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

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

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

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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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'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

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

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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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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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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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

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

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

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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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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If you like being neglected and ignored whilst eating out, come to this place. Unfortunately, the service was lacking and the server gave the vibe of not wanting to be there the night that we dined at this resto. No water refills until almost the end of our meal and this was in top of us trying to call our server's attention. Seating was close together if you're seated against the wall to the point that we could clearly hear the conversation going on to the right and left of us. I provided feedback to the manager, Jordan, and while she was apologetic, the entire experience was already a complete letdown. Never going back. read more

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

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

Hits all the right notes for dinner with family or date night. Especially great for sharing meals - ordering a pizza between two people creates a perfect opportunity to bond over food together. The staff showed impressive intuition when we ordered a Brussel House Pizza and Chicken Caesar Salad. Without us even mentioning it, they split the salad into two separate bowls and positioned the pizza between us, recognizing our sharing intentions before we said a word! The ambiance varies nicely depending on your needs - upstairs shares space with the bar and accommodates larger group tables, while downstairs provides the more intimate setting you want for date night. read more

Russell House Tavern - Brussel House Pizza - 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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I came in Monday for dinner with my mom, who was in town a few days from California. We had an incredible time. Jayde, our server, was incredibly knowledgeable and hospitable. We started with a Cesear salad and a cold lobster tail, which paired perfectly with the Sablet Jayde recommended. Our main course, the Bolognese and the Mushroom Stroganoff-- a subtle re-imagining that was light on cream and completely vegetarian-- was delicious. Worth a visit if you're in Harvard Sq. read more

This was a great place to eat late night, on a whim in Hvard Sq. What was awesome was that I actually went way downstairs to use the restroom and the place was PACKED. We were seated outside & I figured that was it. Just noting that it seems like a super hot spot. Food was basic pub food, but good! read more

5 stars! The service was great and the food was superb. Our waitress was very welcoming! This has become one of my favorite brunch spots! We started off with mimosas. For our entrees, we ordered the "Tavern Breakfast" and we subbed the English muffin for a biscuit. Tavern Breakfast was very delicious and filling. Will definitely be back to order more off their brunch menu. read more

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Very impressed with Russell House Tavern. I stopped in here on my way home to grab a quick bite. I grabbed a seat at the bar and the bartender quickly greeted me and brought over a menu then a glass of wine for me. I ordered some calamari to snack on which was delicious and while I was chatting with someone at the bar started talking about oysters. To my surprise and delight that Thursday dollar oysters had just started (at 10 PM)! I ordered myself half a dozen before making my way home. Adding this to my list of go to places to grab a bite and dollar oysters. This is a great place to come on your own for a quick bite, for a date or to meet a group of friends. Outdoor seating for when it's warm is a plus! read more

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I love old taverns, and this one has a cool vibe, and it is located in the main part of the Square. The service was wonderful, and the cocktails were delicious! I went with the short rib grilled cheese with the 1/2 fries and 1/2 salad. Such a great option!!!! I sat at the bar, and I was not rushed. Would definitely return! read more

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

Huge restaurant and bar with dark downstairs and outdoor seating. The poutine, which they call Harvard Square fries were excellent! Loved the pork shoulder And pasta dishes worked well. Service was slow. People Watching helped the time go by. read more

Our waiter was friendly and helpful. The brussels sprouts were awesome as usual. I would have enjoyed my burger more without pickles so will request that next time. I was glad I could split my sides between excellent fries and a lettuce side salad. Hubby enjoyed his farro quinoa bowl. One of the ladies room stalls was dirty but I couldn't find anyone at the host station to report it to. read more

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In town from out of state and chose Russell House during a nostalgic walk through Harvard Square. Couldn't have been better. Food and wine were excellent, especially salmon, side of mushrooms, and ice cream (strawberry, if you must know). Best part was our server Jacob. Great recommendations, friendly, and made us feel like we were home. We'll be back! read more

The wings! So so good. The cold lobster appetizer was hearty for the price. The outdoor area is cute. It rained so I moved to the bar and the inside is also very cute. I was visiting Harvard Square and glad I stopped in. Service was quick and friendly. read more

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I stopped in here for a beer with my mother a few days ago. The Guinness was great, the bar was very nice, and the bartender was quite welcoming. He even let us try a sample of the pumpkin cider. Cool. read more

Fantastic spot, I come here all of the time and it's great. Just had the price fixed menu for restaurant week and it was so delicious and also such a good deal for the money. I highly recommend! read more

Time to update my review! Finally got the chance to sit in the main room/first floor a couple of times recently! I definitely love it much better! I prefer it over the basement/downstairs. Be sure to request the main room with the host, because it seems the default reservation system put you in the basement (like my previous review suggested). Also, sometimes they may charge a minimum for a large group, depending on the night of the week and other factors. Service is always lovely. All the staff members are always super helpful. Can't give it 5 stars due to consistent poor indoor air ventilation reading from numerous visits. This applies to both the first floor as well as the basement. The CO2 meter read anywhere from 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm. Whenever possible, I always request outdoor seating. I love the fact that they have plenty outdoor seating to choose from during the summer months. In terms of the food, tuna tartare is one of my favorite dishes here. Also highly recommend the brussels sprouts! The chicken wings are also amazing!! Also a pretty solid brunch menu! read more

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