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The Hourly Oyster House, Cambridge, MA

The Hourly Oyster House

4.7
4.7
1424 Reviews
$30 and under
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 25 times today
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
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.

Order delivery or takeout

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.
  • 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

Menu

Raw Bar

  • 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

                                                                      Last updated: June 14, 2023

                                                                      What 1,424 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
                                                                      • 4.6Ambience
                                                                      • 4.4Value

                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                      Review summary

                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                      The Hourly Oyster House in Cambridge dazzles with its "fabulous oysters" and "excellent service." Nestled near Harvard Square, this charming spot offers a "creative cocktail menu" and "historical ambiance." Although occasionally noisy, it remains a favorite for its "fresh seafood," "welcoming staff," and "diverse menu options."

                                                                      1,424 Reviews

                                                                      1. Michael

                                                                        Richmond

                                                                        43 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        43 reviews

                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        What an amazing place! My partner picked it out for dinner after a Boston concert but our first visit. Friendly greeting up front. Cozy booth. I had incredible clam chowder with lots of clams, delicious, perfect. Our trio shared 8 oysters, two kinds, they have at least 8 varieties. Aldo, very tasty hush puppies, hard to find in Yankee land. My entree was lobster Mac and cheese with quite a bit of lobster. Hot, filling, delicious, some takeout in our fridge. A large heaping portion in a cast iron skillet extensive wine and beer list.

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                                                                      2. Anita

                                                                        VIP

                                                                        Greater Boston

                                                                        40 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        40 reviews

                                                                        Dined 3 days ago

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Fantastic place for dinner. Very festive for the holidays! Food and drinks hits all the right spots

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                                                                      3. Phil

                                                                        Greater Boston

                                                                        27 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        27 reviews

                                                                        Dined on December 3, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Went to dinner with son for his b-day. We sat at the oyster bar. Started with a perfectly shucked sampler tray of the day’s oysters the tray had 2 oysters of each variety, 16 in all. They arrived quickly and were sublime. Served cold, clean and full of brine. Each variety distinct in flavor and plumpness. A couple of signature cocktails got our night off to a great start. We moved onto the hamachi crudo, sophisticated, with a nice combination of flavors that accented the fish including citrus and caviar invited to the party. A couple more cocktails ( different than the first 2) helped us round second base. A great plate of octopus with potatoes and an underlying smear of romesco style sauce was a nice warm dish with a great tension between tender octopus and potatoes prepared brava style. A refreshing beet salad with minted yogurt was a nice finish to the main event. We split an excellent slice of basque cheese cake for dessert. The service was great, efficient , friendly and no rush. I have been here several times over the last three years, never disappointed. Highly recommend

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                                                                      4. Beth

                                                                        Pittsburgh

                                                                        8 reviews

                                                                        4.0

                                                                        8 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 23, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                                        The food was very good and the raw oysters were excellent. We made the mistake of going on the Saturday of the Harvard-Yale football game day. The place was packed and noisy. But we expected everywhere to be like that. Despite being busy the staff did a good job of taking care of the customers. I would go again, but not on a home football game day.

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                                                                      5. Susan

                                                                        Orlando

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        2.0

                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 20, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 2
                                                                        Food was sub-par. Halibut dish was dry and bland, fingerling potatoes were shown on the menu but I did not see any on the plate. Will not return to this venue. Quality of food has really declined over past several years.

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                                                                      6. Joe

                                                                        Cincinnati

                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 18, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Had a lovely meal and experience last night at The Hourly. Tasty oysters, creamy rich lobster bisque, wonderful brussels, etc. And the prices aren't terrible for Cambridge. We've recommended to others.

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                                                                      7. Steven

                                                                        Greater Boston

                                                                        21 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        21 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 15, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                        Magnificent experience as always! Always love the octopus appetizer.

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                                                                      8. David

                                                                        Pittsburgh

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        Dined on November 15, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        The service was fantastic and the oysters were very good.

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                                                                      9. LaPolla

                                                                        Greater Boston

                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                        Dined on November 15, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Food and service was great. Will definitely return and try the oysters.

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                                                                      10. Beverly

                                                                        Greater Boston

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        5.0

                                                                        1 review

                                                                        Dined on November 14, 2024

                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                        Excellent food, outstanding service, relaxed atmosphere - everything you hope for in a great dining experience. Kudos to the wait staff in particular: didn't rush us, offered great suggestions, and were kind and funny. Highest possible marks.

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                                                                      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 1424 OpenTable diners.

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

                                                                      Make a reservation

                                                                      2 people
                                                                      7:00 PM
                                                                      Booked 25 times today

                                                                      Order delivery or takeout

                                                                      Google Map for The Hourly Oyster House

                                                                      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
                                                                      • 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.
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