In our opinion, nothing says summer like Luke’s.
Credit: Cassandra Garrison/Metro
Nothing says summer like the sweet, succulent taste of lobster. If you haven’t yet indulged in the decadent, seasonal rite of passage East Coasters fondly know as the lobster roll, there is no time like the present: This Saturday is National Lobster Day. Here’s where to get your mitts on the best lobster rolls this side of Maine.
Luke’s Lobster
Multiple locations, www.lukeslobster.com
New: 11 Water St., Brooklyn Bridge Park
About as good as you will get around here, this lobster roll is all about the meat. Expect to find a full quarter pound of fresh lobster — knuckle and claw meat only — carefully piled on a toasted, buttery bun, with only a hint of mayo.
“We are doing everything to accent the fresh Maine flavor and not hide it,” says owner Luke Holden, a New England transplant who grew up in a lobstering family. What started as a cozy East Village lobster shack has now expanded to 11 locations, including Philly and D.C.
Bonus: From June 27-29, select Luke’s locations will be shelling out $10 lobster rolls for Sandy relief. Follow @LobsterFromME for daily locations.
BLT Fish Shack
21 W. 17th St., 212-691-8888
This Flatiron outpost makes a meal of it, serving your lobster roll with a side of crispy fries. Large chunks of mouthwatering lobster are mixed with mayo and tarragon and served cold on a hot dog bun, just the way you know and love.
The Sea Fire Grill
158 E. 48th St., 212-935-3785
Treat yourself to a lobster threesome at this swanky Midtown hot spot. The new bar menu features a lobster roll flight with a trio of unique sliders: the buttery Nantucket, the cool mayo Maine and the zesty Tempura. You won’t want to share.
Plunge at The Gansevoort Meatpacking
18 Ninth Ave., 212-660-6736
This rooftop lounge at the Gansevoort isn’t just the place to be seen — it’s the place to be seen eating a lobster roll. The BLT lobster roll is a true taste of summer on a bun, with fresh lobster tossed with lemon mayo and celery. It’s topped with crispy Nueske’s bacon and a cool dollop of guacamole. Try to tear your eyes from your plate long enough to enjoy the stunning skyline view.
Claw
744 Ninth Ave., 212-581-8400
Dig into a lobster roll from this fairly new addition to the formerly lobster-deprived Hell’s Kitchen. Enjoy the charming pink-and-white-striped atmosphere as you devour warm butter-kissed chunks of crustacean on a soft bun. The golden fries served alongside will compete for your attention.
Follow Cassandra Garrison on Twitter at @CassandraAtMetro.
