Luke’s Lobster, a national chain renowned for its sustainably sourced Maine lobster rolls, is eyeing a 1,200-square-foot spot at Seaport Village, with a proposed opening later this year - pending approval from the Port of San Diego.
The family-owned outfit, launched in 2009 by Maine native Luke Holden in New York City’s East Village, would bring its New England coastal flair to San Diego’s bayfront, joining a Seaport Village dining scene that;s undergone an $11 million transformation since the Port assumed ownership in 2018. While the Port emphasizes a balanced mix of local and national operators, the addition of another out-of-town name underscores ongoing debates about the waterfront's culinary identity.
Luke's menu will spotlight its ethos of simple, high-quality seafood: classic lobster rolls with mayo and lemon butter, crab and shrimp rolls, lobster tacos, and bisque, all sourced from independent Maine fishermen and paired with chips and poppyseed slaw. The casual setup - tailored for Seaport’s harbor views - aims to draw tourists and locals soaking in the Embarcadero's revamped charm. An exact opening date awaits review by the San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, but the proposal marks Luke's first San Diego venture after a 2024 West Coast expansion to Santa Monica.
Since its start, Luke’s Lobster has grown to over 30 locations across the U.S. and abroad, with a vertically integrated model - buying direct from fishermen, processing in Saco, Maine, and shipping to its shacks - that ensures freshness and sustainability. The chain’s recent launch of branded frozen products at Whole Foods nationwide has further boosted its profile. At Seaport Village, it would join a roster reshaped by the Port’s multi-million dollar investment, which has phased out aging tenants like Edgewater Grill for fresher concepts since 2018.
The Port’s approach, however, isn’t without scrutiny. While local favorites like Crack Taco Shop, Mr. Moto Pizza, Spill The Beans Coffee, and Mike Hess Brewing - with tasting rooms on both Seaport's west and east ends - anchor the village, recent leases have favored regional and national names. Malibu Farm (Los Angeles) opened in 2024, and Gladstone’s (Malibu) and Shorebird (Newport Beach) are slated for late 2025, replacing Edgewater Grill and Pier Cafe. Beyond Seaport, the Port tapped Texas-based The Rustic Restaurant & Live Music concept to take over Joe’s Crab Shack near The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, a 10,000-square-foot project set for 2026.
This mix reflects the Port’s broader vision, balancing homegrown stalwarts - think Cohn Restaurant Group, Bali Hai, and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse - with new-to-market concepts like Luke’s. Chairman Michael Zucchet has called Seaport Village a "quintessential California waterfront destination," a goal driving its evolution as the $3.6 billion Seaport San Diego redevelopment looms, potentially reshaping the area by 2027. For now, Luke’s Lobster’s pending debut adds another layer to that story, promising Maine magic amid harbor breezes - if the Port gives the green light.
The Port counters perceptions of favoring outsiders, emphasizing a deliberate balance. "We seek to offer locally-owned-and-operated favorites while attracting major regional and national players," said Public Information Officer Brianne Mundy Page.
Seaport Village, she notes, is predominantly local, with tenants like Mike Hess expanding to dual locations, and others diversifying - Something Sweet Shop’s owner opened Ocean Avenue, a clothing store, while Istanbul Home Jewelry’s local owners launched Christmas in San Diego and will soon debut Raihan, a Turkish sweets shop. Across the waterfront, the Port points to local heavyweights like The Brigantine, which will soon operate The Fish Market while preserving its brand, and Social Syndicate, a San Diego group set to open a Monarch Ocean Pub-style concept at Coronado’s Ferry Landing in 2025.
This mix reflects the Port’s broader vision, balancing homegrown stalwarts - think Cohn Restaurant Group, Bali Hai, and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse - with new-to-market concepts like Luke’s. Chairman Michael Zucchet has called Seaport Village a "quintessential California waterfront destination," a goal driving its evolution as the $3.6 billion Seaport San Diego redevelopment looms, potentially reshaping the area by 2027. For now, Luke’s Lobster’s pending debut adds another layer to that story, promising Maine magic amid harbor breezes - if the Port gives the green light.
Luke’s Lobster is expected to open by year's end at 849 West Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego's Seaport Village. For more information, visit lukeslobster.com.
Originally published on April 8, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
Originally published on April 8, 2025. Information first reported by Joey Reams of What Now.
