I loved coming here years ago. But tastes may have changed ... the most recent visit was less scintillating. The garden salad was pedestrian, the lettuce leaves from iceberg lettuce, and the bottom of the stems at that. The mushroom toast was somewhat sour, and the mushrooms were chopped in larger chunks rather than in smaller delicate pieces. The seafood pasta could have had a more subtle flavor profile... it tasted mostly if butter with some larger chunks of seafood of mixed quality. Some of the mussels were sandy [and one tasted expired], the shrimp was a tad overcooked and the the scallops were oddly lumped together in one mass. The texture of the scallops was decent though. The tiramisu was delicious with a strong coffee flavor and liqueur that was much appreciated. The server was excellent and responsive to all the table's needs. Ultimately a worthy place that with some refinements could be a top notch choice in the Harvard Square area. read more

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I do like the idea of an old house turned into a restaurant. The only problem is if you are one of the only people in the room, it's hard to ever see/flag down your server. The New York Strip was a bit chewy/not high quality, and coming with a piece of charred romaine seemed more like a plate filler than a side dish. The fingerling potatoes were fine. I got the lamb shank which was tender but the watercress seemed a bit of a mushy pile on top. The dishes were fine, price okay, the ambiance was fine, and the service was okay/fine/a little slow. It's not a bad choice for the area, but it was only okay. read more

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Came here on a Friday evening with a reservation and we were seated quite quickly. The indoor space they had felt very much just like a house they repurchased into a restaurant; our table was in a separate room from the entrance and main area thus it was very hard to get any server's attention unless they were already in the room due to there only being a connection via a separate hallway. The area itself felt older and more vintage with its decor; they also didn't have their AC on, leaving it a bit stuffy. Our server was pretty quick with getting our orders and drinks, however pretty slow with refilling waters overall. The menu had a decent selection and my party of two got two apps to share on top of each having an entree; this was enough for us, however portions were a bit on the smaller side. The ceviche was very hard to eat and had an overall messy appearance; the taste was also too watery and not very flavorful. The oysters were pretty good - no complaints there, and then the lobster roll was tasty but overall too tiny to really enjoy. Overall, I don't think I would choose to return, however if a group of folks wanted to come I wouldn't mind. The prices were a bit steep for its quality and portion, unfortunately. read more

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I don't think I realized that this is the same restaurant I went to almost twenty years ago...but apparently it is! The Red House is a small, quaint restaurant in a quiet alleyway in Harvard Square. We made a reservation on a cold, spring Sunday evening, but it wasn't necessary as the restaurant wasn't particularly busy. We ordered the scallop bites (scallop + cod balls which texturally resembled arancini) to start, and I ordered the lobster roll (hot preparation with butter). The scallop bites were tasty, and the lobster roll was solid, though my bread was already falling apart by the time it arrived. I am always a sucker for tiramisu which I ordered for dessert. It was quite a bit boozier than I expected and a bit heavier than tiramisu I'm used to. Service was very friendly and responsive. We clarified the nut situation, and the server told us that they don't have anything on their menu with nuts which is a great relief to those who have allergies. read more

The Red House is a solid but unexceptional experience. The blueberry basil drink was pretty good but the guava mojito left an odd aftertaste. The clam chowder fries was nicely topped with bacon and was seasoned decently, but upon reflection it seems odd to add French fries to a clam chowder dish that is already chocked full of potatoes. The Baja fish tacos also were solid but would have been well swerved to have seasoning. And the unisex bathroom was filthy. Pee on the floor is never okay. So not bad, but they can do better. read more

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My sister and I wanted something light for our dinner on a Friday afternoon. We ordered through DoorDash. The food came, but I was not notified of its arrival. We got an Avocado lobster roll, summer salad, and grilled chicken. The bun was well toasted with two wedges of avocado. Fries has cooled down by that point but still retained some crispness. Lobster itself was fresh requiring little seasoning. Salad was refreshing with a subtle coating of the raspberry vinaigrette, feta cheese and chopped pecans. Grilled chicken was just that, not anything special. For almost $80, I did not think it was worth the price and would have been 5 stars otherwise. Would be interested in trying more from their menu next time I'm in the area. read more

