Lobster Joint. Location: Greenpoint. Dupont and Manhattan Ave. Scene: New England-Style. Bar. Counter Order. Food: Clams. Oysters. Shrimp. Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese. Lobster Roll. Crab Cake Sandwich. French Fries.
Chek Recs:
- New England Lobster Roll: Celery, Fresh Herb Mayo
- Gold Coast Steamers
Lobster Joint is a year-old seafood gem, and I am ashamed that I hadn’t discovered it sooner. If you are a die hard Luke’s Lobster fan like me and think no one else can compete, you will be blown away by this Greenpoint, seafood oasis. Not only is the weekday happy hour (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) incredible: think $4 Lobster or Fried Oyster Sliders, $1 Oysters, $4 cocktails/beer and $16 pitchers, but the place feels like you have been transported to Boston or Maine. Its New England decor, nautical fixtures, wooden tables and picnic tables in the back outdoor garden create a casual and enlightening experience for any day of the week (closed Mondays). There are TV’s inside for the sports fanatics and jugs of water on each table so you can serve yourself. The raw bar menu offers oysters, clams, shrimp, etc. and be sure to order the Gold Coast Steamers from Long Island’s North Shore when available. They pack in a ton of flavor, are meaty, and anything but rubbery/chewy like the clams that come in traditional clam chowder. These steamers are just as good a reason to visit Lobster Joint as the New England Lobster Roll itself. This lobster roll is extremely generous with gigantic pieces of cold claws and tails and do not have an excessive amount of mayo to destruct the taste. Love the buttery bun and the jumbo, juicy pickle was a major highlight that I finished it before I even took a crack at the lobster.
Taking an afternoon to explore Greenpoint’s treasure is well worth it. However, you might tear up when you find your plate empty as you finish. For those of you that can’t resist, the infamous ice cream sandwiches from Cool Haus could be your savior and ticket to spending even more time here. If you are traveling back to Manhattan, there’s not a better way to end the day than taking the East River Ferry ($4 per person) which lands at 34th Street. Might as well get as close to the water as possible and hang onto the New England feeling. The views of the city remind you why this is the best city on earth and you’ll feel accomplished that you didn’t just walk to your usual neighborhood brunch/dinner spot.
***Tip: If you can’t make it during the week, try their $19 prix-fixe brunch which includes: Lobster Claw Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Fried Oyster Scramble, Lobster Rancheros, Crab & Asparagus Omelettes or of course something from the regular menu.
