Luke's Lobster Farragut — Restaurant in Washington

My first experience with a Luke's and I can say with impunity that the new location is not equipped to support what I'd call moderate interest. I waited nearly 30 min for a simple lobster roll. I realized I'd been forgotten when I had been bypassed by folks who ordered 15 minutes after me received their food before me. I mentioned this to the staff, and to the credit of the establishment, was asked if I wanted compensation for my wait by either free chips or a soda (which I didn't, but I appreciate the gesture). I then received my lobster roll which had been hastily prepared. The whole experience, after the lengthy wait, was tragically disappointing and the food (to me) seemed uninspired.

The lobster was slightly chilly, as though it had just been pulled from the fridge, and I later read on Luke's website that this is intentionally how it is served. While that is fine, I had no frame of reference as this was my first lobster roll from any Luke's location, and, the grilled/toasted bun led me to believe that the lobster was meant to be warm, too. In sum, the food was not for me, but YMMV. I would overlook this, but was nonplussed by every other aspect of the restaurant, as well.

I am not sure if the many deficiencies stem from the people, processes, or systems of this new Luke's Lobster. I will say that the new payment/cashier system had trouble reading my card, but that is not Luke's Lobster's fault, as my card is annoyingly made of metal thanks to Chase Manhattan Bank and is notoriously difficult for newer machines, like Square readers, to swipe (the chip works fine, though).

However, in the other deficient aspects that do lie on Luke's shoulders, the "crowd" of hungry patrons was nominal in size for a lunch place in this area. I've seen dramatically longer ordering lines at Sweetgreen, Taylor, and other chain establishments that extend out on to the sidewalk. Those locations, even when they first opened (like the new Sweetgreen on Eye Street) are able to serve people much faster ... and usually with more complicated orders than some chunks of cold seafood haphazardly tossed on to a lightly warmed bun, I might add.

Re: the overarching defects of the restaurant, I cannot offer useful criticism on how to improve as I'm not sure of the root of the issues. From a process perspective, I couldn't see how the food was prepared, so I'm unsure if perhaps the ingredients are misplaced fore ease of the preppers to access. Maybe the interaction between the client-facing prep area and the back kitchen is difficult. Yet the root problem could equally likely lie with the staff, who may be unused to communicating as a team, may require more training to be efficient and anticipate their own needs, or any other number of issues which may require mitigation.

I must say that the staff were all quite friendly, so kudos to Luke's there. However, I would recommend they move the one young gentleman with the backward cap from announcing the completed orders (as no one could hear him even if he was inches from their ears) and have him bus tables instead (as he was clearly hired to do, but was not doing).

Should they continue to have "heavy" volume and yet, for some insane reason, choose NOT to change their approach (whether people or process) to preparing the meals, then they may want to consider rearranging the interior layout of the register and prep area so that the line does not encroach on the entryway so immediately and that those waiting for their meals are not hindered in making their escape when they finally do have food in hand.

In sum, it is a brand new location (so a grain of salt may bump my review to two stars for some readers), but I still believe more can be expected from a chain. I stand by to revise my review if...

At $30 for a 4oz lobster roll, cole slaw and a soda, it was quite pricey for a week day lunch. However, the food was very nice, the restaurant was impeccable and the service was top notch. You are in the very heart of DC. Blocks away from the White House. The very seat of power in the modern world. So, $30 for lunch is reasonable. While I was there, I did see a few potential customers walk in, get sticker shock and make an about face.

About the food: Lobster roll was very good. The roll was a soft Texas toast-type set up that was uniquely cut down the center to form the tasty bun. The lobster was seasoned well in a light dressing that complimented the lobster without overpowering it. The cole slaw was a generous portion. It is a vinegar-based slaw that for me was a bit too much on the sour-acidic side, but I could see the attempt to provide contrast to the lobster and make the lobster sweetness pop. A sweet slaw would have been too much sweet for the palate.

The better side choice would have been the kettle chips, but then you’re losing the healthier aspect of the slaw.

I thought I had bought a Mexican coke in a neat looking bottle with a different type of label. To my surprise, it didnt taste like Mexican coke or coke or even cola. It had a weird taste. Not bad, just weird. A closer look at the label revealed it was a Mexicane coke from Maine. Figures Maine folk would mess up a cola like that. Was it old bay seasoning I was tasting??? Dont know but wont be ordering it again.

The better drink choice would have been a nice ice cold bottle of beer. Blue Moon would have been an excellent choice, but I dont think they have it on site.

The restaurant was immaculate. Everything was in order and everything was super clean.

The entire staff was exceptional. Very friendly, attentive and respectful. Consider tipping them up front because they will earn it. It’s hard to find dedicated food service staff these days.

Job Very Well Done! Every star was EARNED!...

I was realllly excited when Luke’s Lobster opened up a new “shack” in Farragut because I love all things lobster. I'd heard good things so I was pumped to try their food. FYI, This is their 4th location in DC, and it’s right next to the Farragut West Metro.

Must-tries include: Luke’s Favorite ($20): A lobster roll (1/4 lb of chilled wild caught lobster in a split top bun with melted lemon butter, mayo, and their secret seasoning, chips, and coleslaw. Their Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese ($15): Pasta shells in a creamy, mascarpone-cheddar blend with tender chunks of lobser, toped with garlic herb breadcrumbs. Their Bread Bowl with Lobster Bisque ($14): Soup served inside a toasted sourdough bread bowl. Their L.G.C ($13): Lobster & gruyere grilled cheese.

It's hard to pick favorites, but if I absolutely had to, I'd go with their LGC and their lobster bisque!

I loved their soup SO much! It was so rich and creamy, and I appreciated that it wasn't too salty. You'd think that'd be a given, but most places go HAM on that sodium. The sourdough bowl was delicious - and I'm not one to ever pass on carbs - but if you’re looking to pass on bread, the bisque is $7 for a small and $11 for a large.

Their lobster & gruyere grilled cheese was crazy good, and it was quite possibly the best grilled cheese sammy I've had in the area. I pretty much inhaled this baby in 2 minutes and could’ve easily downed another so definitely make sure to indulge. Think chunks of succulent lobster in melty cheesy goodness, sandwiched between buttery slices of bread. So much...