Russell House Tavern

Name: Russell House Tavern
Address: 14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA, United States, 02138
Telephone: (617) 500-3055
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

2777 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Oct 5, 2024

9:30 p.m.

Booked 71 times today

Neighbourhood gem
Lively
Charming

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
Neighbourhood
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 CaesarUS$14.00
Romaine, Black Kale, Anchovy Croutons
Chopped SaladUS$15.00
Iceberg, Romaine, Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, Hardboiled Egg, Bleu Cheese, Harissa Ranch
Fall SaladUS$15.00
Little Leaf Greens, Roasted Red Pepper, Cucumber, Pickled Carrot, Fuji Apple, Candied Pecans, Feta, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Butternut Squash SoupUS$8.00
Roasted Apples
Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUS$14.00
Avocado, Citrus, Frisee
Crab CakesUS$16.00
Pickled Carrots, Scallions, Remoulade
Clams CasinoUS$14.00
Bacon, Parmesan, Garlic, Shallot, Bread Crumbs
Curry MusselsUS$15.00
White Wine, Curry Cream, Garlic Crostini
Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00
Maple-Sriracha Glaze
Street CornUS$10.00
Cilantro-Lime Aioli, Tajin, Parsley
Confit Chicken WingsUS$15.00
Sambal & Honey Glaze
Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUS$16.00
Pickled Tomato & Peppers, Arugula, Avocado Aioli
Harvard Square FriesUS$12.00
Pecorino, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Short Rib Jus
Charcuterie BoardUS$16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera
Local New England Cheese BoardUS$16.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Traditional Accompaniments
Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00
Herbed Ice Box Crackers, Giardiniera, Traditional Accompaniments

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.00
Crushed Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Pecorino
PepperoniUS$15.00
Marinara, Mozzarella
Mushroom & LeekUS$15.00
Goat Cheese, Mozzarella, Truffle Oil
Brussels HouseUS$15.00
Barbeque Pulled Pork, Mozzarella, Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Pickled Red Onion, Scallions, Corn
Sausage & RicottaUS$15.00
Roasted Poblanos, Herbed Olive Oil

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUS$16.00
Avocado, Cucumber, Ponzu, Wonton
Local Oysters*
Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
- eachUS$3.00
- DozenUS$33.00
Cape Cod Littlenecks
Cocktail Sauce
- eachUS$1.50
Shrimp CocktailUS$14.00
Cocktail Sauce
Chilled Lobster TailUS$16.00
Saffron-Lemon Aioli
Crimson PlatterUS$48.00
8 Local Oysters, 6 Shrimp, 6 Cape Cod Clams, Cocktail Sauce, Mignonette
Ivy League PlatterUS$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 MeinUS$30.00
Ginger Vegetable Sauté, Mushroom Miso Soy Broth
Roasted Half ChickenUS$25.00
Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto, Natural Jus
Beef ShortribUS$33.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Natural Jus
NY Strip Steak FritesUS$36.00
Pecorino Frites, House-Made Steak Sauce, Watercress
Roasted SalmonUS$27.00
Root Vegetables, Fuji Apple, Potato Gnocchi, Parsnip Puree
BologneseUS$24.00
Pork, Beef & Veal, Garlic Crostini, Grana Tuile
House-Made CavatelliUS$21.00
Kale, Cauliflower, Grape Tomato, Mushroom, Pesto, Parmesan
Farro & KaleUS$20.00
Peppers, Olives, Roasted Eggplant, Parmesan, Feta, Citrus Tahini Vinaigrette
Fish & ChipsUS$21.00
Hand-Cut Fries, Coleslaw, Tartar Sauce
R. House Burger*US$16.00
Sharp Cheddar, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, English Muffin
Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUS$16.00
Slaw, Maple Chipotle Aioli, Brioche

What 2,777 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
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

