Two bars and outdoor dining. Cool vibe. Dark and moody. Upscale but not over the top. Espresso martini- like a coffee coolada from Dunkin Blackberry smash- good but very tart Manhattan- good and basic. Pepperoni pizza- very good flavor. Thin crust and crispy. read more

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My local friends told me this is a popular place. Their location is great - right next to the Harvard Square so lots of tourists come here. Service was very nice and our orders came very quickly. Food was okay. It's a quick eat type of place. We had some sandwiches, salads, and a hamburger. Fries were pretty good. They have some photos of old pubs on the wall and the ambiance is reminicent of the old time eateries. We came on a Sunday and it's pretty crowded. I imagine if you come when there are fewer people you might feel the tavern atmosphere more. read more

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As a Harvard alum, a trip to Cambridge includes a mandatory stop at the Russell House off Harvard Square. Russell features some great raw bar and seafood offerings as appy's and one cannot go wrong with the oysters, little necks, chilled lobster tail, or salmon and tuna tartare. As Colorado residents we have come to learn that oysters on the Front Range means something from a bull so we jumped at the opportunity to graze through Russell's Crimson Platter which includes oysters, clams, and shrimp. That was so filling that we each opted for the wedge which is an ample serving of romaine accompanied by a generous helping of crispy bacon and a perfect amount of blue cheese. It was a hot Boston afternoon of reminiscing the hallowed grounds of the alma mater so we each had a couple cocktails - Hendrick's extra dry Gibsons up and Casaamigos Ranch Waters that were exceptionally well prepared and took the heat out of the day. Russell's has a classic 19th Century feel and is a must stop if one is spending time at Harvard Square. read more

Wanted to have a beer after the Harvard Tour and this joint was close so stopped in! Inside.. it's fancy and dark with lots of wood accents. Sat at front bar and noticed they had Hill Farmstead on draft. Now this was the first time I've ever seen it on draft and also $15 but well worth it! Pretty slow but on the way out went downstairs and they have another huge upscale bar that looked like a steak house. Rolled out and took a walk around town before dinner. Drinks & Diversions they said. Talk later. read more

I thought this was a more casual place but on the inside it's a lot more fancy. We got the polenta fries which only had 6 small pieces and the dip was nothing special. The drinks were good and typical Boston pricing. I got the burger and for $19 the patty was really small and it had no flavor and the bun was stale. The service was good but I wouldn't go especially given their prices. read more

My husband and I spent some time walking around Harvard while in town recently, and stopped here for a late lunch! First, we shared some oysters (yum!) and mussels. The mussels were delicious and were served with fries and an aioli, which was such a unique preparation in my experience! They were delicious. Then, for lunch, I opted for the fish and chips. Be warned, the portions are huge! The fish was delicious and the tartar sauce seemed made in house and fresh. Overall, it was a good lunch and I'm glad we stopped at this fun spot! read more

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Food is okay and is a bit on the pricier side. The ambiance is nice and a bit more upscale. There are multiple floors in this restaurant and you should reserve if you're booking for a large group. I've been here a few times and usually it's just because it's conveniently located next to campus. read more

Russell House Tavern - pasta - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Came for drinks before we caught the train. Ordered a beer and cider $10 each. Bartender / service was ok. read more

Russell House Tavern - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I had the house burger and fries. The burger was pretty decent, while the fries were pretty good: they Everett a good balance of moistness on the inside with still a good crisp plot the outside.The burger patty was relatively moist and flavorful for medium well. My friend got the salmon and seemed to enjoy it. Their chocolate brownie with ice cream is decadent. I felt guilty eating it because it was so rich, but yet relatively light for a brownie. Our server was polite and attentive. There is a relatively wide diversity of seating, varying from al fresco to the bar and surround tables, to the ample booth and table settings in the basement. The layout can be a little confusing as there are multiple host stations--seemingly one for each seating area--and they seemed a bit understaffed for lunchtime. Everyone sort of kept to their roles: The atmosphere inside is on the darker side, but that probably makes sense for the feel of a tavern. I would go back again. If you are looking for something easy with traditional American comfort fare in the maze of overpriced options of Harvard Square that won't break the bank, give them a chance. read more

