Luke’s Lobster – The Best Lobster Roll in New York

Grab Luke's Lobster's lobster roll, and you'll know it's the best lobster roll in New York. The first Bite delivers sweet lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo, resting in a Toasted Bun, so the flavour stays clean and direct.

Each roll pairs lobster chunks with crisp lettuce and a whisper of chives. That simple combination lets the seafood shine, with the texture from the meat balanced by the crunch of lettuce. The lobster is sourced through mindful fishing along the east coast, often arriving from island ports, then moving to nearby counters within hours.

opening hours vary by location, with multiple counters across Manhattan and Brooklyn near major transit stops, ready to slot into your lunch break. The menus Keep the focus on lobster-forward options, keeping things straightforward and tasty, so you can tailor your lunch to your day. These are the ones you want for a dependable bite.

First, grab a classic roll after your errands; if you’re sharing with a couple of mates, you can order two rolls and a small side and still stay within budget. For yourself, take a slow bite and notice the way the chives and lettuce brighten the lobster meat. A serviette helps keep things tidy, and I, meself, often grab a second roll to compare textures. A side of crisps adds a crisp contrast.

Luke’s Lobster is loved by locals and visitors alike for sticking to the essentials and letting the crustacean speak for itself. Whether you’re near the east river or exploring the waterfront, this spot offers a reliable, satisfying bite after a day of work or play.

Luke's Lobster Locations and NYC Opening Hours: Practical Guide

Get to the Madison location when it opens to beat the queues and sample a little, divine lobster roll with a twist before the lunchtime crowds roll in.

Luke’s Lobster operates across NYC in spots that fit busy schedules: a Madison Square Park joint, a Union Square counter, a Grand Central Market stall, and a SoHo storefront. Those spots feature a clean decoration with white and cream tones that keep the focus on the seafood. The core menu stays simple–lobster rolls, crab rolls, and chowder–with the classic lobster roll as a favourite. If you want variety, try a special while supplies last; note this isn’t a meatball joint, and burger lovers won’t find heavy fillings here.

nathan helps keep the plans simple: opening hours vary by location, but most NYC shops start around 11:00 and close by 7:00–8:00 pm. On weekends, some stay later. Check the official site or Google Maps for today’s hours at each location, then map a quick route from madison to grand central or soHO to maximise those spots without wasting time.

Practical picks: order the classic lobster roll on a lightly toasted bun; it shines with a gentle cream dressing and a touch of lemon. The meat is chilled to keep its delicate sweetness, and the bun provides a soft contrast–twist the bite with a little seasoning, but keep it simple and focused. If you want a little more, add a side or a small drink; you can measure mayo in tablespoons, don’t overdo it. If you crave options beyond seafood, you’ll notice this isn’t a burger or meatball place–these spots are dedicated to fresh, divine seafood, a haven for fans who want a quick, satisfying bite between museums or meetings. If you’re with friends, half a kilo of lobster meat shared across the group can feel like a feast.

Where to Find Luke's Lobster in New York City: Shop List by Borough

Start at Union Square in Manhattan for your first Luke's Lobster bite; from there, the journey continues to other boroughs. Since Union Square sits near central transit hubs, this trip is a smart warm-up. The lobster roll here is the classic: buttery bun, tender lobster, and a touch of lemon – perfectly balanced for a quick lunch before sightseeing. The buns are toasted, giving a slightly crispy edge. This is lobster roll, not pizza; still, the taste hits just right.

Manhattan stores are dotted throughout the borough, with main spots at Union Square and the Financial District. A floating stall near the Seaport pops up on warm days, letting you grab a bite with riverside views. The queue can get long on Friday and Tuesday; a quick order keeps the wait short and the cost reasonable for a tourist-friendly stop. Luke's has grown a presence throughout Manhattan, letting you start your day anywhere from central neighbourhoods to the riverfront. When you plan, you’ll find several options inside and outside the Underground network.

