What Luke's Lobster serves and how much it costs

Luke's Lobster is a casual seafood chain that specializes in lobster rolls, clam chowder, and a small menu of other New England-style items. The restaurant operates locations in New York, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts, plus a food cart in New York City. Most of what you order comes cold or at room temperature — the lobster meat itself is not heated.

A standard lobster roll at Luke's runs between $16 and $18 depending on location and current pricing. The roll comes on a New England-style split-top bun with lobster meat, a small amount of mayo, and lettuce. A cup of clam chowder costs around $6 to $8. Sides like chips or a pickle spear are typically $2 to $4. Prices vary slightly by location and change over time, so checking the Luke's Lobster website or calling ahead gives you the exact cost for the restaurant nearest you.

Key Takeaways

  • Luke's Lobster serves cold lobster rolls on split-top buns with minimal mayo, plus clam chowder and a few other New England seafood items.
  • A lobster roll costs between $16 and $18 at most locations, with clam chowder running $6 to $8 per cup.
  • The chain has physical locations in New York, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts, plus a food cart in Manhattan.
  • You can order online for pickup at most locations, and some locations offer delivery through third-party apps.
  • The menu is intentionally small and focused — Luke's does not serve hot entrees or a wide range of sides.

The lobster roll: what makes it different

Luke's lobster roll is made with cold lobster meat, mayo, and lettuce on a buttered, toasted split-top bun. The amount of mayo is deliberately light compared to many other lobster roll restaurants — the goal is to taste the lobster, not the dressing. A standard roll contains roughly 1.25 pounds of lobster meat, though the exact weight can vary by location.

The restaurant sources its lobster from its own processing facility in Maine, which means the supply chain is shorter than at many competitors. Luke's also offers a "Connecticut-style" lobster roll at some locations, which uses warm lobster meat and butter instead of mayo and cold preparation. If you are ordering online or by phone, confirm which style your location serves, because not all locations offer both versions.

Clam chowder and other sides

Luke's clam chowder is a New England-style (cream-based) chowder served in a cup or bowl. A cup is the standard size and costs around $6 to $8. The chowder contains clams, potatoes, and celery in a cream base. It is available year-round at all locations.

Beyond the lobster roll and chowder, the menu includes lobster mac and cheese, a lobster claw, and occasionally seasonal items. Sides are limited: chips, pickles, and coleslaw are typical options. Drinks are usually bottled or fountain sodas, water, and sometimes beer or wine depending on the location's license. The menu is intentionally small, so if you are looking for a wide range of options, Luke's is not the place for that.

Where Luke's Lobster locations are and how to order

Luke's Lobster has permanent locations in Portland and Cape Elizabeth, Maine; New York City (multiple locations); Stamford, Connecticut; and Boston, Massachusetts. The chain also operates a seasonal food cart in Manhattan. Hours vary by location — most are open for lunch and dinner, but some have limited hours or are closed on certain days. Check the Luke's Lobster website or call the specific location to confirm hours before you go.

You can order in person at any location, or online through the Luke's Lobster website for pickup. Some locations also partner with third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though delivery adds a markup to the menu price and may not be available at every location. Delivery times are typically 30 to 45 minutes depending on distance and app demand.

Pricing by location and what affects the cost

Lobster roll prices are not identical across all Luke's locations. A roll in Portland, Maine typically costs less than a roll in New York City, because rent and labor costs differ. Prices also shift seasonally — lobster prices fluctuate based on supply, and Luke's adjusts menu prices accordingly. A roll that costs $16 in winter might cost $18 in summer.

If you order for delivery through a third-party app, expect to pay a delivery fee (usually $2 to $5), a service fee (typically 15% to 20% of the order), and sometimes a small order fee. These add-ons can increase the total cost by $5 to $10 on a single lobster roll. Ordering directly from Luke's for pickup avoids these extra charges.

Dietary restrictions and allergen information

Luke's Lobster menu is built around shellfish and seafood, so anyone with a shellfish allergy has very limited options. The clam chowder contains shellfish. The lobster rolls contain shellfish. Most sides contain dairy (butter on the bun, mayo in the roll). If you have a severe shellfish or seafood allergy, Luke's is not a safe choice.

For other dietary restrictions — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut allergies — contact the specific location directly. Some locations may be able to modify items or offer alternatives, but the core menu is not designed around these restrictions. Luke's does not publish a detailed allergen menu online, so calling ahead is the safest approach.

What to expect when you visit

Luke's Lobster locations are casual and fast-casual in style. You order at a counter, pay, and either wait for your food or pick it up if you ordered ahead. There is usually limited seating, and many locations are designed for takeout. The atmosphere is informal — this is not a sit-down restaurant with table service.

Wait times during peak hours (lunch and early dinner) can be 15 to 30 minutes, especially at popular locations like the ones in New York City. Off-peak times are faster. If you order online ahead of time, your food is usually ready when you arrive, which cuts the wait significantly. Bring cash or a card — all locations accept both, though some prefer card payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the lobster meat at Luke's fresh or frozen?

Luke's sources lobster from its own Maine processing facility and uses fresh lobster meat. The meat is not frozen before being served. However, if you order for delivery, the lobster is chilled during transport, so it is not as fresh as eating it when ready at a location near the source.

Can I order Luke's Lobster online and have it shipped to my home?

Luke's does not ship lobster rolls or prepared food to homes. You can order online for pickup at a physical location, or use a third-party delivery app if your location participates. For shipped lobster products, you would need to order from a different vendor that specializes in mail delivery.

What is the difference between Maine-style and Connecticut-style lobster rolls?

Maine-style (what Luke's serves at most locations) uses cold lobster meat with mayo and lettuce on a toasted bun. Connecticut-style uses warm lobster meat with melted butter instead of mayo. Luke's offers Connecticut-style at some locations only, so confirm with your local restaurant before ordering.

Does Luke's Lobster offer any vegetarian options?

The core menu is seafood-focused, and most items contain shellfish or fish. Sides like chips or coleslaw may be vegetarian depending on preparation, but Luke's does not advertise a vegetarian menu. Call your local location to ask what options might be available.

How much lobster meat is in a Luke's lobster roll?

A standard Luke's lobster roll contains approximately 1.25 pounds of lobster meat. The exact amount can vary slightly by location and by how the meat is packed into the roll. If you want to confirm the weight for a specific location, call ahead.