Russell House Tavern

4.6

2819 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Charming
Good for groups
Neighborhood gem

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
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 us at russellhousecambridge.com.

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

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 2,819 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Russell House Tavern, located near Harvard Square, delights with its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "great service," highlighting brunch specialties like cinnamon rolls and Farmers omelet. The "cozy dining room" and attentive staff enhance the experience, making it a "highly recommended" destination for both casual and special occasions.

2,819 Reviews

G
Gerald
VIP
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful dinner experience! Attentive and thoughtful staff. Great food and drinks. Charming decor with comfortable seating. We plan to go back again soon. A new landmark in Harvard Square.
Is this helpful?
J
Jasmin
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had the Brussels sprouts and a cauliflower melt—absolutely delicious! I love this place!
Is this helpful?
J
John
Atlanta
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 31, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 2
Good food and prompt seating and service but noise level borderline dangerous
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
VIP
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
This is a lively restaurant within steps of the Harvard Square stop on the red line. Our waiter (Sean) was amazing - just the right amount of attentive and offered my husband a chance to try 3 different wines despite being super busy! The menu has a lot of variety and the food was delicious. This is a great option for those attending nearby theater and music offerings.
Is this helpful?
P
Patricia
Greater Boston
36 reviews
5.0
36 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fabulous brunch! Delicious spicy bloody mary. Cinnamon rolls are gigantic ... We each ate about 1/4 and had to stop to save room for meal! Fantastic Farmers omelet with an abundance of delicious home fries. Ordered a fruit cup before we saw portion sizes ...luckily, take home boxes! Riley was a great server. Paid close attention to a weird food allergy and the kitchen made sure food complied. Recommend!!
Is this helpful?
M
Mike
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an excellent meal. The brussel sprouts were delicious and the salmon amazing. We had a great waiter too
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I
Ignacio
Greater Boston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place — the food and service was excellent, a step away from Harvard Yard
Is this helpful?
T
Thor
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was excellent. Food arrived quickly, and everything was delicious. Love the Brussels sprouts.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went for the $1 oysters on Tuesdays… did not disappoint. Great spot and not too crowded.
Is this helpful?
R
Ruth
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 19, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely ambience but very very little meat in my hash and so many potatoes I couldn't believe it. Tasted good but it seemed to me that they saved money by being spare on a major ingredient. Otherwise, pleasant. People around us were having fun. Loved the mimosa. Great service.
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FAQs

Russell House Tavern 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 4.6 stars by 2819 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
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
Brian Pawlak
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

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.

Russell House Tavern

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Margherita

Pepperoni

Steak & Eggs

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

Review summary

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

Dining areas

Additional information