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Luke's Lobster - Brooklyn Bridge Park
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Luke's Lobster - Brooklyn Bridge Park
8.7
Luke's Lobster runs a waterfront shack in the old Smokestack Building at Brooklyn Bridge Park serving Maine-style lobster, crab and shrimp rolls with chowder and bisque. Locals and visitors line up for consistently sweet, wild-caught seafood in toasted split-top buns with one of the best bridge views in the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, Seafood Roll Flight, New England Clam Chowder
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Waterfront shack for award-winning lobster rolls and chowder under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Who should go: Seafood fans craving scenic, casual waterfront rolls and chowder.
When to visit: Sunny days and golden hour for peak park energy.
What to order: Lobster roll, seafood roll flight, New England clam chowder.
Insider tip: Order at the window then walk your tray to the nearby lawns for extra views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Brooklyn Bridge Park is limited; nearby garages at Pier 5/Willow Place or under the bridge typically run $20–$30 for short stays.
Dress code: Completely casual—park attire, shorts, and sandals are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; outdoor chatter and waterfront activity mean it's easy to talk but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on weather; lines grow quickly on sunny afternoons.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes, with occasional short lines during peak tourist hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—typically only sides like slaw, chips, or beverages.
Vegan options: No true vegan entrées; menu is primarily shellfish-focused.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free rolls are available on request; chowders are not always GF, so confirm at the window.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a low-key, scenic date—especially if you pair it with a walk along the piers. Not ideal if you want a sit-down, lingering meal since seating is mostly outdoors and informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used. Seating is first-come on the surrounding park benches and picnic tables, so bring your food to nearby lawns if everything is taken.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Open park space, outdoor seating, and simple menus make it easy for families. Best for ages 4+ who are comfortable eating outside and with potential lines.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality lobster rolls with unbeatable waterfront views and minimal fuss—perfect for casual park days.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, a full-service meal, or broader seafood options beyond rolls and chowder.
Luke's Lobster - Brooklyn Bridge Park
7.9
Luke’s Lobster runs a waterfront shack at the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park, serving traceable Maine-style lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls with outdoor picnic seating. It’s a quick, seafood-focused stop for park-goers who want a roll and a view without committing to a full sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, Crab Roll, New England Clam Chowder
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A waterside seafood shack for Maine-style rolls with front-row park views.
Who should go: Park visitors craving a quick lobster roll stop.
When to visit: Sunny afternoons or early evenings before lines peak.
What to order: Lobster roll, crab roll, and a cup of clam chowder.
Insider tip: Order a combo, then walk a few steps into the park to claim a bench with bridge views while you eat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO and along the park perimeter is limited and competitive; metered spots open up more reliably on weekdays. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual; park attire is the norm—shorts, tees, and sandals are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to foot traffic, park activity, and outdoor seating, but still easy enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak warm-weather days, especially around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait aside from a short line at the ordering window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—mostly sides like slaw or chips; rolls are all seafood-based.
Vegan options: Not ideal; menu does not cater to vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free rolls are often available for an upcharge, and soups vary; ask staff for up-to-date GF availability.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, walk-in-the-park kind of date. It’s counter service with picnic seating, so it’s more relaxed than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Picnic tables and benches in the park are first-come, first-served, and nearby benches offer backup seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Families use it as a quick, low-commitment meal stop during park outings, and the outdoor seating makes stroller navigation easy.
Best For
Better for: Quick, quality lobster rolls with waterfront views and an easy grab-and-go setup that beats most sit-down spots for convenience.
Skip if: You want a full seafood dinner, indoor seating, or broader menu variety—this is a focused shack built for speed and simplicity.
Luke's Lobster - Brooklyn Bridge Park
8.3
Set just off the waterfront, Luke’s Lobster Brooklyn Bridge Park serves traceable Maine lobster, crab, and shrimp rolls with a strong gluten-free game, including rolls available on gluten-free buns. People queue here for seafood rolls and chowder they can eat while looking out at the bridges and skyline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll on gluten-free bun, Seafood Roll Flight with gluten-free buns, New England Clam Chowder
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-quality lobster and seafood rolls with gluten-free buns in one of the city’s most scenic eating zones.
Who should go: Seafood lovers wanting gluten-free rolls with views
When to visit: Sunny afternoons and golden-hour early evenings
What to order: Lobster roll on GF bun, seafood flight, clam chowder
Insider tip: On busy days, order to-go and walk a minute for quieter waterfront seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially on weekends; nearby paid garages along Water St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual—most people come in park attire, workout clothes, or light layers for the waterfront breeze.
Noise level: Moderate outdoors due to park crowds and traffic under the bridge; still easy enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes depending on weather; lines grow quickly on warm days.
Weekday lunch: Often under 10 minutes except during peak tourist seasons.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—chips, slaw, and a few sides are available, but the core menu is seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—no true vegan mains; best for pescatarian diners.
Gluten-free options: Strong—gluten-free buns available for all rolls, plus soups and sides with clear labeling; staff is accustomed to GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual daytime date—waterfront views and quick-service lobster rolls make it relaxed and scenic, but it’s not ideal if you want a longer, sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; seating is first-come in the surrounding park. Expect to grab a bench or waterfront spot rather than a formal table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often stop by during park visits. Outdoors seating and simple seafood make it easy for kids; strollers are common in the area.
Best For
Better for: Quick-service lobster rolls with gluten-free options directly on the waterfront—few competitors match the combination of quality seafood and iconic views.
Skip if: You want a full-service seafood dinner, indoor seating, or a quieter, more prolonged dining experience.