08/19/09

I kept trying

by lisaemc2

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

08/01/08

Inventive seafood dishes and rustic charm make for a memorable meal in this 19th-century Harvard Square house.

by Eric Grossman

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 separates the noisy interior dining rooms, most of which feature operational fireplaces, from the popular, sunny patio. Young waiters do their best to explain the menu's many intricacies.

The Food
By serving many items in both appetizer and entree portions, the House smartly encourages diners to sample liberally from the versatile, constantly evolving menu of modern American cuisine (think intricate roasted vegetable tureens sharing table space with creamy, homemade seafood risotto and tender, grilled steaks). Don't pass on the house-made spinach pappardelle (ethereally light and tossed with crab meat, an ideal summertime dish) or the satisfying potato torte appetizer (filled with creamy Gruyere cheese and Westphalian ham).

07/29/08

very slow service

by dizzy02138

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

07/03/07

Terrible service

by g282945

Mediocre food terrible service.

I've gone 4-5 times with different groups, but the experience was always underwhelming. The last 2 times, the front desk has been unacceptably rude and condescending and it felt as though he was trying to humiliate us in front of our guests. If I'm paying for a meal, especially a decent meal, I don't want to have to kowtow to the service. I can always get fast food, at least the service is better and I'm not out the money that it costs to go to the red house.

• Pros: I have one less restaurant to consider in harvard sq
• Cons: the staff

12/27/06

Not bad, wouldn't frequent it.

by dan14417

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,

11/29/06

Worst Place EVER- Don't go if you want to be spared of unpleasant experience

by happy_hbs

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.

When I asked manager for dry cleaning expense, he told me to bring the receipt.

Food was mediocre at best, and waiter kept hitting me whenever he brought food on the table.

The worst service ever. Very badly managed.

Don't go there, especially if you are wearing nice clothes!!

• Pros: None
• Cons: Unpleasant Manager; Worst Service EVER!!!

11/12/06

A little bit of rustic charm in Harvard Square

by urbantemp

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

05/11/06

Cozy

by anine

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

04/30/06

Food was delicious - service left a bad taste

by cmokeefe

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

02/15/06

An okay restaurant

by aust_p

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