Well I never!... My girlfriend and I came out to Russell House Tavern for a simple Dine Out Boston dinner. Oh boy did they deliver. It all began with the hosts seating me at the perfect table while I wait for my gf to show up... typical. The server Aj immediately understood the assignment and got me a superbly crafted cocktail. The cucumber something or other, was super refreshing, it was exactly what I needed on that hot day. The prefix menu was fantastic! When my gf finally arrive, we had. EACH. MENU. ITEM. They were all beautifully paired with a unique selection of wine. Management made sure to stop by and check on us, which made me feel like a real VIP. By the end of the meal we were stuffed and completely satisfied. Kudos to the entire staff! I will be back. With or without my super model gf (who is notoriously late). read more

Date night at Russell House Tavern @russellhousetav in Cambridge This spot is seriously underrated -- the vibes were a 10/10 across the board. Cozy, romantic, and right in the heart of Harvard Square. Overall, I'd give the food a 9/10. The pasta was a bit chewy, but honestly I still appreciated the homemade quality and flavor. Everything else was spot-on and so delicious. If you go, you have to try: The tuna appetizer The half-roasted chicken Their homemade bucatini pasta And definitely end the night with their chocolatey brownie dessert Such a warm, delicious night out -- can't wait to go back! read more

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Cute little tavern right next to Harvard. We stopped in here for some lunch and it got packed very quickly! Luckily, our server was very attentive. I was excited for the grilled cheese but it was alright. If I ever visit again I'd definitely try something else out. read more

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We happened to go to Russell House Tavern during Dine Out Boston (aka Restaurant Week). I'm normally a bit suspicious of prix fixe menus, but I was taken with Russell House Tavern's because none of their prix fixe items were on the menu, and they looked delicious. The prix fixe menu was $46 for an appetizer, entree and dessert. I got the French onion soup (with short rib!), duck cassoulet and the profiteroles. The French onion soup was more substantial than a typical French onion soup which is saying something - cheesy, breast and meaty. I probably could have just eaten the French onion soup. The duck cassoulet and profiteroles were solid, and I particularly enjoyed the duck confit. Wonderful service. read more

Yum! It was a nice place to stop and hang around to chat with friends. The interior is dim and creates a nice vibe with plenty of seating. Since we only stopped to get truffle fries, they sat us by the bar and the bartenders served us there. The fries were tasty and flavorful and fresh. I would definitely go back to try more of their food and drinks. read more

Russell House Tavern - Truffle Fries - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I went to this place because the restaurant manager helped my mom when she was stuck in the elevator going to the 2nd floor. They managed to get her out and gave her information to call CVS headquarters to complain about the elevator. I went back to the restaurant to thank them for helping her. So I went to eat at their restaurant, and I have no regrets about it. I had their Russel burger with fries. Their fries were a little Burnt, but were still delicious. I also asked for a side of tartar sauce, and it was good. My mom had their fish and chips, and she said it was amazing. She didn't leave more food to take home; it was that good. I had to take mine home because I was full. The ambiance was lively and full of energy. Maybe because the World Cup was in town, but it was amazing. In the end, I love this place, and i will be coming back again. I love this place, and I want to thank the manager for helping my mom. You guys are amazing. read more

I'm so conflicted because I've been here so many times and each time is a little different. Unfortunately most of that difference winds up on the "meh" end of the scale. The place flirts with a nice classy vibe but there's something, I don't know, cheap about it. Like the Hollywood studio version of a speakeasy - it was only meant to be used for a couple of scenes and now it's been here for years. And this is really no fault of theirs but when you have a bunch of screaming trust funders sloshing their drinks around, it really washes the class right out. This is maybe more a review of Harvard than this place. The food is also pretty generic and unconscionably expensive. It's the $20 burger effect - if a place has a $20 burger on your menu, it has forgotten how food works. It has become a social experiment. One thing I will say is the staff is very attentive and nice - promotes this from a bad place to a meh place - kind of inoffensive. Again - maybe that's kind of a review of Harvard Sq, generally. read more

Amazing ambiance and excellent service. Both bars have a warm comfortable feeling. The menu offers a wide selection and all the dishes are unique. The Mussels appetizer was out of this world good and large enough to be a meal for only $15.00. Great location in Harvard Square this place is a must. read more

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Checked this place out on a brief trip to Boston. This casual and pleasant tavern near Harvard is a great option for a hearty late lunch or anytime . I thought both my burger and the service was excellent . I heard good things about my friends cup and char pepperoni pizza as well. There is good value here as well, for the quality of food and historic location. read more

Russell House Tavern - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Your food has gone downhill. We ate there recently and nothing was fresh and we had to ask several times for water, silverware, drinks, then the check. And you should be ashamed of your picture on the front page of your site. Cruel read more

