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Luke's Lobster
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood [Edit]
426 Amsterdam Ave(between 80th St & 81st St)
New York, NY 10024
Neighbourhood: Upper West Side
(212) 877-8800
- Nearest Transit:
-
79 St (1, 2)
86 St (1, 2)
81 St - Museum Of Natural History (A, B, C)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
138 reviews for Luke's Lobster
Review Highlights
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"...Soup' ($7) with blueberry maine root soda and a bag of chip..." In 6 reviews -
"...thing and hopefully they will have the empress crab claws." In 5 reviews -
"Both the lobster roll and the shrimp roll are excellent." In 17 reviews
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138 reviews in English
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Review from Davis K.
New York, NY
5/17/2012
There is something admirable about an establishment that concerns itself primarily with food. This is one of them.
The shellfish is some of freshest and with keen attention to detail, those rolls are a great lunch/snack food. Buns are never dry/stale and always toasted for the correct length of time and never overly buttered. Mayo and pepper is applied sparingly (as should be) allowing the taste of the fish prominence in the mouth.
Great for takeaway, but not an ideal choice for dining in. -
Review from Karly B.
Rahway, NJ
5/3/2012
Holy tons of Lobster!!!!
If you want delicious, tons of lobster/crab/shrimp on a perfectly toasted & buttery bun then Luke's is the place. I was pleasantly surprise at how good their rolls are. The place is clean and bright. Hardly any wait too wich is a plus.
Only thing is the prices ($19 for the lobster roll, bag or chips and a drink), though I truly think it's worth it every once in a while. :) -
Review from April B.
damnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. this thang is expensive but OH SO WORTH IT!
went here TWICE during my nyc trip back in feb and i'm still dreaming about the lobstaaa roll until this day! so sad that luke's is across country from me ;( it's painful actually.
you MUST get extra butter & mayo lol. must. it makes the roll that much better.
you would be an idiot not to stop by luke's.
lobstaaa roll has changed my life. i think i should move to nyc to be that much closer to luke's lol.
obsessed? yes.
don't listen to anyone who gave this place 3 stars are less. they obviously don't know what they're talking about/or don't know what good food is. just sayin.Listed in: APES vs. NYC
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Review from Justin S.
White Plains, NY
5/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Talk about overrated, got the Noah's ark which is basically all of their rolls and gotta say this place did not get it right. Tastes like they serve their fish out of a can. Smallest shrimp I've ever seen in my life smallest lobster claws too, and who knos if that was even real crab meat. Definitely overpriced, 20 bucks for 1 and a half rolls a bag of chips and a soda, not exactly a bargain. Only good thing about this place was the soda was great and the food came quick, even if it was atrocious.
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Review from Rachel T.
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Absolutely excellent lobster roll! Tons of lobster heaped onto a delicious bun- perfection. The place is tiny and cute and decorated like a New England lobster shack. The prices were expensive but that is what you can expect for a lobster roll in the city. The bun was absolutely perfect- toasted and buttery and complimented the lobster. The clam chowder is also excellent- not overly creamy but thick and packed with buttery flavor. They also have an impressive selection of Maine sodas. Overall a really yummy lobster roll that is absolutely worth a trip!
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Review from Deb R.
Manhattan, NY
5/14/2012
The BEST lobster roll in NYC! I don't give a hoot about lobsters or clam but this is by far the best lobster roll and the clam chowder is really so delicious and satisfying. I love Luke's. I love the combo which used to be called the Schooner; lobster roll, bag of chips, pickle and a soda for $18. That's a decent price. The lobster is not fishy at all, it's huge chunks in a roll which isn't all mayonaisse-y. You can get their lobstah-mobstah card which is buy 10 get the net one free. The seating is high stools which are not really comfortable and there really isn't a lot of seating. I put up with the seating because its worth it. You can also get it to go. come to Luke's!
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Review from Kate F.
3/29/2012
Every July I visit my mother at her house in Maine for her birthday week. This week is always one of the highlights of my summer, as I always find time to sit in the sun eating a fresh lobster roll with a side of chips and a pickle, and wash all that deliciousness down with a cold Alagash White beer.
