New Orleans Spotlight: Luke

Luke New Orleans is a vibrant, Creole-inspired brasserie located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District on the iconic St.¹ Charles Avenue.

Uniqueness and History

• Franco-German Brasserie Concept: Luke is patterned on the bistros of France, particularly those in the Alsace region, and recalls historic New Orleans restaurants like the old German restaurant Kolb’s.² This Franco-German influence, blended with local flavors, makes its concept unique.³

   

• Atmosphere: The restaurant is described as having a warm, energetic atmosphere and a distinct dining room.⁴ The front room is notable for its big, dark-wood bar, high ceilings, and an antique belt-driven set of ceiling fans, which mirrors the style of the old Kolb’s.⁵

   

• Location: It functions as the all-day restaurant of the Hilton Hotel on St.⁶ Charles Avenue, serving three meals a day, seven days a week. It is housed in the historic and unique former Masonic Temple Building.⁷

   

• Evolution of Cuisine: Opened in May 2007, Luke initially focused on authentic Old World fare like slow-cooked dishes and Alsatian sausages.⁸ In 2017, it re-imagined itself, embracing the rich flavors of local Creole cuisine while maintaining its signature raw bar.⁹

   

Highlight Menu Items

Luke highlights fresh Gulf seafood and offers a daily selection of oysters.¹⁰ The menu is crafted from locally sourced ingredients and seasonal farmers’ market offerings.¹¹ Highlighted items include:

• Raw Bar: LA Gulf Oysters, Specialty Oysters, Jumbo Louisiana Shrimp (boiled, served chilled), and the Grand Seafood Tower (Maine lobster, Gulf oysters, boiled shrimp, mussels, Peruvian scallops, tuna tartare, smoked trout dip).¹²

   

• Brunch/Breakfast: Jumbo Louisiana Shrimp & Grits (with yard eggs, andouille sausage, jalapeño cheese grits), Blue Crab Omelette, and Crispy Fried Chicken Biscuit.¹³

   

• Other Dishes: Escargot and Bone Marrow, “BBQ” Gulf Oysters, Honey Glazed Pork Belly, and a highly-regarded hamburger.¹⁴

   

Customer Feedback

• The restaurant is described as bustling and very popular, drawing both locals and visitors.¹⁵

   

• The atmosphere is noted as lively, “upscale pub that feels historic and modern at the same time.”¹⁶

   

• Service is described as friendly and swift, with waiters in “pristine white suits.”¹⁷

   

• It has been hailed by publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and The Times Picayune, with the latter applauding its “disarmingly home-spun culinary touches and broad-shouldered dishes that satisfy something more than just an appetite.”¹⁸

   

Significant Events

• Opening: Luke opened in May 2007.¹⁹

   

• Reimagining: The restaurant reimagined its menu in 2017 to embrace local Creole cuisine more fully.²⁰

   

• Catering and Events: The venue offers private dining in a semi-private Wine Room and has access to four ballrooms upstairs in the Hilton St.²¹ Charles Hotel for large receptions, banquets, and weddings in the Grand Chapel.²²

   

• Recognition: It was recognized by a New Orleans food critic as one of the city’s top 10 new restaurants and one of the dozen best restaurants to get fried chicken.

Contact Information