Brooklyn has two solid targets: a DUMBO storefront and a second in Williamsburg, both reachable via the Underground or a short walk from the waterfront. You’ll enjoy ocean-front views as you stroll the promenade; there are many tourist spots around DUMBO, perfect for a quick stop between galleries and parks. The DUMBO location sits along the water, outside the main corridors, and a black board outside highlights daily specials written on the menu. There, you can sample Luke’s in a neighbourhood vibe that’s welcoming and laid-back. Nearby markets around the area sometimes offer chilli snacks to pair with the roll.

Queens locations make it easy to combine a weekend bite with a stroll along the river in LIC and Astoria. The LIC shop sits in a busy corridor, while Astoria offers easy access from the N and R lines. Throughout these neighbourhoods, you can grab a quick lunch after a sunset walk or a casual trip to a museum. Outside, the street scene adds flavour to the overall experience, and the price remains reasonable for a quality lobster roll. There, you’ll notice the wait is rarely long if you arrive on a weekday.

The Bronx currently hosts limited, if any, permanent Luke’s Lobster stores; plan a trip to Manhattan for a full Luke’s lineup. If you’re in the area for a game or a park visit, you can order ahead and pick up at a nearby Manhattan location to keep your schedule tight. There are also occasional pop-ups in city markets, so keep an eye on official updates there.

Staten Island doesn't have its own Luke's Lobster shop; a quick jaunt to Manhattan or a change over to Brooklyn covers the options. For fans who fancy a different angle, keep an eye out for pop-up events in city markets that sometimes surface seasonally, offering a taste of Luke's while you wait for your next crossing back to the island.

Opening Hours by Location: Daily Schedules and Special Hours

Check the exact hours for your Luke’s Lobster location online before you head out; most sites run 11am–9pm, with several spots staying open until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Here’s a practical guide to daily schedules and special hours by location.

Downtown Manhattan – Open daily 11am–9pm; Fridays and Saturdays extend to 11pm. Monday through Sunday, the rhythm stays steady, with lunch around 12:00–14:00 and dinner after 18:00; holiday hours vary, verify today’s schedule on the official page. For these locations, online pickup saves time and helps you skip the queue. If you’re planning a larger order, consider that a large lobster roll paired with fries delivers a balanced, satisfying option. This predictable level of timing helps you plan around your day, and the delightful pickled sides add extra zest to the meal.

Midtown West – Hours typically 11am–9pm; Fri and Sat extend to 11pm. Bank holiday hours vary; exact times appear on the location page. To avoid hype in peak windows, aim for the middle of the lunch rush, around 12:30pm. The main menu stays consistent, and you can save by choosing the smaller price point; for those craving a larger meal, the large lobster roll hits the spot. Pair it with chips and a black pepper dip for a delightful twist on the classic combo.

Brooklyn – Dumbo - Hours 11am–9pm; Fri–Sat extend to 11pm; Monday hours mirror weekdays, with seasonal or event-driven changes possible. If you're visiting during a bank holiday weekend, those hours can shift, so check the page first. Ordering ahead helps you avoid long queues; grab a large portion with chips and a side of pickled vegetables for a substantial, satisfying option. This setup is ideal for tourist schedules or a local trip, and you should mind the 11pm cutoff if you're out late, especially after a long stroll along the river.

Tips to optimise your visit: use the direct link to confirm today’s hours, and consider online pickup to balance speed and flavour. Prices vary by location and season, so review the menu before you go. If you're planning a night out, these patterns help you catch your favourite lobster roll with chips and a delightful, chilled drink, even after a long day of sightseeing or work.

