Great seafood without going in to Boston! Yes it does exist! Summer Shack is part of our restaurant rotation since the opened of the Cambridge location. Easy to make reservations, large parking lot right across from the MBTA Red Line at Alewife stop. As you walk in there is a bar area to the left, which is always buzzing, the hostess station to the left. Ahead are the lobster tanks! Fun for the kids to check out. Plenty of booths, tables to choose from, even for large parties, of which we've had several. Our waiter this time was Junior A. and he was super friendly, efficient and professional. We love the cornbread with molasses butter. My husband always orders the onion strings, crisp and lightly breaded with a delish honey mustard dipping sauce. The seafood is always fresh - Every dish we've ordered is nicely plated, hot and yummy. Kudos to the back of the house chef and staff. We love the patio seating in the warmer weather, yes it's next to the parking lot but they decorate nicely and there's always swift service. It you haven't gone before, check them out. It's so nice to have good seafood in the burbs! read more

Really wanted to like this place, but the food was just not good at all. Ordered the crusted yellowtail tuna and it was served RAW. boarder line frozen, my fork couldn't even cut through. i needed to send it back. My partner ordered the mahi mahi and it was okay , barely had flavor. Grilled Calamari, no seasoning. Clam chowder was the best part but even that was simply, okay. Probably wouldn't come back. read more

We love summer shack! Foods are great Service is awesome and family friendly (ambiance) We love to bring our son there Junior A. Was our waitress last night and he is really great! read more

Great, fast service good food, great atmosphere. I wish I had come on Thursday for ayce crab legs read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Corn bread - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Had my mind on snow crab- it's been years since I've ordered it as it's over $60. However, they had an all you can eat Thursday Summer special for just a few dollars more. It came with crab fritters, cornbread and corn on the cob-I subbed some yummy onion strings for the corn. They bring a full serving first and half servings there after. It was fantastic. Service was friendly but a bit slow and not very attentive. I think the server was spread across a few seating areas. Not overly crowded. read more

See all

I really wanted to give this place a higher rating as I'm a seafood lover. However, our crab legs and steamers were not impressive. The legs were too soft and difficult to crack and the steamers were rubbery. This can easily be resolved with a bit of training. Our bartender Jake was super attentive and personable. I would like to go back at some time to see if the food has improved. read more

My fiancée and I were craving some fresh seafood after a day at the beach! We stopped by here because we've driven by the large sign multiple times and figured it was an opportunity to try it out! The restaurant is very large with plenty of parking outside and tables inside. They advertised events on certain days, but they didn't have one the day we went. There was a repeating set of classic songs playing overhead, we probably heard the same few songs 4-5 times during our meal. Just something we noticed, nothing particularly wrong with that. We ordered the fried whole belly clams app and a fried seafood combo entree to share. The fried fish was not very flavorful, just tasted like bland fish. The whole belly clams were great, but not too many large pieces, had more clam strip type pieces. The fried shrimp was good though! Prices are kind of high for what we got, even with the seafood tax. Service was subpar unfortunately which ultimately dropped the rating from a 4 to a 3. Our server was nice, but was not very present. Additionally, the busser attempted to take our plates even when there was evidently food left on it and we had to stop him from taking the plate which was a bit uncomfortable. Then later on in our meal, he asked again if we were done with the oysters this time and we said yes; he attempted to take the plate with the ice and ended up spilling some of the melted ice water on the food we were eating :( we weren't upset at him as it was clearly an accident, but he failed to apologize or offer anything for that mishap. We probably would return here only if we were in a bind looking for a quick seafood option, but otherwise will go elsewhere. read more

See all

Tried two different kinds of raw oyster (well fleet and little sweets). Not something I'd get again but that's preference. It tasted salty like the sea, so if you like oyster you will like these. Lobster Mac and cheese was great. Had enough cheese and lobster. The pasta shells were good, too. Would get again if I'm in town. My drink was the shack lemonade which was tart and refreshing. My fiancé got the burger which was solid. It is a burger at a seafood restaurant so nothing spectacular, but he finished it so good. He enjoyed the cheese and the burger was cooked great. Good music too, and service was fine. read more