2,777 Reviews

G
Giancarlo
New York City
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great drinks, great service. Autumn was great server
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
New York City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We loved the Harvard House Fries, Steak and Frites and bouglanese. Our waitress, Autumn, was so good. Very nice, personable and attentive with great recommendations. Location is perfect and we sat outdoors, which was just lovely on a nice fall night. Highly recommend!
Is this helpful?
E
Evelyn
Greater Boston
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Another great night at Russell House Tavern! All of my out of town guests say the same thing, “This evening was perfect!”
Is this helpful?
J
James
Greater Boston
21 reviews
vip
2.0
21 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 1
Noisy, crowded, uncomfortable . Food ok but no more
Is this helpful?
N
Nikki
Greater Boston
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lovely outdoor area when weather good. Service a bit scattered but well intentioned. Food is standard fare- disappointing that they have no fresh fruit.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
Chicago
22 reviews
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Fun place for Friday night. Quality service. Very good menu and good tavern food!
Is this helpful?
E
Elizabeth
Greater Boston
25 reviews
3.0
25 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
I took my husband here for his birthday prior to attending a show nearby. The ambience was cozy especially on a rainy night and we were seated quickly. The server came by right away and asked if we were ready to order, which we were not, so we asked for a few minutes. She came back soon and took a drink order. The cocktail was well made and my wine was interesting. We then put in an order for my husband’s appetizer and main course as well as my main course. The food was served in a very peculiar manner - the appetizer came out along with my main course. So, by the time my husband got his main course, I was done with mine. It was very odd and we commented that we would have preferred to have the appetizer first, followed by both main courses served together. The server didn’t apologize - just mumbled something- then left without acknowledging that we had both finished our drinks. She never came back. Didn’t check on our meals, didn’t offer another round of drinks. Absolutely did not return. So, we were very frustrated and the restaurant lost money on drinks and dessert. We did tip her though not at our usual level. We also mentioned our experience to the manager but are leaving this review so other diners can be forewarned. A very disappointing birthday dinner.
Is this helpful?
M
Mary
New York City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food is always good, place is very nice, I would suggest reservations since they often leave you outside in the alley way waiting and when you go in not crowded. Not sure what that is about, especially when the weather is nice
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SC
SCinMA
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Cam was a very good server. Quite helpful as we were deciding between menu items.
Is this helpful?
A
Anna
Greater Boston
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service. First time there - went for brunch and it was delicious.
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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 2777 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Oct 5, 2024

9:30 p.m.

Booked 71 times today

Order delivery or takeout

14 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
Brattle Street
Neighbourhood
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 CaesarUS$14.00

Chopped SaladUS$15.00

Fall SaladUS$15.00

Butternut Squash SoupUS$8.00

Smoked Salmon Avocado ToastUS$14.00

Crab CakesUS$16.00

Clams CasinoUS$14.00

Curry MusselsUS$15.00

Crispy Brussels SproutsUS$10.00

Street CornUS$10.00

Confit Chicken WingsUS$15.00

Crispy Rhode Island CalamariUS$16.00

Harvard Square FriesUS$12.00

Charcuterie BoardUS$16.00

Local New England Cheese BoardUS$16.00

Cheese & Charcuterie BoardUS$25.00

Tavern Pizza

MargheritaUS$14.00

PepperoniUS$15.00

Mushroom & LeekUS$15.00

Brussels HouseUS$15.00

Sausage & RicottaUS$15.00

Raw Bar

Tuna TartareUS$16.00

Local Oysters*

Cape Cod Littlenecks

Shrimp CocktailUS$14.00

Chilled Lobster TailUS$16.00

Crimson PlatterUS$48.00

Ivy League PlatterUS$98.00

Entrees

Duck Breast Lo MeinUS$30.00

Roasted Half ChickenUS$25.00

Beef ShortribUS$33.00

NY Strip Steak FritesUS$36.00

Roasted SalmonUS$27.00

BologneseUS$24.00

House-Made CavatelliUS$21.00

Farro & KaleUS$20.00

Fish & ChipsUS$21.00

R. House Burger*US$16.00

Southern Fried Chicken SandwichUS$16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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