Imagine my delight in experiencing Luke's Lobster, where if I close my eyes and imagine a sea breeze, I can recreate that little moment of joy.
For me, the $20 lobster roll (with aforementioned chips and pickle) and beer is a fine price to pay to know that I can bring up that summery, content feeling on the Upper West Side of Manhattan whenever necessary. In Maine, that experience is one in a week of relaxed, delightful local food and nature-filled activities. On Amsterdam Ave on the UWS, Luke's Lobster is a welcome break from the pace and complication of the city.
The menu is simple, the quality very high. On a split top buttered lightly toasted bun, drizzled with a butter/old bay mix, slightly cold and lighlty cooked lobster meat shines. This location is small, with a few high tables and minimal counter seating along the walls. Those walls are lined with happy folks who have gotten ten lobster stamps and enjoyed a free roll on Luke's. I now aspire to be like them. (And I'm fairly certain I'll make it there before my next trip to Maine this summer.) -
Review from Alyssa M.
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Oh New Yorkers....if you get out of the city you'll have a Fabulous lobster/crab roll. But this aint Maine, so Luke's will do.
I had a crab roll, and it was good, not great, but good. Definitely fresh crab, but the roll needed more flavoring (that green seasoning was bland in my opinion).
I will say the combo was a nice (crab roll, chips, soda for $13) but I'm not running back here by any means.
Welp, here's another one for the checklist: I've tried a New York favorite and I'm not too impressed.Listed in: 4 & 5 Stars? --Gurl Please!
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Review from Tim K.
Manhattan, NY
5/10/2012
Stopped by here after a long day of hitting the books in the library a block away.
Great fresh tasting lobster and buttery rolls. Clam chowder definitely reminds me of New England... Can't really find anything like this on the UWS so definitely a good go to every so often.
Service and staff are VERY friendly and quick.
Downside: prices, can get a bit hefty after a few items. -
Review from Russell B.
Manhattan, NY
After catching an older episode of Chef Michael Symon's Food Feud, I had an urge to stop at Luke's Lobster again. This time I would stop at the location located in the Upper West Side.
Carol and I decided to grab the Noah's Arc because we could have a variety of everything. Too bad there was no Crab Claw because they "ran out". For the first time I ordered the Noah's Arc it was a disappointment.
The Noah's Arch is originally 41 bucks, but he decided to charge me 38 since there was no claw. Honestly I feel like it should of been more like 35, so I was more disappointed. Oh well...
Food came out, and it was good and that's what counts right? Carol couldn't finish her three half rolls, so I ate her left overs.
The ginger ale soda was gross. Its some knock off brand grossness.
I've experienced better at the south street seaport location.
Oh yea, and the host isn't too friendly. -
Review from Carol B.
3/11/2012
I like lobster, who doesn't? So when Rus invited me to lunch at Luke's Lobster, how could I decline?
This little shack is a neat spot for an afternoon snack, kind of cramped though with only about a dozen or so stools...so don't plan on bringing your whole family.
Anyway, we got the giant sampler thing (Noah's Ark) but they were out of the lobster claws! Bummer...however, they did discount our order in an effort to compensate.
I really didn't think that three half rolls would fill me up...but I couldn't finish all three!
I started with the shrimp roll. I was pleasantly surprised by the slightly crispy and buttery bun...but this shrimp was bland to the max...Like, it was just a big cold pile of squishy stuff...had no taste whatsoever....Skip the shrimp roll!
Next, I jumped right into the lobster...Huge, tasty chunks of lobster meat...this was a pretty good roll. It was kind of lacking the sweetness that you usually get with fresh lobster though...Which was a little disappointing.
The crab roll was also very good, the crab meat probably had the most distinct flavor of the three rolls...However, by my third roll, I was so stuffed with bread, butter and crustaceans, that I could hardly finish!
I'm kind of glad that they were out of the claws, because I really would have been stuffed if I had eaten anymore.
Service is quick. Slather on as much salt, pepper and sriracha as you like.
