"Southern California serves some formidable lobster rolls, but an East Coast contender landed in Santa Monica in 2024. Luke’s Lobster is an East Coast chain that keeps it simple by serving a chilled lobster roll on a toasted bun. There’s another stuffed with crab and shrimp, but the lobster roll sampler with lemon butter-, spicy honey butter-, and truffle butter-topped rolls is what to order. Always order a side of clam chowder or lobster bisque. — Matthew Kang, lead editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest" - Mona Holmes
"Southern California serves some formidable lobster rolls, but an East Coast contender landed in Santa Monica in 2024. Luke’s Lobster is an East Coast chain that keeps it simple by serving a chilled lobster roll on a toasted bun. There’s another stuffed with crab and shrimp, but the lobster roll sampler with lemon butter-, spicy honey butter-, and truffle butter-topped rolls is what to order. Always order a side of clam chowder or lobster bisque." - Matthew Kang
"The East Coast chain finally arriving steps from the beach offers a limited-time snow crab roll whose meat was described as sweet and tender, and a seafood-roll trio priced similarly to a full lobster roll at $33 but served as three half-rolls filled with Jonah crab, lobster, and shrimp. The reviewer loved sampling each roll in sequence to get the breadth of fresh East Coast shellfish wrapped in plush, buttery buns." - Eater Staff
"The East Coast chain opened in Santa Monica on Oct. 24, bringing its signature chilled New England–style lobster roll dressed with a touch of mayo, a drizzle of lemon butter, and a proprietary seasoning blend laced with celery salt, while maintaining the founders’ stated commitment to sustainable and transparent seafood sourcing." - Rebecca Roland
"The East Coast knows a thing or two about lobster rolls, so our interest was piqued when we heard this NYC-by-way-of-New-England chain had planted its flag in LA with a location in Santa Monica. Luke’s is known for its Maine-source lobster and signature rolls that come topped with lemon butter, celery salt, and a mayo drizzle. You’ll find other regional specialties on the menu, like crab rolls, lobster bisque, and clam chowder, too. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Sylvio Martins