December is the “red carpet” month of food, when everyone brings out their favorite recipes for entertaining, and calendars are full of special dining experiences with friends and family.  Seafood is always popular in Florida, and Lucky Lobster in Dunedin showcases it like no other.  Join us on a food tour in this coastal community and you will see why.  Let us introduce you to this fabulous place and the people behind its success!

Brian Lydon is the owner and brainchild behind Lucky Lobster.  Brian created the Moran restaurant brand in New York City, where he had two restaurants.  He later sold them and brought his long time General Manager, Tom Murphy, to Dunedin to open Lucky Lobster.  Originally planned as a clam bar, things changed when Brian learned a rare blue lobster was caught off the Maine coast in 2016.  (Only 1 in every 2 million lobster are blue, which is the result of a genetic deformity). Upon being caught, the lobster was released back into the water, and was quickly dubbed as the “lucky lobster” for having been spared.  When Brian realized how catchy the name was, he knew this was going to be the name of his Dunedin restaurant. With this, in 2017 the clam bar evolved into a lobster focused restaurant with many other fresh seafood dishes.

Brian and Tom have a long history, having worked together since 1983.  Tom was in the midst of his hotel and restaurant management program in Ireland, and was required to spend 6 months in a restaurant abroad.  Packing his bags for New York City, he met Brian (whose mother is Irish), and they instantly became fast friends. After completing his training in New York City, Tom returned to Ireland, finished his program, and ultimately returned to New York City, where he and Brian continued to partner together to create exceptional dining experiences.

Brian spent most of his life in the restaurant business in the Montauk area of New York, and he attracted an eclectic crowd, from Debbie Harry and Grace Jones, to people in the working class neighborhoods who all shared a love of great food.  Today, he spends most of his time traveling and engaging in humanitarian efforts. Puerto Rico and the Philippines have both benefited from his fundraising efforts following their recent natural disasters.

You can find Tom at the Lucky Lobster every day, greeting customers, and making sure the locally sourced vegetables and fresh seafood bring guests back again and again.  

The lobster roll is, by far, the biggest selling item on the menu.  The New England lobster roll, above, served cold with mayo. A warm Connecticut lobster with butter is an alternative, and both are served with house made coleslaw.

Fresh crab cakes – only Maryland crab here at Lucky Lobster, and they are outstanding!

The lobster, shrimp, and smoked gouda pizza is not to be missed!  It is pizza like you have never tasted, and with just a touch of sriracha oil, it has an amazing flavor.  Tom combines this same trio in a mouth watering quesadilla, with fresh pico and guacamole.

Fresh fish tacos with mango are very Florida!  And we suggest pairing them with the Mango Hefeweizen craft beer from House of Beers.

Salmon and locally sourced fresh vegetables with mashed potatoes for lighter fare.

Looking for something warm on a cold December night?  Try the lobster bisque with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!

All the seafood at Lucky Lobster is shipped in fresh daily.  Maryland crab, Maine lobster, east coast blue point oysters, bacon wrapped scallops, and fresh Florida grouper are among the most popular dishes on the menu.  And no seafood restaurant would be complete without fish and chips, which are made with fresh haddock.

Last but not least, the famous coconut cream pie is the perfect end to your meal.

Catering by Lucky Lobster!

With Tom’s extensive restaurant management experience in catering, the Lucky Lobster caters all throughout the Tampa Bay area.  Whether it is a small gathering in your home, or a large event at a designated space, Tom’s team will bring all the fresh ingredients to your location, prepare, serve, and clean up.  Leaving you to enjoy the food and company without the stress, and at this busy time of the year, that sounds like the perfect solution!

Lucky Lobster Decor

Tom and his team are also known for transforming this dog-friendly restaurant at the holidays.  Whether it’s skeleton dogs greeting guests at Halloween, or Christmas trees and lights, it always feels cozy at the Lucky Lobster.  Live music on the outside patio on Friday and Saturday evenings make it even more festive.

As you wrap up 2018, consider having Lucky Lobster cater your holiday gathering.  Or just come on in, bring your dog, and enjoy the great food, music, ambiance, and excellent beverage and craft beers in this unique Dunedin restaurant.  

During this holiday season, we at Tampa Bay Food Tours want to thank you for your appetites and we hope to see you in 2019!