Luke's Lobster is Heaven in the East Village (And, Soon, the UES!)

The menu is short, but with freshly made lobster rolls like these, there's really no need to  ponder other options. Forget your run of the mill, mayo-and-celery-dominated mess; Luke's lobster rolls have tender, juicy chunks of Maine lobster tossed in butter and mayo and sprinkled with Lukes' signature spice mix. All of this is complemented by a grilled hotdog bun for a sandwich experience you'll remember. (Yes, I just wrote that sentence.)  The snack size ($8) is certainly satisfactory, but you'll definitely be left wanting more. We suggest splurging for the regular ($14), or if you're feeling frisky, the Seafood Schooner, which includes a lobster roll, a bag of Miss Vickie's chips, and a Maine Root soda for a mere sixteen bucks (substitute lobster with crab for $11 or shrimp for $9).

Luke's does mostly takeout business, with a few stools and counters. But fear not see-and-be-seen types: head honchos Luke Holden and Ben Conniff just announced that they're taking their operation to the Upper East Side. The East 81st street location will kick it up a notch, with 20 to 30 seats, and a longer menu including a slew of fried seafood delights, not to mention beer and wine. This Uptown-based blogger will certainly be making an appearance at the opening, but until then he will take up semi-permanent residence at a friend's all too conveniently located East 7th Street apartment. Seriously, they're that good.