If I had just gotten the lobster roll, this place probably would have gotten 4 stars...but yeah, that terribly bland shrimp roll kind of killed it for me.
After much thought, and what appears to be a disgruntled 'compliment' sent to Russell regarding his review of the place (which seems like it was written from someone who works at Luke's --shame shame), I am bumping Luke's down to one star. I won't be back. -
Review from Junah C.
Updated - 4/23/2012
This lobster roll is absolutely DEAD. They've sucked the life out of it. The hot dog bun is dead as well. I left feeling depressed and empty.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/18/2011
The lobster roll was good. As in adequate. I was a little underwhelmed.
The lobster was fresh...… Read more »
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Review from Derek B.
I love a good lobster roll...there is just something awesome about putting something seemingly high class like lobster on a hotdog bun. Silver spoon and paper plate kind of vibe. I love it. The lobster roll at Luke's is one of the best I've had (and that includes in Maine itself). Super fresh, deliciously sweet lobster piled onto a perfectly crisp buttery hotdog bun, topped with just a hint of butter and a sprinkle of seasoning (celery salt?)...perfection. And they don't skimp on the lobstah eitha...you get what you paid for. Pair that with a Maine Root Blueberry Soda (my wife's favorite since we went to Maine, and it's hard to find the stuff sometimes) or beer and some delicious kettle chips...and you've got 5 stars from me.
Unfortunately I could only give 'em 4. First, I wanted those crab claws..and like I read in several reviews, they were sold out....blah. If you can't keep something in stock, don't keep it on your menu, just make it a special or something when you do have it in. Second, all the pictures of people's rolls have pickles with them...where was my pickle? I love pickles...if I would have known you served pickles with your rolls I would have demanded one. And lastly the guy at the counter was a bit offputting, not very friendly.
But hey, 5 stars for that freaking Lobster Roll....If that's what you are craving, THIS is the place to go...Seriously..go get one. -
Review from Esther W.
Manhattan, NY
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
If I could eat this for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, I would. I've only tried their lobster because it is the greatest thing on earth. Yes, it's a little pricey, but you get SO much lobster. Just add a little of their spice and sriracha and you'll be singing "Under the Sea" for the next half hour.
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Review from Giacomo C.
New York, NY
1/22/2012
I live a few steps from this location and I'd never been until last Friday night. I had already had dinner (and dessert) but I wanted to try their lobster roll. I ordered half roll, and I admit it... it IS very small and pricey ($8), but it is loaded with lobster and it's truly delicious. If you feel like getting a treat closing an eye on how much it's coming out of your wallet, this is that treat. Their $22 taste of Maine (half lobster roll, half shrimp roll, half crab roll, 2 crab claws, 1 soda & a bag of chips) is a great deal.
On a side note. My credit card jammed their computer and they couldn't use it to charge me. But instead of asking me to pay cash, the guy at the cash register told me that my roll was on the house. I found his service to be exceptionally generous. I left him a $5 tip. -
Review from Kate W.
2/15/2012
Amazing lobster roll! Enjoyed that it was butter and spices, without the mayo overtones. So tender with a ton of different textures to the roll and meat.
Still not sure it is worth the cost, as the roll was fairly small but it was delicious so if you love lobster it is a must have. Try it out and you won't be sorry even given the size.
As a side not it it is a small lunch counter type place. One that you might find on a dock but on the upper east side. Not exactly what I had hopped when spending this much but for a lunch counter type place the ambiance is nice. -
Review from Rick E.
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pricey, yes. Worth it, YES! The lobster rolls are freakin amazzzzing!!!! Ask for more butter and drizzle it all over the lobstaaaa
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Review from Danielle R.
State College, PA
4/21/2012
The lobster roll is out of this world! Sweet lobster dredged in butter and put on Texas toast - how could you go wrong? The main root soda is really good too (go for the sarsaparilla, it's like root beer but better) and you can get a deal that includes a drink and a bag of chips for just a couple dollars more than a regular roll. The soups are really good too - the lobster bisque has so many chunks of real lobster that the last time I came, I got too full and had to wrap up my roll to go. Highly recommended!