Came here tonight on a whim and it was so delicious! Surprised by the just average rating. Tried 4 different types of oysters - they were delicious. Then we got lobster rolls, warm with butter, and they were sooo good. Chips were good too, ha! I would love to come back again soon. read more

I came here for a drag brunch and I absolutely loved it! They have ample parking and service was great. I had their home fries (absolutely delicious and well seasoned) and an espresso martini during the brunch. I honestly was there for the drag show, but the other people are the table had really yummy looking food. read more

See all

Came here at Monday night. Waited more than 30 minutes to order and another 20 mins for my coke. When I asked for my coke, our waitress, Josselin, responded "give me a second okay". She never came back to our table to check nor refill our drinks. I understand the restaurant was busy but wasn't expecting to receive this kind of service or attitude. What a disappointment read more

Crab cakes, corn on the cob, and a key lime pie was all I needed. Five stars........ Okay this review thing is talking down to me I'm not doing this. read more

I started with dessert just to mix things up and Indian pudding was very good We had a combination of the shrimp scampi, the native blue fish and the crab cakes. All were delicious. The service was expedient and friendly. read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Really enjoy dinner at this location this evening. The food was delicious. You must try the griddle cornbread. I don't know how they make it. Please lather on that butter and enjoy it is positively divine service was pretty much on point. She was terrific. The service all around seems to be quite efficient and effective. It has a nice vibe. Good ambience. I definitely recommend you will enjoy everything that you order delicious and fresh. What's missing from the picture? Is the New England clam chowder, which is positively delish!!!. read more

See all

I came here a couple years ago and fell in love with the food; especially the seabass. It was so good that I've been craving it ever since. I recently decided to stop by for lunch while I was in the area; hoping to relive that same great experience. Unfortunately, this visit was disappointing. I walked in and it wasn't busy; but the bartender who greeted me wasn't very warm or friendly. I tried to show him a photo of the dish I previously had and asked for a recommendation; but he seemed irritated. I'm not sure if it's their policy to redirect questions to the hostess; but it felt like I was bothering him. Thankfully, the hostess stepped in and was very kind and helpful in explaining the current menu. She let me know the menu changes often and recommended the seabass again. I wish I could say it hit the same; but unfortunately it was the complete opposite. The seabass this time was honestly inedible; the flavor and texture were off; the plate wasn't even hot and the fish tasted like it had been sitting out. I couldn't even finish it. I ended up wasting $35; which stung considering how much I loved it before. The ambience inside also wasn't my favorite; the dining area felt too dark for me. However, I do like the outdoor seating; it's a nice option when the weather's good. It's always tough when a place you once enjoyed doesn't meet the same standard. I appreciate the helpful hostess and hope this was just an off day in the kitchen; but sadly I don't see myself returning anytime soon. read more

See all

It's been a few years since we had eaten here. This time four of us came for lunch. The place looks the same as it was - informal and comfortable. Perhaps it could do with freshening. As it was lunchtime nobody had alcoholic beverages and stayed with sparkling water. I started with four Wellfleet oysters which were delicious. We ordered a range of dishes: a salmon burger, the crab cake entree, swordfish and a fish and chips. An order of cornbread was shared. All the dishes were good portions and tasty as well. Two of us had coffees (a pity they don't have espresso). The check came to $150 (without the tip). Our server, Carlos, was efficient and attentive. We will be back when we are next in the vicinity. read more