Red House - Avocado lobster roll, summer salad, and grilled chicken - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

One of my new favorite spots in Boston! Tucked away in an alley and just a bit off the most traveled paths of Harvard Square. It is not a huge establishment so reservations are definitely smart. They have lots of outdoor seating, but even the bar inside gives some great ambience. I sat at the bar and Monica was tending. She was amazing. I tried quite a few of the drinks off the menu and they were all delicious. They make almost all of their cocktail ingredients from scratch and you can tell. The Nitro Cold Brew Martini was insanely good, one of the best coffee drinks I've had. My favorite drink though was definitely the Blueberry Basil. Oysters were big, but really good. I enjoyed the watermelon salad, as well. My only complaint was the insane amount of feta. I couldn't even eat half of it. I would have preferred more greens to even it out a bit. Monica suggested the seafood flatbread as my main dish and it didn't disappoint. They loaded it with scallops, lobster and shrimp. For $27, I was impressed. The garlic cream sauce was delicious also. Would absolutely order it again. Overall, this place is awesome. They deserve way more than the 3 star average on Yelp! read more

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Outdoor | Fall Sangria | low key Outdoor - the restaurant has indoor, partially indoor, and an outdoor section. Therefore you have tons of space and opportunity to grab a bite or drink. We sat outside, the only downside was that they didn't have any heaters. Therefore, if you sit outside bring a warm jacket and scarf. Fall Sangria - I had the Fall Sangria which is an interesting combination of red wine and Hennessy. When I red the description I asked 3 people on staff and everyone said it was their favorite drink on the menu. It was pretty bomb. Highly recommend it. It has a healthy body and a fall taste that you have to experience. Low key - it has a low key vibe. Therefore, it's a solid first date spot, place to get drinks with friends, or place to catch up with family. Pro tip: make a reservation if getting a bite between 6pm and 8pm. It's in the heart of harvard square, so tons of people from all the school go there for drinks/food. read more

Red House - Gil with a Carbon and nectar drink - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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I'm constantly surprised that I have such a good time here because I'm not a huge seafood person, but every meal I've had has been awesome. I loved the Seafood Stew (I didn't think I would), the calamari is amazing, and the sriracha Mayo & avocado lobster roll is to die for. They have enclosed patio seating during COVID-- what's wonderful is how meticulous they've been to make it look so beautiful-- the "Winter Chalet" they call it. The drinks are amazing, particularly the Blue Butterfly-- I could drink that on tap. The owners are very friendly and allow dogs on the patio. I can't believe I'd never gone here pre-COVID. It's right in the heart of Harvard Square and the menu is consistently amazing. Insta: @foodiesnapstagram read more

Red House - Avocado & Sriracha Mayo Lobster Roll - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Super cute outdoor area during covid! There are wooden booths and lights on the porch/ outdoor part of the restaurant. We stopped in for drinks and a snack on Sunday. I ordered the earl grey lavender cocktail and my friend got the blue butterfly. Both were good! We also ordered the crab dip and calamari salad for snacks. There were only a few appetizer options so it's a bit limited if you aren't here for dinner. Service was great and the food was good. I would recommend for a date spot, the ambiance was great. It was a little pricey for a drop in snack date (everything was about $14 each). I'd come back for dinner though! read more

