Return to Directory
Establishment Profile

Row 34

From ocean to table, the freshest catch prepared with respect

Seafood$$$
4.5
2134 reviews

The Special Occasion — dress accordingly

Working-man's oyster bar with New England seafood. Fresh catches daily, craft beer selection, lively atmosphere.

Chef's Table Selection
Kendall Square

The Maitre d' Recommends

Raw oysters
Lobster roll
Fish & chips
Craft beer

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.

Atmosphere
🎉lively
Noise Level

Energetic buzz—speak up a bit

Dress Code
casual
Perfect For
oyster loverscasual dinnersdrinks with friends

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.

The Signature Experience

A dozen oysters and a local IPA at the bar, followed by the lobster roll. This is New England summer, any time of year.

Standout Dishes

Oyster Selection

East Coast varieties, shucked to order, with house mignonette and cocktail sauce

$3-4 each

Lobster Roll

Classic New England style—chilled lobster, light mayo, buttered and toasted bun

$32

Fish & Chips

Beer-battered and perfectly fried, with malt vinegar and tartar sauce

$24

Clam Chowder

Creamy, chunky, with enough clams to remind you where you are

$12

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.

Awards & Recognition
Boston Magazine Best Oyster Bar
Eater Boston Essential
Best of Boston: Seafood
What Critics Say

The oyster bar Cambridge deserves and Kendall Square desperately needed.

Boston Globe

Row 34 proves that casual and excellent aren't mutually exclusive.

Eater Boston
Local Love

Kendall 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

Best Time to Visit

Early happy hour (4-6pm) for oyster specials. Lunch is less crowded than dinner. Summer weekends can wait.

Reservation Tips

Reservations accepted for larger parties. Bar and communal tables are first-come, first-served—the best option for smaller groups.

Where to Sit

Bar seats offer the best view of the raw bar action. Communal tables are great for groups.

Ordering Advice

Ask the shucker what's best today. The oyster selection changes constantly based on what's freshest.

Getting There

Kendall Square garages are your best bet. The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Kendall/MIT T stop.

Ratings & Reviews

4.4/ 5.0

Based on 3,279 reviews

Google
4.4

1,823 reviews

Updated 2024-12

Yelp
4.0

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

Telegram

Contact Details

Address

300 Kendall St, Cambridge, MA 02139

WebsiteVisit Site
Hours

Mon-Thu: 11:30AM-10PM, Fri-Sat: 11:30AM-11PM, Sun: 11:30AM-9PM

Transit

3 min walk from Kendall/MIT

Red

In Cambridge, even casual dining involves a thesis statement.

Cambridge Culinary Wisdom

“She was my Rushmore.”

— Herman Blume, on Cambridge dining