Lunch @ Russell House Tavern

Lately I have been busy shopping, decorating our tree and wrapping Christmas presents! In the midst of a Harvard Square holiday shopping spree we paused for lunch at Russell House Tavern.

A gastropub operated by The Grafton Group (Temple Bar, Grafton Street) opened a over a year ago with much fanfare. Along with my Mom and sister, we were famished and in serious need  to appease our holiday shopping induced appetites. My sister had previously been here for dinner and was happy to return. I was excited to finally pay them a visit!

Off of bustling JFK Street the brick patio alley with crossed electrical wires dangling exposed light bulbs adds a touch of ambiance before we set foot inside. A hostess greeted us right away at the upstairs entrance and we made our way down a wide black staircase done up in evergreen boughs and white lights. In the sprawling, polished basement space another hostess ushers us to a table just as quickly, offering to take our coats along the way. Our amicable waiter met us with waters once we settled in and impressed us with his knowledge of the menu and swift service.

I started with a Bloody Mary - the classic brunch standby over a formidable sounding craft cocktail was chosen more out of necessity! (Holiday Stroll + Delux + Beehive = hungover.) Our waiter mentioned that the bartender used to run the cocktail program at Drink so I didn't doubt his prowess in the mixology department. The Maria Basilico ($10) (the MB!) is made with Basil Infused Sobieski Vodka, Meletti Amaro, RHT Bloody Mix and a cucumber garnish. If you were looking for the typically bold and spicy, this one is not for you. The Meletti Amaro which is a dry tawny Italian liqueur combining anise and saffron added sweet and herbaceous notes which tempered the typically spicy mix. I appreciated this variation on a classic, it's definitely fun when bartenders try new things and take some risks. We started by slurping two oysters each from the raw bar -  local briny Island Creeks ($2.50) for my Mom and sister, while I opted for one of those and one of the West coast varietal - a plump, ultra clean flavored Kushi ($2.50). The oysters came with a duo of sweet pickle mignonette and Old Bay cocktail sauce.

My sister and I both chose from the array of sandwiches, accompanying them are your choice of fries, greens, or half portions of each. Pleasantly surprised by this option - once we got our plates we noted the halved french fry and salad portions could have easily been a full serving! The greens were fresh and lightly dressed, the brown crispy fries nicely seasoned and served with ketchup and a really tasty garlic infused mayo. 

Leah enjoyed her Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($11) with melted talleggio, pickled red onions, local tomatoes and arugula. I chose the Hickory Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich ($11) with melted sharp cheddar, crispy onions, sweet apples and a ginger maple aioli. This sandwich was flawlessly piled high with terrific ingredients, which all managed to stay nicely contained by the soft bread. The thinly sliced pork, tender and juicy took to the crispy onions like bread to butter while the red apples added contrast, imparting the perfect touch of sweetness. The ginger maple aioli was inventive and delicious.

The Dirty Caesar ($8) with Chicken ($5) ordered by my Mom proved to be a hit. A nicely dressed bed of crisp lettuce and grilled chicken strips were livened up by spicy anchovy croutons and fresh parmesan cheese.

Executive Chef Michael Scelfo's locally sourced and seasonally focused American fare is crowd pleasingly classic with a contemporary edge. The reputation that precedes this trendy tavern is well justified. With a welcoming staff and a clean comfortable space, for lunch this afternoon I was nothing short of impressed.

 Russell House Tavern

14 John F. Kennedy St.

Cambridge, MA 02138