Luke's Lobster

[c11]

I know it only opened on the 1st but has anyone gone yet and can share how it was?
Thank you!

[thew]

i've only eaten at the upper east side lukes. it' good, but not great. it was underseasoned, and i like some mayo in my lobster roll. i thought id like lukes butter version, hoping for light and exciting,but it was kinda flat. once i salted it it was a bit better, but still...

pearl is still my fave in manhattan

[BluPlateSpec]

We went there after the Governors Island Food Truck fiasco. Waited in line for over an hour for a lobster roll before leaving. Went straight to Luke's and had an awesome lobster roll, tender, sweet and huge amount of meat. Roll, chips and a natural soda from Maine $17., great price and great food. Go there.

[sugartoof]

$17 as a great price? Yikes. I think it's about the going rate for Manhattan.

I've actually been seeing lines at Luke's on a regular basis now. No more lines at Gray's Papaya anymore, and that's with the rebirth of their 50cent hot dog. Recessions are tough.

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Gray's Papaya
539 8th Ave, New York, NY 10018

[kathryn]

It's $14 at Luke's if you get a regular sized roll without a drink or chips, IIRC. It's a good price when you see the competition has priced their lobster rolls at $25-30.

Pearl Oyster Bar sells theirs for $27, it comes with fries. Mermaid Inn's is $26, with fries. Lure's is $29 and comes with chips. Mary's Fish Camp has been selling theirs at $30 recently.

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Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014

[Wilfrid]

Correct. The going rate in Manhattan was $25 to $30 (usually shown on menus as Market Price) until Luke's opened. Luke's essentially cut the price in half.

[cubanat]

Exactly!! I LOVE LUKES!!! But seriously the lobster meat was not ice cold on our visit it was maybe chilled slightly but the bun was perfectly cooked. warm and crisp on the outside & golden hued!! My FCH did tell me that if I had bothered to read the fine print on the menu board that they do offer to make the rolls sans seasonings and mayo. I am in the school of lobster roll lovers that says "get it the way the house makes it and that is all. If it's great then I will get two more"

[guttergourmet]

Here's my review.
http://www.alwayshungryny.com/reviews...

[cubanat]

Went here last night and have to say that it was AWESOME--in regards to satisfying one's craving for a lobster roll it is on par with Pearl's but without the wait & expense. Granted not a full service resto but service was super and they have those cool Maine sodas (but not MOxie!)

[sugartoof]

I finally tried this, and unless they gave me the wrong order, the default is no butter or mayo, or celery or anything on the roll. It was served cold. Not lukewarm, not hot, outright cold. The bun, was soaked and grilled in butter, but no longer warm. Having tried the 3 half sandwich special, I liked the shrimps best of all....and regret I didn't save my money for the Brooklyn Lobster Pound, or another spot instead.

[cubanat]

mine was perfectly buttered and crisp (warm) and cold lobster dressed lightly but not with mayo. perfectly seasoned but not overly salty or peppery in the least. I have never ordered a lobster roll anywhere and asked them to OR been promted to change the way they prepare it. These were top notch and oddly enough I liked the shrimp the least. the taste of the lobster was heavenly!

[kathryn]

Yeah the dressing they use is extremely light, perhaps they forgot? Or used an even lighter hand than usual? I do think they should serve the roll with room temperature meat. I think Luke's is straight from the fridge.

[gutsofsteel]

Luke's lobster rolls are way too cold, underdressed, and really pretty uninteresting.

[uwsister]

Cold? Like out of the fridge cold? That's not good.

[kathryn]

Ouch! Where do you recommend someone go for a lobster roll in Manhattan?

[uwsister]

This is kind of random, but who was the guy featured in NY mag a couple of months back? The one who makes lobster rolls out of his house or something like that. Was he in Manhattan or BK? Anybody tried his stuff?

[EV_Eats]

Dr. Claw is his name I think. He's on the DOH hitlist, so I don't think he'll be still in business, or just be super low key. If you Google his name, there's plenty of coverage about the whole debacle. Or check out the video of him on Food Curated.

BTW, I really like Luke's Lobster. I'm a bit of a purist when it come to my rolls, so I like the fact that Luke's are uncluttered, they use huge chunks of claw meat which I love. As the weather cools down, be sure to try the Lobster Bisque too!
____
http://www.eveats.com

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Luke's Lobster
93 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

[uwsister]

This underworld lobster roll-dealing business fascinates me. I will track him down.

[sugartoof]

"Luke's lobster rolls are way too cold, underdressed, and really pretty uninteresting."

That sums it up accurately.

(There was a thin coating of mayo on the ice cold bun. It was visible, but didn't register as having any flavor)

[cubanat]

I would think the health dept. might take issue with room temp lobster, crab & shrimp meat no?

