The Red House

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98 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138
Cambridge, MA 02138

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(617) 576-0605
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Reviews
( 5 )
( 7 )
( 6 )
( 2 )
( 1 )

Best

Loved The Red House. We showed up without reservations and got a wonderful seat in the bar right in front of a glowing fireplace. The food was innovative and delicious. Great a...

Worst

I passed this restaurant nearly everyday and loved the patio so I finally stopped by for lunch a few weeks ago. My dish was fine... BUT it was over 20min before anyone took our d...

Cozy spot in Cambridge 11/14/2010

Loved The Red House. We showed up without reservations and got a wonderful seat in the bar right in front of a glowing fireplace. The food was innovative and delicious. Great artisan bread with olive oil and fresh grated cheese. The service was very good. Had passed by a few times and thought how unique and cozy it looked and finally remembered it as an option when next I found myself in the square. With all the history in the Square, you'd think that there would be more restaurants like this near Harvard rather than cookie cutter cold national chains. This location is genuine early Cambridge--like an old inn that is still in operation. I was reminded a bit of the Turf in Oxford. more
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I kept trying 8/19/2009

The place was packed yet we were seated right away. The server offered water & took our drink order. Bread, water & each drink came out staggered. None of that mattered coz of the festive vibe. I ordered Linguini con Carciofi w/ shrimp & my date had the Lobster Risotto. The linguini was not al dente, it was simply soaked in SALTY water. The shrimp were over cooked but the sauce & veggies were nice. The risotto was, I don't know what it was but it wasn't risotto. I know a full house is stressful but it seems the staff really struggles. I'd rather wait than chew on salty gluten & burnt shrimp. Pros: Patio seating Cons: Unable to handle a large volume more
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very slow service 7/29/2008

I passed this restaurant nearly everyday and loved the patio so I finally stopped by for lunch a few weeks ago. My dish was fine... BUT it was over 20min before anyone took our drink order, and much longer after that before the drinks arrived or our lunch order was taken. We almost got up and left (which I have never even considered doing before) because, by that point, the kitchen was supposed to be closed, we were starving and we thought we just weren't going to get food. When the food finally arrived my pasta was fine, a little heavy on the oil for my taste, but had a good combination of flavors. However, the awful service completely ruined my ability to enjoy the ambiance or my meal. Pros: great location, beautiful patio Cons: awful service, complete negligence more
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slightly overrated, no artful presentation to... 2/12/2008

slightly overrated, no artful presentation to be had in the main course and the dessert wasn't far above a... more
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slightly overrated, no artful presentation to... 2/12/2008

marceloc Provided by Partner
slightly overrated, no artful presentation to be had in the main course and the dessert wasn't far above a gourmet frozen version of pie more
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slightly overrated, no artful presentation to... 2/12/2008

marceloc Provided by Partner
slightly overrated, no artful presentation to be had in the main course and the dessert wasn't far above a gourmet frozen version of pie more
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Terrible service 7/3/2007

Mediocre food terrible service. Pros: I have one less restaurant to consider in harvard sq Cons: the staff more
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Not bad, wouldn't frequent it. 12/27/2006

I go out to eat a lot and have been to many different retaurants in Boston. The Red House feels very homey and inviting. The dining we were in (I believe there are 2) was small and pleasant. Service was average, the waiter didn't have much personality at all, but was overall prompt. Food was also average. Although I didn't love it I would definately go back and give it a second chance- and probably try to sit outside next time. Pros: Good location by foot, good ambience Cons: food was average, more
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Worst Place EVER- Don't go if you want to be spared of unpleasant experience 11/29/2006

Worst service! A waiter spilled salad dressing all over my hair, suit and blouse, and didnot even apologize. He looked at me and handed me a wet napkin. Cons: Unpleasant Manager; Worst Service EVER!!! more
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A little bit of rustic charm in Harvard Square 11/12/2006

Though not a big fan of the actual dining room, I think the bar area dining next to the fireplace and private dining rooms are great! Went here a few weeks ago with my family and 8 great friends. We booked one of the private rooms (with fireplace) on the 2nd floor and were treated to a fun and charming dinner setting. Some candles would have been nice (they said they were all being used), but great appetizers that pleased the whole crowd and good entree portions and plenty of wine, it was a great place to host a large party. My sea bass was excellent by the way, however if you're looking for ""fine""/exquisite dining, this isn't the place, though the food is still pretty good. And the prices are not staggering either, so it isn't too hard on the wallet. Definitely good value, it offers a bit of ambience and intimacy that harvard square should be known for. I have never eaten here during warm weather on the gorgeous patio, but look forward to when spring comes again. Pros: Great value, Private Dining, Bar area Cons: Dining room more
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Cozy 5/10/2006

The Red House has great ambience and a romantic setting. I had the Lobster Risotto which was good, but not excellent. The service was good, but the bench seat was very uncomfortable, and the tables were just a little too close together. I will go back to the Red House, because I think their menu will prove to be excellent, and I do think this little red house is a very cozy spot on Harvard Square. Pros: ambience, service, menu Cons: uncomfortable seating, tables were too close more
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Food was delicious - service left a bad taste 4/30/2006

My wife and I chose The Red House for our 6th wedding anniversary dinner. We were greeted and seated promptly, but apparently that was the end of the show of hospitality. The waitperson barely spoke English, which would not have been an issue had they not had the personality of a napkin holder. Not so much as a smile or a hint of friendly conversation the entire meal. We were asked if we wanted anything from the bar. I barely got the words, ""We'd like to order a bottle of wine..."" out before he was grabbing the winelist off the table. It got worse from there on. Long story short, the food was delicious, but the service led us to believe it was waitperson amateur night at best. Pros: ambience, food Cons: service more
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An okay restaurant 2/14/2006

I went to the Red House for Valentine's Day after reading all the great reviews here. I have to say, I wasn't all that impressed. My biggest dissapointment was the ambience, also the food was just okay. The Red House is a higher end restaurant with small portions and higher prices. However, I felt like I was eating in a basement due to the layout and quality of the room. I'm guessing the outdoor dining experience is better from reading the other reviews. In terms of food, it was mediocre. The appetizers and dessert (I think they get desserts from Finale) were great, however the pasta/entree dishes my gf and I ordered were below average. Service was top notch though. In my opinion, if a restaurant is going to charge $10 for a 2 scallop appetizer, the food/ambience better be great, and this restaurant was lacking. Pros: Service Cons: Ambience, Food more
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Outstanding 1/26/2006

In a word, outstanding. Fresh, flavorful dishes come in large portions. Venison shank was unique and outstanding, an slightly gamey upgrade on ossobuco. Stuffed veal medallions were fantastic, as was the mushroom stuffed filo dough appetizer and the duck confit. Nicely structured menu with lots of options and a chance to try many dishes. Only downside was a server who was nice enough, but seemed inexperienced and not too knowledgeable about wines. Overall though, one of the best restaurants in the Boston area for an upscale, yet casual meal. Small in size, so make reservations. Pros: Food quality/prep, Portions Cons: Inexperienced waiter more
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Wonderful Ambience and Service 11/19/2005

Once inside the Red House you forget that you are in the middle of busy Harvard Square. The service was incredible and the fireside dining was so romantic. The fig appetizer was great, a nice start to a meal. The entrées were tasty, but nothing special. However, the setting and service made up for any shortcomings in the food. Will come back many times, especially when entertaining out-of-town guests. more
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Amazing food, lovely outside patio 8/24/2005

One of the nicest outdoor dining experiences I've had in Boston. A quiet side street in busy Harvard Square, the patio was beautiful both early in the evening and late into the night when we went. We had to wait about 15-20 minutes even with reservations (they don't take reservations for the patio), but the food was well worth the wait. We had the linguine (excellent) and the lobster risotto (perfect, not toooo creamy) and enjoyed every bite. I imagine it's beautiful inside with the redwood-lined walls during colder months. Very romantic place, I was sad I went with a girlfriend. Pros: Ambience Cons: Expensive more
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Great for a date 1/21/2005

Quaint spot in Harvard Square. Good food. Nice Valentine's spot. more
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Cozy Oasis 11/18/2003

Our new favorite place! Inviting staff, cozy fireplaces & comfy seating equals an oasis from the square. Seasonal menu has Mediterranean influences & offers a wide selection and a dozen specials. Entrees are available in an appetizer size (perfect for tasting alot of things) with prices to match. Butternut squash gnocci was al dente in a delicate sauce; autumn mushrooms in phyllo was crunchy & earthy with a lively scallion-vermouth sauce; pumpkin soup was sweet & warming and wild mushroom ravioli was freshly handmade. Other great dishes include: raw oysters, seared tuna, lamb tortellini & pork chops. Location is ideal; atmosphere is pleasant and the service inobtrusive. Full bar with premium liquors & moderate wine list. Reservations aren't essential - we've walked in on weekday nights. For easy parking use the valet at Upstairs on the Sq. All in all, a great value & a tastey meal! Pros: warm atmopshere, good prices, great food Cons: none really more
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Deliciously Unique 9/22/2003

I went here with a friend on a Friday night, and was pleasantly surprised. First of all, the location is great, right in the middle of Harvard Square, but somehow hidden on a small street. If it werent for the sign outside the house I would have mistaken it as a residential building. The owner did a great job converting this house to a restaurant. Each component of the building was designed to a separate dining area with its own flavor. We crossed the chic bar area and walked into a lovely patio. The menu was well diversified offering many items at both appetizer and dinner potion. The price were kept just under $20 for entrees. My filet mignon was cooked perfectly medium rare. My friends Risotto was tastely made. The tiramisu afterwards was just at the right texture. BTW, the server was great too. I will come back again. Pros: Location and setting, Food and service, Romantic Cons: can't find one more
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A Beautiful Summer Evening 7/8/2003

The outdoor terrace seating area was absolutely perfect for a July dinner. Wonderful ambiance. Good wine list. And, the food was fabulous! Stuffed oysters, roasted vegetables, some potato torte thing . . it was all so good. Pros: Great Food, Wine List, Ambiance more
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Menu for The Red House


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    This restaurant for all seasons occupies a cozy 19th-century house; its patio is one of Harvard Square's loveliest. The thoroughly modern bar includes a flat-screen TV and...

  • 8/1/2008 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tuesday To Thursday From 12:00 PM To 12:00 AM Friday To Saturday From 12:00 PM To 01:00 AM Sunday From 12:00 PM To 12:00 AM
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: West Cambridge
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