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 (1481)

$30 and under

Seafood

15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

8:00 PM

Booked 48 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Lively
Charming

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
Julmeus St. Luc
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. Please email us at events@thehourlycambridge.com or visit our website for more information thehourlycambridge.com.
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.

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 1,481 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

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Hourly Oyster House is a vibrant gem in Harvard Square, boasting a lively atmosphere and "excellent selection of oysters." Guests appreciate the "wonderful service" and accommodating staff. While some dishes receive mixed reviews, the restaurant's "fresh seafood" and creative cocktails are consistently praised, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

1,481 Reviews

B
Bruce
Greater Boston5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
The reason to go to the Hourly is great seafood. It's not an especially fancy place. The service is nice, but nothing to brag about. If you sit at the counter, you get to watch professionals shuck oysters. Not all that interesting, but much less noisy than sitting at a bar and hearing all the noise attendant on making cocktails. But you go to a restaurant to eat. Everything we ate was delicious. The mussels appetizer was perhaps the best mussels I have ever had. I love scallops. I order them frequently in restaurants. The scallops at Hourly were as good as any I can remember. I usually don't order dessert in restaurants. The desserts are usually over priced, magnificent to look at, but disappointing when eaten. For some reason, we ordered Basque Cheesecake at Hourly. It was delicious. A lovely end to a great meal
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
Greater Boston10 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Decided to try Hourly Oyster House for the first time for my partners birthday celebration dinner and thought it was very good. The Oysters were probably the best I've had...very flavorful and fresh. We both ordered the scallop and risotto dinner which was wonderful and a good size portion. Very nice ambience - busy without being loud, and the service was prompt and friendly. Definitely would recommend.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary VIP
Greater Boston18 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 21, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We love the oysters at Hourly! There are always new ones to taste and they are so fresh and plump. We tried 3 new ones and one old favorite. I think the best oysters in Cambridge. We tend to eat the raw seafood the most -- tuna tartar, hamachi curd are also excellent. Beyond that, we've had mixed results. I usually love their grilled octopus with papatas bravas with chimmichuri, but last night the octopus was over cooked and tough. I could barely eat it. Service is always speedy and cordial, so that part is always consistent.
Is this helpful?
W
William J
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service and accommodation for our gluten free needs. She showed care and consideration and double checked with the chef to ensure no contamination. Oysters were excellent as werel our meals around the table. Love this spot whenever we're in Harvard Square.
Is this helpful?
N
Nicole VIP
New York City7 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 13, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Love the vibe, quiet, unique eats, great service!
Is this helpful?
L
Laura VIP
Greater Boston70 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had never dined here. I will be back. The oysters were delicious as was the chowder and salad
Is this helpful?
T
Todd
Greater Boston15 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great spot for seafood and drinks. Excellent selection of oysters. Popular spot for Harvard Square. Only nitpick was the kitchen really skimped on the chorizo in the roasted brussel sprouts plate. Oh well.
Is this helpful?
B
Biana VIP
San Francisco5 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 3, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Oyster were great, server was nice, food was so so for the price point
Is this helpful?
K
Kathryn
Greater Boston11 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Hourly Oysters is one of my favorites in the square! I love the atmosphere, and the range of oysters and fish dishes.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Greater Boston16 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 31, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Really great oysters. Great staff. Extra points beause it's not Row 34.
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 1481 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 30, 2025

8:00 PM

Booked 48 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
Julmeus St. Luc
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. Please email us at events@thehourlycambridge.com or visit our website for more information thehourlycambridge.com.

The Hourly Oyster House

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Dinner & A Show

Lobster Bisque

Grilled Salmon

Tuna Crudo

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