The Hourly Oyster House

Name: The Hourly Oyster House
Address: 15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 765-2342
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7 (1519)

$30 and under

Seafood

15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 29, 2025

11:30 PM

Booked 38 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Lively
Neighborhood gem
Great for creative cocktails

The Hourly Oyster House is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood outpost in the heart of Harvard Square, where guests can enjoy thoughtfully sourced and playfully prepared seafood and oysters from New England and beyond, as well as a carefully crafted selection of signature cocktails, beer and wine. With a focus on seafood, The Hourly serves up New England classics in a dynamic and airy space.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, American
Hours of operation
Bar Daily 11:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 765-2342
Website
http://thehourlycambridge.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Sandro Joseph
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at The Hourly Oyster House awaits your next private function. Our contemporary yet casual atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (617) 765-2342
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Cross street
Massachusetts Avenue
Parking details
Parking is available at the Smith Center Garage, directly across the street from the restaurant at 11 Holyoke Street. There is also on street metered parking directly in front of the restaurant on Dunster Street.
Public transit
Just steps away from the Harvard Square T-stop on the Redline.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Dinner & A Show
Multiple dates available
Make your theater night in Harvard Square unforgettable with dinner at The Hourly Oyster House, the neighborhood’s premier destination for fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood. Located just a short walk from both the American Repertory Theater and Sanders Theatre, The Hourly is the perfect spot for a pre-show dinner or a post-performance celebration. Our menu features a rotating selection of the finest oysters from New England and beyond, alongside expertly prepared seafood dishes that highlight the region’s rich flavors. Complement your meal with a glass from our carefully curated wine selection, featuring crisp whites and elegant sparklers that pair perfectly with our oysters and seafood. With a lively yet inviting atmosphere that blends historic charm with modern touches, The Hourly offers an unparalleled dining experience in the heart of Harvard Square. Whether you’re savoring oysters before the curtain rises or toasting to a spectacular performance afterward, let The Hourly be your go-to destination for an unforgettable evening.

Private dining

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Popular dishes

A Tale of Two Oysters*$45.00
two of each of today's oysters
The Hourly Seafood Tower*$120.00
tale of two oysters, 6 littleneck clams, 6 jumbo shrimp, shrimp ceviche, tuna crudo, lobster salad
Tuna Tartare*$16.00
sushi rice, spicy poke sauce, scallions, house chips
Tuna Crudo*$14.00
harissa, chives
Hamachi Crudo*$16.00
white sturgeon caviar, chimichurri, fried garlic
Shrimp Ceviche*$16.00
pico de gallo, cucumber, wonton chips
Littleneck Clams*
rosé mignonette, house cocktail sauce
- ea$2.00
Shrimp Cocktail
house cocktail sauce
- ea$4.00

Oysters

$3ea / $33dz

Boomamoto*
Barnstable, MA - nutty, briny, sweet finish
Cotuit*
Cotuit, MA - plump, sweet brine, clean
Rip Tide*
Buzzards Bay, MA - soft brine, earthy finish
Chatham*
Chatham, MA - plump, briny, rich meat
Malabar Select*
Barnstable, MA - clean, mineral, oceanic
Wellfleet*
Wellfleet, MA - savory, vegetal, refreshing
Edgewater*
Buzzard's Bay-dense, salty kick, root vegetables
Cadillac Mountain*
Goose Cove, ME - brothy, umami brine, stony

Starters

Clam Chowder$10.00
bacon, seasoned oyster crackers
Crispy Calamari$14.00
arugula, cherry peppers, harissa aioli
Blackened Swordfish Tacos$12.00
mango curtido, avocado crema, pickled onion
Oysters Rockefeller$16.00
kale, smoked bacon, pernod, panko
Hushpuppies$13.00
chili honey butter
Caesar Salad$14.00
anchovy croutons, parmesan
Lobster Bisque$11.00
tarragon, brandy
Grilled Octopus$16.00
potatoes, chimichurri, chorizo, paprika aioli
Mussels Provencal$16.00
white wine, tomato, fennel, garlic, grilled crostini
Blistered Shishitos$10.00
sea salt, olive oil
Roasted Brussels Sprouts$10.00
andouille sausage, parmesan
Cobb Salad$14.00
avocado, pancetta, feta, 6-min egg, red onion, red wine vinaigrette

Entrées

Lobster Roll$34.00
touch of mayo, griddled roll
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.00
lettuce, tomato, pickles, special sauce, brioche bun
Double Smash Burger*$16.00
american cheese, caramelized onion, special sauce, seeded roll
Day Boat Haddock Sandwich$18.00
coleslaw, bread & butter pickles, spicy tartar sauce
Beer-Battered Fish & Chips$22.00
hand-cut fries, slaw, tartare sauce
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese$25.00
smoked gouda, mozzarella, pepper jack, ritz crumbs
Grilled Salmon Nicoise*$25.00
heirloom tomatoes, roasted potatoes, kalamata olives, haricots verts, six-minute egg, garden herb vinaigrette
Roasted Farro$21.00
kale, butternut squash, peach, yellow beet, pecans, feta

