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

1064 Reviews

$30 and under

Seafood

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 765-2342

Other options

Order online

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Seafood, Oyster Bar, American
Hours of operation
Lunch Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 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.
Private party contact
events@thehourlycambridge.com: (617) 765-2342

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

Popular dishes

A Tale of Two Oysters*$45.00
Two 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
East Beach Blonde*
Charlestown, RI -silky, smooth, mild salt; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
Chessawanock*
Chessawanock, RI – strong brine, nutty, sweet finish; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
Wellfleet*
Wellfleet, MA-savory, vegetal, refreshing; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
West Island*
Fairhaven, MA – sweet, tender meat, vegetal finish; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
Grant*
Wellfleet, MA – high brine, meaty, seaweed finish; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
Holbrook*
Wellfleet, MA – sweet, firm, super clean finish; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
Rough Water*
North Kingston, RI – upfront brine, light, and clean finish; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00
Moon Dancer*
Damariscotta, ME – clean, briny, plump; Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.00
- Doz$33.00

Raw Bar Chilled Appetizers

Littleneck Clams*
Rosé Mignonette, House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$1.50
Jumbo Shrimp
House Cocktail Sauce
- ea$3.50
Shrimp Ceviche*$16.00
Pico de Gallo, Cucumbers, Wonton Chips
Tuna Tartare*$14.00
Wakame, Cucumber Pickles, Macadamia Nuts, Taro Chips
Scallop Crudo*$16.00
Blood Orange, Mango-Yuzu Vinaigrette
Tuna Crudo*$14.00
Harissa, Chives

Starters

Clam Chowder**$10.00
Bacon, Seasoned Oyster Crackers
Lobster Bisque$11.00
Brandy, Tarragon
Caesar Salad$14.00
Anchovy Croutons, Shaved Parmesan
Peach Panzanella$14.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Basil, Red Onions, White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Crispy Calamari$14.00
Arugula, Cherry Peppers, Harissa Aioli
Oysters Rockefeller**$15.00
Kale, Smoked Bacon, Pernod, Panko
Blistered Shishitos$10.00
Sea Salt, Olive Oil
Mussels Provencal$16.00
White Wine, Tomatoes, Fennel, Garlic, Grilled Crostini
Roasted Brussels Sprouts**$10.00
Andouille Sausage, Parmesan
Grilled Octopus**$16.00
Potatoes, Chorizo, Paprika Aioli
Hushpuppies$13.00
Chili Honey Butter
Blackened Swordfish Tacos$12.00
Mango Curtido, Avocado Crema, Pickled Onion

Entrées

Lobster Mac & Cheese$25.00
Smoked Gouda, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Ritz Bread Crumbs
Beer-Battered Fish & Chips$22.00
Hand-Cut Fries, Slaw, Tartar Sauce
Grilled Salmon Niçoise*$25.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Roasted Baby Potatoes, Kalamata Olives, Haricots Verts, Six-Minute Egg, Garden Herb Vinaigrette
Lobster Roll$34.00
Aioli, Griddled Roll, Chives
The Hourly Double Smash Burger*$16.00
American Cheese, Special Sauce, Caramelized Onions, Pickles, Seeded Roll
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.00
Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Special Sauce, Brioche Bun
Roasted Farro$21.00
Baby Kale, Butternut Squash, Peach, Yellow Beets, Pecans, Feta
Day Boat Haddock Sandwich$18.00
Cherry Pepper, Slaw, Louis Sauce

