Newport Beach is about to get a taste of New England. On August 22, Luke’s Lobster, the beloved, family-owned shack known for traceable, sustainable seafood, will open its first Orange County location on Marine Avenue, right along the Balboa Peninsula.
Founded in 2009 by third-generation lobsterman Luke Holden, the Maine-based group has grown into a national favorite with over 30 locations across the U.S. and abroad. But no matter where the shack sets down, it stays true to its roots: serving wild-caught, responsibly sourced seafood straight from the dock to your plate. Luke’s even earned B Corp certification back in 2018, a nod to its commitment to transparency in the food chain, from who hauled in your lobster to how it was handled before landing in that toasted bun.
What’s on the Menu?
The Newport Beach shack will serve up the same classics that made Luke’s a household name. Think chilled lobster, crab, or shrimp rolls tucked into split-top, buttered buns and finished “the Luke’s Way”: a swipe of mayo, drizzle of lemon butter, and sprinkle of Luke’s Secret Seasoning.
That first bite hits with a snap of chilled lobster against the warm, buttery bun, the lemon butter bright enough to cut through the richness. It’s simple, balanced, and impossibly crave-worthy. Add a side of creamy New England clam chowder, poppyseed slaw, or kettle chips, and you’ve got the makings of a beach-day feast. Kids can dig into grilled cheese or hot dogs, while grownups get their lobster fix with a marina view.
From Maine to Balboa
“I’ve always had my sights on Newport Beach because it reminds me a lot of Maine with its charming shops and seaside spirit,” said Holden. “It’s also great that it’s family-friendly, so there’s something for everyone. We’re excited for the locals to try our Maine-style lobster rolls.”
The shack itself is small and cozy, just 336 square feet, with counter service designed for easy grab-and-go. Picture this: you pick up a roll still warm in its paper wrapper, head straight down Marine Avenue, and find yourself eating it on the sand as boats drift past Balboa.
A Grand Opening With a Cause
To mark its debut, Luke’s Lobster is teaming up with local nonprofit SPIN (Serving People In Need). For every lobster roll sold during opening week, $1 will be donated to support unhoused and low-income families in Orange County. Plus, the first 100 diners to order a 6-ounce lobster roll will score a Luke’s-branded beach towel, a fitting souvenir for a shack that blends coastal flavor with community spirit.
The Details
- Location: 329 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92662
- Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Opening Date: August 22, 2025
- More Info: lukeslobster.com | @lukeslobster
So whether you’re a die-hard New Englander craving a taste of home or a SoCal local ready to upgrade your beach-day lunch, Luke’s Lobster is about to make Newport a little more Maine.