What 1,519 people are saying

The Hourly Oyster House 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

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hourly Oyster House shines with its "great oysters" and seafood, offering a "fantastic vibe" in the heart of Harvard Square. Guests laud the "excellent service" from knowledgeable staff and a lively atmosphere. The menu features "delicious food" like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and creative cocktails, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

1,519 Reviews

R
Ruth VIP
New Orleans / Louisiana7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was terrific. We had oysters and shared the mussels…could have been the best oysters we’ve ever had. I got the heirloom salad and my husband the Caesar salad…both very good. Justin our server was great
Is this helpful?
J
Jonathan
New York City16 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ryan was a great server and the oysters were perfectly shucked
Is this helpful?
E
Elysia
Philadelphia County3 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 22, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The outside patio table in an alley was where we were seated. It was a bit windy and cool, service was not very prompt but the server was kind. Food was very good. We had to wait a while for apps and drinks to get refilled. Music was some 80-90s playlist, a bit funky. was an okay experience. Not as cozy as prior reviews said it would be.
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M
Melissa
New York City1 review
4.0
Dined on July 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
I had a delicious scallop dish and my son had salmon. Perfectly cooked
Is this helpful?
K
Kristina
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on July 21, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding food and even better service. Amazing playlist in the background, but not too loud. A new favorite!
Is this helpful?
M
Michael VIP
Virginia48 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 19, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and generous portions. Friendly efficient server who answered questions from my partner and our daughter, both foodies. Nice beer list. Best calamari ive had in Metro Boston. Crowded with happy hungry folk. Moderate prices.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
Chicago / Illinois6 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server Hailey was outstanding and made our experience wonderful. Highly recommend the calm chowder and lobster bisque!
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G
Geraldine VIP
Grand Est13 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I was surprised to enjoy the food so much! My partner and I both had tasty clam chowder and lobster rolls which were excellent, ample in size and served with a generous portion of fries or a salad. Salad was simple and good, and fries were nice and crispy. Wine was good too. Prices were reasonable, especially for Harvard Square. We will return!
Is this helpful?
K
Kim
New York City2 reviews
2.0
Dined on July 14, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
I had two shells in my lobster roll. I brought this to the server’s attention. She offered a free dessert but we did not plan on eating dessert. Also the restaurant was mostly empty and we waited a while for a salad and lobster roll.
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P
Paul VIP
Greater Boston11 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 7, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The Caesar Salad was a huge disappointment for this restaurant which otherwise serves delicious food.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Hourly Oyster House offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 765-2342.

The Hourly Oyster House is rated 4.7 stars by 1519 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 29, 2025

11:30 PM

Booked 38 times today

Experiences are available.

15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Massachusetts Avenue
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Hours of operation
Bar Daily 11:00 am–11:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking is available at the Smith Center Garage, directly across the street from the restaurant at 11 Holyoke Street. There is also on street metered parking directly in front of the restaurant on Dunster Street.
Public transit
Just steps away from the Harvard Square T-stop on the Redline.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Sandro Joseph
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Website
http://thehourlycambridge.com/
Phone number
(617) 765-2342
Private party facilities
From intimate dinner parties to festive cocktail receptions, the events team at The Hourly Oyster House awaits your next private function. Our contemporary yet casual atmosphere in the heart of Harvard Square is the perfect backdrop for any special occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator: (617) 765-2342

The Hourly Oyster House

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Dinner & A Show

Private Room

Custom inquiry

Grilled Salmon

Tuna Crudo

Lobster Bisque

Raw Bar

A Tale of Two Oysters*$45.00

The Hourly Seafood Tower*$120.00

Tuna Tartare*$16.00

Tuna Crudo*$14.00

Hamachi Crudo*$16.00

Shrimp Ceviche*$16.00

Littleneck Clams*

Shrimp Cocktail

Oysters

Boomamoto*

Cotuit*

Rip Tide*

Chatham*

Malabar Select*

Wellfleet*

Edgewater*

Cadillac Mountain*

Starters

Clam Chowder$10.00

Crispy Calamari$14.00

Blackened Swordfish Tacos$12.00

Oysters Rockefeller$16.00

Hushpuppies$13.00

Caesar Salad$14.00

Lobster Bisque$11.00

Grilled Octopus$16.00

Mussels Provencal$16.00

Blistered Shishitos$10.00

Roasted Brussels Sprouts$10.00

Cobb Salad$14.00

Entrées

Lobster Roll$34.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.00

Double Smash Burger*$16.00

Day Boat Haddock Sandwich$18.00

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips$22.00

Lobster Macaroni & Cheese$25.00

Grilled Salmon Nicoise*$25.00

Roasted Farro$21.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Hourly Oyster House offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Hourly Oyster House restaurant rated?

Is The Hourly Oyster House currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information