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Review from Megan S.
12/29/2011 2 photos
WOW. My husband and I were so utterly impressed with this place that we broke our "can't go to the same place twice because we're only here for a week and New York has too much good food" rule.
On our first visit we stuck with the lobster roll combo and I was pretty convinced that I'd died and gone to heaven. The lobster was super fresh and cooked perfectly, the meat still moist and sweet. I loved the fact that the lobster wasn't drowning in mayo - the light drizzle of melted butter and sprinkling of seasoning was absolutely perfect and did the lobster justice.
And although there's often nothing special about chips and pop, I gotta give them props for choosing some good quality sides. The pickles were also top notch!
We went for the Noah's Ark on the second visit and left equally impressed. Great job with the crab (as a West Coaster I'd know) and the shrimp were lovely. I'm pretty sure if this combo came with 3 full-sized sandwiches I'd somehow find a way to polish off every last bite, it's that good.
Don't think, just eat here. -
Review from Charlotte L.
Manhattan, NY
1/15/2012
The lobster roll was just okay. The lobster was good, but I prefer a bit more mayo and seasoning in my rolls. I'm not a huge fan of crab so the crab roll was even more underwhelming.
My favorite place in the city is still Mary's Fish Camp in the West Village. I would go there everyday if it wasn't so hard get a seat. -
Review from Husky Z.
Manhattan, NY
4/8/2012
We love this place and keep going back. My favorite is the crab roll. Also the Maine
root beer is nice. The stuff are very nice and helpful. Don't forget to ask for the punch card so you get the 11th roll fee! -
Review from Matthew H.
New York, NY
2/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic Lobster Roll! The combo with a beverage and a bag of chips is very reasonably priced, under $20. For more thoughts on Luke's, see my review of their East Side location.
Listed in: Seafood
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Review from Donna S.
2/15/2012
we love driving up to the cape every summer for always fresh and always inexpensive seafood, but whn thts not a possibility, a short trip to Luke's Lobster for their Taste of Maine - is the way to go! half lobster roll, half shrimp roll, half crab roll and a pair of empress crab claws. the lobster totally met expectations, but the shrimp and crab were a pleasant surprise!
the rolls arent very big and the rolls arent cheap but they are hands down one of the very best in nyc. -
Review from Haowen Z.
Manhattan, NY
3/16/2012
Tried this one to celebrate the new offer of Penpen's wife. As shown in previous reviews, the lobster roll is good and the bread is very crispy. The restaurant is quite small so probably better for take-outs. Strongly recommend for casual bites. Try Maine's taste if you wanna try a little bit of everything.
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Review from LA S.
Chicago, IL
4/28/2012
It is the best seafood around! Nothing is fried or greasy and it's one of my favorite restaurants.
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Review from Shannon M.
New York, NY
4/26/2012
This. Place. Is. Phenomenal. Enough said. Short of going directly to Maine, this is the best Lobster Roll you can get in the 5 boroughs.
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Review from Sandee L.
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
By the time we arrived for dinner, my eyes were bigger than my stomach. I was famished and just a little buzzed. I wanted to go with the "Noah's Ark", which is basically double the "Taste of Maine". Good thing I was swiftly talked out of it. The "Taste of Maine" was more than enough. The two of us ended up splitting it with an addition of the soup of the day, lobster bisque.
The lobster bisque ($7) had a good amount of lobster chunks in it. The soup itself was a little too "grainy" for my taste, and didn't have an overall "wow' factor. I've had better.
For $22, the "Taste of Maine" includes half a lobster roll, half a crab roll, half a shrimp roll, 4 crab claws, Maine root soda, and Kettle chips. The rolls are all "naked", (meaning they aren't seasoned/flavored with anything and meant to be enjoyed "au-naturel") and topped off with butter. My favorite of the three was the lobster roll. The lobster was sweet and succulent and neatly packed inside a nicely toasted buttery roll, with an ever-so-slight brush of mayo. However, I must say, being the condiment addict/mayo lover that I am, I prefer the slightly dressed mayo lobster rolls more. They don't have an option with the mayo/onion/celery mix I'm used to and am a huge fan of. Can that be added as an option on the menu?