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Nice little spot to meet friends over a few cold ones in the heart of Cambridge. Stuck in horrible traffic, we had a 6:00 reservation and couldn't make the change on Open Table. I called the restaurant and spoke with Molly. Not a problem sir, we'll hold the table for you. Perfect! We parked in a public parking spot and walked up to a nice little place with outside seating. Once seated, we placed our drink orders and starters. I ordered grilled octopus and my son split a grilled shrimp with his girlfriend. The food so far is deelish! The menu selection has three lobster roll choices? The butter basil lobster roll is my choice, my wife chose the Mussels. My wife loves the mussels, my Lobster roll? Something is off. Any lobster roll should have some lobster tail meat, some lobster claw and meat from the knuckle. Do you see my picture? They did something to the meat, its like they passed it thru a ricer? The texture is off and its throwing me. I never had silly string lobster before. And let's not get it twisted, this is not cheap! My son and his girlfriend ordered the same rolls and we all said the same thing. So mussels, thumbs up from my wife. The expensive lobster rolls with strange stringy lobster meat? I see a red house and I want to paint it black.. read more

Red House - Basil lobster! - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

A recent meal out with the kid was my first time at this Cambridge classic. Kid wanted to share the fish and chips. The fish was really very good, crispy batter, flaky fish, a single big filet with really a perfect texture. The fries were good, if ordinary, and the coleslaw was better than average. We also shared the Caesar salad. This was enjoyable, though not my favorite Caesar. The crumbly Parmesan made the whole thing a bit dry instead of being more incorporated into the dressing, and I would have liked a bit more anchovy flavor, I think a seafood restaurant can certainly lean into that a bit. It also was cut into surprisingly small pieces. Not saying that you need to do whole-leaf romaine steakhouse-style, but I think it lost something in texture at that point. The Asiago crouton was quite tasty. Finally, I had the Douglas Fir Martini, which I certainly can't criticize for being what it says on the tin, but I'm not sure I'd order again. Interesting and evocative, strong aroma of fir and wintergreen (I think?), brought back memories of walks in the woods. A bit overwhelming on its own, but pretty good sipped with some of the food. The kid had lemonade and was very pleased. The setting of this place is pretty cool. Enjoyed the high tables on the covered porch. Definitely would like to come back and try more of the menu. read more

Red House - Fish and chips - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

A unique, cozy, little unique restaurant in Cambridge. We came before the pandemic. Reservation for dinner is a must. So crowded! You'd feel you have been transported in time and space to Europe, with the little fire place and all wooden interior. Food was great though presentation was humble (nothing really fancy). Table space was small, but overall it was cozy. The sea bass is a must try. read more

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I went for oyster happy hour on a Monday before heading to the Sinclair for a concert. I sat at the bar and the bartender came over with a menu and water right away. As I'm sure you've seen by now, they have $.50 oysters until 5 PM and $1 thereafter (or after your first dozen). They also have 6 shrimp cocktail for $5. I ordered a dozen oysters and 1/2 dozen shrimp for a whopping total of $11...! For my first drink, I ordered a Stork Club (Hendricks, St. Germain, lemon, prosecco), which is basically a French 75 with St. Germain instead of simple. It was light and delicious. The oysters came out quickly. They were small, which was to be expected for the price. They were more tasty than I would have thought. I love my oysters briny and these fit the bill. The only downside was they they all had bits of shell in them. It wasn't dangerous - just not a good shuck. The taste is really what matters and they were good! For $.50 a pop instead of the usual $3 at other restaurants... I'll take it! The shrimp were also yummy. I'm not sure if they let you order a 2nd round of shrimp for the same price. I'll try next time. The bartender was friendly and was happy to discuss cocktails with me. He recommended a Final Word for my next drink which is a Last Word with bourbon instead of gin. It was also delicious and balanced. This guy definitely knew his stuff! All that to say, if the oyster shuck was better and I didn't have to pick pieces of shell out of my mouth, this would have been a 5-star experience. As it is, I'm already planning my next visit. Good thing I get out of work at 4 PM - I'll probably spend more on Harvard Square parking than I will on these oysters! read more

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Ordered a lobster roll, the garden gnocchi, and a side of sautéed greens. Everything was good, especially the fries and the greens. Pisco sour was good too and the service was lovely read more

Red House - Lobster roll, gnocchi, pisco sour - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Didn't come here for food food (only got oysters and ceviche which were barely apps and didn't do much in terms of filling 4 hungry girls up), but the place during summer is certainly stunning. The decorations are a vibe, very aesthetic/ig worthy (took loads of pics for the gram that day haha) and the owner was really friendly as well! read more

Red House - Inside - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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It's $2 for their oysters on happy hour, I hate when info isn't correct or up to date and the restaurant itself doesn't correct that. It's online as 50c but when you go there it's $2. Annoying read more

Red House - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Good restaurant with a fun menu! I got the lobster roll which was pretty good and we also got the chowder fries which was actually tasty and worth trying if you want to try something different! read more

Red House - Lobster Roll - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This place was such a cute surprise!! We were attracted to come here by the adorable outdoor patio they had. It was decorated so nicely! We came here for lunch on a weekday and it wasn't busy at all. We were able to be seated right away outdoors. The only thing about it was the street the patio sat on was at a slant so the table and everything were also slanted...wasn't too uncomfortable after we got used to it. For food we each ordered the fish and chips. Pretty classic option and it didn't disappoint! Both the fish and the fries were really yummy and crunchy. Would definitely recommend!! read more

Red House - Adorable outdoor patio - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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A very different restaurant after the changes but still a good solid choice. And it has fire!! Red House has updated almost everything they do so I'm writing an updated review. Pre-covid (and then some), Red House renovated their physical space. It took away some of the charm. Maybe there were safety issues? They reconfigured the fireplace area so that it's now a walk-through to the front room (which also has a fireplace and feels like "the back room" because it is only accessible from the bar/fire area). They also added a lovely outside deck area that's really great in nice weather and a really good option in bad weather when trying to stay outside to avoid the virus. As for food/drink changes, they've stopped serving 50c oysters, which was a lovely lure. What??? The drink prices have increased by half. They seem to have changed the menu, too. No half meals anymore (boo hoo!) and I didn't see the lobster fra diavolo (which was one of their best) -- oh well. Maybe they'll bring it back? The good news? Red House is still a really good choice in Harvard Square. Since covid, I've eaten on the deck a few times and at the inside bar. And recently, with a group of friends, dined in the front room by the fireplace. This room is probably reserve-able for a small group (we had five but the room could easily host ten), which is good to know during a pandemic. Just you and your bubble!! The menu is still clever and small, which means they're focused on each dish. Recently, I had the squid ink pasta with seafood (just okay although very interesting -- perhaps worth a try if you haven't) and the artichoke pasta with added shrimp (very nice and plentiful -- I took half home!) Everybody seemed to love the jambalaya. They also have lobster rolls -- one with avocado and sriracha. I didn't try them but might next time. Great wine and beer selection for such a cozy bar. They have botanical cocktails -- tasty and pretty (but pricy at $16?). The bar drinks were uneven. Two old fashioneds that weren't even in the same neighborhood -- I have no idea what happened!! Also, the first was $14 and the second $16. The bartenders are learning on the job, it seems. I guess that's how it is during the covid. Great location, too. Just a block from the Harvard MBTA but on a side street so if you're outside, everything feels light and fresh. There won't be any cars idling by your clam chowder. And if you're inside, lucky you!! read more

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Came here due to the convenient location to meet a friend near Harvard. we got the spicy lobster roll, jambalaya, chowder fries to share and a botanical infused tequila cocktail. The lobster roll was good and had a good amount of meat. The chowder fries were soggy with clam chowder (In a good way) and the drink was strong which I liked! The only thing that was subpar was the jambalaya which had a hair in it and it was really dry (almost like it was baked or broiled). read more

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I came to Red House toward the end of winter because I had seen pictures of the cozy atmosphere and I needed to try it. The staff was super friendly and the atmosphere really was great. A couple complaints.. You definitely can tell it's at Harvard. There were a bunch of students there and a girl who worked there was visiting and she seemed fairly drunk. We were sitting next to the fireplace and she came over and grabbed the remote to turn the fire place on right after we had asked our waitress if we could turn it off. She was being very loud and it was not that kind of vibe. Although the food was good it did not taste fresh. Some pieces of my pasta were stuck together and the lobster did not taste fresh. I would definitely recommend the Red House for drinks though! read more

