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    Russell House Tavern

    3.8 (2.3k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    RUSSELL HOUSE TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Susan S.

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

    Menu
    Sydney S.

    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.

    Maria M.

    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!

    Truffle Fries
    Helen V.

    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.

    Menu

    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.

    Old refrigerator, historic
    Joe G.

    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.

    Nella D.

    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.

    Smoke Show cocktail
    Carol L.

    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.

    Lydia L.

    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.

    Eric L.

    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。

    Pub with outdoor seating
    Tom M.

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

    Bacon Cheesburger
    Carol L.

    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.

    Eye of the storm
    Rudy M.

    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

    Brussel Sprouts Appetizer

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    2 months ago

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

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    1 year ago

    Lunch on a cloudy cool afternoon. Raw clams, oysters. Nice service easy to breeze in and out of.

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    Russell House Tavern Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Russell House Tavern

    When are the hours for $1 oysters?

    Hello Esther! Dollar oysters are offered daily as a late night special! Sunday-Wednesday dollar… Read more

    Is this a good place to start off a bachelorette party for dinner?

    It depends on how many people are in the bachelorette party. It's a big enough space, but very dim light, but depending on how you're starting it off it is a casual and upscale place mixed (if that makes sense). But I also don't know if they have a… Read more

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    4.5
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    I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Lehrhaus. The menu is on the smaller side but with a good…read morerange of fun and interesting, Jewish-inspired options that skew vegetarian (I.e. a beet Reuben and an eggplant dish that is a play on chopped liver). The Reuben was perfectly grilled and rich in flavor and the fries were lightly crispy and well seasoned. The cocktails were fantastic with a good array of flavor profiles. Service was great, as well, and we were well attended to throughout. While it's not necessarily fine dining, I would definitely recommend as an excellent option for drinks or a casual meal with family or friends!

    I was a little skeptical because the menu is pescatarian - but I absolutely loved everything about…read moreLehrhaus. The food was prepared with love and prices felt fair for the quality we received. The cocktails is where the place shines - all fantastic, perfectly balanced and delicious. Service was warm and inviting. Our bartender did a great job of walking us through the menu, and had a delightful personality that genuinely added to our experience. The front area feels closer to a coffee house or bookstore than a bar - which made it very cozy. I'd be interested in coming back for classes and workshops. While I do crave real chopped liver in lieu of eggplant or pastrami for beets - I honestly didn't feel like I was missing anything. Oh, and that dessert! Chocolate pave was so dang good.

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    Tall Order

    Tall Order

    4.7
    (26 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Four of us went to Tall Order around 7 pm on a Saturday for drinks and apps, and it was exactly…read morewhat we were hoping for. The vibe is cozy and welcoming--no-frills décor, but thoughtfully laid out with a nice mix of low tables, high tops, and a long, inviting bar. It was fairly empty at first but became more lively as people trickled in. The staff really stood out, especially our server Sarah, who was warm, knowledgeable, and took the time to walk us through both the food and cocktail options without rushing us. As an extra touch, Chef Steve came out to our table to chat and describe a few of the dishes, which made the experience feel personal. Food highlights: * Firecracker tofu - perfectly fried cubes tossed in a hot-sweet Korean-style sauce; addictive. * Grilled broccoli - smoky, well-seasoned * Butternut squash soup - smooth and flavorful, elevated by roasted, ground squash seeds and a subtle curry note. * Polenta with short ribs - rich and balanced. * Smoked bluefish pâté - excellent texture though a little salty for my taste. Drinks: * Also Fancy - bright and fruity, but not overly sweet. * St. Peter's Bay - think mezcal meets Old Fashioned. * Bonus points: I asked for a custom gin gimlet, and the bartender delivered a fresh, mint-forward version that was amazing. Tall Order is a great neighborhood spot that's doing everything right. We'll absolutely be back.

    Tall Order has a great bar with creative, unique, and delicious cocktails. If you're looking to try…read moresomething different, their drink menu is definitely worth exploring. The food menu is relatively small, but it offers unique options that stand out from what you'll find at many other restaurants. It's a great spot to visit with coworkers after work or to meet up with a group of friends. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making it an enjoyable place to relax and socialize. The staff was friendly and provided excellent service throughout our visit.

    Photos
    Inside of Tall Order from our table. By 11pm on a Friday night it was still buzzing though not packed to the brim
    Inside of Tall Order from our table. By 11pm on a Friday night it was still buzzing though not packed to the brim
    Firecracker Tofu
    Firecracker Tofu
    Outside of Tall Order on Beacon St

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    Outside of Tall Order on Beacon St
    backbar

    backbar

    4.4
    (458 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    As per usual 10/10 Greeted in door way…read more Clean well stocked bathrooms Welcoming to everyone 80s 90s 2000s knowledgeable stylish Mushroom app and burger were nice treats to add to the awesome studio ghibli themed menu from the BB guide so clever top notch cocktails Cocktails Drinks Music and kikis delivery service on the projector good vibes

    I am a lover of everything studio ghibli so when I saw Backbar was doing essentially a month of…read moredrinks based on the movies I knew I had to go! The bar is really funky fun which I loved. There is literally fun everywhere you look from the panda stuffed animal riding a tiger on the wall to the hilarious shrek pillow. Coming right when they open I was able to see these things that you would likely not see in the evening. But to be fair I came right when they opened since it is first come first serve. A majority of the drinks were more on the savory side which was very interesting like "may all your bacon burn" with bacon bites at the top of the drink. The drinks my friend had were all stunning with the use of egg yolk to elevate the drink. We ended the evening by walking over to Bow Market and trying Viet Citron which was so DANG GOOD my gosh. The to go orders were insane but looks like they are doing very well despite recently opening in. I got the grilled lemongrass pork ribs bowl and youtiao and the side sauce was so good. The ribs were all very meaty. It looks small but I was surprised how full I was after having it. Nice night of drinks and food. What we got Kiki's marmalade buns Castle in the sky Milk Punch May All your bacon burn

    Photos
    backbar
    backbar
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    Inside
    Nook

    Nook

    4.6
    (28 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    both of my drinks were delicious!! super creative menu, especially the elly the elephant drink (my…read morefav). both were pretty light drinks if that's your vibe! wish they had more food options but great spot for a quick drink. service is good!