I didn't realize until we were about to leave that the 4 crab claws and root soda weren't included in our meal. I asked one of the guys about it, and he packed it for me to go and included a free whoopie pie. Thanks!
I'm still on the hunt for an awesome lobster roll in the concrete jungle. -
Review from Krista J.
2/21/2012
Best and most affordable lobster roll in town!
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Review from Elizabeth A.
Brooklyn, NY
4/27/2012
Great quality lobster as with all the other locations but the service could use some improvement. The people who work there aren't always the friendliest. If I'm paying almost 20 bucks for a sandwich, please at least give me a fake smile when I say "thank you".
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Review from Maria M.
Ringwood, NJ
2/1/2012
Went with the Mr. to Luke's Lobster on Amsterdam for the first time. OMG the lobster roll was heavenly. It was warm, buttery, and fresh. Wish the portion was a little bigger though. I was still hungry after 1 roll. It was pricy but I think it was worth it. Can't wait to go back for more.
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Review from Dan T.
9/5/2011
Tired of standing in line for brunch at Sarabeth's? Head across the street to Luke's!
Food-wise, the UWS's offerings are just as outstanding as their original location, but I think my epiphany came while I was blissfully munching my way through three half rolls, seated at the window front counter and watching the masses huddled outside of Sarabeth's doorstep, longingly and hungrily waiting for their names to be called.
But why wait? Granted, the food at Luke's isn't cheap, but their Noah's Ark gives you just enough food to satiate two people, and you are bound to pay up to (if not more than) $45 incl. tax for two at Sarabeth's when you factor in drinks, tax, AND tip! And, personally I think there are few things more satisfying than getting to enjoy three different kinds of seafood rolls nestled in beautifully buttered and toasted rolls, a nice cold ginger beer, and getting to the bottom of a bag of nice, crunchy potato chips.
So next time you are on the UWS and INSIST on having brunch, take a look across the street and consider the other options available - you'll probably enjoy the food just as much, and you won't have had to wait an hour to get it! -
Review from Yukie T.
Manhattan, NY
1/12/2012
A pricey lobster roll with unsatisfactory portions. A good place if you're a curious New Yorker who's never had a real lobster roll. Otherwise, make friends with a New Englander and save your virginity for the right lobster roll.
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Review from Sean M.
8/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
This is the first lobster roll I've had outside of Maine.
I've been hearing the hype for a long time so I was expecting a lot. Luke's delivered! Granted it's been a while, but I'm pretty sure this is the best lobster roll I've ever had! The amount of seasoning is perfect; just the right amount of butter, mayo and seasoning. And the bread! Oh the bread! The bread is delicious! This ain't your standard issue lobster slathered in mayo and slapped on a hotdog bun. This is the total package!
At $16 a piece they're a splurge but it's nice to splurge now and then! -
Review from Christine C.
Houston, TX
7/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Luke's...or Mary's? or Lukes?....oooorrr Mary's?
ohmygod my brain is going to EXPLODE. But for now, I only have time for one organ to explode and that's my stomach 'cause I just got me a Taste of Maine - half a lobster roll, half a crab roll, half a shrimp roll, 2 empress crab claws, a bag of chips and some yummy fancy shmancy ginger soda.
Like the masses say, Luke's is all about the lobster. Fresh, plump, perfectly cooked morsels of lobster stuffed brim high in a buttery soft roll. So how's it compare to Mary's?
1) LOBSTER - Luke's was fresher. If they cooked it any less it'd be RAW. perfect crispy/juicy chunks.
2) ROLL - about the same, actually. both buttery, both toasty
3) SEASONING- Luke's seasoning is more subtle, while Mary's is packed full of flavor to match its equally generous slathering of mayo.
4) PRICE - $15 for a SLIGHTLY smaller a la carte roll at Luke's vs. $30+ roll with fries at Mary's. Oh, and for only $2 bucks more, Luke's gives you Miss Vickies chips and a Maine Root soda. Score!