Went to try their new murder mystery dinner package! 3 course menu, themed cocktail menu, and entertainment you get to be involved in. Will definitely be going back read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Murder mystery menu - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Dined at the summer shack upon the suggestion of a colleague. Didn't disappoint. $2 oysters all day, every day - what a deal! They got a loyalty program too, buy 10 dozen get one free by getting your card stamped. They had 6 options when we visited. They were fresh and well shucked. It was a little busy, but there weren't enough servers. The host station was empty when we came in, and we waited for a while before someone came over to seat us. It's a little divey, nice bar area and the fresh tank with shell fish in the middle was kinda cool. Would recommend. read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Oyster menu - March 2025 - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I treated myself to a lobster roll for the main and mussels as a starter. All of it was very very good!! Service was also good but I wish she mentioned the specials before it was too late. We were seated with the bulletin board behind us and my partner would've gotten the halibut if he had known about it. He had the fish & chips which was still good. read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Mussels in garlic broth and raw wellfleet oysters - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Food, lobster roll and clams excellent. Caitlin was attentive and addressed issues re: kitchen with superb finesse! Ambiance is rustic read more

First off overpriced for what it is. There's no arguing that. My brother and I both ordered a bowl of clam chowder ($16ea) and fish and chips. The bowl they served the chowder in was huge however there was like a quarter inch of soup in the bowl. I'd almost bet you get as much if not more in a cup. Felt scammed on that one. Flavor was great, portion was pitiful. 3/5 The fish was basic. Beer battered with a fishy tasting white fish. Tartar sauce saved it. 2/5 Fries were excellent. Fresh oil and crispy. 4/5 Ordered an Arnold Palmer and it tasted like water and lemonade. Didn't even drink it all. 2/5 We were there right after they opened so there wasn't many people there. The place is big inside and I can imagine it gets pretty noisy at dinner time. Bottom line. Basic food with premium prices. Would not return. read more

I love summer shack. They have good food. If you can't decide whether or not to come to summer shack, you should come to summer shack.

We have been going to Summer Shack since they opened, and had wonderful meals there. Our experience yesterday was so awful that we will never return. Four meals, none of it was fresh. My bouillabaisse contained extremely rubbery, overcooked shrimp that tasted absolutely foul and left a horrible taste in my mouth for hours. After hitting two spoiled mussels, I gave up. My daughter's fried shrimp were also rubbery and spoiled. My husband forced her to take her leftovers home to not offend our host and we threw the whole mess out. My father's corn was absolutely cold and uncooked, which he returned and had replace, but his lobster was so rubbery and overcooked that we just gave up the whole meal as a loss. Abysmal experience. read more

I've been craving some good seafood for awhile now, so I said to myself, self guess where we're going for dinner, although it was early, food was really good, that's a tough place for traffic read more

Overall not a bad place, although I only tried apps and drinks I had a good time and the staff was attentive. I like the ambiance of the restaurant and especially loved the decor. Bought myself a Schuck Me shirt in relation to their clams/oysters. I say give it a try enjoy some seafood and look at the lobster tank. read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Sign on the back entrance wall, also on their shirts - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We were seated in a nice cozy booth on a cold night. $2 beautiful oysters- can't go wrong! Fish entrees were delicious and generously portioned. Our server Junior A was attentive and so polite! Only minor misstep was a rubber band sitting in my entree- probably came from the broccolini bunch. Stuff happens. We were comp'ed a nice dessert. read more

Great food. Everyone at the table enjoyed their oysters & entree. Pablo our server was wonderful--attentive, gracious. read more

loved everything about my experience at summer shack!! our waiter junior a was the best and the food was awesome! coming back as it's right next to my place! loved the decorations and the music is wonderful read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Maki Monday at Summer Shack is such a great deal! $12 for 2 classic rolls. The sushi quality it great and the sushi chef is so nice and quick! read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Philadelphia Roll (with avocado and no cucumber), Spicy Tuna Roll, Eel Avocado Roll, & Shrimp Tempura Roll - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Carlos our server was excellent As was the food Your ice cold oysters were delicious and priced right. We bring folks here fur that reason We will be back read more