What 1,064 people are saying

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

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boston
Seafood

Sort by

Filters

NA
NABEMARO
Tokyo
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ordered raw oysters, clam chowder soup, and Grilled Bronzini Fish. Everything was delicious. Wine was Atom Chardonnay and Champagne. They were especially good with the raw oysters. Our waitress gave us helpful advice and we enjoyed the menu as expected. I would definitely visit again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fresh, clean and delicious. Every dish was thought out very well and it was the best experience. We started off with the Two tales of oysters then had the crispy calamari and tuna tartare. All starters were very fresh and delicious it had us clean the sauce off the plate. For our entree, we had the grilled swordfish and the lobster roll which both were amazing. Our waitress, Carolina was super friendly and patient. I will be coming back for more!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Oysters were amazing! Chowder was delicious! Lobster bisque was under seasoned & Luke warm.. lobster roll & scallops were very good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great meal!
T
Tracie
New England
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on January 24, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our table of 5 really enjoyed ourselves in our little corner. Wonderful service with great recommendations for trying oysters I hadn't eaten yet. This is a fun place with a good vibe and excellent appies to share. Thanks!
CR
ChrisR
Philadelphia
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Oysters were fresh and crisp. The two entrees the scallops and the Bucatini were top notch. Highly recommend!
JH
JohnH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our new go-to spot for the freshest clams in a delectable, crisp oysters, savory scallops and scrumptious fish in Cambridge. We''ll be back for another date night.
CW
CatherineW
New England
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great range of seafood inspired entrees. Good wine list. More sophisticated than many restaurants in Harvard Square.
H
Holly
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was our first but not our last visit to the hourly. I have no complaints and only praise. Drinks- incredible. The interrobang was *chefs kisses* and their version of a manhatten was well received in our group. Strong. Apps: oysters were fresh and delicious with some varieties we haven’t seen before. hush puppies were wonderful (spicy-i could eat the spicy butter with a spoon it was incredible) calamari was good (not our favorite dish but tasty and a decent serving-probably wouldn’t get them again). A member of our group had and loved the clam chowder (not super thick more broth like but had big pieces of bacon). Entrees: scallops were wonderful and the risotto they were served on was unique and tasty, the cod dish was wonderful and the poke bowl from the starter menu was great. The ambiance was excellent- very hip without being annoying, a really nice mix of harvard/cambridge young people, middle age yuppies (🙋‍♀️) and those who are aging gracefully. Honestly I can’t find fault with the restaurant and can’t wait to go back. Parking is a challenge as it is anywhere in Harvard Square. We found street parking but they give a modest discount for a nearby garage I think. Lastly, prices were fair. Certainly there are more expensive seafood restaurants within walking distance. 5/5.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and yummy food. Perfect for a quaint date night, deff coming back for those delish oysters ☺️
MJ
MJMA
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent overall! Food was delicious, service was amazing. If there was one remark to make, it would be to dial down the music volume, which was a bit loud at the beginning. Eventually it was lowered to a good level. Thank you for a wonderful night out.
DB
DonnaB
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nice ambiance, professional, friendly service. Very good food and wine. Yummy oysters, and French fries! I would return.
G
Guillaume
New England
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Great choice of excellent raw seafood. But everything that is cooked is just a bit wrong. Why do they add so much lemon in the lobster salad ? Why not change the oil from time to time to fry the calamari ? The wine list is not the best, and is definitely overpriced.
PJ
PaulJ
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
This is our favorite restaurant for oysters. We come here often.
SR
SusanR
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Had the lobster mac and cheese. Loaded with lobster and rich sauce. Only complaint - so rich I couldn't finish it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I wanted to get something light before we went to the theater so we looked at the menu a few days before and loved all the small plate/appetizers and raw bar items. The restaurant was really nice and cozy. We loved the New Orleans touches. The server, Jackie was so lovely. We got a drink, shared a bunch of small plates and got dessert. The best of the small plates was the octopus. Delicious. Would get that again. Great experience. The restaurant was nice and I could see it being a fun regular neighborhood spot.
NO
NOLEW
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
New Year’s Eve
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great atmosphere and delicious food! Our server was excellent.
SK
StephenK
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service. Perfect shucked oysters.
CC
ChristinaC
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was outstanding! Excellent oysters, burger, farro dish was superb! Fun atmosphere & great wine!
M
Minding
New England
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall4food3service3ambience4
Th fish and chips and chicken were fabulous as were the cod cakes. The swordfish was overpriced and mediocre. We were slow to order and we did it in stages. The waitress seemed to have a difficult time adjusting to our unusual timing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hayley was amazing!!
T
Tony
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a warm, friendly place with excellent seafood and always friendly efficient staff. Good wine selection too
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place, lovely staff and amazing food!
s
smithwmj
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience after going to ART for a play and doing some shopping. Good, thoughtful handling of gluten free options - a member of our party has celiac disease and both the menu and our excellent server took it seriously!
SS
StephenS
New Orleans
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great food and atmosphere. Highly recommend.
E
Explorersoflocaleats
Chicago
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a lovely spot off of Harvard Square! We enjoyed the clam chowder and lobster bisque and the scallops with butternut squash risotto. It was all delicious and our server and her team were quite pleasant and attentive. My wife enjoyed her soft serve ice cream while I lingered over good coffee.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
8 reviews
vip
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 13, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Excellent seafood and service in a nice restaurant. Our first time here. We’ll be back.
JT
JacekT
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 12, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very good food, simple so one knows what to expect. We tried clum chowder and seafood, all was fine
O
Outwithmyguy
Manitoba
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a fun experience! If you can, sit at the bar. Watch and interact with the guys shucking the oysters. They were great!
R
Reese
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. The fish and chips, scallops and Iceland cod were cooked perfectly. The mussels were the best we have ever had! This was my second visit. I will definitely come back again.
GG
GregG
New England
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Overall a very good dinner experience. The tuna crudo, octopus and shrimp ceviche were delicious.
KD
KellyD
New York Area
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We’ve eaten here several times now, with and without reservations and felt welcomed every time. The menu is a good range of seafood, raw, ceviched or grilled, as well as classic standards such as pasta, roasted chicken and a great burger. Something for everyone. The space itself is welcoming and comfy. A great bar area, generous booths or cafe table seating makes a lively scene without too much hustle or noise. Even enjoyed the outdoor alley space this summer.
C
Christian
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience4
I took my girlfriend here for her birthday, mentioned to the waitress if it was possible to do something for her. My request was completely ignored, and when ordering oysters - they lacked juice. I assume they were being used for the oyster shooters. Our food came out cold and it took a long time to get our check, I had to walk up to our waitress because we had been waiting 20 mins with a clear table.
V
Violet
London
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
The staff at The Hourly is terrific - friendly, attentive, prompt - and the restaurant space is a real pleasure. The food is tasty - a great local spot.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great oysters and quick service
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great, service was friendly and efficient. We will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
Very good food and service. It’s hard to find a parking though.
CS
CrystalS
Los Angeles
1 review
vip
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2022
overall2food2service5ambience3
We were in Cambridge for college tours and I made a reservation after having done my research so I had high hopes. My reservation was made over two weeks ago and we were first seated at the very end table by the bathrooms far away from other guests. I asked to be seated and the new table was better. The lobster bisque was on the salty side but I didn’t want to ruin the experience for my family so I still ate my soup. The chop salad was also salty, which surprised me. Isn’t it really difficult to make a salad salty? The Bucatini frutti di mare was the saltiest of all. It was so salty to a point that no one should eat their food like this. It was a long day and I really didn’t want to make a fuss at a restaurant that I would never come back anyway. I decided to ask for some bread to offset the saltiness instead of sending it back to kitchen. The two thin pieces of toasted baguette was sent to our table 15 minutes later and I was charged $2 for the bread. Maybe I should have sent the soup, salad, and pasta back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was so good!

