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Russell House Tavern Reviews List
Russell House Tavern
Russell House Tavern continues the Harvard Square tradition of local enterprise as a New American Tavern serving seasonally-inspired, classic dishes from New England and beyond. An inviting, multi-level space adorned with vintage photographs of the Square, Russell House Tavern specializes in artisanal fare served alongside carefully hand-crafted cocktails and a distinctive collection of all-American wines and craft beers.
See more Russell House Tavern details
307 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 307 reviews
5 stars
(92)
4 stars
(158)
3 stars
(45)
2 stars
(12)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(154)
- vibrant bar scene(133)
- neighborhood gem(114)
- good for groups(97)
- hot spot(91)
- special occasion(56)
Russell House Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good late night place on Harvard Sq
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This place has solid food even late. That is a rare thing on Harvard Square!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 2 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great dining from start to finish!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our experience was excellent from start to finish. Our server was pleasant, friendly and well versed in the dining offerings. She had a server in training with her who was just as pleasant. The steak tartar and the lamb belly appetizers were unique and very good, the scallop entrée with farrow, raisins and carrots was presented beautifully and delicious! Their beer and wines by the glass list was a nice, varied selection. We dined on Mother's Day which is traditionally a very busy "Dine out day" so it was great to be in a place that the food was still fresh, with all the menu selections available, and a staff that was still enthusiastic and eager to please!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice Brunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed the deep fried eggs benedict and Nutella french toast. Though the hollandaise was so-so, the deep fried eggs were a treat. Good experience. Great staff. Nice atmosphere."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 4 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall a very satisfying meal, though my brother might not agree given his plate came out ~30 minutes after the rest of our food. That was really the only major blemish on the whole day, but given it was not too crowded at the time and we had a bit of a lengthy conversation with the waiter on what my brother should get, it was surprising to see his plate not arrive for so long. In fact, we had to specifically ask for it (guess it never got ordered...)
Despite the service hiccup, we enjoyed our meal quite a bit. Portions were sizable, reasonably priced and tasty. Although my bloody mary was a bit pricey, it was equally spicy and flavorful - just wish they had given me more than one olive! Next time we'll just be sure our order makes it in!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A quick bite
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is my first time using Open Table but not my first time being to Russell House Tavern. This place is great, the food is fairly priced and delicious. There is something for everybody on the menu, and that goes for the bar menu as well. If you have been yet I totally recommended it. If you want more energy and a bar feel try to sit downstairs at the bar. If you want to be more intiment stay upstairs, or ask for a table along the back wall downstairs, and the patio will be open very soon!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 6 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perfect patio and window seating
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went to have their burger with a friend who wanted to sit on the patio (to take advantage of the nice weather). No seats were open, but the nice hostess found us a table at the window next to the bar, which was perhaps more fantastic. We could people watch and eat great food. The burger was interesting but nothing incredible (except for the bacon - I loved that). I tried the "secret" burger which was beautiful and really intensely herbal because of mint (I loved it). I will definitely be going back for some other menu items and their cocktails!"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food/ambience mismatch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Russell House has a fine kitchen. Having only eaten there in the little outdoor space in the past, and lured by recalling very good meals, I brought a party of six to eat indoors - four adults and two teenage boys. None of us could easily hear the others talk. Even the teenagers were somewhere between silenced and overwhelmed by the noise."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 8 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A beefy birthday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Russell House to celebrate a birthday and because we were celebrating we didn't hold back!
The wine and beer list was interesting (I'm a beer novice, but the list was long and included fancy names).
We ordered:
Oysters and clams from the raw bar - fresh, clean and tasty
Beef tongue meatballs - surprisingly good, with a gamey note
Raw tuna with fritters - a small, simple but refreshing plate
Pork trio - holy mother, this was a winner
40-day aged steak - hands down, this was birthday-boy worthy
Chocolate cake - heaven on a plate"
The wine and beer list was interesting (I'm a beer novice, but the list was long and included fancy names).