[EV_Eats]

Not just that. Not in a commercial, licensed kitchen, etc.

[kathryn]

The rolls I've had at other establishments don't have cold meat. Not sure how they accomplish this, but there must be some way.

[chompchomp]

Of the lobster rolls in NY, Luke's has been my least favorite. The lobster was so cold on my roll, it was almost icy. My new favorite cheap LR (besides Dr. Claw) is the Red Hook Lobster Pound. They use scallions instead of celery, which gives it a nice little bite.

[foodwhisperer]

I couldnt get in last night, it was so packed. So far I think Mooncake has the best lobster rolls ( no mayo)..i'll give my luke's review this week. Pearl and Mary's I think are overpriced and over rated. Lure isnt bad. I like the Clam Bar's lobster roll in Nappeague, and a great spot in Nova Scotia but that's too far isnt it.

[chuckle chuckle]

Having traveled extensively throughout New England, Luke's gets an A as the lobster roll was perfectly prepared. In NYC, this place is really pleasing and I wish them the best of luck and a successful future.

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Luke's Lobster
93 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

[uwsister]

Is it as good as Red's? Not talking about size (obviously can't compare) but flavor-wise.

[cubanat]

I find Red's to be the least flavorful lobster roll in Maine. It's a tourist trap that actually does make really good fried oysters though.

[uwsister]

You are quite lucky if you've found Red's to be the least flavorful - I happen to like their lobster rolls quite a bit, but then again I like my lobster rolls pretty unadorned with plenty of lobster meat (Red's, Beach Plum in North Hampton, etc.) and we almost never wait as we don't go to Maine during the peak season. I don't usually care for fried oysters but maybe next time I'll give it a try!

[Miss Rennie]

You can ask for no butter or no mayo; I don't like the flavoring in the butter, so I always get it with just a bit of mayo. Grilled rolls are great! They now have lobster bisque and three other soups, and they plan to add delivery and lobster tails in future. You get only claw and knuckle meat on the rolls at present, and sometimes the meat's a bit mushy. But for 14 bucks it's worth it.

Of course, better still, go to the Lobster Pound on Bleecker or in Chelsea Market, buy a 35-buck container of cooked lobster meat and you have enough for four rolls. Including two tail pieces.

[livetoeatnyc]

Also, does anyone know if they deliver or plan on delivering in the future?

[fishermb]

I havent been by yet, is this a sit-down and order with a server joint? To-go only?

[kelea]

it's pretty much to-go. the whole place is like 50 sq ft

[small h]

I ate there. There are about 15 counter seats (all full, on my visit). You order at the register.

[kelea]

When I went there were no more than 8 stools and even though we ate in there, it was really uncomfortable. It was too hot and no room to move. So even though there are seats there, i would not recommend going there with an intention of a leisurely meal

[livetoeatnyc]

I read on Luke's website that it is only claw meat served in the bun (http://www.lukeslobster.com/a-lobster...) -- is that the case at most other places in the city? I usually get my lobster rolls at Pearl's and I think I recall some tail meat in there...

[edwardspk]

Ate at Luke's for the first time yesterday. While I enjoyed sampling the crab, shrimp and lobster rolls (yes, I had all 3), I prefer the heavier mayo at Pearl and Mary's. Plus, given it's location on the Lower East Side, it's not exactly as convenient as Pearl and Mary's for me. So I probably won't be heading back soon. One plus, though - Luke's is cheaper than Pearl or Mary's, if you're willing to go to the effort of getting there and willing to forego the comfort of table service. Also, be warned they don't have a beer or liquor license.

[kathryn]

Luke's Lobster is technically part of the East Village, and from what my Maine friends tell me, lots of mayo is not the traditional Maine prep.

[edwardspk]

That may be true. I wasn't trying to describe more mayo as more authentic to New England, just as my preference in a lobster roll.

[foodwhisperer]

Every lobster roll ive had in Maine had mayo on it. In nova scotia they tend to mix crab and lobster together also with mayo. Moon cake uses no mayo and least expensive ive seen and the lobster is warm

[kathryn]

There's some mayo on the Luke's roll but it's a very very small amount. The lobster is supposed to come to the forefront.

[kelea]

Is the butter version also cold? I was hoping for a hot version like Neptune Oyster in Boston where they pour melted butter over the lobster but It sounds like it's exactly like the mayo version but with butter

[small h]

Yes, all the sandwiches are cold. I don't think the place is equipped to heat anything but the buns.

[sjjn]

Had both versions at Neptune over 4th of July. Those were the best i'd ever had. Can't wait to try luke's. 7th st is probably my favorite street in the city. especially from bowery to ave c.

