05/29/08

Really excellent meal

by cirenUK

Visiting NY from the UK for the first time we plumbed the depths of CitySearch for recommendations for a good Steak House and chose one within easy walking distance of our hotel. We're both sure that we chose well. Sparks is large but still manages to be inviting. We were seated quickly and our allocated table served by a pleasant and attentive waiter - Juan (from Argentina, we later learned). The menu, thankfully, is very simple with only 10 or so appetisers and slightly more entrees to choose form. The same cannot be said for the winelist. That was one of the most extensive winelist we've been presented with in the US.

Our chosen steaks were cooked to perfection as was our choice of vegetables. We really can't find any room for criticism of the food quality (and that's unusual for us!). Our deserts were OK - nothing remarkable or noteworthy - except that the Raspberry Romanoff didn't live up to it's "Rich but Good" title. As for service, Juan did a superb job. He found the right balance of attention, chat and pace. We never felt rushed at any point despite the restaurant being very busy. So why, you ask, do we only give it 4 stars? That's because of two things. Firstly, this was an expensive meal. The old addage "You get what you pay for" is true but in this restaurant, you pay for everything! The entree's price does not include any sides whatsoever. Quite surprising given the $40plus price-tag per entree. The second reason is the manner of the Maitre-De (spelling?). He was abrupt and arrogant - verging on rude - far too full of his own importance and apparently oblivious to the fact that customers pay his wage! That having been said, we really did enjoy this meal and would definitely recommend for the occaional "splurge" outing.

• Pros: great steak, pleasant service
• Cons: Price, nothing included in entree price.

04/13/08

What an experience!

by pnutttttttttt

I went to the Sparks on a recent trip to NYC with 2 of my girls for a girls weekend..What an experience!

We made reservations for 7:30..the guys at the front in the suits were very ...umm how do u say "pushy"? After being held at the bar for over an hour we were seated in the biggest and loudest room i have ever eaten in! This place looked like something out of the Godfather movies. We were greeted by our big muscled up waiter who looked angry and mean at 1st but was such a sweetheart and very funny..(his name is Chris)..He convinced us to split up the apps and to save ourselves for the steaks! We each had a Sirloin ( their signature) amazing! cooked perfect ! The sides of hash browns and asparagus were the perfect compliment to the steak..

Two bottles of wine down and after a little bit of digestion Chris brought us a berries ala mode.....so good!! If you are in NYC and crave steak go to sparks ! Thanks Sparks and thank you Chris !!!!

• Pros: Steak, wine, desert, service
• Cons: Maitre'd ..the wait

03/19/08

Stick to the steak is my guess

by asaralegui

I chose to eat a red snapper at Sparks after having too much red meat of late and having had terrific fish at other NY steak houses. Mistake #1. It was breaded, dry and tasteless. Very disappointing given the cost and the reputation of the place. The service was very attentive so we did not focus much on our waiters ins and outs. Mistake #2. He served us about six or seven bottles of imported water which we did not ask for but did not notice given a robust dinner conversation and the waiter's quiet efficient manner. I will not shock you with the total water bill but ....it was significantly more than two of our entrees.

In sum, a little tasteless and a little sleazy.

• Pros: atmosphere
• Cons: food