Menu Highlights: The Classic Lobster Roll and Popular Variants

Start with the Classic Lobster Roll–the quick, satisfying baseline that lets the Maine lobster shine here in New York. Located at our East Coast counter, it pairs Maine lobster meat with a light cream mayo, lemon, and celery on a toasted buttered bun. A crisp lettuce leaf and a small salad on the side keep things fresh, while the portion remains long enough to satisfy without overdoing it. You're looking for an American seaside bite? This is it. If you want extra brightness, request additional lemon; if you prefer a cooler bite, choose chilled. Nathan from the market team notes this variant already earns praise for its clean, ocean-forward flavour. Each order comes with goodies like lemon wedges and napkins, and the overall offer meets much of what locals expect from Luke’s: honest lobster from the oceans, no fluff, just great taste.

For those who want variety without losing the core quality, here are popular variants that maintain the same lobster standard but switch up texture and contrast. Each option pairs well with a light green salad or a simple side and keeps coming back to the market-fresh roots of Maine seafood. There's much to explore, and you can decide next based on mood and the day's catch.

Give yourself a quick taste test: start with the chilled variant to ease into the lobster sweetness, then move to the warm buttered roll for a longer, satisfying finish. The classics offer plenty of value, and the variants let you explore how much personality you can draw from the same lobster. Miss nothing–order, taste, and let the quest end with an ocean-backed, memorable aftertaste that feels rooted in maine and the american market. Youre in a haven for lobster lovers, with the east-side energy backing every bite.

Sourcing and Sustainability: Where the Lobster Comes From

Ask the fulton stand for the sourcing map and the latest supplier details, so you can trace your lobstah from boat to bun. lukes program sources lobster from multiple fisheries on the Atlantic coast, primarily Downeast Maine and Atlantic Canada, delivered live in large tanks and kept in chilled water to preserve flavor, then portioned for orders.

To protect future stocks, the program cull undersized lobsters before processing, ensuring only prime meat, larger than minimum size.

This approach relies on tight temperature controls from boat to shore, with minimal handling and rapid turnover, so your order arrives chilled and ready at the stand, reducing wait time.

On the plate, the meat is white and tender, although some guests prefer a touch more lemon, then mixed with mayonnaise, and chopped chives for aroma and color. A careful decoration of pepper and herbs completes the look, yielding mouthwatering texture and a tasty finish that guests praise.

instagram posts from nathan and the sourcing team show boat landings and daily handling, offering transparency you can trust; you couldnt ask for a clearer origin story.

We suggest asking staff to share the latest harvest details and to point you to the fulton-area partners, so you know exactly where the lobster came from and how it was handled.

In short, sourcing with accountability means choosing products that arrive quickly, are served chilled, and reflect a straightforward path from sea to stand.

Planning a Visit: Tips for Ordering, Payment, and Peak Times

Order ahead for pickup on tuesday to skip the line and secure your lobster roll, loved by regulars.

• Ordering options: Use online ordering to select a precise pickup window; if you order inside, be explicit and mention your lobster roll choice, substitutions, and mentioning allergies; specify your desired level of mayo or spice.
• Inside vs. curbside: If you want seating, ask for inside; otherwise, grab-and-go reduces wait during the most active periods.
• Payment methods: The company supports cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay); cash is accepted at some locations, but check the board near the register and have a backup method.
• Peak times and timing: The most activity happens around lunch (12–2 pm) and early dinner (6–8 pm). friday is busiest; tuesday and wednesday are generally lighter–plan a visit around opening or just after the lunch rush to keep it quick.
• Neighborhood and vibe: The fulton neighborhood around the shop is worth a walk–nestled blocks with water views, quick spots for a post-meal stroll. If you post pics, instagram your lobstah bites and mention the vibe near the harbor.
• Menu notes and extras: The lobster roll is flavorful, with a simple topping that makes the bite satisfying. Sides may include potato chips or, seasonally, okra. Some fans compare the experience to a slice of pizza; pound-for-pound the lobster meat delivers a strong bite, and these flavors are marks of a memorable meal.
• Posting and etiquette: If you loved the experience, tag the shop on instagram and mention the neighborhood; appreciation from followers helps the most active fans.