Luke's Lobster Lands In The Loop

By Jessica Mlinaric in Food on May 15, 2015 5:35PM

Luke's Lobster will open the first Midwestern outpost of its seafood shack chain in Chicago's Loop (134 N. LaSalle St.) this Monday, May 18. The New York-based company has won over customers in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. with its Maine-sourced lobster offerings.

The 20-seat LaSalle Street space features rustic wood paneling and handmade tables salvaged from Maine barns. Buoys adorning the walls hark back to owner Luke Holden's lobstering days while other bric-a-brac on display was plucked from the shores of New England.

Luke's sustainably-sourced seafood fare includes lobster, shrimp and crab rolls as well as chowders and bisques. The simply prepared lobster roll ($15) features a quarter pound of lobster with lemon butter and just a brush of mayo and seasoning on a toasted Country Kitchen bun. The vinaigrette poppyseed slaw's ($2) citrusy acidity is a great contrast to the thick New England clam chowder ($8) with a hint of lemon. Chilled empress crab claws ($8) are an enticing side.

The restaurant is partnering with local dessert and beverage purveyors and will offer Bang Bang Pie Shop's honey pie with blueberry balsamic compote. A liquor license is pending, but you can expect to be enjoying Revolution Beer on Luke's patio by mid-summer. Luke's offers takeout as well as dining seven days a week, so if you're craving a taste of New England downtown Luke's might be your new Maine squeeze.