Service was great. Performers at the drag show were phenomenal. Got the crab cakes and hash. Hash was very wet, kinda like a slop with no specific flavor. Crab cake was crispy but mostly breading. Asparagus were cooked perfectly and there was a good amount of them. Sangria was super weak and flavorless Drag was fun but honestly kind of a weird space for it. But the performers make the most of it and are talented and fun. read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Crab cake and hash - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I will start by saying that we went here for the drag brunch on a Sunday. The drag brunch? OK. The performers were pretty good. So much better than others. The food? Very very limited menu. And it gets very very busy and the room gets very very hot. The service seemed very overwhelmed by the amount of people there. People at the other end of our large table get served well before myself and my friend. And they had ordered at least 10 minutes after us. I got the salad that had the lobster on it. It was good. A decent amount of lobster. But the salad portion was normal. Not extraordinary but a very normal salad. And the lettuce wasn't super super crunchy. So I suspect it was made before hand and then they just bring it out. Will I be back to the summer shack? Sure. Back to the drag brunch? Maybe. read more

See all

Always a great time at the Shack hanging out with Joao. He always knows which drinks to make and bring great energy!

Some good fresh seafood here. Got shrimp, corn, calamari, tuna, and fried fish sandwich. Everything really good. The inside was big and bar area was nice as well read more

See all

Service by Junior A was impeccable, their lobster roll is also flawless, ambiance was clean and playlist was immaculate read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Lobster Roll - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Food and service were fine, nothing bad but nothing unique. Crab cake was $18 and a fairly small one cake serving, edamame was fresh but just steamed with no flavor. read more

This place is pretty big and has lots of tables. The bar area is cute but I went to sit with my friends at a table. Came here for the Tuesday BOGO oysters. Making them like $1.75 each but worth it. The service was great! We didn't have to wait too long for our server to take our order, and she checked on us often. We got: Lobster Bisque - Not bad flavor but wish it came with crackers or something. 6.5/10 Grilled Littleneck Clams - DELICIOUS. The sauce was so gooood. 12/10 would get again. Could be considered salty for some. Fish Tacos - MY friend got them and said they were ok. More like fish nuggets. Could've used more sauce bc it was a bit dry. 4.5/10 3 Dozen Oysters - Fresh and delicious! There were many choices and they were so good. Creme Brulee - Typical and yummy. Came with a hard biscuit(?) but it tasted good with the creme brulee. Overall had a great time here! The food was good, albeit a bit on the pricier side. read more

See all

Went with friends to celebrate the holidays, food and service were great. Had a fun night.

We have been coming here for years and honestly the food/seafood is better than many 'fancy' places. The portions are large and tasty from the clam chowder and lobster bisque to the haddock entree to oysters! There are also non seafood options. The service and atmosphere is always great and we also enjoy the cocktails. The fish is extremely fresh and the recipes you can truly tell is in house. We bring out of town visitors here and also sit at the bar regularly. The prices are awesome. My husband and I would totally recommend coming here and it is "off the beaten path." There is also a large parking lot! read more

Another road trip to Boston, of course we have stop and eat local...Seafood was the food of choice.. we decided in summer shack. There was no parking near the Boston spot so we drove down to Cambridge. Lots of free parking so that alone was a plus. Brendaly was our waitress, she was very knowledgeable of the menus and advised us well. We got the lobster Mac and cheese which had one lb of lobster. Dave got the pan seared 1.5 lobster with side of sautéed broccoli. Mac and cheese was creamy with big chunks of lobster. The pan seared lobster was in a ginger Thai ish sauce.. not our first choice ( hubbie messes up) but it was worth it!! Very tasty. Thanks to yelp we got a free dessert! We got the key lime pie.. omg the crust was delish, whip cream was def homemade and not coo whip Def a place I'll come back too!! This place deserves more than 3 starts.. read more

Summer Shack- Cambridge - Summer shack menu - Seafood Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts