Photo: Unsplash
Opened 2023
The Kendall outpost of Shore Gregory and Jeremy Sewall's Row 34, which opened in Fort Point in 2013. Sewall is the longtime chef; Gregory previously led Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury.
~ The Intelligence Report ~
Cambridge Dining Intelligence
“Working-man's oyster bar meets craft beer hall. Exceptionally fresh seafood, especially oysters and whole fish. Lively atmosphere, knowledgeable staff. The lobster roll is excellent. Great beer selection from local breweries.”
— Guide to Cambridge · Dining Intelligence
This place is exceptional for
Best Oyster Bar - Kendall Square
Freshest oyster selection with daily changing varieties
Best Seafood
Daily fresh catches, expertly prepared
What they nail
- Incredibly fresh oysters
- Daily changing selection
- Excellent craft beer list
- Knowledgeable servers
- Whole fish preparations
- Lively atmosphere
Before you go
- Can be very loud
- No reservations for small parties
- Waits at peak times
- Higher prices for seafood
The maître d' recommends
- Raw oyster selection
- Lobster roll (warm with butter)
- Whole grilled fish
- Fish & chips
- Craft beer pairings
Best for
Value
How this rating was built
Methodology →$30–$60 per person
Working-man's oyster bar with New England seafood. Fresh catches daily, craft beer selection, lively atmosphere.
The Maitre d' Recommends
The Vibe
Row 34 channels the energy of a working waterfront—exposed brick, industrial fixtures, and the constant hum of a crowd that knows its oysters. The open floor plan feels like a modern fish hall, where communal tables encourage strangers to share recommendations and bar seats offer prime views of the raw bar action.
Energetic buzz—speak up a bit
Why It's Great
New England's Freshest Catch, Shucked and Served with Kendall Square Energy
Row 34 is what happens when you put a world-class raw bar in the heart of Cambridge's innovation district. The oyster selection rivals any in Boston—a rotating cast of East Coast bivalves, each with its own story of salinity and terroir. The shuckers work with the efficiency of surgeons, and the mignonette is house-made perfection.
But Row 34 is more than an oyster bar. The kitchen treats every piece of seafood with respect, from perfectly fried clams to pristine crudo to hearty fish stews. The lobster roll is the stuff of summer dreams—all meat, light mayo, toasted bun. The fish and chips achieves that elusive combination of crispy batter and flaky fish.
The craft beer selection reflects Cambridge's brewing renaissance. Local favorites like Night Shift and Idle Hands sit alongside carefully curated national and international selections. The taps rotate constantly, rewarding repeat visitors with new discoveries. It's the kind of beer program that takes its mission as seriously as the seafood.
The Kendall Square location puts Row 34 at the center of Cambridge's tech scene, and the after-work crowd reflects it. Biotech researchers compare notes over beer. Software engineers debate oyster origins. It's casual, unpretentious, and exactly what this neighborhood needed.
A dozen oysters and a local IPA at the bar, followed by the lobster roll. This is New England summer, any time of year.
Oyster Selection
East Coast varieties, shucked to order, with house mignonette and cocktail sauce
Lobster Roll
Classic New England style—chilled lobster, light mayo, buttered and toasted bun
Fish & Chips
Beer-battered and perfectly fried, with malt vinegar and tartar sauce
Clam Chowder
Creamy, chunky, with enough clams to remind you where you are
Why It's In Our Guide
Row 34 brings Boston's seafood culture to Cambridge with style. The raw bar is exceptional, the beer program is outstanding, and the casual atmosphere makes it accessible for everything from a quick lunch to a long evening with friends.
“The oyster bar Cambridge deserves and Kendall Square desperately needed.”
— Boston Globe“Row 34 proves that casual and excellent aren't mutually exclusive.”
— Eater BostonKendall Square workers have adopted Row 34 as their after-work headquarters. The oyster happy hour is a ritual, and the lobster roll debates never end.
Insider Tips
Early happy hour (4-6pm) for oyster specials. Lunch is less crowded than dinner. Summer weekends can wait.
Reservations accepted for larger parties. Bar and communal tables are first-come, first-served—the best option for smaller groups.
Bar seats offer the best view of the raw bar action. Communal tables are great for groups.
Ask the shucker what's best today. The oyster selection changes constantly based on what's freshest.
Kendall Square garages are your best bet. The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Kendall/MIT T stop.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 3,279 reviews
1,823 reviews
Updated 2024-12
1,456 reviews
Updated 2024-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Row 34 sources oysters from across the East Coast, and the selection changes daily based on availability and quality. Ask your server or the shucker for today's recommendation. Generally, Wellfleets are briny and classic, Island Creeks are buttery, and Maine varieties offer mineral notes. A sampler lets you compare.
Reddit Mentions
Contact Details
314 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142
Mon-Thu: 11:30AM-10PM, Fri-Sat: 11:30AM-11PM, Sun: 11:30AM-9PM
3 min walk from Kendall/MIT
RedYou Might Also Like
Waypoint
Chef Michael Scelfo's coastally-inspired restaurant at the gateway to Harvard Square. Sister to Alden & Harlow, Waypoint serves creative seafood with unexpected twists. The raw bar and crudo are standouts.
Moëca
Italian-rooted seafood room near Harvard Square from Michael Pagliarini and Pamela Ralston (Giulia). The menu changes with what's caught daily — crudo, handmade pasta, bivalves. Named for the soft-shell crab of Venice's lagoon.
The Hourly Oyster House
Harvard Square raw bar and oyster house from the Grafton Group. New England oysters, lobster rolls, chowder, and seasonal seafood. Named for the 1826 hourly horse-drawn wagons that departed Dunster Street for Boston on the hour.
Catalyst Restaurant
Modern Mediterranean in the Kendall Hotel. Farm-to-table focus with seasonal New England ingredients.
Further Reading
Best Restaurants in Kendall Square
BlogWelcome to Guide to Cambridge: What We're Building and Why
BlogEvery T Station in Cambridge: A Complete Transit Guide
BlogCambridge's Coffee Culture: Why This City Runs on Independent Roasters
Walking TourMIT Innovation & Campus Tour
Walking Tour24 Hours in Cambridge