We ordered:
Oysters and clams from the raw bar - fresh, clean and tasty
Beef tongue meatballs - surprisingly good, with a gamey note
Raw tuna with fritters - a small, simple but refreshing plate
Pork trio - holy mother, this was a winner
40-day aged steak - hands down, this was birthday-boy worthy
Chocolate cake - heaven on a plate"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Vibrant Restaurant in Harvard Sq
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Russell House Tavern is a reliably good restaurant with an excellent (and extensive) drink menu. The food is delicious, albeit rich and indulgent. The staff is consistently friendly and welcoming."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 10 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great lunch spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love the smoked arctic char with arugula salad. Very pleasant place to have lunch and conversation. Noise level very bearable. Highly recommended!"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Waiter was a miss, kind of
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
"Waiter was a miss, kind of all over the place and completely confused our orders. Was a nice person but very scatterbrained"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
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Review 12 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was very good, but
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very good, but the service was SLOW. Not sure if our server was new, but he was very very slow. I think we were there for over 45 minutes before he even took our order."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
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Review 13 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
as good as it gets overall
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"all went well - they are dialed in and run like a finely tuned Swiss instrument!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 14 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love the choices.... Always
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love the choices.... Always so different!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had an attentive waiter
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had an attentive waiter but the food was not remarkable considering the prices. Oysters, at $2.50 each, were smaller than any I'd ever seen in my life. We were underground, which would be fine in the middle of winter, but felt claustrophobic on a spring evening. We had a gift certificate which the waiter forgot to subtract from our total.
That being said, it was the day after the bombs at the Boston Marathon and I imagine we were all pretty much distracted by that."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 16 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
DELICIOS food!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The reason I gave it only 4 stars is the fact that the hamburger was just OK (you expect more from a place like this), and the deserts are not impressive at all. Since I don't care for deserts in general I didn't mind it much. Every other dish we had there (during the last two visits this month) is more then just delicious. The steak tartar is amazing! Do get the big one, coz every bite is a delight and you do wish it would never end. We also VERY much enjoyed both steaks they have in the menu, local greens salad, bone marrow, crispy soft poached farm egg (it's one of my sisters fav appetizers ever) and the melted cambozola cheese.
Definitely the best place to eat in central Cambridge!"
Definitely the best place to eat in central Cambridge!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 17 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great food, even better service!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were new to the Russell House but had read great things about it. I was overwhelmed by the server's knowledge of the food as well as the appropriate beer to couple with my dinner (the pork trio!). My guests both decided to order the hamburger and loved them.
We will certainly bring out-of-town guests to this wonderful dining experience!"
We will certainly bring out-of-town guests to this wonderful dining experience!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 18 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Some odd food choices. Needs
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Some odd food choices. Needs to get back to some basic/staple foods. What I got was good but I didn't feel like I had a lot of options."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 19 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I took my boyfriend for his
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my boyfriend for his 30th birthday dinner on Monday. Even on a Monday at 8:30 it was very busy! I mentioned in my OpenTable reservation that it was his birthday, and if they could just say "Happy Birthday" that would be nice. Not only did the host and waitress say happy birthday, they treated us so well the whole time, and also surprised us with cappuccinos and birthday cake with a candle. It was so sweet!! Probably my best dinner out in Boston/Cambridge."
Dined on 04/08/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Time for a change
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have been at Russel House tons of times, and always order the pork trio. This time, it was a miss - not well prepared, lack of flavor, and a stark contrast with what is usually a great dish. Disappointing. Overall, however, Russell House is still a great place to dine, chat and relax. Their menu has remained the same for the last two years. Including the pork trio. Maybe time for the chefs to consider a change of menu?"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2012
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Review 21 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Really good food, awesome
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really good food, awesome beer selections in a cozy spot. Great place to come with a small group, especially, although even small parties will have a good experience. I'd come back for the fries alone... and the great service!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of the more interesting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"One of the more interesting menu's I've seen in a while! It was a terrific place to go to celebrate a birthday as a group. They were attentive to us and catered to our desire to celebrate. The steak tartar was phenomenal as was the Laphroig foie gras."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 23 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
So so only
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The burger was so so. My son ordered crab cake which was only okay. The waitress forgot our Brussels sprout.
I liked the ginger beer however."