    My friend found this spot online and suggested we check it out, and I'm so glad we did. When we…read morearrived, I did not expect to find an entire courtyard filled with shops and restaurants tucked behind this little alleyway. It was such a cute hidden area, and I was already excited before we even got to the place. We headed upstairs into the bar, and the vibe was perfect. It's small, cozy, dimly lit, with vibey music playing. Since it was our first time, we were a little confused at first, but the waiter was super kind and walked us through everything. I ordered the Elly the Elephant and my friend got the Laughing Gull, and we both really enjoyed our drinks. One thing I thought was really nice is that they allow you to grab food from the surrounding restaurants and bring it in to eat there. We didn't end up doing that, but we did get the charcuterie board they had. It came with cheeses, crackers, and some fruit, and you can add meats for $10, which we opted out for. I will say I was a little disappointed by the fruit portion. The menu mentioned fresh fruit, so I expected more than three thin orange slices and one sliced strawberry. HOWEVER, when I asked for more strawberries, our waiter kindly brought out a whole bowl for me, which I really appreciated. We stayed for about two hours, and as the night went on the place definitely got more crowded, so we headed out. Overall, this is such a cute and cozy cocktail bar. I'll definitely be back when the weather is warmer to try the other drinks and restaurants in the market.

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    Nook
    Smokey delight
    Smokey delight
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    Inside
    Darling

    Darling

    4.4
    (61 reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    Excellent all around in terms of food, drink, service and ambience…read more - Concise food menu but each dish tasted amazing. Sizes are more tapas size but still felt very full - would recommend maybe 3-4 for a couple. I really liked the Suan La Show Chow and Bang Bang Gai. - Extensive drink menu. Best cocktail I've had in Boston. I highly recommend The Common stripe. - Interior was very chic and elevated. A bit pricey but a great experience. Definitely worth coming back to try the rest of the menu and the drinks.

    As someone who grew up eating Hong Kong cuisine, Darling thoroughly impressed me. We had to book a…read morefew weeks in advance for a party of 4 Food 5/5: we got almost the entire menu, with standouts being bang bang gai (crispiest and most flavorful chicken bites), filet o fish bao (trust me on this one- perfect textural contrast and beautifully fried fish), and sago pudding (coconut bombs in a tapioca "pudding"). honorable mention to the comforting soy sauce noodles and fried enoki bao (so crispy!). Drinks 5/5: every single drink my friends got was a delight Ambience/Service 4.5/5: 15min delay on seating beyond our reservation for 4 (def rec a resy but can sit at the bar if lucky), attentive and prompt service otherwise, great spot for an intimate date night, music at the perfect volume Price 4/5: incredible quality food, but the price tag felt a little steep; expect $70/person on food alone Parking: a few metered spots nearby, but very accessible via red line MBTA Can't wait to be back.

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    Darling
    Jumbo shrimp
    Jumbo shrimp
    Five Amaro Julep - ok, taste like a regular tiki drink.

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    Five Amaro Julep - ok, taste like a regular tiki drink.
    Wusong Road

    Wusong Road

    4.2
    (454 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Frank helped us out on our first visit. He's the mug wizard. Since then, numerous employees have…read morehelped us. All friendly and welcoming. This is the best tiki bar in Boston/Cambridge area. Probably in the state if I think about it. Legit cocktails. Very, very good food. Veg options. Creative and affordable mugs. An adjacent parking structure (the only one in Harvard Square). The place is unicorn material. I've been here maybe four times over several years. Shame on me for finishing this cumulative review now. The good news is every visit was solid. I've been here as a small and also large party. Sat at both the bar and table. Had reservations and also walked in. Visited in the summer and also winter. Weekends are tough to get in without a resy. It's tiny. And its Cambridge. Weekdays you'll be fine but reserve anyway. It's free. From bar to tables to booths, you're covered with seating. Can they serve a table for ten? Maybe but I wouldn't be that person. Check ahead of time. Drinks are strong. Sometimes sweet but mostly balanced. Food is yummy. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked on the menu. Serving dishes and bowls are fun too: skulls/shells/etc. Enjoy this hidden secret. And don't steal the mugs. Buy them--they're so reasonable.

    The whole experience was amazing. We sat at the bar and had a couple of drinks each. Every tiki…read morecocktail we ordered was fantastic and we had the pupu platter. Generally pupu platters are average but a good way to get a taste of all the apps. When we tried Wusong's pupu platter, it was amazing! Some of the best Chinese flavors I've ever had. We sat at the bar and watching the bartender Brian work was definitely an experience and entertainment all by itself. We can't wait to go back!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Baos (crispy queso chichuahua & katsu chicken)
    Baos (crispy queso chichuahua & katsu chicken)
    Bao - Cha Siu Pork Belly

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    Bao - Cha Siu Pork Belly

    Russell House Tavern - newamerican - Updated June 2026

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