My granddaughter said her fish and chips were the best this side of the pond! I had the smoked salmon avocado toast. There was lots of salmon but very little avocado. My Smoke Show cocktail made up for any lack of avocado! I appreciated being able to glance over to the bar's wide screen tv to see the Final Four MarchMadness game. Our server was helpful, professional and fun. read more

Russell House Tavern - Smoke Show cocktail - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We came back to Russell House and this time absolutely loved everything we got! The Golden Orchard Smash is a lovely cocktail, and the Morning Glory Fizz is a very interesting take on a whiskey sour. The Brussel House pizza remains one of our favorites, but the short rib entree also blew our minds. So tender, and the horseradish and parsnip take it to the next level! But maybe the best thing of the night was the HUGE portion of truffle fries covered in parmesan. We couldn't stop eating them by the handful and still had plenty to take home with us. Sit downstairs away from the TV if you can, it's a little quieter, easier to have a conversation with your date or chat with the friendly staff. read more

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Food is meh! Super oily, drinks are okay. I like the ambience! Service is super fast!

Bad experience - worst service I have had at a restaurant in a very long time. It took over 15 minutes just to get our drinks then we had to ask to put our food in & ask for the check after 20 minutes of waiting after we finished eating. They never cleared any plates/utensils/cups during the entire meal so the table was just a mess. The food was meh - we got the BLT, burger and chicken sandwich and they all fell apart upon picking them up because the bottom bun was so soggy. Definitely will not be coming back. read more

The water taste like chemicals tomato soup was super salty my mom liked her polenta fries and the salmon with a wegde salad the drinks ice tea is good same with the lemonade read more

Russell House Tavern - Tomato soup - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We ordered the mussels appetizer. We have never seen mussels served with french fries on top and a cheese sauce on that. It was just weird. All the food was fried in old oil. The fries on all four dishes were not good. The fried green tomato BLT was not good. One piece of bacon. Old oil on the tomato. The fish on the fish and chips was OK. The fries were poor. The spicy fried chicken sandwich was not spicy, but had a banh mi-style preparation. It tasted weird. The coffee tasted at least a day old and was neither hot nor good at all. I liked the atmosphere and the service was fine. But boy, the food was not. It's about 5 hours later as I write this and lunch still hasn't settled well. Too bad - this looked like a good place. read more

Today I finally visited Harvard University. Although I couldn't study here, it was still nice to walk around and see the campus. On the way, I stopped by this restaurant and ordered a salad, oysters, and clams. The oysters and clams were fresh, but for some reason, this is already my third day in Boston and they seem to be getting smaller and smaller each time. Still tasty, but a bit too small. On the other hand, the salad was excellent -- fresh, flavorful, and well-balanced. Overall, I would give this place 4 stars. 今日終於去咗哈佛大學，雖然冇辦法喺呢間大學讀書，但係可以喺外面參觀都已經好開心。去大學途中，經過呢間餐廳，入去食咗一個沙律、生蠔同蜆。生蠔同蜆都算新鮮，不過唔知點解，已經係我喺波士頓第三日，愈食愈覺得佢哋越嚟越細隻，味道唔差，但係真係太細。反而佢哋嘅沙律非常好食，新鮮又夠味，配搭得好好。整體嚟講，我會比四星。 read more

Russell House Tavern - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Very limited experience- just grabbed some drinks outside to recharge. Great service, nice outdoor seating and good sidewalk people watching near Harvard. read more

Russell House Tavern - Pub with outdoor seating - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Consistently great dining and service in Harvard Sq. Recently came with two friends and shared some appetizers and all were great. We got the cheese & charcuterie platter, calamari, brussels sprouts, and green leaf salad. As always the service was great and the atmosphere relaxing. read more

Went here on a warm June afternoon for lunch with 3 co-workers. It's a reliable find in the heart of Harvard Square. We chose outdoor seating which was mixed as we were at the last table on the patio, on the other side of open gates to garbage bins. Unsightly but at least they didn't smell. Someone closed the gates halfway through our meal which improved things greatly. Wish I'd thought of it. Also there is a slatted covering which allows bright sun in, not entirely welcome on a hot day. After several requests the staff were able to partially close the slats which, again, helped. With that out of the way... the rest of our experience was great. The greeter and waitstaff were courteous and helpful. Between us we had the salmon lunch platter, the bacon cheeseburger and the chicken sandwich. My companions were very happy with the salmon and chicken sandwich. My burger was fine, but well done when I'd ask for it to be medium rare. The accompanying fries were tasty but a little too crispy for my taste. The ambience is lively and pleasant. I've been a few time before and the food is solid. I'd go back. P.S. Parking is a challenge in Harvard Square, I understand the restaurant validates at the nearby Harvard Square Parking Garage. $2 off isn't a lot, but it's something. read more

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Their lamplight beer is utter perfection. We had a very kind server, Aaron, on our second day of frequenting this establishment and honestly had the time of our lives. Their playlists are amazing and I'm sure I annoyed everybody around us by singing to every song but that's how good it was. They will be continuing to get my business forever and ever and ever so long as I shall live :) read more

The food was delicious and moderately priced. The service was prompt. Location was a convenient location from our hotel.

Nice atmosphere and service! Sat inside but outside seating was available. Good variety and wonderful food! Large portions. If you are near Harvard, highly recommend. read more

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Came here for Saturday brunch with colleagues and former college professor. The food here is delicious and they have wide selections of cocktails. Service was prompt and on point. Definitely a place to go for brunch read more

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Overall 2/5. My friend and I were very excited to try out this more upscale restaurant. We went for the oyster special. First of all I'm surprised I'm not sick from their oysters. The most disgusting seafood I've ever had it tasted like it had been left out for ages. On top of that the service was disappointing all of the staff was rude and dismissive. So many restaurants to go to in Cambridge. Avoid this establishment. read more

Love the downstairs bar. Had the best waiter. Food was great. Loved the beet salad and clams.

All of it! A must try if you are in the area. We stopped for an impromptu lunch during a recent trip to Boston. We ordered the Brussel Sprouts, squash soup and two salads. My Little Leaf salad was actually much larger than I anticipated. Very simple array of Bibb greens, marinated tiny little onions, and radish. The dressing was a very light perfect white balsamic. My soup was probably the best squash soup I have ever had! It was topped with a dollop of sour cream, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. What a combination!! Perfect! Michelin grade in my opinion! Keep up the great work Chef! read more

Russell House Tavern - Brussel Sprouts Appetizer - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Perfect for dinner in Harvard Square! Really good Bavette Steak Frites-- I ordered them Medium well and they were cooked perfectly! Truffle sauce for the fries was really good as well. My friend enjoyed her Blackened salmon with grits. Price to portion ratio was exceptional here, 8oz for a quality piece of steak for only $29. Service was solid as well. I will be back soon! read more

Russell House Tavern - 8 Oz Bavette Steak Frites - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Food and drinks/wine were great. LOUD! LOUD! LOUD! inside!!!! Did I mention it was REALLY L.O.U.D. inside???!!!' CRAZY - can't hear the people at your table - LOUD!!! read more

We had lunch on their streetside patio. The service here was outstanding. We started with crispy polenta fries as an appetizer. This was by far and away the high point of the meal. They managed to get the polenta crispy and golden on the outside, but still soft and warm on the inside. And the Calabrian chili aioli dipping sauce deserves to be patented it was that good. For entrees we had a caramelized cauliflower melt sandwich and a roasted beet salad . The cauliflower itself was good, but the cheese and the pumpkin seed pesto really brought out the flavor with this sandwich. It was served with a half salad and half order of shoestring sweet potatoes (the best of both worlds). The beet salad (to which we added grilled chicken) was just okay. Typically with a beet salad like this, you get a variety of beets -- red, golden, maybe some heirloom. Here it was just red beets, which didn't seem all that roasted (they were undercooked and I'm not convinced roasting was the method used). The salad greens were as you would expect and the citrus honey vinaigrette dressing with whipped feta was tasty. So a mixed bag, especially since it seems a little pricey, even for Harvard Square. read more

Russell House Tavern - Caramelized cauliflower melt sandwich (back) and beet salad with chicken (front) - New American Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Been away from Harvard Square for several years, so couldn't funded any of my old haunts. Needed food and wanted above the average. This is a high quality moderately priced American menu. Tavern-style subdued lighting in the heart of the square. Enjoyed a phenomenal beet salad w/hazelnuts, and Mandarin slices, amazing cocktails (Pom & Circumstances and Queen's Knees) excellent Riesling; exceptionally decadent chocolate Browne with home made craft ice creams. Staff were all friendly, professional, and helpful. It is remark-worthy that the food was served quite rapidly after ordered. I was almost shocked. This is the go to site for a quick, delicious, affordable. unfussy American meal. read more

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