Luke's Lobster Garment District — Restaurant in New York

Quality over Quantity! On the list of items to try when I was travelling included Lobster Rolls. A road trip to Upstate New York was on the cards, but sadly did not materialise. As a result, I had to figure something out in New York City and it wasn't hard to find, as you can imagine. Luke's Lobster has its claim to fame as being the number 1 most voted lobster roll in the region. I happened to have seen an outlet by the Brooklyn bridge earlier, sadly though I had just eaten at the time. After a bit of searching, I came to realise they have an outlet right on Broadway right by Times Square. Given my time in the city was running out,I decided I just had to give it a go! After a twenty minute walk through the streets of the city, I reached what was a rather small entrance. Asides from the sign outside and a small black awning with the signage, not much would tell me this was the famous Luke's Lobster roll! Upon entering, I found some references to Maine with pictures on the wall and very little seating. I approached the counter and upon seeing the menu, was tempted to order the seafood trio where you get to try shrimp, crab and lobster. But being the one time to enjoy fresh lobster, I elected to go with just the one lobster roll. Available in different sizes, the prices as expected were steep. However, the quality of the lobster, the softness and buttery texture of the bread all made it worth the visit! In addition you get to choose from a couple of soft drinks, and I chose a spicy ginger ale that was unique, to say the least. Also included was a bag of sea salt chips, apt given the occasion and on going theme. Given I was still a bit hungry, I followed the wonderful sandwich a lobster bisque - a soup served with what they called oyster crackers and a couple of pieces of lobster inside. Flavourful and nice! Ideally, I would have appreciated more seating, but I understand given the location that real estate would be at a premium and we were lucky enough to not have to wait too long to be seated. Overall, a good experience to have fresh lobster while also supporting the sustainable cause given the brands ethical and philosophy. Be sure to check it out if you are in the Times...

I was really looking forward to a lobster roll here. I got the "Luke's Favorite" special, which is a lobster roll, kettle chips, and a small cup of cole slaw. As another reviewer said, the menu description states lemon butter, special seasoning, etc. There is noticeable seasoning, but the lobster roll itself was simply just lobster. That's not necessarily a bad thing since lobster is delicious. But, I was expecting something extra and memorable considering the price and description. There was no noticeable taste of lemon butter and whatever special seasoning they had didn't really make an impact. Just a toasted roll with cold lobster pieces. The cole slaw wasn't anything to write home about either. But this is entirely up to personal preference when it comes to cole slaw.

All in all, I probably wouldn't come back. I'm no stranger to lobsters and have my fair share of lobster rolls. This one sits right in the middle above those rolls that are shredded lobster drowned in mayo (ugh). At least you're getting whole pieces of lobster meat here.

If you're having a craving for lobster and just want a quick stop, this might be for you. But if you're looking for a lobster roll that will knock your socks off.. might want to find somewhere else. Or make a...

I grew up on the coast of Maine, I understand seafood. I live on the Gulf Coast now but the stuff here does not compare. It’s been 3 years since I visited home and I was in NYC for work. I was excited to be this close and getting a Maine style lobster roll. I was extremely disappointed in the product served here. The lobster was over cooked, rubbery and lacked any flavor at all. The New England style roll was cold and tasteless. The cole slaw was terrible, the vinegar was overwhelming, it lacked mayo and seasoning. The clam chowder was passable but was probably microwaved to be reheated but not for very long as it was served slightly warm. I suggest the owner revisits their recipes. Get some butter, mayo, salt and pepper and learn how to flavor their product. I understand lobster is expensive and delicate to produce but there is no way this was worth the price charged. They are capturing tourists that don’t know any better. A true Yankee...