The Lobster Club

For New Yorkers seeking an unparalleled Japanese dining experience, The Lobster Club in Midtown East stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and sophisticated ambiance. Nestled at 98 E 53rd Street, this culinary gem effortlessly marries traditional Japanese artistry with a modern, luxurious twist. It's a destination where every detail, from the beautifully designed interior to the meticulously crafted dishes, contributes to a truly memorable outing.

The Lobster Club has quickly become a favorite among discerning diners, consistently earning rave reviews for its attentive and warm service, its wonderful ambiance, and, of course, its unforgettable meals. Patrons gush about the exceptional quality of dishes like their signature lobster, crisp cucumbers, and succulent sweet potatoes, with some even preferring the dry-aged New York Strip over the Tomahawk. The dessert offerings, particularly the rotating shaved ice flavors, are deemed unmissable. Beyond the food, the vibrant lounge area and the friendly, knowledgeable staff, like Julia Riesenbach and Rob the bartender, further elevate the experience, making The Lobster Club a highly recommended spot for everything from a special birthday dinner to lively after-work drinks. It’s truly a place that creates lasting impressions.

The Lobster Club is strategically located at 98 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA, placing it in the heart of Midtown East, one of Manhattan's most dynamic and prestigious neighborhoods. This prime address, within the iconic Seagram Building, offers exceptional accessibility for both local New Yorkers and visitors to the city.

For those utilizing public transportation, The Lobster Club is remarkably convenient. It's just a short walk from several major subway stations, including the 51st Street (6 train) and Lexington Avenue-53rd Street (E, M trains) stations, providing direct access from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. Bus routes along Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue also offer straightforward connections. For those arriving by taxi or rideshare, the prominent location makes drop-off and pickup seamless. While street parking in Midtown East is limited, numerous parking garages are available in the surrounding blocks. The restaurant's central Manhattan location also means it's within easy reach of popular attractions like Central Park, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and various corporate offices, making it ideal for both leisure and business dining.

The Lobster Club offers a refined array of services designed to provide a seamless and luxurious dining experience, catering to various needs and occasions.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy an elevated culinary experience within their beautifully designed restaurant. The ambiance is described as vibrant and cinematic, with attentive and warm service, making it perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated night out.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, offering distinct menus tailored to each period, though the core culinary philosophy remains consistent. Lunch typically runs from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM (hours may vary, checking directly is recommended).
• Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy The Lobster Club's exquisite cuisine at home or the office, takeout and delivery services are available through platforms like DoorDash and Caviar. This allows New Yorkers to savor their high-end dishes with convenience.
• Private Dining & Events: The Lobster Club is well-equipped to host private events and group dining. They offer two private rooms that can seat up to 16 and 60 guests respectively. The main dining room can accommodate up to 25 guests non-privately, and the full restaurant can be booked for up to 150 seated guests or 200 for a reception-style event.
• Full Bar & Innovative Cocktails: The restaurant features a sophisticated bar offering a diverse selection of cocktails, including unique creations (like the Cucumber Shisho Cocktail mentioned by a reviewer), sake, wine, and other spirits, perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a lively after-work gathering in their cool lounge area.
• Extensive Japanese-Inspired Menu: The wide-ranging menu features inspired takes on Japanese cuisine, encompassing cold and hot appetizers, salads, House Rolls (cut), Hand Rolls, a la carte sushi and sashimi, main courses (including various steaks, whole branzino, salmon teriyaki), and specialty Wagyu selections.
• Wagyu Selection: A significant highlight is their premium Wagyu selection, featuring highly sought-after varieties like Miyazaki, Snow (Hokkaido), Olive (Kagawa), and Kobe beef, available by the ounce or in various cuts like skirt and filet.
• Dessert Menu: Do not skip dessert, as highlighted by patrons. Offerings include rotating shaved ice flavors (like pineapple), ensuring a memorable sweet ending to your meal.