Red House - Lobster Pasta - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Came for the oysters, left with some shuck pieces. Price is unbeatable during HH with your first dozen being only $6. The oysters themselves are standard, some great juicy ones and others not so much. Horseradish sauce is not strong at all which was a bummer. Biggest bummer was the amount of shuck pieces on each oyster. Would have to pick them out with my finger before slurping or off of my younger post slurp. Because of that, some of the oysters tasted kind of dirty. Shrimp cocktail is also 6 for $5 during HH. It was good, shrimp was fresh and clean, and the size of the shrimp weren't bad. Even in the winter, the patio is covered so it was nice to sit out there. The plus is that they also have patio blankets for you to use! Although unsure how often they clean them, but still a great touch! read more

Red House - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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The oysters were great. I ordered swordfish and it was good. The flight of margaritas was unique and delicious. My husband had the ceviche and really liked it too. This restaurant has character and good service. We recommend! read more

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A nice little restaurant in a historical house in Harvard Sq. with indoor/outdoor dinning. Staff was very nice. I ordered the classic lobstah roll...don't waste your $30! There was literally about two tablespoons at most in this roll!! It was very bland and had not lobster taste at all! Very disappointing! However, the burger my friend got was delicious, and a goo thick burger with caramelized onions etc, came with fries and pickle. My side salad was a a good size and fresh. The coffee was delish in a French press though there are no free refills. It was a nice dinner atmosphere though even with the disappointing lobster roll. Other dishes I observed there was a huge plate of roasted Brussel sprouts and a generous bowl of side of fries. It's ala in all, rather over priced for the servings of entrees received. read more

Red House - Two tablespoons of lobster - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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My partner and I went here for Saturday date night. The ambience is very romantic. Seating outside is possible during the colder nights thanks to the space heaters. Service was excellent. The food was even better. We started with the delicious calamari, which was super crispy. The calamari came with a special sauce and French fries (a pleasant surprise). However, the star of the those show was the crispy, flakey fish and chips. These were the BEST fish and chips that we ever had. read more

Red House - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Summary: Atmosphere - 5/5 Neighborhood - 4/5 Food - 5/5 Drinks - 4/5 Inclusivity - 4/5 Experience - 5/5 The Story: This is such a cozy escape from an otherwise bustling part of Cambridge. My boyfriend and I had a reservation and were able to sit at one of the last outdoor tables available. They have several outdoor tables to accommodate for couples or small groups, but given the location there isn't much opportunity to have things spread out. We still felt welcome, comfortable, and safe the whole time! I very much enjoyed the Crab Cream Linguini while my boyfriend had the Seafood Pasta. Big note about this place is the portions are perfect and the food clearly has quality. Our hostess and waitress were both so kind and attentive, and made our date feel special. Can't wait to try again! read more

Red House - Crab Cream Linguini + Seafood Pasta - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

$1 oysters. Basically all the goddamn time. If that line above doesn't sell you on this place, then nothing will. Also, why are you in New England if not for dollar oysters? Red House is adorable. It literally feels like someone's house that you accidentally walked into, but you know it isn't, because if you accidentally walked into someone's house in the Harvard area, they'd have their butler shoot you. But instead of getting shot, you get friendly treatment from the servers and dollar goddamn oysters. The rest of the food is...not dollar oysters. Also, kind of meh. I mean not bad, but, I mean. Oysters. read more

Food was delicious!! I've been there three times and I've only been in Cambridge for a week! Lenin was a fantastic waiter and made me feel very welcomed. The restaurant is taking great precautions due to Covid and it doesn't impede the experience at all - in fact - seeing their level of cleanliness and attention to detail makes the dining experience feel especially safe! Go in, say hi to Lenin, and try their fish and chips! Perfectly crispy and melty all at the same time! 5++ star read more