In the end, Luke's not only showcases its LOBSTER better, it's also a bigger bang for your buck. And what does that mean? you can buy MORE LOBSTER. -
Review from Charles P.
Manhattan, NY
12/7/2011
Wow, I've got two words for you. Luke's Lobster!.....They delivered in the rain but the food was dry....and good. I love the small rolls....because I'm not paying for the bread!, I'm paying for whats inside the bread. I ordered mine deconstructed so the bread was fresh and not soggy.
Love it, keep my credit card on speed dial baby! -
Review from L E.
New York, NY
8/17/2011
I agree with the other Yelpers!
Luke's lobster roll is AMAZING but . . . it is slightly on the pricey side.
My lobster roll, pickle and soda was about $19. You know what? It was sooooo good I'll be back and I'll gladly pay a bit more than usual for a FAB over-stuffed lobster roll.
See you there! -
Review from Shamieka S.
Manhattan, NY
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went in at around 6PM & ordered my boyfriend and I the "Noah's Ark"
It was just like I imagined it would be! The small rolls were JUST THAT... Small! But after gobbling up my lobster roll (SCRUMPTIOUS) and munching on some of the crab roll, I had to wrap the rest up! My boyfriend (of course) swallowed his meal! LOL
The sodas are delicious also!
I will definitely be going back! (Once my arm and leg grow back!) -
Review from Juliet K.
1/21/2012
i've sampled quite a bit here. the lobster roll was ok. but for that price it should be stellar. the crab roll sucked. the crab beat was all broken apart. and the shrimp roll is really gross with the tiny shrimps that are just cheapo and yuck.
the soda's are cute and different and the whoopie pie is amazing. that was my favorite thing we ordered at a lobster shop. sad..... -
Review from Mahogany S.
Bronx, NY
7/27/2011
Everybody loves a good farm-to-table restaurant. You know, the kind where your steak once had a name (think Bessie) and your kale was picked by a handsomely paid ex-accountant farmer with a newly-minted Ph.D. in agriculture from Cornell. You can just taste the freshness, and it's well worth the price... Right? RIGHT???
Thanks to Luke's Lobster, we now have the bay-to-table lobster shack, the closest most of us will ever get to eating a crustacian with a name. Every day at Luke's, an oh-so-quaint chalkboard features the very bay that the day's lobster was caught, usually an idyllic looking spot on the coast of Maine. I have had many a lobster roll in my day, and I can say that Luke's is, without a doubt, one of the best. Whether this is attributable to bay-to-tableness of the lobster, I cannot say. Likewise, whether the rather steep price one pays for the insane freshness is worth it, I know not. I would posit, however, that Luke's is well worth a try, and you can thereafter decide for yourself if its a good bargain.
In the insurmountably important lobster-to-mayonaiseconcoction ratio category, Luke's gets an A. Thanks to the large, bite-sized chunks of lobster, every bite of the roll bursts with lobster flavor. The seasoning is light and serves to complement, rather than compete with, the natural lobster flavor. Luke's is not one to skimp on any facet of their rolls (read: you get what you pay for), and as such, you will find your roll to be overstuffed with lobster salad and the bun fresh and buttered just-so. The accoutrements were good but not other-worldly. The lobster roll is the star of the show.
Overall, Luke's is a fantastic sandwich at a price. Being that my cravings for a lobster roll are few and far between, I am glad to fork up the $20+ for an exceptional roll and an authentic Maine beer, but I'd be a poor fool to make to make too regular a habit of it. -
Review from xtine w.
New York, NY
11/15/2011
Small, cute place on the Upper West Side. I think there were about 4 or 5 bench tables in there. Went in around 2PM on a Sunday and it was pretty empty. Nice place to meet up with friends.
I had the lobster roll for $16. Very delicious! I'm not even a big lobster fan but I enjoyed it, especially on the toasted bread. It's pretty pricey though given you're just eating some lobster on a piece of toasted bread, but delicious nonetheless. Good for a light meal, but I would not come here if you're very hungry.
Great customer service too! Very nice people :)
