Sparks Steakhouse
New York, NY 10017-2903
Phone: (212) 687-4855
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue
- Directions:
- 4, 5, 6; 7; S at 42nd St-Grand Central
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 12pm-11pm, Fri 12pm-11:30pm, Sat 5pm-11:30pm
Editorial Review for Sparks Steakhouse – by Allison Austin
The Scene
The infamous site of mobster "Big Paul" Castellano's murder (he was shot on the sidewalk outside in 1985) looks the part of a classic New York steakhouse: There's an abundance of heavy dark wood, career waiters, pastoral paintings and a predominantly portly male clientele. Service is professional and engaging.
The Food
The menu comprises classic steakhouse fare. A fresh lobster for the table is a fittingly indulgent way for high rollers to start off the meal; the more traditional tomato and onion salad is also quite good, and big enough to feed four. Both the incredibly tender, fist-sized filet mignon and the prime sirloin arrive with a slightly salty char and are just about perfect. Salty sauteed mushrooms and not-too-rich creamed spinach are just right alongside. For dessert, order the cheesecake--the restaurant won't say which bakery it comes from, but it's one of the best in the city.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe wine list offers a wide range, both in vintage and in price. There are several excellent Bordeaux and cabernets under $50 as well as a plethora of big-ticket bottles.
Know Before You GoThe restaurant's reservation policy seems to be based on several factors, which include whether you're a regular and/or how much money you slip the maitre d'; in other words, expect to wait during peak hours.
The ExtrasThe restaurant can handle parties of up to 150.
User Reviews for Sparks Steakhouse
05/29/2008 Posted 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.
04/13/2008 Posted 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
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