[kelea]

I actually went last night. It was mighty delicious. Now i will not put them on the same level as Neptune at all. But for what it's worth, Luke's is really good. I tried all three sandwiches, and they were all light yet extremely flavorful and fresh

[gloriousfood]

Agreed. I had the 3 sandwiches (or rolls?) and loved them. I didn't think they were cold--just room temperature. Either way, it didn't bother me. I thought they were really tasty and, somewhat to my surprise, I was getting a tad uncomfortably full midway through my last roll.

[kelea]

ahha i felt the same. by the time i got to the lobster i was groaning. I had to eat just the meat and no bread.

The temp was perfect yesterday cause it was warm out and the place had the heat on so it was WARM inside. the cold rolls were perfect

[jmh891]

The lobster roll was good, but not compared to the taste/value of the mermaid inn around the corner. I paid $20 for an 8 oz(!!!!) lobster sandwich with old bay fries AND a beer. Can anyone beat that?

[small h]

I stopped in last night for the snack-sized lobster roll; my friend had the full grown version. This is definitely the best lobster roll bargain in Manhattan - I can't remember the last time I saw a lobster roll for under $20. And it's not a skimpy portion. It's also very good, except for two things: it's too salty, and the lobster meat is too cold. The contrast between hot bun and icy lobster was weird, and not in a good way. But I would definitely return. Bonus points for the very friendly and efficient staff.

[iFat]

Love Luke's. I could easily put down two (or possibly three) in one sitting. this is one damn good lobster roll and a great addition to NYC. Four ounces of lobster on a lightly grilled and buttered bun. There is just enough mayo and butter to intensify the flavor, but the focus is on simplicity and freshness, which is exactly what eating good lobster is all about. Crab roll isn't half bad either. Well done Luke, well done.

www.immaculateinfatuation.com

[david sprague]

tried it for the first time this weekend and yeah, have to agree that it's a top notch value. two ounces/four ounces may not sound like a lot, but it seems like a very good value on the plate/on the roll. had the small version, 'cause i was only looking for a snack and wasn't sure if the place was worthwhile, and was pleasantly surprised. my only caveat was the one mentioned above -- i wish the lobster itself wasn't served so cold. otherwise, the ratio of meat to mayo, roll to butter and spice to both was great.

[bigkimnyc]

its great!! fresh succulent lobster perfectly seasoned done up simply!! best lobster roll Ive ever eaten! great addition to a great NYC food block!

[small h]

How would you compare it to Ed's, Mary's Fish Camp and the late lamented Tides? Those are (and were, in the case of Tides) my three favorites.

[NYAngeleno]

Just tried this place for the first time tonight, and I have to agree with bigkimnyc and say it was fantastic. I too agree that it's probably the best lobster roll I've had in NYC. For reference, I've been to Ed's, Mary's, and Pearl's, and others, and I like them in that order (never been to Tides). People will like those three in different orders, but I think the common theme among them is a very "umami-ish" lobster filling due to the mayo along with celery on some of them (I believe). I personally like the Luke's roll better. It's more subtle (but by no means bland). They add herbs that I am still trying to discern, along with a touch of mayo (or butter, if you prefer), and no celery. The meat was fresh and flavorful. The buns were decadently buttered without being overpowering. Also, if you get a chance, definitely check out the crab claws and some of the other (crab, shrimp) rolls.

At $14 for a full lobster roll, you can't beat the price compared to the others. The rolls here are not as large as those at the others (maybe 75% of amoung of filling?), but they are still pretty substantial. In fact, I think the proportion of meat to bread is better.

[thursdayclubjason]

I thought for $14 that the lobster roll was a bit on the small side but I will agree that it was delicious.

[El Tigre]

looking forward to trying Luke's but $8 for a 2oz. (!!!) does seem a little crazy

[kathryn]

The seasonings are salt and pepper, thyme, oregano and celery salt.

[sam1]

is the bun made in house? brioche? coated with butter?

ive been going to ed's and mary's for lobster rolls over the last few years but mary's runs out too early in the night and ed's is more mayo based than it originally was when he opened in 2007.

to ed's credit, his bun is sickly deliciously buttery great.

[egit]

the bun is like the tradtional bun you'd get in new england. I'm sure there's an official name for it, but it's like a hotdog roll with the sides shaved off.

The butter is only on the inside, and then they toast/grill it. The whole sandwich is very good. The lobster meat hardly seems to have any mayo on it at all. It almost seems like they tossed it in a little bit of canola oil. A *very* little bit... just enough to give it a sheen and give the herbs something to cling to.

[kathryn]

They don't bake their own buns. The brand name escapes me now, but they are commercially baked. When you walk in, you see stacks and stacks of buns in bags.

[Wilfrid]

I would ask them to hold the seasoning next time - or just salt and pepper if possible. The oregano was a little overwhelming. It was a good proportion of meat to bun, though.