I liked the ginger beer however."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2012
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Review 24 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding Customer Service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Extememely accommodating. I made an 11:30 pm reservation from my phone at 10:50 pm and wrote a comment to increase it to 9 because I was only allowed to make it for 4 for the time I requested. At 11:15 pm I followed up with a call to confirm and spoke with a kind and helpful hostess who discussed with a manager who agreed to my request within minutes. Upon our arrival at 11:20 pm, to a rather busy restaurant, we were warmly greeted and amazingly seated by 11:30 pm. Our server was most attentive, patient and thoughtful. There was something for everyone except cheesecake but a second choice satisfied. Our wonderful server provided without prompting separate checks for all 9 of us which was the topping on the cake for a stellar night out."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find
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Review 25 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a great time. Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great time. Food was excellent. Lee, our waiter was by far the most knowledgeable, attentive waiter that we have ever had. His descriptions of the cocktails and the menu were spot on. We enjoyed all aspects of our meal. We WILL be back."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 26 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A perfect 10!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best burger ever! Amazing breakfast pizza! Great server!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Easter sunday brunch for 5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our Easter Sunday group of 5 shared the breakfast pizza - we all loved it. the over-easy eggs on top made it very enjoyable. For entrees, 3 of us got the lamb and white bean special. Delicious! Done perfectly - I ordered mine rare. The white bean side was very tasty - as was that a balsamic vinegar glaze underneath it. My sister had the eggs Benedict which she seemed to enjoy - not sure what her boyfriend had. The portions are a good size so we were all very sated by the end of the meal. But we still had room for the olive oil cake and sticky toffee pudding for dessert - both very good - nice and moist."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 28 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Went for Easter Brunch - food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for Easter Brunch - food was very good - our waitress however was very unpleasant. She spilled water on our table and on our menus and walked away without a word - returned with a cloth and halfheartedly mopped up only some of it - again without a word. Didn't mention the days specials until asked - didn't describe the specials until asked - didn't crack a smile the whole meal."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 29 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was good but my daughters
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was good but my daughters eggs benedict were not cooked enough (too jiggly) but she ate them anyway. They were out of croissants for my egg sandwich so it came on brioche that was overtoasted. Home fries were the best!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 30 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We walked by and thought it
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We walked by and thought it mught be small and cramped. Turnd out there was a basement area and we found it to be very cozy and the food was great and reasonably priced.
Bravo!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place to go for a laidback
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place to go for a laidback after business meal provided that you don't mind a somewhat loud atmospehere."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 32 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My daughter and I got just
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My daughter and I got just what we wanted at Russell Street Tavern - good steak frites and a salad."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
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Review 33 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a terrific time at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a terrific time at Russell House Tavern on Sat. night. The reservation system worked seamlessly. All of the staff were great - from the hosting staff, to the bartender, to our waiter; we were well taken care of. I have been a longtime fan of RHT and my experience this weekend just solidified my opinion. As during past visits, there were so many great things on the menu it was hard to choose, but I had to go with the Pork Trio in honor of their recent Cochon 555 win - yup, I voted for them. We also had one of the pizzas as an appetizer - pizza at RHT, who knew? Also very yum! The food is fresh, creatively and deliciously prepared and delivered in abundance. You won’t go wrong dining here. Keep up the good work RHT!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 34 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing bar with a wide selection
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Food is several steps up from bar food; the burger is especially good and comes on an English muffin. Great place for couples or small groups for a night out in Harvard square."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 35 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The server was not very good
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The server was not very good in replenishing the water in a timely fashion. The breakfast meals with eggs were not any good. The eggs were not seasoned and were poorly cooked. Myself, I had the omelette and the ingredients were not well mixed into the eggs. My friend had scrambled eggs and they were not seasoned at all; it tasted as though they placed it on a skillet and let sit for awhile."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 36 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had an excellent meal and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had an excellent meal and I will definitely go back. We ate at the bar in order to watch NCAA basketball, so I can't speak to the main dining room. But in the bar (which I believe has the same menu) we received excellent service - friendly and knowlegable. I had the fois appetizer (wonderful) and the steak frites (cooked perfectly). My friend made a tasting menu of various small plates and loved each of them. Excellent food in comfortable setting - I plan to become a regular."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 37 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Came here for brunch on a
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning. The decor inside is nice and very spacious. The menu looked very interesting, but unfortunately the food itself was quite bland. Had a cappuccino which the server said he had to "wrestle" out of the machine -- it was mostly foam and a lot of milk (maybe a few drops of espresso got in there). The french toast could have been good, but was very dry in the middle, as if they didn't fully soak the bread in the egg mixture before cooking it. The candied nuts and bananas on top were also very good, but lacking in quantity compared to the size of the dish.
