Sparks Steak House

A sprawling, old-school, ultra-masculine midtown steakhouse.

by Josh Ozersky

Sparks gained its most enduring fame when mobster Paul Castellano was assassinated on his way in, but that just proves that its meat is worth dying for. OK, maybe that's an exaggeration. Certainly no one comes here for their health--or the decor, which consists mostly of paintings of dead trees in winter and vast expanses of tables filled with hungry he-men and their dates. What you do get at Sparks is some of the city's best prime beef, expertly broiled and served unsliced and without effeminate garniture. The lamb chops, veal and other meats are also of the highest order, and the wine list is one of the biggest in New York.

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

03/08/08

The best steak in NYC....PERIOD

by TimQMills

If you've come this far and are trying to decide if you want to try Spark's then do yourself a favor and make a reservation immediately. Simply put, you will not find a better tasting steak in New York City. Yes, I have been to Peter Luger. Yes, I have been to the Strip House. Yes, I have been to the Old Homestead. I can say without hyperbole or hesitation that Spark's has the best STEAK in the 5 boroughs and Prime Sirloin be thy name. As a bonus they also sport the most comprehensive and incredible wine list I have ever seen.

Do yourself a favor and make it happen.

• Pros: Prime Sirloin & Wine List
• Cons: None

11/05/07

Best Steakhouse experience yet...

by steakhead318

As a young professional always looking to entertain clients I have been frequenting many steakhouses and I must say if you are looking for the environment, service, and quality food of a "storied NYC steakhouse" this is the place to try. While many can say it is a pricey establishment, when compared with those in its category it ranks about the same. However, where Sparks separates itself is in its serice and choice cuts of meat.

Some friends and I tried Sparks this weekend looking for a boys night. Our waiter was both friendly and knowledgable...seeming to already know what each of us wanted to order before we told him. He recommended some fantastic wine (which was not overly priced) and gave you that true NYC steakhouse experience. The filet, which was the size of my foot, was the best I've had in the city. Certainly beats that of some of their more "touristy" competitors. The sirloin was exceptional as well. Sparks is highly recommended.

• Pros: Service, atmosphere, wine selection, food
• Cons: long wait (possible), even with reservation

10/27/07

GREAT PLACE JUST NOT ON THE WEEKENDS

by brooklynborn999

i went my first time during the week , i was very impressed with the food, very very good steak.the second time i went with my wife on a Saturday night, big big mistake.Waited over a hour for a table, while the bridge and tunnel crowd that looked like extras from the sopranos keep bribing the Maitre d'. needless to say joey the construction owner from Bayonne was skipped over me.

Maybe because of its connection to a organized crime slaying it attracts this type but i really regretted ever going there on a Saturday Go to this place during the week its worth a trip to have a great steak but avoid during the weekends at all cost..

• Pros: GREAT PLACE BUT BRIDGE AND TUNNEL ON A SATURDAY
• Cons: SUPER EXPENSIVE,

08/09/07

What a classic NYC steakhouse experience should be!

by nycglutton

Our 22 year old nephew was in town and he wanted a try a "real New York City steakhouse". A quick call to the restuarant confirmed a 7 PM mid-week reservation. We arrived on time and were seated immediately despite a good sized crowd in both the restuarant and the bar. The Maitre D' was gracious and welcoming. The waiters were friendly, and helpful with suggestions on cuts of meat, temperatures (rare vs med rare) and wines (we selected an Italian Barolo Reserve which was excellent! and reasonably priced). We ordered two appetizers to share between three of us. For dinner two of us had the Prime Sirloin, and the other had the Wild Salmon. All three dishes were cooked to perfection! The steaks had a wonderful light crust and the meat was melt in your mouth. The salmon had a nice doneness and was moist and flavorful. In addition we had two sides, the creamed spinach and the mushroom caps. These complimented each of the dinners and both were outstanding. Dessert was just as good with Berries Rominoff, the Black Walnut Pecan Pie and Chocolate Mousse all exceeding our expectations. Being "native New Yawkers", we can sometimes have unreasonable expectations given all the great restaurants here. As we have found in almost every case, if you are honest and open with the staff on your likes and dislikes, and ask for their suggestions rather than "demand yours" the food and dining experience in NYC can be like no other place in the world. Sparks is one of those great places. They want you to have a great experience and they know how to do it right if you let them.

• Pros: Wine list, quality of steaks and seafood, know how on how to be a NYC steakhouse
• Cons: few options for "petite" cuts of meat

05/20/07

Beast Steak House in New York City

by samantha_queens

I have never been to such a large restaurant in my life. I expected to get a average steak, but to my surprise It was perfect. The meat was so tender and juicy that I couldn?t believe it was steak. The salad dressing was just perfect, with nice and fresh tomatoes. Wine list looked like a phone book. Great California Wines. Highly Recommended!!

• Pros: Portion sizes are fit for a king
• Cons: My stomach was too small

04/15/07

Thoroughly enjoyable!

by vistaroyale

Had a small family birthday (my 60th) dinner last night. Arrived one hour late because of Lincoln Tunnel traffic, but were seated in less than 5 minutes. Waiters were extremely attentive, continuously replenishing rolls and water, and were immediately available for other refills, requests, etc. Steaks were delicious. My medium-well filet was butterflied and, although it only looked so-so, was the best tasting steak I have had in years! Sides and desserts were also excellent. A perfect dinner made even more perfect because Kevin and my daughter Leah treated. Thank you, Leah and Kevin, and thank you, Sparks - we will be back.

• Pros: All
• Cons: None