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

The Hourly Oyster House is rated 4.7 stars by 1064 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

Feb 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 37 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(617) 765-2342

Other options

Order online

15 Dunster Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Massachusetts Avenue
Neighborhood
Cambridge
Hours of operation
Lunch Thu–Sun 12:00 pm–4:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
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

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.
Private party contact
events@thehourlycambridge.com: (617) 765-2342

The Hourly Oyster House

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information

Clam Chowder

Crispy Calamari

Seared Scallops

Oysters

A Tale of Two Oysters*$45.00

The Hourly Seafood Tower*$120.00

East Beach Blonde*

Chessawanock*

Wellfleet*

West Island*

Grant*

Holbrook*

Rough Water*

Moon Dancer*

Raw Bar Chilled Appetizers

Littleneck Clams*

Jumbo Shrimp

Shrimp Ceviche*$16.00

Tuna Tartare*$14.00

Scallop Crudo*$16.00

Tuna Crudo*$14.00

Starters

Clam Chowder**$10.00

Lobster Bisque$11.00

Caesar Salad$14.00

Peach Panzanella$14.00

Crispy Calamari$14.00

Oysters Rockefeller**$15.00

Blistered Shishitos$10.00

Mussels Provencal$16.00

Roasted Brussels Sprouts**$10.00

Grilled Octopus**$16.00

Hushpuppies$13.00

Blackened Swordfish Tacos$12.00

Entrées

Lobster Mac & Cheese$25.00

Beer-Battered Fish & Chips$22.00

Grilled Salmon Niçoise*$25.00

Lobster Roll$34.00

The Hourly Double Smash Burger*$16.00

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich$17.00

Roasted Farro$21.00

Day Boat Haddock Sandwich$18.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

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Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Other options

Dining areas

Additional information