reschedule, they were ok about it but not happy. Understandable. We were seated downstairs near the kitchen and it was quite busy. It was hard to have a conversation. My partner and I were there for my birthday. I was excited to try the food due to the executive chef. Whoever was on the line must not have been having a great night, because my Orecchiette was overpowering - a lot of different strong flavors competing. The vegetables tasted fresh but the way it was seasoned gave it an overall salty taste that hid the rest of the dish. My partner ordered the burger which was recommended and amazing. I was jealous. The cut of meat they use for the patty is quality. The homemade pickles were addictive and the bun was perfect. Our cocktails were not very strong. I’ve been to other restaurants in the group and the drinks have been great. The waitstaff seemed rushed and overwhelmed, so, honestly, I think they were just having a pretty off night. The people watching was fun, though. Some you would expect and some you wouldn’t, but a nice mix. I’m a sucker for seeing people on a first date and I wasn’t disappointed. Our waitress was really nice. I was excited to try the Chèvre Cheesecake, because cheesecake is my favorite desert and I love Chèvre. She was just as excited for me to try it. The plating was gorgeous. I took a picture it looked so nice. It was one of the greatest things I’ve ever put in my mouth. Made the whole meal worth it. So light and creamy; the berry and herb topping adding just the right flavor notes. It came to a little over a hundred, which is what I expected. I had high hopes for this place. Again, I think it was just an off night and we did commit a big sin in the service industry. I’d try it again but not for a bit. Maybe brunch or another celebration. They have to do something about that orecchiette, though…

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                                                                            9. Jaimee

                                                                              New York City3 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on June 19, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                              Always amazing — although it was a little busy — we still had a great time and the drinks never disappoint!

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                                                                            10. Nancy VIP

                                                                              Greater Boston27 reviews

                                                                              5.0

                                                                              Dined on June 18, 2025

                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                              Love the original tavern room - it's the best. Basement room could use better ventilation from cooking smells. Greeter could be more customer service friendly! Server and food was GREAT! Fried chicken sandwich to die for and loved the half and half: half salad and half fries!

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                                                                            FAQs

                                                                            Russell House Tavern offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 500-3055.

                                                                            Russell House Tavern is rated 4.5 stars by 2866 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                            1. Home
                                                                            2. United States
                                                                            3. Greater Boston
                                                                            4. Boston
                                                                            5. Cambridge

                                                                            Make a reservation

                                                                            2 people
                                                                            7:00 PM
                                                                            Booked 27 times today
                                                                            Experiences are available.
                                                                            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
                                                                              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 Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 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
                                                                              Nemo Bolin
                                                                            • 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
                                                                            • Delivery & takeout
                                                                              Order direct
                                                                            • 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.
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