The Lobster Club distinguishes itself with several prominent features and highlights that collectively create its renowned dining experience:

• Exquisite Culinary Creations: The food quality is consistently praised as "fantastic" and "memorable." Dishes like the lobster, Wagyu beef, various sushi and sashimi, and particularly the dry-aged steaks (New York Strip, Tomahawk) receive high acclaim for their flavor and preparation.
• Premium Ingredients: A focus on high-quality ingredients is evident, with mentions of fresh lobster, perfectly prepared fish, and specialized Wagyu cuts from renowned Japanese prefectures.
• Attentive and Warm Service: The staff is frequently highlighted for being "attentive and warm," providing excellent recommendations, and ensuring guests feel valued and comfortable. Personal shout-outs to staff like Julia Riesenbach and the bartenders emphasize the personalized experience.
• Stunning Ambiance and Design: The restaurant boasts a "beautifully designed" interior and a "wonderful ambiance," contributing to a vibrant and cinematic dining atmosphere. It offers a stylish backdrop for any occasion.
• Unique Cocktails and Lounge Area: Beyond dining, the "cool lounge area" and innovative cocktail menu make it an ideal spot for after-work drinks or a relaxed social gathering.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While offering high-end sushi and sashimi, the menu extends to various Japanese-inspired dishes, including gyoza, yakitori, Katsu-style Wagyu sandos, and a selection of main courses and sides, catering to diverse preferences.
• Memorable Desserts: The dessert menu is a highlight, with the rotating shaved ice flavors being particularly memorable and highly recommended.
• Celebrated by Patrons: The consistent positive feedback from customers celebrating special occasions (like birthdays) underscores its ability to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Given its positioning as a luxury Japanese dining establishment in Midtown East, The Lobster Club typically focuses on the exceptional quality of its cuisine and dining experience rather than frequent, widely advertised discounts. However, value can be found in their carefully curated menu and specific offerings:

• Bento Box Lunch: While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, their Bento Boxes offered during lunch hours provide a comprehensive meal with a variety of items (including sushi roll, protein, sides, soup, and salad) at a set price (e.g., $45.00), offering a complete experience for a fixed cost.
• Classic Maki Combo: For lunch, they offer a choice of two classic rolls with miso soup and spicy cucumber salad (e.g., $38.00), which can be a good value for a sushi-focused meal.
• Private Event Packages: For large groups and private events, The Lobster Club can tailor menus and packages, offering customized experiences that may provide value for specific event needs.
• Seasonal Menu Additions: The mention of a sushi chef recommending "just fresh arrived from Japan" items at other high-end Japanese restaurants suggests that The Lobster Club, with its focus on freshness, may also feature seasonal specials or limited-time offerings of rare ingredients, providing unique culinary opportunities for discerning diners.

For the most current information on any specific culinary events, tasting menus, or seasonal additions, New Yorkers are encouraged to visit The Lobster Club's official website or contact them directly. While traditional discounts may be rare, the inherent value lies in the exceptional quality and memorable experience provided.

For reservations, inquiries about private events, or any other information, you can reach The Lobster Club using the following contact details:

Address: 98 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (212) 254-3000

For New Yorkers who appreciate the finer things in life and seek an exceptional dining experience, The Lobster Club in Midtown East is an eminently suitable choice. Its prime location in the heart of Manhattan makes it incredibly accessible, whether for a quick power lunch, an elegant dinner, or vibrant after-work drinks. What truly makes The Lobster Club ideal for locals is its unwavering commitment to delivering an elevated culinary journey.

The combination of "fantastic" and "memorable" Japanese-inspired cuisine, featuring premium ingredients like fresh lobster and exquisite Wagyu, ensures a meal that consistently surpasses expectations. The beautifully designed ambiance provides a sophisticated backdrop, while the "attentive and warm" service makes every guest feel valued and well-cared for. It's a place where you can confidently celebrate special occasions or simply indulge in a luxurious escape from the city's hustle. With its versatile offerings, from a la carte delights to private event capabilities and a chic lounge for cocktails, The Lobster Club provides a multifaceted experience that perfectly caters to the discerning tastes and vibrant lifestyle of New Yorkers.

The Lobster Club

98 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA