C Says --
Our schedules for May were unusually ridiculous -- so J and I were "forced" to meet on a lovely Sunday for lunch. Originally, J picked Meatballs near the Verizon Center; imagine my suprise when I rolled up on my bike to find a closed Meatballs -- le sigh. However, Luke's Lobster right next door was open and bustling. I'd been wanting to try Luke's for a while now, so I was happy when J agreed.
Luke Holden first opened Luke's Lobster in New York in 2009 after moving to the city to work in finance. Having grown up in Maine, he was dismayed by the quality of lobster rolls in the city. He called his dad, a seafood processor, and realized they were onto something. Now, Luke's boasts 6 locations in NY and DC (a Bethesda location is rumored to be opening soon), in addition to a food truck.
The restaurant itself is small -- there is outdoor seating -- and filled with the usual seafood kitsch: buoys, lobster traps, etc. On a Sunday afternoon, it was doing a brisk business, but in no way felt crowded or crammed.
Not really knowing which of the rolls to try, I selected the Taste of Maine -- a half shrimp, half lobster, and half crab roll. They were all fantastic and super fresh! Paired with some chips and a Shipyard beer -- the meal was perfect.
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J Says -- Taking a break from the mid-week dinners, I opted for a Sunday lunch with C (plus our schedules weren't conducive to dinner this month). I had wanted to hit up Meatballs, but stupidly I didn't check to see if it was open on Sundays. By the way, it's not. So we tried out Luke's Lobster next door. MY GOD I'M GLAD WE DID!
First and foremost, the concept of a very limited menu with a very reasonable price was a refreshing change of pace for us. While being raised in New England and loving most things from the sea (sorry tuna), I'm not one to be adventurous with lobster-crab-shrimp rolls. And I'm not really a mayo person...at all. Man, was all that changed with this visit. I think the shrimp roll was my favorite, though let me be honest...I didn't dislike any of the options. Paired with chips and a diet coke, what a great Sunday afternoon meal (that didn't include a mimosa).
All in all, I'm glad I screwed up with Meatballs, because Luke's Lobster was an amazing selection.
Luke's Lobster, 624 E. Street NW, Washington, DC, (202) 347-3355