Red House - Outdoor dining is quaint and safe! - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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My wife and I were visiting Harvard square and happened upon this place in a wider spaced alley.. casual atmosphere ...outdoor seating at oversized wooden barrels... very cool vibe. The food ...we ordered a variety of skewers , lamb, chicken, swordfish and octopus... all pretty darn good. And the price was more than reasonable. The only way I could see this being rated at 3 stars is people trying to steer people away from diamond in the rough. Service was fine. read more

This review is only based off of the happy hour oysters. I personally love fresh oysters but as a student, eating $3 dollar oysters is a luxury I am not willing to afford, yet! Thankfully, the Red House has the best oyster deal you will get in Boston! Their happy hour special allows you to get fresh oysters for 50cents each. The quality of the oysters is not the most consistent but I have never had a bad one. The maximum you can order is 12 per person and I love to have them with their selection of wine. Don't forget to ask for tabasco! Also, I love going to the Red House on nice days because of their outside seating! 5 Stars is due to their amazing oyster deal and I have never had a bad experience with them! read more

Red House - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Stopped by here for lunch on the weekend and everyone enjoyed their meals. I got their chicken club sandwich which to my surprise came with no bread, just a smaller portion of the chicken with bacon and sauce drizzled on the side. This made the dish less heavy but it still packed a lot of flavor. Never had a chicken club sandwich like this before. On the side it comes with potato salad which was amazing!! Nice mustard flavor to it. To drink I got the lavender collins cocktail ($10) - worth it! Delicious and made strong. Great for a day buzz haha. Others in my group got the crab cakes and watermelon salad. Loved the atmosphere here, the restaurant being what looked like an old historic house. Lunch for 4 with drinks was $92 + tip. Definitely worth checking out for lunch if in the area. read more

Red House - Watermelon salad - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Raw oysters, crab and clams were great. Thanks you for everything too. Thanks you, Dr. Jacqueline Sacco, MD PhD read more

What a darling place! The patio is dreamy and the inside stylish and sweet. The food was great, we enjoyed a large seafood tower and it was fresh and delish. We also had the rose sangria and it was so refreshing on this beautiful day! Highly recommend for anyone! read more

Red House - Rose sangria with large lobster tower - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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This place really exceeded my expectations. First of all, the restaurant itself is so cute. It has a very cozy atmosphere and quaint decor and we even noticed that the music they played was very enjoyable. The service is excellent as well. They were somewhat busy but the waitress came over often to check in and was very helpful. I had the yuzu ginger cocktail and the lobster roll. The cocktail was interesting--I personally didn't love the foam on top, but everyone I was with did like it, it just wasn't for me. Otherwise the cocktail was great and was aesthetically pleasing too. The lobster roll was so good--it was stuffed with plenty of fresh lobster and the radish sprouts on top paired nicely. I also tasted the fish and chips and was impressed with it as well. read more

What a cute place! Great service, good music, delicious food and drinks! I found this place through a google search because I was looking for oysters. They have a great deal on oysters. I had the duck wings which were so good! read more

Red House - Oysters - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

You had me at 2 for 1 oysters! Cute outdoor patio perfect for wine, oysters, and people watching. The outdoor seating sells itself but the deal on oysters makes it an great go to spot in Cambridge! read more

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Good food, good location. Wait staff was pleasant and the drinks were good. Sat inside one evening and outside the next. Will be back.

This was a great restaurant to go to with good food and service. Only thing I would say is I think the portions could be bigger, so if you normally don't order an appetizer, you should go for it here! read more

Red House - Pork tacos - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We went here for happy hour and sat in the patio. We enjoyed some oysters, shrimp cocktail, wine, and baked goat cheese. The seafood was fresh and cheap, and the goat cheese was hot and delicious. The patio was lovely and our server was friendly. Overall, a good place to grab a drink and a light bite! It's in a great area too! read more