On the plus side, the oysters were very good."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
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Review 38 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place to catch up with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place to catch up with friends over some beers, wines, cocktails, and delicious grub!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 39 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything on the Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything on the Restaurant Week menu was delicious and the portions were decent (sometimes this is an issue during Restaurant Week). The terrine appetizer and pork chop entree were especially delectable. And there was a lot more meat than bone on the chop - nice, because that is not always the case for pork chop entrees I've had in other restaurants. I loved the olive-oil cake, and that it transitioned from savory (my arctic char entree) to sweet (dessert option). So moist and delicious.
One criticism - the snowball dessert was a bit dry - we didn't finish it, and that's rare for us.
On the whole, a great experience. We'll be back for Easter brunch.
Sincerely,
-Tracey & Matt"
One criticism - the snowball dessert was a bit dry - we didn't finish it, and that's rare for us.
On the whole, a great experience. We'll be back for Easter brunch.
Sincerely,
-Tracey & Matt"
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 40 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OpenTable Diner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Delicious! We came to celebrate my husband's promotion. All our food was great. The selection was excellent and our server was perfect. The cocktails are to die for!!!!!!!"
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 41 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
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Review 42 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Lived in Boston almost two years now and just had brunch at the Russell house last wkend for the first time. Wow! Best brunch in Boston by far (I had the farm fresh omelet). Best bloody Mary I've ever had. We will definitely be back"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch
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Review 43 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The burger I had here was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The burger I had here was the best burger I have ever had in my whole life. To such a point that I thought about it all day the following day the first time I went and went back that next night to get it again... and then again 2 days later. And many more times since then. As far as the rest of the menu goes, I have no idea as I can't get past the burger. The staff can be rude and it is nearly impossible to get street parking in the area which results in paying $15 to park in a garage down the road are the two downfalls of this place. But best burger and fries around. Every cocktail I have tried has also been delicious. This is one of my favorite places in the area."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 44 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice surprise...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Creative food. Nice surprise. Excellent bartenders"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 45 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was prepared well but
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was prepared well but not quite seasoned to my liking; I thought most of what I had could have used more salt to bring out the flavors or some sort of acidity to wake it up a bit (I ordered mostly charcuterie). Our server was friendly, fast, and efficient, but another server that we had flagged down for our check seemed less amicable. It was a Friday night and so was very, very noisy, but I think fewer tables or at least a more thoughtful rearrangement of them would make conversation easier for guests. One thing I really did not appreciate, however, was how one of the hostesses sprayed down the table right next to ours with cleaning solution as we were eating. I would return, but not on a busy night."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Went for Sunday brunch. Our
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for Sunday brunch. Our server demonstrated little personality. Funny how much that can influence the kind of dining experience one has at a restaurant. Our meals were fine. Overall, the experience was perfectly average. Perhaps dinner - as an experience - has more sparkle?"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2006
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Review 47 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Beautiful restaurant, friendly
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beautiful restaurant, friendly and competent service--the waiter really went the extra mile to make sure we were happy. Good food. This was really a fun place and I will go back."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find
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Review 48 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fresh & delicious. The fish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
"Fresh & delicious. The fish special was outstanding."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 49 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great as always!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always, the food and service at Russell House Tavern were off the charts! Wonderful Laphroaig terrine, pork trio entrée, lobster salad slider, and scallops. Just turn the noise down a bit and the experience would be perfect."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 50 for Russell House Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Worth another chance.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We dined here with a couple of our friends. Calling in ahead for a change in party size on a reservation is still going to put you at the end of the line, so don't waste time on calling ahead to make a change.
The waitstaff is really good, which I can't say about one of the hostesses downstairs.
The ambiance was really nice and felt like a tavern. It wasn't very loud, which is good.
The fried oysters and the angry queen pizza were good except they were extremely salty...maybe this was a mistake that happened once....otherwise the flavors were well balanced and blended.
I would surely give them another chance.
They validate parking for the Harvard square parking lot for $2 off."
The waitstaff is really good, which I can't say about one of the hostesses downstairs.
The ambiance was really nice and felt like a tavern. It wasn't very loud, which is good.
The fried oysters and the angry queen pizza were good except they were extremely salty...maybe this was a mistake that happened once....otherwise the flavors were well balanced and blended.
I would surely give them another chance.
They validate parking for the Harvard square parking lot for $2 off."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups
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