Russell House Tavern

Russell House Tavern Restaurant Review:

Russell House Tavern’s owners, Grafton Group, operate popular pubs including the Temple Bar and PARK Restaurant & Bar --- solid neighborhood spots, if not gourmet dining destinations, convenient to local T stops. Russell House continues the tradition of serving well-priced, unpretentious pub fare with a New American twist in comfortable Harvard Square digs. Everything from pizza to raw bar items is available, along with some unusual finds like nose-to-tail fritters made with confit pork, and marrow and oxtail pierogi. For mains, try the 12-ounce rib-eye with creamed black kale or seared scallops with pork belly. Those with a lesser appetite may share a honey and chili roasted Brussels sprouts pizza, lobster sliders or grilled shrimp. The light cheesecake, topped with strawberries, is made with mascarpone and has a graham cracker crust. There's a fun wine list that offers several selections from a beer-style tap. Service is pleasant and helpful, both in the buzzy upstairs bar and downstairs in the dark, cavernous dining room.