Harvard Square’s Red House Restaurant Closes for Renovations

The Red House, a seafood restaurant in Harvard Square, has temporarily closed for “a few months” ahead of planned renovations, according to Harvard Square Business Association executive director Denise A. Jillson.

“While it is always disappointing for one of the district’s lively restaurants to be offline for a few months, we are excited for a fresh new look for our beloved Red House,” Jillson wrote in an emailed statement to The Crimson.

“We look forward to The Red House opening before too long with new menus, live music, and a continuing commitment to being among the best that Harvard Square has to offer!” she added.

Red House owner Molly P. Lindbergh declined to comment on the closure.

The Red House had been in operation since 2000, when then-owner Paul Overgaag transformed a 200-year-old private residence on 98 Winthrop Street into a new dining spot.

Up until its recent closure, the 1800s-era cottage-turned-restaurant offered patrons a robust seafood menu featuring offerings of lobster risotto, five-spice roasted duck, and pan-seared sea scallops.

“Given its historical character and tiny size, its outsized personality on Winthrop Street (affectionately known as ‘restaurant row’), is truly appreciated. It is small but mighty,” Jillson wrote.

Sheser Gurung, a bartender at the neighboring Charlie’s Kitchen, called Red House “a good place.”

Gurung described Red House as “history,” noting how the business has always been present in Harvard Square despite ownership of the Red House changing hands over the years.

“It’s a huge miss, but it’s gonna be opened up back soon,” Gurung said. “They were more of a fine dining place.”

Aquila N. Wolff ’27 remembered eating at Red House last October but said he hadn’t heard about the closing.

“I was actually thinking of going back there a few days ago,” Wolff said. “I didn’t even realize that they were closed.”

Raul Farias, an employee at the neighboring Boiling Crab, wished the owners of Red House his best in their renovation process.

“It is nice that they want to remodel the place, and it’s well missed. I’m looking forward to the reopening soon,” he said.